Skip to main content

Full text of "Variety (October 1947)"

See other formats 


iOOTi 194? 



SCREEN 



RADIO 



MUSIC 



STAGE 




. Published .Weekly at 164 West 46th Street, New York 19, N. Y„ by Variety, Inc. Annual subscription, 110. Single copies, 25 cenin 
Cntered aa secoud-ulass matter December 22. 1905, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the act ot March 3, m» 

COPYMGHT, 1947, BY YAKIETY, INC. AIX RIGHTS RKSEKVED. 



VOL. 168 No. 4 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1947 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



WHAM COIN FOR JAZZ 10NGHAIRS' 



'Selling That Paris Hemline Creates 
Bigger Talent Mart at Fashion Shows 



Increasing use of talent at fashion ■* 
' shows is resulting in the formation 

. q£ .a special department at the Wil- 
liam Morris agency to handle that 
type of presentation, 

During the past year, more acts 
have been used at shows in hotels 
and department stores than ever be- 
fore. Much of the increased use of 
performers is' due to the fact that 
coutourieres and dress manufac- 
turers have had to sell the new hem- 
line' to women, and consequently 
went all-out to lure buyers and 
fashion editors to the showings with 
expensively produced shows, many 

" of them containing high-priced acts. 
Indicative of the lucre prevalent 
•in that field is the fact that Ilka 
Chase has been getting from $750 to 
$1,000 nightly to act as commentator 
at fashion shows. Watson Barrett, 
Albert Johnson and Anthony Nelle 
have been retained to produce 
shows, and Gluck Sandor has been 
hired to do dance-production. 

One elaborate show which starts 
today at the Syrian Mosque with 
sponsorship by the Kaufman dept. 
stove, Pittsburgh, is produced by 
Nelle with talent including Imogene 
Coca, Gomez & Beatrice and Dick 
Smart, and special lighting and pro- 
duction by Andrei Hudiakoff. An- 
other show being planned by the 
Philadelphia Inquirer at the Forrest 
theatre will have Johnson producing 
with Gluck doing the dances. A St. 
. (.Continued on page 47) 



No Rush to Film 'Butch' 

."The Little Flower" is ap- 
parently considered unphotogenic 
. .by. Hollywood. Contrary to the 
..usual practice on the death of a 
colorful national figure, not one 
film company has as yet indi- 
cated its intention to make a pic- 
ture based on the life of Fiorello 
H.' LaGuardia. 

Motion Picture Assn.'s Title 
Registration Bureau reported 
this week that neither majors 
nor indies had endeavored to 
stake claim to a label for a pic 
on the former New York mayor. 
Generally there's a slough of 
such titles registered within a 
few hours of the death of a 
widely-known figure. 



Crosby to Be Taped 
• From Now on as Tests 
Show Improvements 

Bing Crosby's on tape, from now 
on.' '*" 

His season's teeoff stanza on ABC 
tonight "(Wed.) was tape-recorded, 
then tape edited, then transferred to 
platters. Until a better process comes 
along, all future shows will be 
similarly waxed. It's claimed 1he 
fidelity of the playback has been 
improved by the new technique, on 
which Crosby Enterprises has been 
experimenting for months. Main 
advantage of the tape at this time, 
(Continued on page 44) . 



Riding Herd On 
Three-Reel Hoss 
Oprys in the East 

Universal will take to the bad 
lands of Westchester and Long 
Island to lens a series of three-reel 
westerners designed to substitute for 
Bs in dual-feature houses. Six 25- 
minute oaters will be turned out 
during the coming year, with almost 
all the shooting to be staged at 
dude ranches located within commu- 
tation distance of the New York of- 
fice. Program, -which received the 
okay of William Scully, U's sales 
(Continued on page 55) 



$800,000 ADVANCE 
FOR B'WAY 'ALLEGRO' 

Advance sale approaching $600,000 
is expected for the Kodgers & Ham- 
mer.steiri musical, "Allegro." open- 
ing at the Majestic, N. Y.. next Fri- 
day. Oct. 1.0, for a new advance rec- 
ord on Broadway. Among musical 
shows in recent past. "Seven Lively 
.Arts" claTmear""a - $350/400:000" ad- 
vance; the Air Force "Winded Vic- 
tory" had about $300,000, and the 
straight legiter, "The Iceman 
Cometh," last season, had $257,000. 

Theatre Guild management re- 
ports it must return $25,000 in orders 
because it doesn't have proper seats 
on particular dates, etc. It's had 
10 people working on m:i' orders, 
(Continued on page 52) 



KAYO TO NECKIN' IN 
DRIVE-IN THEATRES 

With the boom on drive-ins in full 
swing, operators of the open - air 
flickeries are now ganging up to put 
a crimp in necking and other boy- 
girl antics. The ops, who are report- 
ing peak biz for their theatres, are 
hiring bouncers to - patrol the drive- 
ins and do their stuff when they spy 
(Continued on page 47) 



CONCERT PAYOFF 
ON THE UPBEAT 



The downbeat boys are taking 
their cues' from the longhairs. 
Ogling the hefty coin being gar- 
nered by the classicists during the 
past few years in the concert hall 
bookings, this year the jive boys and 
girls are successfully transferring 
hefty coin from Bach to be-bop in 
the increasing number of concert 
appearances of the jazz fraternity. 

The jazz concert field is rapidly 
becoming one of the most profitable 
outlets in live entertainment. A 
terrific start has already been made 
this season at Carnegie and Town 
Hall, N. Y. Josh White, in an over- 
flow crowd at Town Hall, nabbed 
$3,500 Saturday (20), Dizzy Gilles- 
pie and Ella Fitzgerald in a Carnegie 
shindig Monday (29) drew almost 
$5,700, and the "Jazz at the Phil- 
harmonic," an all-jazz offering at 
Carnegie Hall, Saturday (27), 
grossed a tall $9,300. 

Jazz concerts are becoming so im- 
portant that an increasing number 
of bands and performers are taking 
more cognizance of the field. Duke 
Ellington this year plans to do 100 
longhair type recitals. Count Basie 
is entering the field with a long 
series in many towns, while the King 
Cole Trio already has debuted in 
concert one-nighters, culminating in 
a Carnegie Hall booking Oct. 18. 

The new converts to the field are 
following the paths blazed by such 
(Continued on page 47) 



1st Televised World's Series Game 
Nips Broadway Theatre B.O. by 50% 



Fred Allen's Fear 

Buffalo, Sept. 30. 
Local newspaper gal spotted 
" Fred Allen nibbling on a vege- 
table salad in a Buffalo -hetalth 
diet shop and elicited admission 
from him that he'd become a- 
vegetarian. Comedian claimed 
he never felt better, but he 
added: 

"The mortality rate among 
vegetarians is very high after 
they reach 90. They're always 
being run over by meat trucks." 



Binfcrd's 'Social 
Equality Crack 
In Tabu of 'Annie 



♦■ Television will definitely hurt the 

!film boxoffice if there's sufficient 
public interest in the event televised. 
That's the conclusion drawn by 
I Broadway filmery operators yester- 
day (Tuesday) when the first World 
I Series broadcast in tele history took 
a nip out of theatre b. o. receipts 
running as high as 507c of the aver- 
age Tuesday matinee gross in some 
houses. 

(College football officials on the 
Coast, meanwhile, have turned down 
tele completely from covering their 
games througn fear it would hurt 
stadium gate receipts. See story 
below.) 

How much the offisli biz on Broad- 
way was due to actual attendance 
at Yankee Stadium (where there 
was a sellout crowd of 73,000), how 
much to radio and how- much to 
tele, of course, at the moment is 
conjectural. A Hooperating won't be 
available till the end of this. week. 
Theatre managers pointed out, 
i though, that while biz suffered dur- 
j ing the last all-N. Y. Series in 1941, 
(Continued on page 52) 



Pied Piper Disk Jockey 

Boston, Sept. 30. 
Disk jockey Sherm Feller, of 
WEEI's Club Midnight, got a letter 

j from a South Boston fathe* of 10 
children asking him to broadcast a 

"•message to his -lS-year-old daughter 

■ missing from home since March, to 
return £o the fold. Feller told how- 
he had once run away from home, 
too, and wound up with an appeal 
that the girl come home. 

Girl turned up a couple of days 
later. She'd. b: - en sitting in a car 
in n drive- : n theatre li'tcnirg to 

; Fc ;, er when he broadcast the mcs- 

| sage. 



American Airline Sees 
Chain of 15 Airport 
Cinemas for Shorts, Etc. 

In what looks to be the first step 
in combining air travel with the film 
biz. American Airlines is shaping 
plans to piece together a chain of 
15 or more theatres in airports 
scattered through the country. Flick- 
eries would be erected as an adjunct 
of terminals with the idea of book- 
ing shorts and newsreels for one- 
hour shows. 
Airline figures it can do boom biz 

| both from rubbernecks who flock to 

! the. airports to gape at planes arriv- 
ing and taking off. and from people 
waiting planes delayed in transit as 
well as passengers held up because 
of weather conditions and other de- 
laying factors. 

Similar intentions for New York 
airports have been voiced by How- 
ard Cullman, chairman of the .Port 
of New York Authority. Cullman 
wants to erect theatres at LsGuardia. 
Idlewild and Newark Airports as 

j part of extensive building improve- 

i ment plans. 



Memphis' censor chairman. Lloyd 
T. Binford, banning the showing of 
the Broadway legit musical, "Annie 
Get, Your Gun," on the grounds "it's 
social equality in. action" — referring 
to the Negro cast members — elicited 
a reply from co-producer Oscar 
Hammerstein 2d, who observed to 
Vaiuety: "Social equality is some- 
thing for theatre to be proud of: Mr. 
Binfoi'd is something for Memphis 
to be ashamed of." 

Further rebutting Binford's 
statement that "Annie" was turned 
down in other southern cities — 
Chattanooga, Birmingham, Atlanta 
and New Orleans— it's revealed that 
Rodgers & Hammerstein haven't 
even negotiated for bookings there. 

When Binford injected a new ele,- 
(Continucd on page 55) 



Fay Bainter Believed 
Last Holdout From Old 
Actors Fidelity League 

Fay Bainter, who joined Actors 
j Equity Assn. during the summer, is 
I believed to be the last remaining 
j holdout from the long-defunct Actors 
! Fidelity League. The actress took 
: out an Equity card so she could play 
; guest dates in strawhat, the original 
i Equity waiver never having applied 
| to stock. 

j Under the terms of the agreement 
■ ending the actors strike in 1923, 
j Equity was given a union-shop rule 
! on Broadway and the road. Actors 
(Continued on page 55) 



Tops of the Tops 

Top Sheet Music Seller 

"Near You." 
Top "Most squealed" Disk 
"Near You." . 
Top "Most Piayed" Tune 
"Feudin' and Fk"htin\" 
Top British S'*'c' Soller 

"Now Is the F .ur." 
(.Details in Music Section) 



^ PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIF? 




silent night 
twas the night before christmas 

adeste'fioelis 
goo rest ye merry. gentlemen 

carol of the bells 
hark! the herald angels sing 
oh little town of bethlehem 
i0y to the world 
the first noel 



L tL HOUR OF CHARM 

' ALL-G3RL ORCHESTRA CHOtR 

Under the direction of PHIL SPITALNY 



CHARM RECORDS. Inc. 
P. O. Box 40. Radio City Station. New York 19. N. Y. 



Ink Spots' Squawk on $ Remittances 
Stirs U. S. Talent Costs in England 



The refusal of the Ink Spots to + 
double between London theatres 
and suburban ballrooms, brought on 
by claimed faiure of the British Ex- 
change Control office to remit 
$10,000 weekly to the United States, 
has precipitated a controversy in the 
London press on the huge amount 
of dollar exchange being lost by 
England through American per- 
f owners, 

The London Express and Daily 
Mail particularly Have fanned the 
controversy by display stories point- 
ing up the Negro quartet's demand 
that unless their funds were trans- 
ferred to the U. S. they would re- 
fuse to play. 

On top ; of the controversy over 
the Spots, a Southampton paper in 
a two-column head pointed up the 
fact that Mae West had arrived to 
earn 1,250 pounds weekly (around 
$5,000). 

Cumulative , inference of these 
stories created the effect" that the 
country was losing badly needed 
dollar exchange through performers 
while, England cut down on imports 
of vital necessities, including food- 
stuffs, in order to pay the acts. 

'However, total effect of these 
stories were mitigated by a yarn 
carried in the London edition 'of 
News of the World. In an interview 
with Harry Foster (Foster agency) 
who represents the William Morris 
office, through which the Ink Spots 
and Mae West deals were consum- 
mated, pointed out that England 
was very, much the winner because 
of- (he exchange of performers, 
Britons In America 

Foster cited the fact that many 
British actors are working in the 
United States under a plan in which 
monies earned in the U. S. are re- 
mitted to England intact after a lim- 
ited living allowance is deducted. 
He pointed out that troupes such as 
Donald Wolfit, John Gielgud, the 
(Continued on page 52) 



Sports Shorts 

Annual rodeo at Madison 
Square Garden, N. Y., which 
started a 30-day engagement 
last Sept. 24, saw patronage for 
the first four days markedly 
under that oi last year. Advance 
sale opened two weeks earlier 
than , usual but ticket sales are 
reportedly one third the vol- 
ume sold before the cowhands 
opened in 1946. 

Agency prices for World 
Series tickets sold in blocks of 
four for games at Yankee Sta- 
dium soared to $100 for the 
boxes, while blocks of three for 
games, at Ebbets Field were 
priced at $125, established price 
being $8 per ticket per game. 
There was a weekend lull in the 
demand but incoming fans un- 
able to get tickets from the re- 
spective clubs were prepared to 
pay the agency rates. 

Changes impend at Madison 
Square Garden. Tom Gallery, 
of the Yankee baseball front of- 
fice, may become matchmaker 
for the boxing shows, having 
promoted bouts on the Coast,' 
Deal to that end was indicated at 
a recent huddle between Gar- 
den's head, John Reed Kilpat- 
rick, the ailing Mike Jacobs, his 
lawyer Sol Strauss who has been 
acting fo Jacobs, and Gallery at 
the Stadium Club, Yankee 
Stadium. 



AUSSIE DOLLAR FREEZE 
BALKS YANK TOURS 

Restrictions on dollar .takeaway in 
Australia have puzzled American 
concert managers and halted plans 
on contemplated tours Down Under 
for the coming season. 

Marian Anderson, most prominent 
of the artists slated for an extensive 
spring-summer '48 tour, may not go 
now, according to her managers, if 
embargo oh salary withdrawal ob- 
tains. -Final word awaits arrival in 
this country next month of Frank 



H'wood Wants to Cut 50? 
Off the 490 Accredited 
To Coyer Pix Studio Beat 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 
Studio flack heads will meet with 
Arch Reeve, local Motion. Picture 
Assn. publicity topper, on Thursday 
(2) to work out plans for a cut in 
the number of press correspondents 
covering Hollywood. Current list 
approximates some 400 domestic 
and 90 foreign press people assigned 
to the studios. It's proposed that 
these 490 scribes will be sliced at 
least 50%. 

Studios, it is understood, will is- 
sue their own credential cards under 
the new setup. Heretofore the MPA 
handed out blanket cards 

Company publicity toppers are 
also working on plans to channel 
news only to ace columnists, wire 
services and trade papers. Reeve ad- 




276th WEEK! 
KEN MURRAY'S 

"BLACKOUTS OF 1947" 
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. 

Coming soon, the most unusual 
picture ever made. KliN MUR- 
RAY'S Production, "BILL AND 
COO," in Trueolor. A Republic re- 
lease. . 



Tait, head of Tait & Co., concert I r/iitted a clampdown m his office be- 
branch fit J. C. Williamson Theatres, j cause "our credential list has ex- 
Australia's largest legit - concert panded to an all-time high, publicity 
managers. If Aussie managers can I departments find themselves • in no 
offer a guarantee against dollars I position to take proper care of all 
owned here, or give some assurance newspeople on it." 

that their government won't restrict j 

money withdrawals, Miss Anderson 
and other artists promised will go 
through with tours. 

National Concert & Artists Corp., 
which with Sol Hurok would spon- 
sor Miss Anderson's tour, sent seven 
artists to Australia this past sum- 
mer. Two, Isaac Stern and Simon 
Barere, are still there. Others, in- 
cluding John Charles Thomas, have 
successfully brought all their money 
out of the country. But this was 
before the freeze, and NCAC is 
awaiting word on situation of the 
remaining two artists. NCAC recalls 
that Richard Crooks, when he went 
to Australia in 1936, first major 
artist to go after the depression, had 
to leave some of his money there, 
when an embargo was placed on 
outgoing dollars. 



N. Y. HOTELS JAMMED 
WITH SERIES TRADE 

With the opening of the World's 
Series between the 'Dodgers and 
Yanks, every hotel in N. Y. is 
jammed. Majority are sold out for 
the remainder of the games, and 
business influx is reported heavier 
than at any time during the past 
year. Number of guests exceeds by 
far , the amount which registered 
during the recent American Legion 
convention. 

However, unlike convention busi- 
ness, the crowds are orderly and 
cafes are expecting to get an appre- 
ciable lift from the sports fans. 
Visitors, who started coming in over 
the weekend, gave niteries and res- 
taurants a big Sunday night and 
1 contributed ' greatly to Monday's 

Mobbed in South Africa S%&BL 

Capetown, Sept. 23. | Broadway spots got the majority of 
Tyrone Power, accompanied by the Series trade, although lift in at- 
20th-Fox exec James Denton on a : tendance was appreciable in the 



Power Cuts Latin Trek; 



Laurel & Hardy Made 
Members of Britain's 
Order of Water Rats 

By HANNEN SWAFFER 

London, Sept. 23. 
Laurel & Hardy had the night of 
their lives on Sunday, Sept. 21, when 
the Grand Order of Water Rats, or- 
ganization of the music hall profes- 
sion, celebrated their initiation into 
the mystic order. 

, Apart from Laurel and Hardy, and 
a few whom England has perma- 
nently adopted, the only other Amer- 
ican performers who have been 
honored with membership are Ben 
Lyon, Adolphe Menjou, Ted Ristori 
and Dave Apollon. 

Biggest spoof of the evening was 
the arrival of four colored men who 
were announced as the Ink Spots, 
and whom most accepted as genuine. 
Just before they began to sing, how- 
ever, a man came on the stage to 
tell them: "You are expected to 
double at Lewisham." Immediately 
they walked, off saying: "Not on 
these terms." 

Laurel and Hardy had invited as 
guests several provincial and Scot- 
tish managers who had been good to 
them on tour, and also the Lord 
Provost of. Glasgow, who .had-given. 
them the keys of the city. 

Bud Flanagan, who proposed the 
( toast of the guests, said that when 
he felt annoyed he didn't fly into a 
temper or go into a corner and cry. 
Pulling out a strip of film he said: 
"I have a look at Laurel and Hardy 
like this and then I say: 'Gee, they're 
bloody funny'." 

"When Hollywood artists come to 
England to perform," added Flana- 
gan, "people usually say that they 
must be finished. Laurel and Hardy 
will never be finished." 

Ted Kavanagh, who writes the 
famous ITMA script for, the BBC, 
said that when Stan Laurel and 
Oliver Hardy returned home Stan's 
thinness would be a good advertise- 
ment for Britain's austerity, but if 
Oliver ' was seen first we should 
never get any more food parcels 
from America. 

At the end of leg pulling, and 
Rabelaisian humor that lasted nearly 
six hours. Bill Johnson, the male 
star of "Annie Get Your Gun," 
scored the big success of the evening. 
Although i'olowing such stars as Will 
Fyffe and Sid Field, who gagged and 
clowned, he was called on last of 
all to sing "Old Man River." Push- 
ing the mike away he filled the 
enormous room with a great volume 
Of musical sound that earned for 
him long and vociferous applause. 

Laurel and Hardy now leave for 
a month's tour in Sweden. Then 
they go to Holland, France and Bel- 
gium. 



This Week's Football 



-By Harry Wismer- 



(Sports Director, ABC Network) 

College 

GAMES WINNERS 

Army-Colorado Army 

Boston U-Harvard Boston U 

Brown-Princeton Princeton 

BucknellrPenn State ....... Penn State .... 

Columbia-Navy Navy 

Cornell- Yale Yale 

Dartmouth-Syracuse Dartmouth .... 

Holy Cross-Temple ..... ..Holy Cross .... 

Lafayette-Penn Penn 

Pittsburgh-Notre Dame Notre Dame . . . 

Viilanova-Miami (Fri. nitc) Vlllanova 6 

Illinois-Iowa Illinois x 

Kansas-Iowa State ....Kansas M 

Indiana-Wisconsin .Indiana . i 

Michigan-Stanford Michigan 35 

6 
7 



►POINTS 

28 

..... « 

7 

21 

14 

3 

6 

14 

• .... 35 
42 



Michigan State-Miss. State Miss. State 

Minnesota-Nebraska Minnesota ...... . .. 

Missouri-SMU (Sat. nite) Missouri 6 

...14 

12 



Northwestern-UCLA DCLA 

Ohio State-Purdue ohi » State 

Oklahoma-Texas A&M Texas A&M 

Alabama- Vanderbilt Alabama 3 

Ciemson-Wake Forest Wake Forest 7 

Duke-Tennessee Duke 3 

Georgia-LSD LSU ' 12 

Georgia Tech-Tula ne Georgia Tech .. 7 

Miss.-South Carolina Mlss .... 10 

Arkansas-TCD Tcu 7 

Rice-Southern Cal Southern Cal 1 

Texas-North Carolina Texas 3 

California-St. Mary's California 7 

Oregon State-Washington Washington . . . ; 6 

Washington State-Idaho Idaho . 3 

(Games will be played Saturday afternoon, unless otherwise staled.) 



Pro Football 

NATIONAL LEAGUE 
GAMES WINNERS 

N. Y. Giants-Philly Eagles Giants 

Pitt Steelers-Wash. Redskins Redskins . 

Detroit Dions-Boston Yanks Lions 

Chi Bears-Chi Cards Cards 

L. A. Rams-Green Bay Packers Packers . . 



►POINTS 

^ 

6 

...... 7 

10 



ALL AMERICA CONFERENCE 

Brooklyn Dodgers-Chi Rockets (Fri.' nite) . . Rockets S 

Buffalo Bills-L. A. Dons Dons . 7 

N. Y. "Yankees-Cleveland Browns Browns 6 

San Fran-Baltimore Colts San Fran 14 

(Pro games are played Sunday afternoon, unless otherwise slated.) 

■►Points represent predicted margin of victory, not the official odds. 



tour through this area, has dropped 
the South American phase of his 
itinerary for a more extensive route 
through Mozambique, Kenya, Eqypt, 
Italy. Greece, England and back to 
the U. S. via Newfoundland. He 
will arrive in America about mid- 
November. . , 

' Stoked by " a'n~ advance ballyhoo 
campaign, Power's appearance in 
Capetown caused quite a stir among 
local film fans, with police protec- 
tion used to protect the actor from 
being mobbed by hysterical females. 
After three girls were discovered 
hiding in his private bathroom, an 
nil night police guard was posted 
around his hotel. 



eastside clubs. 

Most hotel entertainment rooms 
failed to pick up to any extent. 
While reason for the business 
paucity here isn't fully explained, it's 
believed that the currently strong 
bills in cafes are a stronger mag- 
net for the _out-of-town trade..than. 
the name bands on tap in most hotel 
rooms. 

New York is currently filled with The "Views the Press" staff is gath 
many talent buyers, many of whom ering material for such a program. 



Screening the Muggs 

"CBS Views the Press," critical 
sustainer scries on WCBS, New 
York, may soon devote a broadcast 
to Variety according__to D.avidsan 
Taylor, network vice-president in 
charge of news and special events. 



will combine business with pleasure. 
Jules Stein, Music Corp. of America 
board chairman, and Lew Wasser- 
man, MCA president, scheduled 
business conferences in N. Y. to 
coincide with the Series. 



The project is by no means definite, 
but if the show were done it would 
probably be as entertainment rather 
than analysis. 

Don Hollenbeck conducts the se- 
ries. 



BAR ASSN. RAPS SHOWS 
RIDICULING LAWYERS 

Cleveland, Sept. 30. 

One panel of the American Bar 
Assn. last week took a swipe at 
film, radio and comic strip versions 
of attorneys, only to have topnotch 
ABA officials say the stand was not 
the official policy of the group. 

Arthur J. Freund of St. Louis 
chairmaned the committee which 
consisted of Paul Porter, former 
chairman of the FCC, and Lloyd 
Wright, counsel for the Independent 
Motion Picture Producers of 
America. 

Freund said no single subject gets 
so much attention from pix, radio 
and comics as crime, and that no 
group is so consistently ridiculed as 
lawyers. Instead, he suggested that 
portrayals of such great former 
(Continued on page 47) 



Stagehands' Lifar Nix 
Causes Close of Paris 
Opera's Ballet Opening 



Censor's Okay as 'Moral' 
Packs 'Em in at 'Brothel' 
Meller in Rural France 

Paris, Sept. 23. 
Marthe Richard, the femme alder- 
man who succeeded in having all 
Paris vice joints closed, is responsi- 
ble for the hit made in the pro- 
vincial city of Troyes by a play 
titled "Maisons Close" ("Brothel"). 
Before the opening, producer Pierre 
Ducre and his Paris-Montmartre 
touring company, obtained an en- 
dorsement of Mine. Richard, whose 
name is now a byword in France, 
as representing the play as highly 
moral. 

Result is that the public packed 
the theatre, shedding beaucoup tears 
when the meller showed a young 
man going into a brothel and finding 
there as one of the inmates his own 
mother, a former maid servant 
ruined 20 years earlier by the prof- 
ligate son of her employer. The 
-son then wounds— the proprietor "of 
the joint and is acquitted all the 
more easily since the investigating 
magistrate is, in true meller style, 
none other than his grandfather. 

Daide Young, 22-year-old actress 
who has her first leading part in 
the play, clicks. The five girls who, 
suitably undressed, play the parts 
of the other inmates of the joint, are 
also strong draws. 



- — -- ■ • Paris, Sept. 30, — 

Return of Serge Lifar as chief 
choreographer to the Paris Opera 
precipitated a turmoil last Wednes- 
day (24), the stagehands refusing to 
work. As result, the ballet season 
due to open that night had to be 
postponed, with 500,000 francs (about 
$4,170) being refunded to patrons. 

At time of the liberation. Lifar was 
suspended for life for collaborating 
with the Germans during the occu- 
pation. Since then, sentence was re* 
vised and lightened to one year's 
suspension, which is over. The 
Opera's ballet talent signed a peti- 
tion to have Lifar recalled, and man- 
ager Georges Hirsch brought him 
back, despite protest of the more 
politically minded stagehands' syn- 
dicate. Lifar has been appearing on 
other stages in France since the war, 
and being accepted without too much 
fuss. 

Management -is now wondering 
whether forthcoming performance of 
"Lohengrin," first one since the Avar, 
will be held tip due to stagehands' 
attitude. 



MacMurray Defendant In 
Rent Overcharge Suit 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 
Suit for triple damages of $6,081 
for alleged rental overcharges was 
filed against Fred MacMurray and 
-his business manager, Bo Rous, by 
Irving Link, retired merchant. 
Link's complaint, filed by attorney 
Gordon W. Levoy, says he rented 
three different apartments at vari- 
ous times owned by MacMurray and 
Roos. 

On the first apartment, Link says 
the actor upped his rent from $100 
to $300 a month in February. 1946. 
In another apartment, Link "Charges-- 
his rent was increased from $90 to 
$200 monthly in June, 1946. Third 
apartment's rent, complaint alleges, 
was lifted from $136 to $263 last 
November.' Besides damages, suit 
asks for attorney fees and judgment 
for $2,027 with interest for Link's 
money, which* he charges is improp- 
erly held by the actor and his man- 
ager. 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



PICTURES 



3 



FILM FINANCING COIN EASIER 



Bankers Unloosening Coin for UA 
And Its Producers; RKO fix Buy Set 



Some lightening in the past week- 
of the dim view bankers have been 
taking recently of United Artists and 
indie production in general has re- 
sulted in a more rosy outlook for 
UA and the filmmakers who utilize 
its distribution. Company itself al- 
ready has found comparatively easy 
sailing in obtaining financing for its 
impending purchase of a group of 
new RKO films, while the indies are 
starting to re-arouse banker in- 
terest in giving them the coin to go 
ahead. 

UA prexy Grad Sears and exec 
v.p. Arthur W. Kelly, now on the 
Coast, are also reported to be in 
touch with a source for raising at 
least part of the $5,000,000 fund they 
have been seeking to obtain to par- 
ticipate in financing of indies dis- 
tributing through the company. 
While banks are still reticient about 
the loan because of a combo of the 
bleak foreign outlook and the upset 
conditions that prevailed until re- 
cently within UA, a group of pri- 
vate underwriters is said to have ex- 
pressed interest. Sears and Kelly, 
are slated to meet with them this 
week. 

As result of the improved financial 
situation, a huddle that owners Mary 
Pickford and Charles Chaplin had 
with the producers a few weeks ago 
and confabs that Sears had with 
some of them last week, a consider- 
ably improved standard of morale 
has resulted both within the com- 
pany and among the producers. This 
is a distinct switch from three weeks 
ago when some of the indies, in a 
vengeful mood over the apparent 
failure of owners or management to 
help them out of the tough spot in 
(Continued on page 4) 

'Black Narcissus' Banned 
In Brit. Columbia for 1st 
Rank Pic Nix in Empire 

Toronto, Sept. 30. 

First J. Arthur Rank production to 
be banned in any unit of the Empire, 
"Black Narcissus," has been re- 
fused showings in British Columbia. 
Frank Fisher, general manager in 
Canada for Eagle-Lion Films, today 
(30) launched an outspoken pro- 
test to the higher Appeal Board. 

While ban decision gives no rea- 
sons, action of censorship board is 
presumed to have been influenced 
by the blacklisting of the Legion of 
Decency, although the British pic- 
ture got the greenlight from Joe 
Breen, head of the U. S. Production 
Code administration. 

Starring Deborah Kerr, Tech- 
nicolor film deals with a group of 
Anglican nuns sent to establish a 
convent in the Himalayas in India. 
Legion of Decency objection is that, 
although the sisters are not of the 
Roman Catholic faith, their garb is 
sufficient to cause confusion, as they 
grapple with worldly temptations. 

"Black Narcissus" has been okayed 
in Canada by Ontario; Saskatchewan 
(Continued on page 16) 




CP.Skouras $L0OO,OO0in'46LikeIy 
To Make Him Year's Top Earner Again 



Put the Blame on Dames 

Return to long skirts was be- 
ing given credit this week- 
half facetiously, half seriously — 
for RKO's willingness to sell a 
block of backlog films to United 
Artists. 

It's said that RKO prexy N. 
Peter Rath von fears the change 
in skirt length will put such a 
dated stamp on the films that 
they'll lose much of their value 
if held on the shelf too long. 



Cripps as Boss Of 
Brit. Economy NG 
For U.S. Film Biz 



Film industry's prospects of un- 
snarling the British tax situation 
darkened this week when Sir Staf- 
ford Cripps was tapped for the post 
of Minister for Economic Affairs 
with dictatorial powers over Brit- 
ain's economy, both home and 
abroad. That appointment hands the 
reins to the leader of the austerity 
program who's reportedly set against 
any importation of Yank pix during 
the present crisis. 

Cripps has opposed entry of 
Hollywood product on additional 
grounds besides the obvious one 
that it has meant a steady drain of 
precious dollars. It's understood he's 
against the playing of American 
films because he feels their Hepiction 
of the comparatively luxurious 
American way of life can only add 
discontent to the British. He re- 
portedly expressed satisfaction when 
Yank distribs imposed their ban on 
pix shipments to Britain because of 
his -convictions that American films 
would now do more harm than good. 

Optimistic predictions on a settle- 
ment notwithstanding, the British 
government has yet to send an invi- 
tation to the Motion Picture Assn. 
or industry toppers to come over for 
talks on alternatives. That info 
leaked out of a meeting last week 
in Washington between Eric Johns- 
continued on page 18) 



Indications were accumulating 
during the past week that New York 
and Los Angeles banks were relax- 
ing the unrelenting clutch they put 
oh loans to producers when the Brit- 
ish 75% tax was imposed. That 
means the indies probably will be 
going back to work shortly, al- 
though certainly not on the scale 
that prevailed before the U. S. b.o. 
began to slip last spring. 

Bank of America and Security- 
First National on the Coast had pre- 
viously insisted that their doors 
were not shut to indie loans, and a 
number of New York banks, includ- 
ing Bankers Trust and Irving Trust, 
were emphatic this week in stating 
their readiness to advance coin "if 
the setup is right." 

A "right setup," in addition to the 
prime requisite, of including proper 
producer, star, story and director, 
means a budget on which the bank 
can come out without trouble in the 
domestic market alone. The financial 
institutions, in general, were also 
setting up additional rules of cau- 
tion. 

One of the important points is 
that a producer cannot include in his 
budget a salary for himself. He 
must take his - chance on profits of 
(Continued on page 20) 



Hyman Exits Sol Lesser 
As Veepee After 33 Years 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Louis Hyman, v.p. of Sol Lesser 
Productions, resigned last week af 
ter 33 years of association with Les- 
ser. He was in charge of distribu- 
tion for the indie producer. 

Hyman's plans are uncertain at 
the moment, but it is understood 
possible that he will go into theatre 
operation. Lesser, who has been 
seriously ill recently, is reported 
curtailing his activity, with future 
production possibly restricted to the 
.-"larzan" -series for- RKO,- 



Poe Back in New York 

Seymour Poe, Sol Lesser's eastern 
rep, returned to New York over the 
weekend after two weeks of huddles 
on the Coast with the producer and 
his brother, Irving Lesser. 

Latter, who went west with Poe, 
returns to New York tomorrow 
(Thursday). He's former manager 
of the Roxy, N. Y. 



Don't Expect 'Pix Commie' 
Probers to Accept MPA 
Offer of More Witnesses 

Washington, Sept. 30. 

It wasn't anticipated here as likely 
that the House Un-American Activi- 
ties Committee would take up the 
Motion Picture Assn.'s offer of yes- 
terday (Monday) to supplement the 
Committee's witnesses with some 
suggested by the industry. With 
about 150 witnesses of its own on 
its agenda, it's not figured the 
probers will chance weakening then- 
case with any outsiders not hand- 
picked by their counsel. 

Offer of the industry to provide 
additional witnesses v/ak contained 
in a letter to chairman J. Parnell 
Thomas by MPA prexy Eric John- 
ston. He stated: "You will appre- 
ciate, I know, that in addition to 
the witnesses you have called, there 
are many other persons in Holly- 
wood who can give you the facts, 
help you sift truth from untruth, 
and thereby facilitate the work of 
the committee. I can furnish you 
their names whenever you desire." 

Johnston added a flat denial of 
the committee's charge that it put 
subversive, un-American propa- 
ganda Qn the screen. , 



Smalls Pix Via 
5 Different Cos. 



Edward Small undoubtedly holds 
an alltime industry record currently 
as the most spread-out producer in 
Hollywood. His own pictures or pic- 
tures in which he holds a controlling 
interest are being distributed by five 
different companies. He has, in addi- 
tion, one pic being made in Italy 
for which no releasing deal has been 
set yet. 

Indie producer is-represented at 
Columbia, Universal, 20th - Fox, 
United Artists and Eagle Lion. 
Ai.iount of work he personally ap- 
plies to each picture varies accord- 
ing to his deal with a particular stu- 
dio, but he has a heavy financial 
interest in all the films. 

For Columbia, Small has just fin- 
ished "Black Arrow," budgeted at 
$1,000,000, and is preparing to. put 
into work "The Fuller Brush Man," 
with a $1,400,000 layout. He's part- 
nered on a 50-50 basis with A. Syl- 
van Simon and Red Skelton. In re- 
lease at Universal is "Temptation." 
For UA he is prepping "Valentino," 
for which he has set a tentative 
$2,000,000 budget. 

His son, in partnership with Ben 
(Continued on page 16) 



Typecasting 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Out yonder in Utah, where the 
Piutes hold forth, 20th - Fox 
wanted Indians to play Apaches 
in "The Ballad of Furnace 
Creek." But the Piutes were 
not the Apache type. Neither 
were the Apaches who inhabit 
Southern California in large 
numbers.. 

So the studio sent its scouts 
to Arizona to round up a troupe 
of Navajos, who look more like 
Apaches than Apaches or Piutes. 



Expect Big Five, 
Seine, Griffith 
Appeals Dec. 8 

Washington, Sept. 30. 

Best estimates here are that all 
three motion picture appeals, now 
pending in the U. S. Supreme Court, 
will be argued during the tribunal's 
December term — a two week period 
beginning on Monday, Dec. 8. The 
cases include the New York Big Five 
appeal; and the Schine and Griffith 
Theatres suits, Attorney-General 
Tom C. Clark may, himself, make 
the opening argument for the Gov- 
ernment in the all -important case 
involving the majors. 

Because of the prominence of 
those who will argue for the defend- 
ant companies, including James F. 
Byrnes, the former Secretary of 
State and former Supreme Court 
justice, the independent exhibitors 
have been pressing for someone of 
equal importance to appear on be- 
half of the Government. Some of 
the independents took their case to 
Senator William" Langer, (R., W. D.), 
who discussed the situation with 
Clark and claimed the attorney 
general would appear. The Justice 
Department is still noncommittal on 
this, however. 



Philadelphia, Sept. 30. 

Charles P. Skouras, who was re- 
cently revealed as the top, U. S. 
earner in 1945, appears to have his 
foot well in the door to grab off 
the same title for 1946. His salary 
and profit participation as topper 
of 20th-Fox's National Theatre cir- 
cuit amounted to just short of 
$1,000,000 last year, almost twice as 
much as he made in 1945. a 

According to Information filed by 
20th with the Securities & Exchange 
Commission in Philadelphia, Skou- 
ras' earnings for 1946 in salary and 
additional compensation, before tax- 
es, were $976,000. This is subject, 
however, to final adjustment, ac- 
cording to the statement, and may 
be affected by stockholder litigation 
against the NT chief and some of 
his colleagues in Fox theatre subsids. 
Figure, as it stands, compares with 
$568,143, which Skouras received in 
1945. 

Skouras' contract with 20th-Fox, 
it was disclosed, calls for a salary of 
$2,500 a week, plus 5% of the first 
$4,000,000 and Wz% over that- of 
"contract profits" of National The- 
atres. This additional compensation, 
it was estimated by Fox, amounted 
to $846,695 for the 12-month period. 
Skouras' contract runs from July 10, 
l r 44, to Dec. 25, 1954. 

Spyros Skouras, 20th's prexy and 
(Continued on page 16) 



Stevens Ailing 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Mark Stevens is in Cedars of Leb- 
anon undergoing treatment for stom- 
ach ulcers. 

He was stricken Friday on set of 
20th-Fox's "Snake Pit" and reported 
for work Saturday, winding up his 
stint before going to the hospital. 



Goldwyn Halts Prod. 

After Finishing 'Song' 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Danny Kaye washed up his job 
Saturday in "A Song Is Born" on 
the Goldwyn lot and Samuel Gold- 
wyn washed up his production ac- 
tivities for five months. 

Goldwyn shuttered his organiza- 
tion until March 1. Meantime, tech- 
nicians under contract will be loaned 
out to other lots. 



Mark Ostrer (G-B) Due In 
N.Y. Today for UA Huddles 

Among the 2,241 passengers arriv- 
ing in- New York aboard the Queen 
Elizabeth today (Wed.) are Mark 
Ostrer, managing director of Gau- 
mont-British. He'll huddle with 
Arthur W. Kelly, exec-veepee of 
United Artists, regarding playing" 
time for UA product on the G-B 
circuit in Britain. Others scheduled 
to arrive include Steve Broidy, 
prexy of Monogram and Allied Art- 
its,- who's. -been— abroad some — six- 
weeks, accompanied by Monogram 
national prez Norton V. Ritchey. 
They surveyed continental pro- 
duction possibilities in France, Italy 
and in Britain as well. 

London theatrical impresario 
Prince Littler, Daniel Longwell, 
board chairman of Time and Life 
editors, writer Paul Gallico, and 
Arthur Christiansen, editor of the 
London Daily Express, are also due 
in on the liner. 



National Boxoffice Survey 

Autumn Season Helps Biz — 'Father,' 'Stranger,' 
'Passage,' 'Earth,' 'Tights,' 'Dance' Are Big Six 



Cool autumn weather and unveil- 
ing of new season product is being 
reflected this week at the nation's 
film theatres, with business fairly 
well split up among the leaders. 
Several new pictures are being 
launched this session which may be 
heard from in the future, but it's 
the veteran grossers like "Life With 
Father," "Welcome Stranger" and 
"Mother Wore Tights" that are ac- 
counting for much of the intake. 

"Father" (WB) continues in top 
position for second successive week 
with "Stranger" (Par) moving into 
second slot. "Dark Passage" (WB), 
getting around in key cities this 
week, is copping third money. 

Others in the top six b.o. winners 
in-order- of strength .and- play.dates 
are "Down to Earth" (Col), "Tights" 
(20th) and "Unfinished Dance" 
(M-G). This is the first stanza, that 
the last-named has crowded up into 
the higher brackets. 

Runners-up include "Desert Fury" 
(Par), "Crossfire" (RKO), "Wild 
Harvest" (Par), "Lured" (UA) and 
"Long Night" (RKO). "Lured," the 
Hunt Stromberg production, is 
shaping up well this round after a 



fairly slow start around the country. 

Both "Fun and Fancy Free" 
(RKO) and "Foxes of Harrow'; 
(20th) hint potential boxoffice pos- 
sibilities on the basis of limited dates 
this week. Former is socko in its 
preem week at N. Y. Globe. "Foxes" 
is doing smash business at the N. Y. 
albeit getting a big assist from stage 
layout. It also is big on its Baltimore 
date. 

"Outlaw" (UA) still is big 
although in third week in N. Y. 
"Desert Fury" is proving no stronger 
at,N. Y. Paramount than it has been 
on previous theatre dates. "Singa- 
pore" (U) is shaping up for bigger 
coin on basis of engagements this 
frame, being nice in Washington, 
wow in ,K. C, stout in Minneapolis 
and. fairly~-sturdy for-. second stanza- 
in N. Y. 

"Red Stallion" (EL), currently 
nice in Phiily and Minneapolis, is big 
in Omaha and several other spots. 
"Something in Wind" (U), playing 
in five keys, is doing sturdy trade in 
most of these. "That's My Man" 
(Rep) looks sizeable in two Denver 
houses. 

(Complete Boxoffice Reports 
on Pages 8-9) 




Trnrto Mark Registered 
FOUNDED BY SIME FILVEHMAN 
Published Wenkly by VARIETY. Inc. 

Slii Silverman. President 
154 West 46th St.. New York 10, N. Y. 



SUBSCRIPTION 
Annual $10 Foreign $11 

Single Copies ' 25 Cents 



Vol. 168 



No. 4 



INDEX 

Bills 47 

Chatter 54 

Film Reviews 14 

Foreign 13 

George Frazier 36 

House Reviews 48 

Inside Legit 50 

Inside Music 42 

Inside Pictures 16 

Inside Radio 28 

Legitimate 49 

Literati 53 

Music 34 

New Acts 47 

Night Club Reviews 44 

Obituaries 55 

Orchestras 34 

Pictures 3 

- Pre-Production -News .... '11 

Radio 21 

Radio Reviews 24 

Records ... . : 36 

Frank Scully ' 53 

Television .>. 27 

Vaudeville 43 



daii/v VAKir/nr 

(Published In nonfood bj 

Dally Variety. Ltd.) 
»10 > Year— tu Foreign 



r i 



F5CT5JKES 



Sears Expects to Set Ms Takeover 
Of 6 or 7 RKO Fflms by End af Week 



Hollywood, Sept. 30. 4 
With a number of banks contacted 
by Grad Sears expressing willing- 
ness to finance the purchase by 
United Artists of a block of new 
RKO negatives, UA prexy is hoping 
to set the deal by the end of this 
week, ink expected that six or seven 
films may be bought from RKO fc-J 
UA release. 

Average cost of the pix is $1,000,- 
000 each. Two plans for purchase 
are now afoot, one calling for down 
payment to RKO of 25% of the 
total due and the other for 50%. 
In either case, that amount would be 
financed with a bank loan. RKO 
would get the rest of its com as 
UA collected it in film rental. 

An. angle still to be worked out is 
who's to get paid off with the first 
income, RKO or the banks. The 
banks definitely will not put them- 
selves in a position junior to KK.U, 
although they are willing to share 
first money with the company. 

UA's purchase price is reported to 
be the negative cost plus "certain 
overhead," with RKO having no 
participation in any profits the films 
may turn in. This was the case in 
UA's buy of a group of pix from 
Paramount in 1941. However, there 
has been much eye-brow-tilting on 
the likelihood of RKO giving up all 
hope of profit-sharing if any of the 
films should turn out to be excep- 
tionally big at the b.o. 

BKQ's Hidden Profit 
Nevertheless, RKO prez N. Peter 
Rathvon feels the company has an 
oversize inventory and may consider 
it worthwhile to have his money 
back in circulation rather than ty- 
ing it up with an excess of back- 
loggers on the shelf. He also has a 
hidden profit in each pic in the fact 
that the more films the lot makes, 
the lower its overhead on each one. 
Thus the product he sells to UA will 
have served to bring down the cost 
on what he keeps for his own dis- 
tribution. 

A number of the six or seven pic- 
tures that Sears has seen during the 
past week and has under considera- 
tion are not yet finished" editing and 
scoring. Although there's been no 
official word to that effect, it is 
'thought likely that the RKO deal 
may lead to similar transactions with 
other overstocked companies. 



Helen Deutsch's Plans 
Don't Include Columbia 

Helen Deutsch, with Columbia as 
a producer-writer less than a year, 
said prior to sailing Friday (19) 
aboard the Queen Mary for a Euro- 
pean vacation, she's not certain as to 
her future plans, but "definitely will 
never go back to*Columbia." In her 
continental itinerary she plans a 
three-week stay in Rome, then visits 
Greece and Morocco via plane. 

Following her return to New York 
about Nov. 10, Miss Deutsch plans 
one picture per year deal in the fu- 
ture and expects to spend half her 
time in the east. As a scripter she has 
worked on screenplays of "National 
Velvet," "The Seventh Cross" and 
"Ethan Frome" among others. Be- 
fore turning to the films she was 
publicity director with the Theatre 
Guild. 



Bankers Unloosen 

- — continued from page 3 s 



•which they had been placed by the 
British 75% tax, were out to "wreck 
the company," as some stated it. 

A small group of the producers at 
that time were trying in every pos- 
sible way to get out of their com- 
mitments to UA in order to turn 
their product over to other distribs. 
With UA already suffering from the 
prospect of an extreme shortage of 
films next spring, success of such a 
move could have been fatal. 

Apparently Chaplin . and Miss 
Rickford took some of the edge off 
of the producers' bitterness and 
cooler heads among them did some 
more. Some of the old line UA in- 
ches pointed out that "wrecking" the 
company would mean slicing their 
own necks, because it would give 
them no bargaining position at all 
with the other distribs who use a 
limited amount of outside product. 
Sears and Kelly's Moves 
Sears added further oil, partially 
by clearing up the banking situation 
somewhat so that the producers have 
the prospect of being able to go 
ahead with their picturemaking. A 
meeting with all of the company's 
indies is slated for tomorrow (.Thurs- 
day), by which time Sears and Kelly 
hope to have further optimistic 
word. 

Still another calming factor to the 
producers' ruffled feelings was 
Kelly's success in at least partially 
clearing up the stymie that was 
keeping UA pix from British screens. 
Kelly set' a deal with the J. Arthur 
Rank - controlled Gaumont - British 
circuit for seven pix and there is 
every prospect that others will get 
playing time later on. This clearing 
of the English circuit roadblock also 
... as-.to-a. large_extent. .responsible lor. 
the more favorable attitude the 
banks are adopting. 

In addition to the seven films set 
by Kelly on the G-B circuit, an 
eighth UA film was booked .indepen- 
dently last week. It's "Carnegie 
Hall," on which Sam Dembow, Jr., 
arranged the deal. Dembow is sales 
rep for Boris Morros-William Le- 
Baron, who made "Carnegie." 



Riskin Believes Banks 
Will Always Finance 
The Responsible Indie 

Given the right sort of setup and 
distribution deal, banks are still 
ready to loan cash to indie producers 
without fixing arbitrary limits on 
amount, producer Robert Riskin be- 
lieves. In New York to set the terms 
for releasing several pix through 
RKO following distribution of his 
"Magic Town," "Riskin declared that 
"a lot of talk about banks retiring 
from the picture game just isn't 
true." 

' Regardless of the foreign situation, 
it "creative people" are behind a 
film and it has the right star values 
plus distribution, there's no reason 
why the pic couldn't cost $4,000,000 
without the banks clamping down 
on the project, Riskin said. " 'The 
Robe' could be financed today," he 
asserted, "and there's a picture that 
can't be done for less than $4,000,000 
to $5,000,000." 

Riskin conceded that the outlook 
for Hollywood independents "isn't 
very encouraging." "But I don't 
think they're going out of business 
by a long shot," he added. "He has 
to adjust himself to new conditions 
-of —financing— and— production: — The 
banks, however, have not demanded 
a trimming of costs." 

Producer has two new pix on the 
fire, "The Girl From Bogardus" and 
"You Belong to Me." Former which 
is to be based on an original of 
Michael Uris will probably be made 
first. Under current negotiations. 
RKO will handle both. 

Riskin sees the trend towards 
shooting pix at their actual scenes 
as continuing on the upbeat. "Holly- 
wood has discovered that you can 
get a feeling of reality by traveling 
to location rather than building sets. 
What's more, the costs are no higher 
for your improved background. We 
discovered during the war when we 
made documentaries that the aver- 
age non-professional person on the 
scene can turn in a very fine per- 
formance." 

Producer also said he's ready to 
correct his previous prediction that 
war pix wouldn't be made for zt 
least five years after the war. He 
now believes the next year or two 
will have Hollywood making war 
films with sturdy b.o. results. 

Riskin plans attending preem of 
"Magic Town" at the Palace Oct. 7. 
He'll return to the Coast within two 
weeks or so. 



Argosy's Mex Pic 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Argosy's next production, "The 
Family," a story of Manchuria, will 
be filmed in a Mexican viljage. 

John Ford picked the spot because 
the Mexican village has a large 
Chinese population, none of whom 
has ever seen a motion . picture 
camera. His idea is that the Orien- 
tal actors down there will be more 
realistic than their camera- wise 
brethren in Hollywood. 

Moral: Chaplin 
Should Heckle 
Congress More 

Difference made in a film's take 
by a hefty publicity campaign was 
clearly demonstrated in opening of 
Charles Chaplin's "Monsieur Ver- 
doux" in Washington last Friday 
(26). Crowds that lined up at the 
five low-capacity houses there over 
the weekend were in strong contrast 
to lack of interest when the pic 
preemed at the Broadway in New 
York last spring. 

At Chaplin's insistence that ''his 
name on the marquee of the Broad- 
way would be enough to line 'em up 
at the b.o., "Verdoux" came in with-, 
out any advance bally other than a 
two-week ad campaign. In Washing- 
ton, it was just the opposite, with 
p.a. Russell Birdwell getting the film 
involved in a controversy with the 
House Un-American Activities Com- 
mittee which landed it on page one 
of the capital papers day after day. 

Friday-Saturday-Sunday gross of 
the five Washington houses added 
up to almost $13,500, smash. Most of 
it came from the down Pix and the 
Apex, a class nabe, both of which 
broke all previous weekend records. 
The Senator, Naylor and Atl as > a ^ 
nabes, did strong but not record- 
cracking biz. 

Verdoux" was withdrawn by 
Chaplin and United Artists, the dis- 
tributors, after b.o. fizz at the Broad 
way in the spring to permit time for 
a press campaign to be devised. 

Surprising to UA execs were the 
generally good reviews the film got 
from Washington critics, in light of 
the poor reception from the N. Y. 
newspaper ganderers. 



. Wedneaday» October I, 1947 .' 

Buff. Area Has 303 Theatres, 262J5T 
Seats; 1st of MPA's National Surveys 



Ex-Czech Producer Plans 
'I Time' Remake in France 

Remake of the 17-year-old Ger- 
man - produced filmusical, "Two 
Hearts in Three-Quarter Time," is 
planned in France by former Czecho- 
slovakian film producer Josef Auer- 
bach. Now prexy of the reissue firm 
known as International Optima Co., 
he leaves for the Coast today (.Wed.) 
for a month's stay to huddle with 
Hollywood associates on the pic- 
ture's production. 

Control of the film rights to the 
operetta has already been acquired 
by him, Auerbach said. Picture's 
story is largely built around the 
music of Robert Stolz. Among Auer- 
bach's other continental production 
plans is a film based upon the life 
of composer Anton Dvorak which he 
proposes to make in Czechoslovakia. 



SUGARMAN HEADS JHL 



16M EXPORT ADJUNCT 

Harold Sugarman has been named 
veepee in charge of export for 
United World Films, 16 m subsid of 
Universal. Tapping of Sugarman to 
head overseas activities marks com- 
pletion of integration of Universal's 
16m foreign dept. with UWF since 
Sugarman was brought to U's h.o. 
last -year to organize that wing. He 
formerly headed the company's 
studio foreign dept. 

Integration action has taken place 
as a result of a London decision 
made earlier in the year during 
confabs of prexy James M. Franey 
with J. Arthur Rank officials. At 
that* time, it was decided that UWF 
would handle not only documen- 
taries, educationals, etc.,- but also 
take over narrow-gauge features. 



Arthur Mayer Probably 
Fears 'Esoteric' Means 
lipped Distrib Terms 

New York. 

Editor, Variety: 

I cannot tell you how shocked I 
was by your recent reference to me 
as an "esoteric fellow." I will not 
dwell upon the impropriety of the 
use of so vile and approbious an 
epithet in a family paper such as 
Variety, nor will I emphasize the 
mental anguish which millions of 
New York picture patrons sustained 
at hearing their favorite exhibitor 
characterized in so scurrilous a man- 
ner. If you had described me as 
Metroteric, meaning an exhibitor 
who wanted to play Metro pictures 
and couldn't get them, there might 
have been some justice in your alle- 
gations. 

Not that I know exactly what it 
means, but everyone agrees that it 
is not a word generally employed to 
suggest the sex appeal of Van John 
son or the manly beauty of Dana 
Andrews. Sam Goldwyn wired to 
ask if I had become a dealer in Esso 
rather than melo. PRC wanted to 
clear It as a title for their next crime 
epic, and Uncle Louis Mayer, keen 
for the family honor, urged me to 
- .sue- ... .But. --anyone- .who—has— boon, 
kicked around by film distributors 
as I have for the past 20 years, 
eventually becomes practically im- 
mune to insult. So I consulted Web- 
ster before Niier, and discovered 
that esoteric means abtruse; abstruse 
means occult; occult means recon 
dite, and recondite means esoteric, 
leaving me slightly breathless but 
exactly where I had started. In 
such matters, however, it is good 
industry practice to consult that 
eminent linguist. Spyros Skouras 
who assured me that the Greeks had 
a word for esoteric, which, as a gen 
tleman, he preferred not to use, but 
it emphasized, and I quote, "the re- 
moteness of the individual from or- 
dinary human interests and implied 
research beyond the bounds of use 
(Continued on page 18) 



OPEN FORUM ON N.Y.C. 
AS PIX PROD. CENTRE 

Open meeting to discuss the fu- 
ture of film production in New York 
is slated for the President theatre, 
N. Y., tonight (Wednesday). Meet 
will also tee off the film department 
of the New School for Social Re- 
search, N. Y. 

Richard de Rochemont, March of 
Time exec producer, will preside. 
Speakers- include Judge Edward C. 
Maguire", Mayor" O'Dwyer's special 
coordinator on film production; 
Roger Albright, Motion Picture 
Assn.'s director of education serv- 
ices; Jean Benoit-Levy, United Na- 
tions' director of films; Louis Nizer, 
exec secretary of the N. Y. Film 
Board of Trade, and Bud Pollard, 
prexy of the N. Y. local of the 
Screen Directors' Guild. 



♦ Film industry— notorious for year* 
as knowing less about itself statis- 
tically than any other major indus- 
try in America— takes its first step 
today (Wednesday) toward throw- 
ing a ray of light through the in- 
formation blackout. Motion Picture 
Assn. is releasing the first of a seriea 
of directories showing total number 
of theatres in each exchange terri- 
tory, total number of seats, days op. 
erated per week, name of company 
person signing film contracts, 
circuit affiliation and number of 
houses closed. 

Initial report covers the Buffalo 
area. It discloses that there are 303 
theatres in operation with total 
seating capacity of 262,758. In addi. 
tion, there are 18 shuttered theatres 
with 12,770 seats. Of the total num- 
ber of houses, 177 (with 182,028 
seats) are circuit - operated, while 
144 (with 93,502 seats) are non- 
affiliated. In addition, there are four 
drive-ins with a total capacity of 
900 cars. 

Fpllowups to the 31-page mimeo- 
graphed directory will appear semi- 
weekly for other territories. Com- 
ing soon will be New Haven, Okla- 
homa City, Omaha, Seattle and 
Washington, D. C. Individual reports 
on the 31 exchange territories will 
be followed by a statistical summary 
for the entire United States. 

This will give the industry its first 
authoritative figure on the funda- 
mental "point of how many theatres 
and seats there are in the country, 
replacing estimates formerly used. 
Project is being conducted by the 
MPA under two budgetary grants, 
totaling around $200,000, to the re- 
search department headed by Rob- 
ert Chambers. Research unit was 
set up about 18 months ago follow- 
ing discovery by MPA prexy Eric 
Johnston, soon after he took office, 
of the industry's lack of statistics 
on itself. 

Ditto For Foreign 

Similar project is now under way 
on theatres abroad. It was originally 
hoped to include in the U. S. survey 
many more facts of trade interest, 
such as distribs each house deals 
with, average grosses, etc., but tra- 
(Continued on page 16) 



Daphne du Maurier Doe 
To Defend 'Rebecca' Sui 

Daphne du Maurier, British 
author of "Rebecca," sails for New 
York within two weeks to take the 
stand in the plagiarism suit brought 
against her, David O. Selznick, Unit- 
ed Artists and Doubleday-Doran by 
Edwina Levin MacDonald. With the 
trial in the New York federal court 
now set for Oct. 21 before Judge 
John G. Clancy, defendants are fight- 
ing an attempt to collect all earnings 
of both the novel and its filmization. 

Action is now being pushed by J. 
Clifford MacDonald, son of the plain- 
tiff who died last year. Claim is" that 
Miss du Maurier pirated plaintiff's 
novel, "Blind Windows," which is 
also based on the second wife theme. 
One appeal has been heard already 
after the district court dismissed the 
-actioa-on-the-pleadings^-'That -ruling- 
was reversed and the case was sent 
back for a new trial. 

While named in the suit, Miss du 
Maurier was never served and con- 
sequently her appearance is to sup- 
port the other defendants. Arthur 
F. Driscoll, of O'Brien, Driscoll, Bat- 
tery & Lawler, reps for UA, while 
Charles S. Rosenschein will front for 
the plaintiff. 



— -JANE POWELL'S SPILL 

Hollywood, Sept. 30 
Jane Powell is confined to her 
home as result of a fall on the set 
of "Luxury Liner" at Metro. She 
slipped and hit her head on a chair 
during a rehearsal. 

Actress was first treated at the 
studio hospital. She was later sent 
to the Queen of Angels hospital, 
then was ordered home to recuper- 
ate. 



N. Y. to L. A. 

David O. Alber 
Arthur Freed 
Arthur Hornblow, Jr. 
Robby Lantz 
Col. Nathan Levinson 
Morris Novik 
Milton Pickman 
Ted Strong 
Richard F. Walsh 
Jack L. Warner 

- Europe- to N» -Y i « 

Lord Beaverbrook 
Mary' Bothwell 
Wendell Corey 
Jimmy Cross 

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford C. Fischer 

Margaret Kennedy 

Myrna Loy 

Mrs. Wesley Ruggles 

Peggy Ryan 

Ray Ventura 



L. A. to N. Y. 

Eddie Albert 
Don Ameche 
Dana Andrews 
Robert Benjamin 
Frank Carsaro 
Tom Cassara 
Don Castle 
Ann Morrison Chapin 
Patti Clayton 
"Bunny" Coughlin 
Paule Croset • 
Doris Day 
Laraine Day 
Leo Durocher 
Pam Fonda 
William Frawley 
Y. Frank Freeman 
Martin Gabel 
Leonard Goldstein 
Don hartman 
Rita Hay worth 
Howard Hawks 
Craig Hazelwood 
Joseph H. Hazen 
Mark Hellinger 
Paul Hbllister 
Harold Hopper 
Danny Kaye 
Henry King 
Arthur Krim 
Sigurd Larmon 
Mitchell Leisen 
Irving Lesser 
Robert Webster Light 

Beverly Llnet 

Robert L. Lippert 

Art Lonergan 

Pat O'Brien 

Dennis O'Keefe 

George Pal 

Eleanor Parker 

Jean Peters 

Seymour Poe 

Harry Rauch 

Anne Revere 

Phil Reisman 
" Jack- Riege¥" ™~ ~ 

Hal Roach 

Cesar Romero 

Harry Sherman 

Frank Sinatra 

Bernard Smith 

Mortimer Spring 

Axel Stordahl 

Akim TamirofT 

George Tobias 

Hal Wallis 



Wednesday, October 1, 194,7 



PICTURES 



SEE $89,000,000 IN PERIL O'SEAS 



Ms Figures Keynote How Foreign 
Income Equals the Margin of Profit 



Continuation into 1948 of the cur- 4 
rent Aim embargo to England will 
lust about wipe out profits of Ameri- 
can picture companies, a study of 
20th Century-Fox figures reveals. 
And, as 20th prexy Spyros Skouras 
has already pointed out, an estimated 
50% drop in remittances from 
abroad by March 1, 1948, could put 
his company on the red side of the 
ledger. 

Fox situation is Relieved typical of 
all the major companies. It should 
be made clear, however, that these 
figures are only for the picture- 
making and distributing activities 
of the majors. The five companies 
with affiliated theatre circuits make 
an equal or better profit from their 
theatre holdings than they do from 
studios and distribution. Their the- 
atres thus might well, serve to keep 
20th-Fox, Metro, Warner Bros., RKO 
and Paramount in the black. 

Figures on 20th were made, avail- 
able in part by Skouras in a speech 
at the convention of Theatre Owners 
of America in Washington two weeks 
ago, while others came from a recent 
proxy statement by the company. 

They show that Fox for the first 
26 weeks of 1947 earned a net from 
filmmaking and distribution ("the 
picture company" as differentiated 
<rom -"the theatre company") of about 
$3 350,000. Its 26-week net from 
England was about $3,000,000. The 
knife-edge margin is obvious if 
Britain be eliminated. 

Skouras' Prediction 

Skouras' prediction in Washington 
of a 50% drop in remittances from 
abroad by March is borne out by a 
«heck of other industry sources. His 
fear that receipts might be cut as 
much as two-thirds was also shared 
in other quarters. 

Remittances for the first 26 weeks 
pf this year were about $12,000,000 
for Fox. Cutting this in half would 
.mean $6,000,000 held out. Of that 
88% would go to the U.S. govern- 
ment as corporate taxes. That would 
mean a net income from abroad of 
$3,720,000 withheld. Inasmuch as net 
(Continued on page 14) 



or 

Copenhagen's Freeze On 
Films Causes MPEA To 
Plan Adding Denmark 

Possibility of adding Denmark to 
the 13 countries now serviced for 
th» industry by the Motion Picture 
Export Assn. was temporarily tabled 
by the MPEA board at a meeting in 
New York yesterday (Tuesday) after 
voting unanimously to turn down 
Copenhagen's proposals for new cur- 
rency restrictions. Reaction of the 
Danish government to the flat nix 
will be awaited before further steps 
are taken. 

Should Denmark be added to the 
MPEA roster, it would be the first 
such accession since the cooperative, 
operated by the eight majors and 
Allied Artists, was organized about 
18 months ago. Outfit's directorate, 
made up of reps of each of the 
member companies, is also reported 
to have discussed possibility of add- 
ing China and other countries to its 
list, but Denmark is considered most 
likely for immediate action, because 
Of the nature of restrictions it is 
imposing. 

It aims to more than cut in half 
the income of U S companies from 
(Continued on page 16) 

Par Stockholder's Suit 
Against Henry Ginsberg 

Henry Ginsberg, exec veepee in 
charge of Paramount's studio, has 
been named defendant in a stock- 
holder's suit filed last week in N. Y. 
federal court. Ginsberg is charged 
by plaintiff Hyman Horwitz with 
• violating" the" ■"Securities " Exchange 
Act by trading in 1,300 shares of 
Paramount common stock and fail- 
ing to pay the profits over to his 
company. I 

Stock deals were allegedly made 
between June, 1946, and June. .1947, 
with a resultant profit of $6,000 to 
Ginsberg. 



Par, Wolf son Part; 

Pact Had 2 Yrs. to Go 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 
Paramount and P. J. Wolfson, pro- 
ducer-writer, parted company, their 
contract having about two years to 
run. After a two-month vacation, 
Wolfson will announce a new af- 
filiation. 

While at Paramount he functioned 
as producer-writer on "The Perils of 
Pauline" and "Suddenly It's Spring," 
and produced "Saigon" and "Dream 
Girl." 



U. S. Okays Pars 
Liberty Buy 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 
U. S. Treasury Dept. has placed its 
stamp of approval on the tax setup 
in Paramount's purchase of Liberty 
Films and the latter's business exec, 
Sam Briskin, is en route to the 
Coast from New York with the offi- 
cial okay. The ruling is reported as 
pleasing the quartet of Liberty part- 
ners, Frank Capra, George Stevens, 
William Wyler and Briskin. 

Liberty started "State of- the Un- 
ion" today on the Metro lot under 
the new arrangement. Capra is pro- 
ducing-directing the Spencer Tracy- 
Claudette Colbert-Van Johnson star- 
rer while Metro will release. Under 
the terms of the sale. Paramount ac- 
quires all of Liberty's rights in the 
film and ' may participate in the 
financing by taking over either part 
of the coin furnished from bankers, 
or the money coming from Metro's 
end. 

When the Par-Liberty deal was set 
in April, the four owners were to 
receive between 100,000 and 125,000 
shares of Par stock at a value esti- 
mated between $3,^00,000 and $3,- 
750,000. However, since the imposi- 
iion^f—tht-BxitislL-taXr-tlie .stock's, 
worth has depreciated. Accordingly 
the dollar value of the stock received 
for Liberty probably will be less. 

Briskin is reporting today on the 
tax arrangement. He first goes to 
Metro to huddle with Capra on the 
Treasury okay, then moves to Para- 
mount. Stevens, who has a week of 
shooting and a month of editing left 
on RKO's "I Remember Mama," 
switches to Par upon conclusion of 
the film. 

Under pacts with Paramount, the 
Liberty partners will receive the 
same salary as they were paid by 
Liberty. 



B0GARTT0STARIN30F 
BELLINGER'S 6 VIA SRO 

Of the six pictures Mark Hellinger 
is contracted to distribute through 
Selznick Releasing Org., three of 
them will star Humphrey Bogart. 
The actor has a participation inter- 
est in the trio, as well as a financial 
cut in the rest of the Hellinger pro- 
gram via SRO. 

Both date back to Warner Bros, 
where Hellinger produced some of 
Bogart's top grossers. The star's 
present commitment with WB ties 
him to the Burbank plant for only 
one-a-year. 

At least one of the Hellinger- 
Bogart pix will be from an Ernest 
Hemingway story. Hellinger recent- 
ly made a blanket contract with the 
author for a number of his stories. 
This deal stems from Hellinifer's 
teeoff production for Universal, "The 
Killers," which was based on a 
Hemingway short story. Hellinger's 
fourth and final for U, 



PAR SETTLES CHI % SUIT 

Chicago,, .gent. 30.. _ 

"Paramount settled a. percentage 
suit last week against the Anderson 
theatre circuit for an undisclosed 
sum. The majors had sued circuit 
for unreported receipts on per- 
centage picts. 

Only distributor with suit not set- 
tled is Columbia, whose case may 
be settled next month. 



THREAT IN 




Bearing out the conviction of Spy- 
ros Skouras, 20th-Fox prexy, and 
other industry biggies that one-third 
to 50% decline in overseas' remit- 
tances during the next year is more 
than likely, survey by Vakiety dis- 
closes a total of $89,000,000 in for- 
eign revenues threatened partially 
or entirely by tightening economic 
factors. With combined remittances 
for the eight majors in 1946 reaching 
$125,000,000, coin now in danger of 
restrictions represents a healthy 
chunk of the take. 

In addition to Britain with its $67,- 
000,000 in remittances in jeopardy 
because of the 75% ad valorem tax, 
moves are either fait accompli or 
currently on foot to cut the film take 
in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, 
Argentina, Denmark and Sweden. 

Aussie's $6,000,000 annual revenues 
is currently under attack with a 30% 
freeze already fixed. If economic 
conditions Down Under don't grow 
worse during the year, there's not 
much likelihood of further clamps 
although the government has talked 
taxes from time to time. In the 
neighboring dominion of New Zeal- 
and, Yank pix profits of $1,250,000 
are receiving the scrutiny of the 
government. Some restrictions are 
(Continued on page 14) 



Metro's 'Freaks' Going Out 
As Exploitation Special 
In First Outside Sale 

' Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Metro broke its own time-honored 
tradition by selling one of its pro- 
ductions, "Freaks," to an outside dis- 
tributor, Dwain Esper. Picture, fea- 
turing circus performers and side- 
show freaks, was made 15 years ago, 
at a cost of $350,000. 

Esper, who paid a reported $50,000 
for the film, will take it on the road 
as an exploitation special for state 
right sales." ~Understood -hens negtr-- 
tiating for the purchase of other old 
Metro productions. 



BINFORD GETTING 
ALL SET FOR 'AMBER' 

Memphis, Sept. 30. 

Before even getting a preliminary 
look at "Forever Amber," Lloyd T. 
Binford, local censorship czar, served 
notice that he's already sharpening 
up his scissors for the 20th-Fox 
Technicolor picture. "They claim 
Hollywood is cleaning it up," he 
said, adding, "Well, they'd better 
be. If it's as dirty as I've heard, 
I'm sure to do something about it 
quick when it comes to town." 

Meanwhile, the film industry's an- 
nounced intention of battling the 
Binford censorship of Hal . Roach's 
feature, "Comedy Carnval," began 
to shape up definitely with the ex- 
pected arrival of Edward C. Raftery, 
former United Artists prexy, and its 
general counsel, in Memphis, Thurs- 
day (2) to draw up the legal papers. 
He's also attorney for Roach. A 
hearing on the film's censorship will 
be given on Oct. 15 with Raftery 
scheduled to make a return trip to 
New York Friday (3). During his 
stay here, Raftery will confer with 
local attorneys on the handling of 
the case. 

Despite soma disappointment 
among southern film circles over the 
fact that the industry selected a pic- 
ture in which the race question is 
involved. United Artists, handling 
the release of "Comedy Carnival," 
figure the picture to be* a perfect 
test case of Binford's censorship 
powers since there are admittedly 
no moral questions involved. Bin- 
ford slapped the ban on , .the feature 
solely " because "Negro "antt~ white 
children played together. Some lib- 
eral southerners feel that if the in- 
dustry preferred to make an issue 
on the race angle, the banning of 
"Brewster's Millions," because of 
Binford's dislike of Eddie (Roches- 
ter) Anderson would have been just 
as likely to provide a solution. 



Par Borrows $5,000,000 of $25,000,000 
Credit for Prod, and Also to Finance 
Theatre Buyouts Under the Decree 



Loos-Than Team Settle 

240G Suit for 15G 

Los Angeles. Sept. 30. 

Anita Loos and Joseph Than ac- 
cepted $15,000 to call off their $240,- 
000 damage suit against United 
States Pictures, involving their 
screenplay, "White Nights." 

Writers declared they had deliv- 
ered the screenplay to Milton 
Sperling, head of USP, but that the 
picture had not been produced. 



Wanger-EL Set; 
Stock Swap Deal 

Hollywood, Sept. AO. 

Walter Wanger has finally closed 
a distribution deal with Eagle Lion 
which involves, among other things, 
an exchange of stock between the 
indie producer and the film com- 
pany. Last touches were put to 
negotiations in a meeting here to- 
day (Tues.) of Arthur Krim, EL's 
prexy, Robert Benjamin, head of 
the U. S. organization of J. Arthur 
Rank, and Wanger. • 

Understood the agreement con- 
templates production of three to four 
pix by Wanger in the near future, 
all to be grooved for EL distribution. 
Film, company reportedly will part- 
ly bankroll these films since it's 
interested in a cut in the profits be- 
sides a distribution fee. 

Under terms of the deal, it's re- 
ported that EL will not take over 
an interest in "Joan of Lorraine," 
the pic which Wanger is collabing 
on with Vic tor F leming, and Inarid 
Bergman. Considerable discussion 
was held on this point which de- 
layed inking of a deal for some time. 
"Joan" will be distributed by RKO. 

Krim and Benjamin are both fly- 
ing east tonight after wrapping up 
final details. Benjamin took an ac- 
tive part in negotiations as attorney 
for Robert R. Young, controlling 
stockholder of Pathe Industries, 
parent org to EL. 



♦ Paramount has borrowed $5,000- 
I 000 from a revolving fund of $25,- 
000,000 created by three banks to aid 
it in both its production program 
and theatre stock-buying activities. 
Coin consists of $2,000,000 loaned by 
the First National Bank of Chicago; 
$1,600,000 from the Manufacturers 
Trust; and $1,400,000 from the Bank- 
ers Trust. Three loans run for six- 
month periods under terms set up 
in an overall agreement with the 
interest fixed at 1%%. 

Revolving fund deal provides that 
Par may draw up to $10,000,000 from 
the First Nat'l; up to $8,000,000 from 
-Manufacturers Trust; and up to $7,- 
000,000 from Bankers Trust. Credit 
availability runs to July 1, 1950, and 
at any time up to that date Par may 
draw funds at $500,000 clips or mul- 
tiples of that figure. 

Indicating Par's sound financial 
position, company pays only Yi of 
1% interest as service charge on all 
funds not called oh for loans. On 
sums actually borrowed, outfit forks 
up iy 2 % until July 1, 1949, and 1%% 
thereafter. Par can borrow for half- 
year stretches but may convert to 
term loans at any time it sees fit. 

Loans were arranged by Barney 
Balaban, company's prexy, with 
main part of the revolving fund in- 
tended for theatre acquisitions which 
will become necessary if the anti- 
trust decree is upheld by the U. S. • 
Supreme Court. In that event, Par 
is faced with the problem of some 
1,100 partly-owned houses which 
must be bought or sold. 

Understood that Par has already 
flirted with its partners on the ques- 
tion of who takes what if the decree 
stands. Parent org, is currently 
offering more for its partners hold- 
ings than the latter are willing 
counter-offer for Par's share. Hence, 
Par will need plenty of ready cash 
to carry out its proffered terms. 



REALART FARMING OUT 
SEVERAL U REISSUES 

Several deals are now in work for 
partial disposal of the flock of Uni- 
versal reissues acquired by Realart 
Pictures last June. Latter firm, orig- 
inally the Harris-Broder Pictures 
Corp., purchased almost all of Uni- 
versal^ product in the 10-year pe- 
riod from 1933-1943 for a sum re- 
portedly in excess of $3,000,000. 

Close to completion, according to 
Realart veepee Budd Rogers, is a 
deal whereby United Film Distribu- 
tors will take some 24 pictures an- 
nually along with options for yearly 
enewals. Other sources, however, 
claim the transaction has already 
been finalized with John W. 
Manghan and J. Francis White, Jr., 
inking for UFD. 

UFD is said to have acquired 24 
pictures per year on a five-year pe- 
riod from Realart for distribution 
through some 10 exchange centers 
which comprise Charlotte, Atlanta, 
Memphis. New Orleans, Dallas, Ok- 
lahoma City, St. Louis, Kansas City, 
Des Moines and Omaha. Company 
expects its first releases to start 
about Nov. 1. 



-CHEVALIER ALL DUBBED 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 
Rene Clair wound up the English 
dubbing on Maurice Chevalier's 
commentary for "Man About Town," 
film which Clair made in France last 
fall. 

It's slated for a New York prcem 
in mid-October under RKO release, ing to report on changes. 



Exhibs Expect 50% Tax — 
Cut; TOA Counsel Urges 
Uniform Stand on ASCAP 

Prediction that Congress will soo/i 
act favorably on film theatres' plea 
for a 50% cut in the Federal admis- 
sion tax is expected to be made by 
Herman Levy, general counsel of th« 
Theatre Owners of America, in an 
address today (Wed.) before the 
Kansas - Missouri Theatre Owners 
Assn. Levy will tell exhibs that he 
has reason to believe the action will 
be taken as a result of a joint sug- 
gestion of TOA's founders, the 
American Theatres Assn. and the 
Motion Picture Theatre Owners of 
America. 

Legalite will also tell the KMTOA 
members to avoid signing any in- 
creased rate contracts with the 
American Society of ' Composej-s, 
Authors & Publishers during the 
moratorium period ending Feb. 1, 
(Continued on page 16) 

Majors Vamp 'Til Ready M 
On Theatre Unloading 

Adde,d proof that the majors' won't 
make any moves to buy or sell 
partly-owned theatres until the 
question is settled by the U. S. 
Supreme Court on appeal was given 
yesterday (Tues.). RKO and Para- 
mount have filed quarter-annual re- 
ports with the New York federal 
court stating that no changes in 
theatre ownership have been put 
through for the three months end- 
ing Sept. 30. Reports of the three 
other theatre-owning majors are ex- 
pected today (Wed.). 

Quarter-annual statements are re- 
quired of the_Big Five_under the 
terms' "of "th'e \decree"~"riow under" 
court-attack. RKO's statement re- 
fers to continued negotiations by the 
company to terminate joint holdings. 
It then states no changes have been 
made since June 30, date of the last 
report. 

Par merely declares there's noth- 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 




Premiere at 
Chinese, Loew's State, Ca 
Cireto> Uptown and Loyola 
Theatres/ Los An 



si* 







"There is so much in this pic- 
ture for everybody that it is 
certain to register as a very 
solid attraction. Swell perfor- 
mances by every member of 
cast. 

—SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW 

"Will enjoy word-of-mouth at- 
tention with boxoffice response 
assured." -DAILY VARIETY 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Ijroadway pe ni:i||i: : |i^ta ce 

Oct. 7.. .Opening at 
Long-Run Woods Theatre, 

Chicago, Soon 




ft • # 



Warm, human and believable 

...will cut a passage to the 

f hearts of millions .. .well de- 

I signed to keep grosses out of 

it the doldrums." 

—MOT/ON PICTURE DAILY 



Smart dialogue and superior 
direction . . . Good boxoffice 

entry - — VARIETY 



"Co ntains all the elements that 
make for hefty boxoffice... real- 
istic, warm, human, with the 
necessary humorous touch." 

—THE EXHIBITOR 

"Should do strong business 

generally." _ BOXOOTCf 

"Should insure favorable box- 
office response." 

— HOLLYWOOD REPORTER 



r 




111 



pi 




■Illl 



mm 
■ 




dBUHH. 



8 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Only 3 New Pix in LA.; Hap; Town' 
Preem Trim $64,500, 'Night' Oke 38G, 
Trouble Thin 28G, 'Earth' 26G, 2d 



Last week, 
(Par) and 
(Par) (reis- 



Los Angeles, Sept. 30. 

Slowdown in business at film the- 
atres, started last week, still hasn't 
been shaken and current stanza's out- 
look is not too bright with an excep- 
tion or two. 

"Magic Town" is leading new bills- 
with an estimated $64,500 in five the- 
atres, many of them smaller ones, 
which is nice. "Long Night" is okay 
$38,000 in five houses but "Trouble 
With Women" is very dull at $28,000 
in two Paramount locations. . , 

"Things to Come" and "Man Who 
Could Work Miracles" is $8,500 at 
smallseater Laurel, very fancy for 
reissues. 

"Life With Father" is holding to a 
good pace in third session, three 
spots, with $58,000. "Down to Earth" 
is slumping off to a below-average 
$26,000 for its second frame in two 
houses. "Unfinished Dance" is slow 
$24,500 for second stanza in three 
spots. 

Estimates for This Week 

Belmont (FWC) (1,532; 50-$l>— 
"Long Night" (RKO) and "Banjo"' 
(RKO). Oke $4,500. 
"Whom Bell Tolls" 
"Frenchman's Creek" 
sues), slight $2,900. 

Beverly Hills Music Hall (G&S- 
Blumerrfeld) (826; 65-$!)— "Roach 
Comedy Carnival" (UA) and "Death 
Valley" (SG) (2d wk-6 days). Thin 
$1,000. Last week, only $3,100. 

Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 50- 
$1)— "Magic Town" (RKO). Good 
$8,500. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20th) (4th wk), $3,300. 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 50- 
$1)— "Magic Town" (RKO). Nice 
$13,000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20th) (4th wk), $6,000. 

Culver (FWC) (1,145; 60-$D— 
"Long Night" (RKO) and "Banjo" 
(RKO). Fair $5,000. Last week, 
"Black Narcissus" (U) and "Bulldog 
Drummond" (Col) (6 days), $5,500. 

Downtown (WB) (1,800; 90-$1.5O) 
—"Life With Father" (WB) (3d wk). 
Near $20,000. Last week, strong 
$25,200. 

Downtown Music Hall (Blumen- 
feld) (872; 50-$l )— "Roach Comedy 
Carnival" (UA) and "Death Valley" 
(SG) (2d wk-6 days). Only $3,000. 
Last week, dull $7,400. 

Egyptian . (FWC) (1,538; 50-$l)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) (2d wk). 
Slow $6,500. Last week, light $10,500. 

EI Key (FWC) (861; 50-$D— "Long 
Night" (RKO) and "Banjo" (RKO). 
Okay $5,500. Last week, "Beir Tolls" 
(Par) and "Frenchman's Creek" 
(Par) (reissues) $3,400. 

Esquire (Rosener) (685; 85c)— 
"Cage of Nightingales" (Indie). 
Light $2,000. Last week, "Years Be- 
tween" (U) (3d wk) $1,500. 

Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 50-$l) 
—"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reis- 
sue) (7th wk). Neat $3,500. Last 
week, $4,200. 

Guild (FWC) (968; 50-$D— 
"Black Narcissus" (U) and "Bulldog 
Drummond" (Col) (2d wk). Finish- 
ing with $3,000. Last week, below 
hopes at $6,700. 

Hawaii .(G&S-Blumenfeld) (956; 
50-$l) — "Roach Comedy Carnival" 
(UA) and "Death Valley" (SG) (2d 
wk-6 days). Slim $1,500. Last week, 
scant $3,500. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 90-$1.50) 
—"Life With Father" (WB) (3d wk). 
Nifty $18,000 or over. Last week, 
stout $23,600. 

Hollywood Music Hall (Blumen- 
feld) (475; 50-85)— "Roach Comedy 
Carnival" (UA) and "Death Valley" 
(SG) (2d wk-6 days). Slow $1,000. 
Last week, only $3,000. 

Iris (FWC) .(828; 50-85)— "Black 
Narcissus" (U) (2d wk). Finales at 
$3,000. Last week, good $6,800. 

Laurel (Rosener) (890; 85)— 
"Things to Come" (FC) and "Man 
Works Mjracles"< FC). Sock $8,500. 
Last week, "Extenuating Circum- 
stances" (Indie) and "End of Day" 
(Indie) (2d wk), $1,700. 

Loew State (Loew-WC) (2,404; 
50-$D— "Magic Town" (RKO) and 
"Under Tonto Rim" (RKO). Neat 
$24,000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20th) and "Second Chance" 
(20th) (4th wk). $10,400. 

Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 
50-$l )— "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) 
(2d wk). Slow $12,000. Last week, 
fair $20,000. 

Loyola (FWC) (1.248; 50-$D— 
"Magic Town" (RKO). Trim $9,000. 
Last week "Mother Wore Tights" 
(20th) (4th wk), good $5,200. 

Marcal (G&S) (900; 75-S1.20)— 
"Best Years" (RKO) (7th wk). 
About $3,000. Last week, dropped 

„.to $3.600.. _. 

Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2,210; 
50-$l>— "Long Night" (RKO) and 
"Banjo" (RKO). Okay $17,000. Last 
•week. "Bell Tolls" (Par) and 
Frenchman's Creek" (Par) (reis- 
sues), slow $11,500. 

Million Dollar (D'town) (2.122; 
55-98)— "Stepchild" (EL) with Ers- 
kine Hawkins orch, Hattic Mc- 
Daniel on stage. Smooth $23,000. 
Last week, "Singin' in Com" (Col) 



Broadway Grosses 

Estimated Total Gross' 
This Week .$S22.0Ǥ 

iBased on 22 theatres) 

Last Year S833.0M 

(Based on 18 theatres) 



'Stallion' Bright 
$14,000 in Philly 

Philadelphia, Sept. 30. 
"Wild Harvest" and "Red Stallion- 
are the lone newcomers this week, 
and the gang of holdovers are doing 
only just fair biz. Best of h.o. class 
are "Dark Passage" and "Variety 
GirL" "Red Stallion" is getting 
smart buildup publicity- wise which 
is reflecting at the gate. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aldine (WB) (1,303; 50-94)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO) (5th wk). Dip- 
ping to $11,000 after oke $13,500 last 
week. 

Arcadia (Sablosky) (700; 50-94)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d run). 
Fine $7,500. Last week, "Hucksters" 
(M-G), nice $5,800 second run. 

Boyd (WB) (2,350; 70-$125)— "Life 
With Father" (WB) (6th wk). Lusty 
$19,000 despite long stay. Last week, 
bright $23,500. 

Earle (WB) (2,760; 50-94)— "Dark 
Passage" (WB) (2d wk). Oke $24,000. 
Opener was $32,000. 

Fox (20th) (2,250;,50-94)— "Kiss of 
Death" (20th) (3d wk). Mild $14,500. 
Last week, okay $19,000. 

Goldman (Goldman) (1,300; 50-94) 
—"Variety Girl" (Par) (3d wk). 
Trim $20,000. Last week, nifty 
$24,000. 

Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-94) 
—"Desert Fury" (Par) (5th wk). 
Mild $7,500. Last week, $9,500. 
Keith's (Goldman) (1,300; 50-94V- 

"Deep Valley" (WB) (2d run). Sad 
$4,500. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20th) (2d run). Good 
$6,500. 

Mastbaum (WB) <4,360: 50-94)— 
"Down to Earth", (Col) (2d wk). 
Fair- $21,000. — Opener was fine 
$29,500. 

Fix (Cummins) (500; 50-94)— 
"Abie's Irish Rose" (UA) (2d wk). 
Fair $5,000. Opener was good $8,500. 

Stan,ley (WB) (2^50; 50-94)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par). Modest $24,- 
000. Last week, "Bachelor , and 
Bobby-Soxer" (RKO), good $15,500 
in fourth canto. 

Stanton (WB) (1,475; 50-94)— "Red 
Stallion" (EL). Neat $14,000. Last 
week, "Lured" (UA), $9,000 second 
week. 



'Father' Okay $11,500, 
Omaha; 'Stallion' 14G 

Omaha, Sept. 30. 

Brisk, cool weather is sending 
patrons back into the theatres, up- 
beat being noted over the weekend. 
"Life With Father" at $1.25 tops 
didn't look too big after three days 
at Paramount, with total not likely 
to be much ahead of last week's 
pop-scale pix. 

Estimates for This Week 

Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "When 
A Girl's Beautiful" (Col). Forte 
$7,500 or near. Last week, "Down 
to Earth" (Col) and "Desperate" 
(RKO), $8,000. 

Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16-65) 
—Red Stallion" (EL) and "I Cover 
Big Town" (Par). Strong $14,000. 
Last week, "Welcome Stranger" 
(Par) (2d wk), great $15,000. 

Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 
50-$1.25)— "Life With Father" (WB). 
Price scared 'em but picture may 
get $11,500 anyway, fancy. Last 
week, "Desert Fury" (Par), fine 
$11,500 at .16-65e scale. 

Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65)— 
Welcome Stranger" (Par) (m.o.), 
third week downtown with "Sarge 
Goes to College" (Mono). Big $9,500. 
Last week, "Mother Wore Tights" 
(20th) (m.o.) and "Second Chance" 
(20th), $10,000. 

State (Goldberg) (865; 16-65)— 
"The Hucksters" - (M-G) (3d wk). 
Great $5,000 and will hold over four 
days of fourth week. Last week, 
substantial $7,800. 



'Stranger' Betsy 
$15,080 in Indpk 

Indianapolis, Sept. 30. 
Film biz is average or a bit better 
at most firstruns here this stanza, 
but nothing is really terrific. "Wel- 
come Stranger" is grabbing the top 
gross at the Indiana. "Unfinished 
Dance" at Loew's and "Long Night" 
at Circle .are merely okay. 

Estimates for This Week 
Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 40- 
60>— "Long Night" (RKO) and 
"Seven Keys Baldpate" (RKO). Nice 
$10,000. Last week, "Life With 
Father" (WB), moderate $18,006 at 
90-$1.25 scale. 

Indiana (G-D) (3,300; 40-60) — 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par). Stsong 
$15,000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20th). Swell $16,000. 

Keith's (G-D) (1,300; 90-$1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (m.o.). 
About $6,000. Last week, "Bachelor 
and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) (m.o.), 
big $4,500, third week" ffowhf own, at 
40-60 scale. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 40-60)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) and "Ar- 
nelo Affair" (M-G). Average $11,000. 
Last week, "Down to Earth" (Col), 
$10,500. 

Lyric (G-D) (1,600; 40-60) — 
"Mother Wore lights" (20th) (m.o.). 
Dandy $6,000. Last week, "Repeat 
Performance" (EL) and "Violence" 
(Mono), about same, which not so 
good for a firstrun. 



Del Oirabs; 'Harvest' Golden $24,000, 
Slave' 26G, 'Passage' Sturdy 28G 



with Tex Williams orch on stage, 
dim $13,800. 

Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 50-$D— 
"Down To Earth" (Col) (2d wk) 
Slow $13,500. Last week, okay 
$23,500. 

Paramount (F&M) (3.398; 50-$l) 
— "Trouble With Women" (Par) and 
"Adventure Island" (Par). Dull 
$17,000. Last week, "Welcome Stran- 
ger" (Par) (4th wk) and "Danger 
Street" (Par) (3d wk), fine $13,500. 

Paramount Hollywood (F&M) 
(1,451; 50-$l)— "Trouble With Wo- 
men" (Par) and "Adventure Island" 
(Par). Light $11,000. Last week, 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (4th wk), 
big $10,400. 

BKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2.890; 50- 
80)— "Down To Earth" tCol) (2d 
wk). Down to $12,500. Last week, 
about average $22,600. 

Rita (FWC) (1,370; 50-$l )— "Black 
Narcissus" (U) (2d wk). Oke $6,000. 
Last week, good $10,400. 

Studio City (FWC) (880; 50-$D— 
"Black Narcissus" (U) (2d wk) 
Near $3,500. Last week. $5,700. 

United Artists (UA) (2.100: 50-$l) 
— "Black Narcissus*' (U) and "Bull- 
dog Drummond" (Col) (2d wk). 
About $11,000. Last week, sturdy 
$19,500. 

Uptown (FWC) (1.719: 50-$D — 
"Magic Town" (RKO) and "Under 
Tonto Rim" (RKO). Fancy $10,000. 
Last week, "Mother Wore Tights" 
(20th) and "Second Chance" (20th) 
(4th wk), only $4,600. 
....Vogue (FWC). (885: 50-$l)— "Long 
Night" (RKO) and "Banjo" (RKO). 
Neat $6,000. Last week, "Bell Tolls" 
(Par) and "Frenchman's Creek" 
(Par) (reissues), slow $3,500. 

Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; 50-$l)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) (2d wk). 
Just $6,000. Last week, okav $11,200. 

Wiltern (WB) (2.300; " 90-$D— 
"Life With Father" (WB) .3d wk). 
Hefty $20,000. Last week, fancy 
$25,700. 



Key City Grosses 



Estimated Total Gross 

This Week $3,229,006 

(Based on 25 cities,, 230 thea- 
tres, chiefly first runs, including 
N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Week- 
Last Year ......... .$3,278,000 

(Based on 22 cities, 197 theatres) 



Weather Lifts St. Loo; 
'Dance' 25G, 'Stranger' 
Hot 21G, 'Crossfire' 24G 

St. Louis, Sept. 30. 

With seasonal weather on tap, biz 
at downtown cinemas is surging up- 
wards. "The Unfinished Dance" 
looks outstanding- but "Crossfire" "al- 
so is strong. Only other fresh film, 
"Welcome Stranger," is sock. 
Estimates for This Week 

Ambassador (F&M ) (3,000; 50-75) 
— "Welcome Stranger" (Par), Hefty 
$21,000. Last week, "Life With 
Father" (WB) despite $125 top did 
sweU $24,000. 

Art (S'Renco) (115; 85)— "They 
Were Sisters" (U). Oke $650. Last 
week, "Know Where I'm Going" 
(U) (3d wk), neat $700. 

Fox (F&M) (5,000; 50-75)— "Cross- 
fire" (RKO) and "Thunder Moun- 
tain" (RKO). Stout $24,000. Last 
week, "Red Stallion" (EL) and 
"Bringing Up Father" (Mono), 
$20,000. 

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) and 
"Amelo Affair" (M-G). Sock $25,- 
000. Last week, "Cynthia" (M-G) 
and "Framed" (Col), good $20,000. 

Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-75)— 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20lh) and 
"Something In Wind" (U) (m.o.) 
(2d wk). Nice $12,000 after solid 
$18,000 first stanza. 

Orpheum 1 Loew )" (2,000 ; 50-75 )— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(m.o.) (2d wk). Nice $10,000 follow- 
ing big $14,000 initial session. 

St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-75)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) and "News 
Hounds" (Mono) (3d wk). Good 
$8,000 after swell $10,000 for second. 

World (Ind) (432; 50-65)— "Lu- 
crezia Borgia" (Indie) (4th wk) 
Trim $1,700 after $1,800 for third 
stanza. 



'Stranger' Paces 
Hub. Wham 38G 

Boston, Sept. 30. 

"Welcome Stranger" at the Metro- 
politan Is getting the big play here 
this week, with others none too 
strong. "Unfinished Dance" day-dafe 
State and. Orpheum shapes as only 
so-so. "Captive Heart" at Exeter is 
fairly strong for a class house. 
Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10)— 
"Stepchild" (EL) plusfCab Calloway 
orch, others, on stage. Good $29,000, 
but slow for band show here. Last 
week, "High Conquest" (Mono) plus 
Sammy Kaye orch, others, $30,000. 

Esquire (M-P) (700; 75-$1.25>— 
"Life With Father" (WB). Getting 
about one audience daily for mod- 
erate $4,000 in fifth week after about 
same last 

Exeter (Indie) (1,000; 45-65)— 
"Captive Heart" (U) and "Cynthia" 
(Il'-G). Good $5,000 on English film's 
draw. Last week, subsequent-run. 

Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 40-80)— 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and 
"Trespasser" (Rep). Moved here 
from Met, nice $6,500. Last week, 
"Variety Girl" (Par) and "Jungle 
Flight" (Par), $5,500. 

Memorial (RKO) (2.985; 40-80)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO). Begins today 
(Tues.), Last week. "Something in 
Wind" (U) and "Too Many Win- 
ners" (EL) (2d wk). $16,000. 

Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 40-80) 
— "Welcome Stranger" (Par). Big- 
gest thing in town at wow $36,000. 
Last week, "Mother Wore Tights" 
(20th) and "Trespasser" (Rep) (2d 
wk), $20,000. 

Modern (M-P) (890; 75-$1.25) — 
"Life With Father" (WB) (5th wk). 
Okay $6,000 after nice $7,500 last. 
- Orpheum (Loew) (3,030,-40-80) — 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) and 
"Amelo Affair" (M-G). Not too 
strong at $23,000. Last week, "Down 
to Earth" (Col) (2d wk), solid 
$21,000. 

Paramount (M-P) (1.790; 40-80)— 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and 
"Trespasser" (Rep). Here from Met, 
staunch $16,000. Last week, "Vari- 
ety Girl" (Par). and "Jungle Flight" 
(Par), $16,000. 

State (Loew) (3.583; 40-80)— "Un- 
finished Dance" •( M-G) and '"Arnelo 
Affair" (M-G). So-so $11,000. Last 
week. "Down to Earth" (Col) (2d 
wk). $9,000. 

Translux (Translux) (900; 30-74) 
— "Dark Journey" (WB) (reissue) 
and "Gas House Kids Hollywood" 
(EL). Usual $4,000. Last week, 
"Man of Conquest (Rep) and 
"Whistle Stop" (UA) (reissue), same. 



'Stranger' Wow $21,500, 
Buff.; 'Harvest' Oke 14G 

Buffalo, Sept. 30. 
Big news here this week is "Wel- 
come Stranger." terrific at the 
Lakes. "Something in Wind" and 
"Wild Harvest" are only passably 
good. 

Estimates for This Week 
Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 40-70)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) and "Yankee 
Fakir" (Rep). Passably good $14,000. 
Last week, "Arnelo Affair" (M-G) 
plus Tex Beneke orch on stage, sock 
$32,000. 

Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 40-70) 
—"Won't Believe Me" (RKO) and 
"Ghost Goes Wild" (Rep) (2d wk). 
Trim $8,000 in 5 days. Last week, 
nice $16,000. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 40-70) 
—"Welcome Stranger" (Par). Giant 
$21,500 or better. Last week, "Mother 
Wore Tights" (20th) (2d wk), $13,500. 

Hipp (Shea) (2.100; 90-$1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (2d wk) 
Down to $11,000 or near. Last week 
huge.$22,500 !- 

Lafayette "(Basil) (3.000; 40-70)— 
"Something in Wind" (U) and "Step- 
child" (U). Good $15,000. Last 
week. "Red Stallion" (EL) and "Lost 
Honeymoon" (EL) (2d wk), $7 200 
in 4 days. 

Teck (Shea) (1,400: 40-70)— 
'Mother Wore Tights" (20th) (m.o.) 
Fancy $4,500 for third week down- 
town. Last week, "Deep Valley" 
(WB) and "Jungle Flight" (Par) 
(m.o..), $3,500. 



"Slave Girl" aTtt S f& 3 ° nd 
"Dark Passage", at the Michigan are 
sharing tall coin laurels this week 
but only "Passage" is strong. "Wild 
Harvest" shapes as sock at the 
smaller Broadway-Capitol 

Estimates for This Week 

Downtown (Balaban) (2,683- 70- 
95)— "Scared to Death" (Rep)' and 
"Murder in. Reverse" (20th) Size, 
able $10,000. Last week, "Green 
Was My Valley" (20th) and "Swamp 
Water" (UA), (reissues), same 

Broadway - Capitol (United De- 
troit) (3,309; 70-95)— "Wild Harvest" 
(Par) and "Jungle Flight" (Par) 
Socko ($24,000. Last week, "Song 
Thin Man" (M-G) and "Under Tonto 
Rim" (Par), okay $16,000. 

Adams (Balaban) (1,740; 70-95)_ 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(3d wk). Oke $9,000. Last week, 
fine $12,000. * 

Cinema (Marten) (250; 60-90)— 
"Well-Digger's Daughter" (Indie). 
Strong $2,500. Last week, $2,900 

Madison (UD) (1,866; 50-60)— 
"Unfaithfur (WB) and -"Vigilantes 
Return" (Rep). Usual $2,400 in 3 
days. Last week, "Living in Big 
Way" (M-G) and "The Web" iU), 
over average $2,600 in 3 days. 

Michigan (UD) (4,039; 70-95)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Keeper 
of Bees". (Col). Swank $28,000. 
Last week, "Something in Wind* 
(U) and "The Trespasser" (Rep), 
passable $20,000. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,100: 70- 
95)— "Slave Girl" (U) and "Bulldog 
Drummond Bay" (Col). Neat $26,- 
000. Last week, "Brute Force" (U) 
and "The MiUerson Case" (Col) (2d 
wk), big $26,000. 

Palms-State (UD) (2,976; 70-95)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) (2d wk). 
Tall $15,000. Last week, great 
$21,000. 

United Artists (UD) (1,951: Sl- 
$1.25)— "Life With Father" (WB) 
(3d wk). Off to strong $19,000. Last 
week, lofty $27,000. 

K.C. Picks Up; 'Singapore' 
Lush at $20,000, 'Father' 
Oke 13G, 'Wolf Fat 15G 

Kansas City, Sept. 30. 

There's a bang-up list of films on 
the main stem and grosses are keep- 
ing pace. Flock of holdovers in pros- 
pect reflects the upbeat. "Life With 
Father" at the Orpheum is third 
extra-fare film in town within six 
months, but high scale will mean 
strong biz but nothing extra. "Singa- 
pore" in the Tower-Uptown-Fairway 
combo is-nifty. -'Down. To- -Ear4h--at 
Midland is okay. 

Estimates for This Week 

Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 
65)— "Moss Rose" (20th) and "Crim- 
son Key" (20th). Fairly good $5,500. 
Last week, "Red Stallion" (EL) and 
"North of Border" (SG), $4,500. 

Kino (Dickinson) (550; 65) — 
Children of Paradise" (Indie) (2d 
wk). Not too bad at $1,500. Last 
week, moderately good $2,500. 

Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65)— 
'Down To Earth" (Col) and "Son of 
Rusty" (Col). Okay $15,000. Last 
week, "Gone With Wind" (M-G) (2d 
wk) (reissue) big $17,000. 

Orpheum (RKO) (1,900; 90-$1.25) 

"Life With Father" (WB). First 
extra-fare film to hit house this year. 
Traffic is comparatively light, but at 
these prices, $13,000 is a couple of 
jumps above average. Holds. Last 
week, "Crossfire" (RKO) (2d wk) at 
regular prices did modest $8,500, but 
not so slow for second frame. 

Paramount (Par) __U,900; 45-65)— 
•Cry Wolf" (WB). Trim $15,000. and 
possible holdover. Last week, "Pos- 
sessed" (WB), modest $16,000, in 9 
days. " 

Southtown (Illmer) (950; 65) — 
Currently on second-runs. Last 
week, "Dream of Butterfly" (Indie) 
and "One Romantic Night" (Indie), 
fair $2,000. „ 

Tower-Uptown-Fairway (Fox Mid- 
west) (2,100 2,043, 700; 45-65)— 
"Singapore". (U). Actual leader for 
week at $20,000; will stay a second 
week or move to Esquire. Last week, 
"Something in Wind" (U), so-so 
$13,000. 



'TIGHTS' LUSTY 19|G, 
CLEVE.; 'PASSAGE' 27G 

Cleveland. Sept. 30. 

Heftiest boxoffice items are "Dark 
Passage" at Hipp and "Gone With 
Wind" at Stale, both of which are 
being boosted by cooler weather. 
"Mother Wore Tights" at Allen is 
strong enough to take theplay-awny 
from Palace's combo of Ted Weems 
band and "Last of Redmen." 

Estimates for This Week 

Allen (RKO) (3,000; 55-70)— 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th). Lots 
of gold in those tights, big $19,500, 
and holds. Last week, "Long Night 
(RKO), extra-smart $14,500. 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 55-70)- 
"Dark Passage" (WB). Robust $27,- 
000. but under normal tnke for 
(Continued on page 18) 



Wednesday, October I, 1947 



PICTURE C»«S§E§ 



9 



New Pix Cheer Chi; B. Kay, Joe Howard 
Up lured' $60,000, 'Kiss' Torrid 17G, 
'Wind' Fast 23G, 'Dance Strong 20G 



Chicago, Sept. 30. ♦ 

Newcomers are, boosting film 
crosses this week with lour films 
bowing in. Tops is "Lured" at the 
Oriental, with Beatrice Kay and 
joe E- Howard getting much of the 
credit tor nifty $60,000. "Kiss of 
Death," at Garrick, should do a 
sharp $17,000. Deanna Durbin's new 
one "Something in the Wind," looks 
like a fast $23,000 at the Palace. 
"Unfinished Dance" ■ at United 
Artists, shapes excellent $20,000. 

In holdover list, "Secret Life of 
Walter Mitty" in ninth week at 
Woods, is husky $20,000. At the Chi- 
cago. "Mother Wore Tights" plus 
Virginia O'Brien heading stageshow 
still is solid at $40,000 in fourth 
frame, "Life With Father" at $1.25 
too at the State-Lake is off a bit 
at $20,000 for current (6th) week. 
Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 95)— "Wel- 
come Stranger" (Par) (9th wk). 
Moderate $12,000. Last week, $15,000. 

Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 95)- 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) with 
Virginia O'Brien on stage (4th wk). 
Fancy $40,000. Last week, big $45,000. 

Garrick (B&K) (900; 95)— "Kiss 
of Death" (20th). Neat $17,000. Last 
■week. "Romance of Rosy Ridge" 
(M-G) (2d wk), minor $10,000, be- 
low hopes. 

Grand (RKO) (1,500; 95)— "Bache- 
lor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) (5th 
•wk). Solid $13,000. Last week, $13,- 
800. 

Oriental (Essaness) (3,400; 95)— 
"Lured" (UA) with Beatrice Kay 
and Joe E. Howard on stage. Boff 
$60,000. Last week, "Northwest Out- 
post" (Rep) and Freridv Martin orch 
<on stage, lively $51,000. 

Palace (RKO (2,500; 95)— "Some- 
thing in Wind" (U). Pert $23,000. 
Last week, "Crossfire" (RKO) (4th 
wk). neat $15,000. 

Eialto (Indie) (1,700; 95)— "The 
Outlaw" (UA) (14th wk). Prime 
$12,000. Last week, $12,500. 

Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 95)— 
"Cry Wolf (WB) (4th wk). Firm 
$13,000. Last week, nice $16,000. 

State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; $1.25)— 
"Lite With Father" (WB) (6th wk). 
Okay $20,000. Last -week, solid $24,- 
000. 

United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 95)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G). Excel- 
lent $20,000. Last week, "Down To 
Earth" (Col) (4th wk), okay $15,000. 

Woods (Essaness) (1,073: 95)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (9th wk). 
Slick $20,000. Last week, $23,000. 

World (Indie) (587; 75)— "Happy 
Breed" (U) (6th wk). Trim $3,000. 
Last week, $3,200. 

'Stranger,' Seattle Ace, 
RecordH^'Slave'llG 

Seattle, Sept. 30. 
Standout this stanza is "Welcome 
Stranger" at the Liberty. Only other 
newcomer to draw much attention is 
"Slave Girl," at Paramount. Town is 
loaded with holdovers. 

Estimates for This Week 
Blue Mouse (H-E) (800; 45-80)— 
"Marked Woman" (WB) and "Dust 
My Destiny" (WB) (reissue) (m.o.). 
Okay $4,000. Last week, "Ivy" (U) 
(2d wk), slow $2,800 in 5 days. 

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80) 
-7'Song of Thin Man" (M-G) and 
Yankee Fakir" (Rep). Good $9,000. 
Last week, "Happened on Fifth Ave." 
(Mono) and "Thunderbolt" (Mono), 
big $12,000. 
Liberty (J&vH) (1,650; 45-80, 
Welcome Stranger" (Par). Colossal 
It?' new rec °i'd here. Last week, 
Dear Ruth" (Par) and "Corpse 
C.O.D." (Col), good $8,300. 
u Music Box (H-E) (850; 45-80)— 
Fifth Avenue" (Mono) and "Thun- 
derbolt" (Mono) (m.o.). Oke $4,500. 
Last week, fourth of "Mother Wore 
Tights" (2Qlh), fine $4,800. 

Music Hall (H-E) (2.200; 45-80)— 
Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
'3d wk). Neat $7,000 after swell $11,- 
500 last week. 
Orpheum (H-E) (2,600; 45-80)— 
Long Night" (RKO) and "Hard- 
Boiled Mahoney" (Mono). Trim $9,- 
U00. Last week, "Marked Woman" 
(WB) and "Dust My Destiny" (WB) 
(reissues), nice $10,800. 
Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 45-80)— 
That's My Man" (Rep) and "Spoil- 
. g r s of North" (Rep). Nice $5,000 in 
"days. Last week, "Northwest Ouf- 
P°st ' (Rep) and "Pilgrim Lady" 
<Rep). mild $5,800. 

. Paramount (H-E) (3,039; 45-80)— 
• Slave Girl" (U> and "Time Out of 
Mind" (U), Big $11,000. Last week, 
Bru.te Force" (U) (2d wk), fair $7,- 

Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 45-80)— 
Fun on Weekend" (UA) and "Kil- 

roy Was Here" (M-G). Good $4,000. 

Last week. "Other Love" (UA) and 
Hit Parade" (Rep) (3d wk), nice 

$>>,60Q, 



Grosses Are Net 

Film gross estimates, as re- 
ported herewith from the vari- 
ous key cities, are net, i.e., with- 
out the 20% tax. Distributors 
share on net take, when playing 
percentage, hence the estimated 
figures are net income. 

The parenthetic admission 
prices, however, as indir^rd. in- 
clude the VS. amusement tax 



'Passage' Bright 
: $18,000 in Prov. 

Providence, Sept. 30. 

City is full of holdovers currently. 
Tops is "Dark Passage" which is 
sturdy at the Majestic, with biz on 
slow side in most spots. "Unfinished 
Dance" looks moderate at the State. 
Estimates for This Week. 

Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— 
'JSlave Girl" (U) and "The Web" 
(U) (2d wk). Good $12,000. First 
session was nifty $17,000. 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-65) 
— "Brute Force" (U) and "Sport of 
Kings" (Col) (2d run). Good $6,000. 
Last week, "Life With Father" (WB) 
(2d run) at $1.25 top, neat $9,000. 

Fay's (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— "Fol- 
low Fleet" (M-G) (reissue) and 
vaude on stage. Not too active 
$6,000. Last week, "Couldn't Take 
(Continued on page 18) 

Minn.-Wash. Grid Game 
Ups Mpk; 'Father' Big 
$19,000, 'Singapore' 13G 

Minneapolis, Sept. 30. 

Weekend trade was stimulated by 
out-of-towners who helped to swell 
the Minnesota-Washington football 
crowd to 55,000, and most offerings 
were off to a good start. Holdovers 
are much in evidence, but the major 
newcomers include the roadshow 
"Life With Father" to usher in the 
Minnesota Amus. company's (Para- 
mount) third annual Fall' Happi- 
ness Season. It has none too vigor- 
ous opposition from "Red Stallion" 
but "Singapore" looks fairly stout. 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" is in 
its fifth downtown week, "Wild 
Harvest" in its third and "Dear 
Ruth" and "Crossfire" are in their 
second. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aster (Par) (900; 30-44 ^"Crim- 
son Key" (20th) and "Killers All" 
(Indie) (reissue). Good $2,400 in 5 
days. Last week, "Desperate" (RKO) 
and "Shoot to Kill" (SG) split with 
"Buffalo Bill Rides Again" (SG) and 
"Windjammer" (Indie) (reissue), 
okay $2,800 in 8 days. 

Century (Par) (1,600; 90-$1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB). Roadshow 
engagement off to a flying start with 
terrific $19,000 sighted. Last week. 
"Odd Man Out" (U), disappointing 
$6,000. 

. Gopher (Par) (1,000; 44)— "Ad- 
venture Island" (Par). Okay $3,500. 
Last week, "Vigilantes Return" (U), 
$3,200. 

Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70)— ' Wild 
Harvest" (Par) (m.o.). Here after 
prosperous State fortnight. Still 
virile at $5,000. Last week, "Who's 
Kissing Her" (20th) (3d wk), good 
$6,000. 

Pix ( C o r w i n ) (300; 50-70)— 
"Things to Come" (FC) and ''Man 
WhoJMade Miracles" (FC) (reissues). 
Good $2,000. Last week, "Rains 
Came" (20th) and "Purple Heart" 
(20th) (reissues). $2,200. 

Radio City (Par) (4,400; 50-70)— 
"Dear Ruth" (Par) (2d wk). Still 
going skyward being big $14,000 
after huge $21,000 initial canto. 

RKO Orpheum (RKO) 2.800; 50- 
70)— "Singapore" (U), sturdy $13,000 
or over. Last week, "Crossfire" 
(RKO), big $14,000. 

RKO-Pan (RKO) (1.600; 50-70)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO) (m.o.). Lively 
$8 000. Last week. "Bachelor and 
Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) (4th wk), fine 
$8,500. , 

State «*ar) (2.300; 50-70- --"Red 
Stallion" (EL). May suffer at box- 
off ie'e* "from lack of nanies. but is 
well liked. Nice $11,000 looms. Last 
week, "Wild Harvest" (Par) (2d 
wk). $7,000. 

Uptown (Par) (1.000; 50-55)— 
"Possessed" (WB). First nabe run. 
Good $4,500. Last week, "The 
Hucksters" (M-G), big $5,500. 

World (Mann) (350; 50-99) — 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(m.o.). Third loop stand and fif'.h 
week downtown. Looks trim $3,000. 
Last week, "Green for Danger" 
(EL) (2d wk), fair $2,500. 



'Singapore' 15G, Wash.; 
'Verdoux' 36G, 5 Spots [ 

Washington, Sept. 30. ! 

"Monsieur Verdoux," opening in 
five theatres, day-date, looks to get 
sturdy $36,000 or best coin in town. 
Chaplin film is playing four nabes 
and a small midtown house, with 
total of around 5,000 seats or better 
than Capitol where picture original- 
ly was expected this week. Nice 
biz was built up by excellent press , 
reviews and highpowered adver- j 
Using and promotion. "Unfinished 
Dance" with vaude looks next best 
at the Capitol while "Singapore" is 
strong at Keith's. 

Estimates for This Week 

Capitol (Loew's) (2,434; 44-801— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G> plus 
vaude. Good $26,000. Last week, 
"Repeat Performance" (EL) plus 
Vaughn Monroe orch on stage, wow 
$37,000. 

Columbia (Loew's) (1,263; 44-70)— 
"Mother Wore Tights'' (20th) (2d 
run). Oke $7,000. Last week, "Kiss 
o£ Death" (20th) (2d run), $7,500. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,838; 44-80)— 
"Singapore" (U). Nice $15,000 or 
better." Last week, "Something In 
Wind" (U), $11,000. 
Metropolitan (WB) (1,153; 44-70) 
"Bad Men of Missouri" (WB) (re- 
issue). Second reissued Western in 
a row still has customers coming in, 
hefty $12,000. Last week, "Each 
Da ra I Die" (WB) (reissue), better 
than hoped at solid $11,500. 

Palace (Loew's) (2,370; 44-74)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (2d wk). Thin 
$11,000 after nice $20,000 opener. 

Warner (WB) (2,154; 90-S1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (3d wk). 
Slipped to a fair $18,000 for third 
and final stanza. Last week, $25,000. 



New Pix Boost ffway; 'Foxes'-Berle 
Smash $140,000, Tim' Fancy $40,000, 
Tury'-Arnaz 82G, 'Desire'-Krupa 74G 



'Foxes' Lofty 17G, 
Balto Standout 



Baltimore, Sept. 30. 

Big news here currently is "Life 
With Father" at the big Stanley and 
Mel Torme, Three Stooges and Bon- 
nie Baker with "When a Girl's Beau- 
tiful" at Hippodrome. "Foxes of 
Harrow" is great at the compara- 
tively small New. 

Estimates for This Week 

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 
60)— "Carnegie Hall" (UA). Pleas- 
ing $13,000. Last week, "Lured" 
(UA), $10,800. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 
20-70)— "When a Girl's Beautiful" 
(Col) plus vaude headed by Mel 
Torme, Three Stooges and Bonnie 
Baker. Stagebill helping to strong 
$17,000. Last week, "Last of Red- 
men" (Col) plus Dr. Neft"s Mad- 
house of Mystery okay $14,000. . 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 
60)— "Slave Girl" (U). Opening tor 
day (Tues.) after - second week of 
"Desert Fury" (Par) held all right 
at $9,500. First was nice $13,000. 

Mavfair (Hicks) (980; 25-55)— 
"Born to Kill" (RKO). Average $6,- 
000 after "Red Stallion" (EL) held 
very well on a second week at $6,200. 

New (Mechanic) (1,800; 20-60)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Smash 
$17,000, with big weekend trade help- 
ing. Last week, second of "Kiss of 
Death" (20th), good $9,700. 

Stanley (WB) (3,280; 50-$1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB). Upped 
scale helping towards great $36,000. 
Last week, third of "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par) was very steady at 
$11,600. 

Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 35-65)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO) (3d wk). Going 
well at $12,000 after fine $16,800 last 
week. 



'Crossfire' Torrid 16iG, 
Cincy; love' Mild 14G 

Cincinnati, Sept. 30. 

Film biz is holding up favorably 
in face of increasing opposition 
from night football by Cincy's two 
universities and numerous high 
schools. "Crossfire" is leading the 
city with "Other Love" getting sec- 
ond coin. "Something in Wind" is 
okay in smallseater. Strongest hold- 
over is "Welcome Stranger." 
Estimates for Th's Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,100; 50-75)— 
"Other Love" (UA). Moderate $14,- 
000. Last week, "Welcome Stranger" 
(Par), sock $25,000. 

Capiiol (RKO) (2,000; 50-75)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (m.o.). 
Solid $13,000. Last week. "Song 
Thin Man" (M-G), all right $8,500. 

Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-75)— "Ad- 
venturess" (EL). Fairish $6,000. 
Last week. "Gone With Wind" 
(M-G) (reissue) (3d wk), good 
$7,500. 

Keith's (CI) 01,542: 50-75)— 
"Something In Wind" (U). Favor- 
able $7,000. Same last week for 
j "Red Sjallion" (EL) for second 

Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 50-75)— 
"Mark of Zorro" (20th) and "Drums 
Along Mohawk" (20th) (reissues). 
Firm $8,000. Last week, '(Singapore" 
(U) (m.o.), okay $5,000. 
•Palace (RKO), 2,600: 50-75)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO). Hotsy $16,500. 
Last week. "Long Night" (RKO). 
favorable $13,500. 

Shubert (RKO) (2,100: 50-75) — 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) (m.o.) 
(2d wk). Fine $5,000. Last week, 
$7,000. 



With four new important bills tee- 
ing off during the past week and 
arrival of fall weather, Broadway 
first run business is in high this 
week. This strong showing is being 
made despite the launching of the 
subway World Series yesterday 
(Tues.), between the Yankees and 
Dodgers, and the dubious strength 
of some new product and stage lay- 
outs. Managers of N. Y. deluxers 
were watching closely to see if tele- 
vising the world series would cut 
into the boxoffice, Broadway man- 
agers not looking for any effect one 
way or the other. 

Leading the procession currently 
is the Roxy's strong combo of "Foxes 
of Harrow" and Milton Berle on the 
stage, with smash $140,000 likely for 
initial week. No question but that 
Berle' s draw is giving the film a 
big assist but film version of this 
bestseller also is credited with its 
share. 

Biggest straight film is "Fun and 
Fancy Free," which is giving the 
Globe a sock $40,000. best at this 
house in weeks. Helped by good 
reviews, new Walt Disney got off to 
a flying start with plenty of juve- 
niles for Saturday and Sunday 
shows. Paramount is merely good 
at $82,000 with "Desert Fury" and 
Desi Arnaz band with Marion Hut- 
ton heading stagebill. Film, which 
has been no great shakes over the 
country, was liberally panned by 
crix. 

"Desire Me," another film taken 
over the bumps by reviewers, plus 
Gene Krupa band and Rose Marie 
topping stage layout, will give Capi- 
tol a nice $74,000, albeit not smash. 

While "Down to Earth" sagged 
badly to $115,000 In its third week at 
the Music Hall, being $20,000 off 
from second frame, it is doing well 
enough to warrant a. fourth stanza. 
"Life With Father" still is big at 
$33,000 in seventh session at the 
Warner while "Walter Mitty" looks 
to hit $36,000, also in seventh, at the 
Astor. Both are in ,for long runs. 
"Gone with Wind" continues strongly 
with $30,000 in this, its fifth week, at 
the Criterion but ."Green Dolphin 
Street" already is being advertised 
to follow it in. 

"Black Narcissus" ended its run 
abruptly . after five days of the 
seventh week at the Fulton because 
a legit show is due to open there 
tonight (Wed.). The $11,000 it did 
in final five days indicated the Brit- 
ish-made could have continued at 
"this house except for the stage book- 
ing. :. 

Strand is bringing in 'The Unsus- 
pected" next Friday (3) after four 
excellent weeks with "Dark Pas- 
sage" plus Victor Lombardo band 
heading stageshow. It is finishing 
the fourth frame at nice- $42,000. 
"Singapore" stays a third or possibly 
longer at Winter Garden, being trim 
$20,000 in second stanza ended last 
Monday (29) night. "Ride the Pink 
Horse" is due in next but no definite 
opening date has been set. 

Palace brings in* "Magic Town" 
next Tuesday (7) after three fairly 
good weeks with "Long Night." 
Latter was off sharply in second 
week at $18,000, but is continuing 
into third round. 

Victoria is trying its luck with re- 
issues again, bringing in "Spirit of 
West Point" tomorrow (Thurs.) after 
six sturdy weeks with "Lured," this 
picture making the best showing at 
this house of any dates so far over 
the U.~S. "Crossfire" winds its long 
run at the Rivoli next week with 
"Unconquered" opening on Oct. 9. 
Former ended its 10th week with 
$23,000, nice money for this stage 
of run. 

Estimates for This Week 

Astor (City Inv.) (1.300; 80-$1.80) 
—"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (7th wk). 
Starting to taper off at $36,000, but 
still highly profitable this week after 
$38,000 last. Continues. 
. Broadway (US) (1.895; 70-$1.50)— 
"Outlaw" (UA) (3d wk), Jane Rus- 
sell name still enough to draw plenty 
at this out-of-way spot but off con- 
siderably from initial weeks. Looks 
big $45,000 after great $60,000 for 
second. Stays on. 

Capitol (Loew s) (4,820; 70-$1.50)— 
"Desire Me" (M-G) with Gene Krupa 
orch, Rose Marie, Buddy Hughes, 
Cardini heading stagebill. Despite 
numerous crix pans on picture, stage 
array helping to nice $74,000 or un- 
der. Holds. Last week, "Rosy Ridge" 
(M-G) with George Price, Luba Ma- 
lina. Enric Madriguera orch (2d wk), 
thin $45,000. 

Criterion. (Loewi) (I,70i0; 60-$1.25) 
— "Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(5th wk). Continues strongly with 
sturdy $30,000 likely this stanza after 
big $35,000 fourth. Continues with 
"Green Dolphin Street" (M-G) al- 
ready advertised as being next pic- 
ture in here. 

Fulton (Citv Inv.) (785; 80-$1.80)— 
"Black Narcissus" (U) (7th wk-5 
days). Down to $11,000 in abbrevi- 
ated session after fancy $13,000 for 
sixth. Had to close last Sunday (28), 
although jStill in coin, because legit 



show was booked to open today 
(Wed.). 

Globe (Brandt) (1.500; 70-$1.20)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO). For first 
week ending next Friday (3), new 
Walt Disney cartoon feature is soar- 
ing to sock $40,000 or near, best 
here in months. Helped by nice crix 
appraisal. Last week, fifth for 
"Roosevelt Story" (Indie) was down 
to $15,000. 

Gotham (Brandt) (900; 70-$1.40)-~ 
"Each Dawn I Die" (WB) and "Bad 
Men of Missouri" (WB) (reissues) 
(2d wk). Slipped down to around 
$11,000 in current session after fancy 
$17,500 opener. Stays third round. 

Little Carnegie (Indio) (460; 95- 
$1.20 — "Tawny Pipit" (U) (4th 
wk). Okay $7,500 In .sight for cur- 
rent round a'ter neat $8,000 for 
third week. Stays on. 

Mayfair (Brandt) (1.736; 70-$1.50) 
—"Kiss of Death" (20th) (6th wk). 
On 5th week ended last (Tues.) 
night this held to okay $18,000 or 
close after solid $23,000 in previous 
stanza. "Nightmare Alley" (20th) 
due soon. 

Palace (RKO) (1.700; 60-$1.20)— 
"Long Night" (RKO) (3d-final wk). 
For second frame concluded last 
Monday (29) night, this was off 
sharply from initial week, with good 
$18,000; first hit fine $24,700. "Magic 
Town" (RKO) comes in next Tues- 
day (7). 

Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$1.50)— 
"Desart Fury" (Par) plus Desi Arnaz 
orch. Marion Hutton heading stage- 
show (2d wk). First week ended 
last (Tues.) night hit a good $82,000 
but not up in big brackets of recent 
layouts here. Mild crix opinions 
were not help. In ahead, "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par) and .Carmen Caval- 
laro orch topping stagebill (7th wk), 
big $64,000. 

Park Avenue (U) (583; $1.20-$2.40) 
—"Frieda" (U) (7th-final wk). Down 
to $7,000 after good $7,500 for sixth 
round. 

Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- 
fellers) (5,945; 70-$2.40)— "Down To 
Earth" (Col) and stageshow (3d wk). 
Slid down some from second frame 
but still okay at $115,000 after good 
$135,000 for second week. Stays 
4th round with "Song of Love" 
(M-G) opening on Oct. 9. 

Rialto (Mayer) (594; 35-85)— 
"Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome" 
(RKO). For week ending tomorrow 
(Thurs.) looks to do only fairish 
$6,500. In ahead, "Second Chance" 
(20th), $6,100. "Blonde Savage" (EL) 
opens next Friday (3). 

Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60-$U5) 
—"Crossfire" (RKO) (11th wk). 
Continues fairly . well but off this 
frame (10th) from recent pace at 
$23,000; 9th week was stout $27,000. 
"Unconquered" (Par) tees off on 
Oct. 9. 

Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.50). 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) with 
Milton Berle heading stageshow (2d 
wk). Soaring to great $140,000 in 
first week ended last (Tues.) night, 
with film getting big boost from 
Berle. Opening day set new house 
high beating "Razor's Edge" (20th) 
by about $1,500. Doing five shows 
daily. In ahead, sixth week "Mother 
Wore Tights" (20th), Jack Haley, 
Ella Logan. Harmonieats, others, on 
stage, fine $70,000. 

State (Loews) (3,450; 43-$1.10)— 
"Other Love" (UA) (2d run) with 
Lew Parker headlining vaude. Stout 
$31,000. Last week, "Cynthia" (M-G) 
(1st run) plus John Calvert, Paul 
Regan topping vaude. $29,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,756; 75-$1.50)= 

"Dark Passage" (WB) with Victor 
Lombardo orchv others, on stage 
(4th-final wk), Good $42,000 after 
sparkling $49,000 for third. "Unsus- 
pected" (WB) with Joey Adams, 
Tony Canzoneri, Blue Barron orch, 
open next Friday (3). 

Sutton (Rugoft-Becker) (561; 70- 
$1.25)— "Know Where I'm Going" 
(U) (7th wk). In 6th week ended 
last Monday (29) hit $10,000 still 
nice for this bandbox house after 
big $11,000 for 5th. Stays on. 

Victoria. (City Inv) (720; 70-$1.20) 
— "Lured" (UA) (6th-tinal wk). 
Down to $9,500 okay for blowoff 
round, which is being extended to 
8 days, to open "Spirit of West 
Point" (FC) tomorrow (Thurs.); 5th 
was $11,000. 

Warner (WB) (1,499; 90-$1.50) — 
"Life With Father" (WB) (7th wk). 
Still big at $33,000 after hefty $37,000 
for 6th session. Stays on indef. 

Winter Garden (UA) (1.312; 60- 
$1.20)— "Singapore" -(U) (3d wk). 
Holding fairly well at $20,000 for 
second week ended last Monday (29) 
night; first was hotsy $32,000. "Ride 
the Pink Horse". (U) is set to open 
here next. 



Rep.'s 15-Pic Backlog 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Republic has piled up a backlog 
of 15 films with the completion of 
"The Main Street Kid" and "End of 
the Rainbow." 

List includes the largest number 
of completed high-budgeters in the 
studio's history 



1® 



.Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



When Dietrich brings out the gypsy in 

II 1 * 




illand, it's really • 



says Boxoffice* 



RAY MILL7IND MARLENE DIETRICH 




tThe song's as 
sultry as the 
picture 



launching Paramount's paramount season: 

"Unconquered" in Technicolor— "Wild Harvest" 
"Golden Earrings"— "Adventure Island" in Cinecolof 



Murvyn Vye • Bruce Lester 
Reinhold Schunzel 

Dennis Hoey 
Quentin Reynolds 
A MITCHELL 



IEISEN 



PRODUCTION 

Directed by MITCHELL LEISEN 
Produced by Harry Tugend 

Screen Play by Abraham Polonsky. 
Frank Builer and Heicn Deutsch 
From the novel by Yolanda Foldcs 



w/j.Wstby, October 1, 1947 



ETY 



PRB-PROB9J€TSOrV 



20% of 300 N Y. City Theatres Play 
Reissues; Includes Chain Houses 



Emphasizing the growth in impor--- 
lance to the film industry of re- 
Lues a survey of theatres in the 
brpater New York area reveals that 
ft, all-time high of 20%, or 60 of the 
800 scanned, are now playing oldies. 
Figure does not include subsequent 
run' engagements of new pictures, 
but only films that were released 
originally five or more years ago. 

Number of reissues currently 
playing in Manhattan theatres is 
somewhat smaller, representing only 
17% of the 99 houses in Gotham. 
Reason is that 36 of Manhattan's 99 
filmeries are in the Times Square 
area, with most of these representing 
deluxe Broadway showcasers for the 
majors' first run product. With ex- 
ception of the Brandts' Gotham, 
which has recently been playing re- 
issues exclusively, the only oldies to 
hit any of the first run houses are 
like Metro's "Gone With the Wind," 
Which has been given new feature 
treatment. 

Record number of reissues repre- 
sents something of a paradox to the 
industry. Unlike this time last year, 
when exhibitors were .forced into 
playing reissues by a shortage, of 
first run product, the shorter play- 
ing time racked up by new product 
in first run situations has opened it 
up much more rapidly- to the sub- 
sequents. It's believed, however, that 
exhibs figure they can make money 
on reissues. Many of them draw as 
well or better than many new films 
and, in addition, they can be had 
for much lower rentals. With the 
exception of such oldies as "GWTW," 
in fact, most reissues are sold on a 
flat rental basis. 

Indicating that the majors them- 
selves are not averse to playing re- 
Issues in their affiliated houses, the 
metropolitan RKO circuit is current- 
ly screening "Swamp Water" and 
"Prisoner of Shark Island" in most 
of its theatres. "Prisoner" was re- 
leased by 20th in 1936 and "Swamp" 
was distributed by the same com- 
pany in 1941. Majority of the reis- 
sues now playing in greater N. Y., 
, in fact, are 20th films, including 
among others "Alexander's Ragtime 
Band," 'Mark of Zorro," "Drums 
Along the Mohawk" and "Down Ar- 
gentine Way." 

N.Y. B00THMMAINS' 
5TH M0. OF STALEMATE 

With strike talk growing in vol- 
time, negotiations between projec- 
tionists local 306 and circuit chiefs of 
Paramount, Loew's, Warner Bros, 
and RKO headed into their fifth 
month of stalemate this week with 
both sides claiming only "slow 
progress." Herman Gelber, Local 
306 prez, made the walkout threat in 
a blast against the circuits after the 
failure of last week's session failed 
to produce any results. Likelihood 
pt an immediate walkout is remote, 
however, since the exec board of the 
International Alliance of Theatrical 
Stage Employees must first put then- 
approval stamp on such an action. 

Both Richard F. Walsh, IA prez, 
and James J. Brennan, IA vice- 
prexy, are reportedly pressing for 
early settlement on compromise 
.terms. Among Local 306 demands 
which are meeting the stiffest re- 
sistance from the circuits are its bid 
for a 34"/, wage hike and 5% welfare 
fund. Boothmen have indicated 
willingness to compromise on the 
wage increase, but are holding out 
for the welfare fund. 



Indie Cleric Biopic 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 
New indie film production com- 
pany, Bonnell Productions, Inc., was 
formed here by Lee Bonnell, his 
wife, actress Gale Storm, and Frank 
Tashlin, to produce a feature based 
on the life o£ the Rev. W. H. Alex- 
ander, a clergyman of Oklahoma 
City. 

Picture will explain the trials and 
triumphs of a Protestant minister in 
his efforts to curb juvenile delin- 
quency. 



Martins Rank 'Holiday' 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 
. Tony Martin will go to England 
next summer to star in "Summer 
Holiday," a tunefilm to be produced 
by Sidney Box for J. Arthur Rank. 

Player was- signed during the re- 
cent visit of Box to Hollywood. 



U,S. Okays 9, Nixes 
45 New Theatres 



Washington, Sept. 30. 

Federal Housing Expeditor, for 
the week ending Sept. 19. approved 
a total of nine theatre projects cost- 
ing $243,000. Government bureau at 
the same time turned down 45 
other theatre projects amounting to 
$2,355,089. 

Since July 1, when all building 
controls were taken off except for 
amusement construction, 174 projects 
have been approved at $5,689,803 
against a rejection of 429 projects at 
$19,853;837. 



B-J Open Iowa House 

Kansas City, Sept. 30. 

B-J Enterprises opened its new- 
Page Theatre in Shenandoah, la., 
Aug. 30. Owners are A. F. Baker. 
George Baker and Finton H. Jones. 
Bakers operate theatres at Ellis, 
Oakley and McPherson, Kans. Jones 
has an interest in the Midway, Kan- 
sas City, Kans., subsequent run. 

Tri-State Drive-In Theatres. Inc., 
a new firm, will build at least two 
more drive-in theatres in the 
greater Kansas City area, for opera- 
tion next summer. 

One will be in N. Kansas City, 
actually not a part of the city as 
yet (annexation is pending), another 
in southern Kansas City, and possi- 
bly a third in northern Johnson 
County, Kan., or southern Wyan- 
dotte County (to serve Kansas City, 
Kans.). 

... Elmer. Rhoden,- Jr., is-prez-of Tri- 
State and Byron Spencer is secretary 
and counsel. 



So. Calif. Exhih Finds Reissues Pay 
Off Better Than Milked New Films 



Build New Drive-In Near Akron 

Akron, Sept. 30. 
New drive-in theatre will be built 
west of Montrose, O., near Akron, 
by a firm headed by Lawrence A. 
Tyrrell, owner of the Royal theatre, 
Akron. Incorporation of the new 
firm, Montrose Drive-In Theatre, 
Inc.. are Fred G. Gain, Betty Kline, 
and Ben W. Holub. 



Majors' Foreign 
16m Biz Spurts 

Majors' foreign 16m program, al- 
most lost sight of by the trade in 
consternation over the British tax. 
is rolling ahead at the end of its 
second year of operations, with some 
companies reporting grosses ahead 
of original expectations. While re- 
mittances on narrow-gauge earnings 
are restricted exactly , the same as' 
those accruing from 35m films, dis- 
tribution of 16m product has opened 
entirely new markets for the U. S. 
industry, .which .should pay off 
handsomely when and if foreign 
economic conditions arc ever settled. 

Despite the steady progress of the 
16m branch of the industry, how- 
ever. 16m. chiefs are quick to em- 
phasize that it can- never be more 
than a "peanut business" compared 
to 35m earnings. Since it's impos- 
sible for narrow-gauge films ever to 
play in key city first runs, their 
unit rentals must be considered 
about the same as another subse- 
quent run for each film. While 16m 
biz is. good, consequently, it cannot 
possibly compensate for the loss of 
the British market. Gross from 16m 
pix in some countries represents 
currently as high as 10% of industry 
earnings, but the overall average 
is undoubterly much less, according 
to one 16m director. 

New markets have been opened 
up by -16m films in two separate 
ways: areas that could not afford 
the expense of permanent 35m in- 
stallations, and non-theatrical book- 
ings to schools, clubs and civic or- 
ganizations. In addition, switch 
made by many "sub-subsequent" 
run theatres from 35m to 16m opera- 
tions has upped considerably the 
rental from such houses. Best gains 
have been made in entirely new 
areas, where people had never be- 
fore seen films because of a lack of 
transportation and power. By fly- 
ing 16m films in and-supp-lyrrrg ex- 
hibs with their own power plants, 
the majors have been able to cover 
many such areas, especially in Latin 
America. 



SAG Renames Reagan 

Hollywood. Sept. 30. 
Screen Actors Guild nominated 
Ronald Reagan to run for a second 
term as president, Gone Kelly as 
first veepee and William Holden as 
second veepee. Other nominations 
are Walter Pidgedn for third veepee, 
Olivia de Havilland for treasurer, 
and Leon Ames for recording secre- 
tary. 

Ballots will be mailed Oct. 17 and 
election returns will be announced 
Nov. 16. 



RKO-Pathe (France) To 
Continue Co-Production 

Joint production policy of RKO 
and Pathe Cinema at the lat- 
ier's French studio will definitely 
be continued, according to Pathe's 
managing director Adrien Remauge 
who arrived in New York recently 
accompanied by Pathe board chair- 
man Georges Descours. Both hud- 
dled with RKO veepee Ned Pepinet 
and foreign chief Phil Reisman to 
won out details of the companies' 
future filmmaking. 

RKO's- - initial adventure' ~ Into 
French production teed off with the 
Rene Clair produced-directed Maur- 
Jce Chevalier starrer, "Man About 



New 600-Seater at Raleigh, Tenn. 

Memphis, Sept. 30. '. 

Construction has started on the 
new 600-seat Raleigh Theatre which 
Scott Jordan and Cliff Peck are 
building at Raleigh, Tenn., 15 miles 
north of Memphis. 

Jordan is new to the business, but 
Peck is a former M-G-M salesman 
who now owns the Gem at Coving- 
ton, Tenn. 



U-I's Big Lensing 
Fetes 2d Year 



Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Universal-International .observes, 
the" first anniversary tomorrow 
(Wednesday) of the coalition of 
production forces of International 
with releasing facilities of Universal. 
Company is entering its second year 
with 10 films ready for fall and 
winter release and 19 in various 
phases of production. Seventeen 
more properties will be adapted for 
the screen in the months to follow. 

In cans for the new season's re- 
lease are "Tap. Roots." "The Senator 
Was Indiscreet." "Secret Beyond 
the Door," "A Double Life." "Naked 
City," Pirates of Monterey," "Wist- 
ful Widow of Wagon Gap." "River 
Lady," "Black Bart" and "Mortal 
Coils." Facing the cameras between 
now and next April are "Letter 
From An Unknown Woman," "Cas- 
bah," "Purgatory Street." "Up In 
Central Park," "All My Sons," "Mid- 
night Lace," "Saxon Charm," "Arc 
You With It?" "Man Eaters of Ku- 
rriaon," "Brain of Frankenstein," 
•Another Part of the Forest." "Tom- 
ahawk," "Traditionally Yours." "Tin 
Flute," "Patent Applied For," "The 
Gay Goddess," "Three For the 
Money" and two untitled originals. 

Those being scripted are "Har- 
vey." "Gus, the Great," "Mr. Pea- 
body and the Mermaid," "Great 
Son," "Great Snow," "The World In 
His Arms," "Aftermath." "Treach- 
ery ," "Man Who_ Couldn't Lose," 
"Dclilsibn,"" "Come Be My Love," 
"Pygmalion Jones," "Lights Out," 
"Playback." "Bloomer Girl," "Song 
of Norway." "Portrait in Black," and 
"Christmas Eve at Pilot Butte." 



Briefs From the Lots 



Hollywood. Sept. 30. 
Reginald Denny signed for "Mr. 
Blandings Builds His Dream House," 
which rolls this week at RKO. . 
Columbia signed Donna De Mario as 
second feinme lead in "The Woman 



Rogers Add New Mo. House 

St; Louis, Sept. 30. 

The third Rogers Circuit theatre 
in Poplar Bluff, Mo., a 1,000-seater, 
will feature a roof garden for cus- 
tomers. Circuit's sole opposish is 
the Strand, operated by G. Carey. 

F. R. Thomson, owner of the Rose. 
Audubon, fa., is building another 



Richard JF.-Hubler will direct "The 
Last Nazi," to be produced by Carl 
Krueger at Enterprise, starting Oct. 
7 . . . Leif Erikson returns to films 
after an absence of six years for a 
role in "The Snake Pit" at 20th-Fox 
From Tangier" . . . Nancy Saunders I . . . Samuel Goldwyn completed "A 
will hang from yonder cliff in the Song Is Born." co-starring Danny 



t Argument over what's better for 
the small nabes— to take subsequent 
and last runs on new pix after 
they've been milked or swing to re- 
issues — has one answer from action 
taken last week by the Southern 
California Amus. Co., 42-thoatre 
chain in Los Angeles and the sur- 
rounding sector. After one-year's 
experiment with four houses in L.A., 
SCAC has now grooved "four addi- 
tional LA. theatres for dual-bill, 
oldie operations. To cap it all, first 
four theatres have swung into reis- 
sue programs with admission scales 
considerably advanced over the 
tariff charged by the same houses 
for subsequent runs. 

All eight houses are charging a 
top of 00c. where they previously 
collected 30c. -35c, according to 
Harry Vinnicof. circuit's prexy. 
What's more, he says, the four the- 
atres have boosted grosses between 
300% and 400'.';. during the year. 
The new policy has been backed 
_wlth_ ..^advertising ... .campy igiis that 
have cost SCAC between $1,000 and 
$2,000 weekly, but the results , have 
paid off superlatively, Vinnicof 
claims. Heretofore, company had 
spent next to nothing in ad outlays, 
operating as purely nabe houses. 

Four original houses to change 
policy were the Pit-fair, Arlington, 
Vermont and Cinema. Latest con- 
Verts are the Melvan. American, 
Canon and Jewel. Under the pro- 
gram set by Vinnicof, first four have 
day-and-dated dual fare reissues, 
with one sizeable ad covering for 
the quartet. Double bills have 
played from one to three weeks. 

With eight theatres now in the 
operation, SCAC will use ' the first 
four as first-runs on the oldies and 
then movcover to the latter four 
for extended playing time. Vinnicof 
figures between the two groups of 
four, the duals will be good for a 
minimum of four weeks. 

Some Figures 
With rentals fixed with all dis- 
tribs at a flat 25%. profits for the 
chain have been sizeable. Combo of 
"Tobacco Road" and "Grapes of 
Wrath" (20th-Fox), for instance, 
brought in a total of $23,676 for 
the four houses in its first week. 

Other heavy paying combos have 
been "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" and 
"Glass Key" (Paramount I, $18;098;_ 
"Up" iff Ariris" and " "Princess and 
the' Pirate" (RKO), $17,966; "Kit 
Carson" and "Last of the Mohicans" 
(PRC), $17,710: "Beau Geste" and 
"Shepherd of the Hills.". (Par), $16,- 
747. 

Circuit won't switch to oldie pol- 
icy in small town situations where 
its theatres lake first or second- 
runs. But subsequent and last-run 
situations, further expansion of the 
switch is probable. 

Vinnicof came east to attend the 
Theatre Owners of America conven- 
tion in Washington. 



Columbia serial, "Brick Bradford 
to be produced by Sam Katzman at 
Columbia. . . . Henry O'Neill shifts 
from stage to screen as a college 
prexy in "The Return of October" 
at Columbia. . . . Columbia bought 
"The Last Thirty Minutes," a yarn 
by Lee Horton, and handed it to 
Irving Starr for production. . . . 
Peter Lone turns square in "Cas- 
bah" ' at Universal-International, 
playing the role of a cop. 

Paul Eagler took over the camera 
chore on Selznick's "Portrait of Jen- 
nie," succeeding Joseph August, who 
died suddenly while at work. 
Walter Abel draws one of the top 



house there. 

A^\^^r^ roles in "Lady in Ermine ', at 20th- 
sons are erecting another theatre I Fox- 



Town,* 



as a means of using its frozen 



trench rental coin. The firms have 
Several stories in mind for future 
mmmaking, Remayge said. The 
Pathe execs, who 'plan a month's 
Stay in the U.S., have gone to the 
<-oast where they expect to tarry 
about a week or 10 days. 



there in that town. 

Commonwealth Theatres. Inc.. 
Kansas City. Mo., building a new 
$40,000 house in Mountain Home, 
Ark 

Berutt and Wandel Theatres, own- 
ers of the Meramec. a 500-seater, 
Sullivan, Mo., will erect a quonset- 
type theatre with a seating capacity 
of 500 in the same town. 

Floyd Merritt, former owner of 
the Fulton, Cuba, Mo., to Niagara, 
Wis".," where " He will" open a new- 
house. 



OK 2 New Cal. Houses 

Los Angeles, Sept. 30. 

Official CPA sanction was granted 
for the construction of two 800-seat 
film theatres, designed by S. Charles 
Lee. in Southern California. 

One will be built for Steve Chorak 
at Puente and the other for E. D. 
Patterson at Elsinore. 



Jerome Cowan, for a change, plays 
a romantic role in "So This Is New 
York" . . Paul Panzer celebrated 
his 45th anni as an actor by stepping 
into a role in "Christopher Blake" 
at Warners. . . . United States Pic- 
tures will release "Ever the Begin- 
ning" as "The Innocent Years." . . . 
Republic bought "Cimmaron Trails." 
written by Robert . Williams, as a 

western galloper for -Allen iane 

Sidney Picker will produce "Heart 
of Virginia," a racetrack story re- 
cently purchased by Republic. '. . . 
Kasia Orzazewski, Polish actress, 
signed for the mother role in "Call 
Northwest 777," currently in produc- 
tion by a 20th-Fox troupe in Chicago 
. . . Chico Day, assistant director 
for years at Paramount, made his 
directorial bow in "Gypsy Holiday," 
a musical tinted on the same lot. 



Kaye and Virginia Mayo, after three 
and a half months of shooting . . . 
Screen Guild made two title 
changes: "Where the North Begins" 
for "Code of the North'' and "Trail 
of the Mounties" for "Law of the 
Mounties" . . . Rita Hayworth's 
brother, Vernon Cansino, drew a 
role in "The Wreck of the Hesperus" 
at Columbia. 

Walter E. Garity shifted from 
Walt Disney to Walter Lantz Pro- 
ductions as head of studio produc- 
tion under the new. Lantz affiliation 
with United Artists . . . Billie Burke 
checked in at Columbia as a star in 
a series of two-reelers to be pro- 
duced and directed by Jules White 
. . . Albert Sharne makes his Holly- 
wood bow in Columbia's "The Re- 
turn of October," after breaking in 
as a film thesp in "Odd Man Out" 
in England and "Portrait of Jenny" 
in New York. 

Margot Grahame signed to play 
Mme. DuBarry in Edward Small's 
"Cagliostro," to be filmed in Rome 
. . . Richard Long and Whitfield 
Connor returned to Universal-Inter 
national- for- added scenes in- J 'Tap 
Roots" . . . Republic's "In Old Los 
Angeles" will be released as "Old 
Los Angeles" . , . George Murphy 
drew the romantic lead in "The Big 
City." to be produced by Joe Paster- 
nak at Metro . . . First production by 
Frederic Ullman, Jr., will be "The 
Window," starting Nov. 10 . . . Rudy 
Vallee signed for a cowboy role in 
"So This Is New York" for Screen 
i Plays, Inc." 



1ERT0N' BOOKED WITH 
SINATRA AT N. Y. CAP 

With Frank Sinatra scheduled 
to headline the next stage show at 
the N.Y. Capitol, Metro has booked 
"Merton of the Movies" as the 
film, replacing the originally sched- 
uled "This Time for Keeps." Show 
follows the curent "Desire Me," plus 
Rose Marie and Gene Krupa's orch 
on the stage. 

Sinatra's Capitol engagement is 
for two weeks, with options, at $25,- 
000 weekly guarantee against 50% 
of the gross. 



Browne Appealing 119G 
Tax on Pix Shakedown 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 

George E. Browne, former proxy 
of the International Alliance of 
Theatrical Stage Employees, who' 
turned state's evidence in the $1,- 
000,000 Browne-Bioff film-biz shake- 
down in 1943, plans to appeal an 
$119,000 tax assessment levied last 
week by the Federal government. 
The -tax is", said -to' be bit income" 
Browne got as his part of the 
$1,000,0000 bite. 

Meanwhile, the parole of four 
hoods convicted of the shakedown 
on his testimony is bein« probed by 
a congressional committee in Chi- 
cago. Principals in the investiga- 
tion are Louis Campagna, Paul 
Ricca. Philip D'Andrea and Charles 
Gio, who were paroled Aug. 14 after 
serving one-third of 10-year terms. 



12 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 




THIS MAN CARRIES 
ONE OF THE INDUSTRY'S 
GREAT RESPONSIBILITIES! 



Gus Eyssell, Managing Director of the world-famed 
Radio City Music Hall, has maintained an enviable 
standard of entertainment for the hundreds of thou- 
sands of people who patronize his celebrated show 
shop. 

Mr. Eyssell must make the choice of the industry's 
greatest attractions. In looking ahead to coming months he has had to decide what are the 
best entertainments he could present to his vast audience. 

He has made the decision. He has' selected two motion pictures to play in succession: "SONG 
OF LOVE" and "CASS TIMBERLANE." They are both Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. 



Next attraction at 

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 



M-G-M 

PRESENTS 




KATHARINE PAUL 

HEPBURN ; HENREID 

ROBERT 

WALKER 

in a new masterpiece by the 
director of "Trie Yearling" 

/SONG of LOVE" 

wjrt A CLARENCE BROWN PRODUCTION 

LEO G. CARROLL . HENRY DANIELL • HENRY STEPHENSON 

Screen Play by Ivan Tort, Irmgard Von Cub* and Allen Vincent, 
and Robert Ardrey • Produced and Directed by CLARENCE BROWN 

A METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURE 



Following attraction at 

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 



M-G-M 

PRESENTS 




The great novel of a girl who : > 
wanted life—and got it! 

SPENCER TRACY 
LANA TURNER 
ZACHARY SCOTT 

"CASS 
TIMBERLANE" 

TOM DRAKE ♦ MARY ASTOR • ALBERT DEKKER 

Screen Play by Donald Ogden Stewart • Adaptation by Donald 
° 8d * n . . S, * w „ a , rt . and Spnyn Uyien. Bated on' the Novel by Sinclair Lewis 
Directed by GEORGE SIDNEY • Produced by ARTHUR HORNBLOW, JR. 
A METRO-OOIDWYN-MAYER PICTURE 



And watch for more "Good News" from M-G-M! 



TABtETV'r LONDON OFFICE 
. $ St. Martin'* riHCe, Trafalgar S«uur« 



INTERNATIONAL 



IS 



Aussies May OK 
Theatres, Bands 
For Frozen Coin 

While the Australian government's 
edict freezing one-third of Yank pix 
remittances is now in effect, Aussie 
officials have softened on their de- 
mand that blocked currency must be 
expended and not accumulated. 
There's no final answer on how the 
majors can invest the one-third held 
Down Under, but the government 
has now indicated three possible 
ways— two of which it had pre- 
viously nixed. 

Aussies are still stressing, produc- 
tion as their idea of where the Yanks 
should groove their frozen coin. 
Majors have countered with the con- 
tention that production facilities, 
personnel, etc., aren't adequate" in 
Australia to. sop the amount of money 
involved. Government is now also 
willing to permit the majors to build 
or buy theatres or to invest in bonds 
and securities. 

Foreign dept. managers say that 
sort of deal would be satisfactory if 
it weren't for two factors. As to the- 
aires. none can be built without a 
government permit and building ma- 
terials ore so scarce that permits for 
flickeries just aren't being granted. 
As to theatre acquisitions, there are 
very few houses which .aren't already 
tied to either one of the majors or to 
J. Arthur Rank. 

Investment in securities would be 
all right if the government con- 
sented to withdrawal of interest pay- 
ments on them. But the Aussies, so 
far. haven't consented to that neces- 
sary adjunct of owning negotiable*. 

Instead, the majors have argued in 
favor ol allowing the one-third to 
pile up in the Bank of Australia 
where all revenues from pix rentals 
are deposited. Distribs would like 
any disposition of the funds to be 
shelved until something tangible 
comes along which one or all majors 
would find feasible to sink their coin. 
Aussies. on the other hand, are in- 
sisting that a solution be found with- 
out delay. 



British Ask for More 

Foreign Technicians 

London, Sept. 2(5. 

British Film Producers .Assn. has 
opened negotiations with the Min- 
istry of Labor and the Assn. of 
Cine-Technicians for a substantial 
increase in the number of work per- 
mits for foreign film technicians, 
Producers have appointed a commit- 
tee to enter into official discussions 
for a scheme to be adopted for the 
year beginning Oct. 1. 

With the anticipated increase in 
the production of films by American 
companies in this country, it is felt 
that the present arrangements, par- 
ticularly for the employment of pro- 
ducers and directors, is totally in- 
adequate. Companies will obviously 
require more key men to guide the 
stepping up of their British output, 
with revision of the permit system 
a "must." 

Producers have promised the 
Labor Ministry and the film union 
that companies will only be allowed 
to obtain permits for foreign tech- 
nicians who can hel. raise the status 
of British films. 



UNOWNED STATION 
FIRST FOR VENEZUELA 

Caracas, Sept. 23. 
U. S. technicians are in Venezuela 
. to discuss plans for constructing 
Venezuela's first television station. 
Station will be located in Maracaibo, 
second largest city. 

Station will be American-owned, 
with some Venezuelan capital, and 
$15,000 worth of bonds have already 
been sold to finance the venture. 



Film Biz Never Better in Ecuador 
Despite Usual Hock of Revolutions 



MPEA Selects 88 Films 



French Using Stockholm 
Space, While Swedes Lens 
Film in South Africa 



*■ By RAY JOSEPHS 

I Quito, Ecuador, Sept. 23. 

Despite revolutions which during 
f f An > AO II I * past weeks have Put this regu- 

ror 4/- 4o Hungary List larly f°ugnt-over taun repuwic m 

Budapest. Sept. 23. 
Selection of U. S. pix ror the 1947- 
'48 season has been made and 88 



ALEMAN BACKS FIRST 
COLOR LAB FOR MEXICO 

Mexico Cj ty_,_Sejot._23^__ 
Support . from President Miguel 
Aleman is expected to spur the 
establishment in Mexico of the firs! 
color film laboratory in Latin Amer- 
ica. The proposal to locate the 
laboratory in Mexico was presented 
to Sanchez Cuen. of the" National 
Motion Picture Bank, by W; T. Cres- 
pinaj, president of the Cinecolor 
Corp. of Hollywood, and Robert 
Bren. U. S. producer, during a re- 
cent visit to this capital. 

Cuen has ordered a study of the 
possibility of financing and operat- 
ing such a laboratory, with emphasis 
on providing service to color-film 
producers in Argentina. Chile, Cuba 
and Venezuela., Crespinal and Bren 
also discussed the project with Mex- 
ican producers Salvador Elizondo. 
Jesus Grovas. Mauricio de la Serna 
imd Mario ("Cantinflas".) Moreno. 



U.S. Stars Need 
French Bally 

Paris. Sept. 23. 

Unless the studios, despite the 
current wave of retrenchment con- 
trive to publicize heavily the post- 
war American stars, the sale of 
American pictures here will become 
increasingly difficult for the local 
exchanges^ Also the returns will 
decrease. 

In Paris, where fans read the film 
mags, the ignorance of new .stars is 
not so striking, but anyone who 
travels in the provinces is imme- 
diately impressed by the fact that 
stars now very popular in the States 
and whose names have filtered tc 
Paris, have absolutely no drawing 
power in the French sticks. 

A former Par focal exec, now con- 
nected with the banking end of the 
picture business, made" a detailed 
survey of the provincial theatres End 
found that the only American male 
stars with marquee pull there are 
Charlie Chaplin. Gary Cooper and 
Clark Gable. Rating next are Cary 
Grant. Wallace Beery. William Pow- 
ell and Edward G. Robinson. 
•Huiiip ln oy BogarriS~TOnTfng up'v^ry 
well. On the distaff side, Greta 
Garbo, Marlene Dietrich and Joan 
Crawford are doing best .with 
Myrna Loy and Ginger Rogers also 
known. Best liked comedians are 
Laurel and Hardy, with Abbott and 
Costello on the upgrade. 

In a provincial town of the south- 
west, ah exhib playing "How Green 
Was My Valley" did very poor busi- 
ness, and followed with "Lady in the 
Window" with results worse still. 
French pictures are now increasing 
in favor, with names easy to re- 
member for the hicks and a French 
B draws more fhan a good Holly- 
wood made. 



new pix will be released through 
Motion Picture Export Assn.. includ- 
ing 17 in Technicolor, according io 
Charles Matzner, new MPEA head 
here. 

Stockholm. Sept. 23. j Though still playing pix of pre- 
French film interests have com- '"vious selection MPEA has started an 
! pleted a deal with the Kungsfilm Co. 
' whereby the former will utilize 
studio space here for interior shots 
on their projected "L'Homme de 
Sa vie." Billy Wilder and Max Colpet 
scripted the screenplay. Cast will be 
French, but Swedish technicians will 
| be employed. 

Among Swedish productions now 
under way is producer Rune Lind- 
stroem's "Jar ar Med Edcr" i"I Am 
with You"' being shot on location 
in Southern Rhodesia. Yarn deals 
with the life of a Swedish missionary 
in several African countries. First 
Swedish film to be made in Africa 
has Lindstroem and Nils Dahlgren 
as cast toppers. Ake Dahlquist is 
lensing while Goesta Stevens script- 
ed. 

On the local film-making schedule 
Mai Zetterling has been inked by 
Terra Film Co. for the lead in "Mu- 
sic in the Dark." based on a novel 
by Dagmar Edquist. Actress recently 
completed "Frieda" for the Rank Or- 
ganization. Picture is set to roll next 
month. 



all-out campaign to introduce the 
' new season. First pic to be shown 

will be Olivia de Havilland's "To 

Each His Own." 
i MPEA's advertising campaign is 

in the American style and setting 

a revolution in commercial life here 
j as well in the industry. Posters 

never seen before — and drawn 
j artistically— have appeared all over 
j town and in the few months since 
| its start everyone knows what 

MPEA— or as it is calfc-d here 

MOPEX— means. 



REPUBLIC'S 20% HIKE 
AVERTS MEXICO STRIKE 

Mexico City. Sept. 23. 
Strike threatened against Repub- 
lic Pictures de Mexico by the Union 
of Motion Picture Industry Workers 
tSTIC). was averted at the last min- 
ute when a company offer of 20% 
wage increase was accepted by the 
employees. Enrique Zirilcrt. Re- 
I public's lawyer, and Manuel Rami- 
I rez. STIC representative, arrived at 
] the accord following conferences 
j mediated by the Federal Board of 
i Conciliation and Abritration. 

'f A s.im.ilax_ settlement -- with— Pr-o- 

! ducciones Mexico is expected to be 
! signed within the next few days. 

Eleven other Mexican distributors, 
I who have so far failed to yield to 
! union demands for salaries equal to 
; those paid by U.S. and British dis- 
: tributors. face walkouts. 



the headlines, film biz in Ecuador 
has never been better. In the last 
two years Hollywood majors have 
upped their gross more than 60% 
with Mexican, Argentine, British 
and French produe' coming right 
along at gains estimated' between 40 
and 50 %. 

Because of 'territory's backward- 
ness few companies have until now 
handled their own operations here. 
During the war 20th-Fox wrs the 
lone major with its cn* n heme office 
rep in the country. Opened in '38 
with h.q. in Gu: yaqeil. it's since 
switched to this capital.- 

Metro opened he e and in Guaya- 
quil several months ago. Office is 
headed by Myron K- rl n, formerly 
in U. S. Army European counler-in- 
telligence operations. Columbia is 
planning to open ncxl month. Re- 
public is setting up ils own office 
end RKO, which ,'s locrlly repre- 
sented by Jaime M- HUa. member of 
the. Ecuadorian cUn which owns 
Comercio, the lending newspaper, 
the top radio stations aid sizeable 
chunks of the best local realty, is ex- 
panding operations. 

Moreover, five of th^ leading ma- 
jors are now impelling their own 
prints directly from the U.S. in- 
stead of picking up copies which 
Panama and neighboring Peru had 
finished. Country now has 72 35m 
theatres — 11 here, 16 in Guayaquil 
and the rest in minor cities and 



U-S. Cops 3 of Top 6 
Awards at Cannes 

Paris, Sept. 30. 
Contrasted to Hollywood's snafued 
participation in the Cannes Film-; 

Festival last year, the ca/eful selec- I provinces. Theatre building is also 
tion of pictures for this year's inter- j showing- the upped Ucn-'. 
national competition netted Amcri- i Dollar Shfitta-e 

can films three of the first six prizes. ! _ . , ' , - " ' . „ 

Hollywood films earning laurels' Companies have been mttei .rig 
were RKO's "Crossfire." judged the , f™»*?t because o shortage of 
.best social film: Metro's "Ziegfeld doHarS for house remUta nee* S mee 
Follies" as the best musical comedy. ! ^ ,ne \ hey f ve ,, had l ° b Jf ^ n Lh 
and Walt Disney's "Dumbo" as the j o£ . 17 ***** V r 

i top animated cartoon. ! 01 the previous 13.50 to 15 Gove, n- 

I Although the U. S. companies were I ment ha * als0 P "* a ,f 6 ?, taX ° n T 
! reluctant to- participate in the Cannes coml " g ., fi ms , a " d 3,1 f\« To"? 
' shindig in the first place, they de- ! Cxet : pt " absolut f essentials. Com- 
! cided to put their best foot forward ; P T, es have 8* up , , a , ba ' ' T 
'and cop as many awards as possible. ! ? U * Uc " CC * y " 

^oot e tr: bnC relati ° nS H ^majors have been able to 
if™ 0 *, " le ' M C T P I t C0 ° PC r t,0n Pick up added income-in addition 
1 Z S n Ir t T m - ^ to bettered distribution, exploitation 
i " a ? d,tl ° n . to the judicious ang i es _ is in the 16m 

I selection ol entr.es for the com- I ^ RK O and Warner's have t heir 



-consequently— pirid~~5f tt 



valuable international 



Susan Dalison Upped, 
Carten Out in London 

London. Sept. 30. 

Mrs. Susan Dalison has been upped 
from reader to chief of Columbia's 
story department here, replacing Mi- 
chael Storm. Latter was let out along 
with most of the staff when Col cut 
noun on the department. 

Kenneth Carten. herd of Para- 
rmnmt's talent department here, has 
also been axed in the general re- 
trenchment. 



New Mex Actress-Prod. 

Mexico City. Sept. 23. 
•Another top Mexican pic actress. 
Maria Elena Marques, has added 
film production to her screen activ- 
ities. She is playing the lead in 
La Ertrila de Arapulco" ("The 
-Sva-f-ul AcmrpTeo'-i: thar'sTTels maF-' 
mg at Ae-'ruleo. historic Pacific 
cons' re.-o,t. Gilberto Martinez 
fc>olares i» directing. 

Dolores del Rio and Maria Felix 
are the other ace Mexican actresses 
who nroduee films. 

Alfred Ripstein. Jr.. for several 
..venrs n >i duetion manager of Film- 
ex .. o'e p:nduce--dist) ibiii'»r. hes 
rcsi ,.,„[ „, becotm 
his 



'■i, fiarimi 



p-.-i dneer 
in October. 



Pix Tag Hypo in Concerts 
Proved in Venezuela 

Caracas. Sept. 23. 
Film influence appears in Caracas 
even in the concert field. Albert 
Spalding, violinist, played three 
times here recently to about 4C0 r 
people:' Rudolf Firkusny. ' pianist, 
garnered an audience of about li)0: 
Gregor Piatigorsky. cellist, played 
three times to about 50 people: and 
two-piano team. Robertson & B<irt- 
lett. -attracted less than 100. ■.: . 

On the other hand. Jose Itiirbi. 
known to tilmgoeKs. pneked the 
house at all hi.- perfoi mar.ees and 
had to give rxlra recitals, ami Artui < 
Rubinstein, who has appeiued on 
the screen recently, played .three 
limes In packed hones of 1.500. 

In eormiu nting on this siluahm. 
the Caracas Journal, only U. S. 
newspaper here, said the only pos- 
sible conclusion was thai Ca'acis 
including the foreign coloey. i. 'n- 
cUfferent to music bin line bis 
names and preferably those which 
-t h a w •t ro pc.-fry-f'-iffl ' iff fltrn pn...terr*— - 

'HUSBAND'S' GALA 

London. Sv t d: 3D. 
"An Ideal Husband." first of Sir 
'Alexander Kcrda's six productions 
which 20th-Fox is to distribute in 
America, will have a g< la premiere 
'at the Carlton here Nov. 13. 

Pic st.tr> Paek'tte Oodcl'atd. Mieh- 
litel Wilding anc Sir Aubrey Smith. . 



Cantinflas to Film In 
Spain With Frozen Coin 

Mexico City. Sept. 23. 
Frozen earnings of his pictures 
, in Spain will be utilized by Mexican 
comedian Cantinflas" I Mario Moreno) 
! to finance a film in Franco's domain, 
i Half the picture, according to the 
I actor, will be shot in Spain while 
the remainder will be produced 
| locally. 

' Forthcoming picture will employ 
Spanish talent exclusively when 
! shooting in Spain. Native actors will 
: be used when production is resumed 
: in Mexico. Associates of Cantinflas 
■ are mapping a worldwide distribu- 
! tion deal. ' . 



-petiHeri-has 
with some 
publicity. 

Other awards at the Festival in- 
cluded France's "Antoinc and An- 
toinette." as the best psychological 
film; France's "The Hated" as the 
best adventure - detective feature, 
and Poland's "Storms in Poland" as 
the best documentary. 



Still 



Another Festival 

Zurich. Sept. 30. 
Another in the plethora of Euro- 
I pean film festivals has come to an 
: end with the windup of the Fourth 
j International Film Week in Basle. 
| Most of the pictures shown here 
were already presented at the 
Locarno festival a couple of months 
ago. 

I Among the U. S.-, pictures shown 

l- were Frank Capra's "It's a Wonder- 
ful Life" (RKO), John Ford's "Mv 
Darling Clementine" (20th i. United 

'Artists' "Carnegie Hall". Metro's 
"Sea of Grass." Warner Bros.' "My 
Reputation" and Ernst Lubitsch's 

i "Cluny Brown" (20th-Fox.) 



departments going full blast. Metro 
has a raft of product in the Customs 
'■ House and will start distribution as 
i soon as it gets release. Fox and 
! Paramount have programs ready to 
begin within the year. 

Dubbing, while still a hotly argued 
local pix issue, is generally felt 
neither to have aided or hurt those 
companies still using the Spanish 
soundtracks. Metro is the only ma- 
jor bringing in all dubbed versions 
as a standard practice. Fox on the 
other hand stopped it completely a 
year ago. Other companies have 
some dubbed, some subtitled. As 
eircwhere, it's the cities who don't 
like it and want the s'.ar voices: the 
erovinces where literacy is low 
like the lubs. 

(Fot'.r.h of a scries on posftenr 
.-how bis trend. iv Lathi America:) 



Current London Shows 

(Figure shows weeks o] run> 
London. Sept. 30. 
"Annie Gel Gun." Col'sm 1 17 1. 
"Bless the Bride." Adelphia (23 1. 
"Born Yesterday," Garriek (361. 
"Chilterp Hundreds.'' Veudc (5'. 
"Crime of Foley.'" Comedy '12). 
••Deep Arc Roots," Criter'n (121. 
"Dr. AnRelHS." Phi enix (9 >. 
"Ed-warri Mv Son," Lyric <18). 
"F.ver Since Puradise..'' News (17). 
"Farmer's Wife," Apollo (2), 
"Girl Quite." St. Marti<i> 'til. 
"Here There."' Palladium (2fi). 
"Life, With Father," Savoy (17). 
"Linden 'lice." Duel, ess i7). 
"Noose," S .\il!e 1 15 i. 
—Oft KCforti.'—fTfe: ." '" 
"Oklahoma," Drtiry Lane <22->. 
"One. Two. Three,' Yo.ks (3 1, 
"Peace In Our Time." Aldw'h (8). 
'Terehanee to Dream," Hipp < 1 28 >. 
"Piccadilly HayrJde." Wales <29>. 
•;Piesent i.ao^hter." HaymTtt (21). 
"Separate Koomt," Strand (fi). 
''Swt; tivt Lowest." Amba. s. (74). 
•""o-il" *r Asaiu.'' Vic Palace (24). 
•T it. pa Globe (11 
"Worms View," Whitehall i22j. 



Warners Back to Hoyts 
On Aussie House Nix 

i Sydney, Sept. 23. - 

Nixed by Aussie district court on 
erecting its own showcase here for 
'at least three years. Warners goc 
i bark to Koyts lor release in the keys 
' and -urban*. 

!_ Deal, arranged in U. S. by Ernest 
Tiirnbull. Hoyts topper, and Wolfe 
Cohen. WB. will take in the "4C-47 
j product, shut out for a time because 
lot that court action in which Hoyts, 
1 together with Greater Union. Car- 
' roil-Musgrave and a couple of indie 
!pic loops, fought against the show- 
: window bid, . "Cloak, and. Dagger'^ 
l will probably be the first' pic to kick 
lofl in this spot on the new deal. 
! Warner., and Hoyts have been to- 
gether over a period on group pix 
buy.s. but with no longterm contract 
for some time, although dicker.- have 
always been on. Current deal should 
now see a constant flow of Warner 
fare for all the top spots, Warner's 
Aussie chief. Stan Higginson, has 
] been working on the deal for a long 
j time in conjunction with Hoyts 



B. BLUMENTHAL O'SEAS 
IN WAR DAMAGE CLAIMS 

Coincident with ratification of the 
Hungarian peace treaty last week, 
Ben Blumenthal. vet theatre opera- 
tor, planed for Budapest and Berlin 
to seek settlements for war damage 
and inspect properties. • 



In BudapesFBITmiontral is owner 
of the Vi"sinhaz, town's largest, legit 
house. Theatre was b-'idly bombed 
and under terms of peace treaty the 
Hungarian regime must pay United 
Nations' citizens tw '-thirds of such 
damages. In case of Vigsinhaz this 
is estimated at $800 000 in repara- 
tions. Blumenthal spent some weeks 
in Hungarian capital last summer on 
prelim negotiations. Now he's sup- 
posed to get the cash— in Hungarian 
forints. Understood some part of 
this may be exportable. 

. In Berlin Blumenthal awns. .the.. 

Seala and Plaza, two of town's top 
film houses. Both are again in op- 
eration, one in Russian zone of city, 
other in V- S. area. Blumenthal 
wants to clarify their future owner- 
ship status. He will remain abroad 
for six or seven weeks. . . 



Jacques Dumesnil, of the Comedie 
Franeaise, has been elected prexy 
of the Actors Guild in Paris, vice 
Andre Luguet. 



14 



FILM REVIEWS 



pmmff 



Wednesday, October I, 1947 



I- 

Desire Me 

Hollywood, Sept 25, 

Metro release of Arthur Hornblow, .Ir., 
production. Stars Gteer -Garson; realities 
Rcbe.rt Mitchum, Richard Hurt. Screen- 
play, Marguerite Roberts ami £oe Akius; 
adaptation, Casey Robinson; front novel by 
Leunhard Frank; camera, Joseph Itutten- 
berg; score, Herbert stuthart;; editor, Jo- 
seph Dervln. Tmdeshnwn Sept. -'a, '-17. 
Running time, !M> MINS. 

Maiise Aubejl Greer Gaison 

Paul AubiMi Robert. Mitchum 

Jean Itenaud 

Mauln 

Kalian- .Dennant. . , 
D<. Andre r>echiir. 
Postman 



Ulchani Hart 

..Morris Ankrum 
. . . .George Siucoo 
.Cecil Humphreys 
...David Hoffman 



"Desire Me" has a doubtful box- 
office future. Returns will lean 
heavily on amount of exploitation 
given femme angles of story and the 
draw factor of the Greer Garson 
name. Growing b.o. importance of 
Robert Mitchum also will aid. 

Against the technical excellence of 
mounting, a confused flashback plot 
is unfolded. Offered is a story of a 
wife who, after long years of faith- 
ful waiting, succumbs to lonesome- 
ness on the eve of her supposedly 
dead husband's return from war. The 
husband kills his rival in a struggle 
and when the wife rids herself of 
the psychological barrier of her un- 
faithfulness the pair are again to- 
gether for the finale. Locale is a 
small fishing village on the coast of 
Normandy and catches interest with 
colorful settings and seascapes. 

Flashbacks within flashbacks make 
plot hard to follow as the wife talks 
over her story — and what caused it— ; 
with a doctor. There is no director 
credit, picture having had several 
during its long camera career, so 
kudos for some topnotch atmospheric 
effects, a number of strong, emotional 
scenes and occasional suspense go 
uncreclited. George Cukor started it 
and Mervyn LeRoy finished it, but 
neither wants the credit apparently. 
Otherwise pace is slow and interest 
slack. 

Miss Garson's role requires con- 
tinual emotional stress that makes 
for a heavy job but she is capable. 
Mitchum has too little footage as the 
husband, appearing briefly in the 
beginning during a prison camp se- 
quence and again in the final reel, 
but . he makes every scene count. 
Richard Hart, the betrayer of the 
faithful wife, is permitted to .over- 
stress his designs where underplay- 
ing would have aided. George Zucco, 
a priest; Morris Ankrum. Cecil 
Humphreys and David Hoffman 
make up the other capable players. 

The Arthur Hornblow, Jr., pro- 
duction has been strikingly photo- 
graphed by Joseph Ruttenberg and 
effectively scored by Herbert Stot- 
hart. Other technical credits are in 
keeping. Brog. 



Of 



obligation and takes off with his 
partner for California. 

Comics have revived their socko 
frog-in-the-soup gag for results that 
register high on the laugh-meter. 
Costello's bravado as the strutting 
sheriff. Abbott's wily use of his 
partner's dumbness, Miss Main's 
blowzy appearand brazen courting 
of the fat comic are all credit factors 
pointing up the fun. Audrey Young 
sings one song in saloon sequence 
but otherwise has little to do. 
George Cleveland, Gordon Jones, 
William Ching and others furnish 
good support. • . 

Robert Arthur's production guid- 
ance lends neat touches. Lensing by 
Charles Van Enger, art direction and 
settings, editing and other credits 
are expert. Broe. 

The Gangster 

, . (SONG) 

Hollywood, Sept. 26. 

Monogram release ot AHie,i Artists pro- 
duction, produced by Maurice anil Frank 
King. Stars Barry Sullivan, Ttellla, .loan 
Lorrtrig;' features Akim TamirolL Directed 
by Gordon Wiles. Original screenplay, 
Daniel Fuchs, from his novel, "Low Com- 
pany"; camera, Paul Ivanol music. Louts 
Gruenberg: editor, Walter Thompson, Pre- 
viewed Sept, 24, '47. Running time, 81! 
MINS. 

Shubunka Barry Sullivan 

Nancy...; Belita 

Dorothy. ., .Joan Lorrlng 

Nick Jammey Akim Tam-lroff 

shorty. . Henry Morgan 

Karly John Ireland 

Cornell '. .Sheldon Leonard 

.Mrs. Ostroleng... Fiti D'Orsay 

Mrs. Karty .....Virginia Christine 

Oval , A ...Klishn Cook. Jr. 

Swain Theodore Heeht 

Beaumont. , tieC, ErioKson 

Dugas.... ...Charles AleGraw 

Sterling * v, . . .John Kellogg 



Miniature Reviews 

"Desire Me" (M-.G). Postwar 
story, laid in Normandy, must 
depend upon Greer Garson and 
Robert* Mitchum to draw. 

"The Wistful Widow of Wagon 
Gap" (U). Abbott & Costello in 
western comedy with Marjorie 
Main. Good b. o. prospects, 

"The Gangster" (Mono). An- 
other psychological melodrama 
with fair prospects on strength 
of title. 

"Dick Tracv Meets Gruesome" 

(RKO). Karloff and Ralph Byrd 
in new adventure of cartoon 
strip character; fair dualer. 

"Le Diable Au Corps" (French). 
(U). Romantic tragedy surefire 
French click; controversial story 
may limit U. S. draw. 

"Midnight in Paris" (Indie). 
Inferior French-made whodunit 
starring Raimu. 



The Wistful Widow 
Wagon Gap 

(SONG) 

■ Hollywood, Sept. 27. 

Universal release of Robert Arthur pro- 
duction;- Sutra ■ Bud "Abhntt7"'TTOTr"'T*ogre11'o; 
Marjorie Matn; features George Cleveland, 
William ching. Gordon Jones. Directed by I 
Charles T. Barton. Screenplay, Robert 
Lees, Frederic X. Rinaldo, John Grant; 
based on story by D. D. Benuchamp and 
William Bowers; camera. Charles Van Kil- 
ter: music,* Waiter shumann; editor, Frank 
Gross. Previewed Sept. 2(1, '47. Running 
time, 77 MINS. 

Duke B^au Bud Abbott 

Chester .Primm ...T.ou Costello 

"Widow Hawkins Marjorie Main 

Juanila Hawkins Audrey "Young- 

Judge Benhnw George Cleveland 

Jake Frame. Gordon Jones 

Jim Simpson William Ching 

Thil Peter Thompson 

Undertaker .Olln Howlin 

Mat Hawkins BUI C.tauson 

Billy Hawkins fill O'Lear.v 

fiotab Hawkins., Parruela We]l« 

Jefferson Hawkins Jimmy Bales 

TJncoln Hawkins...*. Paul Dunn 

Sally Hawkins ..Diane Florentine 

Hank , Bex T.ease 

T.efty Glenn StranTe 

T.tem Fdmunil Cobb 

Rnulnt Wade Crosby 

Miner.... Dewey "Robinson 

"Bartender Murray Leonard 



Title strength will go a long way 
in selling "The Gangster" to the 
melodrama trade just as did with the 
King Bros, previous "Dillinger." 
Otherwise film fails to live up to 
promise of violent action and proves 
a disappointment. Because it bears 
the Allied Artists label, it is due for 
extra push from Monogram in set- 
ting bookings but will need plenty 
of support to maintain a good pace. 
It has been given realistic settings 
for its tale of smalltime mobster 
with a psychosis, production reflect- 
ing hefty budget expenditure. 

Plot is a psychological study of a 
hood who has risen to some promi- 
nence in the rackets and wants to be 
liked for himself. Since he's a 
moody, sourpuss individual with an 
enlarged ego, he has scant success in 
the friendship line and- this gives 
him a complex. There's a promise 
of violence when a rival mob moves 
in to take over his business but it 
tapers off to a mild ending, even 
though title, character is shot down. 

Barry Sullivan gives the lead 
some strength but is never able to 
make it believable because of script 
and directorial weaknesses. Daniel 
Fuchs' screenplay, from his own 
novel, is vague in establishing char- 
acters and plot premise. Best ex- 
ample is failure to explain suffi- 
ciently just what the gangster's rack- 
ets aire that make him so disliked and" 
feared. Action is mostly dialog in- 
stead of carried out physically. I i 



Abbott & Costello ride herrl on 
twenty of laughs in "The Wistful 
Widow of Wagon Gap." Team mak^s 
the most, of the funnin<r and win 
■please fan fnljowinf. all of which 
ma'res hoxoffice outlook shaoe no 
well. Aiding antics is Marjorie 
Main who gives added marquee 
st'Tnelb. 

There's a good plot oremise on 
-^'bicft-t-o-rrrrrHMhe-co 
rrsulr. the hish spots are more sub- 
stantial. Storv is woven around old 
Montana law that makes anv rjer'on 
Villina another in a duel responsible 
for the victim's denpndents and debts. 
Sfriot hr.in?s in a" f ho western situ- 
ation cliches for A&C to work over. 
There's the terse "when you sav 
that, smi'e" and the eunman's Ion" 
death walk down a deserted street, 
plus other familars. Sometimes, 
material pets out. of hand but slow 
snots are few and overall pace main- 
tained by Charles T. Barton's direc- 
tion i" pood. 

A&C. travelling salesmen in the 
farlvwest. enter the lawless town of 
Wagon Gap. Costello pets 'involved 
In a killing and is made the puarriian 
fif the victim's widow. Marjorie 
Main, and her passel of kids. Be- 
cause the widow is such a frisht. 
the town's toughies steer clear of 
Costello for fear thev might have to 
take her over if the guardian is 
bumped off. Costello is made sher- 
iff and clears the town of the vil- 
lains. After manv hilarious adven- 
tures, Costello is finally freed of his 



Stronger, direction by Gordon Wiles 
would have helped build suspense 
and interest. He adheres too much 
to mood, neglecting forceful action 
needed to put over this type yarn. 

Belita tries hard with vague char- 
acter of the gangster's moll who 
turns on her boy friend in the end. 
She also sings the oldie, "Paradise," 
in night club scene. She is not 
treated kindly by the camera. Joan 
Lorring has small spot of nice girl 
who tells off the baddie and shows 
up in okay fashion. Akim Tamiroff, 
in the rackets with Sullivan, is 
good. Best^played character is 
handled by Sneldon Leonard as Sul- 
livan's rival. Attempts to inject 
lightness with characters of Henry 
Morgan and Fifi D'Orsay only result 
in strained comedy. John Ireland, 
Virginia Christine, Leif Erickson and 
others are okay with what they have 
to do. 

Maurice and Frank King's produc- 
tion supervision has provided good 
physical polish. Paul Ivano's lens- 
ing is expert and the music score by 
Louis Gruenberg a factor. Brog. 



chemical in miniature bombs, gim- 
mick being that said bombs tempo- 
rarily paralyze every person within 
close radius of same. Just why 
they fail to effect the bank robbers 
themselves or Tracy and his Girl 
Friday is not made clear. But this 
helps the yarn, since it enables the 
holdups to tackle a bank, and have 
the guards and everybody else help- 
less even before they come in the 
door. 

Yarn casts Karloff as Gruesome, 
stalking through his familiar men- 
acing scenes, pet stunt being to put 
his victims in a huge, furnace for 
safe keeping. To give it a meller, 
poetic justice twist, story has Kar- 
loff escaping a similar fiery death 
only by last second intervention by 
Tracy (Ralph Byrd). 

Karloff, per usual, thefts every 
scene in which he appears. Byrd is 
acceptable as Tracy, even to re- 
semblance to the square-jawed de- 
tective. Anne Gwynne is feminine 
and gushy enough to make an okay 
Tess Truehart or Girl Friday. Lyle 
Latell is an effective Pat Pattoh. 
Support is headed by June Clay- 
worth, Edward Ashley and Tony 
Barrett. 

Director John Rawlins employs al- 
most serial-type action but with 
surprisingly good results. Appar- 
ently this is what is needed for car- 
toon adventure yarns. Wear. 

Le Diable an Corps 

(Spirit of .Devilry) 
(FRENCH-MADE) 

Paris, Sept. 16. 

Universal International release of Paul 
Graetz production (Transcontinental Films). 
Prom the novel by Raymond Radiguet. 
Directed ' by Claude A-utant Lara. Stars 
Gerard Philipe, Mi.heline»Presle; features 
Denise Grey. Debuc.ourt. Screen adapta- 
tion, .lean Aurenehe and Pierre Rose; cam- 
era, Voinouet: music, Rene LeCloarec. At 
Xormandle, Olympia and Moulin Rouge, 
Paris. Running lime, 122 MINS. 

Francois .Gerard Phlllpe. 

-frhrrt-h e. A ttcrreHrre — Presle- 

Fra ncois' Fa ther DebueOurt 

Maiihe's Mother Denise Grey 

is' Pal .Entile Francois 

Schoolmaster ...Maxudian 

Headwaiter ' Francoeur 



Iliek Tracy Meets 
Gruesome 

RKO release of Herman Seldom produc- 
tion. Stars Boris Karloff. Ralph Byrd; 
feature* Anne Gwynne. Edward Ashley, 
Directed by John Rawlins. Story by Wil- 
I lam ■ 1 1. • «ral rte — rnjil Ho Win — ET" "Kent; 
screenplay by Roberlson White, Eric Tay- 
lor; based on cartoon strip "Dick Tracy" by 
Chester GouJd; camera, Frank Redman; F.d- 
llor, Hlmo Williams. Trndoshown X. Y. 
Sept. '47. Running time. «5 MINS. 

Gruesome. Boris Karloff 

Dick Tracy Ralph Byrd 

Tess Truhart ..Anne Gwynne 

L. B. Thai Kdweml Ashley 

1. M. Learned , June ciayworlh 

Pat Patlon l.yle l.atell 

Melody Tuny Barrett 

X-Hliy .Skellon Knaggs 

Dan Slerne ..Mm X'olan 

Chief Brandon. loscph CYehah 

Di. A. Tomic .Milton Parsons 



handling the sexy and tragic se- 
quences, he has shown considerable 
tact and restraint. The mob scenes 
are well done. 

Film's only drawback for America 
is the publicity given it, which 
makes it, unjustifiably, a target for 
misinformed or prejudiced censors. 
Coarsely treated, it might have been 
questioned, but director and cast 
have vied in making it suitable 
screenfare for the mqst punctilious. 

Maxi. 



Midnight in Paris 

('Monsieur La Souris') 
(FRENCH-MADE) 

Distinguished; Films release of Roger 
Rlchebe ptndnctlou. Stars Ralmu. Directed 
by Georges Lacotnbe. Story, George Si- 
moneon;' editor, Walter Kiee. Previewed in 
N. Y„ Sept. 25, '47. Running time,- 80 
MINS. 

Monsieur La Souris Raimu 

Simon Negretli Alme. Clarloml 

f.abord . . .Charles Granvnl 

Ost.lng Gilbert Gil 

'upidon ,'". , ; . . Almos 

L'lnspecteur Lngnori Bergeron 

Le commissalre Lucas. ........ Paul Amlnt 

Muller Pierre .Tom-dan 

t.ucille Boisvin Mlcheline Francey 

Dora .Marie Carlot 



(In French; English Titles) 
This is the sort of film which, if 
perpetrated too often, can put a quick 
and permanent damper on the pop- 
ularity which quality foreign-lan- 
guage importations are justly enjoy- 
ing. "Midnight in Paris," an evident 
potboiler which the French studio 
turned out many years ago under the 
title of "Monsieur La Souris," is a 
long, belabored and confused who- 
dunit which has no appeal either for 
the mystery addicts or art house pa- 
trons. This film was resurrected 
from the vaults solely because of the 
late Raimu's name but even this 
formidable actor cannot salvage b.o. 
gold from dross. . 

Overlong running time of 90 min- 
utes crawls tortuously through a 
threadbare plot which hasn't even 
the basic minimum of logic or cred- 
ibility. Raimu plays a deteriorated 
petit-bourgeois who walks into the 
middle of a murder affair bv report- 
ing a corpse to the Paris gendarmarie. 
According to the whodunit's Hoyle, 
Raimu, plus a series of assorted char- 
acters, falls under suspicion until the 
windup reveals the culprit to be 
someone no filmgoing- detective 
could ever have tabbed. But there's 
no effort to tie the loose threads to- 
gether by an explanation, which isn't 
playing cricket. 

As usual, Raimu delivers with an 
unusual characterization of the bum 
who's seen better days. Unfortu- 
nately, role doesn't provide much 
substance so he's forced frequently 
into hokey stage business. Aimos, 
w.k. French comic, as Raimu's side- 
kick, is wasted in a couple of irrel- 
evant sequences. Aime Clariond, Gil- 
bert Gil and Pierre Jourdan serve 
okay as the suspects with Bergeron 
turning in good performance as the 
Gallic version of the fumbling dick. 

Herm. 



D^ck Tracy on the screen closely 
resembles the newspaper cartoon 
strip character; that i.s, he goes 
through one .hair-raising experience 
after another. And always comes off 
triumphant. In his latest, Tracy 
traces down a band of bank robbers. 
"Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome" i.s 
a chiller-diller that will do biz 
where this sort of mellors have an 
audience, being given an added as- 
set in that Boris Karloff heads the 
cast. 

Plot has an odd-looking gang of 
bank looters using a mysterious out coarseness 



Even before it was completed, this 
picture received tremendous pub- 
licity, due to production quarrels be- 
tween producer and director which 
threatened to stop the work. Film 
is a smasheroo, getting raves from 
all sides after having been awarded 
a prize in Brussels during the Inter- 
national Film Festival in June. 

Controversy as to the expediency 
of permitting the risque script to 
pass censor started the publicity ball 
rolling, due to the fact that the 
story shows a young college boy in 
an affair with the wife of a soldier 
while he is at the front. She becomes 
the mother of his chil " whose birth 
causes her death while he is com- 
pelled to be a mere looker-on. Since 
then, the controversial theme has 
got more space in the press than any 
Other picture. 

With an eye to American distribu- 
tion, a few of the scenes most likely 
to draw fire from bluenoses were 
shot in sapoliod form for foreign 
consumption. But the original ver- 
sion, as presented here, has nothing 
that cannot be paralleled in many 
other pictures, and doesn't contain 
the slightest bit of obscene or sala- 
cious material, even by implication. 

The film is beautifully acted. 
-M-ieheiine— Presle— as-the-young-girir 
is the embodiment of maidenly re- 
serve. Her sex appeal, which regis- 
ters heavy on the screen, is used by 
her in a totally different way than 
in "Boule de Suit," and makes the 
scene of her surrender not only 
understandable, but altogether satis- 
factory to the audience. 

Opposite her, Gerard Philipe, 
whose work got him a prize for best 
screen actor, is equally exemplary 
as' the young and irresponsible boy 
unable to cope with a major situa- 
tion. 

Balance of cast is also pood. De- 
bucourt, as the boy's father; Denise 
Grey, -as - the straightlaced mother; 
Emile Francois, as the lover's ju- 
venile schoolmate, are excellently 
cast. Maxudian is suitably pompous 
as the school prof. Francoeur dig- 
nified as a headwaiter, and even the 
very minor parts are well acted. 

Direction by Claude Autant Lara 
is top drawer. Helped by excellent 
lensework of Voinquel, he has pro- 
jected the characters with finesse, 
and made graphically realistic with- 
a touchy story. In 



Foreign Film Reviews 

(Unlikely for Anglo-U. S. Market) 



"I.a Navidad de los Polires" ("Tho 
Pe " ple ' s <'>'ristmas") (AHGEX- 
LINK), Argentina Sono Film production 
and release, stars Nlnl Marshall; features 
Tito Lusiardo, Irma Cordoba, Osvaldo 
Miranda. Directed by Manuel Romero, 
screenplay, Miss Marshall. based on 
Romero's story; camera. Alberto Etche- 
behei-e; sonxs, Paul MIsraUy. At Monu- 
mental, Buenos Aires. Running time, Wi 
MINS. 



This film sifts down to merely a 
vehicle for Nini Marshall whose role 
is that of a department store sales- 
girl. Hers is an excellent character- 
ization punctuated with malaprop- 
lsms, "refinement" and fundamental 
common sense. Picture should gross 
well in Argentina, Chile and Uru- 
guay. It has a limited appeal for the 
U. S. mart. jvid. 



"Ingen Vag Tllll.akn" ("No Road 
Back") (SWKDISH). Sandrew-Bauman 
Film release of Carl Nelson-Monark Film 
production. Stars Edvln Adolpbson, Gaby 
Stenberg; features Anile HJoerck, Olo'f 
Bergstioem, Arnold Sjostland, Hugo 
Bjoerne. Naemi BHse, Willy Peters. Aurore 
Palmgren. .lulie Rernhy. Nancy Dalunde. 
Duected by Adolphson. Screenplay. Ragnar 
at Geljerstam, based on novel bv Hans 
Severinsen: camera, llilding Bladh; music, 
Mine Ma Id mil r. At Grand. Stockholm. 
Running time, 08 MINS. ' 



— Based^rr^DWHsh 'noveTTthTs" HTm 
is hampered by an inept screen 
adaptation. Yarn deals with the 
Danish underground during the Ger- 
man occupation. Picture may find 
some acceptance in the Scandinavian 
market, but its chances abroad are 
doubtful. 



See $89,000,000 

sss Continued from page 5 

definitely in the wind— probably a 
freeze which may run as high as 
50%. 

Brazil and Argentina 

Brazil, now in straightened condi- 
tions, is threatening a temporary 
blocking of currency until the coun- 
try pulls itself out of its economic 
hole. Revenues from Brazil come to 
$5,000,000-$6,000,000 yearly. In Ar- 
gentina, similar returns of $5,000,000- 
$6,000,000 have been put on ice, for 
the time being anyway. Foreign 
managers are fairly confident that 
this action is only temporary but 
there's no indication, as yet, when 
it will be lifted. -Since the Argen- 
tine blocking resulted from Britain's 
suspension of pound-to-dollar con- 
vertability, the situation hinges on 
the latter's actions. 

Denmark's $1,200,000 contribution 
yearly to the majors' coffers will 
probably be sliced in half. That's 
the expectation of foreign dept. 
execs. As for Sweden, with a clamp 
already fixed on the flow of coin, a 
similar 50% freeze is in the works. 
The Swedes have been good for $3,- 
000,000-$3,500,000 annually. 

Metro's Status; Plus others 

On the basis of a loss in revenues 
alone, Metro stands to take the hard- 
est wallop since its cut of total for- 
eign remittances in '46 came to $24,- 
000,000, That's against overseas rent- 
als for M-G of $38,000,000 before de- 
ductions for operatii.g expenses and 
overhead. Next in line is 20th-Fox 
with $23,000,000 (grosses, $34,000.- 
000) y Paramount, $19,000,000 (grosses, 
$29,000,000); Warner Bros., $19,000,- 
000 (grosses, $29,000,000); Universal, 
$14,000,000 (grosses, $23,000,000 1; 
RKO, $13,000,000 (grosses, . $22,000,- 
000); United Artists, $10,000,000 
(grosses, $16,000,000); Columbia, $10,- 
000,000 (grosses, $16,000,000). 

Flock of other countries have 
bottled the flow of cash since war 
days and even prior to that Any 
action which they may take in the 
future has had little bearing on cur- 
rent estimates since, at worst, it can- 
no way cut present revenues. Chief 
among the countries which haven't 
been a source of profit for a num- 
ber of years are Italy, China, Spain, 
Finland, Syria and Lebanon. 



20th's Figures 



Continued from page 5 



ii.l?vl!!£V*Z1. Uu ( The T ' llll< ' Parade") 
(ARi.fcNTIM.!). San Miguel production 
and release, stars Hugo del Carrll, Aida 
A lierli, Ernesto Vilrhes: features Jose 
(liana, Nelly Daren, Plorlndo Perrarlo, 
I'elisa Wavy, Carlos Castro. Maruja Pais! 
Directed by Antonio Momplet. Story Ale- 
iamii-n Verblsky. Binilio Vlllalha VVelsa- 
camera. David Alls.-huler. At Normandie 
Buenos Aires. Running lime, -,o MINS. 

This musical's principal theme is 
the glorification of the Argentine 
tango. Woven in the weak yarn is 
the alleged story of composer Mattos 
Rodriguez, writer of "La Cumpar- 
stta Packed with showmanship the 
picture is destined to do sock biz in 
the sticks. Hugo del Carril's warbling 
of tango favorites is also on the 
credit side although he's still as 
wooden as ever as an actor. Film 
has no U. S. value. jtfid 



for the 26 weeks was only $3,350,000, 
it's evident that the company would 
be in. the red. . . 

It's at this point that the majors 
with affiliated circuits rind their 
theatre holdings so valuable. 20fh's 
consolidated income from picture 
and theatre companies for the first 
six months was $8,400,000. Loss of 
half the-foreign income ($3,720,000) 
would still leave a tidy profit. 

Latter assumption, of course, is 
based on grosses holding up in 
American theatres, which is a fair 
enough possibility. What's more of 
a possibility, however, than a bad 
slump at the b.o. is the Supreme 
Court's ordering divorcement of 
theatres from the picture companies 
in the anti-trust proceedings now be- 
fore it. Results would be obivious. 

More Figures ,, 

Other Fox statistics give addition- 
ally interesting insight into the im- 
portant part the foreign market 
plays. In 1946, 37.7% of the com- 
pany's income was derived from 
abroad. In the first 26 weeks of 1H47, 
the figure had risen to 39.4%. Of the 
foreign income last year, 49% came 
from England. 

Latter 49% represented $16,690,000, 
of which $7,300,000 was net. Effect 
of the extreme cold last winter and 
general adversity in England is seen 
in comparative figures for first hulf 
of 1947. Gross was $7,280,000 and 
-net-$3 ; 000;000, a d rop of a batitH 
from last year. 

Improved business in the rest of 
the world, however, more than made 
up for the British decline. Gross in- 
come for 1946 from the foreign mar- 
ket was $34,098,000, while first six 
months of this year it was $17,427.- 
000, meaning it was running a little 
better. That's gross, however, out of 
which cost of foreign operation must 
be taken. Latter amounts to 30-40%. 
In the case of 20th, last year, for in- 
stance, of the $34,000,000 gross, only 
$23,000,000 was remitted to this 
country. 

In the event the British tax is not 
rescinded or modified, the results of 
the current embargo should start 
showing up in quarterly financial 
statements about next spring. How- 
soon each company will feel the 
effect varies with the number of tin- 
played pictures on the shelf in Eng- 
land when the tax hit in July, sine* 
remittances are- allowable from these 
films. 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 ■ P%HIETY 13 




JSl master-tale of mystery, false 
love and murder in a Michael Curtiz Pro- 
duction. In just a few weeks hence you'll 
see how the director of 'Life With Father^ 
' Mildred Pierce' , 'This Is The Army', has com- 
bined a crackerjack star line-up and an 
edge-of-seat plot. You'll witness mystery 

- - ..■>-_; — .. „ , . — * — — - 

history with 'The Unsuspected ! 

t WARNER BROS. 




16 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



EL's 55-60 Pix for '47-48 Include 17 As, 
25-30 Low-Budgeters and Others 



' Seeking to step into the pre-war <• 
role played by major distribs; Eagle 
Lion has set an ambitious releasing 
program of 55—60 pix for the 
1947-48 season. Company intends to 
•distribute 17 lop pix at an estimated 
production cost of $23,000,000; be- 
tween 25 and 30 bread-and-butter 
low-budgeters at an. average nut of 
$200,000 apiece; at least eight. Brit- 
ish films from J. Arthur Rank's 
studios, plus six Edward Small re- 
issues. 

Besides this minimum number, 
tbcie will be additions from indie 
producers. Walter Wanger yester- 
day (Tues.1 closed a deal which will 
give the company two to four more 
films. Edward Small is already re- 
leasing "T-Men" through EL with 
the understanding that he'll groove 
three or four more new films to the 
company should it produce results 
with the initial pic. 

Upping of the number of releases 
has been decided on to give a "bal- 
anced diet" of A's and B's to exhib 
customers, according to Al Schwal- 
berg, vcepee in charge of sales. 
Company intends making the most 
out of the majors' stress on A's, 
figuring that a flock of # nabes and 
subsequent-runs are hungry for low- 
budgeters which haven't been thor- 
oughly milked in the first-runs. EL 
execs think that pix which look new 
to customers patronizing the nabes 
will do solid business. 

Actioncrs and Comedies 

Low-bracket films will be mainly 
actioncrs and comedies. Company 
h;;s tieup with Harry Brandt's out- 
fit, Marathon Films, for instance, for 
four during the coming season with 
one, ''Open Secret," now ready for 
release. Jack Schwarz, another 
indie, is turning out three, with 
"Heading for Heaven" (Linda Far- 
rell-Stuart Erwin), first of. the crop. 
Of the Rank importations, four have 
been definitely tagged for release 
th's year. 

First national sales meet of the 
■company was held from Saturday 
(27) to yesterday (30) at the War- 
wick hotel with Schwalberg presid- 
ing. Arthur Krim, -company prexy, 
flew to New York from the Goast in 
time to attend the last day of the 
confabs. 



Cal. Labor Board Rules 
Vs. Scripter on Agey. % 

Los Angeles, Sept. 30. 
Mel Dinelli, screenwriter, must 
pay 10% of his salaries to the estate 
of the late Frank Vincent, under an 
unusual ruling by the State Labor 
Commissioner. Although the pact 
between the writer and the Vincent 
agency was drawn for one year, the 
commissioner decreed that commis- 
sions must be paid for seven years, 
the length of Dinelli's working con- 
tract with Vanguard, which Vincent 
arranged nine months before his 
death. \ 

Shortly after Vincent died, Dinelli 
mailed the agency a letter termi- 
nating their agreement, but the com- 
sioner held that the contract is still 
in force. 



% CHISELING SUITS 
SHIFT TO N. Y. AREA 

Number of percentage-chiseling 
suits will be filed in the New York 
area within a short time, it's been 
learned. Auditing of books in the 
metropolitan sector has been con- 
ducted on a wide scale recently and 
attorneys for the majors are under- 
stood to be prepping suits charging 
false returns on percentage pix. 

First defendants to be named are 
Irving R. Landau and Danlow Thea- 
tre Corp., operators and owners of 
the Heights theatre, Manhattan, N. Y. 
Complaint was filed against them 
last week by Metro in N. Y. federal 
court. Defendants are hit for al- 
legedly making fraudulent b.o. re- 
turns 6n pix which played the 
Heights during 1941-47. 

Earlier in the month, the same 
defendants were named in three 
separate actions filed in the N. Y. 
supreme court by Paramount, 20th- 
Fox and Warner Bros. 



Exhibs Expect 

; Continued from page 5 z 



1948. Obviously aiming at National, 
Allied, he'll advise theatre men that 
no trade association can get films 
cheaper for an exhib or can help 
him with clearance or run problems. 
Those are personal problems which 
individual exhibs must iron out with 
distribs to suit their particular sit- 
uations. 

TOA, on the other hand, Levy ex- 
pects to say, recognizes that unfair 
trade practices have developed. It's 
the TOA's avowed purpose to protect 
members affirmatively from these 
unfair practices. 



Silverman Hits Tax 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 

Eddie Silverman, head of Essaness 
theatres here, last week called on 
Chicago aldermen to vote against the 
3% amusement tax coming up for 
passage tomorrow (1). Silverman 
argued that a tax on pictures, the- 
atres, sporting events and other 
amusements would further burden 
those least able to pay it. 

Picture spokesmen report they al- 
ready pay higher fees than any other 
business in Chicago, which has 
steeper house fees than any other 
large city. They point out that, in 
addition to the 20% federal tax, the- 
atre license fees have increased 
more than 160%. - 



EL's Busy Producers 
. Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Eagle Lion, coming out of a period 
of summer hibernation, is stepping 
out with its busiest production pro- 
gram. Eight films will go into work 
on the E!L lot before the end of this 
year. 

First of the eight will be "Mickey," 
a musical tinter starring Lois Butler, 
14-year-old with an operatic voice. 
Second is "The Noose Hangs High," 
with Bud Abbott & Costello. Others 
are "Madhouse," "Prince Valiant," 
"Kenny," "New Girl in Town," 
"Corkscrew Alley" and a sequel to 
"Red Stallion." 



Defer Mpls. % Hearing 

Minneapolis, Sept. 30. 

The hearing of federal court suits 
growing out of alleged fraudulent 
returns on percentage pictures by 
Sidney and William Volk, independ- 
ent circuit owners, originally sched- 
uled for last week, has been de- 
ferred until Oct. 21 at the request 
of both sides. 

Eight major 1 distributors are suing 
the Volk brothers. 



MPA's Johnston, Mayer 
Awarded Army Honors 

Gerald F. Mayer, head of the Mo- 
tion Picture Assn.'s international de- 
partment, was awarded the Army's 
medal of freedom last week for his 
work as an undergrounaUagent in 
the Office of Strategic Services in 
Switzerland during the war. 

Mayer, who served with the OSS 
in Bern from 1942 to 1945, "obtained 
military, political and economic in- 
telligence concerning the enemy of 
the highest importance by develop- 
ing contact with the heart of the 
German foreign office, which proved 
to be one of the outstanding in- 
telligence sources of the war," ac- 
cording to the citation from the 
Adjutant General's, office, which ac- 
companied the medal. 

In addition, the citation read, he 
"rendered essential services to the 
French underground and directed 
penetration operations in Germany, 
Italy, Austria, France and Hungary, 
which were of inestimable value:" 



Ohio Enacts 3% Tax 

Columbus, O., Sept. 30. 

With the Ohio state admissions 
tax expiring at midnight tonight 
(30) most cities will have enacted 
their own local admissions tax, con- 
tinuing the same 3% rate levied by 
the state. 

Councils throughout Ohio were 
asked by theatre interests to make 
confidential the returns from the 
taxes, so that rival operators could 
not learn how much business was 
being done in the various theatres. 



CP. Skouras 

; Continued from page 3 ; 

brother of Charles, receives $250,000 
a year in salary, of which $50,000 
is charged off to National Theatres, 
statement revealed. There's also a 
proviso for a payment of $125,000 
in event of his death. Pact, ef- 
fective April 27, 1942, continues until 
Dec. 31, 1952. 

Darryl F. Zanuck, production 
chief, receives $5,000 weekly, while 
Joe Schcnck, listed as "executive 
head of production," is down for 
$2,500 a week. Both of their con- 
tracts contain the proviso that they 
may not execute contracts for the 
rnmp.-iny in pyppbs nf nn p yp:ir in 



SAG s $45 and $155~Scales 
For Non-Theatrical Prods. 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 
New Screen Actors Guild contract 
negotiated with non-theatrical pro- 
ducers sets wage minimums of $45 
daily or $155 weekly with no con- 
cessions on hours or working condi- 
tions. 

Producers of theatrical films in 
New York will pay the same wage 
scales as locally, but SAG made an 
exception for Negro pictures aimed 
for Negro audiences in which case 
the minimums are the, same as for 
non-theatrical films. 



Johnston's Merit Medal 

Washington, Sept. 30. 

Eric A. Johnston was awarded the 
Army's Medal of Merit yesterday 
(29) for services in the field of 
public relations during the war. The 
presentation was made by Secretary 
of the Army Kenneth A. Royall. 

Citation declared that Johnston 
"had been an important figure in 
creating and putting into operation 
the management-labor charter which 
prevented most strikes and lockouts 
during the war." It also kudoed 
Johnston for serving on the State 
Department's Economic Policy Com- 
mittee and for a trip he made to 
South America in behalf of the 
President during the war. 



TOA POLLING EXHIBS 
ON ASCAP COMPROMISE 

National poll of exhibitor senti- 
ment on the proposed 300% boost in 
seat tax rates by the American So- 
ciety of Composers, Authors & Pub- 
lishers, is being mapped by the The- 
atre Owners of America. Mora- 
torium until Feb. 1, granted by 
ASCAP last week on the upping of 
scales, has cleared the way for a 
sounding with the question to be 
posed: do exhibs want to negotiate a 
settlement or fight any boost at all 
to the last ditch? 

There's no doubt that ASCAP will 
talk a scaling-down of its proposed 
rates. Board meeting which green- 
lighted the delay until Feb. 1 pushed 
through the okay in 10 minutes flat 
With little or no opposition voiced. 
There's a fairly unanimous sentiment 
in ASCAP's directorate in favor of 
some halfway point between its orig- 
inal rates and the upped scales. 
Hence, the delay itself means that 
ASCAP is willing to lower its sights 
a notch. 

On this score, there's* a feeling- 
among a number of influential 
ASCAPites that the timing on the 
boost demands is wrong. The raise 
should have been put into effect, it's 
conceded, during the lush war days 
when exhibs were doing standout 
biz. With theatres feeling a 15%- 
20% slump from peak levels of 1946, 
it's natural for exhibs to sizzle over 
any threat of increased operational 
costs. ASCAP had been urged dur- 
ing the war to up the scales by sev- 
eral of its directors but the Society 
board voted it down — an action 
which is now regretted openly by 
many of its members. 

On the heels of the moratorium 
announcement, TOA officials -have 
declared that the organization is not 
committed to a settlement or even 
to talking one. Whether any discus- 
sions are launched or not will de- 
pend on the results of its poll. Final 
decision on TOA strategy is to be 
made within 30 days following crea- 
tion of the new theatre org's board 
of directors. First meeting to be held 
by that body will mull TOA's course 
of action. 

Meanwhile, Robert Coyne, exec 
secretary, has already started the 
poll rolling. He's requested regional 
and state exhibitor groups to canvass 
their membership on the fight or 
settle poser. In the event, the answer 
is yes to settlement, Coyne has also 
asked for authority to represent the 
groups in huddles with ASCAP. 



Paul Williams Studies ' 
Trade Practices Code On 
Behalf of TOA Exhibs 

Extent to which the film industry . 
can legally go in setting up a trade 
practices code is currently being 
studied by Paul Williams, regional 
veepee for the newly formed Thea- 
tre Owners of America, on request 
of the exhibitor group. Williams, 
general counsel to the Southern Cali- 
fornia Theatre Owners Assn., is to 
report back to the TOA nt its first 
board meet. He shoved off for the 
Coast last week following the close 
of the Washington TOA convention. 

Williams has been asked to formu- 
late a tentative code which won't 
overstep the bounds defined by Fed- 
eral anti-trust laws. He's been 
tapped for those chores because he 
formerly held a top spot in the Dept. 
of Justice's anti-trust division under 
Thurman Arnold. TOA proposes to 
call a roundtable forum of exhibs 
and major distribs in an effort to 
agree on a code of practices. The 
move was approved at the DC con- 
fabs as a way of toning down wide* 
spread litigation in the industry, 

TOA has also asked Williams to 
examine codes of other industries to 
help prep the regulations planned 
for films. Number of these have 
stood up under court attack and it's 
figured an industry code can be 
worked out under similar lines. 



length, ''or more than $2,500 a week 
or $100,000 on any one picture or 
fo literary works costing more than 
$? 0,000. 

Zanuck's pact, dated 1935, and ex- 
tended and modified in 1941 and 
1942, continues until Feb. 6, 1953, 
Schenck's runs from May 15, 1943, 
to May 14. 1950. 

Murray Silverstone, v.p. in charge 
cf foreign distribution, has an 
agreement which calls for $1,750 
weekly during 1946 and 1947, $2,000 
weekly in 1948 and $2,500 weekly 
.. in 1949 and 1950, It expires. Beq, 31, 
1950. 

Joe Moskowitz, v.p. and eastern 
studio rep, has a seven-year deal 
that started Feb. 24, 1945. It calls 
for $2,000 a week for the first five 
years and $2,500 for the next two. 
Lew Schreiber, assistant to Zanuck 
and head of studio operations, is on 
a live-year ticket from Oct. 29, 1945, 
at a straight $2,500 a week. 



Black Narcissus 

Continued from page 3 



and Alberta, with other provinces 
yet to be heard from, including 
Quebec. 

Forced Off Broadway 
,T. Arthur Rank's "Black Narcis- 
sus" was forced into premature cur- 
-tailrrient o f i t s Bro adway run S u n 



Baxter Vice Tierncy 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Twentieth - Fox assigned Anne 
Baxter to one of the three femme 
co-starring roles in "The Walls of 
Jericho," originally intended for 
Gene Tierney. 

Other cast toppers will be Linda 
Darnell and Ann Dvorak. 



Buff. Area 

Continued from page 4 



Copenhagen 1 

— Continued from page 5 1 

Denmark. Now getting about $1,200,- 
000 a year out of the country,, they'll 
be limited under the new regula- 
tions to approximately $600,000 in 
the 15 months from Oct 1 of this 
year to Dec. 31 of next. 

Rules provide also that after 
March 1, American distribs must bill 
their Danish subsids at a flat fee for 
each picture, rather than taking out 
all income over operating costs, as 
they do now. The total of these fees 
for films of all companies through- 
out the world cannot exceed 4,000,- 
000 kroner. U. S. business amounts 
to about 80% of that, or 3,200,000 
kroner ($600,000). 

Result of leaving the excess over 
the 3,200,000 kroner will have the 
effect of building up large profits for 
the Danish subsids of the American 
companies. That will place them in 
high tax brackets and, in effect, take 
from the distribs much of the coin 
that would ordinarily be frozen. 

MPEA voted Norton V. Ritchey a 
member of the board. Ritchey is 
prez of Monogram International, of 
which Allied Artists, an MPEA 
member, is an affiliate. 



Cripps 

Continued from page 3 



day (28) by a combination of cir- 
cumstances, despite opinion of ex- 
hib Maurice Maurer that it could 
have held up boxoffice-wise for an- 
other 10 to 13 weeks. British pic 
was playing at the Fulton, legit 
house converted to films for the 
summer, but had to exit because the 
theatre had been previously booked 
for "Command Decision," legiter. 

Maurer, who operates the Fulton 
for the City Investing Co.. wanted 
to move "Narcissus" to the Bijou, 
another CI house around the corner. 
That was jE0lxibjted,„how.ever._ by. .a 
rule of the RKO and Loew circuits 
that they will not play' a picture in 
New York if it has more than one 
Broadway run. They had previously 
indicated they would consider such 
a moveover more than one run. 

Maurer is now prepping the Bijou, 
however, for other foreign and arty 
product. "Narcissus" ran for seven 
weeks at the Fulton. 



Small's Pix 

Continued from page 3 , 



Pivar. has just made a deal with 



20th-Fox for a half-dozen B's to be 
made for $150,000 to $200,000. They 
will include two "Bulldog Drum- 
monds" and four exploitation pix. 
Small, Sr., will provide the financing 
and take an active part in supervis- 
ing their production. 

Just completed and about to go 
into release at Eagle Lion is "T- 
Men," while preparing at the studio 
is "Corkscrew Alley." Both are 
budgeted at $850,000. In addition, 
EL is handling a flock of Small re- 
issues. 

Being .filmed, in .Italy .j&rr.ently.... 
under Gregory Ratoff's direction is 
"Cagliostro." Small is waiting until 
he sees at least part of it before 
making any effort at a releasing ar- 
rangement. It's the initial effort of 
an American producer to move any 
of his frozen lire by picturemaking 
there. Overall cost will be about 
$2,000,000, with about half that com- 
ing out of the blocked lire. 



ditional exhib close-mouthedness on 
revealing any operating info to the 
majors prevented that. Data in- 
cluded in the report was collected 
by exchanges of the seven MPA 
member-companies from question- 
naires prepared by Chambers. Ac- 
cording to the foreword in the di- 
rectory it is based on "personal in- 
terviews with exhibitors, as well as 
general trade knowledge." 

Report is divided into three major 
sections. First provides a listing ot 
all theatres, hy t n wr i arid population, 
indicating circuit affiliation (if any), 
seating capacity, days operated per 
week and name of company or per- 
son signing film contracts. Second 
section contains a listing of all re- 
ported circuit theatres, according to 
operating organization. A circuit is 
defined as "four or more theatres 
operated by the same management." 
Third section of the directory lists 
names and addresses of local exr 
changes — both major and minor — 
and manager. 

Statistical summary with the re- 
port, gives -a -breakdown- of cities by- 
population. This makes it possible, 
for instance, for a distrib who wants 
to hit towns of over 50,000 in a sales 
campaign to know immediately that 
in the Buffalo territory there are five 
cities in this group (including Buf- 
falo. Rochester and Syracuse) with 
a total of 139 theatres and 147,459 
scats and an average of 1,076 seats 
per theatre. 



ton, MPA .prexy, and Donald M. 
Nelson, head of the Society of In- 
dependent Motion Picture Pro- 
ducers. 

Nelson flew in from Hollywood for 
what was only a half hour session 
with Johnston in an attempt to 
reach agreement on united action 
by the majors and indie producers. 
Inside information indicates they're 
still apparently some distance apart 
on the tax situation. What's also ap- 
parent is that both Nelson and 
Johnston are a bit restive over the 
lack of word from London. 

More Austerity 

Ciipps thinks the British can get 
along without any pix at all if that's 
a necessary point in the austerity 
program. With Chancellor- of the 
Exchequer Hugh Dalton, he'll super- 
vise Britain's import program. 
Moreover, he presides over a com- 
mit tee— which— will— ha n die— detailed— 
economic planning for the country, 

Whether Cripps' elevation makes 
the hush-hush trip of Allen Welsh 
Dulles to England an empty gesture 
is still problematical. Dulles, an in- 
ternational attorney who serves as 
adviser to the MPA on foreign prob- 
lems,, trekked last week to lay a 
foundation for a later trip by Johns- 
ton. 

Denial by the MPA that Dulles 
made the crossing on the tax snarl 
indicates that the MPA is not too 
optimistic of favorable results. It 
would- rather keep-'ttie TriovV in the 
shade until something tangible can 
be reported. Probable reason for 
his advance agenting is that Johns- 
ton doesn't want to go to England 
unless there's a reasonable chance 
that a settlement can be pacted. 
Johnston, naturally enough, doesn't 
relish a fanfared trip which might 
result in his coining back empty 
handed. 



Wedneaday, October 1, 1947 



P^RIETY 



IT 



THE GROSSES GROW GREATER AT 





CENTURY-FOX 



. . :• •••• ; \ 



• 4 




1st week at the Roxy, N. Y. 
topped 




MOTHER WORE TIGHTS 



Color by TECHNICOLOR 




which danced rings around the records 
of 20th's greatest Technicolor triumphs 
and topped m 



I wonder vM fytmhs aw 



Color by TECHNICOLOR 

M. P. Herald Boxoffice Champion 
for July and August, 
which topped 




M. P. Herald Boxoffice Champion 
for June and Winner of Boxoffice 

■ * 

Magazine Blue Ribbon Award! 



YOU'RE ALWAYS ON 



TOP 



WITH 




CENTURY-FOX! 



18 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Picture Grosses 



CLEVELAND 

(Continued from page 8) 
Bogart film. Last week, "Life With 
Father" <WB) (2d wk), dropped to 
$22,000 mainly because of high road- 
show scale. „ ... 

Lake (Warners) (800; 5o-i0>— 
"Long Night" (RKO) < m.o.). Swell 
$3,500. Last week, "Kiss of Death 
(20th) <m.o.), same. 

Ohio (Loew's) 1 1,200: 55- 10)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (m.o.). 
Sturdy at $9,500 for third stanza. 
Last week, "South Pago-Pago' (EL) 
and "Corsican Bros." iEL) (re- 
issues), $7,500. ' 

Palace iRKO) (3.000; b5-8o)— 
"Last of Redmen" (Col) plus Ted 
Wcoms orch and Welly Brown on 
stage. Combo is light but looks over 
$28,000, nice. Last week, -Riffraff' 
(RKO) with Olsen and Johnson re- 
vue on stage, plenty .socky at $39,000. 

State (Loew's) < 3.450; 55-70)— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue). 
Zooming to strong $26,500. Last 
week, "Welcome Stranger" (Par) 
(2d wk), just satisfactory $18,500. 

Stillman (Loew's) 1 2,700; 55-70)— 
"Arnelo Case" (M-G). Looks like a 
dud at $6,000. Last week, "Red 
Stallion" (EL), middling $7,800. 



Pitt Steady; 'Bachelor' 
Smash $18,000, 'Harvest' 
Sturdy 18& lured' 11G 



Pittsburgh, Sept. 30. 
Biz is holding rather firm this 
•week, with "Wild Harvest" at Penn 
and "Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" at 
Warner running about neck-and- 
neck for leadership, with final nod 
going to latter because at a much 
smaller house. Moreovers of "Gone 
With Wind" at Ritz and "Mother 
Wore Tights" at Senator are both 
big, and second weeks of "Welcome 
Stranger" at Stanley and "Kiss of 
Death" at Fulton are pulling well. 
Estimates for This Week 
Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 40-70)— 
"Kiss of Death" (20th) (2d wk). Go- 
ing along nicely. Had been booked 
to stick only a few days but brisk 
trade extended session to full week. 
Looks trim $7,000. Last week hit 
dandy $10,000. , 

Harris (Harris) (2.200; 40-70)— 
"Lured" (TTA). Not too strong at 
$11,000 or near. Last week, second 
of "Mother Wore Tights" (20th), 
$11,500. 

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 40-70) 
—"Wild Harvest" (Par). Action 
picture pulling sturdy $18,500. Last 
week; second of "Gone With Wind" 
(M-G) (reissue), big $17,500 in 8 
days. 

n tz (Loew's) (800; 40-70)— "Gone 
With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) (m.o.) 
Socko $5,000 »i this small-seater. 
Last week, "Desert Fury" (Par) 
(m.o.) (2d wk), $3,000. 

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 40-70)— 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) (m.o.) 
Another that hasn't exhausted it 
self downtown. Two sock sessions 
at Harris are being followed by an- 
other one here, with $5,000. Last 
week, "Texas" (Col) and "Arizona" 
(Col) (reissues), good $5,000. 

Stanley (WB) (3.800; 40-70)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d wk). 
Off a bit to $15,000 or close. Last 
week, sturdy $28,500. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-70)— 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO). 
Heading for smash $18,000, tremen- 
dous here. Last week, fifth of "Life 
With Father" (WB), $10,000. 



"Second Chance" (20th) (2d wk). 
Stout $10,000. Last week, big .V12.000 
being day-dale with Oriental. 

Paramount (H-E) (3,400; 40-80)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) and "Little 
Miss Broadway" (Col). Also Orien- 
tal 'Nifty $11,000. Last week, 
"Honeymoon" (RKO) and "Thunder 
Mountain" (RKO), trim $9,300 in 6 

Playhouse (H-E) (1,200; 40-80)— 
"Honeymoon" (RKO) and "Copaca- 
baria" (UA). (m.o.). Good $3,000. 
Last week. "Wonder Who's Kissing 
Her" (20th) and "Fabulous Dorseys' 
(UA) (4th wki. small $1,500. , 

United Artists (Parker) ( 895; 40- 
80)— "Gone With Wind" (M-G) (re- 
issue). Lush $12,000. Last week, 
"Song Thin Man" (M-G), stout 

$9,300. ■„,.'*,-*' 

Guild (Parker) (427 ; 65-$l)— 
"Brief Encounter" (U) (3d wk).Fine 
$1,500 in 5 days. Last week, so-so 
$2,000 after sock $5,200 opener. 

'HARVEST' RICH 25G, 
FRISCO; 'WIND' 15G 

San Francisco, Sept. 30. 
Trade here is showing little effect 
from fleet being in over the 'week- 
end, "Long Night" is disappointing 
but "Dark Passage," on movcover, 
and "Black Narcissus" in second 
week, are very strong, "Wild Har- 
vest" is fairly stout on tee-off at 

Paramount 

Estimates for This Week 
Golden Gate (RKO) < 2,844; 65- 
$1.00) — "Crossfire" (RKO),; plus 



Roller Derby Cuts Into 
L'ville Albeit 'Stranger' 
Highl7G,'Father'8G,2d 

Louisville, Sept. 30. 

Business is spotty here this week. 
National, which has been coasting 
along with so-so films, teed off stage- 
show policy with Sugar Chile Rob- 
inson heading vaude last Thursday 
(25). It has "Scared to Death on 
screen and looks terrific $20,000 or 
near. Rialto is solid with "Welcome 
Stranger." 

Estimates for This Week 

Brown (Fourth Avenue) (1,200; 
40-60)— "Mother Wore Tights" (20th) 
(m.o.). Nice $5,000 after strong ses- 
sion at Rialto. Last -week. "Bachelor 
and "Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) (m.o.), 
$5,500. 

Kentucky (Switow) ( 1,200; 30-40)— 
"Sinbad Sailor" (RKO) and "Won't 
Believe Me" (RKO). Medium $3,000. 
Last week, "Dear Ruth" (Par) and 
"Unfaithful'-' tWB), swell $3,600. 

Mary Anderson (People's) (1,100; 
90-$1.25)— "Life With Father" (WB) 
(2d wk). Pace slowing up with ad- 
vanced prices rated a drawback. 
Fair -$8,000. Last week, sturdy 
$12,000. 

National (Standard) (2,400; 60-85) 
—"Scared to Death" (FC) and stage 
show, headed by Sugar Chile Rob- 
inson. Terrific $20,000 or near. 
Last week, "The Web" (U), medium 
$5,000. 

E'alto (FA) (3.400; 40-60)— "Wel- 
come Stranger" (Par). Turning 'em 
over at rate of six shows a day. solid 
$17,000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20th), rousing $18,000, 

State (Loew's)* (3.300; 40-60)— 
j'The Women" (M-G) (reissue). Mild 
$11,000. Last week, "Unfinished 
Dance" (M-G) and "Arnelo Affair" 
(M-G), medium $14,000. 



Inside Stuff-Pictures 

John L. Lewis' reported defensive-offensive agreement with W. I,. 
Hutcheson, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, is a repeat of 1939 
theatrical history. At that time the performer unions in the Associated 
Actors & Artistes of American were engaged in a months-long jurisdic- 
tional tussle with the.. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Em- 
ployees. 

It's understood that in return for Hutcheson's support of his drive to 
have the American Federation of Labor defy the NLRB order for union 
officials to sign non-Communist affidavits, Lewis will back the Carpen- 
ters' jurisdictional claims against the IATSE in the Hollywood scone 
construction field. Now, as in 1939, the United Mine Workers' boss is 
opposing the stagehands union. . 

As reported exclusively , in Vautctt at the time (and denied then by 
everyone involved), a delegation representing the AAAA actor unions 
arranged a confidential meeting with Lewis at his summer home at a New 
Jersey seashore resort, during. August, 1939. The AAAA leaders fell they 
were getting a runaround at the time from the AFL executive council, 
which was considering their jurisdictional claims against the IATSE. 
They had been informed that Lewis would take them into the CIO, of 
which he was then the president and boss, if the AFL gave the stage- 
hands control over the vaudeville performer field, through approval of 
an I A charter to Ralph Whitehead's American Federation of Actors. 

At the hushhush confab, Lewis gave the actor reps assurances of his 
support if they should 1 decide to leave the AFL. He offered unusually 
broad charter terms "and promised that, in case such AFL unions as the 
musicians, stagehands, etc., refused to work with them after they had 
joined the ClO, he was prepared to set up CIO music and stagehand 
unions, under AAAA jurisdiction. He also guaranteed them "protec- 
tion" against possible rough stuff by AFL hoodlums. However, he told 
them frankly that he believed it would be to their own interests to 
remain in the AFL, if they could do so without invasion of their juris- 
diction by the IATSE. 

When the Vakiety story of the meeting appeared, there was understood 
to have been consternation among ,the membefs of the AFL executive 
council, who were reluctant to become involved in a jurisdictional battle 
with such a tough operator as Lewis. Within a week or two, a deal was 
worked out, with George E. Browne, IATSE prez, and his Hollywood 
rep, William Bioff, withdrawing the charter issued to the AFA and 
giving the AAAA complete jurisdiction in the actor field. Lewis' threat- 
ened offensive was regarded as, at least, partly responsible for the AFL 
backdown and the AAAA victory. 



'FURY' LUSTY $16,500 
FOR 2 PORT. HOUSES 

' • Portland, Ore., Sept. 30. 
Most key houses are upping their 
take this week, despite foptball, 
horse racing, circus, and baseball. 
"Gone W'th Wind" is smash at the 
small United Artists. "Desert Fury" 
is great day-date at Paramount and 
Oriental. "Mother Wore Tights' 
looks ace holdover with strong sec 
end session at the Orpheum. 
Estimates, for Tin srWek 



vaude headed by Constance Moore 
and Gil Lamb (2d wk). Last week, 
$28,000. 

Fox (FWC) (4,651; 60-95)— "Long 
Night" (RKO). Colorless $17,500. 
Last week, "Dark Passage" (WB), 
strong $30,000. ', . 

Warfield (FWC) (2,656; 60-85)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (m.o.). Rug- 
ged $19,000. Last week, "Cry .Wolf" 
(WB) (m.o.) $13,000. 

Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85) — 
"Wild Harvest" (Par). Hefty $25,000. 
Last week. "Deep Valley" (WB), 
oke $15,500. 

St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 60-85)— 
"Welcome Stranger"' (Par)' (11th 
wk). Fine $9,500. Last week, vigor- 
ous $10,500. 

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,448; 
55-85)— "Something In Wind" (U). 
Oke $15,000. Last week, "Down To 
Earth" (Col) (3d wk), $10,500. 

United Artists (Blumenfeld) (1,207; 
55-85)— "Lured" (UA). Good $11,000. 
Last week, "Heaven Only Knows" 
(UA) (2d wk), $8,500. 

Stagedoor (Ackerman) (250; 60- 
85)— "Things To Come" (FC) and 
"Man Work Miracles" (FC) (re 
issues) (2d wk). Stout $3,000. Last 
week, robust $3,600. 

Esquire (Blumenfeld) (952; 55-85) 
—"Black Narcissus" (U) (2d wk). 
Sock $9,000. Last week, big $14,500. 

Center (Lippert) (300; 90-$1.20)— 
"Best Years" (RKO). Big $3,000. 
Last week, "Duel" (SRO) (6th wk), 
oke $3,900. 

Guild (Lippert) (400; 35-85)— 
"Gone With Wind"' (M-G) (reissue) 
(8th wk). Okay $3,000. Last week, 
pleasing $4,700. 

Clay (Roesner) (400; 65-85)— "Tor- 
ment" (Indie) (3d wk). Trim 
$3,500. Last week, giant $3,800. 

Larkin (Roesner) (400; 65-85) — 
"39 Steps" (Indie) "Adventures 
Chico" (EL) (reissues). Sad $1,700. 
Last week, "The Vow" (Artkino), 
weak $1,900. 

United Nations (FWC) (1,149; 60- 
85)— "Long Night" (RKO). Mild 
$3,000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (m.o.), nice $3,000. 



'Ruth' Solid 16G,Mont'l 



Montreal, Sept. 30. 
"The Yearling" is the big draw 
here this week at Loew"s. "Dear 
Ruth," at Capitol, is another solid 
newcomer. "Variety Girl." at Prin- 
cess, is doing good on second-run. 
Business has picked up with arrival 
j^.ajUunm_wj:ailifir_ 



'Passage' Fast $20,500 
In Denver; 'My Man' 11G 

Denver, Sept. 30. 
"Variety Girl" is packing the Den- 
ham this week to come near house 
record. "Mother Wore Tights," in 
fifth week downtown, holds over at 
the Aladdin to make. sixth session. 
"Dark Passage" also is big, day-date 
in two houses. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74)— 
'Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and 
'Blackmail" (Rep), after week at 
Paramount, Esquire. Fine $5,000. 
Last week, "Barber of Seville" (In- 
die), big $6,000. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 35-70)— 
"Variety Girl" (Par). Smash $23,000. 
Holds. Last week, "W e 1 c o m e 
Stranger" (Par), big $11,500 fourth 
week. 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74) — 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Adven- 
tures Don Coyote" tUA), day-date 
with Esquire. Big $18,000. Last 
week, "Singapore" (U) and "When 
Girl's Beautiful" (Col), $17,000. 

Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— "Dark 
Passage" (WB) and "Adventures of 
Don Coyote" (UA), also Denver. 
Good $2,500. Last week, "Mother 
Wore Tights" (20th) and "Black- 
mail" (Rep) (2d wk), $2,000. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(2d wk). Fair $11,000. Last week, 
smash $20,000. 

Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74)— 
"That's My Man" (Rep) and "North- 
west Outpost" (Rep), day-date with 
Webber. Modest $9,000. Last week, 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and 
"Blackmail" (Rep) (2d wk), fine 
$13,000. 

Rialto (Fox) (878; 35-74)— "Singa- 
pore" (U) and "When Girl's Beauti- 
ful" (Col), after week at .Denver, 
Webber. Fair $2,000. Last week, 
"Last Mohicans" (EL) and "Kit 
Carson" (EL) (reissues) big $5,000. 

Tabor( Fox) (1.967; 35-74)— "City 
Without Men" (Col) and "Prison 
Without Bars" (UA) (reissues). 
Trim $9,000. Last week, "High 
Tide" (Mono) with stage show, big 
$15,000. 

Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74)— 
"That's My Man"' (Rep) and "North- 
west Outpost" (Rep), also Para- 
mount. Mild $2,000. Last week. 
"Singapore" (U) and "When Girl's 
Beautiful" (Col), $3,000. 



Chain of preview theatres set up by the major distributors in the 
country's 31 exchange centers have laid an egg, according to an item 
in the current issue of Fortune mag. "Chain of flops," which was set up 
after the feredal court's 1940 decree abolishing blockbooking and 
"blind selling," was supposed to give exhibs a chance to o.o. new product. 
At the start, majors promoted tradeshowings zealously, but soon, as one 
spokesman put it, "the exhibitor and operator didn't show; Aunt Gussie 
and Cousin Phil did." Last year, Loew's annual average was five theatre 
owners per exchange showing. 

Nonetheless, these showings continue at a cost of $1,200 per pic ($600 
for advertising, the rest for theatre rentals and operator's fees). 

Last year's federal court decree, however, while retaining ban of blind 
selling, would eliminate tradeshowings. Most exhibs claim they can't 
attend anyway since the exchanges in many cases are many hundreds of 
miles away from their home town. 



On the strength of her performance in his new "Romance in High C", 
Michael Curtiz has notified Doris Day that he wants to rewrite her con- 
tract upwards immediately. However, the singer's advisers have per- 
suaded' her to wait for the picture's release, figuring she'll get a bigger 
increase then. Present contract, direct with Curtiz as an independent 
producer at Warners, pays her $500 a week for the first year, $1,000 for 
the second, and additional boosts for subsequent years. "High C" is her 
first film. Until recently, she was singing with Les Brown's orchestra, 
but has since played an engagement at the Little Club, N. Y., and is 
currently featured with Frank Sinatra on the Lucky Strike "Hit Parade'' 
series Saturday nights on NBC. She was originally a dancer, but took 
up singing when she broke her ankle. 

' & „ 

Despite the general embargo on shipment of U. S. films to England, the 
majors are still exporting newsreels and documentary shorts to British 
screens. Reason is that filmed news subjects were exempted from the 75' o 
ad valorem tax. 

Since J. Arthur Rank produces his own newsreel and there's also a 
British Pathe news, playing time gained by U. S. reels in British theatres 
is small. Only shorts falling under the documentary classification, mean- 
while, are 20th-Fox's "March of Time" and RKO-Pathe's "This I.s Amer- 
ica." Since each produces only 13 issues a year, remittances to U. S. 
companies on earnings of both reels and shorts are believed very low. 



Broadway (Parker) (1.832; 40-80) 
—"Wyoming" (Rep) and "That's My 
Gal" (Rep.) Trim $8,000 in 6 days. 
Last week," "Ivy"' (U) and "The 
Web" (U), excellent $11,000. 

Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 40-80)— 
"Won't "Believe Me" (RKO) and 
"Dick Tracy's Dilemma'' (RKO). 
average $5,000. Last week, "North- 
west Outpost" (Rep) and "The 
Trespassers" (Rep), fair $5,500. 

Music Box (H-E) (1.000; 40-80)— 
"Variety "Girl" (Par) and "Bulldog 
•Drummond Strikes'' (Col) (2d wk). 
After 3 weeks at Orpheum and 
Orte»taI,/^Q-jsQ.J3,fiQQ^_Lasi„w.e.ek, 
about same. 

Oriental (H-E) (2,000; 40-80)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) and "Little 
Miss Broadway" (Col), day-date 
with Paramount. Neat $5,500. Last 
week. _"Mothcr Wore Tights" (20th) 
and "Second Chance" i.20th), okay 
$5,250, 

Orpheum (H-E) (1.750: 40-80) 



Estimates (or This Week 
Capitol (C.T.) (2.610; 30-45-62) — 
"Dear Ruth" (Par). Big $16,000. Last 
week, "Crossfire" (RKO) (2d wk), 
nice $14,000. 

Imperial (C.T.) (1.916: 30-40-50) — 
"Song to Remember" (Col) (reis- 
sue). Oke $4,000. Last week. "Men of 
Two Worlds" (EL) and "Code of 
West" (RKO). $3,500. 

Loew's (C.T.) (3.115; 35-47-67) — 
"Yearling" (M-G). Big $22,000. Last 
week, "Welcome Stranger" (Par) 
(3d wk). $17,000. 

Orpheum (C.T.) (1.119: 30-40-60) 
—"Dr. Jekyll Mr.. Hyde" (M-G) (re- 
.issue). Nice $5,000. Last week, "Les 
Anges du Pcche" (Indie) (2d wk). 
$3,500. 

Palace (C.T.) (2,578; 30-45-62) — 
"Variety Girl" (Par) (2d wk). Good 
$14,000 after fancy $17,000 opener. 

Princess (C.T.) (2.270; 30-40-53) — 
"Cynthia" (M-G) and "That's My 
Girl" (Rep). Nice $6,500. Last week, 
"Laughing Lady" (Indie) and "Crim 



British 75% tax, per se, isn't worrying David O. Selznick as far as 
"Duel in the Sun" is concerned. He fortunately had Technicolor matrices 
of the $5,250,000 epic in London before the ad valorem duty became 
effective and so is not subject to the levy. However, Selznick distribu- 
tion topper Neil Agnew is concerned that a freeze or other restrictions 
well be inaugurated before "Duel" gets its money -out of England and 
Milton Kramer, outfit's counsel, has been taking an active part in indie 
huddles on the British situation. 



Sneak previews in Los Angeles suburbs have been abandoned by Uni- 
versal-International. Instead, the company will invite tourists, in batches 
of 50, to view special screenings in the studio's projection rooms. Visiting 
firemen will be picked from the registers of Los Angeles hotels. Idea is 
that customers in nearby towns have seen so many previews that they 
have become jaded. New plan was first tried out with "The Senator Was 
Indiscreet", and others will follow. 



"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and son Key" (20th), $7,000. 



—PRO VI DENCE " 

(Continued from page 9) 
It" (Col) (reissue) and vaude, so-so 
$5,500. v 

Majestic (Fay) (2.200: 44-65)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Tres- 
passer" (WB). Fairly strong $18,000. 
Last week, "Brute Force" (U) and 
"Sport of Kings" (Col), solid $18,500. 

Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 
44-65) — "Newshounds" (Mono) and 
John Calvert and his magic on stage 
for three-day weekend run. Slow 
$5,000. Last week, "Kilroy Was 
Here" (Mono) and Louis Prima orch 
on stage for three-day weekend 
stand, wow $15,500. 

State (Loew) (3,200: 44-65)— "Un- 
finished f)"Ece" (M-G) and "Arnelo 
Affair" (M-G). Only moderate 
$17,000. Last week, "Down to Earth"' 
(Col) and "Love of Rusty" (Col), 
solid $26,000. 

Strand (Silverman) (2,200: 44-65) 
—"Desert Fury" (Par) 1 2d wk). 
Held to fairly nice $12,000. First 
was hep $18,500. 



New device to prolong the life of motion picture film by preventing its 
scratching in both cameras and projectors was patented in Washington 
last week by James M. Fort. He assigned rights to 20th-Fox. 

Invention involves a system of manipulating the film as i t enters the 
ch i lt e forcin g-it to-b*Bd -so-th*tr-tire-ce-llnroid side comes In contact "with 
the chute wall. Emulsion side is thus held free and protected from scratch- 
ing, which heretofore has resulted from running the same print through 
a projector repeatedly. 

Samuel Goldwyn's ad-publicity department has teed off a $300,000 na- 
tional magazine ad campaign on. "Bishop's Wife," four months ahead of 
the film s first playdate. 

,w C f m £?-l g " com P ris es a series of column-long ads spotlighting the fact 
a» u was made by the P^ducer of "Best Years of Our Lives:'* 
After a breezy dissertation on the picture, the copy winds up, "Look for it." 

you know what that means, even if 
1 1 don't. Under the circumstances, 
I have no recourse save to insist, thiit 
you publicly eat those unkind words' 
in Times Square, directly in li.ont 
of the Rialto theatre, which < I 
operate. This would not be too 
tough on you, for if the cost of meat 
and eggs continues to rise there will 
be little left for any of us to cat 
except words. So start in masticat- 
ing—and I said masticating. 

.Arthur L. Mayer. 



Arthur Mayer 

; Continued from page 4 ■ 



fulness."'. Surely nothing more in- 
appropriate and derogatory could be 
said about any exhibitor, least of all 
the one who had just shown such 
educational and beloved pictures as 
"The Corpse Came C.O.D. from Co- 
lumbia" and "Last of the Cohns." 

I am assured by my attorneys that 
the phrase is "libelous per se," and 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947- 



P^RIETT 



19 




"A LAUGH A MINUTE!" 

-Variety 

"BOUND TO MAKE HIT 
WITH ALL AUDIENCES!" 

-Exhibitor 

"WILL BRING HOWLS!" 

-Showmen's Jr. Rev. 



"SURE OF HEARTY 
BOX OFFICE RESPONSE!" 

-Daily Variety 



COLUMBIA PICTURES presents 





BALL TOM 



Her Husband's Affairs 



•, : .7// : ;/V/;/.'^ 



with EDWARD EVERETT HORTON 
MIKHAIL RASUMNY • GENE LOCKH ART 

An S. SYLVAN SIMON Production 

Original screenplay by Ben Hecht and Charles Lederer 

Directed by S. SYLVAN SIMON 
Produced by RAPHAEL HAKIM 



*lssue of 
September 15th 




"LOTS OF LAUGHS!" 

-Boxoffice 

"SHOULD CLICK MERRILY !" 

-Hollywood Reporter 

"AUDIENCE HAD 
WONDERFUL TIME!" 

-M. P. Herald 



20 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 1, 194? 



Army Seeks Children's Pictures 
For Christmas Shows in Germany 



Minneapolis. 
Maj. Merle Potter, former local 
circuit manager now with the Army 
in Germany, has a.sked the North- 
west Variety club to help him ob- 
tain pictures, preferably cartoon and 
ether comedies, for special children's 
Christmas shows throughout Ger- 
many, for German and American 
youngsters. While a local drama and 
film critic years ago, Potter arranged 
annual Christmas shows for children 
here. 

He entered the army at the outset 
cf World War II and was overseas 
much of the time. He plans to re- 
main in the service. 

EL Adds Exploitcers 
Eagle Lion added two more field 
exploiteers to • its staff. Charles 

faron joined Buffalo territory. Peter 
ayes has been named as as- 
sistant to Leon Brandt, field ex- 
ploitation rep for the Chicago dis- 
trict. Brandt will work with exhibs 
in the Chi-MUwaukee-Minneapolis- 
Indianapolis area. 

Doll Giveaways 

Doll giveaways instead of dishes, 
on the rise. Valuskis theatres in 
California decided on the switch on 
the theory that every cupboard is 
already loaded with fishes. 

Pro-Pix Pitch 

In one of the first concrete moves 
tied in with the film industry's new 
public relations campaign. Metro 
during the next six months will send 
Maurice N. Wolf into some 20 states 
to speak before civic groups on "Mo- 
tion Pictures Are My Business." 

Wolf, assistant to H. M. Richey, 
Metro director of exhibitor and pub- 
lic relations, has been in the film 
business for 29 years. In scheduling 
the trip, Metro sales veepee William 
F. Rbdgers declared that "we believe 
public support Of motion pictures 
and maintenance of attendance levels 
are in direct relationship with pub- 
lic appreciation and understanding 
of how the business has developed 
and how it is being run." 



Pritchard Goes FWC 

Los Angeles. 
August V. Tozzi has been named 
publicity-promotion director for the 
Ambassador hotel and manager of 



its film theatre. He replaces Dick 
Pritchard, who has resigned effective 
Oct. 15, after holding post for past 
eight years. Pritchard is joining 
the Fox-West Coast theatre circuit 
in managerial capacity. 



Open Quonset Type House in III. 

St. Louis. 

The Sumner, a 300-seat quonset 
type of house has been opened in 
Sumner, 111., by Merlin T. Atkins. 

The Warsaw new 500-seater, War- 
saw, 111., will be opened soon by 
Justus Garard. He owns three othe'r 
houses in the vicinity. 

William Held namf;i district man- 
ager of the St. Louis Eagle Lion 
exchange, covering Omaha and Des 
Moines. 

The Strand, 300-seater. Pocahontas, 
111., reopened after a face-lifting. 
While the house was closed, J. W. 
Thompson, owner, operated his 
drive-in theatre near Highland, 111. 

L. C. Peterson has lighted the 
Park, Clayton, HL, recently pur- 
chased from W. A. Stead and A. 
Denny. 

The Goldman - Leventhal - Tobin 
Circuit, St. Louis, will open a new 
600-seater, East St. Louis, that will 
cater solely to Negro trade. A simi- 
lar house is planned for Kincloch, a 
Negro community in St. Louis 
county. 

New 1,000-seater. Park-In, Spring- 
field, Mo., has been opened by Thea- 
tre Enterprises, with Melvin Begley 
as head. 



Mort Fordan Succeeds Smith, Pitt. 

Pittsburgh. 
Mort Fordan named manager of 
WB Centre theatre, replacing Mel 
Smith, resigned. Fordan piloted 
downtown Ritz prior to its sale by 
Warners to Loew's and has since 
been doing relief chores for the cir- 
cuit. 

Newton F. Williams has been ap- 
pointed local manager for National 
Theatre Supply Co. Replaces the 
late William C. Jervis. Williams had 
been in charge here for NTS during 
the serious illness which preceded 
Jervis' death. 

Max Shulgold, who operates indie 
Crown Film Exchange, will be 
franchise distributor here for new 



New York Theatres 



"THE UNSUSPECTED" 

In Winter Brat. Picture stirring 
■loan Canlfleld • Claude Rain* 
Audrey Totter • Constance Bennett 
Hurd Hatfield 
Introducing: Michael North 
Directed by Michael Curtiz 
A Michael Curtiz PreductiM 

III Person BLUE BARRON 

and HIS ORCHESTRA 

and JOEY ADAMS 

Mark PLANT • Tony CANZONF.RI 
WARNER BROS. 

ST RAN D 



BROADWAY 
AT 4'7TH STREET 



RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 

Rockefeller Center 

Rita HAYWORTH • Larry PARKS; 

"DOWN TO EARTH" ; 

> Columbia Picture • IB TECHNICOLOR! 
; SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION j 




PALACE 



H E NRY fOW DIP BARiAlBrgtt-GtDDtrl 
VINCENT PRICE ANN DVORAK 

t«e long Night 

A HAKIM-1ITVAK Prtdwli»n 



ON SCREEN 

jThurs., Sept. 2 
BETTY 

HUTTON 

The PERItS 
of PAULINE' 



IN PERSON , 

Myron Cohen 

Special ! 
Beverly TVI.KK 

Extra! 
Hul J.KKOY 
I'lliH Others 



"Will do your heart flsod." — Hale, News. 



w rr 



COLOR BY |H|i 
-TECHNICOLOR 



Pistrlbillecl hy RKO Radio Pictures 





Lite with 



|» Willi AM IRENE 

POWELL* DUNNE 

ELIZABETH TAYLOR" 
EDMUND GWEHH*ZASU PITTS 



THEATRE ■ BWAY 51st 



WARNER 



IATI MIDNIGHT FILM • CONTINUOUS 



— The' 

Foxes of! ~*2* c - , 
Ha^owjjyjnrbN 
HARWS0N«: BERLE 

o-v miOilieis! 



Mutual Pictures Corp., which js to 
produce six pictures next year. 

Home ol Jack Ellstrom, 20th sales- 
man, at Zelionople, burned to the 
ground last week. Ellstrom lived 
with his mother and a brother. They 
lost everything. The Ellstroms had 
a narrow escape only a short time 
ago when gas escaped from a me- 
chanical refrigerator. 

Jack Tucker, former RKO ex- 
ploitation man here who was trans- 
ferred recently to Buffalo, has been 
assigned to the Oklahoma City ter- 
ritory. 

Gasperon-Suits-Lidman Shuffle 

Philadelphia. 

Charles Gasperon replaced Bob 
Suits as manager of the Ambassador. 
Suits is managing the Overbrpok, 
succeeding Al Lid man. 

Paramount salesman John Schaef- 
fer resigned. 

Edna Carroll reappointed by Gov- 
ernor Duff as a member of the 
Pennsylvania State Board of Cen- 
sors. ...... 

Aurora theatre reopened, with 
Abe Sunberg as manager. House is 
owned by Dave Moliver. 

Interstate Adds 4 in Texas 

Dallas. 

Interstate Theatres Circuit is add- 
ing four new houses here, the 
Circle, Fulton, Garden Oaks and 

Esquire. 

United Theatre Service Corp. has 
opened booking and buying office 
here. John L. Franconi is prez of 
the group. 'Ed. V. Green, formerly 
branch manager of Favorite Film 
Corp. of Texas, is general manager. 

The Willma, new 400-seat nabe, 
is being opened here soon by C. R. 
Youngblood. 

B. Schilling has acquired the 
Thornton theatre, formerly operated 
by Charles Joseph, at Thornton, 
Texas. 

The 460-seat Crest theatre will 
be opened Oct. '1 at Dublin, Texas, 
by Ted Robbins. Earl W. Pitman will 
be manager. 

The Star, a 350-seat house, has 1 
been opened at Turnertown, Texas, 
by R. M. Shaw and E. E. Gothrie. 

The Hollywood, an 850-seat house 
for the Negroes, has been opened 
at Port Arthur by Lawrence Fon- 
tana. 

The 300-seat Melba has been 
opened at Melvin, Texas, by W. W. 
Barclay. 




UZAIETH SCOTT 
JOHN HODUK 
IURT IANCASTER 

in km wAUtt' reoovaiON 



COIOI BY TICHMICOlOt 




CAPITOL 



GREER GARSON 

in M-G-M't 

"DESIRE Mr 

ROBERT MITCH UM 
RICHARD HART 



In Person 
GENE 
KRUPA 

TMVaGAIOHOS 
CARDINI 

ROSE MARIE 



/ SAMUEl GOIDWYN presents V 

j DANNY KAYE- VIRGINIA MAYO 

and tht Goliwyn Gir/s in 
* m TECHNICOLOR 



t> <:««K*I.«I -.jt 



Wm, Green Leaves Metro for Hawaii 

Chicago. 

. William H. Green, regional ex- 
ploitation man here for Metro for 
the last five years, has left to be- 
come producer and public relations 
director for the first Territorial Fair 
& Exposition, to be held in Honolulu 
in November. As yet, no replace- 
ment has been announced. 

Before joining Metro, Green was 
publicity director for Music Corp. 
of America and had handled several 
centennial celebrations. 



Film Financing 



Continued from page 3 



Freedman- Arson Bay Albany House 

Albany. 

Howard W. Freedman and Samuel 
I. Arson, proprietors of two theatres 
in Yonkers, N. Y., have leased the 
Colonial, Albany. They may present 
foreign pictures. Colonial Enter- 
prises, Inc., has been chartered, with 
Freedman, Arson and Mrs. Mary M. 
Flynn (booker for Upstate Theatres, 
Inc.), as directors. 



Weinberg Buys Calif. House 

Santa Monica. 
Samuel E. Weinberg bought the 
Aero theatre, local 650-seat film 
house, from Claude M. Kennell, who 
had owned the property for 15 
years. 



Park-In Theatres Sues Cal. Firms 
San Francisco. 
Action has been brought in the 
local district court by Park-In The- 
atres, Inc., of New Jersey, against 
theatre groups in Hayward and 
Pittsburgh, Cal. Suit seeks triple 
damages and claims infringement of 
patents. Defendants are Motor The- 
atres, Inc., in Hayward and Enea 
interests and associates in Pitts- 
burgh. Park-In Theatres claims own- 
ership of ramp design and other 
facilities used in open-air theatre 
operation. 



JLohnJH^Scbott-lo-Lafayetter-BuffT- 
Buffalo. 

John H. Schott has been appointed 
assistant house manager of Basil's 
Lafayette theatre. 

Appointment of Charles J. Schack 
as manager of Shea's Kenmore was 
announced by Vincent R. McFaul 
general manager. Howard Higgins 
was named assistant manager. 

Kelly, Spindler Move, N. Orleans 

New Orleans. 

R. A. Kelly, broker, and Percy 
Spindler, state sales representative 
of Republic, have resigned. Kelly 
will join Film Classics-Screen Guild 
in- same capacity. Spindler will an- 
nounce new .connection later. ■' 

Sid M. Otis, local Paramount 
salesman, also has resigned to man- 
age the Royal theatre at Gulfport, 
Miss. 

Elsie Brittle, formerly with United 
Artists, has joined Monogram's of- 
fice staff ns secretary. 

A fireproof structure to house the 
films of the various exchanges here 
is under construction by the Inspec- 
tion Service Corp., of New Orleans. 



the picture. In the past, many pro- 
ducers put themselves down for 
$50,000 or $75,OQO, with the result 
that their interest in the success of 
a picture was academic except eo 
far as their reputations were In- 
volved. 

Of course, a slight easing of the 
banking situation isn't the whole so- 
lution for the indies. They've been 
having equal or greater trouble in 
lining up secondary financing and 
completion bonds from the loan 
agencies which usually make such 
capital available. Since these out- 
fits get their payoff after the bank, 
it's even more important to them 
that budgets be such that there be 
no dependence on the clouded for- 
eign market. 

There's been no indication yet 
that the second-money men have 
eased up any on the clamp they put 
down at the same time as the banks. 
However, with the latter showing 
willingness to be a bit freer with 
their coin, it is expected the junior 
money agencies will follow suit. 
'First British Market' 

Attitude of the bankers on the 
British situation was exemplified 
this .week by Wentworth Johnson, 
v.p. of Irving Trust. He declared: 

"It's immaterial to us, so far as 
loans are concerned, what happens 
on the British 75% tax. Despite 
whatever compromise ia made, 
there's no point counting on dollars 
we know the British don't have and 
won't have — unless the U. S. govern- 
ment gives them a large loan. Any 
film deals, therefore, are being con- 
sidered on the basis of completely 
discounting the British market." 

Johnson, whose bank now has 
loans outstanding to Mary Pickford, 
Buddy Rogers and Ralph Cohn for 
"Sleep My Love," Boris Morros- 
William LeBaron for "Carnegie 
Hall" and Jules Levey for "New Or- 
leans," said the institution is open 
for further rieals. He declared he 
preferred to make them in coopera- 
tion with Los Angeles banks — he's 
worked with Security-First National 
in the past — inasmuch as it's more 
practical geographically. 
* Alex Ardrey, v.p. of Bankers 
Trust, pointed out that his organiza- 
tion is not even putting a ceiling on 
the percentage of a picture's cost it 
would put up. Some banks are re- 
portedly limiting loans to 60% or 
even less. Ardrey said he will keep 
an open mind, with the percentage 
depending entirely on the .setup of- 
fered. "Joan," for instance, in which 
Ingrid Bergman will be starred for 
RKO release, he said, was being 
financed up to 75%, while the bank 
was in another picture for 80%. 

Continental Bank & Trust, N. Y., 
was another institution which ex- 
pressed itself as open to indie loans 
of the right type. Guaranty Trust is 
probably the most cautious of all the 
New York institutions that- formerly 
were important factors in the indie 
loan picture. Guaranty is practically 
out of the business now. 

New York banks as a whole are 
considerably more reticent on the 
film loans than the two major Coast 
outfits, Bank of America and Se- 
curity. Latter, being closer to the 
industry, are more dependent on it 
for business and have been consider- 
ably more generous, even during the 
recent crisis. 

Despite their great caution on the 
indie production loans, the banks 
have no qualms concerning the fu- 
ture of the industry itself. That's 
exemplified by their anxiousness to 
get in on loans to the major com- 
panies. Six banks, for instance, were 
in on the recent $25,000,000 loan ob- 
tained by 20th-Fox and practically 
any of the institutions will readily 
advance coin to the majors for gen- 
-eral-eoFpor-ate-pttr-pose: 



N. Y. Indies Set Improved 
Legal Representation 

FoHowing through on a previous 
decision to kick up more dust in 
Albany on matters affecting New 
York exhibs, Metropolitan Motion 
Picture Theatres Assn. has upped its 
budget for the coming year to $47,- 
500. Increase of 80% was voted 
Monday (29) at the MMPTA's an- 
nual meet. Increased coin will cover 
retainer fee for Judd & Gurfein, 
hired as attorneys to rep for the 
theatre group in the state capital. 



METRO'S 7 MORE BRINGS 
'47 RELEASES UP TO 31 

Despite the fact that last spring's 
product shortage has in many in. 
stances turned into a situation of too 
many first run releases for the play- 
ing time available, Metro has revised 
upwards its release schedule for the 
rest of this year. Total of six new 
pictures and one reissue, announced 
for release during the next three 
months by sales veepee William F. 
Rodgers, brings the company's re- 
leases for 1947 to 31, same as last 
year. 

Exhibs last year at this time were 
screaming for more product, accus- 
ing the distributors of withholding 
new films in order to get longer 
playing time for those released and 
to palm off a flock of reissues. Metro 
at that time had anticipated releas- 
ing only 24 films during 1947, Upping 
of this year's total to 31 points up the 
way Metro studios have been oper- 
ating at peak capacity during the last 
several months, as well as the an- 
nounced plans for M-G sales offi- 
cials to step up releases eventually to 
three »r four a month. 

Four pix have been scheduled for 
October release, marking a boost of 
two over those previously announced. 
They include • "Merton of the 
Movies," (Red Skelton): "Song of 
Love" (Hepburn-Robert Walker-. 
Henreid); "Desire Me" (Greer Gar- 
son) and "The Women," reissue. 
Only film slated for November re- 
lease is "TJiis Time for Keepsj" 
Technicolor musical (Esther Wil- 
liams-Jimmy Durante), - 

December ■ will have Mickey 
Rooney in "Killer McCoy" and 
"Good News," another Technicolor 
musical co-starring June Allyson and 
Peter Lawford. No national release 
date has yet been set for "Gone 
With the Wind," although the film 
has already played about 40 dates, 
including the Broadway Criterion, 
on its fourth time around. 



Now 

Unlted's new DC-6 Molnllner 
300 flight 

OVERNIGHT TO LOS ANGELES I 

Lv. lli30 p.rn.nTar. 7:46 a.m. 



UNITED 

AIR LINES 



Airlines Terminal, 80 E. 42nd St. or 
Pennsylvania Hotel or 1 Wall .St. 
Call Murray Hill 2-7300 
or an authorized travel agent 



34 Acres 
to Romp in 

with a 75-foot swimming pool, tennis 
and hurt m inton courts, and a rippling 
brook wit li a waterfall t o boot . in 
this completely joyful hilltop estate 
near i'aii Held, Conn. 

W I tat was once a stone burn has 
been deftly turned Into a modern 
Colonial residence with eitarm and 
comfort and the requisites for good 
living in every one of Its it rowm>. 
There!H-ji-KJient-hoUrie, a. tenanUlionht.. 
a two-ear garage and a barn, ami 
the whole shebang Is less than an 
hour and a half from Broadway via 
Merrltt Parkway. Should really be 
seen, and you can. do so through your 
own broker (mention Listing 420 1 H) 
or PREVIEWS. INC., 49 E. Gtfd. 
PLasta 8-2630. Ask for Carl T, 
Chadsey. 



Action was first decided on when 
the state legislature passed the con- 
troversial bill which permits locali- 
ties to tack an added bVc on the , 
Federal bite. Exhibs then took a \ 
tossing because they then had no | 
full-time legal representative to pre- 
sent their views. 



NEED WASHINGTON 
REPRESENTATION?? 

Write 

IRVIN HACKERMAN 

6000 1 3th Sr.. N. W. ' 
Washington, D. C. 
Formerly: 

Director Publicity Aviation Defense 
Association. Director Publicity Na- 
tional RoKter of Scientific anil Special- 
ized reraonllel, Kxoclithc Offices of 
the 1'renitlent, Washington, J). ('. 

Oflicer in Charge. Overseas Knter- 
luiument Section, War Mepnrment; In 
charge of publicity distribution ami 
overseas V.s.O. ( amp Shown tours. 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



RADIO 



21 



GROSS TIME SALES LOSE FACE 



Nets Showing 3% Decrease This Year; 
$4,773,579 Drop for 1st Seven Months 

• Estimated gross time sales for the four major networks during the 
first seven months of 1947 show only ABC in the plus columns, With 
-a 1% increase in billings over the first seven months of 1946. On the 
other hand, -Mutual took a 16% nosedive, with NBC 3% under last 
■ year and CBS 4% down. The cumulative seven-month picture for all 
•four webs shows total billings of $109,212,185 for '47, as against $113,- 
985,764 for '46, for an overall decrease of 3%, or $4,773,579: 
: Mutual took an estimated 20% drop in July billings, with NBC 
•down 4%, whereas ABC was up 7% for the month and CBS up 5%. 

NETWORK GROSS TIME SALES 

JULY 

(Estimated) 
1947 

NBC $5,064,423 

ABC 3,470,190 



CBS 
MBS 



. 4,284,685 
. 1,463,703 

$14,283,001 



1946 

$5,271,736 
3,245,700 
4,075,278 
1,821,204 

$14,413,918 



— 4 

+ 7 
4- 5 
—20 



FIRST SEVEN MONTHS 

(Estimated) 

1947 1946 

NBC $37,616,860 $38,747,417 

•ABC 24,316,511 24,192,689 

•CBS 34,296,150 35,667,497 

MBS 12,982,664 15,378,161 



— 3 
+ 1 

— 4 
—16 



$109,212,185 



$113,985,764 



Biow-Morris Tie Making Shop Talk 
With Lots of Billings in the Balance 



The Milton Biow-Philip Morris ♦ 
situation is occasioning considerable 
comment in the trade. When Cecil 
& Presbrey agency stepped into the 
Philip Morris picture about a half 
year ago and grabbed the billings 
for the ciggie sponsorship of 
"Heart's Desire" on Mutual, it cued 
some wonder. .Now that Philip 
Morris is dropping- sponsorship of 
"Grime Doctor" on CBS, with a re- 
sultant loss in billings to Biow, it 
has served to spotlight anew the 
agency-client relationship in one of 
the radio's prize accounts. 

It comes at a time, too, when the 
Philip Morris prexy has personally 
stepped in on the "Pays to Be Ig- 
norant" heave-ho, letting the option 
lapse when the current 13-week 
cycle runs out Oct. 24, in favor of 
the Dinah Shore-Harry James mu- 
sical show. 

In the face of continued talk, how- 
ever, on the possibility of Cecil & 
Presbrey inheriting additional Philip 
Morris business, such a move would 
appear to be unlikely at this time. 
For it's not generally known that 
the "Johnny" trademarked "Call for 
Philip Morris" is Biow's own per- 
sonal property and it's reported, too, 
that the agency head has consider- 
able stock in the company. 

Fadeout of "Crime Doctor" as a 
Philip Morris-bankrolled show is 
said to stem from a money situation 
within the company involving a re- 
trenchment policy. 



GF Mulls Hour In 
ABC's Moil Accent 



The Big Ten 



Newly appointed director at NBC 
caused a twitter (and some enraged 
sputters) recently by his method 
of interviewing actors. Consensus 
among the established performers 
was that the guy had set a new high 
in directorial aloofness. 

"Give me 10 reasons," said the 
new appointee, tilting back in his 
chair, "why I should hire you." 



Now that its got Wednesday night 
rolling along in the bigtime, ABC 
ts Putti njj_jii & _ comme . 1;fr i a i progtt a-m-l-fa^ 
accent on Monday. V 

General Foods, it's been learned 
may move two of its shows from 
other networks into a full hour it 
has optioned on ABC Monday night. 
However, it hasn't been indicated 
which programs will be affected if 
the time is bought. 

Materialization of the GF billings 
coupled with already-set Elgin- 
American's Groucho Marx Monday 
show would give ABC its biggest 
hypo since it became star-conscious. 



JWT In Burn On 
JM News Axing 

J. Walter Thompson, which han- 
dles the Johns-Manville accounts, is 
doing a fast burn over CBS' decision 
to drop the 8:55-9 p.m. cross-tha- 
iboard Johns-Manville news program 
upon expiration of the present con- 
tract next June. CBS has turned 
thumbs down on future pacting of 
five-minute news shows in a bid to 
bolster its nighttime program se- 
quencing. 

Oddity about JWT's peeve, how- 
ever, is that one of the agency's top 
clients, Lever Bros., has long been 
urging CBS to abandon the 8:55-9 
news insert, particularly as it applied 
to Monday night Columbia program- 
ming. For it breaks smack in the 
middle of the two-hour bracketing 
of Lever bankrolling (8:30 to 10:30). 
So JWT execs have decided not to 
make an issue of its burn and to 
let it go at that. 

That solid Monday night strip for 
Levers, incidentally, virtually guar- 
antees CBS a life tenure for one of 
its top spenders and is seen as a 

yank the Johns-Manville program. 



FOOTNOTES TELL 
REAL IB STORY 

Rapid pace with which the broad- 
casting industry — particularly the 
networks — is embracing new con- 
cepts has brought about a situation 
where a mere recital of gross time 
sales no longer reflects the true pic- 
ture of a web's commercial status. A 
couple years ago — even a year back 
—Variety's four-network billings 
chart (on this page) gave a pretty 
accurate appraisal of the networks' 
status. Today the chart only tells 
part of the story; still an accurate 
gauge on gross time sales, but re- 
quiring a variety of footnotes to il- 
lustrate how these gross time sales 
listings do not fully mirror the 
sources of revenue for the network 
companies or how, through these 
supplementary activities, the net- 
works are in the position to utilize 
saleable time slots for prestige pro- 
gramming. 

For example, a footnote on co-op. 
programming, which would have a 
particularly vital bearing on 
Mutual billings, would of necessity 
require major spotlighting. For the 
co-op revenues, steadily mounting 
and now representing a large source 
of industry income that must be 
reckoned with, won't be truly re- 
flected in a four-network chart list- 
ing of gross time sales. Let Mutual 
grab off a couple more co-ops that 
are paying off like Kate Smith and 
it could well tell a far different story 
— for Mutual — than that presented in 
the 16% drop in gross time sales on 
national accounts for the first seven 
months of 1947. To a lesser degree 
it would have a similar bearing on 
CBS, which is co-oping Joan Davis, 
and ABC, with its Abbott & Costello. 

Another footnote would be re- 
quired to call attention to "outside" 
sources of revenue among the net- 
works which do not show up on the 
billings' chart. CBS, for example, 
today realizes a sizeable chunk of 
coin from its Radio Sales operation. 
Nor does the chart call attention to 
supplementary commercial program- 
ming on o & o. stations, deals which 
are purposely channelled into these 
stations and deliberately shunted off 
the network to pave the way for 
coast-to-coast public service pro- 
gramming. 



BMB Still on the 4-Web Hot Seat; 
Standoffish Nets Pass Up Discount 



Joan Davis' Script Staff 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Larry Marks and Artie Stander 
nave been pacted as additional writ- 
es for the Joan Davis co-op show, 
which, tees off in the Saturday night 
»-a:30 CBS slot on Oct. 11. Abe 
"urrows will be chief scripter. 

°en Gage lias been signed to an- 
nounce the show. 



LISTERINE COY ON CBS 
BURROWS SPONSORSHIP 

Deal for sponsorship of the Satur- 
day night Abe Burrows show on 
CBS is still in the negotiating stage, 
with Listerine holding off on a final 
decision. However, network expects 
to know one way or the other by the 
end of the week. 

Listerine. via Lambert & Feesley 
agency, last' sponsored "Grand Cen- 
tral Station" on CBS. but bowed out 
of network programming a few sea- 
sons back. 

Burrows' 15-minute show is heard 
in the 10:30-10:45 period. If deal 
doesn't jell. CBS is mulling expan- 
sion of the Burrows' stanza to a half- 
hour and slotting it in the Wednes- 
day night time vacated by Ford. 



Linnea Nelson in 20th- 
Anni as JWT Timebuyer 

Linnea Nelson, time buyer for 
J. Walter Thompson, last Friday 
(26) marked her 20th year with the 
agency and was appropriately gifted 
and toasted by her associates. 

Miss Nelson, regarded as one of 
the few women in agency circles 
with a diversified background in 
radio know-how, started in 1927 as 
secretary to -Howard Meigham. then 
with JWT and now a CBS veepee. 



Hit the Deck! 

There were a lot of red faces 
around CBS and Young & Rubi- 
cam agency on the General 
Foods' "Second Mrs. Burton" 
show, last week, when a coast- 
to-coast audience caught some 
off-the-cuff remarks that didn't 
belong in the script. 

As Dick Liebert, organist on 
the daytime serial, started play- 
ing a solo g. -ae of cards at the 
musical fadeoff, a new engineer 
iu the control room spotted 
Hugh James, the announcer, 
walking to the mike. Engineer 
thought James was set to do a 
hitch-hike, so he threw down the 
switch. 

Actually what James said (and 
got over the air) was: "All 
cards dealt cn this program are 
through the courtesy of Dick 
Liebert." 



Mutual is definitely not returning 
to the BMB fold "right now," prexy 
Ed Kobak told top brass of the 
other three major networks Monday 
(29). He said that while Mutual be- 
lieves in BMB in principle and 
wants to see a central agency of its 
type, the web feels its own recently 
completed "listenability" study more 
useful for Its own purposes at pres- 
ent. 

Web nabobs got together at the 
NBC board room in N. Y. to see an 
easeling of the Mutual engineering., 
survey. Opinions of it were "varied," 
according to one participant. An 
NBC exec felt it was too conserva- 
tive in claims. 

As for sentiment on BMB, "only 
NBC seems ready to sign," said an 
exec who was there. 



Dinah-James For 
Ignorant'; Heidt 
Into Berle's Spot 

Probably the subject of more on- 
again-off-again speculation than any 
other show on the networks, with 
each 13-week renewal period bring- 
ing a flock of rumors and denials, 
"It Pays to be Ignorant" rings down 
the curtain Oct. 24, with Philip 
Morris set to grab off a musical top- 
ped by Dinah Shore and Harry 
James. It will also feature Art Lund 
as a regular, with a rotating guestar 
policy for the top novelty combo of 
the week. . ' . 

M's a package whipped together by 
the CBS program dept. and to tie 
in with the "Call For Philip Morris" 
trademark will be tabbed "Call for 
Music." Show will originate from 
the Coast with Larry Berns inked 
in as producer. Talent-production 
cost has been set at $9,000 a week. 
Miss Shore gets top billing. Exact 
date of Miss Shore's bow on the 
show is conjectural, since she's an 
expectant mother. Child is due 
early in December. 

Show has taken trie rsncy of Philip 
Morris execs because it's geared to 
a youthful market, and in view of its 
component parts, CBS and the client 
feel they've got the right formula 
to pit against Lucky Strike's "Hit 
Parade." . 

It's set for the Friday night 10 
(Continued on page 32) 



Burial Services Held for BAC, But 
Only a Single Advertiser Shows Up 



They got around to burying the 
Broadcasters Advisory Council last 
te-'-weekT— w- 

went something to the effect that, 
now that the NAB has adopted its 
own code and the broadcasters have 
decided to regulate themselves, 
there's no further need for the 
sponsor-agency-network setup. 

However, there were a lot of 
things that were left unsaid, notably 
the fact that, in recent weeks no- 
body had any enthusiasm left lor the 
BAC. which was formulated a few 
months back with the avowed inten- 
tion of elevating commercial stand- 
ards on the air. 

A lot of things apparently had 
happened since the formative stages. 
Practically everybody wanted to get 
off the hook. For one thing, those 
advertisers who were the most 
articulate and came out strongest 
for the BAC had cooled to the whole 
idea. It appeared that each one had 
something of his own he wanted to 
protect. There wSs talk, for exam- 
ple, that Lever Bros, didn't like the 



idea of sitting down with Procter & 
Gamble, and vice versa, that Gen- 
eneral Foods might go for this but 
not for that, so that it soon became 
inevitable that the whole thing was 
doomed to failure. 

By the time they got around to 
last Thursday's (25) luncheon at the 
Waldorf-Astoria. N. Y., where the 
final dissolution was officially an- 
nounced, only one of the original ad- 
vertisers who helped create the BAC 
took the trouble to show up. 

However, the broadcasters are not 
unmindful of the positive role the 
BAC actually did play in providing 
the NAB with the necessary spurt 
to get the code ball rolling. To that 
extent they agree that all the money 
and energy expended was well 
worth the while. For they recall 
that it was not until the adver- 
tiser-agency-network representatives 
stepped into the picture and an- 
nounced that they would draft their 
own set of standards that the NAB 
buckled down seriously to the task 
of whipping an industry code into 
final shape. 



Looked yesterday (Tues.) as 
though the four national networks 
and the big regional webs, who 
chipped in more than $200,000 for the 
Broadcast Measurement Bureau's 
1946 listener survey, were going to 
pass up the 10% discount offered, 
them to stay in the BMB fold by re- 
newing the subscriptions today 
(Wed.). BMB, which extended its 
discount deadline from Sept. 15 to 
Oct. 1, definitely will not extend it 
again, a bureau exec said. 

Up to yesterday afternoon, only 
regional Web which had come 
through with a renewal under 
BMB's new monthly fee plan was 
the New England Network, piloted 
by WTIC's (Hartford) Paul Morency. 
Nine other regionals which sub- 
scribed to the initial BMB project, 
as well as the major webs, had not 
been heard from. 

Presumably— since the new rates 
are estimated to amount in two-' 
years to approximately what sub- 
scribers paid in a lump sum for the 
first study— the unsigned webs are 
thus foregoing a total of approxi- 
mately $20,000 in discounts. 

The portent of this holdofflshness, 
(Continued on page 30) 



WOR Pulls Plug 
On Putnam Plugs 

George Carson Putnam and WOR, 
N. Y., came to a sudden parting of 
the ways last week.. Termination of 
the relationship finds Putnam leav- 
ing behind a trail of 11 programs, 
most of them commercial. Actually 
his contract winds up Oct. 16, but 
he's already off the air. 

Nobody's doing much talking as 
to the reason for the sudden splitup, 
but it's reported that WOR, for one 
thing, wasn't happy over Putnam's 
repeated references to his appear- 
ance on shows on networks other 
than Mutual, and that a deliberate 
adlib muffing of his lines to work 
in a plug for himself on "We the 
People" brought matters to a head 
between him and Dave Driscoll, 
WOR's news and special event3 
chief. 

Lyle Van has taken over the WOR 
news slots. 



MCWanls_aleplate__ 
On 'Front Page Farreir 

NBC almost forgot about "Front 
Page Farrell" in the fuss and flurry 
over the ban on crime stuff before 
9:30 p.m. "Farrell." aired crcss-the- 
board at 5:45 p.m., is generally cate- 
goried as a newspaper reporter 
story— but, like "Big Story" and 
some others of this type, it often in- 
volves solution of murder. 

NBC had let it be widely known 
when the 9:30 rule was announced 
that the net had only one crime 
airer slotted ahead of 9:30. that be- 
ing "Ellery Queen," which already 
was slated for a bowout. 

Faced with probable squawks over 
"Farrell's" fare, in view of the new 
rule, NBC programmers have noti- 
fied Duane Jones, agency for White- 
hall Pharmacal, which sponsors the 
strip, that henceforth Farrell would 
have to front-page other things than 
murder and mayhem. 



22 radio VBRffirr 

Battle Lines Being Drawn For 
Industry's No. 1 Issue: Petrillo 

: : — 4- 1 ; 



Wednesday, October 1, I947 



Networks See AFM Prexy Playing 'Divide and 
Conquer' Game in Bid to Split Industry; 
FMA Session Today (Wed.) May Be Tipoff 



At all four networks they've cal- 
endared the Petrillo situation as the 
• hottest industry issue between now 
«nd Feb. 1, when the American Fed- 
eration of Musicians' contract ex- 
pires. 

Last week the AFM prexy came 
through with his official edict on 
AM-FM programming duplication. 
Petrillo simply told the networks 
"no"; it was the formal turndown 
that was expected. 

And now that the networks have 
tasted blood, it's a foregone conclu- 
sion that they're not going to take 
it lying down. Strategy meetings 
have already gotten under way. 

As the networks see it, Petrillo 
has started to play a "divide and 
conquer" game, in a bid to split the 
industry. For one thing he wants 
to get the FM boys to one side and 
make a separate deal with them. 
That's the motive seen behind the 
closed meeting today (Wednesday) 
in New York between the AFM 
prexy and ihe FM Association's Mu- 
sic Committee, which was arranged 
by Rep. Carroll Kearns (R., Pa.), 
chairman of a House Labor Subcom- 
mittee probing Petrillo's activities. 
Kearns intends " to put Petrillo on 
the stand again before the House 
Labor Committee but he has de- 
ferred the hearings indefinitely in 
the hopes that the music chief will 
still work out a satisfactory agree- 
ment with AM-FM'ers on duplica- 
tion of live music shows. 

FMA Music Committee will meet 
with Petrillo at his offices. Present 
will be Petrillo, counsel Joseph 
Padway; Kearns, FMA prexy Ever- 
ett Dillard; Marion Clair, WGNB, 
Chicago; Morris Novik, radio con- 
sultant; Raymond Kohn, WFMZ, 
AJlentown, Pa.; Edward Lamb, of 
Edward Lamb Enterprises, and FMA 
executive -director Bill Bailey. 

Meanwhile, formation of an in- 
dustry-wide music committee to ne- 
gotiate with Petrillo is moving for- 
ward. The networks, which have al- 
ready had "several meetings with 
Petrillo in Chicago but as of the 
moment have no.ne scheduled for the 
immediate future, are expected to- 
take their cue from developments at 
today's FMA- AFM sessions. 

One thing appears certain: they're 
not going to let Petrillo ride rough- 
shod over them. There's too much 
at stake and they realize only a 
united industry front can defeat the 
music czar. 



Eleanor Roosevelt To 
Moderate ABC 'Workshop' 
Series on UN Problems 

ABC's "World Security Workshop" 
stands to make a real bid for head- 
lines when it tees off its fail season 
Sunday (5) at 12:30-1 p.m. Dramatic 
format has been discarded for the 
time being in favor of a roundtable 
on. world problems over which Mrs. 
Eleanor Roosevelt will preside as 
moderator. 

Each week, probably for the dura- 
tion of the current United Nations 
general assembly session, stanza will 
feature two UN delegates in addi- 
tion to Mrs. Roosevelt and two mem- 
bers of the UN Women's Observers 
organization, a group representing 
various U. S. women's groups. 

Participants in the first panel 
haven't been announced, but the 
topic, hot out of the headlines, has. 
It's "Freedom of Information and 
the Warmongering Charges.-" 

Reformatting of "Workshop" stems 
from a feeling on the part of Rob- 
ert Saudek, ABC director of public 
affairs, that if this public service 
item is to be of public service in 
dealing with the subject of world se- 
curity, it must wade straight into 
the big issue of the day, namely: 
U. S. vs. Russia. And Saudek saw 
no better way to do this than to put 
UN delegates and observers them- 
selves on the ether to thrash over 
the problems. 

Mrs. Roosevelt will select the UN 
delegates for each week's panel. 
It's understood she hopes to line up 
Andrei Y. Vishinsky, Soviet deputy 
foreign minister, and a delegate 
from Yugoslavia for the teeoff sesr 
sion. ^ 



Meet Zane Grey: Villain 

Vic Perrin, Hollywood radio actor, 
did a quick in-and-out last week as 
star of Mutual's new Zane Grey 
Show. Network execs in N. Y. con- 
firmed that Perrin, who portrayed 
Tex Thome in the preem of the 
series Tuesday (23), had been yanked 
because they felt he "sounded more 
like a villain than a hero." 

Last night (Tues.) Jim- Bannon 
took over the role. 



Network Premieres 



OCT. 1-12 



Time Marches Where? 

Radio -trade was asking "how 
come?" last week when Time 
magazine brushed off the NAB 
convention in Atlantic City with- 
out a single reference to it. 

Actually, the mag had as- 
signed its Washington radio 
staffer to the meet, with gal 
attending all sessions, including 
the debate on the controversial 
code. Time's silent treatment 
was ^considered all the more 
surprising in view of unprece- 
dented coverage given to con- 
vention by dailies, etc., because 
of the widely-discussed industry - 
code. . 



State Dept. Aids 
UN Program In 
Going Broadside 

Broadcasts of the sessions of the 
United Nations Assembly and Se- 
curity Council at Lake Success, 
N. Y., will be carried on a trans- 
continental basis, beginning this 
week. Expanded coverage of the 
series, titled "The United Nations 
Today," was made possible by the 
State Department permitting use of 
its so-called "air line" to the Coast. 

The line Is regularly used to carry 
"Voice of America" broadcasts to 
shortwave stations in California for 
transmission to the Pacific area and 
the Orient, but will now also take 
the 15-minute daily UN programs to 
Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago, 
Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City 
and San Francisco. 

Already, WCAU, Philadelphia, has 
scheduled the transcription series at 
12:15-12:30 midnight; WGAR, Cleve- 
land, and,. WJJD, Chicago, have 
agreed to "air it at a time to be set 
and KALL, Salt Lake, has tenta- 
tively arranged to carry it locally 
and feed it to the Inter-Mountain 
Network. It's also expected that the 
Don Lee Network may carry it on the 
Coast, through a pickup from KFRC, 
San Francisco. Already, KSAN Is 
airing it in the latter and feeds it 
to KFWB, Hollywood. 

Meanwhile, the Yankee network 
has also arranged to broadcast «the 
series at 11:15-11:30 p.m., via the 
regular line of WRUL, shortwave 
station in Boston. It is carried lo- 
cally in New York by WMCA, 
WQXR and WWRL. 

Programs, composed of excerpts 
from the UN sessions, are produced 
in recorded form by the UN radio 
division. 



Jack Kapp's 2-Hr. Cuffo 
Freedom Train Air Show 
Based on Decca Disks 

Decca prez Jack Kapp has author- 
ized use of a two-hour length show 
of important record albums— nor- 
mally restricted from the air— to aid 
the Freedom- Train project. Not 
only that, but Kapp waived all fees 
on use of the material and in addi- 
tion laid out $6,000 to pay for tran- 
scription costs. Some of the shorter 
records had to be transcribed again 
into a continuity and others re- 
disked for radio use. The program, 
titled "Salute to the Freedom Train," 
is being made available free to any 
station in the U. S. for use a week 
before and after arrival of the train 
in that city. 

Records include Bing Crosby and 
a dramatic cast in "The Man With- 
out a Country" coupled with Crosby's 
reading of "Star Spangled Banner" 
(30 minutes); Orson Welles doing 
speeches by great Ameri can lpaHprc* 



New Child Law 
Throws Wrench 
h N.Y. Airers 

Radio producers in New York are 
in arms over a new state law which 
went into effect Sept. 1 prohibiting 
employment of children under 16 in 
radio or television shows without 
written consent of the child's par- 
ent or guardian and approval from 
the mayor's office, if -the broadcast 
is to originate in N. Y. 

New statute, just to make things 
good and difficult, requires that ap- 
plication for consent be submitted 
to the Society for the Prevention of. 
Cruelty to Children at least 48 hours 
prior ,to the broadcast. The SPCC 
"considers"' the application, then for- 
wards it to the mayor's office, where 
final consents are prepared. 

This means the producer of a show 
must go through the rigmarole of 
having a parent fill out a detailed 
application, make a trip uptown to 
the SPCC's office on 105th street to 
enter it, then follow up-with a trip 
downtown to the mayor's office to 
pick up the consent. 

It means, producers say, so much 
inconvenience that children's roles 
are being written out of scripts 
where possible. 

The law, which the SPCC spon- 
sored, caught the industry practi- 
cally flatfooted. While employment 
of moppets in legit and films has 
long been subject to state regula- 
tion, similar overseeing of juvenilis 
in radio and tele is something new. 
It's not, according to the producers, 
a matter of the industry being op- 
posed to the requirement of pa- 
rental consent, but rather the fact 
that administration of the new law 
was set up to require consent every 
time a child appeared on an airer. 

AFRA has gone to bat on that 
score already. Exec secretary 
George Heller said several meet- 
ings have been held with SPCC of- 
ficials, who agreed as a result to 
permit one consent to apply for a 
series, such as 13 weeks. 

Heller indicated, however, that 
the feeling is that the law could be 
further modified to make consents 
effective for specified periods, such 
as six months. That, however, may 
require action by the next state 
legislature to amend the present law. 

Co-op Revamping 
On Petrillo Ukase 

Long-awaited decision from James 
C. Petrillo, AFM. prexy, as to 
whether or not he'll permit music 
on network co-op programming 
finally came through last week. It 
was a definite nix and was thrown 
into the laps of Music Corp. of 
America, which was pitching up the 
music plea on behalf of the Abbott 
& Costello co-op show which teed 
off last night (Tues.) on ABC. 

As result, ABC was forced to in- 
sert its "stand by" format of a har- 
monica-vocalist assist for the A&C 
comedy duo. 

Petrillo decision will also drasti- 
cally alter the formats of the Joan 
Davis co-op show on CBS and 
Parkyakarkas on Mutual. Both had 
planned full-blown musical produc- 
tions. 

Further, it stymies proposed plans 
to adapt musical shows for co-op 
presentation. 



Kansas Star Stubs Toe 
Changing Air Listings 



P&G Changes Mind 
On 'Crime Doctor 

For a while deal looked hot for 
Procter & Gamble to take over spon- 
sorship of "Crime Doctor," the CBS 
Sunday night show which Philip 
Morris is giving up, but this week 
P &G notified the web that the whole 
thing's cold; that it didn't fit into 
P&G's programming plans. 

Fact that "Crime" is slotted op- 
posite the heavy-pulling Fred Allen 
show on NBC, which was one of the 
factors in Philip Morris' unhappiness 
over the association, is also believed 
to have entered into the nix. 

Original plan of P&G was to 
make it a three-way split-agency 
deal for plugging of different prod- 
ucts in the east, midwest and the 
Coast. Benton & Bowles wanted the 
show for its Tide product, now get- 
ting a hitchhike on agency's other 
P&G programming. 



ABC Drops Phil Silvers 

ABC network has decided to call 
It quits on the Phil Silvers show, 
with notice of cancellation coming 
through Monday (29). Alter three 
more broadcasts it'll fade. 

Silvers show was put in as a sum- 
mer filler during the 13 weeks that 
Bing Crosby was off. the Wednesday 
10-10:30 slot and has now been 
moved into Monday night, but this 
week's show was cancelled because 
of Silver's illness. 

Wob reportedly has been miffed 
over 'Silvers' legit activities, feeling 
he's only showing casual interest in 
his radio show. J 



Wed., Oct 1 

"Vox Pop," interviews, with Parks 
Johnson, Warren Hull, sponsored by 
American Express (Mathes); ABC, 
from tour; Wed., 8:30-p p.m., EST. 

"Duffy's Tavern,^ comedy, with 
Ed Gardner, sponsored by Bristol- 
Myers for Ipana and Sal Hepatjca 
(Young & Rubicam); NBC, from 
H'wood; Wed., 9-9:30 p.m., EST. 

Abbott & Costello, comedy, spon- 
sored cooperatively; ABC, from 
H'wood; Wed., 9-9:30 p.m., EST. 

Jack Paar, comedy, sponsored by 
American Tobacco for Lucky Strike 
(Foote, Cone & Belding); ABC, 
from H'wood; Wed., 9:30-10 p.m., 
EST. 

■Sing- Crosby, variety, sponsored 
by Philco (Hutchins); ABC, from 
- H'woud; Wed., 10-r ft3 0 p.m., EST : — 

Jimmy Durante, comedy, sponsored 
by Rexnll (Ayer); NBC, from 
H'wook; Wed.. 10:30-11 p.m., EST. 
Thurs., Oct. 2 

"Aldrich Family," comedy, Ezra 
Stone, sponsored by General Foods 
cereals (Y&R); NBC, from N. Y.; 
Thur.; 8-8:30 p.m.. EST. 

Al Jolson, variety, sponsored by 
Kraft cheese (Thompson); NBC, 
from H'wood; Thur., 9-9:30 p.m., 
EST. 

Bob Hawk, quiz, sponsored by 
Reynolds for Camel cigarel; (Esty); 
NBC, from N. Y.: Thur., 10-10:30 
p.m., EST. 

Fri., Oct. 3 
Spike Jones orch, music, with 
Dorothy Shay, sponsored by Coca- 
Cola (D'Arcy); CBS, from torn-; Fri., 
10:30-11 p.m., EST. 

Sat., Oct. 4 
"First Nighter," drama, with Bar- 




Busy KLZ Maestro 

LESTER WEELANS 

Denver's busiest music director is 
nearing his thirteenth year with 
KLZ; has more live-talent musical 
shows under his wing on KLZ than 
does any other Denver station, 
KLZ, DENVER 

'Thin Man V $7,000 Tag 
May Cause Y&R Switch 
At Close of Season 

With "The Thin Man" completing 
its contract with General Foods at 
the end of the current season, the 
Young & Rubicam agency is already 
considering possible replacements 
on the Sanka account. Understood- a 
leading candidate for the assignment 
is a Danny Thomas comedy series, 
being peddled by the William Mor- 
ris office. 

One of the principal factors in the 
situation is understood to be Himan 
Brown's price for the "Thin Man" 
package. Show costs $7,000 net, not- 
including announcer and commer- 
cials, for the current season. That's 
considered high for a whodunit 
without star leads, but the show's 
rating history is irnpressive, despite 
its various shifts of time spot in re- 
cent seasons. 

It's understood the terms of a re- 
newal contract have been reached 
by Brown and Y&R, in case Gen- 
eral Foods wants to retain the series 
next season, but the price isn't 
known. However, unless the figure 
is higher than currently there's 
some likelihood that GF may decide 
to string along with the series, as 
the company's advertising and sales 
execs are well satisfied with its per- 
formance. 



bara Luddy, sponsored by Campana 
(Wallace-Ferry-Hanley); CBS, from 
H'wood; Sat. 8-8:30 p.m., EST. 

Kay Kyser orch, music-quiz, spon- 
sored by Colgate-Palmolive-Peet 
(Bates); NBC, from H'wood; Sat., 
10-10:30 p.m., EST. 

Sun., Oct. 5 

Samuel B. Pettengill, comment, 
sponsored by America's Future. Inc. 
(Andrew Gahagan); ABC, from 
N. Y.; Sun., 1-1:15 p.m., EST. 

"Ford Theatre," drama, with 
Howard Lindsay, sponsored by Ford 
(K&E); NBC, from N. Y.; Sun., 5-6 
p.m., EST.; ' :». 

Jack Benny, comedy, sponsored by 
American Tobacco for Lucky Strike 
(F, C&B); NBC, from H'wood; Sun., 
7-7:30 p.m., EST. 

Phil Harris-Alice Faye, comedy, 
sponsored by Fitch shampoo (Ram- 
sey); NBC, from H'wood; Sun., 7:30-8 
p.m., EST. 

Fred Allen, comedy, sponsored by 
Standard Brands for Tenderleaf tea 
and Royal dessert (Thompson); 
NBC, from N. Y.; Sun., 8:30-9 p.m., 
EST. 

"Meet Me at Parky's," comedy, 
with Harry Einstein, sponsored co- 
operatively; Mutual, from H'wood; 
Sun., 9:30-10 p.m.. EST. 

Tues., Oct. 7 

"Fibber McGee & Molly," comedy, 
with Jim and Marion Jordan, spon- 
sored by Johnson's wax (Needham, 
Louis & Brorby); NBC, from 
H'wood; Tues., 9:30-10 p.m., EST. ' 
Sat., Oct. U 

Joan Davis, comedy, sponsored 
cooperatively; CBS, from H'wood; 
Sat., 9-9:30 p.m., EST. 



Norman Corwin's production of 
"Lonesome Train," by Millard Lam- 
pell and Earl Robinson (30 minutes); 
"Patrick Henry and the Frigate's 
Keel," by Hy Zaret and Lou Singer, 
with Clifton Fadimaiv narrating, 
Conrad Thibault as soloist, and a 
Lynn Murray chorus. Kapp also 
hired George Hicks to do special 
narration on the program. 



WJJD'S GRID FEED 

Chicag'o, Sept. 30. 
The complete sked of the Chicago 
Cardinals'- pro grid games will be fed 
via . WJJD, Chi station of Marshall 
Field Enterprises, to a network of 
two stations in downstate Illinois, 
five in Iowa, and one each in Geor- 
gia, Tennessee arid Nebraska. Out- 
lets are WWXL, WHOW. KWDM 
KSIB, KWPC, KAYX WKLX,' 
WATL, WKDA, and KOWH. 



Without Listener Okay 

Kansas City, Sept. 30. 

System of listing radio programs 
in the Kansas City Star can't be 
changed without listeners' okays, ac- 
cording to an experiment tried here 
last week. For years the Star has 
listed programs by grouping them 
according to time of broadcast. 

On suggestions from several cor- 
ners Bob Hoyland, radio editor, 
changed to a setup listing entire 
day's schedule by individual station-. 
No more- had the new listings ap- 
peared than the department was 
bombasted with letters and phone 
calls demanding the tirhe-honorcd 
listings. ' \ 

Beefs came in during Hoyland's 
vacation, but Bill Vaughn, Staibeam 
columnist pinch-hitting on radio, M-t 
listings back in the old format alter 
only 10 days tryout on new system. 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



RADIO 



23 



STATION REPS GO THEIR OWN WAY 



Webs Coy to AP 'Associate Status; 
Figure Extra Costs Don't Compensate 



Th» Associated Press is dangling ♦ 
Hen-priced "associate" memberships 
before three of the four major net- 
works— but the webs want no part of 
such a deal. They're paying plenty 
for the wire service right now, they 
feel and if it comes to a showdown 
AP 'is in lot a fight. Upshot may 
very well be that one or more of the 
'Jets will teU AP they can get along 
nicely without Its. news. 

CBS is reported of a mind to give 
the AP news tickers a heave-ho 
rather than kick through with more 
money for the questionable advan- 
tages of a non-voting AP member- 
ship. CBS news chiefs, for obvious 
reasons, decline openly to affirm 
this attitude, but one of them went 
go far as to grant, under questioning, 
that he felt the web's news setup 
would not be seriously crippled by 
loss of AP service. 

Air four major nets have United 
Press and International News Serv- 
ice wires. Only skein without AP 
jervice is Mutual, which dropped its 
agreement with the news agency last 
year. (Mutual's big stockholder sta- 
tions-WOR, N.Y., WGN, Chi., etc— 
still have AP, but cannot feed its dis- 
patches over the web.) ' News execs 
In other nets confess they have not 
noticed any decided deteoriation of 
Mutual newscasts since the web gave 
up AP. 

ABC, CBS and NBC, which are 
paying in the . vicinity of $125,000 
yearly for AP service under "blan- 
ket arrangement" deals, were tossed 
the AP associate membership 
proposal about three weeks ago. The 
move followed announcement by AP 
several months ago of a new radio 
department and plans to offer non- 
voting memberships to radio stations 
as well as networks. 

At that time AP let it be known 
that its New Deal, in addition to the 
membership angle, involved "read- 
justment" of rates. It was soon ap- 

iiarent to broadcasters that the read- 
ustments were mostly upward, and 
tnore than one station retorted with 
a vigorous "nothing doing." Rea- 
soning was that, besides costing them 
more coin, the membership would 
bind stations to AP by-laws without 
giving broadcasters any voice in the 
hews agency's actions — including fu- 
ture alterations in rates. 
• As of last week, ABC affirmed 
that it's turning thumbs down on the 
AP proposal, while CBS and NBC 
reported no decision had been made. 
But it was obvious that the latter 
webs expected to give the AP deal 
' a pocket-veto treatment, if not an 
actual turndown. 



So Passes La Trivia 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

When New York's Mayor La- 
Guardia passed on, a well known 
radio character, which hizzoner 
inspired, also left his immortality 
to carry on. Blustery Mayor La 
Trivia, the handiwork of "Fibber 
and Molly's" Don Quinn for the 
talents of Gale Gordon, was a 
takeoff on "The Little Flower" 
and out of respect to the late 
public figure it was decided to 
inter him with the past. 

Quinn is now working on a 
new character so that Gordon, 
whom Quinn calls "a writer's 
actor," won't be lost to the cast. 



Groucho Eases 
Baker for Elgin 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

John Guedel Productions closed 
their third deal in three weeks when 
the Groucho Marx audience par- 
ticipation show, "You Bet Your 
Life," was bought by Elgin-Ameri- 
can (compacts, cigaret lighters) for 
Oct. 27 takeoff on ABC. Show hits 
the east at 8 p.m. and repeats for 
trie Cuasl at a p.m. Elgin's prexy, 
Al Gellman, and Marvin Mann of 
Weiss & Geller agency of Chicago 
had been reported on the verge of a 
deal with Phil Baker but Guedel 
moved in on the picture and carried 
off the spoils, 

Guedel produces the quizzer and 
Bernie Smith will be head writer. 
Other recent sales by Guedel were 
"House Party" to General Electric, 
.and the Randolph Scott adventure 
Series, "Frontier Town," to a tran- 
scription outfit. 



ABC Purchase Of 
WLS in Chi Looks 
Set Before Jan. 1 



ABC and Burridge Butler, owner 
WLS in Chicago, have practically 
reached a meeting of the minds on 
the network's acquisition of the 
Prairie Farm station and ABC execs 
admitted this week that a deal may 
be consummated before the end of 
the year. The negotiations have been 
on and off over the past couple of 
years. Butler, it's reported, is now 
being influenced in his disposition 
toward a sale by the thought that the 
money therefrom could be used to 
pay the inheritance taxes of his 

65tctt6 

WLS, the ABC affiliate in Chi, 
currently shares the same wave- 
length with WENR, the ABC-owned 
station, with the web today only en- 
joying half-station ownership in the 
midwest key spot. 

Meanwhile, reports of continued 
unrest at WLS mounted during the 
past week, but Glenn Snyder, man- 
ager of the station, denied there was 
more than coincidence in the exit of 
four staffers, following a Sept. 1 re- 
shuffle in the program department. 

Reshuffle came about when John 
Baker returned from the Dept. of 
Agriculture's radio section. He was 
named program manager, replacing 
Harold Safford, who , was upped to 
the newly-created job of commercial 
manager. Two announcers since 
have resigned, along with news chief 
Julian Bentley and assistant program 
manager Herb Howard. 

Snyder attributed the resignations 
mainly to self betterment, but added 
that the station was overstaffed. 
Julian Bentley is skedded to news- 
cast on WBBM, and Herb Howard 
has joined WNAX as program man- 
ager. Meanwhile several other WLS 
staffers are job shopping. 



JOE KELLY'S OPEN-ENDERS 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
Joe Kelly, the Quiz Kids' mentor, 
is transcribing a series of 15-minute, 
open end shows for Green Asso- 
ciates, Chicago. Kelly will be heard 
In his Jolly Joe role, telling stories 
*°r kids. 

Titled "You Know What? That's 
"hat." the series will be available 
in November. 





E 




GROUP Copy Limitations Chief Gripe as NAB 
Hears from Members on Proposed Code 




For the first time in the history of 
radio the station representative busi- 
ness drew a sharp line between itself 
and the national networks when it 
met last Friday (26) and organized 
its own association. This' bundling 
of the reps into a trade group, which 
on previous attempts over the years 
failed dismally, also presages per- 
haps a sharp veering in the business 
thinking of the rep toward the pro- 
gramming interests of the station he 
represents. 

The National Assn. of Radio Sta- 
tion Representatives, which title was 
adopted at last Friday's get-together 
of 17 rep organizations in N. Y., is 
embarking on the first intra-group 
study of not only how best to pro- 
mote the story of spot broadcasting, 
but how better to cement the rela- 
tions between the station and its rep. 
While the thing that really spurred 
the NARSR into existence was the 
inroads Radio Sales, CBS subsid, 
was making into the rep field, the 
independent reps assembled last 



Out, Damned 'Spot' 

Talk has been mounting with- 
in the station rep field about 
finding a synonym for "spot 
broadcasting." Advocates of the 
switch in terms contend that the 
word "spot" has become strong- 
ly associated with spot an- 
nouncements and that it would 
be beneficial to those dealing in 
other than network business to 
refer to it as "selective" radio 
or broadcasting. 

The term "selective," these 
reps further point out, describes 
more concisely, if not more 
graphically, than the word 
"spot," the difference between 
network and other forms of ad- 
vertising. 



WDSU Puts 'No Sale' 
Sign Up in Change Of 
Heart as Deal Collapses 

Washington, Sept. 30. 
SWrlriprl «alP nf pnwprf.il WDSIT 



and WDSU-FM, New Orleans from 
the team of H. G. Wall, E. A. 
Stephens and Fred Weber to the In- 
ternational City Broadcasting Corp. 
for $581,250 fell through last week, 
when the parties called on FCC to 
dismiss their sales bid. Bid had 
been entered last April. FCC tabbed 
it for hearing in July, and their sales 
contract expired and was not re- 
newed in August. 

WDSU promptly announced this 
week that the station, is no longer 
for sale; that the present owners are 
expecting to activate FM operations 
and are' constructing tele studios. 

Commission hearing notice wanted 
to get full info on arrangements 
between buyer William Spiegelberg 
and radio broker Smith Davis, under 
which Davis would lend him $375,- 
000 of the sales ticket, but exercise 
no control whatever over WDSU 
management. 

FCC had also expressed interest 
(Continued on page 32) 



Friday reflected a temperament that 
was more constructive than defen- 
sive. 

At a meeting Monday (29), the 
new association elected Paul H. 
Raymer chairman, H. Preston Peters 
vice-chairman, Joseph Weed, secre- 
tary, and Lewis Avery, treasurer. 

Eugene Katz, who was designated 
as spokesman for the body, said yes- 
terday (Tues.) that a resolution 
adopted at Monday's session was in 
the hands of attorneys for legal 
checking and would be disclosed to- 
day (Wed.), but Katz declined to 
reveal any part of the resolution's 
contents. He also said a by-laws 
committee had been appointed but 
that he. was not authorized to dis- 
close who was on it. 

Disposition of the group to con- 
fine itself to indie reps became evi- 
dent before Friday's meeting when 
the requests of Jack Van Volken- 
burg. head of Radio Sales, and Jack 
McConnell, manager of NBC's Local 
Sales, to attend the organization con- 
fab were turned down. 

Columbia's attempt to minimize 
concern aroused among indie reps 
through Radio Sales' recent addition 
of WRVA, Richmond, and KSL, Salt 
Lake City, to its list by issuing an 
(Continued on page 32) 



St. L. Churches Cash In 
On KMOX's 'Bible Quiz'; 
Station Nixes Bankrollers 

3t. Louis, Sept. 30. 

Local houses of worship are 
recipients of cash awards via a new 
quizzer inaugurated by KMOX, local 
CBS outlet. The program tagged 
"Bible Quiz" is aired every Sunday 
between 8:30 and -9 a.m. and six stu- 
dents of youth organizations are in- 
vited to participate. They are scored 
on their answers to biblical ques- 
tions of their own demonination. 
Contestants on each program are of 
the same faith, but from different 
churches. The student giving the 
best answers cop„ a check made pay- 
able to his church, 

KMOX has nixed several offers 
from local time buyers to bankroll 
the new program and will maintain 
1 it as a public service gesture. 



Seein s Believin 

Washington, Sept. 20, 
The FCC bench — outside of 
Chairman Charles R. Denny, Jr., 
whose views were aired at At- 
lantic City — isn't saying any- 
thing about the NAB Code for 
the record, but generally their 
attitude stacks up as "Okay, it's 
a good idea alright, but let's see 
how it works out in practice." 

Two FCC'ers on the bench 
have some doubts about the code 
language governing political and 
controversial broadcasts and 
most of the Commission want to 
know what there is about this 
Code that makes it more likely 
the industry will observe it 
more than any of the past, 
nearly defunct standards of prac- 
tice. 



Paley Back To 
Take Over CBS 
Program Reins 

William S. Paley returned last 
Wednesday (24) from his seven- 
week European honeymoon trip. 
And on the basis of his blueprinted 
activities as board chairman of CBS, 
that "honeymoon's over" tagline 
goes two ways. . '\ 

Despite recurrent reports that 
Paley intends taking it easy and will 
gradually turn over complete net- 
work operations to Frank Stanton & 
Co., Paley actually has moved back 
into mastermind the web's program- 
ming setup, as he did before his sec- 
ond matrimonial venture. Reports 
have also cropped up that Paley in- 
tends bringing John Hay Whitney 
into the network organization. But 
this, too, appears to have been dis- 
credited.. 

If there are any other organiza- 
tional changes on tap, they're being 
kept under wraps. Meanwhile, Stan- 
ton, network prexy, who took over 
the programming ' helm from Paley 
while latter was in Europe, plans 
to check out for a belated month's 
vacation. 

Paley's return was marked by an 
inner-sanctum celebration of the 
20th anniversary of the network (ac- 
tually it was on Sept. 18, 1927, that 
CBS was officially launched). As 
a memento of the occasion, Paley 
was presented with a large silver 
cigaret box inscribed by the 17 of- 
ficers of the company. 



Washington, Sept. 30. 
Approximately 50 fetters on th« 
new NAB code have reached NAB 
in the past 10 days, bulk of them 
plugging the idea of a code generally 
but most of them opposed to the 
rigid limitations on commercial copy 
in the present code draft. The in- 
dies appear to be headlining de- 
mands for more leeway in fitting 
plugs into shopping guides, musical 
clocks disk jockey and other types of 
participating shows which are their 
particular aces-in-the-hole. 

At the same time, opinion among 
local indies here appears to favor 
softening of the three-minute limit 
on quarter-hour shows and/or re- 
laxation of the code requirement 
that no more than one-minute and 
two-minutes of plug can be heard in 
five and 10-minute broadcasts. In 
other words, the indies still are not 
satisfied that NAB can work out any 
arbitrary rules on commercials that 
won't put them at a competitive dis- 
advantage with the bigger station* 
and web affiliates in bidding for ad- 
vertiser dollars. 

Meanwhile, NAB program director 
Harold Fair says if complaints all 
follow this general pattern, he an- 
ticipates no trouble in rewriting 
these few sections of the Code. 
These are the other developments: 
1. Broadcasters are being told to 
write their district directors on code 
protests. A special screening com- 
mittee of NAB directors, including 
Harold Fellows, WEEI, Boston; Wil- 
lard Egolf. WBCC, Bethesda; and 
John Meagher, KYSM, Mankato, 
Minn., will report to the NAB board 
of directors at a meeting tentatively 
skedded for Nov. 15. NAB has asked 
(Continued on page' 32) 



Musicians Walk at WOWO 
As Station Turns Down 
Hillbilly Contract Bid 

Fort Wayne, Sept. 30. 

Musicians at WOWO, Fort Wayne, 
walked off their jobs last Friday 
(26), following expiration of a mid- 
night deadline over a renewal con- 
tract with Local 58. AFM. Walkout 
affected six staff musicians and 10 
■h+H- billy ni ostcia-ns: — Ruber t~CfrDrrfT 
field, WOWO general manager, said 
the union had set up a new wage 
rate of $50 a week for each hillbilly 
musician, for six hours on the air 
and 12 hours of rehearsal if needed. 

Duffield said the hillbillies have 
not been under union contract be- 
fore and the union has been trying 
to negotiate for them without being 
their official bargaining agent. The 
union also asked for a $10 a week 
raise for the other musicians. 



WDRC Renewal Waits 

Hartford, Sept. 30. 

Contract renewal, negotiated more 
than a month ago by local station 
WDRC and AFRA, is still being held 
in abeyance. Meanwhile, the station 
is continuing to operate under terms 
of the old agreement. 

According to local announcers, ap- 
proval of the- renewal pact is being 
held up by the AFRA national office 
in New York, because it doesn't call 
for union shop, 



CottAppt Accents 
Indies Code Gripes 

Appointment of Ted Cott, program 
director of WNEW, N. Y., to. the pro- 
gram executive committee of the 
NAB is looked on in the trade as 
NAB prez Justin Miller's awareness 
of growing indie criticism to the re- 
cent events in Atlantic City. An- 
nouncement of the appointment has ' 
brought to Cott letters from several 
indies throughout the country, who 
have singled him out, unsolicited, as 
their spokesman, while airing as- 
sorted beefs to him and seeking his 
advice. 

There is sharp feeling among in- 
dies around the country against NAB 
for the manner in which it handled 
the proposed code at A.C. There 
was no indie rep on the drafting 
committee, and the indies resented 
it. The fact that 56^f, of the indies 
throughout the country aren't NAB 
members and don't have to observe 
a code, thereby penalizing the other 
44%, who might lose business to 
their competitors if they do observe 
it, has the indie members worried. 
Some have already stated that un- 
less NAB did something about un- 
derstanding indie problems, they 
would resign. 

Indies feel they've been put in an 
untair competitive position with the 
nets in selling programs as against 
spots. They also feel that service 
announcements (time and weather) 
should not be construed as spot an- 
nouncements—for purposes of fol- 
lowing the double-spotting, rule- 
when they don't exceed 10 seconds. 

In Cott's own case, he minds th« 
fact that stress was laid on his op- 
position to the commercial restric- 
tion on programming, when his 
chief objection was to the fact that 
the proposed code imposed maxi- 
mum commercial limitations but set 
no minimum standards for public 
service broadcasting. 



Keston In N. Y. for Huddles 

Paul Keston, part-time adminis- 
trative consultant for CBS, checked 
in from Mexico City last week for 
executive huddles at the network 
headquarters in New York. 

Keston has permanent homes in 
Arizona and the Mexican capital. 



24 



RADIO REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



CHRISTOPHER WELLS 
With Myron McCormick, Charlotte 
Lawrence, Peter Van Steeden 
«rch, Wendell Holmes, lane Lau- 
ren, Peter Sapell, Joe De Santis 
Writer: Robert Shaw 
Producer-Director: Edward A. Byron 
30 Mins.; Sun., 10 p.m. 
»E SOTO-PLYMOUTH DEALERS 
CBS, from New York 

(B.B.D. & O.) 
Ed Byron, whose "Mr. District 
Attorney" on NBC is one of radioes 
prize Hooper packages, launched his 
new one, "Christopher Welles," on 
CBS Sunday night (28), under the 
sponsorship banner of the DeSoto- 
Plymouth dealers. It's in the 10 
o'clock spot long occupied by "Take 
It Or Leave It," which this season 
moves over to the same time seg- 
ment on NBC as opposition to 
"Wells." But on the basis of Byron's 
premiere presentation, it doesn't 
look like he's going to give "Take 
It" much opposition. 

Byron labels "Wells" as a dra- 
matic adventure series. He's signed 
up Myron McCormick for the lead 
role of the Winchellesque columnist 
and has Robert Shaw doubling from 
his "D. A." scripting job for this 
new one, too. The result on the tee- 
off was an unseasoned dish of hash. 
It was neither new nor exciting, 
and not even well done. 
. For his opening episode, Byron 
had such an unbelievable situation 
that even a better scripting job 
couldn't have made it entertaining. 
All the old cliches and pat quips 
were yanked out and strung together. 
It wasn't only a case of the dialog 
being pedestrian, but the whole 
formula of scene sequencing, type 
casting — even unto the time-worn 
sophisticated Girl Friday who by 
now has worn perilously thin — being 
wrung, dry and flat. 

It was as though Byron had pieced 
together his show by borrowing 
from the catalog of adventure files; 
the sophisticated wonder man, the 
Sydney Greenstreetish villain, the 
siren lead-on out of his "D. A." files, 
etc. The sad truth is they've had 
their day; it's time they were given 
their rest and marked "not for cir- 
culation." 

McCormick unfortunately did little 
to help the script shortcomings, while 
Byron's direction lacked the usual 
care applied to his "D. A." 

Commercials, extolling the "friend- 
ly courteous DeSoto - Plymouth 
dealer," were reduced to a com- 
mendable minimum. Rose. 



SECOND HONEYMOON 
With Bert Parks, Mort Lawrence 
Producer: Charles King 
Writer-Director: Bob Jennings 
30 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 10:30 a.m 
L. BAMBERGER &, CO. " 
WAAT, Newark 

A pleasant variation of the 
"Queen For a Day," formula, this 
audience participation show has for 
its lofty aim "to teach your hus- 
band how to be romantic again." 
Bert Parks, of the "Break the Bank" 
show, keeps proceedings moving 
along at a smooth, interesting pace 
as m.c. Show has enough prizes, 
special gifts and other comeons be- 
sides the payoff prize of a ''second 
honeymoon" to arouse plenty of 
audience-participation interest and 
sell the sponsor's product. It rep- 
resents a big-league package for 
this enterprising New Jersey indie. 
- Show tees off with query "Who's 
the pillar of American society?" 
•with audience bellowing back, "The 
housewife." Then the question: 
"And what are we going to give 
her?" And the assembled guests in 
Bamberger's department store audi- 
torium roar, to no one's particular 
surprise: "A second honeymoon!" 

Alter this, Parks goes into action 
and proceeds to pace the show well, 
with humor and taste. Some seven 
■women, previously picked from the 
audience, tell why they'd like a 
second honeymoon. Reasons range 
from "I want a real home and not 
continue to lijje as a gypsy" to "I 
was married in the depression, never 
had money enough for the first one" 
and "I don't remember the first 
honeymoon because I was only 14." 
Awards for each guest being quizzed 
include jewelry, perfume, coffee 
urns and record albums. Even the 
Woman picked from cards filled out 
on entering the place gets a prize 
and she names some person at home 
deserving some gift. That person 
won a set of aluminum ware at show 
caught. 

Parks as usual is quick on the 



EDDIE CANTOR SHOW 

With Arnold Stang, Hairy Von Zel!, 
Edgar (Cookie) Fairchild, Cece 
Blake, Bert Gordon 

Writers: Jay Sommers, Jesse Gold- 
stein, Harold Goldman 

Producer: Vic Knight 

30 Mins.; Thurs., 10:30 p.m., EST 

PABST 

NBC, from Hollywood 

(.Warwick & Legler) 
Any accurate appraisal of Eddie 
Cantor today must of necessity take 
into consideration his extra cur- 
ricular channeling.., of a lot of his 
showmanship energies into humani- 
tarian-goodwill-public service ave- 
nues. That too frequently Cantor as 
an entertainer suffers in the process 
perhaps is less important to the 
comedian than it is to his listening 
audience. That he's a force in cor- 
raling public opinion for various 
humanitarian efforts can't be denied. 
But that Cantor as a top comedian 
of a highbudgeted entertainment 
package comes out a second best 
only accents the time-worn con- 
clusion that one must be subor- 
dinated to the other. 

When it comes to working on 
people's sentiments, Cantor's the 
master. For one thing he's com- 
pletely sold on the cause he's pitch- 
ing tip. And it's never a case of 
Cantor being harnessed for a one- 
shot, for it's a fervor that carries on 
throughout the year. On his initial 
broadcast of the new season Thurs- 
day (25), the comedian took up the 
cause of the underpaid school teach- 
er; decrying an existing deplorable 
state that allows for a continuous 
wholesale exodus of teaching talent 
because of poor working conditions. 

It was a plea deserving of kudos, 
and to achieve a measure of show- 
manship Cantor brought on his 
fourth grade school teacher, how 
retired after 45 years of teaching, 
for the inevitable flashbacks. But 
when a $20,000 a week talent-pro- 
duction budget is involved, those 
moments come pretty high, and when 
too many of them, as in this case, 
are diverted off the strictly-show- 
business path, it raises the question 
whether such overemphasis on the 
humanitarian aspects, as against the 
exploitation of his comic talents, 
may not tend to weaken rather than 
strengthen his appeal. 

The new Cantor show differs little 
from that of last year in format, 
scripting and overall tone, except 
that the comedian, in his continued 
quest for spotlighting of fresh talent, 
has come up with a new songstress, 
Cece Blake, and a new comedy 
stooge, Arnold Stang, who has been 
wooed over from the Milton Berle 
show. If Stang failed to come up 
to expectations (he was one of. the 
major assets on the Berle program) 
it could be blamed more on the lack 
of a good writing assist, which, for 
that matter, seemed to handicap the 
major part of the premier program. 
In Miss Blake, Cantor has found a 
potentially promising singer. 

As is not unusual, most of the 
show's major yoks came out of Bert 
Gordon's Mad Russian routine. 
Harry Von Zell continues to project 
himself prominently into the pro- 
ceedings and, like Bill Goodwin, 
knows how to achieve maximum 
comedy returns from an integrated 
commercial. Cookie Fairchild is 
more or less relegated to back- 
ground music oblivion. Rose. 




CHUCK FOSTER 

Atlanta, Georgia, home of world 
premieres (Gone With the Wind, 
Song of the South, etc.) holds an- 
other premiere tonight, October 1, 
when Chuck Foster makes his At- 
lanta "debut (Hotel Ansley). 

Lang- Worth's 500 station affiliates 
say Chuck's music will be as popu- 
lar in Atlanta as spareribs and 
'•hush-puppies." 

LANG-WORTH, INC., NEW YORK 



uptaKe. wnen one housewife ex 
plained that she could not remem- 
ber her first honeymoon, he calmly 
bridged the gap by asking politely 
why and eliciting the fact that she 
' was only 14 years old. 

Winner, chosen by a jury o£ three 
women and two men, is awarded a 
three-day second honeymoon trip, 
and also gets a new wardrobe in- 
cluding dress, hat, gloves, etc. Parks 
neglected to identify the winner 
other than by name and also failed 
to repeat her reason for wanting 
the second honeymoon. This is an 
angle that could be brushed up on, 
since the listener obviously needs 
. more identification than when heard 
earlier. 

Tharles King rales a deep bow 
as producer of show with Bob Jen- 
nings obviously doing yeoman work 

. as scripter-director. Payoff for both 
is that this program listens well in 
the home, not just merely going 
over with the femmes in the store's 
auditorium. Mort Lawrence works 
well in handling introducing chores. 

. „ • , Weur. 



7 FRONT STREET 

With Joe Helgessen, Eileen Palmer, 
Jean Tatum, Lawson Zerbe, Mort 
Lawrence, Don Douglas, Lon 
Clark; Ralph Paul, announcer. 

Producer-Writer: Don Becker 

Director: Emmett Paul 

30 Mins.; Thurs., 8 p.m. 

Sustaining 

MBS, from New York 

"7 Front Street" neither seeks, to 
pioneer a trail nor stray from the 
assembly line, and, if anything, Don 
Becker's. latest little dramatic bundle 
dpes bear the imprint of the Mutual 
assumbly line. The requisites are 
not hard to discern: a simple and 
modest frame or springboard, pro- 
duction shorn of fancy frills and 
furbelows and a covey of competent 
actors. 

Becker's is primarily a storytelling 
mission. For his springboard he's 
combined a background and a pair 
-of— ehar-aeters—that— add-4ittle— color- 



WAR BABIES 

With Alexander Scourby, narrator; 
Uta Hagen, Joe Julian, Elspeth 
Eric, Norman Rose, Peg Hillas, 
Joan Shea, Paula Victor, David 
Anderson, Jimmy Sommer, Joan 
Lazer, Judith Lockser; Robert 
Emerick, announcer; John Gart, 
music 

Writer: Arnold Perl 

Director: Mitchell Grayson 

Producer: Elsie Dick 

30 Mins.; Sun. (28), 9 p.m. 

Sustaining 

MBS, from New York 

Put this down as a milestone for 
Mutual. For this airer— first in a 
series of three — went well beyond 
previous Mutual documentaries, both 
in quality of production and, more 
important, in what it said. 

It took a problem — that of the 
3,000,000-odd warborn children start- 
ing to school this fall for the first 
time — and tackled it honestly, force- 
fully and constructively. The case 
was stated so- simply and humanly 
that it must have hit close-to-home 
in many a household. It must have 
securely planted the thought it 
sought to drive home: that now's the 
time to help "the six-year-olds with 
Purple Hearts" by giving teachers 
cooperation and understanding (and, 
incidentally, a little better pay) in 
the job of rehabilitating those tots 
emotionally "wounded" by war's dis- 
locations. 

Stanza plunged into its theme in 
the opening seconds. Outside a class- 
room as the first day of school was 
about to begin, two teachers dis- 
cussed "the crisis babies" starting 
school. "The condemned teacher ate 
a hearty meal," said one of the in- 
structors. In her class, the teacher 
found herself confronted with a 
tough case— an irritable, shy, unre- 
sponsive tike who clearly showed the 
strains of his dad's wartime absence 
from home, his mother's strained, 
nerves, poor handling by relatives 
and "baby sitters." 

Flashbacks told the kid's case his- 
tory. They were a shade maudlin, 
perhaps, but believable. Interspersed 
were flashes of the teacher's patient 
efforts to find the key to the child's 
trouble, and glimpses of the teacher's 
after-class shoptalks with physical ed 
instructor. The scenes were human, 
deftly scripted at the same time to 
make every line count. 

In the windup, the two teachers 
punched out a surprising plea for 
really progressive education, fitted to 
the peculiar needs- of today's chil- 
dren and requiring the understand- 
ing support of both parents and the 
higher bracketed educators who run 
the schools. Clincher was a state- 
ment by U. S. Commissioner of Edu- 
cation John W. Studebaker in sup- 
port of these arguments. 

Uta Hagen as the teacher turned 
in a standout performance, notable 
for its sincere tone. In a generally 
good cast, ex ceptional support m 



SUPERMAN 

With Clayton Collyer, Joan Alex- 
ander. Jack Kelk, Jackson Beck; 
Dan McCullough, announcer; John 
Gart, organist 

Writer: Ben Peters' Freeman 

Producer: Allen Dueovny 

Director: Mitchell Grayson 

15 Mins.; Mon.-FrL, 5:15 p.m. ET 

KELLOGG 

Mutualr from New York 

(.Kenyan & Eckhardt) 
One of the oldest, and probably the 
best known, juvenile thriller, "Su- 
perman," returned Monday (29) to 
Mutual for its ninth season as a strip 
serial. With its slam-bang -opening 
trademark, the faster-than-a-bullet, 
more - powerful - than - a -locomotive 
spiel and the rattatat sound effects, 
it's practically the model for all kid 
cliff-hangers. As such, it's under- 
standably popular and, in conse- 
quence, a potent sales medium for a 
children's product, in this case Kel- 
logg's Pep wheat cereal. 

Small matter if adults laugh at it, 
not always indulgently. The mop- 
pets almost literally clutch their ra- 
dio sets to hang on every word and 
sound effect, and that's what pays off 
in ratings and sponsorship. And, if 
some of the sober child psychologists 
and educators may think the show's 
excitements peril young nervous sys- 
tems, other equally eminent authori- 
ties in the same line will argue the 
contrary. Anyway, in the case of 
"Superman," the show's various 
awards for work in the field of hu- 
man relations are likely to immunize 
it against drastic censorship. 

As heard Monday on its seasonal 
return, the program revealed its ac- 
customed writing, production and 
performance skill. It bounded into 
the middle of a violent situation, 
with Superman wanted by the FBI 
for suspected action jeopardizing na- 
tional security. The characters were 
properly one-dimensional and in- 
stantly recognizable, the action was 
swift, and dialog was obvious, and 
there were the required number of 
impossible-to-miss comedy lines. 

The production accentuated the 
pace and made maximum capital of 
sound effects. The performances 
were thoroughly professional, from 
Clayton Collyer's brisk, virile, au- 
thoritative title portrayal to Joan 
Alexander's dashing gal reporter, 
Jack Kelk's quavering comedy offipe 
boy and some pompous FBI and 
Army brass. Kobe. 



or distinction to the narrative. And 
being the craftsman that he is, 
Becker makes sure that neither the 
background nor the sideline charac- 
ters get in the way of his story. 

Others in the Mutual fold have 
staked out the train, the doctor's 
office, the nightclub, the librarian's 
retreat and whatnot as the settings 
for their tales. Becker repairs to a 
bar and grill on the waterfront. 
Teamed up for punting along the 
program's story are the woman that 
rims the joint and a novelist in quest 
of material, -both of whom are 
pretty blurred in conception and 
each of whom denotes little strain 
on the imagination. 

Becker's kickoff story (24) re- 
volved around the piano player in 
the place. The guy played but one 
thing, "Moonlight Sonata,'' and it is 
from that eccentricity that the tale 
stems. Cliches stud the chacteriza- 
tions, the situations and the plot. 
The script even resorts to that hoary 
stratagem of the quarrel between a 
man and women, the wrestling for 



registered by Joe Julian as the physi- 
cal ed teacher and David Anderson 
as the problem child. Mitchell Gray- 
son's direction had polish and expert 
timing. John Gart's music was mod- 
ulated and well chosen. 

Big feather really belongs in the 
bonnet of Elsie Dick. Mutual's direc- 
tor of educational programs for a 
documentary that drove home a 
worthwhile message with outspoken 
clarity. Doon. 



CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT 
With Ed Prentiss, Angelyn Orr, Jack 

Bivens, Sherman Marks. Borris 

Applon, Sharon Grainger; Tom 

Moore, announcer 
Producer - director - writer: Kirby 

Hawkes 

15 Mins.; Mon. thru Fri., 5:30 p.m 
W ANDER CQ. 
MBS, from Chicago 

(Hill Blackett & Co.) 
This is undoubtedly one of the 
worst cases on the air of exploitation 
of kid listeners by a commercial 
sponsor, The stanza should be called 
"Capt. Ovaltine." For a solid four 
minutes at the outset of this quarter 
hour, the eager tikes at the living 
room loudspeaker a,re harangued at 
fevered pitch to send in a boxtop 
and 15c. for a "Captain Midnight 
Shakeup Mug" in which to mix 
their Ovaltine. This shaker, it turns 
out, is "Secret Squadron equipment 
and the sponsor modestly acclaims 
it "an amazing offer . . . the biggest 
bargain ever heard on the air!" 

The 10 minutes of "adventure" 
which finally gets under way at 5:34 
— one minute is saved at the close of 
the day's episode for another plug for 
the shakers — is certainly no bargain. 
On the caught sequence (29), the 
villainess of the piece, a "cold, cal- 
culating" gal named either Jury 
Shark or Fury Shark, has escaped 
the clutches of the law, personified 
by Capt. Midnight and his Secret 
Squadron, and is flying from Wash- 
ington to Chicago to try to get her 
hands on a Big Discovery held by 
some professor which would make 
Fury's or Jury's old man the most 
powerful guy on earth. Capt. M. 
and his boys meantime break into 
a house just vacated by the femme 
fugitive and are uncovering what 
looks like hot evidence against her 
when incendiary time bombs set the 
joint on fire. But that's all for to- 
day, kids, and now about your 
Ovaltine mugs, etc. 

It's a little difficult to see how the 
moppets can follow these goings-on 
with much interest and understand- 
-ingr-The-sci-ip tiiig, acting and -over^ 
all production haven't much to com- 
mend them. It must be said, how- 
ever, that since a generation which 
began listening to this show at age 
11 is now old enough to vote, the 
thing evidently doesn't sour the 
Ovaltine in too many young stom- 
achs. American kids must be a 
hardy lot. Doati, 



INFORMATION, PLEASE 

With Franklin P. Adams, John 
Kiei an, Clifton Fadiman, m.c; 
Fred Allen, Robert Montgomery 
guests; Jay Jackson," announcer 

Producer, director; Dan Golcnpaul 

30 Mins.; Fri., 9:30 p.m. 

CO-OP 

MBS, from New York 

With its debut as a co-oper oft 
Mutual last Friday (26) "Informa- 
tion, Please" completed the net- 
work circuit. In its span of nine 
years on the air the adult quizzer 
had been moved about the other 
three webs by five national adver- 
tisers. As Clifton Fadiman put it, 
in his bow-on of the Mutual series' 
"everything is now different." "In- 
formation" must now depend on lots 
of sponsors to pay its way. MBS 
says it won't know for a few days 
how many of its affiliates have in- 
duced local advertisers to put the 
coin on the barrelhead for Fadiman 
and has troupe. Nevertheless, the 
Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad's spon- 
soring of the show in New York, 
Chicago, Cleveland and Washington 
makes a tidy little nucleus. 

The unlimbering of "Information" 
on Mutual turned out one of those 
uncommon instances of best foot 
forward. Dan Golenpaul obviously 
made sure that it would be most 
approximately so by enlisting Fred 
Allen as guest. Everybody seemed 
quick on the up-pick. The quips, 
gags and general banter came off 
with consistent ease and spark, and 
the event was crowded with enough 
laughs to furbish adequately four 
or five regular installments of the 
show. Allen got an extra special op- 
portunity for himself when one of 
the. queries dealt with gag versions. 
The sequel was a succession of howls 
from the studio audience. F. P. 
Adams also fared big with his ultra- 
witticism, and Robert Montgomery 
showed up as no sloucft himself at 
dishing 'em off the funnybone. 

Fadiman carried out the "every, 
thing is different" theme to mirth- . 
ful effect in the introduction of the 
expert panel. With a sly dig at the 
behaviourism of" audience partici- 
pation shows, Fadiman asked each 
his name and what he did. Allen's 
answer to the latter half of the 
questionnaire was: "I'm a character 
analyst for a weighing machine 
company." 

if the stations on the C & O's por- 
tion of the circuit had any qualms 
about the controversial nature of 
the railroad's commercial copy, the 
initial palaver should certainly have 
assuaged them, at least for the time 
being. This particular commercial, 
which is read out of New York, 
merely repeats the already publi- 
cized contention of Prexy Robert O. 
Young that the Pullman Co. if it 
wanted to could route transcon- 
tinental trains through Chicago 
without any stopovers or delays. 
Only the commercial was obviously 
careful to omit the word "Pullman" 
and just use the word "sleepers '' 
Odec. 



a gun. the explosion of a bullet, the 
fall of a body, the sudden ringing 
of the telephone, a sustained pause 
and then the survivor's voice 
answering. 

Becker is doing the show on a 
freelance basis. He's looking around 
for some one to take over the week- 
ly writing chores. It's doubtful 
whether even that will shore up the 
tenuous and amorphous framework 
of "7 Front Street." 

Emmett Paul does handsomely by 
his directorial assignment. Odec. 



EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN 

With Ralph Bellamy, Virginia Rob- 
inson, Mercer Mr.Loud, Gregory 
Morton, Frank Behrens, Jane 
Webster, Leo M. Cherne. Dr. 
George Wheatley 

Producer - director - writer: Sher- 
man H. Dreyer 

30 Mins.; Sunday, 7:30 p.m. 

Sustaining 

ABC, from New York 

"Exploring the Unknown," long- 
time network feature which had its 
genesis in Chicago, continues as a 
punchy blend of dramatics and 
science, making a valued contribu- 
tion to general enlightenment in vari- 
. (Continued on page 30) 



SHERLOCK HOLMES 
With John Stanley. Alfred Shirley, 
Mary Kimber, Horace Braham, 
William Podmore', Maurice Frank- 
lin; Cy Harrice, announcer 
Writer: Edith Meiser 
Producer-Director: Basil Loughrane 
30 Mins.; Sun., 7 p.m. 
TRIMONT CLOTHING 
MBS, from New York 
(Weintraub) 
That incomparable gumshoe. Sher- 
lock Holmes, is back at his old 
haunt on Mutual after a. summer 
layoff with everything in its pre- 
cise place. Even the fact that Basil 
Rathbone and Nigel Bruce have dis- 
appeared from the scene has been 
covered up by a perfect crime, or 
rather, by a pair of perfect mimes, 
John Stanley and Alfred Shirley, 
who play Holmes and Dr. Watson 
in styles and voices undistinguish* 
able from their predecessors. And 
if it's easy for one actor to sound 
like another, it's still easier for 
writers to grind out carbons of a 
basic .script that sets the atmos- 
phere for each crime and detective 
show on the 'air. 

This program, like others of its 
genre, has its listening points. It 
has pace and some wit. Beyond 
that there's the excitement of see- 
ing the criminal being drawn into a 
lightening — noose — of — e-ireitmstAee— 
despite the fact that the logical leaps 
taken by Holmes remain forever 
outside the dialer's ken. But if this 
script were stripped of its incidental 
local color, if Holmes' veddy proper 
English were replaced by some 
American underworld jargon and if 
Scotland Yard Were turned Into the 
Los Angeles police department, the 
identical plot elements and structure 
could bee used by the Philip Mar- 
lowe series. 

On the preem (28). Holmes put 
his deductive powers to work on a 
case of a murdered dowager. As 
usual, just as all the facts point to 
a clear case of suicide. Holmes, to 
the amazement of Dr. Watson and 
nobody else, pulls an intuitive rab- 
bit out of his fore-and-aft cap to 
pin the rap on the long-trusted 
family doctor. Stanley registers 
without disappointment, consistently 
playing his part as if A. Conan 
Doyle had tailored his stories for 
Rathbone. Rest of the cast likewise 
performed competently with all pro- 
duction details clicking neatly. 

Herm. 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



PSsRIETY 



RADIO REVIEWS 



25 



„« STAGE, AMERICA 

artth Paul Whiteman & Orch, Dour 

"jjrowning, John Slagle, George 

Producer- Solatia Martini 
Director: Joe Graham 
writer: Ira Marion 
Jn Mins.; Mon., 8 p.m. 
National guard 

ABC, from New York 

Paul Whiteman, whose talent dis- 
n «5ries have contributed a sizable 
coveues nave v.isiness Who's 



talent on "a dignified scale as well 
as a handy showcase tor attention 
nf talent buyers. 

"On Stage America" is no ama- 
teur program in the Major Bowes 
tradition Whiteman, with usually 
on i ne "ring eye for talent, has the 
task of lining up a talented set of 
irofessionals who are yet to make 
Sway on a national scale, for 
an audition before important buyers 
1 with the public listening in. Em- 
SoycrsV such as Billy Rose, Richard 
Rod"ers and recording company 
SfecT are directed to listen to the 
Berformers prior to the program 
and if unable to do so, recordings of 
nortions ot the show are sent them 

Show is worked out on a national 
scale with initial. show having plug- 
ins With Detroit, Hollywood and 
N Y stations. From Detroit, Gloria 



Barker, who gave out with a ]ivey 
"Patty-Cake Man," directed her ef- 
forts-at Billy Rose and Frank Ken- 
dall" tenored "Ivy" for the special 



attention of Richard Rodgers Rod- 
gers being occupied with Allegro 
and unable to listen, was being sent 
this portion of the show on a disk. 

Hollywood tie-in had the Herds- 
men, a musical and vocal trio with 
a humorous hillbilly style, seeking 
auditions before recording execs. 
Frank Walker, Harry Meyerson of 
M-G-M disks and Harry Fromkes 
bC Signature, tuned in. The Bobby 
True trio's rendition of "Big Bad 
Butterfly" was directed to nitery 
managers and recording officials. 
Frdm New York, Bob Dillard, who 
appeared in legit, sang and trum- 
peted for disk officials. Entire ses- 
sion made pleasant listening for 
tuners-in and was worthwhile for 
the bookers. 

As a matter of fact, before the 
.program was over, calls came in for 
services of the Herdsmen from a 
Coast nitery, and Walker asked 
Dillard to « talk business with him. 
It's a good deal all around. 

Joan Edwards, one of Whiteman's 
earlier discoveries, made a guest 
appearance' for good effect. Miss 
Edwards is one of the long list of 
» Whiteman proteges which includes 
Johnny Mercer, Gloria Page, Mildred 
Bailey and numerous others. 

Pops' handling of the session is 
Jn a superior vein. His verbiage dis- 
plays a great deal of enthusiasm 
for the performers which radiates 
both to the listener and the talent 
buyer he's trying to attract. Another 
factor that's evident on the pro- 
gram is the careful screening of 
candidates for the session. All of 
them bear Pops' personal stamp of 
approval, which is sufficient to carry 
weight in all directions. 

The show will continue to be 
looped around various cities, al- 
though, the origination point may be 
. shifted periodically. For instance, 
Richmond is planning an elimina- 
tion contest for the show, and at a 
later date one show will emanate 
from there. However there will al- 
ways be N. Y. and 'Hollywood talent 
represented. 

Show is under sponsorship of the 
National Guard, which is keeping 
its recruiting commercials down 
to a minimum. Jose. 



Spots That Ignite 

Smart bit of public service 
programming has been concocted 
by WNEW, N. Y. indie, in its 
mint-new Fire Prevention spots, 
which have been prepared to 
coincide with next week's na- 
tional Fire Prevention Week. 
Srjots are a series of five an- 
nouncements, of 20, 30 or 45 sec- 
onds' length, done in light (no 
pun intended) chuckling style, 
with smart lyrics set to simple, 
familiar melodies that are sing- 
able . and easily remembered. 
Words make sense, especially for 
impressionable kids, for whom 
they're intended. 

But anyone will want to 
hymn "I'll be comin' 'round to 
see you, Careless Joe," to the 
well-known hillbilly "mountain" 
tune, especially when it ends 
with "and I'll start a pretty 
blaze, then you won't be very 
careless any mo. Careless Joe." 
Or chant "I'm the Fire Extin- 
guisher on the Wall" to "The 
Campbells Are Coming" tune, 
backgrounded by bagpipes. Or 
sing "Oh, There Was a Man 
With a Long White Beard" to 
"Oh, Susanna." Or swing "I can 
start a blaze, in 16 different 
ways" in smart rhythm style. 
Or rumba with "I'm Manuela 
the Match"— "remember if you 
strike me. there's going to be a 
little fire." 

Smart production by Ted Cott, 
to lyrics by Jeff Seldon and Bob 
Stewart, and Roy Ross' arrange- 
ments for a three-piece music, 
group, gives spots a hep appeal. 
WNEW Is playing them 21 times 
a week next week, and contin- 
uing them thereafter. The Fire 
Protection Institute is picking 
them up, to distribute nation- 
wide to any station gratis. Smart 
public service this, for spots 
with quite a spark. Bron. 



OLD GOLD SHOW 

With Frank Morgan, Frances Lang- 
ford, Don Ameche; Carmen 
Dragon, conductor; Marvin Miller, 
announcer; Dinah Shore, guest 

Writer-Director: Phil Rapp 

Producer: Mann Holiner 

30 Mins.; Wed., 9 p.m., EDT 
LORILLARD CO. 

CBS, from Hollywood 

(Leimeii & Mitchell) 
Instead ot,ihe Frank Sinatra, show. 

Old Gold is now putting another big- 



Murrow, San Oil Trio, Thomas 
Accent Airs New Concept on News 



Edward R. 



give up his vice-presidency and ad- 
ministrative berth at CBS to return 
j to the air la decision at least par- 
i tiallv ■ inspired by Campbell Soups' 
budget variety program up against j willingness to lay an approximate 
the NBC . competition Wednesday i $125,000 a year on the line for his 



Murrow's decision to | Star Extra" set'ies should provide a 
kind of test case. 



UNITED NATIONS GENERAL AS- 
SEMBLY 

With Gordon Frazer, commentator 
Director: Leonard Blair 
SO Mins.; Sat., 1 p.m. 
Sustaining 

ABC, from New York 

This half-hour session, presenting 
highlights of the current debates in 

. the United Nations Assembly which 
were transcribed directly by wire 
recorder from the proceedings it- 
self, is one of those dream news 
shows. It's informational and, at the 
same time, has that sock dramatic 
impact of living history in the 
making. Format of the show is 
simply designed to cover each 
week's top events an d closely XoJ^ 

~ lows pattern of a similar show 
which the New York indie, WMCA, 
also edited from recordings of UN 
meets. 

With enough excitement provided 
by the "great debate" between the 
u. S. and U.S. S. R. to fill la dozen 
Programs of this size, the only dif- 
ficulty facing the editor of this show 
is what to leave out On the pro- 
?™ m s kick °ff stanza, timed for the 
JJN Assembly's second week of de- 
liberations, echoes of the previous 
week s blasts at each other by Vy- 
giinsky and Marshall dominated, 
"earing the actual voices of the del- 
egates from Yugoslavia, Saudi 
Arabia, Britain, Russia and the U. 
*>• fighting it out with no verbal 
holds barred conveys the actual 
story in a way which newspaper re- 
portage cannot ever approach. It 
. isn t anybody's fault that this type 
of show gets better as the interna- 
tional situation grows worse. 

Cordon Frazer's handling of the 
narration between the delegate:' 
speeches is commendable for its in 
"Siveness and especially, its impai 
tiahty. . * Her 111. 



ZANE GREY SHOW 

With Vic Perrin, Alvina Temple, 
Earle Ross, others; Bill Forman, 
narrator; Harry Zimmerman orch 

Writer-Director: Paul Franklin 

Producer: Stephen Slesinger 

30 Mins.; Tues., 9:30 p.m. 

Sustaining 

MBS, from Hollywood 

Latest upshot of Mulual's new 
accent on adventure stuff ("Scarlet 
Queen." etc.), this one reduces the 
late Zane Grey's popular westerns 
to practically Lone Ranger fare, 
with Tex Thorne (Vic Perrin), a 
drifting Texas cowboy, cast in the 
typical western-story hero's role. 
Where he rides— on a nag called 
Topaz, in this case — injustice comes 
to a bang-bang, biff-biff end in less 
than 30 minutes. 

In the teeoff sequence last week 
(23), for instance, Tex jogged into 
a frontier town called Purple Sage 
to find that the local villain had 
done the heroine's pater out of his 
life and his dry-good.s store. With 
the help of a local Scotsman, Tex 
outsmarted the villain — to the tune 
of neighing of horses, clanking of 
spurs, hoofbeats, biffs, grunts and 
pistol-shots— and packed him oil to 
the sheriff for hanging.. Heroine Lizz 
(Alvina Temple) hoped to interest 
Tex in sticking around, but he 
reckoned he'd be better off driftin' 
with the tumbleweed and there- 
upon galloped away to next week's 
adventure. 

Producers of the stanza expect to 
make use of all of Grey's voluminous 
j published yarns, plus excerpts from 
'47 unpublished stories, as material 
for the scries. 

Claim certainly can't be made, 
on the basis of the initialer, that the 
show contains any of the objection- 
able elements of crime and mystery 
airers. It's all-family stuff, all the 
same western films, and should cash 
in on the perennial appeal of the 
latter. Pat formula of westerns 
being absolutely durable, it remains 
for this stanza to project . as much 
as possible of the peculiar appeal 
of Z. G.'s yarns. 

Acting in the preem episode, 
while undistinguished, was without 
major flaws. Paul Franklin's script- 
ing and • direction were capable. 
Harry Zimmerman's music bridges 
were oke, too. Doan. 



nights. The new series, headed by 
Frank Morgan. Frances Langford,- 
Don Ameche and a name guest, with 
Phil Rapp as writer-director and 
Mann Holiner as producer, is a 
promising entry, but faces a grim 
prospect without stronger entries in 
the preceding and ensuing CBS time 
segments. It'll take more than one 
good entry to buck the Dennis Day- 
"Gildersleeve"-"Duffy"-"D. A." se- 
quence on NBC. 

In gcoeral outline, the new Old 
Gold opus is a little like the old 
Maxwell House series when it had 
Frank Morgan and Fanny Brice as 
co-stars. In this case, too, it's a two- 
] part show, with Phil Rapp authoring 
and Morgan topping the opening 
I portion. However, the closing part 
now offers Miss Langford and 
Ameche in their "Bickerscns" 
sketch (heard last season as a spot 
on a series with Danny Thomas) and 
there's a guest appearance by a 
Columbia Recording name. With in- 
I evitable minor revisions, this pro- 
gram seems- likely to hold any listen- 
ers it's able, to pull irom NBC. 

One of the things likely to be jet- 
tisoned immediately is the labored 
running gag tried on the premiere, 
something or other about the race 
results from the eighth at Aqueduct. 
It was never clear to the kilocycle 
listeners just what this was supposed 
to- mean, though ,it and a wacky 
show-intro convulsed the studio 
audience. Also, the opening conti- 
nuity, in which announcer Marvin 
Miller, Ameche, Carmen Dragon and 
Miss Langford wrangled about bill- 
ing, or something, can be safely for- 
gotten henceforth. 

With the entrance of Morgan, 
however, the laugh level bounced up 
to par and. on the strength of the 
comic's long-standing knack of bat- 
ting across a tag line and the in- 
genious comedy scripting of Rapp, 
the routine paid off solidly. The 
guest spot followed, in the form of 
a "preview" of a forthcoming 
Columbia record, in this instance 
Dinah Shore's pulsating vocal of 
"That's All I Want To Know," a 
bullseye. 

The Ameche-Langford interlude, 
detailing the marital travail of John 
and Blanche Bickerson, then closed 
the program on a rising comedy note. 
This spot, something in the nature 
of a raucous version of the old 
Cornelia Otis Sk-inner-Roland Young 
""William and Mary" series, is a 
natural and, provided Rapp doesn't 
let it slip into unattractive charac- 
terization or obnoxious brawling, 
should build a strong following. It 
may never stand up as a full half- 
hour on its own, however, as its 
tone is inclined to seem increasingly 
strident toward the close. 

Old Gold has an elaborate com- 
mercial pattern for the show. There 
is. of course, the reiteration of the 
current slogan. "If you want a treat 
instead of a treatment," etc. (which 
is extremely catchy phrasing, if 
equally empty logic). Then, there 
are two major commercial spots, 
with fireworks displays of adjective 
generalities, plugged via musical 
jingles, sound effects, commercial 
voices and so on. Presumably, that's 
the way to sell cigarcts. Hobc. 



15-minute cross-the-board commen- 
taryi was generally greeted by 
cheers from the growing contingent 
that feels frank, honest appraisal of 
present-day crises has been getting 
the radio cold-shoulder. 

CBS' own misgivings over losing 
one of its keenest minds on brain- 
trusting the web's public affairs pro- 
gramming was partially assuaged by 
an awareness that the combination of 
Lowell Thomas at 6:45 and Murrow 
at 7:45 gave the network perhaps 
the most enviable news parlay in 
radio. Coupled with the fact that the 
whole early evening program se- 
quencing, from Thomas through P & 
G's half-hour double bill, Campbell's 
Club 15 and Murrow, adds up to the 
"neatest trick of the year" as an 
audience come-on. 

Murrow preemed his Campbell 
program Monday (29 ) with a fine 
and concise delivery of .the headlines 
as presented by a seasoned craftsman 
and in a manner that was to be ex- 
pected. But the newscast was so de- 
void of color'or analysis as to suggest 
that Murrow was bending over back- 
ward in his effort to be objective 



Joseph N, Pew, Jr.. president o£ 
Sun Oil. appeared on the debut 
broadcast to promise* his "listeners 
and consumers" that the program 
would, be a "well-edited, factual 
newspaper of the air." that Ray 
Henle, Felix Morley and Ned Brooks 
are "impartial, objective news re- 
porters" and that the news will be 
"presented fairly and accurately." 
The unmistakable implication was 
that Pew's position as Republican 
boss of Pennsylvania and, as one Of 
the parly's chief financial pillars, as 
well as a power in the National Assn. 
of Manufacturers; has no bearing on 
the situation. 

But without the slightest reflection 
on either the ability or integrity of 
Henle, Morley and Brooks, it seems 
unlikely that Sun Oil would hire 
high-priced broadcasters to give 
merely "factual'' news, since in this 
day of instant communication and 
highly organized news-gathering one 
reporter rarely gets a substantial 
beat on the others. The premium 
lies not in straight news, which 
comes off every press ticker in vol- 
uminous amounts, but in editorial 
treatment, commentary, or, as CBS 
likes to label it, "analysis." 

It remains to be seen whether. Sun 
Oil and NBC will get. or even want, 
'impartial, objective" news on this 



Having disposed of the headlines, i series. Or. if they do get it, whether. 



Murrow launched into a carefully 
worded definition of the function of 
a news analyst, placing due empha- 
sis on facts and brushing aside any 
allowance for personal opinions. He 
did concede, however, that any per- 
son was the product of his economic 



EDWARD R. MURROW 

With Ernest Chappel, announcer 

15 Mins., Mon.-thru-Fri., 7:45 p.m. 

CAMPBELL SOUPS 

CBS, from New York 

(Ward Wheeloclc) 



BALLAD FOR FIORELLO LA- 

GUARDIA 
With Barry Thomson, Virgil Rich- 
ardson. Somer Alberg, Tom Glazer 
Director: Jack Grogan 
Writer: Jeff Selden 
15 Mins.; Tues. (23), 10 p.m. 
Sustaining 
WNEW, N. Y. 

WNEW. N. Y.'s tribute last Tues- 
day night to the late N. Y. mayor 
was brief and plain, and in its 
simplicity one of the most affecting 
tributes heard on the air. Program 
took the form of a ballad composed 
and sung by Tom Glazer, which 
emphasized the contradictory char- 
acteristics, the vitality, perseverance 
and crusading ardor of the Little | 
Flower, -. 

Interspersed between ballad : 
snatches and verses were brief j 
statements by others, of the late . 
mayor's achievements, including de- j 
scriplive phrases (pro and con) by 
contemporaries and newspapers. 
Music and lyrics of the ballad were 
uninvolved and simple, and very ■ 
moving. B1011. • 



tFollow-up Comment 

? ♦♦♦»♦«♦♦»♦ ♦ 

"Cavalcade of America" did a rare 
job Monday (29) night over NBC 
in presenting a script covering a liv- 
ing American — the incomparable 
Babe Ruth. It was impressively done 
bv a capable cast. It's no simple mat- 
ter to tell a straightforw ard story 
a living person and still be un- 



and social background and thereby 
was unconsciously influenced. Re- 
formulated and definitely put on rec- 
ord for any that may have been in 
doubt the credo that CBS will fol- 
low for its news analysts and com- 
mentators. 

In effect this new objective news- 
casting that has no room for opinions 
or personalities seems to discard the 
old-fashioned democracy that al- 
lowed for voicing all sides of a ques- 
tion. It protects its listeners very 
carefully by not giving them the 
benefit -of the highly-trained com- 
mentator, for he might take sides. 

And then again there's always the 
question of how objective a sponsor 
can be. For in a case where a bank- 
roller is splurging heavily for cross- 
the-board time and cream talent the 
results gleaned from a commentator 
who is so straight-laced that he 
neither voices opinions nor ever has 
an axe to grind, may be very dis- 
appointing. The air. particularly the 
early evening segment, is abun- 
dantly strewn with news programs, 
and if a high-budgeted stanza— that 
is, one boasting a Murrow — can give 
no more than the ticker tape items, 
regardless of the perfection that he 
and his staff can achieve, where does 
the sponsor come 0(17 

By the time 7:45 p.m. rolls around, 
the evening has already produced a 
multiplicity of newscasts and the 
chances of world-shattering events 
breaking between 6 and 7:45 p.m. are 



against Lowell Thomas on CBS and 
amid the plethora of news shows all 
over the dial during the dinner hour, 
they'll be satisfied with the rating 
it's, likely to pull. „ 

It remains to be seen whether 
Henle, Morley and Brooks, with the 
best of intention, can avoir), afleast 
unconsciously, coloring their broad- 
casts ever so slightly to meet the 
convictions of the sponsor. It re- 
mains to be seen whether an. occa- 
sional item, more or less in line with 
the sentiments of the boss, won't slip 
into tho script, where reports on 
which he would feel violent objec- 
tion would be spiked. 

On the initial stanza (in 'addition 
to a number of items likely to crys- 
talize antipathy to Russia — most of 
which the Soviets themselves seem to 
go out of their way to create) there 
were two fcieces that represented edi- 
torial treatment. One was of a sort 
likely to please Pew, the other de- 
cidedly not. The first was a quoted 
statement by a Republican Senator , 
at a White House conference on the 
food situation. The other were sev- 
eral quotes from last year's "typical 
American housewife," a resident of 
Huron, S. D. Otherwise, the material 
might have been the same as any 
other news show would be expected 
to contain. It was all handled and 
delivered with professional skill (in- 
cluding one par-for-the-course bit of 
tongue-tangle by Brooks. He and the 
others were introduced by Pew at 
the opening, and it was announced 
that Frank C. Hanighen and Fred 
Morrison are associate editors for the 
series. Henle is chief editor. An- 
nouncer Hugh James put the stanza 
on the air and took it off. Hobc. 



LOWELL THOMAS 
Wth Nelson Case, announcer 
15 Mins.; Mon. thru Fri., 6:45 p.m., 
PROCTER & GAMBLE 
CBS, from New York 
(Comptoii) 
Lowell Thomas returned Monday 
(29) to CBS. the network on which 



. he began his radio career 17 years 
rather slim. Certainly it Murrow is ago. moving over after years in the 
to hold his audience sufficiently so | NBC 6:45 p.m. slot to a similar time 



that Ernest Chappel can soil Franco 
American spaghetti, it would seem 
a waste not to utilize Murrow's back- 
ground and interpretative ability to 
make the program pull. Rose. 



of 

biased and dramatic 

Brice Disque. Jr.. who scripted 
"Big Boy" on this show, deserves 
most credit for the presentation. 
With a weight of material, Disque 
gleaned the vital dramatic highlights 
of the Bambino's career, and made 
them into an impressive 30-minute 
broadcast, presenting them sympa- 
thetically and intelligently. 

"Big Boy" yarn might well be a 
model for others trying to dramatize 



THREE-STAR EXTRA 

With Ray Henle, Felix Morley, Ned 

Brooks; Hugh James, announcer 
15 Mins.: Mon. -Fri., 6:45 p.m. ET 
SUN OIL CO. 
NBC, from Washington 
(.Burnett 1 

The premiere Monday (29 » of this 
"Three-Star Extra" news series on 



on CBS. 

It gave Thomas on Monday an 
opportunity to pay Procter & Gam- 
ble, his new sponsor, a graceful 
tribute, when during his opening 
explanation of what his new pro- 
gram was to be like, he gave P&G 
a nod for being on the air as long 
I as he'd been. Returning to CBS, 
too, he said, was "like a home- 
coming." 

Program was a series of brief 
capsules of the day's news, with 
some interpretation and significance, 
delivered in a matter-of-fact, man- 
of-the-str eetis h f ashion, unheated 
NBG— from— Wa^rriirgrtni. fur Sunxico-|^id - in'cis« r erTlff)nias brietly touched 



gas and oil, threw into dramatic 
prominence a basic and vital ques- 
tion about contemporary U. S. 
radio. That question is simply, can 
a news or news-comment program, 
sponsored bv a major industrial con- 
cern, remain free of editorial influ- 
ence and bias? As a corollary, is 
the sponsorship of such broadcasts 
in the public interest? This "Three- 



on President Truman's meeting 
Monday to discuss the Marshall 
Plan; the Russian press' anti-Tru- 
man stand: the warmongering 
charges of the Russians against us; 
ex-Secretary Byrnes turning down 
Marshal Tito's invite to Yugoslavia: 
the explosion in Palestine, etc. It 
was intelligent, adult and objective 
reporting. Bron. 



THIS IS YOL'R WORLD 

, 1 With Mr. and Mrs. William Winter 

a radio st^ry from Jiuman interest | , 5 Mins . Mon tnr<m(fh ,, ri 4 . 30 p m 

Sustaining 
WMCA, N. Y. 



material. 



Brian Donlevy played 
Babe Ruth with restraint. Because 
he declined to ham his lines, this 
tendency to underplay it made it 
all the more effective.- 



If. the irritation technique is pri- 
marily aimed for, with that inane 
'Volga Boat Song" theme strain 
which Airid parodies in its "Use 
Arrid to be sure, to be sure, to be 
sure" jingle, the deodorant succeeds 
admirably. It also succeeds in some 
of the mi-st Directive tuner-outing on 
anybody's 'radio. 



"This Is Your World" is an inter- 
esting documentary-travelog edited 
from on-thc-spot recordings made by 
Mr. and Mrs. William Winter on 
their recently concluded tour 
through the Far East. Cut into 15- 
minute strips to be run locally over 
WMCA for 26 weeks on ah across- 
the-board schedule, the series is de- 
signed to present a cross-section of 
those far-off lands known to most , , 
Americans only through the James' make. 



FitzPatrick film shorts. This series 
is offering a more intimate closeup 
of customs and opinions of the raan- 
on-the-strect in the Asiatic countries. 

Initial session (29 1 was an overall 
picture of the series with brief high- 
lights taken from following pro- 
grams. Despite a" slight blur caused 
by the babel of tongues, show was 
marked by several engrossing spots 
such as a Buddhist religious chant, 
an Indonesian love song and an in- 
terview wilh a Chinese rickshaw 
hackie. The Winters display a nice 
grasp for essentials in the selection 
of recordings which also have an im- 
portant educational contribution to 



Hernt. 



26 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



AFRA's Anti-Artists Committee 
Group to Organize Tonight (Wed.) 



Formation of a new semi-perma-- 
nent party in the American Fed- 
eration of Radio Artists, in opposi- 
tion to the Artists Committee, is to 
take place tonight (Wed.) in New 
York. A number of independents 
of various political shades, except 
right-and-left-wing, have scheduled 
tho organization meeting, at which a 
statement of policy will be drafted. 
About 50 AFRA members are ex- 
pected to attend. 

It's emphasized that the new 
group is to be a completely open 
organizaion, wifh all policies, com- 
mittee members and officers Uf-anyJ_ 
elected in open meetings and a mat- 
ter of public record. Just what the 
initial policy statement will con- 
tain is uncertain, as the text will 
,be worked out at the open session 
tonight and will have to be ac- 
ceptable to everyone present. 

Thereafter, any candidate for 
membership in the as-yet-untitled 
organization" will have to sign the 
statement, the terms and signatures 
of which will then be publicly an- 
nounced. It's expected that the pol- 
icy statement will condemn secret 
organizations and undercover politi- 
cal activity in the union. 

It's also virtually certain to in- 
clude a communist disclaimer. These 
two clauses, it's believed, will keep 
Artists Committee members or com- 
munist sympathizers from infiltrat- 
ing the organization. 

It has been proposed that the 
next step in the formation of the 
new group will be a' large meeting, 
if possible on a Sunday night at 
one of the Broadway legit houses, 
to present the policy statement, for- 
mally, recruit members and open 
the anti-Artists Committee campaign 
for the November election of of- 
ficers and board members of the 
New Yosk local. All that is purely 
tentative, however, depending on the 
action of tonight's preliminary 
' meeting. 

If a large meeting is held, it will 
probably be open to the public, in- 
cluding, of course, any Artists Com- 
mittee members who may .wish to 
attend, .as well as the public and 
"press. However, probably only 
those who have signed the state- 
ment of policy will be eligible to 
vote at that or subsequent sessions. 

The new organization admittedly 
stems* from the disclosure, at the re- 
cent AFRA national convention, of 
the existence of the Artists Com- 
mittee as a formal, permanent politi- 
cal party, with closed meetings, non- 
announced policies and slates of 
candidates, and written voting and 
tactical instructions to its members. 

When, at the subsequent New 
York local membership meeting, an 
anti-Artists Committee resolution 
was defeated, various independents 
in the union decided that, as the 
conservative faction was continuing 
to function on a permanent basis, the 
only practical course was to form 
an organized opposition. 

Although no committees, even 
temporary, have been formed in ad- 
vance of tonight's meeting, various 
prominent, independent AFRA mem- 
bers have held preliminary discus- 
sions. It's understood the partici- 
pants have included Nelson Case, 
Dan Seymour, Nancy Douglas, Ted 
Osborn, Carl Swenspn, Ben Grauer, 
Lucille Wall, Myron McCormick, 
Mary Jane Higbe, Guy Sorrel, 
Helene Dumas and others. 

It's considered significant that sev- 
eral of the group have never before 
been associated with any faction in 
the union. Also, it's noted that sev- 
eral have said they will not become 
offic ers or otherwise act as " leaders" 
irthe organization, but "intend to 
participate in the coming local elec- 
tion campaign. Whether the group 
will continue after the election and, 
if so, on what basis, depends on de- 
velopments. 

Meanwhile, Elliott Nugent, who at 
the recent New York local AFRA 
membership meeting defended the 
Artists Committee and expressed the 
intention of forming a similar fac- 
tion in Actors Equity, issued a for- 
mal statement revising his attitude. 
Saying that he had subsequently dis- 
cussed the matter with various lib- 
eral friends, he indirectly con- 
demned the "semi-secret" status of 
the Artists Committee and withdrew 
his previously announced plan to 
lead or work with a "Militant Mid- 
dle" in Equity. He also appealed for 
"leftists or rightists" to "withdraw 
and dissolve whatever loose organ- 
izations they may now have or may 
propose to form." 

As a more legitimate channel for 



Pack Switching From 
WOR Publicity to WNEW 

Dick Pack is checking out as pub- 
licity director of WOR, N. Y., next 
Monday (6) and switching over to 
the Bulova-owned WNEW indie. 
Publicity post a{ latter station has 
been vacant for the better part of a 
year since Will Yolen exited. 

Pack takes with him Bert Briller, 
also of WOR, but latter doesn't move 
over until a few weeks hence. Rhea 
Diamond, who has been asst. pub- 
licity director at WNEW during the 
interval, has resigned. 



AFRA Comes Up 
With New Show; 
2 Now on Market 

With the apparent fold of the pro- 
posed "Show of the Year" radio 
series, another program involving an 
American Federation of Radio Art- 
ists waiver is being offered for spon- 
sorship. It would provide for gratis 
guest appearances by stars, but not 
rebroadcasts of whole programs. 

The proposed new series, the title 
of which is unrevealed, would be 
owned by AFRA, as would "Show of 
the Year" if a sale of that tran- 
spired. "Show of the Year" was 
originally offered as an Amus. Enter- 
prises package, but the latter firm, of 
which Jack Benny is said to hold a 
major interest, has relinquished the 
title to AFRA. 

Music Corp. of America is peddling 
both shows, with AFRA slated to re- 
ceive, a large weekly royalty from 
whichever one is sold. Return to the 
union from "Show of the Year" 
would be $2,500, to use for a welfare 
fund for the membership. Amount 
of", the proposed royalty from the 
new series isn't known. 

Since the tentative deal for Pall 
Mall sponsorship of "Show 'of the 
Year" fell through, AFRA has re- 
ceived propositions for programs 
with charity angles, involving a 
waiver of the union's Rule 15 (which 
forbids stars from taking deals for 
less than their regular fee). How- 
ever, it temporarily has tabled all 
but "Show of the Year" and the new 
one, and will grab whichever MCA 
can sell. 



'Pig Squeal' Weak 

Washington, Sept. 30. 
Intimates of former Asst. Sec- 
retary of State William Benton 
are urging him to revive his old 
subscription or "pig squeal" 
radio idea, but Benton says only 
that he hasn't decided whether 
or not to plug the non-commer- 
cial radio company at this time. 
However, the commercial 
broadcasters are not losing any 
sleep over the nickel'a-day 
brand of non-commercial radio 
proposed by Benton to supple- 
ment the regular radio diet, 
since FCC has not held out any 
frequencies for this service, and 
is less likely to go for the idea 
now than it did in 1944, when 
Benton first plugged it. 

At that time FCC engineers 
complained that Muzak men had 
made haste too slowly in ironing 
out the technical difficulties of' 
keeping pig squeal radio only 
for subscribers. And in a pro- 
posed decision in '45, the Com- 

. mission indicated it would never 
divvy out the three channels 
Benton was seeking for a non- 

', commercial subscription service. 
FCC said even if the service 
proved feasible, which it hadn't 
up to that time, no more than 
one channel would be provided 
for use by competing companies 
throughout the country. 



BILL CLINE'S QUICKIE 
AS WCAR MANAGER 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 

Bill Cline's resignation as man 
ager of WCAR, 1,000 watter in Pon- 
tiac, Mich., has been set down as 
one of the fastest hello and good- 
byes on record. Cline, former as- 
sistant to Glenn Snyder, manager 
of WLS, Chicago, took over at 
WCAR on Sept. 8 and walked out a 
week later. 

Quick exit came about when H. Y. 
Levinson, WCAR's prexy and chief 
owner, refused Cline's demands for 
a contract and a written statement 
on the scope of his job. Cline previ- 
ously had been told his duties didn't 
extend to national sale's or corre- 
spondence with any national reps. 

Mike Jordan, Cline's predecessor, 
resigned four months ago when his 
contract expired. At that time he 
-was pnt "on ^slr^ghrmdhfhly sal-' 
ary and deprived of arjy commish 
on time sales. 



Bickel in Lead 
For Benton Post? 



Washington, Sept. 30. 

Names of at least two candidates 
to succeed William Benton as Asst. 
Secretary of State for Public Affairs 
are already in the news here. They 
are former United Press head Carl 
Bickel and Adlai Stevenson, mem- 
ber of the U. S. delegation to the 
United Nations. 

An unconfirmed rumor said that 
Benton • had submitted the names 
also of William S. Paley, CBS board 
chairman; Henry R. Luce, publisher 
of Time and Life, and Palmer Hoyt, 
publisher of the Denver Post, as 
likely candidates. Official sources, 
while declining to affirm the report, 
did not specifically deny it. 

Benton handed in his resignation 
to the White House last week with 
the warning that America must 
build a strong shortwave program to 
counteract the propaganda current- 
ly being aired over Russian trans- 
mitters. He will leave the depart- 
ment effective Oct. 1, but will con- 
tinue as a consultant to the UNESCO 
and head the U. S. delegation to the 
UNESCO conference in Mexico City 
in November. Until a new Asst. 
Secretary is named, Benton's deputy, 
Howland Sergeant, will direct the 
"Voice of America" program and 
State's overseas information activi- 
ties. 

Benton will resume his former 
posts as head of Encylopedia Britan- 
nica and Encyclopedia Britannica 
Films and may also take over his 
old job as chairman of the board of 
Muzak Corp. 

Benton's handling of overseas in- 
formation activities came in for a 
heavy shellacking in the last Con- 
gress and it is reported that Secre- 
tary of State Marshall won an ad- 
ditional shortwave appropriation 
with the definite understanding that 
a new man would head the "Voice 
of America" setup this year. Bickel's 
appointment to succeed Benton is 
being urged by many of the same 
Congressmen who were gunning for 
Benton, according to reports here. 
The former UP exec is retired and 
living in Sarasota, Fla. 



Chi Looks to the Future 

Chicago, Sept.. 30. 

Chicago chapter of the Radio 
Writers Guild will launch its third 
10-week lecture course for budding 
scripters Oct. 6, with Lou Scofield 
analyzing dramatic structure and 
script markets. 

Expressed purpose of the course 
is to train writers against the day 
when Chi returns as a prime pro- 
duction center. 



political activity, Nugent announced 
plans for the formation of a formal, 
permanent, public organization, leg- 
ally incorporated and open to actors, 
butchers, bakers and candlestick 
makers. Lawyer for the group will 
be John Wharton, of Paul, Weiss, 
Wharton & Garrison. 



♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦t»f» ♦♦ ! ♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦ . ♦ » ,» » ♦♦ ♦ ♦ ♦♦♦ 



From the Production Centres 



^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦4 ♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»«♦♦«« 

IN NEW YORK CITY . . . 

David White, radio exec producer-director of BBD&O, moves to agency's 

Hollywood office next week Jean Dalrymple reported interested in 

radio freelancer Norman Burnside's new play about international cartels 

Philo Higley, radio writer, also has a play, ""The Desert Sands," to be 

produced by the American Co. after Christmas. .. .Ira Marion, ABC scrip- 

ter, to teach radio writing at Temple Univ Rod Erickson checks out of 

WOR's programming hot-seat this week without a successor to welcome. 
It's said quite a number of people have turned down offer of the job. . . . 
American Home Foods has bought the 7:45-8 a.m. (PST) strip on ABC's 
Coast hookup starting Jan. 5, but no show has been selected. Agency is 
Dancer-Fitzgerald-Sample. .. .Edward Arnold got acquainted with ABC's 
sales crew at a Stork Club luncheon last Friday (26). . . .Judy Canova, via 
the Dave Green flackery, made sure radio eds throughout the country 
were aware of the comedienne's NBC time switch, so she sent them all 
leather-encased clocks .... Phil Weltman, of the William Morris agency 
radio dept. in New York, is slated to transfer to the Coast Tuesday (7) 
to take the place of Maurice Morton who resigned that agency last week ■ 
to be business manager and producer on the Parkyakarkus co-op show. 
No successor has yet been named for Weltman. .. .Morris and Mrs. Novik 
go to the Coast this week to observe the American Federation of Labor 
convention, starting Monday (6) in San Francisco. They'll get in a little 
vacation by taking the trip in easy stages. 

Bud' Barry, ABC program veepee, enjoying the H'wood climate so much 
he extended his stay couple of weeks longer. .. .Mutual producer Walter 
Lurie on his umpteenth hop to the Coast this year.... Tom Filas, Chi 
musician, who pocketed a $1,000 personal check from Paul Whiteman for 
his winning composition in Whiteman's ABC "Concerto for Reed Doubles" 
contest, to guest on P. W.'s stanza next Tuesday (7) when the prize num- 
ber: will be preemed Orrin Dunlap of RCA, Bill Brooks and Syd Eiges 

of NBC to address the American; Press Institute at Columbia Univ. to- 
morrow (Thurs.). .. Times radio ed Jack Gould's expected to give the 
Radio Execs club a spanking sendoff at its first fall powwow tomorrow 
(Thurs.). His topic: "Has Radio the Guts to Be Good?"... .Robert Saudek, 
ABC director of public affairs, skipped to Ohio last Thursday (25) to speak 
to Greater Cleveland's radio listeners' council. Charlotte Adams, leav- 
ing AP to become Look mag's food editor, did her final "Run of the House" 

airer on WQXR last Friday (26) Elmo "Bud" Wilson, CBS research 

chief, takes off Friday (3) for a fortnight's vacation in his ole hometown, 
Minneapolis Gerry Bartlett, ex-announcer-producer for CBS short- 
wave, now freelancing in the radio recording and slide-film fields. . . .ABC 

prexy Mark Woods elected to the board of Brand Names Foundation 

Jacquelin Waite into the cast of "David Harum." Spencer Bentley and 
Rene Gekiere new to "Lora Lawton." Stefan Schnabel added to "Back- 
stage Wife." Andy Donnelly into the "Young Widder Brown" cast 

ABC's spot sales dept. appointed national rep of WMAL-TV, the Washing- 
ton (.D.C.) Star's tele station. 

Lonnie Starr, of WBAL, Baltimore, and Alun Williams, former WMCA 
chief announcer, have joined announcing staff of WNEW. . . Estelle M. 
Sternberger, James A. Farley and Rep. Emanuel Celler, to do special 
broadcast Oct. 2 on WLIB in honor of ex-Sec. of State Cordell Hull's 76th 
birthday. .. .N. Y. State Dept. of Civil Service seeking a radio publicity 
representative for the Dept. of Commerce as well as an associate. Both 
jobs pay from $4,620 to $5,720. .. .Mortimer Frankel, associate script editor 
at CBS, has gone to Jamaica, B.W.I., for three-week vacation. .. .Earle 
Larimore teaching a once-weekly class in advanced acting at N. Y. Univ 

IN HOLLYWOOD . . . 

Edgar Bergen is still moving his show around in quest of new audiences. 
Last Sunday he pitched at Santa Monica after being most of last season 

at Pasadena Ward Wheelock and Sherman Gregory of Campbell soup 

around for a look-in on their 11 Hollywood shows and to make a few 
product changes. ... .Glenn Wheaton checked off the Tony Martin script 
payroll and was succeeded by Bill Manhoff and Norman Paul.... Dick 
Fishell's "Famous Celebrities of Hollywood" will be booked in L. A.; New 
York and Chicago by Royal Drugs for a six-a-week strip. Fishell uses 
tape recorder for interviewing stars in their homes, on studio sets, etc., 
and then transcribes to waxed disk Sandra Gould drew an "expres- 
sion of appreciation" from Radio Writers Guild for crediting the writers 
who wrote her material on "Duffy's Tavern" in a page ad in Daily Vahiktv. 
Don Quinn and Phil Leslie moved for recognition of the ex-Miss Duffy's 

gracious gesture Jean Watson and Gerda Bruhn transferred from J. 

Walter Thompson staff in New York to Hollywood "Fibber and Molly" 

are all for shorter seasons and this dne runs out in 35 weeks John U. 

Reber, radio head of the Thompson agency, passed his 30th year with the 
company and has been with no other since his graduation from*Amherst 
....Bob Forshew, Coast copy director for N. W. Ayer, is laying out only 

"line copy" for the Jimmy Durante series. Nothing to sell only Rexall 

Jack Sayers kicked off for Princeton, N. J., to get briefed 1 by Dr. George 
Gallup on the new radio rating service being inaugurated by Audience 

Research Dee Engelbach will be producer of the Pulitzer Prize series 

if Tom McAvity can land a sponsor NBC is putting together a promo- 
tion campaign for its powerhouse Saturday night lineup Robert Light 

east to chat with agency men on his suspense program, "Half Hour To 
Kill," which aired on KFWB's Preview Theatre of the Air.. . It marked 
the 20th anni for Amos 'n' Andy when Freeman Gosden and Charles 

Correll took the ways on another season last Tuesday Joe Bigelow 

hustled back to N. Y. after a quickie call on friends and some sub rosa 
conferences. . . .For the 15 years he has been coming out to the Coast, Don 
Stauffer has never as much as taken a side trip to Malibu. So on this call 
he broke the spell and put in three days at Las Vegas, where, if you can 
get as hot as the weather at the gaming tables your worries are over. 



P&G in Trouble Finding 
'Mystery' Substitution 

Procter & Gamble is still having 
plenty of trouble trying to find a 
suitable 15-minute cross-the-board 
show as replacement for its "Mys- 
tery of the Week" on CBS. 

P & G is currently kicking around 
two. possibilities, one a 15-minute 
version of "Beulah" and the other a 
series tabbed "Road to Gold," drama- 
tizing treasure stories. Bankroller 
is reported none too enthusiastic 
about either and may string along 
with "Mystery" until something 
more promising comes along. 



Boston — Lynn Morrow upped to 
assistant s,ales manager of WBZ- 
WBZA, Boston and Springfield, this 
week. Formerly sales promotion and 
publicity manager, Morrow will su- 
pervise local sales forces and sales 
promotions. 



IN CHICAGO 



David Wilder, formerly of WSUI, Iowa City , has been named a ssistant 
to-Bill Fisher, radio aTrectoF 6F~Swift & Co.... John S. Wiggins bowed 
out as CBS central division research consultant to take over New York 
post as net's manager of presentations. Chi successor will be chosen by 

Wiggins School Broadcast conference meets at Hotel Sheraton Oct. 27, 

?.d' j« •• Janice Cart er leaves NBC to join Mutual's flack department.... 
Red Grange doing the color and background descriptions on WJJD 
broadcasts of Illinois Univ. grid games. .. .Radio department of Leo Bur- 
nett Co., Inc., damaged by fire of unknown origin. .. .Julian Bentley, 
former WLS news chief, will newscast via WBBM. . . .Under new Chicago 
fcun-Times setup, Sun radio ed Ulmer Turner will do his WJJD a.m. 
newscasts directly from his desk. .. .NBC's "Farm and Home Hour" marks 
19th anni Oct. 2 . . .WIND began airing from its partly completed new 
studios in the Wngley building Sept. 29. Studios will be formally opened 
later in the fall. .. .Garry Moore, in town with "Take It or Leave It," met 
the press at Jacques Restaurant luncheon Sept. 25. . . .Hallicrafters un- 

r I ^ u.. n T ele Set at press part y Se Pt- 29 Cast .of ABC's "Break- 

™A KtV .iL stages a . Personal appearance in Springfield, 111.. Oct. 4. .. 
WGNs Your R.ght To Say It." public service discussion series, returns 
for its th.rd season Oct. 14. . . .Harry D. Wilson has been upped from client 
service exec to y.p. of the A. C. Nielsen Co.. .. .Northern Illinois Broad- 
wll 8 , f S ^ plled J 0 the FCC for Permission to operate FM station at 
wooa.iock._lll . Bert Kavanaugh, who resigned last spring as time 
buyer for Roche, Williams & .Cleary, has resumed his old post with that 

Midnight WCFL platter session of Rosemary Wayne, femme disk iockey, 
has been expanded from one to two a.m. Show is originating at the Steak 
Hou.se.... Joe Ainlcy left for Hollywood to direct "The First Nighter". 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



TELEVISION 



27 



COMEDY OF GRIPES & ERRORS 



BBC's Gorhatn Says Tavern Influence, 
Agency Execs Foul Up U. S. Tele 



By JOSEF ISRAELS II > 

Maurice Gorham, tele boss for the 
British Broadcasting Corp., planed 

• back to London last week after three 
weeks of intensive U. S. video in- 
spection in New York and other 
'eastern centers. While here Gorham 

' attended the NBC convention in 
Atlantic City and sat in on both 
production and technical aspects of 
NBC, CBS and DuMont tele opera- 
tions. 

. Gorham left with impression that 
U. S. tele, while far ahead of the 
limey brand in, listenership and cer- 
tain technical aspects (particularly 
handling of remote pickups) isn't 
developing in as healthy a manner 
program-wise. In Gorham's opinion 
that's because of two main factors: 
slanting of programming for the large 
barroom audiences here and "agency 
men lousing up the show," 

He excepted CBS, which presently 
keeps direction and production de- 
tails in network hands exclusively. 
"I thanked God for the British non- 
commercial system when I observed 
some of your productions, prepared 
with blood and sweat by the writers 
and directors only to be dissected 
limb from picture by agency men, 
who don't know an iconoscope from 
•a scanning camera before going on 
the air," Gorham said. 

22,300 British Sets 
The Britisher, who has been over- 
seeing all tele development in the 
British Isles since 1944, prior to war's 
end, reports 22,300 licensed video re- 
ceivers in the London area as of last 
count. England has only one trans- 
mitter at present, in , London, but 
Post Office department is building 
another plant in Birmingham, hoped 
to be on the air early in 1948. Brit- 
ish set sales have been slowed up by 
material shortages and Britain's 
general austerity program. But sets 
are available now for 30 to 60-day 
delivery at prices ranging from 60 
to 120 pounds ($240 to $480). View- 
ers must pay the British govt, a 
pound a year for receiving license 
as against a similar one pound tax 
for sound receivers. 
BBC to date has been spending far 
— more than the revenue produced by 
set taxes on experimental and regu- 
lar operations. The London trans- 
mitter; using a 405 line standard, 
soon to be raised near the U. S. 525- 
line, is on the air daily with after- 
noon and evening programs totalling 
six to eight hours, depending on fea- 
tures offered. Most popular shows 
are lavishly produced dramas, usu- 
ally an hour-and-a-half in length, 
Gorham reports. Titles have covered 
a wide range from .modern farce 
through ancient classics and all sorts 
of standard plays, both straight and 
' musical. This eats up 120 to 140 
scripts a year and alone represents 
a major scripting, producing and di- 
recting chore. 

Plays are also often televised di- 
rect from the best London stages. So 
far producers have been cooperative 
and audiences haven't objected to 
necessary extra lighting and occa- 
sional regrouping of performers to 
conform to camera range. Bullet 
productions are also rated strong 
with English viewers by Gorham. 

Of the studios he inspected in 
N. Y.. Gorham spotted the DuMont 
plant as best. He said use of avail- 
able space at DuMont. plus ingenu- 
ity of setting up scenes and came- 
ras was of a very superior nature at 
WABD. -NBC's interior facilities 
. Gorham classed as already out- 
grown. CBS. demonstrated its color 
system for the English visitor. 

Solid British Shows 

"We're forced to go slower than 
you." Gorham summed up. "The 
dam has burst here on set manufac- 
ture and sales and your viewing 
audience is bound to skyrocket, in 
the next few 'years. But we feel 
we're better grounded on p ograms. 
You .•-ell sets on special events, box- 
ing, racing, football, etc. But after 
they «et their sets they are disap- 
pointed in the every day viewing 
■ fare. We give the viewers some- 
. thing more solid ,'iid more hours of 
it- r.nd in the. It..- run thrt should 
'• satisfy more people thai the!.' money 
was well spent for a iiicciver. 



Chandler Looks to '48 

Already looking forward to 
televised baseball in 1948, Base- 
ball Commissioner A. B. Chand- 
ler will appoint a committee of 
big league representatives im- 
mediately after the World Scries 
ends to study the problem of 
tele and baseball. 

Chandler, it's believed, is not 
averse to having next year's 
games televised but wants to 
make certain it's handled cor- 
rectly. One of the problems to 
be studied will be that of form- 
ing some kind of a pool arrange- 
ment so that ball clubs in cities 
which won't have tele stations 
by next year will still get a cut 
of the money obtained by other 
teams from tele rights. 



Tele May Retain 
Its No. 1 Channel 



Washington, Sept. 30. 
Indicating that it is definitely 
not wedded to the idea of snatching 
the No. 1 channel away from tele, 
FCC last week stiff-armed any spe- 
cific bids for use of the 44-50 or 72-76 
megacycle bands until it has decided 
the tele allocation problem. At the 
same time, the commission set Oct. 
13 as the date of oral argument on 
the proposal to cut television down 
to its pre-war total of only 12 chan- 
nels. 

FCC said arguments would be lim- 
ited to sole question of whether tele 
should retain the No. 1 channel or 
whether it would be turned over to 
non-broadcast services. This would 
appeal 1 to rule out expected testi- 
mony from the FM Assn. which had 
planned to make a bid to recapture 
the 44-50 mc slot for exclusive use 
of FM relays. Commission added that 
radio manufacturers or other serv- 
ices need not apply for specific spots 
in the 44-50 mc region at the oral 
argument. 

National Assn. of Broadcasters has 
already protested loss of this band 
to broadcasting, straddling the FM- 
television battle by recommending 
that either one or the other service 
be assigned the 44-50 mc band: Tele---' 
vision Broadcasters Assn. has pro- 
tested loss .of tele's primary chan- 
nel, asked for three additional slots 
and joined with RCA and Philco in 
opposing any sharing of television 
bands. Commission now has before 
it three applications for tele stations 
which would have to be sacrificed if 
video's channels are shaved from 
13 to 12. 

At the same time, acting on a re- 
quest from the TBA, FCC last week 
pushed back to Dec. 31, 1947, effective 
date of its rule requiring tele stations 
to program a minimum of four 
hours a day or 28 hours a week. TBA 
asked for the reprieve until more 
sets a<c distributed in major markets. 



Television Reviews 



PLENTY OF BEEFS 
ON SERIES DEAL 

Television rights to the Work! 
Series were finally wrapped up last 
Friday (25) but under circumstances 
that led to plenty of impolite name- 
calling among tele and radio offi- 
cials. 

Chief point of dissension lay in 
claims of Mutual prexy Ed Kobak 
that Mutual owned exclusive rights 
to the series and that he had per- 
sonally handled the signing of Ford 
and Gillette* to co-sponsor the broad- 
casts at a joint fee of $65,000. Mu- 
tual's claims to the glory were 
promptly denied by execs of CBS. 
NBC and DuMont. who objected 
especially to the amount of news- 
paper space given Kobak's story. 
Windup was a series of charges and 
counter-charges that is still in 
progress. 

Clause in Mutual's contract for 
radio broadcasts of the series also 
included tele rights. Kqbak con- 
tended, despite the fact Mutual has 
no tele operation in New York at 
this time. Gillette, by the same 
token, also is entitled to first crack 
at tele rights. Execs of the other 
webs agreed with Kobak on the 
Gillette angle but declared that law- 
yers of both major leagues had dis- 
puted his contention about the tele 
clause. Kobak, according to an op- 
position web spokesman, "is only 
trying to set himself up for next 
year under that same clause, when 
Mutual will be on the air with its 
own television station." 

Louis Carroll, attorney for Base- 
ball, Inc., declared yesterday (Tues- 
day), that "nobody has television 
rights sewed up for next year." Com- 
missioner A. B. Chandler, he said, 
has reserved the right to sell the 
series next season to whichever tele 
broadcaster he chooses. 

Officials of the other webs claim 
that it was NBC veepce John F. 
Royal and not Kobak who had suc- 
ceeded in persuading Chandler to 
okay the tele broadcasts. Chain of 
events, according to them, went like 
this: 

Wanted $100,000 

Gillette originally offered $25,000 
for tele rights, which Chandler 
promptly nixed. Ui.der pressure of 
Col. L. S. MacPhail, prexy of the 
N. Y. Yankee team, who was afraid 
that tele might cut into the gate re- 
ceipts. Chandler then put .forth his 
offer of $100,000— but sent the offer 
to all- 'four-- -webs - and not just~~to 
Kobak. After Chandler turned 
down a bid of Rheingold Beer to 
take the scries at that price, the 
whole works were in abeyance, at 
least as far as Kobak was concerned. 

NBC. however, recognizing what a 
blow it would be to the industry if 
the series was not televised, sent 
Royal to see Chandler in the latter's 
Cincinnati office last Wednesday 
(24). Royal carried with him an 
offer of RCA-Victor to put up $65.- 
000. Under the assumption that 
Gillette had "moral .rights" to the 
series, however. Royal advised 
Chandler that RCA would withdraw 
its bid if Gillette or any other client 
equalled that amount. 

Chandler then forwarded the offer 
to Gillette, which in turn be.gan 
negotiations with Kobak. Latter 
mmedialely got Ford to put up half 



Martin Jones May Have Tele Answer; 
Adapt Painstaking Legit Technique 



With television broadcasters ang- 
j ling for ways to kee.i hold of top- 
I spending advertisers who've been 
! pulling out gradually from the 
medium, complete divorcement • of 
j tele sales techniques from that "of 
I radio has been suggested by Martin 
j Jones, Buchanan ad agency's na- 
! tional radio director. Such a step, 
] he believes, would result in an over- 
fall improvement in the quality of 
j tele programming. 

• Jones, one of NBC tele's top pro- 
iducers before the* war, is currently 
readying a series of full-length 
dramatic shows for video that will 
be offered for sale on that basis. 
Sponsors buying time in 13-week 
segments, he pointed out, are forced 
to produce a new show every week, 
same as they do in radio. 

Because tele is so much more 
complicated than radio, however, it's 
almost impossible for weekly pro- 
grams to maintain a steady quality. 
Jones, consequently, plans to do new 
shows at the rate of one every three 
or four weeks, Each will then get 
as much rehearsal time as an aver- 
( age Broadway legiter end the quality 
.of each new show should be at least 
Cincinnati. Sept 30 l as as that of an average out- 

Television bug has finally hit , °f-town opening for a le-itcr. 
Cincy. It's as hot as the radio bug i . Jone * P !ans to Produce his shows 
was in the early days of crystal sets. ' as an independent package venture. 

Only Croslcy's experimental sta-lP^ 11 have nothing to do with the 
tion W8XCT is doing video here so ' Buchanan agency unless ho succeeds 
far. Operations by that unit were "'. getting one of the Buchanan 
speeded up last week when a sched- i cl ' ents , to bankroll them Shows, 
ule of Thursday night programs was! when lined up, wi probably be 
extended to include Cincy Reds' ; . 0lIe ^ d *> one # «»« Ncw Y° rk 
games for three days and wrestling broadcasters for the latter to sell to 



Video Vodka 

Cocktail parties thrown by ad 
agencies for various, radio shows 
have become w.k. trade events. 
Now. however, comes the first 
agency television party, to be 
tossed by Kaplan & Bruck at 
their N. Y. offices each afternoon 
for the duration of the World 
Series. Guests are to view the 
Series broadcasts over a receiver 
especially installed for the occa- 
sion. 

Strange part about it is that 
Kaplan & Bruck have no tele 
billings to date. Series of Series 
parties is to celebrate the agen- 
cy's recent admission to the 
American Assn. of Advertising 
Agencies. 



Cincy Smitten 
By Video Bug 



bouts on two nights. 
Commercial tele sets already in- 



sponsors. He plans to steer clear 
of comedies on the assumption that 
the present average small-screen tele 



stalled hereabouts number in the ' sc ts' cannot sufficiently depict the 
mere hundreds. Most of them are in : ,,-,„ ,. , „ • 

bars and clubs. Distributors "prefer j (Conti nued cn page 30) 

such outlets over private homes for ' _ If T 1 

ballyhoo purpose. | I CSSUp It [clCCSSt 

Oddly, while the yast majority of 
citizens who are in the bucks* and 
have simon-pure records are still to 
see television locally for the first 
time, prisoners in the muni work- 
house are having telecasts as a regu- 
lar diet. That's because Tony Sauer, 



+++++++4 + + *+ + *■< '> < 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL 
Aimy-Villanova (NBC) 
Columlria-Rulgei-s (CBS) 
WNBT. WCBS-TV, N. V. 

KickofV of the 1947 college foot- 
i ball season on television last Satur- 
day 127) revealed that New York's 
tel.; sports, crews are once mure 
back in the groove. Coverage by 
NBC and CBS cameramen ol the 
■ college games marked eon-idoVable 
I improvement over the li s.",, job 
• done by NBC and DuMoijt Im pro 
I games several weeks ago. 
I Where the pro names showed the 
: crews- conee'itralhm too much on 
; closeups and switching too eft-.-n 
i from one lens to another, catnora- 
' men from both crews So i (•.:.- 
I plov>d a much stoidv'r n: • i . f'-'r • ■ 
j up shots were eliminated abiinsl on- 
I tirely. With stress placed on i.-.e mi: 
' and long shots. Viewers Wy.i thus 
afl'oidod a much bolter overall pie- 
. lure ol the semes. As it siar-rt.-. now. 
the medium shot look--' best -for a 
straight- run 1 nv p't.y through the 
i (Continued on page Xi> 



of Inc'mbnoy but not" u7Tfil~Tate Fri 
day afternoon did he succeed in 
persuading Gillette, to. come in for 
the other half of the dough. And 
] that, according to NBC. CBS and 
. DuMont officials, is the only pa.-t 
I Kobak had in the proceedings. , 
I Officials of the four webs, mean- 
while, decided by a flip of a coin on 
the actual pickup schedule. NBC 
ai) cd the first game yesterday (Tues- 
day) from Yankee Stadium, with 
DuMont ;cheduled to handle today V 
■ grme. CBS will do tie third and 
fourth tames from Ebbets Field. 
DuMont is to handle tlv fifth and 
sixth games, if they're necessary, 
with NBC coming in ,-igain for the 
.•eventh. SportscesUv for each web 
i.-. to do the play-by-play for what- 
ever game his web handles, with 
Bob Stanton announcing lor NBC. 
Bill Slater for DuMont and Bob 
Edge for CBS. Bob Jamiosnn. ps- 
: sistant statien manager of WABD 
j (DuMont, N. Y.i was named co- 
| ordinator of the pool. 



Of World Series Much 
Improvement Over Radio 

Radio and television broadcasts of 
the first game of the World Series 
superintendent, had a set built there j yesterday (Tuesday) proved that it's 
by Richard Lobeck, a lieutenant of j still a tossup as to which medium 
guards, who is an ex-Navy lech-*) offers better coverage. Tele, through 
nician. And the burghers on the out- the very fact it can effer pictures of 
side of the penal institution, who j the action, would probably emerge 
have the tele-set-buying urge, arc , on the top side of the ledger, but it 

still lacks much of the intimacy fur- 
nished by good radio .sports casters. 

NBCtele crew, handling the open- 
ing game, did a fine job. exceeding 
its best game-handling during regu- 
lar season. Because of the average 
small tele screen, though, and the 
limited scope of the camera lens, 
viewers still received the impression 
of the field being cut oft directly be- 
hind the pitcher's box. Unless a ball 
was hit to the outfield, the most com- 
prehensive view furnished was one 
including the pitcher, batter, catcher 
and umpire. 

Mel Allen and Red Barber, dou- 
bling on the radio play-by-play over 
Press, Mutual radio show featuring the entirc Mutncl web. offered a 
Martha Rountrce,- has been turned ■ mllch more co mrful commentary 
down by NBC toppers for reportedly tnan did telecaster Bob Stantcii, 
j being "too controversial." Show was . bringing the game right into the 
submitted to NBC by Young and Ru- audience living room. Forced to 
bicam for the General Foods' Thurs- furnish word pictures of the action, 
day night 8-8:30 spot. ..they sounded more enthusiastic, 

As a result, tele version oi wi th th eir rapid-fire, v erbose com- 
"AirttroT 



unable to place an order for im- 
mediate delivery. . _ 

In the meantime television is mak- 
ing ,an imprint at the workhouse. 
Sauer says it requires fewer guards 
and less supervision than for any 
other entertainment provided there. 



'Author' Back on WNBT 
When NBC Nixes Tress' 
As Too Controversial' 

Televised version of "Meet the 



meets the untie.-:.' which , mcntary contrrsting strangely with 
has been shunted from one lime slot ; Stanton's more leisurely-paced* an- 
to another On WNBT, returns to its j (Continued on page 30) 

original .Thursday night position to- ! , . 

morrow (Thurs.) for a one-shot per- 
formance. Book to be discussed is 
Robert C. Ruark's "Grenadine Etch- 
ing." Ruark himself will appear on 
the show, with Harper's associate 
editor Merle Miller defending the 
book and writer Ru.-.sell Malor.ey op- 
posing it.' John K. M. MeCafl'ery is 
moderator. 

"Author" will be replaced Oct. 9 
by "Quiz of the Seven Arts," new- 
idea in. question-and-answer show; 
devised by Jo Ramon, publicity 
chief of WHN. N. Y. indie mC-io 
outlet, and Dick Pack. WNEW. N. Y. 
; new publicity chief. Question- are 
to be confined to show business, will: 
fponseasuH' Bill Slater serving as 
emcee. Scheduled for four weeks, 
the show will plug'Jello. 

"Author." packaged by Martin 
Stone, began its tele career several 
(months ago under. G-F sponsorship. 



Illinois Bell Co. Lays 
Cable for Full Chi Web 

Chicago. Sent. 30. 

Illinois Bell Telephone Co. last 
week began 'inst-Hh" a string 
insulated. cable of 12 Video -and 186 
audio circuits that will link its cen- 
tral terminal with tele siaUe-rvs and 
mSn pickup points .in Chicago. 

The first section of the cable will 
link Bell's' central .terminal with 
\'BC studios in the Merchandise 
Mart. Extensions are planned to 
other video station.s. Soldiers Field, 
Wrigley Field, Chicago Stadium. 
Conu'skey Park. Chicago Coliseum, 
and Dyche Stadium in Evanston, 
111. 

NBC expects to begin tele opera- 
tions here early next year. 



28 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Gear Channels Want FCC on Record 
On FM Before Final Hearing Round 



Washington, Sept. 30. 
In a strategic move to bolster their 
bid for power up to 750 kilowatts 
well in advance of the final round of 
clear-channel hearings Oct. 20. the 
' 16 bigtime stations in the Clear 
Channel, Broadcasting Service last 
week called on the FCC to state 
publicly whether or not it will con- 
sider the progress of FM in deciding 
the fate of the clears. 

If Commission is not going to rule 
on clear-channel service independ- 
ently of FM, then the CCBS de 



an issue. That was over two years 
ago, however, and situation has al- 
tered considerably in that time. 



COL WILDER'S WSYR 
IN 25TH ANNI HOOPLA 

Syracuse, Sept. 30. 
Col. Harry C. Wilder's WSYR 
went to town celebrating its silver 
jubilee here Sept. 19, with a banquet 
at the Hotel Syracuse brightlighted 
by civic and business poobahs, 
broadcasting bigwigs and represen- 
Strong offensive by clears may have tatives from tne entertainment, 
been taken in response to reports sports and ot her fields, 
that FCC is toying with idea of 
breaking down some of the exclusive 
channels. 

Final round of hearings Oct. 20 
will hear most testimony from the 



ABC reps will testify independently 
FCC is reported to have abandoned 
its own tentative engineering plan 



manded that FCC turn over to it all | for future clear-channel operation. 



info in its possession on perform 
ance of present FM stations and sets. 
CCBS apparently believes both 
FCC's own info and data which it 
has been collecting will bulwark its 
claim that high-powered AM stations 
will be needed to cover the rural 
areas long after FM graduates to 
long pants. 

The CCBS petition asked for con- 
fidential data collected by FCC en- 
gineers on the "sensitively, selectivity, 
efficiency of built-in antennas and 
overall . performance of FM broad- 
cast receivers and FM tuners... ac- 
cording to price ranges." The re- 
quest was made on the assumption 
the FCC's decision on the future of 
clear channel broadcasting will 
weigh "the extent to which the area 
and population of the U. S. may be 
expected to receive satisfactory 
broadcasting service from FM sta- 
tions in the future." 

As a result, FCC. will go on record 
with its FM findings or decide the 
clear-channel issue, independently of 
FM. Clear channel men say the 
FCC's own findings show that less 
than 3% of the half-million postwar 
FM sets include highest-fidelity fea- 
tures possible with FM and, despite 
this fact, oyer 9tf% of these same sets 
cost well over $100. Fxpen.se of the 
sets and inferior performance will 
both be used by the clears to 
strengthen their arguments that if 
FCC waits for FM to come to the 
common man, the radio-poor rural 
areas will never get a decent choice 
of radio signals. 

FMA On Alert 

FM Assn. execs, who have made 
no appearance thus far in the clear 



Speakers' table roster included 
William S. Hedges and Harry C. 
Kopf, NBC veepees; Harry Hersh- 
field of "Can Y.ou Top This?" Phyllis 
Brooks and Ann Carter of the films; 
clears, though both NBC.^CBI S^and | Ea£ton C . Woolley, NBC director of 

station relations; authors Samuel 
Hopkins Adams and Hervey Allen; 
Charles E. Wilson, prexy of Gen- 
eral Electric, and others. 

Wilder wrapped up the story of 
WSYR's 25-year rise in a readable, 
illustrated booklet, pointing with 
pride to the fact that "a million and 
a quarter people in Central New 
York know WSYR as a friend." Book- 
let details how. WSYR was "born" as 
"one-lunged" WMAC (present call 
letters were assigned in 1928) in a 
second-floor living room of a home 
in rural Cazenovia, N. Y. • 

Tracing the station's growth and 
achievements, the brochure boasts 
of WSYR as first, giving ether time 
.to Rev. Norman Vincent Peale, now 
heard on NBC; singer Gordon Mc- 
Rae's dad, the late Bill McRae, also 
a singer, and Chester Babcock (now 
Jimmy Van Heusen), songwriter. 



Hearing will open before Commis 
sioner Rosel Hyde, with the CCBS 
making a strong pitch to have as 
many other Commissioners there as 
possible. 



D.C. COURT NIXES WBAL 
(HEARST) DELAY PLEA 

Washington, Sept. 30. 
i The U. S. Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia turned down 
last Friday (26) petition of William 
R. Hearst station WBAL to delay an 
FCC hearing on the station's license 
renewal until the Commission probes 
allegedly "false and discriminatory" 
statements made against WBAL in 
the Blue Book. 

As a result, WBAL attorneys 
Dempsey & Koplovitz said they will 
seek a 60-day postponement of the 
renewal license hearing,, now 
skedded for Oct. 6. Commission to- 
day (30) agreefl to delay the hearing 
to early November, but no later. 

Former Merry-Go-Round team of 
columnists Drew Pearson and Rob- 
ert Allen, who are competing for 
the right to take over the WBAL 
charinel for a new station of their 
own, are opposing the Hearst bid for 
postponement. 



Inside Stuff— Radio 



Walter Winchell's ability to project himself as radio's hottest potato 
in terms -of making himself a Page 1 news personality has again been 
forcibly demonstrated in l'affaire Vishinsky. It's a far cry from the strictly 
gossip-accented WW to his last Sunday's (28) Jergen's broadcast on ABC, 
when he devoted the entire stanza to taking on Vishinsky single handed. 
It was a case of no holds barred and Winchell let go with lots of ammuni- 
tion, in answer -to the Soviet emissary's blast at last week's UN press 
conference. 

Network; incidentally, reports many requests were received following 
Sunday's broadcast for copies of Winchell's slugfest. WMCA, N. Y., will 
do a transcribed repeat of the broadcast tomorrow (Thursday). 



In connection with the start of Lowell Thomas' sponsorship by Procter 
& Gamble, the Compton agency pulled a welcome switch by holding a 
"no-press party" Monday (29). Instead 1 of spending approximately $1,000 
for a free-loading binge for radio critics and editors, the trade press and 
the usual assortment of wringers, the agency donated the coin to charily, 
apportioning the donations to various causes selected by those on the 
"guest" list. 



Voice of Freedom In 
N.Y. Rally Laments Lack 



Case of Mutual seeing handwriting-on-the-wall of critics, parents' 
groups and others has resulted in the network's erasing of plans to drop 
two widely kudosed kid 1 stanzas, "Adventure Parade" and "Melody The- 
atre." Web had received thousands of letters commending the shows, but 
had marked them for bowouts for budgetary reasons. When word' leaked 
out, however, so many radio columnists, P.-T.A.'s and others howled in 
protest that the net's execs not only changed their minds, but decided to 

give the brace of moppet airers a definite push as an answer to criticism 

leveled at kid shows and crime fare. Affiliates are being urged to give "a 
lot of thought" to carrying the shows, both of which, Mutual feels, have 
commercial possibilities. 

" "Adventure Parade" is returning to its 4:45 p.m. cross-the-board slot 
next Monday (6). "Melody Theatre," which gets the Sunday 3 p.m. 
period starting Oct. 12, is being reformatted and polished up by producer 
Bob Maxwell to give it the same quality as his "House of Mystery, 
"Superman" and other productions. Revamped stanza- will be primaril; 
dramatic. 

Bret Morrison, however, has-been forced to withdraw as star of "Melody 
Theatre." Ruthrauff & Ryan agency won't let him do the stint because it 
comes so close ahead of his "Shadow" sequence Sundays at 5. 



AFRA Changes Mind, 
Okays 'School' for FM 

Detroit, Sept. 30. 
^American School of the Air," CBS 
educational sustainer, is to be re- 
broadcast locally over WDTR, the 
channel sessions, are now on the FM station of the Detroit Board of 



alert for any antirFM moves by the 
clears. Clears want FM issue cleared, 
pointing out that when then FCC 
Chairman , Paul Porter opened the 
hearings he said FM would not be 



Education. Repeat will be via tran- 
scription. 

Permission for the rebroadcast was 
first refused by AFRA, but was sub- 
sequently given because WDTR is 
purely educational, non-commercial 
and uses n» outside talent of any 
kind. , 



Farrs Whodunit 0.0. 

Mutual's heavy string of whodunits 
can be expected to come in for some 
expert scrutiny as result of the ap- 
pointment last week of Finis Farr to 
succeed Bud - Fishel as the web's 
script editor. Farr, who will be di- 
rectly responsible for the quality of 
MBS scripts, had a part in making 
"Mr. District Attorney" the rating 
puller it is. He was chief script 
writer on it for two years. 

For the past six years Farr has 
been with Time, Inc., where he 
wrote and edited March of Time and 
some 63 radio programs in connec- 

I tion with Time's Cleveland Forum 

on Public Affairs. 




5,433,574 Pairs of Ears 
within reach of Philadel- 
phia's Pioneer Voice. 

WIP 

IT'S MUTUAL 



The deprivation that has struck 
radio dumb on the great crises of 
our time — when discussion is most 
needed — was singled out by Ray- 
mond Walsh last Thursday (25) at a 
Voice of Freedom fally at New 
York's Town Hall as radio's chief 
shame today. The great reduction in 
the examination of public issues on 
the air, he said, was a peril. There 
is no one to discuss vital questions 
of the day, he claimed, now that 
most liberal commentators have been 
dropped. 

Meeting, called to protest the. sack 
of such commentators spread itself 
to an indictment of radio in general. 
There was blunt reference several 
times during the evening to "the 
frenzied, drive towards war spon- 
sored by the national networks," 
made by Johannes Steel, David Tim- 
mons and others, with Steel main- 
taining that the drive against free 
expansion on the air was part of a 
deliberate scheme to propagandize 
the U. S. public into war. 

Steel, one of the commentators 
dropped, said of those remaining that 
there wasn't a single broadcaster on 
the air today who can speak freely. 
He also maintained that several in- 
die N. Y. stations had refused to sell 
time to sponsors who wanted to put 
some of the ousted commentators, 
including himself, back on the air. 

Steel named WMCA, WINS and 
WLIB, N. Y. indies, in his indict 
ment while Walsh accused NBC of 
blacklisting such speakers as W. L 
Shirer, John Vandercook and Robert 
St. John from any of their programs. 

On the other hand, William S. 
Gailmore (another commentator 
casualty), asked the audience to en- 
courage liberal programs by praising 
them to the nets, and asked them to 
write in whenever they liked such 
programs as the CBS documentaries, 
or such commentators as CBS' How- 
ard Smith or WMCA's Walsh. 

Saul Carson, radio editor of the 
New Republic, paid a tribute to FCC 
Commissioner Clifford Durr and 
warned the audience to watch three 
dates and events next year — the 
opemng-ef-the- Ols t Con gr ess, when 
Justin Miller's bill to restrict gov- 
ernment regulation of radio may 
come up; the discussion of revoca- 
tion of the Mayflower rule before 
the FCC, and above all, the danger 
that Durr might not be reappointed 
next June. 



If the old saw "Where there's smoke, there's fire!" holds true here, 
all signs point to early departure of FCC Chairman Charles R. Denny, 
Jr. from the government. The rumor has revived with new vigor that 
Denny will not settle back into the FCC routine after he takes a month's 
vacation following the close fit the International Telecommunications 
Conference in Atlantic City early next month. Gossip is that Denny 
definitely will not be at FCC after Jan. 1. 
The FCC Chairman is still parrying questions with a consistent "I have 
no present plans to leave FCC." He is variously reported as going to a 
top level job with NBC (which would leave him in management post 
with prexy Niles Trammell still directing policy matters) or taking over 
the No. 1 slot in some international radio or comunications setup. 



JacksOn Beck, an independent member of the American Federation of 
Radio Artists, was one of the speakers-from-the-floor at New York local 
membership meeting Sept. 18 at the Capitol hotel, N. Y. Without naming 
the individuals to whom he referred, he declared that two of the officers 
elected at the union's recent national convention had refused picket duty 
last fall, during AFRA's preparations for a strike against the networks. 
Since Beck was a member of the strike committee in New York, it was 
assumed that he was referring to members of the New York local. All 
those elected at the. convention were backed by the Artists Committee and 
the ones from New York are all acknowledged members of that faction. 



Represented nationally by EDWARD RETRY & CO. 



MEMORIAL SERIES AS 
WJZ'S LaG. SEQUEL 

The late Mayor LaGuardia's local 
radio series on WJZ, New York, 
sponsored by June Dairy, will be 
carried through its final 13- weeks by 
name guest commentators. It will be 
in the nature of a memorial, with 
the guests discussing the issues and, 
in general, taking the same editorial 
position LaGuardia would presum- 
ably have covered. 

Speakers definitely set include 
Newbold Morris, Adolph A. Berle, 
Jr., Fanny Hurst, Frank Kingdon, 
Sen. Claude Pepper, Sen. Wayne 
Morse; and those invited but whose 
answers haven't been received in- 
clude Henry A. Wallace, John Gun- 
ther, Russell Davenport and Frances 
Perkins. Morris Novik, LaGuardia's 
radio representative, is arranging the 
series, which is being cut from 25 to 
15 minutes. 



to 




Nelson Into Hammond's 
N BC Ad-Promotion Job 

NBC organizational shuffle which 
moved Charles P. Hammond up from 
director of advertising and promo- 
tion to assistant to Frank Mullen, 
exec veepee, resulted this week in 
two more step-ups for staffers. 

James H. Nelson, formerly assist- 
ant ad-promotion director, moved 
into Hammond's job. Nelson's for- 
mer position went to Roy C. Por- 
teous, who has been audience pro- 
motion manager of the ad-promotion 
department. 




This is where I have to keep the Wheaties !" , 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 




fc»f.<*!»«t»d by 
MTRY 



THE GOODWILL STATION, INC. 



/ i ishu ei og , 



DETROIT 



HARRY WISMfft 
Ant Ic idf Prrt. 



OWEN r. URIOCI 
V. P. end G»n Atg> 



80 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



NAB Members Due for Dues Squeeze 
In Assil's Plan to Expand Activities 



Washington, Sept. 30. 

NAB prexy Justin Miller's strong 
hint at the Atlantic City convention 
that NAB would have to put the 
squeeze on its membership for more 
dough was' followed up here last 
Friday (26) by flat announcement 
that the association has definite ex- 
pansion plans in mind iri the fol- 
lowing fields: FM, television, music 
licensing, employer-employee rela- 
tions, shortwave broadcasting, code, 
legislative activities' and public 
opinion research on radio. 

NAB yice-prez A. D. "Jess" Wil- 
lard said on Friday thai the finance 
committee will make definite recom- 
mendation for a hike in dues at its 
meeting here in November. A flat 
10% boost in all dues-paying cate- 
gories will be asked. Committee is 
headed by Clair R. MeCollough, 
WGAL, Lancaster, Pa. ■ ,. . 



GHEENIAVSKY'S N. Y. POST 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
Josef eherniavsky will head the 
New York office opened this .week 
by Tele-Radio Creations, Inc., of 
Chicago. 

The firm's packages include "It 
Really Happened," an open-end 
transcribed series with iim Ameche, 
and three live shows— "My Lucky 
Break," "The Hurdy Gurdy Man" 
and "Pioneers of Progress." 



Heatter's Amateur Hour 

Gabriel Hcatter may soon turn up 
in the role of a latter-day Major 
Bowes. He's slated to handle the 
emcee chores in a - new "amateur 
hour" show being prepped for airing 
over WOR, N. Y. — and conceivably 
over the Mutual network, if the 
stanza clicks. . 

Heattcr. who was the original 
emcee of "Wc, the People," is re- 
ported enthusiastic over the pro- 
jected program. Airer has been 
labelled "The Magic Curtain" and 
may get its initial air tryout before 
October's out. Idea, as it's now 
blueprinted, will be to feature "Cm- 
found talent." particularly young 
pros. 

Bob Reed, who has a song and 
patter quarter-hour cross-the-board 
on WOR, may have a hand in pro- 
ducing the Heatter talent show- 
caser. Reed for years was assistant 
producer of the Major Bowes show. 



HEME IS 
YOUR 
OPPORTUNITY 
OF A LIFETIME! 

STATION WARC ROCHESTER 

NiEDS HIGH CALIBRE ANNOUNCERS! 




third largest ravkci in the 
nation's first stale. 



ROCHESTER 

DfirUECTCD hrgest city in the country 
KVlnCjIEK without tn ABC affiliate! 

HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET 
IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 
A TOP-NOTCH OPERATION/ « 

if your standards are high enough to meet 
|f our standards, we're interested. 

you have what it takes and you're interested 
in DOING A JOB, write today giving your 
experience, background aod everything 
you need to convince us you're our man. 

A transcription of your ability may be 
the key to your future! 



If 



Martin-Jones 

; Continued from page 27 ; 



1A/A Dr" ROCHESTER, N v 

ft HIV V 950 KC BASIC ABC 

FRED ESSEX ' Program Manager 



subtle facial expressions necessary 
to sock comedy shows across. 

Majority of plays chosen, Jones 
said, will be those that scored hits 
on Broadway several years ago. 
There's also a great number of shows 
that failed to click on Broadway for 
various reasons but which would 
serve well for video, he declared. 
He predicted that, with the tele 
audience increasing steadily, a good 
dramatic show staged with the 
proper amount of care and rehearsal 
for tele could eventually offer con- 
siderable competition to Broadway 
legit houses. 

Jones' interest in tele dates back 
to the time when he produced shows 
for NBC under Alfred H. Morton, 
| then head of the web's tele depart- 
ment and now prcxy of the Na- 
tional Concert and Artists Corp. 
During his four years with NBC 
before the war. Jones declared more 
than $1,000,000 was spent on dra- 
matic shows, several of which fea- 
tured Broadway stars. One of them, 
"Suspect," was reviewed by Burns 
Mantle, then drama critic of the 
N.Y. Daily News, who declared the 
show was "well acted by its ex- 
perienced cast (including JTlorence 
Reed and Flora Rpbson> and missed 
little, if anything, that the original 
drama revealed." 

Jones also produced and angeled 
shows on Broadway before the war. 
His most noted production efforts 
were "Mulatto" and the original ver- 
sion of "White Cargo." 



BMB 

Continued from page 21 sst 

in the view of many trade observers, 
bodes ill for BMB's continuance. 
Whereas 711 stations came in on 
BMB's original study, their com- 
bined divvy amounting to $1,089,000 
of the bureau's $1,302,000 kitty for 
the first two years' operations, only a 
little more than 300 stations had 
inked renewal pacts up to a few 
days ago. There might be a minor 
rush of latecomers to get under the 
discount deadline wire, but it ap- 
peared that BMB couldn't count on 
very many more station signers un- 
less new bait was offered. 

The bait of unspecified "interim" 
studies and a 1949 nationwide sur- 
vey employing pretty much the same 
techniques as the 1946 measurement, 
with no promise cither of a speedup 
in producing findings, obviously 
hasn't been sufficiently tempting to 
the networks. 

For It in Principle 

It's a case, in most instances, of 
network brass being avowedly 100% 
for BMB in principle, but not at all 
satisfied with what it proposes to 
practice. It is felt, too, that while 
BMB conceivable could struggle along 
from a financial standpoint on the 
support of stations alone, the agency 
would be severely handicapped from 
an industry acceptance standpoint 
without network backing. And four- 
network backing, at that. 

Aside from the discount comeon, 
which lapses today, however, there's 
nothing to compel the major webs 
toward an early decision regarding 
their BMB intentions. They can pro- 
long the agony indefinitely while 
they maneuver for BMB assurances 
that suit them. 

Mutual, for one, is making no 
bones of its attitude that BMB 
should incorporate Mutual's engi- 
neering "listenability" technique 
into the bureau's regular functions. 
Mutual execs claim BMB could in- 
expensively and quickly take over 
this measurement system, either re* 
porting its findings in parallel col- 
umns with' other BMB listening fig- 
ures, or possibly even coordinating 
the "listenability" figures with 
others. 

Pretty much as an implied con- 
dition of. renewal. Mutual has in- 
duced BMB to have another look at 
the net's engineering study. BMB's 
technical committee will do so, per- 
haps next week. But there are so 
many if's and but's betwixt this sec- 
ond looksee and actual adoption of 
the Mutual formula that, only the 
slightest prospect is seen for its ac- 
ceptance. 

If the other webs follow suit with 
similar implied or open conditions, 
BMB may very well find itself in the 
unenviable position of having to at- 
tempt to please everyone— and pleas- 
ing no one. 



ToPreemonWNEWOct.12 

"All America Football Party," 
with Gene Ward, N. Y. Daily News 
sportswriter, as emcee, will bow on 
WNEW, N. Y. Sunday, Oct. 12, 7:35- 
8 p. m. Airer is one of first attempts 
by the younger All America Foot- 
ball Assn. t6' break hold of older 
league in radio. Top players of each 
game that Sunday will appear on 
the program, which will also fea- 
ture a quarterback blackboard prob- 
lem for listeners, with prizes. 

Dealisatieup between WNEW and 
the Yankee football club of the as- 
sociation. Also unusual is fact that 
station will get spot announcements 
all during game at the Yankee Sta- 
dium advising audiences to listen in 
on the forthcoming program. 



Tele vs. Radio 

j Continued from page 27 , 



AGAIN NO OTHER HAS 



Radio Reviews 

; Continued from page 24 ; 



MORE LISTENERS 



AUGUST 1 <M 7 

HOOPER INDEX 


WCPII 




: NtTWOK* 


HAtiQK 


ltAttpSt 




: 'C 


'P' 


r 


. \ ; TOTAL .'hATSB „ 
TIME PERiODS , 


30.6 


12.2 


15.2 


22.8 


18.2 



ASK BRAHHAM 

FOR FIGURES 



ous subjects including medicine, 
physics and related' matters. Session 
reduces to lay language some com- 
plicated subject matter and does it 
interestingly and in a manner cer- 
tain to hold most audiences. 

The careful production and liberal 
use of important talent as lures, add 
considerably to the show. Sunday 
series teccl off (28 > with Ralph 
Bellamy in the role of a high- 
powered executive who finds him- 
self going to pieces because of 
hyper'tensi I . Listeners are given 
an insight into causes and cures, 
and it has a genuinely suspenseful 
moment in the description of a 
sympathectomy, a dtiticate opera- 
tion in which the involuntary nerv- 
ous system is ;l;vered from those 
parts of the body where danger of 
a vessel rupture is imminent. 
However, preem show discussed 
AGAIN WCPO 8 *TES I a subject, high-blood pressure, which 
is too laminar to too many people. 
Other than the description of the 
operation, most facts were known 
to the customers. Another impair- 
ment is the fact that the operation's 
description camp in the middle of 
the show, and everything after that 
was anti-climactic. 

But with selection of loss fa- 
miliar subjects, show should con- 
tinue on the same high level as 
it has in former years. 

Ralph Bellamy gave a creditable 
performance with staunch support 
from the vest of a generally capable 
cast. Charles Irving narrated nicely. 
Afterpiece with Lcn M. Chernc. of 
the Research Institute of America, 
discussing blood pressure with a 
medical man. seemed unnecessary 
in light of the fact that everything 
tiicy discussed had been touched 
upon in the story. Jose. 



nouncing. Otherwise, the two com- 
mentaries were the same. Both gave 
the usual weather notes, player 
statistics and baseball anecdota that 
lend color to the game. 

NBC used its usual two cameras 
on the game. Main camera was sta- 
tioned directly above and behind 
home plate for the pitcher-batter 
combination, with the second several 
feet to the left for closeup shots of 
the players and long shots if a ball 
was hit to the outfield. NBC's tele 
producer m,a i n t a i n e d a split- 
second timing on his camera cutting. 
At one point in the early innings, 
he cut from home plate to second 
base just in time to catch Dodger 
first baseman Jackie Robinson com- 
plete a sliding steal into the bag. 
^Cameras also furnished a good close- 
up on the next play of Robinson 
trapped between second and third. 
Again, because of the lens' narrow 
limitations, though, the viewers 
couldn't see Pete Reiser scampering 
from first to second on the play. 

Seasonally low sun threw a heavy 
shadow across half the playing field 
well before game time, which helped 
cut down tele's vision. Because of 
the shadows, it was impossible to 
follow the ball in flight from pitcher 
to catcher. Any shot of the right 
half of the field, in fact, was n.s.g. 

Combination of radio and tele cov- 
erage offered one interesting con- 
trast. Stanton had Joe Cronin at his 
mike before game time to plug Gil- 
lette blades, with the factual cameras 
showing them reading the, commer- 
cial directly from a script. Cronin 
showed up at the radio mike at the 
end of the first inning and read 
exactly the same script. Since he 
couldn't be seen this time, the plug 
was much more effective. 

Live Gillette plugs on tele, done 
at mikeside, were okay for the most 
part but didn't compare to the filmed 
commercials prepared by Ford, co- 
sponsor on the tele coverage. Stai. 



DAWSON QUITS CBS TO 
LEND-LEASE SCRIPTS 

Ronald Dawson turned in his res- 
ignation Monday (29) as an assistant 
director at CBS. It was Dawson who 
only recently came up with the 
"Lend-Lease Library" of radio scripts 
for one-.shot performances on sta- 
tions throughout the country that 
lack their own scripters; • 

Dawson now has 100 stations buy- 
ing the service, with price of scripts 
ranging from $10 upwards. He and 
his "stable" of 20 scriptcrs split the 
jackpot. Some of radio's best known 
writers are presently siphoning their 
already-performed scripts into Daw- 
son's library. 



SSC&B Snags Silver Dust 
To Join Lever Bros. List 

Sullivan, Stauffcr, Col we 1 1 & 
Bayles, Inc., joins the list of Lever 
Bros, agencies with the acquisition 
of the Silver Dust account. The as- 
signment came from John R. Gil- 
man, v. p., in charge of LB adver- 
tising. Bob Colwell, SSC&B partner, 
came *in regular contact with Gil- 
man in connection with the Lux ac- 
count when the former was with. J. 
Walter .Thompson. 

Silver Dust, once handled by. 
BBD&C, has been on the shelf since 
the war. Amount of the appropria- 
tion and how it will be used is yet 
to be determined. 



Ernest Anderson presents 
FRED ROBBINS' 

ONE-NITE STAND 

oA <iMidm$it Variety Concert 
starring 



NELLIE 

LUTCHER 



JOE BUSHKIN 

& his band 



•gtra ajjaj attraction 



RED BUTTONS 



Eleven-Thirty Saturday Night 



OCT 4th 



e/r TOWN HALL 

Qyill JSeats Unserved 



TAKE THE GUESS OUT OF BUYING 
WITH WOV'S 



1st IN LISTENERS 



Mfilitti* with the 
CINCINNATI POST 



•-si 




M i n n e a p a 1 i s— John McDougall. 
WLOL announcer and disk jock, has 
left station to freelance in New 
York area. 



Wc want yon to hr. a -WOV sponsor 
With the knowledge of 5 AUDITED 
AUDIENCES, each a definitely dif- 
ferent group of purchasers ; eaeli ihc 
result of a penetrating revealing lis- 
tener unrver. Cel the facts on these 
5 AUDITED AUDIENCES todav and 
..."TAKE THE (,1 ESS OUT OF 

buying:' 

fi-il/./i .V. Writ CWrnl MntMfrr 
John 1,. Vrimnn Co., Kaiiliual Itrprcseulativr 




Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



P^RIETY 



RADIO 



31 



WTEL Called on Carpet 
By FCC in First Such 
Move Since '46 Hearings 

Washington, Sept. 30. 
In first move of its kind since the 
FCC in Sept. 1946, tabbed a half- 
dozen licenses for hearing on pro- 
gram counts, the Commission on 
Friday (26) called for hearing on 
the license renewal of 250-watter, 
part-time station WTEL, Philadel- 

Pl Basis of the action, according to 
FCC lawyers, was heavy larding of 
spots, over- commercialization and 
absence of local and live talent 
shows in the station's program for- 
mat. If WTEL follows pattern of 
other stations similarly called on the 
mat, it will merely shave off some of 
its spots and hypo its public service 
programming in order to win a li- 
cense renewal. Action is first of its 
kind since the first batch of stations 
were similarly singled out for pro- 
gram inquiries following publication 
of the Blue Book. 

FCC softened the blow for WTEL, 
however, by giving the station more 
hours on the air without even wait- 
ing for the indie to apply for them. 
The bonanza for WTEL developed 
when WHAT, which shares time 
with it on the 1,340 kc channel, filed 
and got from FCC permission to stay 
on the air longer hours, operating 
only 30 kc removed from city - 
owned WCAM, Camdem, N. J. on 
the 1,310 kc wavelength. WHAT 
asked for the additional ether time 
following announcement of FCC's 
new policy permitting simultaneous 
operation of two stations only 30 kc 
apart in the same town, providing 
• their 25 millevolt contours do not 
overlap. 



96 STUDENTS SET FOR 
4-YEAR DENVER COURSE 

Denver, Sept. 30. 

At the opening of its new four- 
year plan to give all phases of small 
market radio operation as a major 
course leading to a degree, the Univ. 
of Denver reports a kickoff enroll- 
ment of 96 students. 

Original enrollment spans all four 
years, with upper class radio majors 
entering the course from the Speech, 
Theatre, and Business Administra- 
tion Schools to concentrate on radio 
management. Thirty-two of the over- 
all radio registrants are transfers 
from, other colleges. 

A preview of DU's specialist train- 
ing in this field was staged last sum- 
mer in a five-week professional 
clinic. Big timers Arthur Stringer, 
Neville Miller, Judith Waller, and 
Rex Howell of KFXS, Grand Junc- 
tion, spent "part of their vacation in 
Denver as the guests of the univer- 
sity, and held one Week sessions 
each. To start lining up a similar 
summer clinic for next year, the 
college's co-ordinator of • radio, R. 
Russell Porter, visited New York for 
a week in September, and then at- 
tended the NAB convention in At- 
lantic City. 



Radio Discusses Radio 

Houston, Sept. 30. 

What is believed to be the first 
move of its kind on the part of a 
radio station management took place 
last Sunday (28), when Jack Harris, 
general manager of KPRC, Houston, 
took a 15-minute period for a "Re- j 
port to the Listeners," on the results 
of the NBC and NAB conventions. 

Harris outlined for his audience 
the meaning of the new NAB Code 
from the point of view of the listen- 
ers, discussed the decision of NBC 
affiliates on crime - mystery - horror 
shows, and took a "look-ahead" at 
the possibilities for television in his 
area. FM progress and promises, as 
observed at the convention, also 
were outlined". Harris represented 
KPRC at both Atlantic City meets. 



Miller Is Reassuring to FCC s Dorr 
On Schools' Non-Commercial Stations 



- Milwaukee— Jerry Bartell, of the 
Univ. of Wisconsin station WHA, has 
been named president and exec 
director of the new Milwaukee indie, 
WEXT. The university 'granted him 
leave Of absence. 



Mary Gaynor's New Post 

Albany, N. Y., Sept. 30. 

Mary Elizabeth Gaynor, director 
of women's programs at WTRY, 
Troy, for the past three years, and 
broadcaster of a daily "Party Line" 
program, is leaving to become radio 
director of the new Fris & Wood- 
ard advertising agency in Albany. 

Starts new job Oct. 6. 



Akron — Coleman Scott, prominent 
in Akron radio circles for the last 14 
years, has resigned from WAKR, 
where he held almost all. the key 
positions, to become program direc- 
tor and assistant manager of WVET, 
Rochester, N.. Y. 



Legion Appoints Reed 
To Natl Radio Post 

Indianapolis, Sept, 30. 

Appointment of Dick Reed, WIRE 
news editor, as national radio branch 
chief of the American Legion, was 
announced here this week by Ray- 
mond H. Field, national public re- 
lations director for the. Legion. 

Reed's duties will include direc- 
tion of the Legion's radio series, 
"Decision Now," broadcast weekly 
by more than 1,000 stations. He 
succeeds Robert Shinn of Warsaw, 
Ind., who resigned. 

Reed served as a staff sergeant 
with the Armed Forces Radio 
Service in ' the Pacific, during the 
war. 



Yankton — Herb Howard has re- 
joined the statf of WNAX, Yankton, 
as program director, replacing G. P. 
Loffler. In 1943 he accepted the po- 
sition of production director at WLS 
in Chicago where he has been di- 
recting the WLS Barn Dance and 
other musical and dramatic shows 
for the past five years.' 



Washington, Sept. 30. 

NAB prexy Justin Miller made it 
clear to FCC Commissioner Clifford 
J. Durr last week that the NAB is 
not opposed to the establishment of 
educational, non-commercial broad- 
cast stations by state universities 
and public school systems. 

Durr wrote Miller following the 
NAB official's speech at Atlantic 
City in which he deplored the trend 
"toward state systems of radio 
broadcasting" and expressed fear 
that if present trends continue, 
"broadcasting will become an opera- 
tion similar to that of the public 
schools." Durr wanted to get NAB's 
position on . school-operated radio 
stations clearly on the record. 

Miller wrote Durr: "I believe 
there is' a very real place for radio 
broadcasting in our educational sys- 
tem at all levels. As time goes by 
I shall hope to have increasing op- 
portunity to work with state uni- 
versities, colleges and public school 
systems, to this end." 



Cleveland — WHK announces re- 
sumption of its juvenile show 
"Charming Children" with Mrs. 
Marjorie L. Harm as director Fri- 
days 10 a.m. .. 



BARRY GRAY, WOR 
CALLING IT QUITS 

Barry Gray and WOR (N. Y.), 
after four turbulent years and many 
headaches, have come to a parting 
of the way. Showdown resulting in 
the breach, effective Oct. 24, came 
last Friday (26) when the prexy of 
the new National Assn. of Disk 
Jockeys and the brass of the Mutual 
key station decided they were mu- 
tually unhappy together. 

Gray says it's a case of WOR fail- 
ing to come through on program- 
ming promises madSHo him when he 
promised, in turn, to keep his gab 
pure and inoffensive following his 
run-in with columnist Lee Mortimer 
last year. Station said he'd get ex- 
tensive daytime billing, the former 
all-night gabber claims; instead he 
has only a two-hour Saturday after- 
noon stint (first half-hour of which 
is on the Mutual web), plus his 
Mutual "Scout About Town" stanza 
Friday nights. 

. Bustup developed when WOR 
proposed to axe Gray's Saturday 
chore for duration of the football 
season, and trim his pay accordingly, 
with a promise of giving him four 
hours instead of his present two as 
soon as the grid season was over. 
Gray protested tnat his exclusive 
contract with WOR was cutting him 
out of a lot of opportunities and he 
didn't like the deal. Station replied 
it would be glad to give him 30 days' 
notice and Gray said that was fine. 

Over the weekend Gray said he 
got an offer from a network, one 
from an indie outlet, and one from 
the Coast. He also said he had an 
offer to tour with a theatre unit. 
But he' said he hadn't decided yet 
what he'll do. 



Malotte Signs Again In 
South After Pitt Blast 



r — PittsburghrSeptr-aOr 

Apparently attack he made on 
Pittsburgh in a letter to the editor 
of the Birmingham News didn't hurt 
Stanleigh Malotte, ex-WWSW disk 
jockey, back home. He's just been 
re-hired for his old theatre organist 
job in southern city which he held 
for 11 years before coming north to 
try his wings as .. platter-spinner. 

Malotte's six-column-long tirade 
against the Smoky City, in jvhich he 
called the place "an aesthetic abor- 
tion, a municipal hovel and a very 
loud stink," kicked up all kinds of 
repercussions locally. Letters of 
protest poured in on local sheets 
from friends of Pittsburgh and 
WWSW, in self-defense, fired Ma 
lotte immediately. 




19212 




I 



WHAS 



LOUISVILLE 



Now entering our second 25 yean of tervUe to Kentvckiana 
A PIONEER TOD AY AS IT WAS YESTERDAY 



From those 500-watt days in 1922 
. . . down through a quarter century to 
the 50,000-watt 1A clear channel 
present . . . WHAS has become insep- 
arably a part of the market it serves. 
The objectives, the sympathies, the 
labors of WHAS have been— and al- 
ways will be— for the best interests of 



its millions of listeners. Just as 25 
years ago we pioneered with the first 
licensed standard station in Kentucki- 
ana, so did WHAS pioneer with the 
first FM station, WCJT. Continued 
growth through this same service to 
our listeners is our pledge to the 
future. 



San Antonio-rMary Jayne Spears, 
KTSA, San Antonio, was elected sec- 
retary of the local chapter of Assn. 
pf Women Broadcasters, NAB, fill- 
ing unexpired term of Natalie 
Zogheis. 



50,000 WATTS, 1 A CLEAR CHANNEL — CBS AFFILIATE 
Represented Nationally by Edward Petry and Co., Inc. 



32 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Bigger Radio Ad Budgets Evidenced 
By Perk-Up in Midwest Spot Buying 



Station Reps 

Continued from page 2J 



Chicago, Sept. 30. 
An apparent increase in radio ad 
budgets for spot time purchases was 
evidenced here last week as time 
buyers and reps continued to clear 
schedules for the fall and winter 
seasons. Though much buying dur- 
ing the past month was for new ac- 
counts, most deals completed last 
week were augmented skeds for old 
clients. 

Wm. Hart Adler agency set an 
Increased list for quarter -hour tran- 
scribed show, "Smilin' Ed McCon- 
nell," to plug Aladdin Lamps start- 
next month and going through 
December: Sked lists about 40 sta- 
tions scattered mostly in western 
half of the midwest. Agency is also 
distributing series of 39 five-minute 
platters free to dealers for airing on 
local stations. • 

, New fall , line upset by George 
Hartman agency for Hartz Moun- 
tain bird seed and Yummies, dog 
candy, will kick off its 15-minute 
transcribed show on about 60 major 
markets, coast to coast, early next 
month. Program, "Canary Pet 
Show." follows format developed 
and heard over WOR, N. Y., for the 
last 10 or 12 years, featuring live 
canary chirping. Sked extends 
through fall, winter and spring. 

Henri, Hurst & McDonald spread 
the Lassie show for Red Heart dog 
food to 161 stations last week and 
is still working on another four 
markets. Agency has renewed the 
Alex Dreier newscast of 15 'minutes 
on 18 stations for Skelly Oil for an- 
other 52 weeks starting next month. 
Also reset are a 15-minute »iews 
show on WDZ' in Tuscola, 111., and 
"Shopping With the Mrs." on WBBM 
in Chicago for Millnot, with expan- 
sion to another market expected 
within few weeks. 

Ballard & Ballard also increased 
its budget for Obelisk Flour, feed 
£ and Oven Ready Biscuits through 
Henri & McDonald. Sked calls for 
15 minutes, of "Cullem Johnson" on 
Tobacco net of eight stations, five 
days per week; 15 minutes of "Joe 
Emmcrson Hymn Time" in five 
markets; plus "Renfrew Valley Folk" 
. on 20 stations in south and south- 
east with quarter hour on Thursdays 
and Fridays and half hour on Satur- 
days and Sundays. 

Quaker Oats through Sherman- 
Marquette will plug Full of Pep 
feeds on an expanded list of 46 
markets with half-hour transcription 
"Man on the Farm." 

In spot announcement field, Sher- 
man-Marquette completed the sked 



for Dr. Caldwell on 150 stations in 
130 markets; Young & Rubicam is 
testing five-week campaign of sta- 
tion breaks and announcements for 
Grennan Cakes in Houston, and Put- 
nam Dyes with H. M. Gross agency 
is considering testing spot announce- 
ments in Des Moines and Indianapo- 
lis. Atlas Prager, beer, via Olian, 
is entering new markets in Texas, 
and McCann-Erickson is picking 
minute spot outlets in Georgia for 
Pillsbury Flour. 

KING'S 'ROUNDTABLE' 
TO EASE ACCIDENTS 

Seattle, Sept. 30. 
KING, local indie, is now con- 
ducting a "Traffic Round-Table" 
program as part of an eight-week 
campaign to combat traffic accidents 
and appeal to civic pride in main- 
taining Seattle's present good safety 
record. ' 

Series, set to run until Nov. 2, is 
built around the half-hour program 
broadcast Sundays at 2 p.m. with 
stanza presided over by Traffic 
Judge Roy DeGrief, and including a 
member of the Seattle Bar Assn., a 
police officer and some citizen who 
drives a great deal every day. 




Mst.: LOU CLAYTON 
UNITEO REXAM. BKl'C" CO 
Wednesday, Kite. 10:30 P.M., K.S.T. 
M-O-M— "On «lio Inland With You" 
"THIS TIME FOR KEEPS" 



Oldfield Back in Khaki 
As PID Radio-Tele Head 

Washington, Sept. 30. 
Maj. Barney Oldfield,' ex-VAiuisTY 
mugg and ex-Warner Bros, publi- 
cist, reported back in khaki to the 
Public Information Division of the 
newly christened Dept. of the Army 
here, and has been tagged as chief 
of the radio and television section." 
Capt. L. G. Schmitz, until recently 
in the post, is leaving the army. 

Oldfield had five and a half years 
in uniform previously, was one of 
the army's first parachutists, and 
served in public relations with Gen- 
erals Devers, Bradley and Simpson, 
and Field Marshal Montgomery in 
their European commands. He or- 
ganized the Press Club of Berlin, 
and his last task before civilian life 
was the ballyhoo of the 82nd Air- 
borne Division's Victory March in 
New York. In the interim between 
uniforms, he was at Warners Coast 
studios for 18 months, handling the 
20th anniversary of talking pictures 
campagin among others. 

PID job reassociates Oldfield with 
Maj. Gen. F. L. Parks, chief of PID. 
They were together in Berlin. 



Soaps Vs. Disks 

k Salt Lake City, Sept. 30. 

At a meeting of the Intermoun- 
tain Radio Council, held last week, 
council members, consisting mainly 
of educators and professionals, had 
representatives of local stations on 
the pan during a discussion titled 
"Soap Operas vs. Disk Jockeys." 

Chief defense for the soaps fol- 
lowed the line of "the public wants 
them." Disk jockeys were cham- 
pioned by stations not -carrying the 
strip shows, on the basis of the uni- 
versal appeal of music. 



explanatory statement on the day of 
NARSR's organization meeting, was 
greeted with much skepticism by 
some of the competitive reps. The 
CBS statement declared that Radio 
Sales would limit itself to a repre- 
sentation of 15 stations, or four more 
than it already had, for the re- 
mainder of 1947, but the doubting 
reps retorted that they had heard 
that story before, and that they had 
yet to know of a business operation 
that set a ceiling on its money-mak- 
ing and stuck to it. 

In one respect the coifrse that the 
talk within the rep association has 
been taking seems to suggest that 
the philosophy that Radio Sales is 
harping on in its solicitation of sta- 
tions, is taking root. Radio Sales' 
presentations to station underscores 
the success it claims it has had in 
selling locally-devised programs to 
national advertisers and not being 
content with just getting a spot an- 
nouncement contract. -— 

One proposal being advanced to 
the rep association is that the mem- 
bers prevail upon their stations to 
set aside a block of evening time, 
say, a half hour, which would be 
made available exclusively to na- 
tional advertisers with program, and 
not merely time, intentions. This 
plan, if adopted, would, obviously, 
meet stiff opposition from the net- 
works. The more puckishly inclined 
reps regard such an idea as having 
the double effect of discouraging the 
network spots sales division from 
seeking membership in the associa- 
tion and of stymieing any further 
expansion on the part of Radio 
Sales. 

The term "trend" has also come 
up in the huddling of station reps, 
but there the word has been linked 
with another, namely, "monopolis- 
tic." Some of the reps have voiced 
the warning that unless the networks 
were checked iu their expansion of 
pot representation operations — it be- 
ing anticipated that NBC and ABG 
will' pick up the lead from CBS— the 
stations will find themselves tied 
more firmly to the network chariot. 
'Monopolistic' Angle 
The "monopolistic" angle on this 
score had been previously pointed 
out by a complaint filed by counsel 
for Paul H. Raymer, head of the 
Paul H. Raymer Co., with the FCC. 
Raymer's petitioning of the FCC 
was prompted by his loss of WRVA 
to Radio Sales. Columbia's state 
ment of station rep policy was in 
part motivated by this protest. " 

Firms represented at the meeting 
were Avery-Knodel, Inc., John Blair 
& Co., Boiling Co., Branham Co., 
Burn-Smith Co., Forjoe & Co., Free 
& Peters, Headley-Read Co., George 
Hollingberry Co., Katz Agency, Jo- 
seph Hershey McGillvra, John E. 
Pearson Co., Edward Petry & Co., 
Radio Advertising Co., Paul H. Ray- 
mer Co., Weed & Co., and Adam J. 
Young, Jr., Inc. 



FMA's Code Poll 

FM Assn. prexy Everett Dil- 
lard intends to poll his board of 
directors on " their attitude to 
NAB's proposed new industry 
code, it was learned here today. 
Move by FM'ers follows NAB 
prexy Justin Miller's statement 
that the code is intended to cov- 
er operations of all member sta- 
tions, including FM and tele out- 
lets. 

Feeling among some FM'ers ap- 
pears to bo like that of the in- 
dependent and smaller AM 
operators, who say they cannot 
meet the competition under the 
Commercial limitations. One In- 
dependent FM operator said he 
believes it is too early in the 
game to put FM in an "economic 
straitjacket." If FMA board 
reacts unfavorably to the code, 
protest may be forwarded to 
NAB. 



ON TARGET 

Good timing is as essential in selling 
as In polo. Weed's nationwide organi- 
zation is fully aware of the importance 
of proper timing In all elements that 
influence the buying of radio time. 



Convention Address — 
Ktfi-Carften Haiti, Al/onlic City 




Code 



Continued from page 23 



members to speed up their letters to 
meet this deadline. 

2. Locally, some of the indepen- 
dent stations (WGAY, Silver Spring, 
Md., WARL, Arlington, etc.) are pre- 
paring code letters and giving some 
thought to idea of incorporating 
their collective protests in a single 
document. They think the commer- 
cial limitations are too rigid. 

3. Leading the indies' reaction 
here is Ben Strouse, WWDC gen- 
eral manager, who has already pro- 
tested the code's commercial sections 
in a letter to NAB proxy Justin Mil- 
ler. Strouse wants a three-and-a- 
half minute ceiling on quarter-hour 
shows, with no limit fixed on plugs 
in five and 10-minute programs. He 
urges more "leeway" on plugs in 
want-ad and women's participation 
programs and that "a service an- 
nouncement such as a time signal dr 
weather forecast, the commercial 
part of which does not exceed 15 
seconds, should be permitted adja- 
cent to an ordinary spot or station 
break, and that other double-spot- 
ting be eliminated." 

Strouse concluded: "We at WWDC 
do not believe in subscribing to any 
document unless we honestly feel 
that we can live up to it." 



Ivor Sharp Tells Why 

Salt Lake City, Sept. 30. 
Basic reason for KSL's dropping 
of Petry in favor of CBS Radio 
Sales as the station's national reps 
"is a hope and belief that KSL shall 
be able through Radio Sales to de- 
velop and sell more locally origi- 
nated programs to sponsors of na- 
tional products," says Ivor Sharp, 
general manager of the Salt Lake 
station. 

"Some persons have expressed to 
us their concern about a network 
entering into the spot radio busi- 
ness," Sharp told Vahiuty, "but we 
do not share their alarm. Nor do 
we believe the competitive situa- 
tion in spot radio sales will be en- 
dangered— by^t he small number of 
stations CBS will represent." 



firiD company 



•N.1- 



RADIO STATION REPRESENTATIVES 
■BOSTON* OMCAGO-iOrTROtT • SAN KtANCtSCO"- ALTANTA r HOLLYWOOD 



WDSU 



Continued from pane 23 

in knowing whether an agreement 
in the sales contract which would 
have forbidden Wall or Stephens 
from engaging in the broadcasting 
business within 300 miles of New Or- 
leans was "in the public interest." 
FCC further wanted to know 
whether any of the parties engaged 
in this sale had bought and sold 
other station properties to the point 
of "trafficking in frequencies" or if 
okay of the WDSU sale would "give 
approval to speculative trading in 
interests in broadcast licensees." 

Apparently all of these innuendos 
were enough to discourage the 
buyers from going through hearing 
to get the station, 



WFIL Is Looking Into 
Mystery of Weather 

• Philadelphia, Sept. 30. 

Something is being done about the 
weather at WFIL with the station 
engaging a weather expert and 
planning to set up its own meteor- 
ology laboratory, where the expert 
will do his research. 

Weather expert signed is Francis 
K. Davis, Jr., who served three and 
a half years in the Army as an Air 
Force weather officer. His three 
daily broadcasts started Monday 
(29), in five minute stanzas. Format 
includes not only forecasts, both 
daily and long-range, but historical 
and human interest data on that 
perpetual conversation piece, the 
weather. 



Cleveland — WTAM's Frank Fred- 
erics takes over on a disk show 30- 
minutes five days a week at 9:30 
a.m. and starts the patter reading a 
poem daily by Lucy Lapp, WTAM 
switchboard operator. 



KSL Switches To 
Radio Sales Jan. 1 

KSL, Salt Lake City 50-kilowatter, 
formally joins the representation list 
of Radio Sales, CBS subsid, Jan. 1. 
The station has been with the Ed- 
ward Petry Co. for the past 16 years 
and was part of the station list that 
launched him into the business of 
exclusive representation. 

On receipt of the signed contract 
from KSL Friday (26) CBS issued a 
statement explaining what Radio 
Sales' policy would be toward the 
enlistment of more stations. The list 
has been limited to 15 stations for 
the current -year, which is four 
above what Radio Sales already rep- 
resents. It is understood that three 
of the four stations have ' already 
committed themselves orally to Ra- 
dio Sales. 

The CBS- statement further ex- 
plains how the network arrived at 
the specific limitation of 15. The 
number, it says, was based on the 
calculation that 15 is the most that 
an organization can handle if the 
Representation is to entail personal 
visits of the rep organization's ex- 
ecutives and salesmen to the stations 
and to assure the latters' sales con- 
centration on the stations' local pro- 
grams to national spot advertisers. 

According to CBS' figures, the 10 
leading indie* reps have a total of 
376 stations, which gives each an 
average of 37 stations. 



Dinah-James 

: Continued from page 21 



o'clock slot being vacated by "Ig- 
norant." 

. Meanwhile deal has been set for 
Horace- Heidt's orchestra to take 
over the Philip Morris slot on NBC 
Tuesday nights in which it now 
sponsors Milton Berle. 

. Heidt had been dickering for 
weeks for the Morris show, through 
Music Corp. of America, with which 
he recently signed a new contract 
after several years of being out of 
business due to a squabble with that 
agency. His new contract, inci- 
dentally, is supposed to have been 
predicated on MCA's obtaining a 
radio spot for him. 

Heidt, who made an audition rec- 
ord for the Morris account several 
weeks ago in. Holly wood, had to wait 
until last week for a decision on its 
acceptance or rejection, due to the 
fact that Milton Biow, head of the 
Biow Agency, which handled the 
Morris work, was abroad. 



LAUGHING-STOCK 

Crisp, Fresh 
GAG MATERIAL 

For M( 'b, Radio, fJtase. Nlte t'lcibB. 

Wrltten by Professional Gagmen 

SERIES 1 AND 2 AVAILABLE 
ONLY $1 PER SERIES 

SAM PERRY 

'LAUGHING-STOCK' 

1650 B'way, New York 19 



s« Promotion 



• oeBie«»n ,0,W * 



JOHN 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



RADIO 



83 



Television Reviews 



Continued from page 27 ; 



line, with longer views better for 
passing or kicking plpys. Closeups, 
if used at all, should be confined to 
personality shots when time is 
called. 

. As for the commentators, NBC's 
Bob Stanton still shapes up as the 
best in the current tele scene. Ap- 
parently one of the few who studies 
his lineup before game time, Stan- 
ton in most instances came up with 
the name of the blayer participating 
, in a play several seconds before the 
loudspeaker system on the field had 
it. In addition, he confined his re- 
marks to pointing up pertinent 
points in the game instead of echo- 
ing radio announcers with too wordy 
a description of the proceedings. 

Bob Edge, who handled -the play- 
by-play for GBS, wasn't up to par. 
' Numerous pauses in his commentary 
indicated he wasn't too sure of the 
players' identification. He still has 
a tendency, moreover, to overdo 
sportswriters' cliches. They ' may 
add color to an announcer's descrip- 
tion but can also become irksome 
•when • used as prolifically as Edge 
uses them. He also forgot to watch 
the clock at period ends. Viewers 
wouldn't have known the first quar- 
ter had ended if the eameras hadn't 
cut over to the time clock at the 
last second. 

NBC games this year are spon- 
sored by American Tobacco through 
N. W. Ayer. Game opened with a 
neat closeup of Stanton lighting a 
Lucky. Plugs thereafter were con- 
fined to flash slides during inter- 
missions and a large clock built 
around a blownup pack of Luckies 
between quarters. CBS hasn't inked 
a sponsor yet for the games but has 
signed' a N. Y. car dealer Trader 
Horn for a 15-minute pre-game corri- 
jnercial. With the ebullient Horn 
himself Carrying the commercial via 
interviews with celebs at the field, 
it wasn't too hard to take. Horn's 
however, are- extremely corny 



and his sales pitch marked a throw- 
back to the worst radio commercials. 

Sha I. 




IVe Got 'imi 



PARADE OF SPORTS 
With Gene Autry's world's cham- 
pionship rodeo; John Faulk, Gil 
Fates, commentators 
Director: Bob Bendick 
Approx. 157 Min.; Thurs. v 25), 

8:30 p.m. 
FORD MOTOR CO. 
WCBS-TV, N. Y. 

(J. Walter Thompson) '. 
This was the curtain-raiser on 
Ford's second season as bankrollcr 
of the N. Y. CBS tele station's 
"Parade of Sports," which in its first 
semester covered 61 sporting events 
including Madison Square Garden 
pro boxing, ice hockey, track meets, 
etc., and football and baseball games. 

Autry's rodeo made for a divert- 
ing, action-filled, if rather pro- 
longed, preem. Picking up the ridin', 
ropin', bronc-bustin' roundup at the 
Garden from its evening's start, 
CBS' tele cameramen trained their 
Image-orthicons on a procession of 
spectacular acts and contests, rang- 
ing from a giant square-dance by 
cowhands and cowgirls on horse- 
back to the standard competitions of 
rodeodom. 

Autry, as the star performer, was 
spotlighted in an act with his trick 
mount, Champion No. 2. When he 
came on for some song numbers, 
however, televiewers were cut out 
of the act, thanks to the Petrillo ban 
(although "incidental" music of the 
Garden band was aired throughout), 
and the station ran in about 15 
minutes of musical film. Aside from 
this annoyance, it was a good 
evening's entertainment. 

A major factor in the stanza's en- 
tertainment value was WCBS-TV's 
smart injection again of running 
commentary by John Faulk, who did 
the same stint last year. A drawling 
Texan who has ridden in rodeos 
himself, Faulk brought authentic 
flavor to his explanatory chore and 
handled it in completely easy, off- 
hand fashion. Gil Fates, who handled 
some of the Ford commercials — 
others were on film from the studios 
— was on hand the rest of the time 
to toss in comments, ask Faulk 
questions about events transpiring, 
etc. Pair made an effective combo. 

Flaws in camera work and com- 
mentaries were minor. Occasionally 
camera switches crossed up Faulk's 
comments. He repeated explana- 
tions and comments a good deal. 
Couple of times the camera was 
closeup on Autry, astride his mount, 
when the point of interest was the 
horse's footwork. On the whole, 
however, it was a well handled 
stanza. Doan. 



Buffalo, Sept. 30. 

WBEN-TV will go on the air early 
this winter via the station's new 
television antenna just completed 
atop Hotel Statler. Station's trans- 
mitter will be installed in the Stat- 
ler where WBE'N-FM and the Buf- 
falo Evening News' standard-broad- 
casting station, WBEN, are located. 

Transmitter power for WBEN-TV 
will be 5000 watts (video) and 2500 
watts (audio). 



Sponsors Coming Out of Woods to Pact 
Football Airings; U. S. Army Signs Up 




"The . Texas Rangers" transcrip- 
tions of western tunes are tops in 
quality of content. The price is 
reasonable — scaled to the size of 
the station and market. Available, 
too, at cost is an attractive song 
— hook for give-away or self-liq; 
dating offer. 

Write or Wire for Complete Details 

The Texas Rangers 

AN ARTHUR •. CHURCH PRODUCTION 
6*o. f. Hallty, Mgr. Syndicated features 

PICKWICK HOTfl, KANSAS CITY «, MO. 



Radio script writer, immediate opening, na- 
tional organization with headquartcro in mid- 
western city. Permanent staff position. Writ- 
ing assignments in national network field, es- 
tablished nation-wide transcribed dramatic 
shows, local and regional broadcasts; also pro- 
motional and public relations activities. Ad- 
vancement open to individual capacity. Posi- 
tion held for World War II veteran. Housing 
opportunities are limited. Submit scripts, 
background resume with first reply. Address 
Box 116. Variety, 154 West 46th St., New 
York 19, N. Y. 



THIS TIME NEXT YEAR 
With Frank Thomas, Leona Powers, 
Mary Alice Moore, Kendall Clark, 
Vaughn Taylor, Percy Helton, 
John Becker, Frank Wilson 
Producer-Director-Writer: Fred Coe 
Remote Director: Garry Simpson 
75 Mins.; Sunday (28), 8:35 p.m. 
BORDEN'S 
WNBT— NBC, N. Y. 

(Kenyon & Ecfchordt) 
Borden's closed down its television 
bankrolling activities Sunday (28) 
night with one of the most intricate 
and entertaining comedy-dramas yet 
staged in the NBC studios. "This 
Time Next Year," with a cast of 
featured Broadway actors, repre- 
sents another feather in the cap of 
NBC staff producer Fred Coe, who 
also wrote and directed this one. 
With judicious trimming of the first 
act, which went inexorably slow on 
tele, "Time" might serve well as a 
Broadway vehicle. . 

Tale, a fantasy, revolved ' about 
an aristocratic southern politician 
whose 30-year dream was to build 
a monument to the Confederacy that 
would outshine Grant's Tomb. Ad- 
vised by an angel during a prema- 
ture death that the fates had ruled 
against the monument, he struck a 
compromise by forcing a promise 
from the an gel — a Confederate of- 
ficer — that rie would help ■ him "do 
away" with the Grant edifice one 
year from the date of his death. 
Scene then shifted to an actual re- 
mote pickup from Grant's Tomb, 
where the viewers, on the assigned 
date, were to be let in on what 
happened. 

Coe's opening of the show via a 
supposed studio interview with the 
Southerner's granddaughter who 
told the tale via flashback, was a 
masterful touch. This, coupled with 
the pickups from Grant's Tomb, led 
viewers to believe the story might 
actually have been true. Uniformly 
fine work of the cast under Coe's 
direction furthered the illusion until 
at least halfway through" the show. 



ATS Video Oscars for '47 
Get Nod From Industry 
In Contrast to '46 Snafu 

Video Oscars handed out by the 
American Television Society last 
Thursday (25) night met with much 
more approval throughout the tele 
industry than the Oscars awar'ded by 
ATS in 1946. Chief reason for what 
were considered wiser choices this 
year was that the awards committee 
comprised persons actually working 
in tele, whereas last year's commit- 
tee was composed of three represen- 
tatives of the newspaper wire serv- 
ices. 

Awards went to the Electric Assn. 
of Chicago for "outstanding com- 
munity effort to promote television;" 
to the Dramatists Guild "in recog- 
nition of the year's outstanding con- 
tribution to television program- 
ming;" to J. R. Poppele, Television 
Broadcasters Assn. prexy, for "his 
efforts in solving"' various tele prob- 
lems, and to George Shupert, former 
ATS prexy and homeoffice rep of 
Paramount's tele stations, for his 
"unselfish efforts in behalf of tele- 
vision" and the<ATS. 

Only point of difference in the 
awards lay in that handed the Dra- 
matists Guild. Majority of industry 
reps believed the DG's tele efforts 
were confined to the single show pro- 
duced last year over NBC, "Mr. 
Mergenthwirker's Lobblies." ATS 
officials pointed out, however, that 
the guild had formed a noteworthy 
precedent by approving and actively 
encouraging its members to make 
available to tele not only their past 
plays but also all new material. 

Poppele, according to the award 
citation, submitted a graduated pro- 
gramming schedule to the FCC as a 
compromise to the Commission's rul- 
ing of 28 hours a week minimum op- 
eration, He also advised the adop- 
tion of a self-imposed code of indus- 
try ethics; succeeded in having 
rescinded .a .proposed 20% tax on 
tele receivers in public places, and 
spearheaded the TBA committee in 
overcoming objections to apartment 
house tele antenna installations. 



Fort Worth, Sept. 30. . 

The U. S. Fourth Army will "spon- 
sor Southwestern Football Preview 
over WBAP each week preced- 
ing the broadcast of the Southwest 
Conference football game. The pro- 
gram format includes interviews 
with name football personalities, be- 
hind the' dressing room features, 
latest sport news from Southwest 
pigskin areas and a 15-piece band. 
The show will run during the fall 
months. Frank Mills is m.c. for the 
airings. ....»' 

Programs will also be aired over 
stations of the Texas Quality Net- 
work, WOAI, San Antonio, and 
KPRC, Houston. Breakin will be 
made by local announcers for local 
outstanding games, lineups and news. 
These will be handled by Jerry Lee 
for WOAI; Pat Flaherty for KPRC, 
and Hall Baake for WBAP. 



Big Six in Spotlight 

Kansas City, Sept. 30. 

Sponsors are now flocking to un- 
derwrite football broadcasts o£ Big 
Six finally. Holland Furnace Co., 
has signed with KCKN, Capper 250- 
watter, to carry a Big Six game 
weekly, with Larry Ray, station's 
regular sportscaster. at the mike. 
Jack Anthony, of the announcing 
staff, goes along on each location to 
spiel color and commercials. Series 
teed off with the Ohio State-Missouri 
tussle last week. 

KCMO has signed the Crown 



Drug Co. to air its reports on Big' 
Six games. Walt Lochman, sports 
director, does the mike work. This 
is third straight year Crown has 
paid the freight on the KCMO air- 
ings. This series likewise teed off 
with the Ohio State-Missouri game. 

KMBC and WDAF still are angling 
sponsors for their Big Six broad- 
casts. KMBC began its broadcasts 
with the Nebraska-Indiana fracas, 
with Sam Molen doing the talking. 



St. Louis Finds Sponsors 

St. Louis, Sept. 30^. 

Local stations have found bank^ 
rollers for football broadcasts with 
local and national games skedded for 
airing. The Shell Petroleum Corp. 
will sponsor games broadcast by 
KSD while the Hyde Park Breweries 
will do likewise for KSD-TV. These 
stations will pickup the Big 10 con- 
tests as well' as some of the Missouri 
Valley Conference'. 

WEW and WEW-FM, the St. Louis 
Univ. station, will cover all of the 
school's gridiron clashes, with the 
St. Louis Trailer Sales as bankroller. 
The Standard Oil Co. of Indiana has 
inked a pact with KMOX, local CBS 
outlet, to sponsor games that will be 
played from coast-to-coast. 

ABC's gridiron program carried by 
KXOK will be sponsored by the 
Paul Schulte Motors, while the sta- 
tion's local football program is bank- 
rolled by the West End Motor Serv- 
ice. 



- Tele Followup 



Tex McCrary and Jinx Falken- 
burg's "Swift Home Service Club" 
show last Friday (NBC) inaugurated 
a new public service for televiewers 
—a lost and found department for 
N. Y. city dogs. After Tex and Jinx 
interviewed a staffer of the Society 
for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Animals on procedures followed by 
the SPCA in returning lost pooches 
to their owners, a group of dogs 
picked up on city streets during the 
previous 24 hours were paraded be- 
fore the cameras for owner identifi- 
cation. 

Idea, conceived by Broadway 
flacks Fred Coll and Zac Freedman, 
is a good one. Fact that several dog- 
owners phoned the SPCA during the 
show proves it will serve the public 
well. Similar stunts was tried with 
a single dog once by the old Stand- 
ard Brands-Sponsored "Face to 
Face" on NBC tele but was for- 
saken when the show went off the 
air. 

Tex and Jinx show, otherwise, has 
improved, considerably since first, 
aired some six months ago. Only 
daytime studio show now broadcast 
by a N. Y. outlet, it should be a 
welcome break in the chores of city 
housewives. 



NOW! ^ ^ PRESS 

EXECUTIVES' Radio Service FACTuary 
THE BOOK WITH ALL THE IMPORTANT 

FACTS and FIGURES 

on RADIO and TELEVISION 

/* ■ - j i In a llaiMlv Eii8t-To-Fln<l-\Vhat-You-Want Form 
VOilCienSea j In ,, Convenient Jin8y-tn-Cnrry TOCKET-SIZE 



Jersey B'casters Meet 

Newark, Sept. 30. 

Flock of New Jersey broadcasters 
will get together for lunch tomor- 
row (Wed.) at the Downtown Club 
here to hash over a proposal to re- 
vive the long-dormant N. J. State 
Broadcasters' Assn. 

Talk of the move started at the 
NAB convention in Atlantic City, 
chief motivator being Jim Howe of 



As with previous Borden dramatic j WCTC, New Brunswick. It's felt 
| shows, the plugs were kept unob 
| trusive as possible so as not to d 



stroy the story vein. Unique use of 
an entirely silent commercial to 
bridge the acts was good and might 
be picked up by other tele sponsors, 
since the pictures carried just as 
much weight, if not more, without 
words. ,. „ Stal. 



there are a lot of new licensees 
who'd be interested. FM and tele- 
vision ops also are being welcomed. 



Austin — David R. Mackey has 
joined the staff of the Univ. of Texas 
Radio House, as production manager 
land instructor in drama. 



< > 



EXECUTIVES' 

RADIO SERVICE 

FACTuary 

INPIK TO FEATURES 
IPON50RK) RADIO PROGRAMS.... 

f>t* af pnttrcin. rsn-nr W ptcVirrf, *«'.«rl «r* 
thi •vlt*N, lime, •rfcb, pfaf'alfl lit*, tt'ir, 
a 1 , re/. wtHte • •"««-•<. 

ADVERTISING AGENCIES AND HAD 10 PRO- 
GRAMS .. .'. .. « 

AaWhi'af ttentlti »••"•"*» '■ • »••»■•«., 

MOGt&M TIME LISTING 51 

r NiB.'m »-V i«ir« 

NETWQUK LISTINGS 

Mafa*. Mojar ft|i*n.l, W taeWa., l«g 
-fii, J'oMn tsifbfl ant) rah)i : ».pt af . 
•ft*. . 

STATION USTINO 



RADIO FAMWES - 

Mil taffHrti ar (rag raoMi er«*f ana" ifalai, p*'*illel 
cat*r«a» ;■> vbtt. tint w f*m, enV Itrm 
M*MK 

ftETAtl & WHOLESALE OUTLETS BY GEO- 
GRAPHIC AREAS & STATES ' ... 

*«>■"' IVae/llf-"*!!* In iftirtantfc. safes I 
tVrtleMb' Nsrirttr if li'llMwsll. tab' 



SPONSORED RADIO MO«AMS 

A t»«hji* tuf*-. •» all nnK*i*M K*faw b. 
tWnj. r,pa •» fn§rtm. taaaasv a«a* IWswf, «•*. 
«..«, SmIm OatfVit, TIM, Oflfl*, r-t)tm Cm*, 



ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE .. . Diuwi 

WiMtwt Ca, Ice. *0*Mt Hilt T»l« 

' CBS-1S7 Sullen*. Snaity. l$:Stl P. M. 

Oililn: H. Pro* Cot 13,000 

Ai<-oct:B. D. D.4 0. 

P.tvk-ft/: Win. Spt« 

WgiimthbTiitreM 

E :«:■.!. Wax Sciei 
ADVENT UBERS- CLL'B - DnuM 

W. A. SbuBet P«o Co. F.M * lak 

CBS— 153 SuiIobi, S*iai4*r, 11:30.1! N«w 

0<i(lo:C.Pis»Ce<i|lJOO 

A|t.-(r RbimQ M. Seed* Ca- 



ts aa*i* j*'v.'«. niw in \ 




FACTuary— 114 traces * 4x6 In.— The Entire 
. Picture of Radio & Television at your finger 
tip;.— on your desk or In your pocket. 

Miijor <.FttartiimitN in tin* FACTuary Inolmli? COMPLMCTE information on 
Sponsored Rn<llo proKramt*. AilvertiKiiiK A|?4>wit>H Handling Hatlio, Networks 
iiimI rar>H, Major Marketing Area Marion*. Radio Families, Retail and W hole- 
»«ale Outlets, AFRA Km eh. Aitaly*!* of Hooper and Neilnen Survey*., and other 
neceshiirv department* of information for AIX THOSE WHO SEIX . • . 
BVY . . . AND TALK RADIO AND TELEVISION 

and KEPT UP-TO-DATE for YOU 

By Periodic Locse Leaf Inserts 

Whenever Miftieieitt ehatiK*'*) oeeiir we Hend you a new page or set-lion. 
Yon simply tear out |>hk**" to he replaced and with a flip of the thumb insert 
Hie new piiK»'«. , 

PLUS -The EXECUTIVES' RADIO SERVICE Concise 
NEWS BULLETIN— every 10 days. For ONLY 

- - - - - - $10.00 

EXECUTIVES' RADIO SERVICE Nr Yeor 

40 West 59th St.. New York 19. N. Y. 

Vleane nenil m«- thr I1MK edition of tliv KXWI'TIVES' RADIO SEKVIfB 
FiiCTuflry — [nrlmlliiK pi-rlmlic' Unife-lpus' IiimtIk, unci fiiroll me an u *rtil»- 
wrlher lo tlii- NEWS BI'I.I.KTI.N for our full yrnr at (lie spvelul Introduc- 
tory price of *l 0.0(1. 

Check or money or«ter eueloheil. 



NAMK 



COMPANY 



(ITV iMI.SK STATE. 



If not smtthfleO with' our service within three months, simply return 
FACT'UMr.y unci your money svill he refunded. 



34 



RECORDS— BISK JOCKEYS 



Wednesday, October 1, 194? 



Eh 0 K < >J hOH^EHK 




- HAiH— »rao«M»M ho 

i 

> 




HOXH— *»l3nH usna 


u. 
in 


OJSH— uosSsjio W*t 


o 

2 
_c 
"i 


MiH— 9u£«Al penis 


Philod 


NaaAV— -fp^D »of 


k.c. : 


aHAi— jtp»uu»M q»a 


Seattle 


ioh— sqi!fl!«o ma 


Denv'r 


'III.'IM — sajjfjaj Sva 




I8AA— Ji»)sqaAi|jna 


"S 

». 


ar Ai.— P!*«a 


% 

a 


ZiXA\— P»«il»Min»I ssna 




MSAAAA.— 




ISOitt— nosHAi u»H 


Atlanh 




1XVAA. — SJB3S s«u»z 


M 

5 


003AA— uojoiSSiAl Ilia 


a. 

D 
• 

c 
c 


NOXAi— uastaH ni|f 


i 


101A1— aanmrea qS|»T[ 


stand 


AAfAl— JOI/Cbx »10ojh 


> 


OJHIA1— PonT »!*ioh 




HA\JM — tremJON »n»0 


Los Ai 


~ CT 14 jv_nnGitv mci 
JlAl.iM — uobuv |im 


8> 


NOAl— suBAg Uia 


Chic. 


arr av — uouijs »iuja 


Z 


XWAA — Jauuajainea 




Urn ^ 
O CM 




WEEK 
SEPT. 

Pub. 



ft) 

a 
s 

s 

eg 



eg 



CO 

w 

U 

o 

•-9 
CO 



CO 



S 



g 

«; 

w 

i— i 

> 



Q 
W 
■J 
►J 



fa 

0 

Qco 

ft 

© 






c 


& 


L. 


Si 


i) 


a 


0 


>. 


S>. 


g 




o 


J/) 




ci 






ft". 





** « - 

00 fl> © 



Hi 


o 


6 


S 










a 


a 


3 




w 


VI 



PU 




< 


< 










< 


< 



siS S § S S s 2"e.s g g gie §-§j a s § s § 



N 
g 

E , 
5 £ 



CO 

: i 
• >. 



» N N « 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



85 



A LOT OF EYEWASH 

Last year Variety agreed to assist in a theoretical move to 
•curb artificial songplugging methods, the payola, "drives," the 
spuriously concocted "sheet," etc., by publishing "the most 
played songs" of the week in alphabetical order. Theory of this . 
.was to bypass the chronological breakdown of No. 1, 2, 3, etc., 
Eince it was argued that a "drive," under influence of the payola 
and other methods, could get almost anything "on the sheet," 
but if the top 30, for instance, were only alphabetically indicated, 
it would help eradicate an ancient Tin Pan Alley evil. 

However, this philosophy has proved fallacious and Variety 
intends to resume publishing information of the top plugged 
songs in numerical sequence, unless there is strong evidence 
anew to the contrary. 

The fact is that the "drive" persists; so does the payola, in one 
form or another. And as for the idea of not showing this or 
that disk company, ad agency, sponsor, recording artist, and 
what-have-you, which song is No. 1 in performances on the 
sheet, that's so much eyewash. The 1-2-3, etc., breakdown, 
theoretically for intra-office use, is widely swapped by publishers 
with outside contacts, to the degree that Variety abstaining 
from publishing said information is not only kidding the music 
men, but tending rather to insult the intelligence of almost all 
of their contacts. So, instead, of it being a pseudo-hush-hush 
exchange of information around Hollywood & Vine, in Holly- 
wood, or Lindy's in New York, it may as well be made privy to 
all. . Abel. 



King Opens Concert Tour 
In Mpls. to Hot B.O. Take 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
Wayne King opened his conceit 
revue in Milwaukee and jammed 
more than 6,000 mustomers into the 
Milwaukee Auditorium at a $3.60 
top. Take was estimated at over 
$10,000. King carries Perry Franks 
and Janyce, dance team; King Choir, 
four boys and four girls, plus his 
vocalists Nancy Evans and Ken 
Stevens. 

Concert tour will hit 43 cities end- 
ing in Springfield, III., Nov. 1. 



N.Y. Local 802 Asks for Meeting With 
Cap, Par, Strand, N. Y., on Standbys 



Standby situation in New York, 
•which went out several weeks back 
when the Taft-Hartley law took ef- 
fect, may be revived in the near 
future. New York local 802 of the 
American Federation of Musicians, 
which has signed contracts with the 
major vaude houses in N. Y., includ- 
ing the Capitol, Paramount and 
Strand, which employ name travel- 
ling orchestras in conjunction with 
vaude. and films, is seeking a meet- 
ing with representatives of the 
house. It is 802's contention that the 
current contract, which doesn't ex- 
pire until next Labor Day, should be 
honored as to its standby clauses re- 
gardless of the T-H act and its effect 
on such things. 

It's probable that a meeting be- 
tween 802 officials and theatre men 
and attorneys will be arranged Borne 
time this week. What the former 
will want from the theatres is not 
clear even to the union men, it's 
asserted. They want a meeting to 
discuss the situation. 



Shuberts Sue To 
Stop RCA Albums 
Of Their Musical 

Radio Corp. of America (RCA 
Victor) was slapped with a $100,000 
damage suit brought Friday (19) in 
N. Y federal court by April Pro- 
ductions and the Select Operating 
Co. (Shuberts), charging unlawful 
use of the title, "Blossom Time," in 
a record album distributed by RCA 
under that designation. An injunc- 
tion is sought restraining further 
sale of the album. 

Plaintiffs, owners of the operetta, 
"Blossom Time," also claim the de- 
fendant employed misleading adver- 
tising to promote the album and 
along with illegal use 'of the title 
are faced with unfair competition. 
In 1946, the complaint states, RCA 
conceived the idea of selling record 
albums containing songs from mu- 
sical productions. It issued one on 
the "Red Mill," then began negotia- 
tions with a Shubert representative 
for reproductions of "Blossom Time" 
and "The Student Prince" in album 
form, but the deal was never final- 
ized. 

It's further charged that i n the 
May 23, 1947, issue of Life Magazine 
an RCA advertisement stated that 
"Al Goodman, conductor of 'Blos- 
som Time,' now brings you !0 songs 
from the operetta." ~ But, the Shu- 
berts allege, these songs were not 
from the actual stage production. 
They also charge that, as a result of 
the RCA album sales, prospective 
customers of the operetta would be 
discouraged from attending perform- 
ances. 



Chi Femirie Symph Assn. 
Goes Into Bankruptcy 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 

The Woman's Symphony Orches- 
tral Assn. of Chicago tossed in the 
bankruptcy sponge last week, listing 
assets of $5,736 and debts, mainly 
wages, of $19,676. 

Assn., founded 20 years ago, spon- 
sored several concerts annually. Its 
income was derived from public 
subscription and admission charges. 



British Decca Into 
Competition in U.S. 
With Ex-Affiliate 

Decca, Ltd., British recording com- 
pany which for years was in the 
financial background of the U. S. 
Decca company, apparently is going 
into competition in this country with 
its former affiliate. English Decca 
outfit is behind the new London 
Gramophone Co., which recently 
opened offices in New York and will 
soon begin distribution here of disks 
cut by British star performers under 
a London label. 

Tootie Camarata, former musical 
director for U. S. Decca, is deeply 
involved in the new setup. He con- 
ducted music for many of the 22 
sides to be . ready for release about 
Nov. .15, two of which were made by 
the Kingsley Symphony Orchestra 
under his direction. Other disks in 
the initial shipment are by Am- 
brose's Orchestra, Gracie Fields. Ann 
Shelton, Vera Lynn, et al. They are 
all 10-inch and will sell here for 
85c. They are being pressed in Eng- 
land by Decca, Ltd., expressly for 
distribution in this country. Inci- 
dentally, the disks are claimed to be 
exceptional technically, in that they 
provide reproduction up to 14,000 
cycles, which isn't too far from 
double the reproductive accuracy 
of the average U. S. pop disk (not 
classical, however, such as RCA- 
Victor's Red Seal, Columbia's Mas- 
terworks and Decca 's more expen- 
sive platters). 

At one time, Decca, Ltd., and the 
U. S. Decca firm operated by Jack 
Kapp were so closely entwined that 
E. R. (Ted) Lewis, of the British 
outfit, was chairman of the Kapp 
firm's director board. He pu'led out 
and relations were severed some 
time ago. 



AFM Officially 
Tells of Changes 
InNewMgtRules 

American Federation of Musicians 
last week officially' advised booking 
agencies and bandsmen about the 
changes agreed upon at last June's 
annual convention in Detroit, name- 
ly shortening terms of management 
contracts. Agency people received 
the information officially only the 
middle of last week though the new 
rules had been made effective as of 
Sept. 15 and the letters that cited 
the changes were dated as of 'that 
day. 

New terms call for contracts to 
run a maximum of five years, with 
two-year option, as against the prior 
seven years with three-year option. 
Too, a bandleader is allowed to can- 
cel an agency contract with due 
notification if he is not offered book- 
ings for four consecutive weeks. 
Further, an agency may not attempt 
to renew a contract before the final 
two years of its existence. 

While these changes were decided 
upon at the June convention, they 
did not come up for ratification be- 
fore' the entire delegate group at the 
meet. They were pushed aside and 
mulled during meetings of the AFM 
executive board and executed via 
powers given to AFM prexy James 
C. Petrillo to act as he sees fit on any 
items that the convention itself did 
not judge. 

Insertion of the changes of the 
rules, incidentally, were cited in 
Variety immediately after the con- 
vention had adjourned. 



Outside Arbitration May Be Needed 
To Settle 2 Points in ASCAP-Radio Pact 



Errol Garner, local jazz pianist 
who came back home in August for 
a month at. the Mercur Music Bar, 
Pitt, and then stayed four more 
weeks apparently has decided to 
stick around for a while longer. He 
signed a new two-month pact with 
downtown spot, extending through 
end of November. 



JAMES TO COME EAST 
AGAIN AFTER XMAS 

Harry James will come into the 
eastern territory again for one- 
nigh ters .and possibly location work 
soon after the first of the year. This 
will mean he will have made four 
junkets east within 12 months as 
against the one comparatively brief 
hop a year ago. 

James goes into the Palladium 
Ballroom, Hollywood, next Tuesday 
17), following Jimmy Dorsoy, for six 
weeks. He then conies east for a run 
at the Clicks Club. Philadelphia, 
| opening Nov. 23. Thereafter he 
I works only four or five one-nighlers 
'on the way home for the holidays. 
After that he comes east again. 



Guy Lotnbardo Band 
Helps Tee Up World 
Series With Concert 

Pre-game ceremonies yesterday 
i Tuesday) for the World Series 
opener at the Yankee Stadium, New 
York, included a half-hour Guy 
Lombardo band concert. His outfit 
accompanied Helen Jepson, who 
sang the national anthem. 

Orchestra's appearance at the ball 
park's center field flagpole was a 
goodwill gesture, entirely cuffo, with 
Lombardo paying his men scale as 
per union rules. Concert is also 
slated to be done prior to today's 
(Wed.) game. Band is due in the 
Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y., Oct. 13. 



Ingle's 'Tim-Tayshun' 
Earning Him N. Y. Nitery 

Red Ingle's hillbilly orchestra of 
seven men and a girl, which made 
a rep with the "Tim-Tayshun" 
("Temptation") disk it clicked with 
on the Capitol label with Jo Staf- 
ford months back, is headed for 
New York. Outfit has been booked 
into the Chicken Roost, Broadway 
nitery, by the William Morris agen- 
cy. He'll open on an as-yet undesig- 
nated date in December. 

On his way east, Ingle is playing a 
string of theatre dates. He's work- 
ing the two weeks preceding the 
N. Y. location at the Oriental thea- 
tre, Chicago, at $6,500 guarantee, 
and has a stand at the Plantation, 
Houston, to cover before that. 

Meanwhile, most major agencies 
are looking closely into the hillbilly 
field for talent. They see the rising 
tide of popularity for that type of 
performer as a gold mine of com- 
missions. Up until now, none of the 
top booking outfits bothered much 
with the field, figuring it amounted 
to peanuts in the overall scheme of 
things. Another item that awakened 
them to the possibilities in the corn- 
crooners and guitar-twangers was 
the two-day concert by Ernest Tubb 
and his unit at Carnegie Hall, N. Y., 
almost two weeks ago, which grossed 
a fat $9,500. 



Midwest Ballroom Ops 
Assn. Elects Geer As 
Prez Vice Carl Fox 

Des Moines, Sept. 30. 

Larry Geer, Ft. Dodge, promoter, 
was elected president of the Mid- 
western Ballroom Operators' Assn. 
at the group's 1947 meet held here 
last week. Geer, who had been sec- 
retary-treasurer, succeeds Carl Fox, 
Mason City. Kenneth Moore, Chi- 
cago, was elected vice-president; Bill 
Wittig, Kansas City, Mo., secretary, 
and' Alice McMahon, Indianapolis, 
treasurer. 

Of nine directors named (two 
Iowans), Tom Archer, of Des Moines, 
was re-elected for three years, and 
Verle Sissel, Oelwein, elected for 
two years. 

Midwestern- Ballroom Operators' 
Assn. was formed about four years 
ago, the Iowa Ballroom Operators' 
Assn. being the nucleus. Approxi- 
mately 150 persons attended the an- 
nual meeting held here. 



Arbitration from outside sources 
may be resorted to by the commit- 
tees representing the American So- 
ciety of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers and radio interests as a 
means of ironing out two facets of 
the attempt by the two factions to 
work out an extension of the current 
contract between them. While it's 
emphasized that relations surround- 
ing ASCAP-radio negotiations lor 
extension of the contract beyond the 
Dec. 31, 1949, expiration date have 
been extremely amicable through a 
series of meetings thus far, the in- 
ability of the network and inde- 
pendent-station factions within the 
radio group to agree on two items 
may bring about the outside arbitra- 
tion. 

Dispute concerns the responsibil- 
ity for payment on a commercial 
basis of programs that are originated 
by a network station as sustaining 
shows and are sold locally by chain 
outlets. In the past, ASCAP has 
been paid for the use of music on 
these programs on the basis of the 
lower network rate. But, it con- 
tends that under such circumstances 
it should be paid the higher com- 
mercial rate when such a program 
is sold locally. Both radio factions 
agree that ASCAP has a case, but 
neither can agree as to whether 
the network or the local outlet 
should be responsible for the extra 
revenue. 

ASCAP's next meeting with the 
radio people, on Oct. 15 in New 
York, may settle the question with- 
out recourse to outside adjudication, 
but it's held unlikely. And ASCAP 
feels that the situation has gone far 
enough, that in the seven years 
since the current contract with radio 
has been in existence it has lost a 
total of $1,500,000 in revenue on 
these fractional differences. 

Another angle of radio program- 
ming ASCAP doesn't like is the spot 
announcement so used at the end 
of a sustaining show as to infer 
that the sponsor of the briefie paid 
for the preceding or subsequent 
time. 



HEIDT INTO N. Y. CAP 
AFTER 1ST OF THE YEAR 

Horace Heidt's orchestra has 
been booked into the Capitol theatre, 
N. Y., it's first Broadway stand since 
prior to the date several years ago 
when Heidt broke up his combo as 
a result of an argument with Music 
Corp. of America. He goes into the 
Cap after the first of the year, fol- 
lowing Tommy Dorsey. 

Heidt debuted his new combina- 
tion at his own Trianon ballroom, 
Los Angeles, last weekend. He set 
it up several weeks ago in anticipa- 
tion of the delivery of a radio show, 
upon which a new contract with 
MCA was said to hinge. Heidt; got 
the radio show— for Philip Morris — 
late last week. He starts sometime 
in December, in the spot how occu- 
pied Tuesday by Milton Berle. 



ASCAP Offers to Negotiate 

Chicago. Sept. 30. 
Midwest Ballroom Operators Assn., 
flush from its victory over the 
American Federation of Musicians 
in the Form B contracts case, drew 
an offer at its annual convention in 
Des Moines from the American So- 
ciety of Composers. Authors and 
Publishers to negotiate new con- 
tracts on a blanket-membership 
basis. This is- a step the Assn. has 
long sought, instead of the individ- 
ual contract plan « now in effect. 
Members, some of whom own sev- 
eral ballrooms of the same size, as- 
sertedly had to pay different fees 
according to location, and they didn't 
like it. 

On the other hand. BMI, repre- 
sented by Harold Ornstein, made 
first pitch to the ops for a contract, 
pointing out the recently made Kar- 
zas ballroom contracts. Iowa men 
referred both the ASCAP and BMI 
deals to a special music committee, 
headed by Tom Archer. 



Bob Burton Teaches 

Bob Burton, new v.p; and resident 
attorney of Broadcast Music Inc., in 
New York, will again teach this fall. 
He resumes for the third consecutive | 
y< ar a special course at City College i 
of N. Y. titled "Copyright and Busi- | 
ness Practices of the Publishing and 
Entertainment Industries." 

Sc'-sions are calendared once 
weekly lasting 100 minutes. They're 
eenducted at CCNY's downtown 
branch. 



ANTI-ASCAP SUIT UP 
IN OREGON OCT. 15 

Louis Frohlich, general counsel 
for the American Society of Com- 
posers, Authors & Publishers shoves 
Off for the Coast, Oct. 11. to handle 
argument before the Oregon su- 
preme court on anli-ASCAP law, 
which is currently up on appeal. 
Tentative d;(te for hearings before 
the state court has been set for Oct. 
15 in Olympia. 

Action on appeal is a declaratory 
one brought by ASCAP against res- 
taurants, taverns and theatres to re- 
cover licensing fees. Basis of suit 
is a claim by ASCAP that it has 
cojfiplicil ' with the anti-ASCAP law 
by tiling specified data on its activi- 
ties. Society won in the lower court 
and the restaurant and .theatre op- 
erators thereupon appealed. 



Provisional Tie 
With Promoters 
GetsT.D.Nixeroo 



Tommy Dorsey has run into a 
unique situation due to the close 
tieup between the operation of his 
orchestra and the conduct of his 
transcribed disk jockeys shows, 
which are now used commercially 
on more than 150 stations through- 
out the U. S., Hawaii and Puerto 
Rico. Several indie stations in small 
towns have approached him on the 
idea of their promoting alone, or 
co-promoting with him, dances in 
auditoriums in their territory so as 
to capitalize on the obvious exploita- 
tion value of such a tieup. 

Dorsey has either turned these 
bids down already or will do so on 
the theory that in almost every area 
there is a dance promoter who would 
resent a radio station's turning its 
hand to running a dance, or Dorsey 's 
cooperation with them in such a 
venture. 

As it stands now, Dorsey's box- 
office value is receiving great im- 
petus from the natural and designed 
exploitation emanating from and 
built around his disk shows. When 
he hits towns for regularly promoted 
dances in which there is a station 
carrying his shows, lie is profiting 
nicely from the efforts of the out- 
lets in his behalf. For example, he 
played Fresno, Cat., a couple weeks 
ago and the station there carrying 
him had a blimp flying overlie. id 
advertising his programs and his 
dance. Others have gone just as far. 

This has resulted in Dorsey rack- 
ing up some unusually high b.o. fig- 
ures in the west and midwest. All 
told, it's figured that one year on the 
air with his transcribed shows Will 
amount to 50,000 hours, probably 
more radio exploitation than any 
name performer is getting. 



LEEDS' COWBOY XMAS-ER 

Leeds Music has scheduled a 
unique approach to the popularity 
of cowboy tunes. It is publishing a 
tune called "A Cowboy's Xmas 
Song." said to be the first song in 
that category constructed with 
Xmas lyrics. 



36 



RECORDS—DISK JOCKEYS 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



'Peace Pipe' Song Means Anything 
But Peace for Pubs, Recording Men 



There have been many hassles 
over songs, recording release dates, 
etc., in the past year between music 
publishers and recording compa- 
nies, but few of the arguments 
match the career of a song called 
"Pass the Peace Pipe." On the re- 
stricted list about two years, the tune 
was recently released for publication 
again, arid so the fun began anew. 

Roger Eden, Ralph Blaine and 
Hugh Martin penned it more than 
two years ago. They showed it to 
Dinah Shore, then with RCA-Victor, 
and she liked the song so much she 
recorded it for the label. At. that 
time, the writers apparently had not 
-.priced it for publication. Subse- 
quently, and before Miss Shore's 
disk was released, they sold it to 
Metro for a picture. Then, when 
Victor applied for a license for her 
disking, Metro delayed a. few days, 
then rejected Victor's bid for an 
okay (okay was necessary since this 
was the first recording of it) . Metro 
had decided to work it into the "Zieg- 
feld Follies," then in the planning 
stage, and didn't want the tune 
marketed until the film was almost 
ready for release. Victor was forced 
to recall thousands of disks, which 
it had shipped to distributors when 
anticipating the license. And then 
Metro didn't use it in the film and 
the tune laid on the 'shelf — along 
•with Miss Shore's recording! 

Metro recently used the tune in 
its forthcoming "Good News" film. 
That started another hassle. It seems 
Max Dreyfus' Chappell Music had 
had a deal with the producers of the 
show when it was on Broadway and 
this agreement called for Chappell 

} Disk Jockey Reviews 



♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 



to publish the show's music when 
and if it was made into a picture- 
including any other music inserted 
into the film thereafter. That meant 
"Pipe" went to Chappell instead of 
a Metro publishing house. 

Now that "Good News" is to be 
released, Chappell went after all re- 
cording companies recently to disk 
the song/ Victor, having had the 
Dinah Shore master for so long, dug 
it up and copied the lyric and music 
from it when it couldn't get copies 
of the tunes early enough from 
Chappell. It assigned the recording 
of the tune to Beryl Davis and also 
is going to market the long-delayed 
Shore version. By doing this, it had 
Miss Davis' version and the Shore 
arrangement ready for release by 
last week. 

Since other diskers didn't have 
copies and didn't have a master 
around from which to copy the tune, 
they are behind Victor in getting 
the song out. This led Jim Conkling, 
Capitol artists and repertoire head, 
to squawk last week to Dick Powers, 
Metro music division head, about 
Victor's jump on the field. He wants 
a hard and fast release date placed 
on the song to enable companies 
rival to Victor to catch up. But 
Powers can't do that — Chappell owns 
the' tune. 

Meanwhile, Miss Shore is- now 
with Columbia Records and the lat- 
ter is going to record the song with 
Kay Kyser — not Miss Shore. 



Jimmy Spitalny to Contact 
For Stevens Music in NX 

Pittsburgh, Sept. 30. 

Jimmy Spitalny, son of Maurice 
Spitalny, the local radio maestro, 
and nephew of Phil Spitalny, who 
gave up his own band here a couple 
of months ago to try his luck on the 
coast as a nitery single, has decided 
to try ' something else. Young ex- 
Army officer found going pretty 
rough in the cafe field in the west 
and is coming east again to be a con- 
tact man in N.Y. for Stevens Music. 

He'll work out of Manhattan but 
will cover, among other territories, 
the one embracing Pittsburgh for 
the Charlie Spivak-Jack Osfeld firm. 



JAZZBO JAMBOREE 
With Al Collins 

?. Hours; Mon. thru Sat., 4:30 p.m. 
Sponsors: Co-op Commercial 
KNAK, Salt Lake City 

When Al Collins switched to 
KNAK, indie 250-watter, from a Mu- 
tual outlet here, he tied in with a 
station that was running a solid last 
in local Hoopers. Right now- 
KNAK's afternoon Hooper is in a 
close battle for first and a good 
share of the. credit goes to Collins. 

Defying the current 'trend away 
from swing, Collins sticks strictly to 
disk in the groove, softening up oc- 
casionally with ballads by such sing- 
ers as Billie Holiday. His line of 
patter is on the easy side, no punch, 
but plenty of "between you and me." 
His lingo is as hep as his music, 
but the stuff is a solid click with his 
listeners. One of his chief appeals 
is the fact the listener can never be 
too sure of just what's coming next. 

Commercials are supplied by the 
sponsor or agency, but that's no 
guarantee they'll go on the air the 
way they were written. Collins kicks 
them around, . in a manner rem- 
iniscent of Henry Morgan. But, like 
Morgan, he sells, and that seems to 
be the answer. 

On paper the appeal of Jazzbo 
Jamboree should be right down the 
bobby sox alley, and there's little 
doubt the tune-ins are heavy with 
the high school set. But Collins' 
ability to get action on such sponsor 
items as cinder-blocks is an indica- 
tion he has an adult audience too. 
He's definitely a personality, and 
keeps his show in his hip pocket 
from beginning to end. On the rare 
occasions when he sells a commer- 
cial straight, he does a solid job 
without the use of pear-shaped 
tones. Berl. 



Tex Williams' Top 

Dates Due to 'Smoke' 

Wide popularity of Tex Williams' 
Capitol disking of "Smoke, Smoke, 
Smoke" is getting him important 
money for forthcoming theatre dates, 
being booked by Harry Romm. Wil- 
liams is set to start a string of mid- 
west, east and southwest theatre 
dates Oct. 9 at the Oriental theatre, 
Chicago, and the following week at 
the Orpheum, Omaha. Later, he 
goes into the Interstate time in 
Texas. 

Williams, backed by an 11-piece 
cowboy band, is getting guarantees 
of $4,500 weekly against percentages. 



MUSIC SHOP 
With Toby David 
60 Mins; Mon. thru Fri., 5 p.m. 
Participating 
WJR (CBS), Detroit 

Using a free, easy style generally 
spiced with sharp humor, Toby Da- 
vid's twice .daily programs (he also 
does Night Watchman Shows. 11:20 
p.m. to 1 a.m.) are finely balanced to 
meet the demands of both, the young 
ev set with an ear for the jive and 
the elders" who lean to the sweeter 
side. David's delivery is Chatty and 
highly informal and his peculiar 
laughs at his own mistakes have be- 
come almost a feature of his airings. 
A master of dialects, David fre 
quently goes into an imaginary 
argument with himself over request- 
ed tunes — and it all but steals the 
show. It is riot uncommon for him 
to hum along with a record and so 
improve it that he is swamped with 
requests as to the label. 

A formei" professional wrestler 
and football coach, David's soft 
voice and humor belie his 210 
pounds and sixfoot frame. 

David refuses to force his pret 
erence in records on his listeners, so 
if Toby has a favorite style of mu- 
sic it is sHll a secret to his audience 
He answers all requests promptly 
by playing the disks required. 



Richards Seen 
Joining Bourne 

Bill Richards, who'quit as head of 
Columbia Records' Hollywood 
branch several weeks back and who 
has been in New York ever since, 
will in all probability join Saul 
Bornstein's Bourne music publish- 
ing setup when he returns west this 
week. Richards has been east visit- 
ing relatives and vacationing since 
quitting Cap and if he does go with 
Bourne he'll headquarter on the 
Coast, but divide his time fairly 
evenly with Bourne's N.Y. office 
He'll be the company's general man- 
ager. 

Bornstein has been looking for a 
general manager ever since Jerry 
Johnson quit as professional man- 
ager several months ago to shift to 
Southern Music. Bourne said at the 
time that Johnson would not be re- 
placed until he could find a man to 
take over running of the business al- 
most completely and leave him with 
more free time. 



Col. Bigs West 

Ted Wallerstein, president of Co- 
lumbia Records, and Manie Sachs, 
v.p. and head of artists and reper- 
toire, leave New York for the Coast 
Oct. 18. It's their usual annual trip 
and they'll be west about four we^ks. 

Columbia's Coast factory is ap- 
proaching the point where it will 
begin operation. This and artist re- 
lations takes Wallerstein and Sachs 
west. 



Jocks, Jukes and Disks 

. By George Frazier 111 



Buddy Clark and Irving Berlin 

combine their admirable talents with 
great effectiveness in Clark's Co- 
lumbia recording of Berlin's "The 
Freedom Train." Song is a fine one; 
it has abundant guts. It's fortunate 
that Columbia assigned Clark to 
make it. He's an extraordinary 
singer. There was a time when we 
felt, almost unalterably, that Sin- 
atra was the best of the male vocal- 
ists, but we've changed our mind. 



Best Bets 

Ballad — "A Fellow Needs a 
Girl" and "So Far" (Frank Sin- 
atra) and "That's All I Want to 
Know" (Dinah Shore). 

Rhythm— "The Freedom Train" 
(Buddy Clark). 

Latin-American — "Un Poquito 
de Amor" (Noro Morales). " 

Hillbilly — "Let's Ride That 
Plane" (Homer Briarhopper). 

Hot— "St. Louis Blues" (Albert 
Aramons), "Echoes of Harlem" 
(Cootie Williams), and "I Can't 
Escape From You" (Benny Car- 
ter). 

Dance — "Playmates" (Ray 
Herbeck).- 



Clark has all the qualities that be- 
long in a male singer — vigor, reson- 
ance, enunciation, and great style. 
"The Freedom Train" happens to be 
a vigorous song— full of conviction, 
full of splendor — and dark makes 
the most of it. This is a good record. 

"Sincerely Yours," on the reverse, 
seems an understandable but unsuc- 
cessful attempt to duplicate the pop- 
ularity of Clark's "Linda." After the 
manner of the earlier release. Clark 
suddenly stops singing and begins to 
talk. It's rather n.s.g. 

Woody Herman's "Civilization" 
(Columbia) is an engaging treatment 
of the number. Herman performs it 
humorously without, at the same 
time, neglecting its sociological im- 
plications. He is developing into 
quite a pleasant vocalist and the 
juke boxes should investigate the 
talent he displays in "Civilization." 
As much, however, cannot be said 
for the reverse, "Boulevard of Mem- 



—10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines * * * i 



4. 



NEAR YOU (3) (Supreme) Francis Craig ..Bullet 

LADY FROM 29 PALMS (4) (Martin) .l F /f dV M 5'™ £ ictor 

' (Andrews Sisters Decco 

WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16 (11) (Shapiro-B) : ,.J ? er J y £ omo Victor 

~ (Mills Bros Decca 

I WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER NOW (3) (Marks) Perry Como Victor 

PEG O' MY HEART (17) (Robbing) t Harmonicats Vitocous«c 

THAT'S MY DESIRE (23) 



(Bobbins) { Harmonicats 

| Three Suns . 

(Mills) J Frankie haine Mercury 

■ \ Sammy Kaye Victor 



7. TALLAHASSEE (6) (Famous). 



i 8. I HAVE BUT ONE HEART (4) (Barton) . . . 
i : 9. SMOKE, SMOKE, SMOKE (8) (American) . 



( Crosby-Andrews .' . Decco 

\ Vaughn Monroe Victor 

( Vic Damone Mercury 

' \ Frank Sinatra Columbia 

S Tex Williams Capitol 

' | Phil Harris .Victor 



10. FEU DIN' AND FIGHTIN' 



(8) (Chappell) I Dorothy Shay Columbia .. 

I Tex Beneke Victor • ■ 

Coming Up 



YOU DO (BVC) 



I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU (Paramount) 
I WANT TO BE LOVED (Paramount) 



(Dinah Shore Columbia 

" ' } Margaret Whiting Capitol 

$ Betty Hut ion Capitol 

"'■'';( Vaughn Monroe Victor 

S Benny Goodman Capitol 

I Beryl Davis Victor 

KATE (Berlin) Eddy Hownrd Majestic 

HURRY ON DOWN (Criterion) JVeliie Lutcher Capitol 

ON THE AVENUE (Leeds) J Andrews Sisters Decca 

' ' \ Carmen Cavallaro ■;• Decca 

WUIFFENPOOF SONG (Miller-Schlrmcr) Bin g Crosby Decca 

APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING (Shapiro-B) ., ! Buddy Clark ............ .Columbia 

" ". ( Sammy Kaye Victor 

ALMOST LIKE BEING LOVE (Fox) J Frank Sinatra Columbia 

\Margaret Whiting ...Capitol 

NAUGHTY ANGELINE (Simon) S Dick Haymes Decca 

I An Lund M-G-M 

BLACK AND BLUE (Mills) Frankie Lain e Mercury 

KOKOMO, IND. (BVC) ..' ,. • J Bma Crosby Decca 

I Dinah Shore Columbia 

ECHO SAID NO (Lombardo) ,/. ,f Elliot Lawrence Columbia 

\Sammy Kaye Victor 

ASK ANYONE WHO KNOWS (Witmark) Morporer Whiting. ; . Capitol 

(Mart,n) ' Freddy Martin .victor 

< Feist ) Harmonicats Vitacoustic 

SUGAR BLUES (WilUams) . Johmy Mercer . . J ~ 

BALLERINA (Jefferson) 'S' Jimmy Dorsey ....M-G-M 

" IVaughn Monroe Victor 

[Figures in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in chart.-} 
** * ** * ************* uittumnuHnu , , ,, | I MHHMMMH A 



CUMANA 
PEGGY O'NEILL 



ories," which he struggles with— 
without conspicuous success. 

Dizzy Gillespie makes records, too. 
Gillespie, who wears a goatee, is 
something of a Messiah to certain 
underprivileged jazz critics. We 
have no quarrel with their position. 
If critics happen to like goatees, it 
is their inalienable right to praise 
them. However, a musician should 
be judged primarily upon what he 
plays rather than what he grows. 
Gillespie's Musicraft oi "Dizzy At- 
mosphere" sounds to us. very unim- 
portant. He is a vastly accomplished 
technician on the trumpet and be 
achieves some murderous effects, but 
just what he is trying to convey is 
a real puzzle. This is re-bop and 
while it's playing don't mind if we 
go out and feed the birds. "All the 
Things You Are," on the other side, 
is a great deal more rational, but it 
still falls far short of the inspira- 
tions of such trumpeters as Bobby 
Hackett, Bill Davison, Cootie Wil- 
liams, Muggsy Spanier, and a slew 
of others. ' 

The Harmonicats is one group that 
excites even less than Dizzy Gilles- 
pie, but let's be realistic. The kids 
have a following. This week they 
turn up on the Universal label with 
"I Love You" and "My Gal Sal." 
This bracketing should do business. 
It the planned revival of "Little 
Jessie James" meets with any great 
success, you will probably be hear- 
ing "I Love You" on the Wurlitzers. 
The Harmonicats' is the version 
you'll undoubtedly be hearing first. 

Noro Morales, now enjoying a 
huge vogue because of his "Wo' 
hoppen?", has two agreeable new 
Majestic faces. They are "Pan, Pan, 



Suggested Programs 

."It Looks Like Rain in Cherry 
Blossom Lane"— Bobby Hackett 
•(Voealion). 

"Blue Skies"— Maxine Sulli- 
van (Okeh l. 

"A Foggy Day"— Fred Astaire 
(Brunswick). 

"Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' " 
— Alfred Drake (Decca). 

"Some Sunny Day" — Eddie 
Condon (Decca). 

"Come Rain, Come Shine"-- 
Margaret Whiting (Capitol). 

"Stormy Weather" — Duke El- 
lington (Columbia). 



Pan," a guarchia, and "Un Poquito 
de Amor," a beguine. Morales' pres- 
ent popularity probably won't be in- 
creased by either side (since his 
public now expects the comic touch) 
but either of them can stand on. its 
own. "Un Poquito de Amor" hap- 
pens to be a rather lovely thing. 

Dinah Shore's "That's All I Want 
to Know" is healthy sentiment, but 
Miss Shore's enunciation— or lack of 
it— sometimes makes it inexplicit. It 
is backed up by "Lazy Countryside" 
from Walt Disney's "Fun and Fancy 
Free." Miss Shore handles the tune 
quite well. Accompaniment on both 
faces is by Sonny Burke, who is an- 
other man worthy of extensive treat- 
ment in any piece on the Westons 
and the Stordahls. Burke is one of 
the very best in his field. 

Wax Facts 

Ray Herbeck's "Playmates" and 
"Tiss Me or Ya Dotta Det Out" (the 
year's most . offensive song title) 
aren't likely to cause any commotion 
among the more discriminating, but 
they achieve their purpose— which 
IS to provide danceable stuff... 
Benny Carter, certainly .one of the 
giants of jazz, has a Capitol coupling 
of "I Can't Escape From You,"- the 
fine Leo Robin and Dick Whiting 
oldie, and ' Prelude to a Kiss." It 
would be presumptuous to expect 
this disk to sell in any quantity, but 
it's a natural for jazz fans. Band- 
leaders can also learn a thing or two 
about a reed section by listening to 
it. Also in the jazz field, there is 
Albert Amnions' Mercury of 
"Shufflm* the Boogie" and "St, Louis 
Blues." They're both done quite 
well. Aside from hot fans, jocks 
should find them a nice change of 
pace... If you're interested in hear- 
ing a trumpeter who makes Dizzy 
Gillespie sound pointless, hear Cootie 
Williams' Majestic of "Sweet Lor- 
raine" and "Echoes of Harlem." This 
is inspired. It is also on a technical 
level with best of Dizzy ... A 
man named Homer Briarhopper and 
His Dixie Dudes enliven the hill- 
billy field with their Mercury of 
"Let's Ride That Plane" and "Walton* 
in the Rain." "Let's Ride That Plane" 
should do quite handsomely in the 
locales where men are reputedly 
men. 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



PftttlETY 



Oldie Novelties Comeback 

"Feudin* and 1 Fightin'," a current top selling tune, has an origin 
worthy of its title, according to Lane. Song originally was done in an 
Olsen & Johnson show, "Laffin' Room Only," at the Winter Garden, 
N Y., in December, 1944, jointly produced by O&J and the Shuberts. 
latter, at odds with the American Society of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers, notified various radio stations not to play the number. 
Thereupon Lane brought suit against the Shuberts— an action which 
still is pending in the courts. 

"Feudin' " lay dormant, while Lane was fightin', until last summer 
when ASCAP queried him if he would give the Bing Crosby program 
permission to perform it. Dorothy Shay, who had somehow acquired 
a copy, vocalled the number. Result of the broadcast was that Lane 
received calls from some six publishers two days later who said they 
had inquiries from jobbers. Song originally was copyrighted under 
the 1 Bregman-Vocco-Conn (Triangle) imprint, but later was taken 
back by Lane. In a deal with Max Dreyfus, he set up the Mara-Lane 
Music Corp. this year to publish the tune with Chappell as sole selling 
agenuv "Feudin'." is now among the top 10 sheet music and coin- 
machine sellers. Lane, incidentally, wrote the music and collaborated 
with the late Al Dubin on the lyrics. 

Another novelty number likely for revival on the strength of re- 
current plugs is the oldie mock ballad, "Saloon." Apparently feeling 
the tune lacked the dignity of his usual high quality ballads, the late 
jErnest B. Ball cloaked "Saloon's" authorship in the.nom-de-plume of 
Roland' E. Llab (spell it backwards). George A. Whiting collabed. 
Evelyn Knight has been prominent in reviving "Saloon." 



Jerome's New-Style 

Henry Jerome debuts a new-style 
"sweet" orchestra next Tuesday (7) 
at Herman Schubert's Pelham Heath 
Inn, N. Y. Style is somewhat similar 
to the old Hal Kemp approach. t 

Jerome has been working for 
months at Childs Restaurant, Times 
Square, N. Y., with his old band, 
meanwhile perfecting the new one. 



Mose Gumble Dies on Train to H wood; 
Plugger, 71, a Tin Pan Alley Legend 



By ABEL GREEN 4- 

Mose Gumble completed the cycle 
Baturday (27), when he died in 
Elkhart, Ind., on the 20th Century, 
en route to Hollywood. The cycle 
started over 71 years ago in the 
game state— he was born in Sey- 
mour, Ind. When the veteran music 
man left New York on the day be- 
fore he told Herman Staff, head of 
the Warner Bros, music interests, 
for whom he worked, that he "was 
on my way to Heaven." Gumble 
was referring to California, which 
he favored, both climactically and 
as a songplugger's delight because 
so many of the well-knowns with 
whom Gumble enjoyed cordial rela- 
tions for almost a half century were 
domiciled there. 

Gumble's crack about "heaven 
was to dissuade Starr and Mack 
Goldman, general professional man- 
ager of Remick, from insisting he 
shouldn't make the trip as they felt 
it might a bit too arduous for him. 
Gumble suffered a stroke two and 
a half yearB ago, and in the past 
two years concentrated on the 
Standards (revivals, etc.). but in- 
sisted on going out nights to plug 
despite Starr's urgency to the con- 
trary. 

Funeral services are this morning 
(Wed.) at Riverside Memorial, 
N. Y., at 11:45. Gene Buck will de- 
liver the eulogy. 

The music man was removed 
from the 20th Century in Chicago 
after the porter found him in his 
compartment. In past two years he 
was meticulous about never locking 
his bathroom or bedroom, either at 
home or during business, and when 
traveling he would instruct porters, 
valets, et al. that the door was al- 
ways open and to "look in on me." 
Gumble apparently died in his 
sleep. 

Guided Some Greats 

Gumble was a legend in Tin Pan 
Alley. He was one of the kingpins 
at Remick's in the pre-Warner Bros, 
days, where his contacts with the 
show biz greats in musicomedy, 
vaudeville and cafes were limitless. 
As a pulse-feeler of popular music 
tastes he was the business brains 
behind some of the all-time hits. He 
nurtured the Gus Kahns and Ray- 
mond Egans, helped spawn George 
Gershwin, Vincent Youmans and 
Herbert Spencer, charmed the top 
single men and women into giving 
public utterance to their wares. 
Gumble was particularly a fave 
with the . femme headliners. His 
personality contacts with Nora 
Bayes and Grace LaRues, etc., made 
him invaluable to Jerome H. Rem- 
ick. This was also in the pre-WB 
era. When the ' "Hollywood gold 
rush struck Tin Pan Alley, result- 
ing in Warner Bros, buying up a 
pool of copyrights (merged into its 
Music Publishers Holding Corp.), 
Gumble joined with (the late) 
Walter Donaldson and Walter Doug- 
las in forming DD&G. While pro- 
ducing a couple of hits such as 
"Little White Lies" and "You're 
Driving Me . Crazy," the firm ulti- 
mately had to sell out to Bregman, 
Vocco & Conn. 

Though Gumble helped found the 
Music Publishers Contact Employees 
and songpluggers assumed the more 
dignified handle of "contact men,'' 
Gumble took pride in being called 
a songplugger. "You ask Irving 
Berlin what he is, and he'll fell you 
with pride that he's a songwriter — 
(Continued on page 44) 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 87 



Jack Mills' Month Stay 
To Set Up London Branch 

Jack Mills, who sailed Friday (26) 
on the Queen Elizabeth Is due to 
sail back from London in a month, 
i.e., Oct. 25. During the interval he 
plans setting up his branch opera- 
tions abroad. 

H. T. Watkins is his new London 
rep, but before any further expan- 
sion plans are undertaken, Mills 
wants to o.o. the local scene per- 
sonally. 

LA. Agent In 
100G Suit Vs. 
AFM and Execs 

Hollywood, Sept. 80. 
Lee Soble, agent and band booker, 
Friday (26) filed suit against Ameri- 
can Federation of Musicians, James 
C. Petrillo, Local 47, J. K. Wallace, 
47 prexy and John TeGroen, v-p of 
the local, for $100,0C0, In Los Angeles 
Superior court. Action claims con- 
spiracy and unlawful restraint of 
livelihood. 

A booker for 12 years, Soble lost 
his franchise in May, 1945, without 
explanation, he claims. License 
was restored in August during the 
House labor sub-committee hearings, 
on the eve of the agent's appear- 
ance as a witness. Soble says he has 
never been informed of the reasons 
for the loss of his franchise. 

Russell E. Parsons, attorney han- 
dling a Burbank theatre suit against 
the AFM is handling the case for 
Soble. 

.»»♦♦♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 



'Serenade Song 
Spells Trouble 

Morris Music, which last week 
acquired the tune, "Serenade of the 
Bells," via its purchase of the 
Warock catalog from Johnny O'Con- 
nor, who had assigned the tune to 
Warock from his Woodward firm, 
may wind up in a legal argument 
for its pains. Feist, which is pub- 
lishing a song titled "Miracle of the 
Bells," has been discussing a course 
of possible action about the "Sere- 
nade" case with Jahney's attorneys, 
O'Brien, Driscoll, Raftery & Lawler. 

It seems that some months ago Al 
Goodhart and Kay Twomey brought 
to Harry Link, of Feist, a tune titled 
"Miracle of the Bells," admittedly 
based on Russell Janney's best-sell- 
ing book which Lasky-McEwen has 
filmed for RKO release. Link turned 
the tune down due to the fact that 
the book's author and Father Joe 
Conners were then collaborating on 
a song which later was taken by 
Lasky-McEwen for Inclusion in the 
fiim. It carried the book title, too. 
Janney warned all publishers at the 
time that he was writing a title song 
and any other based on his book 
would be fought legally. Cj 

Later, Goodhart and Miss Twomey 
apparently handed their song to 
O'Connor, who set up the Woodward 
firm to hold It, and the title was 
changed to "Serenade of the Bells," 
but the lyric line of "Miracle of the 
Bells" was allowed to stand. Sammy 
Kaye recorded the tune thus for Vic- 
tor, and the disking created so much 
demand for sheet sales that various 
publishers began trying to find- the 
owner of the Woodward firm, who 
was then unknown but who turned 
out to be O'Connor. 

Getting bids from all sides for the 
song, O'Connor, who had been try- 
ing to sell the Warock firm, trans- 
ferred the tune there and offered the 
package for sale. E. H. (Buddy) 
Morris concluded a deal with him 
on the Coast for approximately 
$80,000. 

Now Feist is in a huff over the 
fact the "Serenade" song beat its 
own title song to the market and 
apparently is becoming a success 
and wants to fight it. It claims that 
O'Connor's setting up of Woodward 
strictly for the purpose of holding 
the "Serenade" song was strictly s 
method of dodging a refusal of ac- 
ceptance, on the title from the Music 
Publishers Protective Assn. (Wood- 
ward did not become a MPPA mem- 
ber), which already had Janney's 
'Miracle" title on file. 



'Albums Test Case-and 'Okla!' 

This suit by the Shuberts over the "Blossom Time" album is a test 
case for all the disk companies, especially in light of the recently 
growing practice of issuing albums of this or that show, with or with- 
out the original casts. It started when Jack Kapp waxed the ''Okla- 
homa!" album with the original cast, but since then selections from 
past and present musicals have been put together, tied in naturally 
with a new or currently revived production of the shows on Broadway. 

Incidentally, "Oklahoma!" has sold 900,000 sets at $5 each— or $3 
wholesale — and when it hits 1,000,000 albums Richard Rodgers and 
Oscar Hammerstein 2d have promised Decca prexy Kapp "the biggest 
party you ever saw." 

The idea of one album proving a $5,000,000 gross commodity— or 
$3,000,000 volume sales to the wholesalers, meaning Decca — is in itself 
something historic, For Rodgers & Hammerstein, Max Dreyfus and 
their Williamson Music Corp., which publishes the "Okla!" score, this 
1,000,000-album seller represents $240,000 in royalties, since the six 
disks (12 sides), at 2c royalty per side, represent 24c royalty to the 
songsmiths. 



In Winning 'Candy Case, Abel es 
Establishes 2 Music Biz Precedents 



BRABEC TO MCA 

Irving Brabec was added to 
Music Corp. of America's salesman 
staff in New York last week. He 
will work in the location and small 
band department. 

Brabec was formerly with the 
McConkey Agency, Chicago, and 
Frederick Bros. 



Best British Sheet Sellers 



(Week Ending Sept. 25) 



London, Sept. 26. 



Now Is the 

Sorrento 

Chi-Ba-Ba 

Guilty 

People Will Say 



Hour K Prowse 

, . Ricordi 

Sun 

'" *!!!"'". . ... F. D. & H. 

Chappell 



Dash 

' ' ... Morris 

f. d. & h. 

P. Maurice 

Garden In the Rain" .' ! Connelly 

Sun In the Morning Berlin 

What a Beautiful Morning Lhappell 



Little Old Mill 
I Believe 
Mam'selle 
Old Spanish Trail 



Second 12 



• *••*•• .»••• 



..Connelly 
..L. Wright 
. Connelly 
, . Berlin 



Heartaches 

Souvenirs 

Anniversary Song 

•• They Say It's Wonderful . 

• ' Gal in Calico • • Feldrnan 

. . Marianne 

" Time After Time .... 
Donegal 

• ■ Try Little Tenderness 

•' Lovely World and You Cmeghomc 

My Adobe Hacienda Southern 

♦ First Love My Last Love Dash 

x * ******* * ***** ** ***************** 



. Southern 
. Morris 
. Leeds 
. Connelly 



RCA to Begin Disking 
'Shoes' Score Oct. 12 

RCA-Victor has set Oct. 12 as the 
date on which it will begin record- 
ing the cast of the "High Button 
Shoes" musical for release in album 
form. Company also has acquired 
the rights to record the Richard 
Rodgers-Oscar Hammerstein show, 
"Allegro," now in Boston, but no 
date has been set for the recording. 

Victor, incidentally, got up a $15,- 
000 advance for the rights to both 
shows, against royalties. For the 
guarantee, the producers in each 
case agreed to hand over to Victor 
all component parts of the shows for 
recording. Expenses are covered by 
the producers out of 15G advance. 



ASCAP Asks U.S. 
To Include BMI 
On Any Decree 

Dept. of Justice is faced with a 
demand by the American Society of 
Composers, Authors & Publishers 
that it bring in Broadcast Music, Inc., 
radio-birthed rival of ASCAP, as a' 
defendant in the anti-trust suit 
which the Government brought re- 
cently to halt signing of international 
exclusivity contracts. That's the rea- 
son for the protracted negotiations 
between ASCAP and the D of J on a 
consent decree which was submitted 
to Government legalities some time 
back but still remains to be inked. 

ASCAP's attorneys have told the 
Justice Dept. that they're willing to 
endorse a decree which wipes out 
the exclusivity deals, but that they'll 
fight the case through the courts if 
BMI isn't compelled to agree to the 
same limitations. While the Society 
concedes that the Government case 
may be sound in its attack on the 
overseas deals, there's no intention 
of coming to a deal on a consent de- 
cree which would tie its hands, but 
.leave BMI free to engage in the 
same practices. 

ASCAP is all the more insistent 
because its officials feel that BMI 
was the prime mover behind the 
bringing of the action. D of J has 
indicated a willingness to include 
BMI on the decree and the time lag 
has been attributed to behind-the- 
scenes jockeying by the Government 
to win a voluntary decree from BMI. 



START ALLOCATING 
FOREIGN ASCAP COIN 

Foreign royalty coin received by 
the American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers for distribu- 
tion to writers and publishers, which 
was not supposed to have been dis- 
tributed for weeks yet due to the 
tremendous task of dividing the 
funds, is ready for mailing. As a 
matter of fact, initial checks from 
the approximate $900,000 backlog of 
foreign coin will go out to ASCAP 
members this week. 

Committee which supervised the 
distribution of the money, the ma- 
jority of which is going to writers, 
allocated the coin on the basis of 
member classifications as of 1940 
and 1941, and thereby was able to 
complete the distribution much 
sooner than expected. 



A novel court maneuver obtained 
a dismissal for Robbins Music Corp., 
during the past week, of the action 
instituted against it by Maceo Pink- 
ard and Edna Alexander over the 
1944 song "Candy." In 1927, Pink- 
ard and Miss Alexander had con- 
tracted with W. C. Handy for the 
publication of their song, "Sugar," 
but early in 1944 they instituted 
action against Handy for the return 
of the song, upon the ground that 
he had failed to sustain its commer- 
cial value. In April, 1944, before the 
Handy action was determined, Rob- 
bins acquired the song from the 
writers and Handy, for an advance 
of $3,500. 

In October, 1944, Leo Feist, 
Inc., a Robbins "'affiliate, pub- 
lished "Candy," which became one 
of the outstanding hits of that year. 
Pinkard and Miss Alexander then 
instituted an action in the N. Y. 
supreme court against Robbins on 
the theory that Feist was controlled 
by Robbins; that there was substan- 
tial similarity in both the lyric and 
music of the two songs, and that 
"Candy" derived its title from the 
lyric of "Sugar"; that while "Candy" 
had been extensively exploited by 
Feist and achieved tremendous 
popularity, the royalties received by 
plaintiffs from "Sugar" had been 
only $160.56; and that if Robbins had 
exercised its best efforts in exploit- 
ing "Sugar" instead of "Candy," 
plaintiffs would have received sub- 
stantial royalties; by reason of 
which plaintiffs were entitled to the 
same royalties for "Candy" as Robr 
bins had contracted to pay them for 
"Sugar," which they computed to be 
at least $25,000. 

Julian T Abeles, of Abeles & 
Bernstein, tried the case for Robbins 
before a jury. Plaintiffs introduced 
testimony that Jack Robbins, then 
head of the Robbins group, had 
promised immediate top exploitation 
for "Sugar." Plaintiffs put on Abe 
Olman (the Robbins group's top 
man) to establish the relationship 
between Feist and Robbins, and Phil 
Kornheiser (formerly with the Rob- 
bins group) to establish that he sent 
a letter to plaintiffs promising ex- 
ploitation for "Sugar." 

Legal Twist 

Abeles then sprung the surprise 
move of introducing his entire de- 
fense through plaintiffs' witnesses, 
Olman and Kornheiser, through 
whom he proved that while "Candy" 
was a popular song, "Sugar" was a 
"popular standard"; that a "popu- 
lar standard" is never exploited as 
a current popular song, unless a 
public demand for its revival is cre- 
ated by a record or motion picture; 
that of 25,000 popular standards in 
the Robbins, Feist and Miller cata- 
logs, only 10 were ever revived as 
current pop plugs, and in each in- 
stance by a record or motion picture; 
and that accordingly when Robbins 
took "Sugar," it could not have been 
anticipated that it would be ex- 
ploited as a popular song until inter- 
est was revived by a record or mo- 
tion picture. 

Abeles further established, through 
the same witnesses, that 130 
songs with the same basic 
idea and theme, had been copy- 
righted since 1876, of which nine had 
been published by Feist and Rob- 
bins; that it was a common practice 
for songs to be simultaneously pub- 
lished, with the same basic idea and 
theme of lyric and melody: and that 
Olman had recently printed editions 
of "Sugar," in anticipation of any 
one of a number of recordings 'ob- 
tained by him since the institution 
of the action) giving the song im- 
petus. Abeles then moved at the end 
of plaintiffs' case to dismiss, upon 
(Continued on page 44) 



38 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



0%U an >w>ri 

ill J ItOIlll 

Illian t«>it'" 
S&Hjnul. : ": t 

lun I'll' 1 

B i \imo\ 
m lira, a 

I cuoil 

I an W 
|-> bflnol 
|aO OCX*. 




RECORD RMHFMt 
APRIL SHOWERS 



BREAKS 





Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



PfimETY 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



39 



» > ♦ »»«»»>■ 



ii Songs With Largest Radio Audience f 

• • The top 31 songs of the week, based on the copyrighted Audience 
" Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over Radio 

Networks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John G. 
Peatman, Director. 

Survey Week of September 19-25, 1947 

Ain'tcha Ever Comin' Back Sinatra 

. All Of Me Bourne 

!' Almost Like Being In Love— ""Brigadoon". .-. Sara Fox 

■' An Apple Blossom Wedding Shapiro-B 

As Long As I'm Dreaming— f'Welcome Stranger" Burke-VH 

• • Ask Anyone Who Knows . ..... Witmark 

' ' Come To the Mardi Gras . . .' . . Southern ' 

', ', Don't Tell Me Bobbins, 

•■ Echo Said "No" ... ..- . . . . . Lombardo 

Feudin' And Fightin' Chappell 

• Fun And Fancy Free— f'Fun And Fancy Free'' Santly-Joy 

' ' I Have But One Heart : Barton 

J Wish I Didn't. Love You So— f'Perils Pauline" Paramount 

> ■ I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now ....... ., ... . . ..Marks 

;; j e Vous Aime— f'Copacabana" ,. .....Crawford 

-• Just An Old Love Of Mine C-P 

•• Kate • ...... ••' .............. .\ Berlin 

'. . Lady From 29 Palms .i Martin 

• • Lazy Countryside— f'Fun And Fancy Free" ......... . Santly-Joy 

I ; Naughty Angeline Simon 

• ■ Near You Supreme 

" On the Avenue ..... . Leeds 

', '. Oh the Old Spanish Trail . . . v. .... . . ........ Maurice 

■ ' Peg O' My Heart Robbins 

• * So Far— ""Allegro" ....... Williamson 

Stanley Steamer Warren 

Tallahassee Famous 

; ; That's My Desire Mills 

Whiffenpoof Song Miller 

You Do— f'Mother Wore Tights" BVC 

You're Not So Easy To Forget Feist 



Clinton's Hub Break-In 

Larry -Clinton, who's returning to 
the band wars . after some years' 
absence, will break in the new 
combo on a brief location date at 
the Symphony Ballroom < formerly 
Raymor), Boston, followed by six 
college dates. Symph opening is set 
for Oct. 28 and, following the one- 
nighters, Clinton goes into Frank 
Dailey's Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, | 
N. J., Nov, 11. for six weeks. 

Clinton's new band is based on an 
idea he has been playing with for 
months, and the leader, wjno onco 
headed the No. - 1 b.o. band of the 
country, still will not divulge tho 
instrumentation. Combo is made ,ip 
of 10 or 11 pieces; that's all that's 
known. 



Accepted Pub-Writer Payoff Formula 
Seen Unlikely to Undergo Change 



The remaining 19 songs of the week, based on the copyrighted ■ ■ 
Audience Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over ', 
Radio-Networks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John 
G. Peatman, Director 

All My Love Harms 

As Years Go By Miller 

Cecilia .; ABC 

Christmas Dreaming .......... Leeds 

Deep Valley — f'Dcep Valley" ..... Remick 

Every So Often Warren 

For Once in Your Life . . Dreyer 

Freedom Train Berlin 

Just Plain Love Morris 

Kokomo, Ind.— f'Mother Wore Tights" : BVC 

Love And the Weather '. Berlin 

My Heart Is a Hobo — f'Welcome Stranger" Burke-VH 

Old Devil Moon — f'Finian's Rainbow" Crawford' 

The Old Ferris Wheel Goldmine 

Story of Sorrento .- ... .. Pemora 

Tennessee Stevens 

Too Marvelous For Words Harms 

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve Famous 

When You Were Sweet Sixteen Shapiro-B 

', ', f Filmusical. *Legit Musical. 



Marjoric Hughes, daughter of 
Frankie Carle, and wife of his pian- 
ist, Hugh Backenstoe, quit as vocal- 
ist of her father's band in midwest 
to return to Coast to await birth of 
her first child. 




Everyone Is Waiting to Hear 

WHAT ARE 
YOU DOING 
NEW YEAR'S EVE 



20TH LAYS OUT 8-10G 
FOR 'AMBER' DISKS 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

A new twist in the exploitation of 
high-budget films cropped up here 
last week when it became known 
that 20th-Fox had laid out between 
$8,000 and $10,000 to underwrite the 
recording of the music of "Forever 
Amber," which RCA-Victor will re- 
lease in album form on a royalty 
basis. Music involved is the 450- 
page, 118-background score from the 
film, written by David Raksin. Vic- 
tor has reduced it to six movements 
of three minutes each for its album. 

Raksin directed the orchestra 
which recorded the music for Victor. 
He used 90 men and at current 
recording rates that represented a 
lot of coin. But, in view of the fact 
that 20th probably will spend plenty 
in exploiting "Amber," the amount 
that went into the recording is 
merely fractional. 20th won't get any 
return on it either unless the album 
sells well and royalty payments 
cover the disbursement. 



Christensen Into 
Mus-Art Agency 

Howard Christensen, who. has 
been accepted as a member of the 
new Mus-Art agency ever since the 
formation of the latter late last year, 
but who 'remained outside the or- 
ganization due to peisonal manage- 
ment contracts, gave up all pretense 
last week in Chicago and joined the 
agency. He had delayed becoming a 
member of the new outfit due to the 
fact that American Federation of 
Musicians regulations forbid man- 
agement and booking at the same 
time by one man or agency, and 
Christensen's management contracts 
remained in force until now. 

Moving into Mus-Art was cued by 
fact that Christensen's pacts with 
Jimmy Dorsey, Jimmy Joy, Ted 
We'ems and Sherman Hayes either 
expired or were cancelled by mutual 
consent. He will follow the original 
plan for him at the time Mus-Art 
was set up, which calls for him to 
be a roving talent-finder and trou- 
bleshooter for the agency, working 
out of Chicago. He will spend time 
in New York with Jack Whittemore 
and Al Gazely. who head that 
branch, and on the Coast with Lyle 
Thayer, who operates the western 
branch. 

Christensen's giving up of Bis 
management of the Weems orchestra 
alleviates a situation with Music 
Corp. of America. At the time 
Weem's old disking of "Heartaches" 
shot to the top of the disk heap and 
he became a strong b.o. property as 
a result, Christensen became Weem's 
personal manager. MCA, knowing of 
Christensen's connection with Mus- 
Art, though to all appearances he 
wasn't involved with the agency, re- 
fused to do business with him. 
MCA's theory was that in conducting 
Weems' business through him, Chris- 
tensen might learn certain things 
which would be relayed to Mus-Art. 
And it didn't release Mus-Art any- 
how, since the latter is made up 
of ex-MCA men. Situation went to 
the AFM for clarification, and the 
latter ruled Christensen had a valid 
contract, which MCA could not dis- 
turb. 

Incidentally, the contract between 
Jimmy Dorsey and General Artists 
Corp. expired Monday (29) and 
nothing has been definitely decided 
about where he will go. Mus-Art has 
an authorization on Dorsey for one- 
nighter's and locations, and Harry 
Romm, New York theatre booker, 
is handling him for theatres. Both 
arrangements are temporary, 



It's unlikely that there will be any 
change in the accepted royally for- 
mula used for years between music 
publishers and songwriters,, despite 
the negotiations going on between 
the . Music Publishers Protective 
Assn. and the Songwriters Protective 
Assn. over a pew • contract. Last 
week's (2G) meeting between the 
committees of both organizations 
spent most of its time going over the 
writers' original demand, for a slid- 
ing scale of royalties, which the 
publishers, stymied.- 

Writers wanted 2V2C a copy for 
the. first 100.000 sheet sales. 3c for 
the next 100.000 and 3ViC for the 
third 100,000. This plan was rejected 
flatly by publishers and the writers 
then discussed a flat 4c a copy. How- 
ever, the setting of a figure such as 
this was opined as a possible vio- 
lation of Sherman anti-trust laws, 
and attorneys for both sides are 
looking into such a possibility: The 



3c royalty now accepted by the pub- 
lishing biz as standard procedure; 
incidentally, is not hard and fast. 
It has been established by precedent, 
not . rule. It varies, too, with film, and 
musical show scores up to as much 
as 6c per copy. 



JOHNSTONE IN PUB 
BIZ WITH BMI DEAL 

Jack Johnstone, former head of 
Tommy Dorsey's Embassy Music in 
New York, is going into the publish- 
ing business for himself via a deal 
with Broadcast Music, Inc. John- 
stone has set up Johnstone, Inc., 
through a financial arrangement 
with .BMI and goes to work imme- 
diately with a tune titled "Why Does 
It Have to Rain on Sunday." 

New firm will have reps in Chi- 
cago and Los Angeles. 



Pathe Now Handling 
Most N.Y. Indies Diskers 

Pathe studios in New York, leased 
last year by Capitol Records soon 
after they had been remodeled into 
one of the most up-to-date disking 
layouts in the east, now do the ma- 
jority . of N.Y. indie disk company 
recording dates. Several months 
back, Capitol, which had an exclu- 
sive lease on the studios, decided to 
throw open the facilities to other 
companies because the amount of 
cutting it did there with its own 
artists did not justify their cost, 
which, with engineers, etc.. on full 
salary week in and week out,, ran 
pretty high. 

Now, in addition to the compara- 
tively few dates with Capitol artists, 
all of the cutting sessions by Musi- 
craft, Signature, Regent and Apollo 
are done in the new studios, along 
with occasional dates by other com- 
panies. 



ED ROGERS NAMED 
EXEC AT MUSICRAFT 

Musicraft Records, which has been 
slowly tieing up the ends of its re- 
organization program, meanwhile 
releasing new disks, added execu- 
tives to its staff recently. Edward 
J. Rogers, formerly with World 
Broadcasting. where Musicraft's 
president, Jack Meyerson, came 
from, was named Meyerson's as- 
jsistarit. William Fortgang is the 
1 new assistant treasurer; Robert T. 
I Schemer, last with Signature Rec- 
ords, takes over as head of the 
label's Ossining. N. Y., pressing 
plant, and Dan Edelman is promo- 
tion and publicity chief. 

Musicraft only a few weeks back 
received the last of the coin for 
which it had been negotiating to 
help float the reorganization plans 
set up and okayed months ago, and 
from all appearances is finally 
ready to go back into business on a 
fuller scale. 



Li 



HIT WISES FOR OCTOBER 

(On Records) 
A GIRL THAT I REMEMBER (bmd 

Tex Beneke— Vic* • Victor lombardo— Maj.* 
Tommy Tucker— Col.* 

CASTANETS AND LACE (Republic! 

Sammy Kaye-Vic. 20-2345 • Bob Houston— MGM 10074 

COME TO THE MARDI GRAS uW) 

Xavier Cugal-Col. 37556 • Freddy Martin-Vic. 20-2288 
Victor lombardo— Mai. 7243 • Fernando Alvores— Sig. 15145 
Guy Lombardo— Dec. 24154 • Dinning Sister*— Cap.* 

FORGIVING YOU < Merlin! 

Harry James-Col. 37588 • Johnny Johnston— MGM 10076 
Sammy Koye— Vic* 

HILLS OF COLORADO (London) 

Guy Lombardo— Dec. 24179 • Robert Scott— Mercury 3069 

I WONDER WHO S KISSING HER NOW (Mari») 

Perry Comb— Vic. 20-2315 • Ted Weems-Perry Como— Dec. 25078 
Ray Noble-Col. 37544 • Dinning Sisters-Cap. 433 
Jean Sablon-Vic. 25-0101 • Danny Kaye— Dec. 24110 
Dick Robertson— Dec. 1512 • Ben Yost Singers— Sonora 1084 
Four Vagabonds— Apollo 1055 • Jack McLean-Coast 8002 
Frank Froeba-Dec. 23602 • Bobby Doyle-Sig. 15057 
D'Artega— Sonoro 2012 • Foy Willing— Maj. 6013 
Joe Howard— Deluxe 1036 • Marshall Young— Rainbow 10002 
Joseph Littau— Pilotone 5132 • Jerry Cooper— Diamond 2082 

JUST AN OLD LOVE OF MINE (Cam P b*n-Porgie) 

Billy Eckstine-MGM 10043 • Dick Forney— Mai. 7248 
Tommy Dorsey— Vic. 20-2371 • Peggy lee— Cap. 443 
Doris Day— Col. 37821 

LOLITA LOPEZ (Encore) 

Freddy Martin— Vic 20-2288 • Dinning Sitters— Cap. 433 

SMOKE! SMOKE! SMOKE! (That Cigarette) 

(American) 

Tex Williams-Cop. 40001 • Phil Harris-Vic 20-2370 
Lawrence Welk— Dec. 24113 • Deuce Spriggim— Coast 243 
Johnny Bond— Col. 37831 

TENNESSEE (Stevens) 

Blue Barron— MGM 10058 • Chali* Spivak-Vic. 20-2422 

THE STORY OF SORRENTO (Pemora) 

Buddy Clark-Xavier Cugat— Col. 37507 • Bobby Doyle— Sig. 15079 

WAIT'LL I GET MY SUNSHINE IN THE 
MOONLIGHT (Vanguard) 

Ginny Simms— Mercury 3014 • Four Chicks I Chuck— MGM— 10048 
Jock McLean-Coast 8009 • Foy Willing— Moj. 6013 
The Mel-Tones-B * W 852 

•Soon U Be Rejected. 

: Coming Up 



AS SWEET AS YOU (Regent) 
DO A LITTLE BUSINESS ON THE SIDE (Valiant) 
LAST NIGHT IN A DREAM (Brightiights) 
MADE FOR EACH OTHER (Peer) 
THAT MISS FROM MISSISSIPPI (Dawn) 
THERE'LL BE SOME CHANGES MADE (Marks) 
WHAT EVERY WOMAN KNOWS (BMI) 
I WHO PUT THAT DREAM IN YOUR EYES 

(Stuart! 

I ZU-BI (Republic) 



BROADCAST MUSIC INC. 

JSC I (TM AVSNUi . NfW YO»" '« N Y 

NEW YORK . CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD 



40 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



P&RIETY 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Coast One-Night Biz 
Booms as Top Names 
Get Out on the Road 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

One-nite band biz all along the 
west coast lias soared to war-time 
peaks again. Whereas one year ago 
the bottom had dropped out and 
promoters were scurrying for shel- 
ter and orchestras were migrating 
eastward, the hue has become so 
roseate agencies are notifying their 
N. Y. superiors that this looks like 
the happy hunting ground (not the 
elephant dying ground) for bands 
during autumn and winter. 

The shot-in-the-arm has been sup- 
plied by such names as Duke Elling- 
ton, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, 
Stan Kenton and Woody Herman, 
who suddenly and rotatively decided, 
to go out on gig junkets. There also 
is an important factor — in fact, 
dancery patrons in the medium-size 
and small towns had been rather 
starved for personaling name or- 
chestras. 

Stan Kenton commenced 25 one- 
niters over weekend, with a stand at 
Balboa Beach. Tour was as large as 
Kenton sought, asking his usual $1,- 
750 against percentage and banking 
as usual on the latter. Last spring, 
when Kenton was red hot (and this 
is his territory), he could squeeze 
only 21 gigs along the Coast; other 
names were getting far fewer than 
that. 

Agencies are finding that promot- 
ers who went into hiding last year 
are bobbing up again, hence the ex- 
pansion in playdates. Surge started 
in August, although somewhat quiet- 
ly, when Duke Ellington ran off a 
socko tour of 23 stands. Some ob- 
servers thought at the time the Ell- 
ington tour was a freak, in that no 
other bands were around, but now 
the big bands are dove-tailing after 
one another and all are doing well. 



SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 

(That Cigarette) 



AMERICAN MUSIC. INC. 

D109 Sunset Blvd., Caret Bomero 
Hollywood 46, Oil. SB W. 48 St., N.V.C. 



15 Best Sheet Sellers 



Wedding Bells 

(Are Breaking Up That Old 
Gang of Mine) 

Al Blank mid His Harmonic* 
(Rainbow No. 50003) 
• 

Black and Blue 

Fraiikie Lalnc (Mercury No. 1036) 

If It's True 

tJolinnyDcsmontl-Vage Cuvunnuglt Trio 
(Victor 20-2312) 
Cootie Williams (Majewt lc 1165) 

, MILLS MUSIC. Inc. 
1619 Broadway New York 19 



(Week Ending September 28) 

Writers Publisher 

. (Francis Craig-Kermit Goell) Supreme 



Title 

NEAR YOtI .I 

WONDER WHOjS KISSING IIER(Wiii M. Hough-Frank Adams-Joseph Howard) Marks 

WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16. .(James Thornton) Shapiro-It 

I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU. . (Frank Loesser) . . . . .....Paramount 

LADY FROM 29 PALMS (Allie Wrubel) .... Martin 

APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING. . (Wat Simon-Jimmy Kennedy) Shapiro-B 

PEG O' MY HEART ..(Alfred Bryan-Fred Fliher) ....Robbing 

YOU DO (Joe Myrow-Mack Gordon) BVC 

FEUDIN' AND FIGHTIN' (Burton hane-Al Dubin) Chappell 

THAT'S MY DESIRE .....(Carroll Loveday-Helmy Kresa) . Mills 

I HAVE BUT ONE HEART (Johnny Farrow-Marty Symes) ....Barton 

WHIFFENPOOF SONG (Meade Minngerode-George Pomeroy-Tod Galloway) . Miller-Sohirmer 

ON THE AVENUE •. . . . (Harold Rome-Fred Freed) Leeds 

ALMOST BEING IN LOVE ..... (Alan Jay Lemer -Frederick Loewe) .. Fox 

KATE (Irving Berlin) Berlin 



Local 47's Wallace 
Takes a Health Rest; 
Memphis Prez, Too 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

J. K. "Spike" Wallace, longtime 
prexy of American Federation of 
Musicians' Local 47, has taken an in- 
definite leave of absence to regain 
his health. Wallace for some time 
has been suffering from a heart con- 
dition and high blood pressure, and 
when Congressional sub-committee 
was here early last month, prexy 
was excused from testifying at probe 
into workings of union. 

Board of directors of the local has 
voted Wallace his full salary weekly 
during period away from desk. He 
will be away a minimum of three 
months. 



Another 'Spike' III 

Memphis, Sept. 30. 

R. L. (Spike) Lesem, business 
agent for the Memphis Local of the 
American Federation of Musicians, 
resigned last week because of ill 
health. He will be on salary on a 
leave-of-absence basis until Jan. 1, 
1948, with the musicians' local set- 
tling a cash sum upon him there- 
after in lieu of his pay for the year 
1948. His contract does not expire 
until 1949. 

Orville Bond, local music store 
owner, was elected by the board of 
directors to serve until the end of 
this year. A full-time, successor 
will be named at the annual elec- 
tion in November. 

Lesem had been the local union 
leader since 1933, but was missing 
from his office for most of this year 
because of illness. Bond had been 
acting in his stead since June. 



Coast Disk Indie Sinks 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Typical of straits in which indie 
outlets find themselves is the auction 
sale today (Tuesday) of Master 
Recorders. Entire works is going 
under the hammer. '. 

Master, property of pair of ex- 
GI's, was" one of the newer outfits 
unable to weather the drop in busi- 
ness. '■ ■ 



Monica Lewis Signed 
By Decca for 2 Years 

Monica Lewis has signatured a 
Decca recording contract, but Ray 
Bloch isn't going along as her musi- 
cal backer-upper. Bloch remains at 
Signature although he has been 
widely recording for Decca's sub- 
sidiary World Broadcasting, and in 
fact has 30 more transcriptions to do 
for World. Miss Lewis' Decca nego- 
tiation was on-and-off, but now 
finally consummated with Herb Gor- 
don of that company. It's for two 
years. 

Enric Madriguera is another new 
Decca waxer, just signed. 



I take great pleasure in announcing 
I have qualified as a Life Member of 
the Million Dollar Round Table of the 
National Association of Life Under- 
ivriters. 

I wish to thank you, among my many 
friends, for your patronage and co- 
operation in helping me attain this 
wonderful achievement. 



Midwest College 
Band Dates Hit 
Best Pace in Yrs. 



Chicago, Sept. 30. 

Midwest college band bookings are 
heaviest in the last decade with 
many smaller schools going in for 
big name bands for the first time and 
others keeping the purse strings 
tight. In the past, colleges were 
splurging if they booked more than 
three or four name orchestras a 
year, but now, in several cases some 
universities are bringing in as many 
as three a month. Purdue, as an ex- 
ample, is booking three, tying in 
with home football games and a 
basketball game. The Indiana insti- 
tution already has lined up Elliot 
Lawrence and Johnny Long. A 
month ago the school brought in the 
Olsen & Johnson revue for two 
smash b.o. performances and skedded 
a repeat date for next year. 

Though several schools have cut 
entertainment budgets they have 
been able to buy good bands at 
lower prices by scheduling dates on 
a Monday, a dead night anyway. 
This way, band can work as high as 
10 school dates a month. Outside 
of territory favorites, entertainment 
buyers are keeping close to the disk 
favorites. 

Iowa State bought Ray 'McKinley 
for three dates last spring for $6,000, 
but this fall (Oct. 24-25) they are 
paying $7,500 for the two days. Stan 
Kenton also gets $2,500 for a stand 
there Nov. 8. Raymond Scott flies 
in from San Francisco for a U. o£ 
Missouri date Oct. 18 at $500 more 
than last year. Duke Ellington is 
the first colored group to crack 
Texas Christian U, Fort Worth, 
where he works Oct. 11. 

Regional groups are reaping a 
harvest at the same time. Many of 
the schools predominantly ex-GI are 
buying them rather than big jiames. 
Bands with local air time are get- 
ting as high as $1,250. Gay Claridge, 
who built up on three years of air 
remotes at the Chez Paree, Chi bis- 
tro, is getting that sort of dough, 
while other bands range from $300 
up. Ivy circuit in the farm belt is 
buying more orchs than ever before, 
but outside of few instances are 
keeping below the thousand mark. 
If grairi prices stay up, bookings for 
spring should be heavy; but if the 
bubble bursts they ain't gonna dance 
no more. 




PHONES: 



INSURANCE-/- 

SO JOHN STREET 
NEW -YORK- CITY 

BOWLING GREEN 9-0284 
WHITEHALL 3-6767 



N. Y. Palladium Keeps 
Name Policy With Elgart 

Palladium ballroom, New York, 
which went in for a semi-name band 
policy last year with Herbie Fields' 
orchestra and others, and sub- 
sequently was threatened with a 
suit by the Hollywood Palladium on 
an alleged name infringement, is 
again going for a big-band policy. 
Les Elgart's orchestra, which has 
played the New Yorker hotel, N.Y., 
and other major dates, opened an 
indefinite date there last week. 

Elgart recently closed a run at 
Rustic Cabin, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 



Music Pubs Up Tree 
On Cutting Terms To 
Lyric Magazines 

Music publishers apparently are 
betwixt and between the idea of re- 
ducing the terms of contracts signed 
by them with Lyle Engle and the 
Charlton organization, by which 'the 
latter two firms secure the rights 
to publish pop-song lyrics in maga-. 
zines. Since the sheet sales slump 
started last spring, both lyric distri- 
butors found the circulation of their 
mags going downhill fast. And they 
found themselves saddled with com- 
mitments to pay major publishers 
stipulated amounts yearly for the 
publication rights to lyrics that no 
longer were as saleable as they were 
when the pacts were made. As a re- 
sult, the companies were forced to 
seek concessions. 

While Charlton and Engle have 
managed to secure reductions of 
terms with some pubs, some amount- 
ing to as much as 25-30%, other pub- 
lishers are being stubborn. They feel 
that tlje mag companies made a deal 
and should stick to it. 

At their peak, the two lyric, out- 
fits were paying more than $750,000 
annually to music pubs for lyric 
rights, a particularly sizeable sum' 
since the mags did business mostly 
with only the major publishers. 



Morrow Gives Up Orch; "•■■* 
Back to Radio Work 

Buddy Morrow, one of the out- 
standing trombonists in the music 
business, gave up his orchestra last 
week and will return to radio studio 
work in New York. He disbanded 
his outfit, after several years of con- 
stant struggling, to return to tlje 
relative security of radio work, in 
which men of high calibre can earn 
up to $800 weekly and more. He 
will be in the Lucky Strike "Hit 
Parade" orchestra, being organized 
here by Hank Ross for conductor 
Axel Stordahl, when the latter comes 
east with Frank Sinatra and Doris 
Day for 10 weeks of airing from N.Y. 

Morrow's decision to give up his 
orchestra undoubtedly was influ- 
enced by the rather tough winter all 
secondary bands will be forced to 
face. Agencies are "finding it in- 
creasingly difficult to book anything 
but the topmost names at the mo- 
ment, and as time goes on others 
figure to follow Morrow out of 
existence. 



Apollo Record label inked Barton 
Bros, to wax ticket last week. 



Oscar Moore's Quitting 
Of King Cole Trio Due 
To Wrangle Over Coin 

Oscar Moore, who quits King Cole 
Trio afte/ combo celebrates loth 
anniversary with concert at Carne- 
gie Hall, N. Y., Oct. 18, will thus 
climax long series of wrangles with 
Nat Cole. He also will be giving up 
one of top incomes of any sideman 
in nation, for guitarist in past year 
has earned $57,000 with Cole. His 
deal, with that of third member of 
the combo, Johnny Miller, calls for 
a percentage of the unit's earnings. 
Aside from all other income, for ex- 
ample, Cole Trio got $96,000 in roy. 
alties from Capitol Records last year. 
Last month, when trio started east- 
ward trek from Hollywood, Cole and 
Moore had a super-spat, reportedly 
over amount of arranging Moore was 
doing. 

Carlos'' Gastel, manager of combo, 
tried to smooth matters by suggest- 
ing that Moore and Miller confine 
selves strictly to playing, scrapping 
percentage deals, with Moore draw- 
ing $750 and Miller $500 weekly the 
year around. Both nixed, but dis- 
cord continued, precipitating the 
guitarist's decision to pull out. 



Irving Ashby Replaces 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
Oscar Moore, guitarist with the 
King Cole Trio, leaves the combo 
Oct. 20 to open Coast record shop 
and join his brother's outfit, The 
Three Blazers. Irving Ashby re- 
places Moore. 



Blowers Solos With 

Long Island Spot 

Johnny Blowers, former jazz 
drummer with Eddie Condon's or- 
chestra, has gone into business for 
himself. He debuted a jazz niche 
in Astoria, L. I., recently, taking 
into his new spot a band composed 
of widely known footers, including 
trumpeter Max Kaminsky, trom- 
bonist Herb Windfield 1 , pianist Phil 
Delia Penna, and bassist Iry Man- 
ning. 

Quartet will form the regular 
band, but each Wednesday Blowers 
will import for his Johnny Blowers 
Club top names of the jazz field. 



Our WALTZ Suggestions 
fop l'our Program 



MY GAL SAL 
IF I HAD MY WAY 
SIDEWALKS 
OF NEW YORK 
JUST A DREAM OF 

YOU. DEAR 
LET ME CALL YOU 
SWEETHEART 



AH Material Available 



PAULL-PIONEER MUSIC CORP. 



1657 Broadwjy 



New York 19, N. Y. 



We are interested in ac- 
quiring one or more 

PHONOGRAPH RECORD 
COMPANIES 

by purchase outright or through 
stock control. Replies confidential. 

HARRY FROMKES, President 
RAINBOW RECORDS. INC. 

150 Went 44th Street 
New York 18, N. ¥. 




3f 



HERBIE FIELDS 



AND HIS ORCHESTRA 
Now 8th Week 

STAGE DOOR, Milwaukee, Wis. 

AND CONTINUING THRU OCT. 21 
Starting Limited Theatre Tour Oct. 24 

Exclusive VICTOR Recording Artists 



E*CLUS'VE MANAGEMENT 

ASSOCIATED BOOKING CORP. 

JOE GLASER, Pres. 

M5 F'W Av t . Ncv. York 2 2 54 W. Randolph St. 

PL. 5-5 5 72 Chicago 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



P^RIETY 



41 



X 



r 



'rr 



MISS SECRETARY... 



take a term 



ft 



htaa* 



B 



Los 



Hot 



el 



Ios e fl ~f 8t h v 0 „ 

era? **«sl*<S# Wi W 



BILTMORE BOWL 

BILTMORE HOTEL • LOS ANGELES 
FEATURING AMERICA'S FOREMOST DANCE ORCHESTRAS 



42 



OnCHKSTIIAS-MITSIC 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



— Inside Orchestras-Music 

An example of the methods used by. songwriters and minor recording 
firms in creating synthetic demands for obscure songs, in the hopes that 
major publishers will become interested and buy them at high advance 
prices, as cited in Variety 1 two weeks ago, is evident in the history of a 
current hit. It seems that in the area where this sons was born a relative 
of one of the writers headed a company which had quite a number of 
salesmen on the road at all times. These salesmen were instructed to go 
into record shops in each town they hiUand ask for copies of the tune. 
In this way a demand for the song was created. Later, when 5,000 copies 
of the song were distributed to the stores, which had ordered them on the 
basis of the requests, the disks were bought up by the salesmen. Later, 
when' the tune spread to N. Y. the company which pressed them handed 
N. Y. dealers 100 copies on consignment (some who know of the circum- 
stance claim they were for free).' Of course, in this instance, the tune 
that was pushed in this manner had something to back up the pattern — 
public appeal. And it went ori to become a hit. Many others do not. . 



On the Upbeat 



One of the newest songs to reach for popularity in the Los Angeles 
area— via a disking by Frances Langford for Mercury— :>ives a unique 
twist to the striving of songwriters, artists and record companies for coin 
machine attention. This one is based on coin machine popularity and its 
lyric ties in nicely. It's called 'Please Don't Play No. 6 Tonight", the 
lyric citing a disappointed romance awakened by a nostalgic tune in 
that position on a diskbox. Bobby Worth, writer of "Lazy Countryside" 
for the current Walt Disney "Fun and Fancy Free" film, also penned 
"No. 6", and the reaction in the L. A. area to Miss Langford's disk has 
led him to establish a New York office for his own Bobby Worth Music 
Co., which is publishing the tune. Nat Freyer has been put on in N. Y. 
to promote the song in the east.' 



Just as Decca turned over "Near You" to Bregman, Vocco & Conn for 
fuller exploitation, after jointly owning the copyright in their Supreme 
Music— which is a setup, a la Mood Music, wherein Decca is partnered 
with Shapiro-Bernstein— it's likely that the disk company may do the 
same thing with "My Next Romance". This is a Tony Martin disk oldie, 
waxed for Decca some years ago, but which the platter company plans 
reissuing. Incidentally, Ruth Lowe, who . wrote "I'll Never Smile Again", 
coauthored "Next Romance". Miss Lowe has since retired as a songsmith 
for marriage and a family in Toronto where she now makes her home. 



Santa Claus is approaching loaded with old Christmas songs. Feist goes 
to work on "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," Mayfair for "I'll Be Home 
For Christmas," Berlin, "White Christmas," Oxford. "That Christmas 
Feeling," Peter Maurice. "Christmas Island" and Burke-VanHeusen, 
"Christmas Song." Leeds Music has come up with the only new holiday 
ditty, "Christmas Dreaming," not to mention BVC's "Jingle Bells" and 
many others". 

A private favorite, with Oscar Hammerstein 2d, of the "Show Boat" 
score is the little known song, "It Still Suits Me", which he wrote with 
Jerome' Kern. Bihg Crosby and Lee Wiley's disk version for Deeca has 
just been released and when that company puts together a "Show Boat" 
album, as it plans doing in the near future, it will back "Old Man River" 
with "Suits Me", per Hammerstein's suggestion. 

: 



From Hollywood ! 




New York 

Jack Lawrence, songwriter, pur- 
chased the late ex-Mayor Walker's 
home in Greenwich Village . . . Ina 
Ray Hutton may reorganize her or- 
chestra within the next month or 
two. She's now on Coast.. . . Adolph 
Kupcrman, partner in the music 
printing firm of Kuperman & Del 
Guerico, and one of the pioneers of 
printing practices relating to mus 
died in New York last week . . 
Mary Osborne Trio signed by Decca 
Records . . . Elliot Lawrence orches- 
tra involved in a unique tieup with 
Coca - Cola via Columbia Recards. 
Bottlers in each city he plays will 
work ahead and with him in promo- 
tion for his college dates, etc. . 
Coronet Trio, composed of Tony 
Sacco, Mitzi Joyce and Teddy 
Stevens, ran 16 weeks at Betty's 
Musical Bar, Gloucester Heights, 
N. J. and broke the spot's record 
. . . Peter Kent orchestra rounding 
out 11 years at New Yorker hotel 
. . . Milton Saunders orchestra at 
Bon Air, Augusta, Ga. . . . Vaughn 
Monroe opens seventh season ajicl 
12th date at Commodore hotel, 1$. Y. 
tomorrow nigh! (Thursday) . . . 
Chicago date of "Jazz at Phil- 
harmonic" unit at Orchestra Halt 
moved back from Oct. 12 to Oct. 14. 
Unit grossed $7,300 at Carnegie, Hall, 
N. Y. midnight concert Saturday 
(27). 



Bands at Hotel B.O.V 



Weeks 

Itilllll Hotel I'll! veil 

Skinnay Ennis. . . Astor Roof (850; $1-$1.25) 7 

Jack Fina* Waldorf (400; $2) 8 

C laude Thornhill. Pennsylvania (500; $1-$1.50)» 3 

Ray McKinley*. . .New Yorker (400; $1-$1.50) ., 1 

Johnny Pineapple. Lexington (300; $1-$1.50) 46 

Orrin Tucker Roosevelt (400; $1-$1.50) 4 



Covers 
1'nst 
Week 

2,225 
2,325 
1,975 
1,600 
850 
1,575 



Totm 

Covers 
On Dii | „ 

21,850 

251525 

6,750 

2.775 

42.425 

7,875 . 



, * Ice Revue at New Yorker — Ginny Si?nms at Waldorf 

Chicago 

Ray Heatherton (Marine Room, Edgewater Beach; 700; $1.50-$2.50 min.). 
Beachwalk closed last week, which cut heavy outdoor grosses. However' 
first week of Heatherton brought nice 4,800. 

Jose Melis (College Inn, Sherman; 700; $2-$3.50 min.). Frankie Laine is 
claimed to have broken a five-year house record here last week with hot 
6,700. ' 

Freddie Nagel (Empire Room, Palmer; 550; $3.50 min. -$1 cover). Last 
week still good 3,100. 

Benny Strong (Boulevard Room, Stevens; 650; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Last 
two weeks of current revue holding well with 3,100. 



Los Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Back to start eighth season 
last nite (Tues.). Eddy Howard closed but summer stand-in last week with 
satisfactory 2,000 tabs. 

Russ Morgan (Biltmore; 900; $1-$1.50). Fairish 1,800 covers. 



o** 5 



CHASE H., CASA LOMA B., 
ST. L00, GET ALONG 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
A unique band booking set-up 
exists in St. Louis. Orchestras 
booked into the Chase hotel, top 
spot there, can immediately there- 
after go into the Casa Loma Ball- 
room, but no other dancery. Casa 

Loma is on the other side of the 
town and' ops feel they reap mutual 

publicity, In other situations three 

or more months must elapse before 

the same group can play another 

spot in the same city. 
Current example has Jack Fina in | Ior Ella 

the Chase from Oct. 24 through Nov. 

27 and then into the Casa Loma for 

a week Dec. 5. 



ABE OLMAN 

SUGGESTS FOR YOUR PROGRAM 

DON'T 
BLAME 
ME 

Music by.. . 
JIMMY Mc HUGH 

ROBBINS 



Berle Adams Moves West 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 

Berle Adams, ex-chairman of Mer- 
cury Records board, Chi irjdie disk 
company, moves to the Coast next 
month. And he recently bought a 
cowboy music publishing house, 
Fairways, where he will make his 
temporary offices. He will also move 
his other three publishing firms, Pic, 
Preview and Champagne west. Earl 
Mills, Adams' professional manager, 
joins him there before the first of 
the year. Lee Penny, oater song 
p.m., leaves next week to take over 
the Fairway division. 

Adams will continue to act as per- 
sonal manager for Louie Jordan. He 
may also re-enter the disk field; sev- 
eral companies are seeking him to 
head race divisions. 



Hollywood 

When Russ Morgan closes 75-week 
stand at Biltmore hotel here Oct. 8, 
he embarks on one-nite skein 
through southwest; shoring up at 
Ansley hotel, Atlanta, for two-week 
sit-down Nov. 12; thence treks into 
N. Y...GAC has set Desi Arnaz for 
that three-day Charro Fiesta at 
Brownsville, Tex. (Feb. 5-7), with 
band getting $10,000 for stint. Last 
ye"ar MCA spotted Xavier Cugat for 
the date, which demands a latune 
combo, due to affair's hands-across- 
the-border complexion .. .Louis Ohls 
has re-formed crew and is set for 
six months at Hawaiian Gardens, 
San' Jose, starting Sat. (4). Ohls 
booked himself ... Howard Christian- 
son to Chi over weekend. . .Del 
(Jourtney inked for stand at Flam- 
ingo, Las Vegas, Dec. 4. . .Jerry Wald 
returns west for four stanzas at 
same stand, starting Oct. 9... 
Meadowbrook ballroom goes full- 
week policy next Tues. (7 ) with Al- 
vino Rey, Joe Liggins combo and the 
King Sisters, in for four with op- 
tions for four. Count Baste starts 
month stand Dec. 2...Les Brown 
inked for week of Oct. 21 at Million 
Dollar.. .New Continental Artists 
agency setting string of coast dates 
Fitzgerald and Cootie Wil- 
liams orchestra, on behalf of Moe 
Gale agency. Reg Marshall office 
formerly handled 'Gale accounts in 
Far West, but Continental has cut 
in. . .Charlie Barnet booked solid 
until Dec. 2... Sam Lutz back this 
week from trek to Chi... Bill Savitt 
now songplugging for Melliu Music. 



Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

(Chica.t/o). 

Tommy Carlyn (Trianon; $1-$1.25 adm). Pittsburgh boy doing Well 
with fine 16,000 first frame. : ■- 

Marty Gould (Chez Paree; 540; $3.50 min ). Mitzi Green doing well, al- 
though off a bit because of midweek holiday; 5,800. 

Sherman Hayes (Blackhawk; 500; $2.50 min.). Local "fave a healthy 3,100. 

Henry King (Aragon; $1-$1.25 adm.). Last week of King slow 13,300. 
Buddy Moreno returns tonight (30). 

Buddy .Shaw (Latin Quarter; 700; $2.50 min.). This spot also affected 
by the Jewish holiday, with only 4,100 for the week. 



(Los Anyeles) 
Harry Owens (Aragon, B, Ocean Park, 1st wk.). 
for month stay. 

Frankie Masters (Casino Gardens, B, Ocean Park, 5th wk.). 
gains as run lengthens; excellent 6,400 admishes. 

Jimmy Dorsey (Palladium, B, Hollywood, 4th wk.). Okay at something 
around 10,000 customers. 

■ •— * > ; 



Opened Friday (26) 



Momentum 



JACK ROBBINS' SHIFT 
FROM BACH TO REBOP 

Jack Robbins, who has been con- 
centrating on his standard catalog, 
has acquired Walter Fuller's 100 
jazz titles, being chiefly rebop stuff. 
Fuller had two catalogs, Monogram 
and Sentimental Music, which now 
shift over to J. J. Robbins & Sons. 

Music pub is also a w.k. Latino- 
phile but Robbins' current accent 
seems to run the gamut from Bach 
and Beethoven to rebop. 



Kansas City 

Freddie Martin orchestra in for a 
one-nighter last Saturday at the Plar 
Mor ballroom with plenty of plug- 
ging, via prepared radio transcrip- 
tions, ahead of him,..Elissa McGill 
singing between band sessions in 
Terrace Grill at Muehlebach hotel. . . 
Warren Duret, local bandleader, 
penning arrangements for Jimmy 
Joy orchestra during latter's month 
stand in the Muehlebach here... 
Jimmy Keith band into remodelled 
College Inn... Lei Aloha Hawaiians 
into the Tropics of Phillips hotel... 
Don Ragon band handling resident 
dates at the Pla-mor the past month. 



Frankie Laine Breaks 
5-Yr. College Inn Mark 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
Frankie Laine broke a five-year 
record at the College Inn here last 
week, with the 700-seat bistro taking 
in 1.800 patrons for two perform- 
ances Saturday. On Friday (19) 
opener puired in 1,000 customers, 
most of whom stayed through both 
appearances. Sunday also hit the 
1,000 mark. 

Laine's four-week contract has 
been extended two more weeks, dur- 
ing which he will double at the 
Oriental theatre here. He opens at 
the Paramount, San Francisco, Nov. 
5, and after appearing on NBC's 
I Chesterfield Show, Nov. 13, has two 
! weeks at the 400 Club, St. Louis, for 
] $2,500. He goes into the Paramount, 
! New York, around Dec. 5, and thence 
I to Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook. • 



■ 


FRANKIE 




■ 


LAINE 


' ^ i 


■ 


DOES IT AGAIN! 


y '. . ! 8 


■ 


TWO LOVES 




■ 


HAVE 1 




■ 


OH 


D 




MERCURY RECORD 




Pi 


No. 5063 


i 


n 










619 BROADWAY • NEW YORK 19 




NORMAN fOLEY. Gtn Prof. Mg<. 





TRULY A STANDARD ! 

TRUE 

By WALTER G. SAMUELS 
and LEONARD WHITCUP 

SANTLY-JOY. INC. 

1619 Broadway, New York 

TOMMY VAJLANDO, Clen. Pro. Mgr. 




17,000 attendance Ponce de Leon Ball Park, Thursday Eve., August 20th 
Repeat engagement Two Weeks later, Sunday Aft., Sept. 14, close to 10,000 



America' I Qieatedi Jfohf, (lolUi BUtfel 

SISTER 
ROSETTA THARPE 

Assiste d by MARIE KNIGHT 

I BREAKING ALL RECORDS ON SOUTHERN STATES I 
I CONCERT TOUR | 

AVAILABLE DATES CAN BE BOOKED, ONLY THROUGH 
D. TAPS, Personal Manager 
1619 BROADWAY. New York Telephones: COIumbus 5-1566 and 5-8705 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



VAUDEVILLE 



43 



Modified Booze Taxes Sought By 
National ABCA; U.S. Take Off 40% 



Atlantic City, Sept.. 30. 
■ nigh liquor taxes imposed by na- 
tional state and local governments 
W as the main gripe of National 
Alcoholic Beverage Control Assn. 
members during convention held 
here last week (24-28) in the Ritz 
Carlton hotel. 

As a result of these high taxes 
federal revenues from the alcoholic 
beverage industry dropped 40% 
between Oct., 1946, and May, 1947, 
Joseph A. Engelhard, of Louisville, 
Ky., president of the Distilled Spirits 
Institute, said. 

Engelhard' said the present high 
tax rate has pushed the price of dis- 
tilled spirits beyond the reach of the 
average consumer's pocketbook. 

Combined , average '■■ federal and 
state taxes add $10.42 to the price of 
each gallon of distilled spirits, he 
said. This, he added, provides that 
much of a "subsidy" for the boot- 
legger, 

"As the price of moonshine liquor 
is controlled mainly by the price of 
legal liquor," he went on, "the con- 
tinued high tax on legal ..spirits has 
the effect of many millions of dol- 
lars at the disposal of the bootlegger 
and illicit distiller." 

The present $9 federal excise tax 
is "fantastic" in any light other than 
as a wartime emergency measure, 
he said. Federal revenues climbed to 
an all-time high in Oct. 194'fk when 
collections totalled $251,328,666. Col- 
lections have declined steadily until 



GOWNS BY ERNESTO 




HELENE and HOWARD 

"Comedy Dane* Antics' 

OliennI Sept. 26 for 2 Weeks 
CLUB NORMAN 
Toronto, Cunutlit 
Dir.: MATTY ROSEN 



in May of 1947 receipts dropped to 
$150,265,429. 

An immediate cut back of the fed- 
eral tax to $6 a gallon, the pre-war 
level, was urged. This would permit 
a drop in the price of liquor, and 
enable the retailers to cut the over 
the bar prices drastically with a re- 
sulting increase in business. 



Jimmy Savo Awarded 
$3,258 Salary Claim 
On Unplayed Date 

Controversy between Jimmy Savo 
and E. M. Loew, operator of the 
Latin Quarter, Miami Beach, for 
$3,258 1o cover Savo's LQ salary 
from March 23 to April 4 of last 
year, which was an overlap on con- 
tract when the nitery closed, reached 
another stage last week when the 
N. Y. supreme court entered judg- 
ment against Loew for that amount 
plus costs. However, American 
Guild of Variety Artists holding a 
$4,000 bond from Loew has refused 
to release the money pending a di- 
rective from the court. 

AGVA is taking the position that 
the $4,000 on deposit was obtained 
from a personal check by Loew and 
cannot be counted against the cor- 
porate assets of the nitery. 

Fracas started when Savo, as 
Jimmy Savo, Inc., sued to obtain 
salary during the time contract was 
in effect, and sought the aid of 
AGVA in collecting sum. AGVA 
subsequently declared that Savo, 
Inc. as a corporation was not a mem- 
ber of the union, and consequently 
could not seek an arbitration. 
Court upheld AGVA on that score, 
and motion was granted to Loew 
to vacate the warrant of attachment. 
However, motion to vacate the 
service of the summons was denied 
to Loew end upon failing to put in 
an answer to the summons, N. Y. 
supreme court last week issued the 
judgment by default. 



Harlem Named Him . . . Hollywood Claimed Him . . . 

NIC0DEMUS 

Versatile Comedian of Stage, Screen and Radio 
NOW 

Under the Exclusive Banner of 

GENERAL ARTISTS CORPORATION 

THOMAS G. ROCKWEll, President 
RKO IUIIDING • ROCKIFIUW CENTER • NEW YORK 20, N. Y. • CI. 7-7550 

Of Course. You Remember Nicodemm in Such Ouritaading, Film* at: 
"Col. Effingham't Raid/' "Meanest Man In the World." "H«av«nl» Body. 
"Cabin in the Sky.'" "Dakota," "Night Train to Memphis." "Glldorsleeve s 
fthost." "I Love a Bandleader." "Down to Earth." "P«rf«*t Marriage. 
"Follow the Boyt." 

And for hii never-to-be-forgotten voice Interpretation of Brother (I'M 
JUST GONNA KNOCK YOUR HEAD CLEAN OFF) Bear. In Difney » 
"Song of the South." 

... Or You Hove Heard Him on the Radio With 

RUDY VALLEE, EDDIE CANTOR and FRANK MORGAN 

and Many Others 

Appeared in Irving Berlin and Bud DeSylva's 
"LOUISIANA PURCHASE" on Broadway 

"Among the good things in 'Louisiana Purchase' is NICO- 
DEMUS:" —Walter Winchell 

LOEWS STATE, NEW YORK 

"NICODEMUS, with a natural, easy style of comedy was 
a hot favorite and had to beg oft with a speech."— Variety 

PALACE THEATRE 

"NICODEMUS stops the show with his speed— He really 
is a panic." —Peggy Patton, Wisconsin News 

ORPHEUM THEATRE 

"—To those who knew and loved Bert Williams in the old 
days, NICODEMUS comedy dialoguist and shuffle dancer will 
have a very strong appeal— NICODEMUS has a good deal 
of that same sense of fine timing that made Williams Great." 

Minneapolis Star 

"Loews State— As for specialties, NICODEMUS grabs the 
applause with his characterization and droll humor." 

—Billboard 

PALACE THEATRE— AKRON 

"Heading the Calloway show is NICODEMUS. He has never 
failed to stop the show on his 3 or 4 appearances here." 

Kenneth Nichols— Akron Times Press 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 

Saranac Lake, N. Y., Sept. 30. 

Julius Bernard, son of the late 
Mike Bernard in from Chicago to 
bedside his mother, Kitty Bernard, 
recuping from recent operation. 

Carl Kessler ("Amazing Mr. Bal- 
lantine") celebrated his birthday at 
the lodge with many attending the 
party given in his honor. 

Sophie Medes checked out of the 
infirmary and upped for meals and 
pictures. 

James Kirkwood, Jr., legit actor, 
here to spend vacation with his 
mother, Lila Lee, who is doing O.K. 
at the Hayes cottage. 

Helen Grupp of Republic Pictures 
back in circulation after a three- 
week siege in bed, while Lillian 
(Par) Bergson is ogling railroad 
time tables anticipating an October 
check-ouf-of-the-san for home. . 

Peggy LaFay, who cured at the 
old NVA sanatorium, ended a two- 
month vacation at Lake Placid and 
left for her Flushing, L. I., home. 

Mary Mason upped for meals and 
pix. 

Cornelius Ryan, author of "Star 
Spangled Mikado," resting at the 
Altavista lodge here. 

Dorothy Parker, former ballet 
dancer at Radio City Music Hall, has 
opened dance studio here. 

Mrs. Lewis Hartman left for her 
home in Mansfield, O., after spend- 
ing summer vacation at the Alta- 
Vista lodge. 

Kay (RKO) Laus, formerly of this 
colony, in for the fall vacation. 

Jean Commerford, ex-nitery man- 
ager, is now with Northwoods Inn, 
Lake Placid. 

Eric Groething in from N.Y.C. to 
visit sister, Inez Groething, whoS 
showing nice improvement. 

Anne Rowe, Louise Barnes and 
Joe Denicolo flashing good clinic 
reports. 

The Terry Lefevbres from Chel- 
tenham, Pa., in to ogle Dolly Gal- 
lagher, while Anna Inglee shot in 
from Fort Henry, N. Y., to visit her 
daughter, Helen Inglee, who re- 
cently mastered serious operation. 

May Taft back to the Rogers after 
a two-week furlough in N. Y. C. 
(Write to those who are III.) 



Miami Bistro's 
Talent Plunge 

The Beachcomber, Miami Beach, 
will take on the biggest nightclub 
talent budget in history, if present 
plans go through. Ned Schuyler, 
club's boniface, is planning multiple 
headliner layouts with Sophie Tuck- 
er to play on bills that will .include 
the Ritz Bros, and Peter Lind Hayes. 

Miss Tucker, who's set to start in 
January, will hold over when Peter 
Lind Hayes starts late January at 
$5,000, and will also be present when 
the Ritz Bros, start there at $12,- 
500 weekly. Schuyler's deal for Ritz 
Bros, and Hayes is still incomplete, 
but it's expected that Lou Irwin, 
managing Hayes and the Ritzes, will 
okay it this week, f.* 

This program is aimed to over- 
come the usually stiff opposition 
from the across-the-street Copa- 
cabana. Latter spot, so far, has 
booked only George Jessel at $12,500 
weekly. 



Takeout Pay of U. S. Acts in Paris Still 
Dubious; AGVA Working Out Deal 



Dancer Pleads Guilty 

To Theft Charge 

Buffalo, Sept. 30. 

June Beverly Gibbons. 27, known 
professionally as Lee Marlowe, of 
Laredo, Tex., pleaded guilty in 
City Court here to larceny in theft - 
ing clothes and jewelry of a former 
dancing partner. 

She was brought back from Cleve- 
land upon the complaint of Donald 
E. Humphrey, who stated that the 
stolen property which belonged to 
his wife, another professional dancer, 
was valued at $475. 



Soph Tucker's 80G In 
2 Weeks New Record 
For H'wood Nitery 

Hollywood, Sept. 30. 

Sophie Tucker, the "last of the 
red hot mamas," is the hottest attrac- 
tion in the history of the Florentine 
Gardens, where she has played to 
$80,000 in the first two of her sched- 
uled 13 weeks and is still going 
strong. Her first week, aided by a 
$10 per plate charge for opening 
night, drew $42,000. Her second 
week, at regular prices, drew even 
more customers and grossed $38,000. 

Meanwhile Miss Tucker finds time 
for charities through the sale of her 
book. Her most recent contribu- 
tions were $1,000 each to the Duarte 
Sanitarium and the Lou Costello 
Foundation. Her current stand closes 
Dec. 1, when Ted Lewis moves in. 



According to Arthur Lesser, U. S. 
producer and manager who returned 
last week from an extended stay in. 
France, there's little likelihood that 
U. S. talent playing France will be 
paid off in American dollars. Lesser 
declared that Fiench Control Des 
Change officials told him that if 
France had a sizable amount of 
American currency, dollars would 
be used to purchase wheat instead of 
entertainers. U. S. acts are now be- 
ing paid in francs. 

Lesser went abroad to negotiate a 
deal for Lena Home. It's likely the 
Negro singer will play the Champs 
Elysee club at $4,000 weekly. 

Meanwhile, American Guild of Va- 
riety Artists is working on an ex- 
change agreement with the French 
government. Deal, still to be com- 
pleted, "calls for American acts to be 
paid 50% of their salary in American 
dollars, fn exchange for that, AGVA 
will guarantee that French acts re- 
mit entire salary, after living ex- 
penses are deducted, to the Control 
des Change. 

Lesser is now negotiating for a 
concert varieties show at the Henry 
Miller theatre, N. Y. Lucienne 
Boycr, singer current at Cafe So- 
ciety Uptown, N. Y., and Harrison 
and Fisher, currently playing the 
Lido, Paris, have already been 
signed, with two other acts to be 
pacted. 



Joan Roberts Pacted 

For State, N.Y., Oct. 16! 

Joan Roberts, lead of the original 
"Oklahoma" cast, will play her first 
New York vaude date in some years 
at Loew's State, Oct. 16. 

Singer following her legit appear- 
ances played some class niteries, in- 
cluding the Persian Room of the 
Plaza hotel, N. Y., and several Stat- 
ler hotels. 



The Exclusive and Amusing 




LAURETTE and CLYMAS 



"DANCUMORISTS" 
Currently: NICOLLET HOTEL 
Minneapolis, Minn. 



DURANT TAKES OFF TO 
BRITISH PROVINCES 

London, Sept. 80. 

Jack Durant, after playing eight 
weeks at the Casino, has turned 
down an offer to return there, pre- 
ferring to put in a couple of provin- 
cial dates. He's to appear in Bristol 
and Leicester. 

He subbed for the Ink Spots when 
they refused to double at the Gold- 
er's Green Hippodrome and will 
probably return there Oct. 20. 

He has also in mind making a film 
here for Metro, which would prob- 
ably start shooting in November. 



Union Collects $1,000 
Salary Claim for Midgets 

American Guild of Variety Artists 
collected a long overdue claim of 
$1,000 for Hermine's Midgets from 
F. Marsh Bryden, circus and fair 
promoter. Amount involved can- 
cellation of the act some months ago 
by Bryden despite his having issued 
act play or pay contract. 

When AGVA ordered payoff 
Bryden coul4 not be located, ac- 
cording to the union. However, 
Bryden was lining up a new show 
several weeks ago and was located 
when acts he had been negotiating 
with came to AGVA for clearance. 
He had to settle old claim before 
union would permit other acts to 
work in his show. 



R0M0 VINCENT 



THANKS 



THE FLAMINGO HOTEL 

4 WEEKS — LAS VEGAS, NEV. 

COMMERCIAL HOTEL 

2 WEEKS— ELKO. NEV. 

FLORENTINE GARDENS 

6 WEEKS— HOLLYWOOD. CALIF. 

BONANZA CLUB 

2 WEEKS — RENO, NEV. 

UNITED ARTIST RECORDS 

(BEBE DANIELS PRODUCTIONS) 



"MY BABY'S BABY" 
No. EN 305-B 
"HOKJEY JOE" 
No. EN 305-A 



'IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOU' 
No. EN 303-B 
"LINGER AWHILE" 
No. EN 303-A 



A NEW IDEA FOR JUKE BOXES 

"I'M THE LITTLE GUY IN THE JUKE BOX" 

No. EN 301— DOUBLE SIDE 

JOE PASTERNAK • RICHARD WHORF • BILL GRADY 
For the Role of "PIERRE" in 

M. G. M.'s "LUXURY LINER" 



Opening Oct. 31 — GLEN'S RENDEVOUS 

★ * * 
Starting Nov. 29 — THE STATLER CHAIN 



Pictures 

JAMES STANLEY 
HOLLYWOOD 



Hotels— Night Club*— Theatre* 
M.C.A. 
NEW YORK CITY 



Frets 



JACK KELLER— Geerg* Evans Office, Hollywood 



44 



VUDIiVIIXK 



Wednesday, October 1, KM7 



Night Club Reviews 



Cotillion Itooui. .\. Y. 

(HOTEL PIERRE) 

Senor Weiices. Peyyy and Michael 
Arnaud, Charles Reader Orch wi.h 
Stanley Worth, Van Smith's Latin 
Orch: $2 minimum, $3 weekends. 



For quiet dining and dancing, the 
Cotillion Room remains one of the 
top spots in town, and the couple o£ 
acts served up for the inevitable j 
payoff are invariably that much of 
an added satisfaction. In this care I 
Senor Wences. the ventriloquist, and 
Peggy and Michael Arnaud (New 
Acts), baliroomers, are the clinchers. 

Weiices remains one of the best 
ventros around, if not the best. The 
dummy, fashioned from a clenched 
fist, lipstick and a ragdoll, is super, 
and the bits of business that he does 
with this, the dummy in the box, 
plus his non-ventro stunts of jug- 
gling, etc.. are items that emphasize 
the Spaniard's versatility. Attired 
in tails, he remains a class booking 
whatever the medium, and no small 
factor in hi.s click is his suave per- 
sonality. 

Charles Reader continues as an 
able— emcee and talent supervisor 
here, in addition to his band playing 
danceable American rhythms. He 
also contributes a neat solo on the 
xylophone. Van Smith neatly handles 
the Latin dance sets. Kahn. 



Versailles. N. IT. 

Dunght Fiske. Bob~Grant & Pan- 
cliito Orch; $3.50 and $4.50 min. 



It's become a habit for chansoneur 
Dwight Fiske to embroider his 
Gotham sojourns with a stint or 
two in the plushy decor of the Ver- 
sailles. Back in that class, boite for 
his sixth time, the master of the 
double-entendered saga again shows 
off his hold on the snooty stratum 
with his highly literate delivery of 
the sly and the low. Aided- and 
abetted by sophisticating synco- 
pating of a duo of . danceable or- 
chestras. Fiske celebrated his return 
with tables full of biz which should 
also be a habit for some time. 

Swanky set's, attachment- for-Fiske 
hasn't diminished any judging from ! 
the response elicited by his singing ' 
to he uppers, and away from the 
family trade. Reception at the Ver- 
sailles was hearty — the Park Avenu- 
ites appreciatively shuffled through 
the polished slyness to shake out the 
meining behind the meaning. They 
still like the play on words, the 



, piano playing that underscored them 
I and the clever delivery that cleared 
; up doubts if there were any. 

Fiske hasn't changed his payoff 
format since his last apperance at 
this nitery — he still gives out with 
the dizzy sagas steeped in naughty 
implications— but he has supple- 
mented some old faves with new 
tunc tales that are equally good if 
not better. Of these, incidentally all 
written and scored by Fiske himself, 
the best liked is "Pomona, the Deer," 
the story of a doe out for the buck. 

Other numbers new in these parts 
are "Lucretia Borgia," and "Mary 
and Fred." That standard, "Mr. 
Pettibone" helps the encores while 
"Case 142" precedes it by several 
songs. If there's any carping to be 
made, it's this — that the body of the 
lyrics pull all the stops and the 
punchline finis seems more an anti- 
climax than the piece-de-resistance 
which the verse intend. That's a 
weakness which the buildup points 
out. 

Dance music served up straight by 
Bob Grant and with the Latino 
flavor by Panchito, continues in 
tune with the svelte surroundings. 
There's no brassiness in the rendi- 
tioning and the low-key rhythm is 
well received it' a crowded floor is 
any indication. Wit. 

S-JSl!!!-i'jBSS!!«. IMsiilv 

Philadelphia, Sept. 27. 
...Xed Lewis Orch (14) iuiUL_SoL 
Klein, Shirley, Sharon & Wanda, 
Paul White & Elroy Peace, Bel- 
leaires, Geraidine Dubois. 



That master of nostalgia. Ted 
Lewis, proves himself right up top 
as one of the nation's great song- 
and-dance men with his show now 
current at Jack Lynch's downtown 
Latin-Casino nitery. 

The show revolves mainly around 
Lewis, and this is all to the good as 
far as entertainment values are con- 
cerned. Lewis never was better. . 

He is on stage most of the time, 
(Continued on page 46) 



Parodies! Special Songs! Bits.! 

<r Oruw from oftr library, one ol the 
Isu-Ri'st. most comprehensive in 
Shmrttfo ! 

•ft Cntiilng I'-REE! 

it RxelnMive material our specialty ' 
J. ft H. KLEINMAN 

25-31-K 30»h Road, I. I. City 2, N V 
Telephone: ,\stori:i 8-filHl.-, 



Met, Providence, Goes 
Full Wk. Vaude Oct. 14 

Metropolitan theatre. Providence, 
is slated to go' into full week of 
stageshows starting Oct. 14. Initial 
bill will include Kitty Kallen and 
Ross and Stone. 

House, which last season, ran split 
week vaude sporadically, went into 
the full week policy because of a 
guarantee of a steady run of films 
from Universal - International and 
United Arti'ts. Previously without 
fulltimo pic commitments, house 
booked legit shows to fill its playing 
time. 



JACK HALEY UNIT 
SET FOR RKO DATES 

Jack Haley will head a vaude 
: package witli Constance Moore, 
which has been set for the RKO, 
Boston; Oct. 2 to be followed by 
RKO dates in Columbus and Cleve- 
land. 

Paul Small agency handling the 
unit, is also submitting filmster Burt 
Lancaster for vaude appearances. 



Mose Gumble 



Continued from page 37 



'AMERICA'S FOREMOST STOHY TELLER' 

MYRON COHEN 

LOEWS STATE, New York 

(Week of October 2nd) 

HUNTING & FISHING CLUB 

PITTSBURGH. PA. 
(Week of October 22nd) 

LATIN CASINO 

PHILADELPHIA 
(Week of October 27) 

LATIN QUARTER 

MIAMI BEACH. FLORIDA 
(December 26th— .Indefinite Engagement ) 



Personal Management 
HARRY ADLER 
165 West 46th St., New York 19 
BR. 9-1320 



Theatre Bookings 
LENNY DITSON 
1650 Broadway, New York 
CI. 6-2957 



Armed Thugs Grab 
If G in Stickup 
Of Mounds, Cleve 

Cleveland, Sept. 30. 
Tommy McGinty's swank Mounds 
Club was invaded late Sunday night 
(28) by 10 masked machine-gun- 
ners, who stuck up a sellout house 
and escaped in six stolent automo- 
biles. 

Loot in jewelry, customers' val- 
uables and cash hoisted from gam- 
bling casino was estimated at around 
$100,000 but insiders who saw rob- 
bery said take was closer to $300,000. 
Although several patrons reported 
loss of their autos, no official report 
of the holdup was made by club's 
staff or manager, Buck Schaffner, 
who reportedly went into hiding. 

Peter Lind Hayes had just finished 
his act and his wife, Mary Healy, 
was singing when gunmen, wearing 
green army fatigue suits and black 
hoods over heads, entered dining 
room through kitchen. Hayes 
thought it was a gag until gang's 
leader brandished machine gun and 
shouted: "This is a stickup. Every 
one stay seated." Crowd of 400, 
said to have included a num- 
ber of theatrical people and film row 
execs, was lined up and ordered to 
shell out jewelry and pocketbooks 
on tables. 

Palatial nitery is customarily as 
heavily guarded as Fort Knox's 
treasury, but super-efficient gang 
had no trouble after shooting round 
of shots into ceiling. Besides clean- 
ing up a fortune from gambling 
tables, they stripped house's safe 
of several sacks of money. Spot 
obviously had been thoroughly 
cased, for gunmen, who used num- 
bers from one to 10 in address- 
! ing each other, took only 45 minutes 
j to make the haul, 
j Despite all wire-pulling and hush- 
; : hush attitude of financially-promi- 
j nent victims, stick-up coup hit local 
| political circles like bombshell, and 
| may have repercussions in coming 
: elections. Jimmy Savo is skedded 
j to open. Wednesday 0) at Mounds, 
which is across local county line, 
but date may be called off because 
of the unfavorable publicity. 



Crosby 

Continued from page 1 



however, is" that it greatly simplifies 
editing and putting together of the 
finished show. 

Tests were made for Crosby by 
the Palmer Co. of Sail Francisco, 
which has possession of the only 
two German-made tape recorders in 
this country, as well as a limited 
supply of German tape.. These ma- 
chines and tape are being used. 

Groanei's first two shows for the 
fall, recorded in August, were cut 
on both platters and tape. Decision 
to switch permanently to the tape 
was reached following comparative 
tests by Crosby Enterprises in Hol- 
lywood and by ABC engineers in 
New York. 

Crosby returns to his old stamping 
grounds Oct. 16. when he's set to do 
a guest shot on Kraft Music Hall. 

It'll be a return favor to Al Jolson. 
KMH star, who was the groaner's 
most frequent visitor on the Philco 
airer last season 



not a composer — and if such simple 
time-honored terms are good 
enough for America's greatest song- 
writer, then songplugger's good 
enough for me," he would say. 
Herewith is what Gumble 
wrote in Variety's last Anni- 
versary Number, Jan. 8, 1947, 
apropos songplugging. 

". . . The boys in our profes- 
sion today are 'contact men' but 
I am still a songplugger. Many 
is the time that I took the long 
trek to Coney Island — starting 
early in the morning so that I 
could be there in time to catch 
the artists and orchestras at 
rehearsal. Today a quick trip to 
Philadelphia takes less time 
(and is more comfortable). 

"Travel was less strenuous 
when the scene shifted and the 
centre of night life moved to 
the Bowery. It was possible to 
take a cab (a hansom cab, of 
course) downtown without it 
being too great a strain- on the 
expense account. But a pair of 
comfortable shoes was still the ' 
tbest method. There were no 
'20c the first quarter of a mile 
and 5c each quarter of a mile 
thereafter' cabs to hop in and 
out of. If you wanted to get 
from Sans Souci on 13th street 
down to the Atlantic Garden, 
on the Bowery, you generally 
walked, but it wasn't too tough. 
Then, as now, you tried to con- 
vince orchestra leaders that 
your song had what the public 
wanted and you enjoyed every 
minute of it. Then, as now, you 
had to sit and sit until the lead- 
ers got an opportunity to get 
around to your table. It was a 
little trying at times, but that's 
part of the trials and tribula- 
tions of the songplugger. 

"Then came vaudeville. That 
was the golden era for song- 
pluggers, and the honor roll of 
stars listed such names as Nora 
Bayes, Marie Cahill and Lottie 
Gilson, who have since passed 
on, and so many other wonder- 
ful stars. A song sung hy any of 
these personalities was an as- 
sured hit — not only in New 
York but throughout the coun- 
try, for their bookings took 
them on nationwide tours, 

"That was a break for the ■ 
plugger and his song, and it is 
also another of the reasons that 
the really good standards are. i 
the oldtime numbers, the songs 
heard steadily as the top tunes i 



for almost a year became part 
of the life of the people. They 
, were not like the hits we have 
now which are heard today and 
gone tomorrow. 

"Then came the radio, which 
brought in an entirely new ap- 
proach and revolutionized the 
music business to such a great 
extent that the millions of lis- 
teners could decide what was 
to be a song hit overnight. 

"It's been a great life and it 
has all been beautiful— from the 
time way back when I started 
at Coney Island— right up to 
.now when I am classed with 
'good old standards.' And I hope 
I'll be plugging along as a 
'standard' — and loving it for 
many years to come." 

Songsmith Albert Gumble was his 
last brother; he died last Nov. 30 at 
the age of 63. Another brother. Wal- 
ter, was long on Variety's business 
staff until his death in 1922. A sister, 
Mrs. Lily Moss, with whom Mose 
resided in N. Y., survives. 



"Candy" 

Continued from page 37 = 
the ground that plaintiffs' own wit- 
nesses had disproven their cause of 
action. 

Plaintiffs' attorney argued that it 
was a question of fact for the jury, 
but Justice Aron Steuer held with 
Abeles that, as plaintiffs' witnesses 
had established Robbins's defense, 
there was nothing for the jury to 
decide, and dismissed the case. 

In his opinion, Justice Steuer de- 
cided a number of points, for which 
there is no legal precedent. He held 
(1) that a publisher cannot be guilty 
of bad faith in the simultaneous pub- 
lication of two songs with the same 
basic idea and theme of lyric and 
melody, and (2) that in the absence 
of a specific provision of the con- 
tract to the contrary, there is no 
obligation of a music publisher to 
exploit a song to any particular 
extent. Accordingly, his opinion 
will be relied on by music publishers 
to refute any like claims. 



Gowns by 

ERNESTO 

exclusive Theatrical Creations 
254 W. 46th St. 
New York, N. Y. 
Assisted fay NELLY de FREITA5 



4 



0) ' 



LOEW 

BOOKING 
AGENCY 

•INIMl fXfCUTIVI OfflCtl 

BUIIDINO ANNIX 

II..N.Y.C- IHy.nl »-7«00 




CHICAGO THEATRE, Chicago WEEK OCTOBER 3RD 



SEN SHANIN, Me Man 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



UB&METY 



VAUDEVILLE 



49 



NY. COPA'S FREE RIDE 
ON EIGEN'S WINS DEAL 

jDisk-jockey shows emanating from 
jiiteries are expected to be around 
New York for a long time. Indi- 
cations of this type shows com- 
parative permanence is seen by the 
fact that Jack Eigen show emanating 
from the Copacabana, N. Y., has 
been renewed for 52 weeks with an 
option for an additional period. This 
layout has already been on the air 
for 24 weeks, and is credited with 
having revived business at the Copa 
lounge, - 

With the period of renewal which 
started Friday (26 ), show becomes a 
V/INS property. Prior to that, the 
$1,000 weekly tab was picked up by 
Monte Proser, Copa's operator, who 
found it a worthwhile investment 
because of the increased business. 

On the hew contract, Eigen is 
guaranteed $400 weekly against per- 
centages of earnings on sponsored 
.sections of the program. There's a 
no-cancellation clause and station 
gives the Copa the right to reject 
sponsors. 

The Eigen show was the first of 
the stanzas stemming from niteries. 
Since then, many cafes throughout 
the country have started similar 
^rdlram'S/lrT'New York; two™other 
disk jock shows emanate from cafes. 
The Bea Kalmus show, current at 
the Riviera, Ft. Lee, N. J., which is 
soon expected to transfer elsewhere, 
and the Jerry Roberts show from 
Leon & Eddie's, which started last 
week. 



Two More D. C. Spots 
Adding Floorshows 

The • Fiesta cluft, Washington, 
preemed last week with a show in- 
cluding Johnny Morgan, Lou Wills, 
Jr., Olive White and a June Taylor 
line. New spot is the first of two. 
clubs set for the capital, with the 
Old New Orleans, a straight eatery, 
slated to add floorshows later this 
season. Latter spot is located on the 
site of the old Treasure Island, now 
a straight eat spot, which at one 
time operated as a nitery. 
v For some time the Club Cairo had 
a virtual cafe monopoly in town. 



Latin Quarter, Chi, 

Angling Josie Baker 

Josephine Baker, sepia song 
stress, who made quite a reputation 
in Paris, may make her first U. S. 
appearance in some time at the 
Latin Quarter, Chicago, next month. 

Ralph Berger, operator of the 
bistro, had entered negotiations with 
singer when she returned from Paris 
for an earlier date, which could not 
be arranged through Miss Baker's 
previous contract for tour of South 
America. 

With her engagements extended 
there she has notified Berger she 
will not be available until latter part 
of next month. Chi deal calls-.for 
four weeks with options at $3,000 
per week. 



Pitt. Hotel Resumes Show 

Pittsburgh, Sept. 30. 

After summer hiatus, William 
Penn hotel reopens Terrace Room 
on Monday (6) with shows. Opening 
lineup comprises Joan Brooks, song 
stress, and Six Debonairs. 

Billy Catizone's enlarged band 
with Marcelyn Fennell on the vo 
cals, will provide the music, with 
Catizone m.c.ing the entertainment. 



JUDY MAGEE 

Panto-Mimicry 



Negro Moppet Pianist 
Set for Concert Tour 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
Over 75 bookings have been set 
for four-year old piano prodigy, 
Margaret Harris. Negro child was 
discovered by Leo Salkin, manager 
of Chi William Morris office. Con- 
tract was approved by Judge Waugh 
of probate court. 

The youngster has a classical 
repertoire of 14 pieces on her list. 
She'll play two concerts weekly, 
the first probably in St. Louis with 
a symphony orch. 



Merriel Abbott Back 
With Foreign Acts 
For Hilton Chain 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
Merriel Abbott, producer and 
booker for the Hilton Hotel chain, 
returned from Europe last week with 
an imposing list of foreign acts, 
which she'll set this fall in her 
forthcoming productions. She is 
bringing over Howard de Coursey, 
magician, who opens at the Empire 
Room, Palmer House, Oct. 3. For 
the Boulevard Room, Stevens Hotel 
new show, Oct 10, she" has~skedded 
the English comedy dancers, Edie 
and Joe Slack. Other acts pacted 
and to be featured In winter shows 
are Trio Mexicanas, adagio dancers; 
Dassy Bros., acrobatic comedians; 
The Sanjis, dance team, and a nov- 
elty act, Moskani. Other acts will 
be brought over later. 

Miss Abbott is changing the pol- 
icy of the Empire Room, dropping 
the Merriel Abbott dancers, who 
will tour under the direction of 
Edie Barst^jv. Line opens at the 
Glenn Rendezvous, Cincinnati, and 
then , may go to Mexico City. 

She also announced that the 
Boulevard Room, Stevens Hotel 
here will be closed for redecorating 
Jan. 1-25, to reopen with "Skitch" 
Henderson orch and Pinky Lee, 
comedian. 



Di Gitanos have signed with Music 
Corp. of America after switching 
from General Artists Corp. 



Negro Acts Fined $300 
For Playing Unfair Spot 

Fines totalling $300 were assessed 
against Stump & Stumpy, colored 
dancers, and Ziggy Lane & Brown- 
skin Chorus by trial board of Amer- 
ican Guild of Variety Artists. Pen- 
alty was slapped on after hearing 
wherein they were found guilty of 
remaining in show at the Paradise 
Club, Atlantic City, after spot had 
been cited unfair by talent union. 

Breakdown of fines levies $50 each 
against dance team and Lane, with 
six chorines of latter's line fined $25 
each. Union has not placed them on 
unfair list but is permitting them to 
continue work to pay off fines. 



HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL 
UNIT FOR VAUDERS 

Hollywood, Sept, 30. 

New type stage show for vaudfilm 
houses is being worked up locally 
for possible dates in the midwest 
and south. Unit will be headed by 
film animal stars such as Daisy, bear 
from "Red Stallion," plus birds and 
animals from "Sequoia" and "En- 
chanted Forest." 

Unit, being put together by Ren- 
nie Renfro, was tried out at a spe- 
cial kid matinee at El Portal theatre 
last Saturday (27) by Joe Kennedy, 
manager. It goes into the Alexander 
in Glendale, Oct. 11. Human star of 
the unit is Ray Berwick, trick roper 
and rider. 



Gertrude Niesen Back 
To Vaude at Capitol, N.Y. 

Gertrude Niesen will play her first 
N. Y. vaude date -in«.some years at 
the Capitol theatre, Oct. 16 or 23. 
Miss Niesen- has been out of vaude 
since she starred in the legiter "Fol- 
low the Girls" three years ago. She, 
however, played a Broadway nitery 
date at the defunct Vanity Fair. 

On the bill with Miss Niesen will 
be Jackie Gleason and Hal Mclntyre 
band. Latter was booked when 
David Rose, originally slated for 
spot, was released so that he could 
go on the Red Skelton airshow. 



HELD OVER 



SHOW BAR 

BOSTON 

Opening Oct. 13 
SAMOVAR. MONTREAL 



'Ice-Capades' Boff 314G 
In 3 Weeks Pitt. Run 

Pittsburgh, Sept. 30. 
• "Ice-Capades". grabbed big $314,- 
000 gross in three-week engage- 
ment at Gardens. Show got in 24 
performances, and played to virtual 
capacity until tag end of run. 

Take was few thousand more than 
a year ago, when rink revue did 
two performances more. However,, 
evening-up factor was fact that in 
1946 "Ice-Capades" ran into local 
power strike down the stretch, 
which cut heavily into business. 
Show went from here to Cleveland, 
newspapermen from there having 
caught it in Pittsburgh over final 
weekend, and then moves to Phila- 
delphia. 



JAY 

.Marshall 



OLYMPIA. MIAMI to 
VILLAGE VANGUARD. N. Y. C. 



c/o MARK J. LEDDY 

48 W. 48th Street. New York It 



Curry, Byrd »»» LeRoy 

"BEDLAM IN THE BALLROOM" 



Direction MATTY KOSKN 



ON TOUR 



CIA'B-IJATES HARM GREEN 




1C 




r,n «" Bratk 1 



rc, '«'» end P 

GROSS, \ / ' r '• Th « h0tt,lH ^??e° n »? ,0 !l,et V .Mh. 

I now It the M.r.hall Brother. 
\ Deva.tatingty tunny, th. Mar- 



Streno*. Devattatingly .-• 
.hell, ere celled beck tor encore eft.r 




Daily New»^^^\^ 




.J Dev." W«" up Wnllvwood »P°'» 




there 
ot Pete' 



as? *W»r. 



// 



cs Ttn - 

/act." 




Lorre. Danny 
j other*. 

nment <n 



•••»« ♦*fc.-off» 7 f h rf?W«« with 
"••"•«. leap opera, .n' ^Vl 

«ot Cn •£WNl with knock. 
Sinarra.Cro.bv .„'• '" fron » tfc.ir 

*>rced back for mZ L- i- ' 
beg-off." more - "inning with e 



B'U SMITH. 
Billboard. 



CURRENTLY 



STRAND, New York 

4 WEEK ENGAGEMENT! 



EXCLUSIVE MANAGEMENT: MARK J. LEDDY 

LEON NEWMAN 
48 Wtst 48th St., Ntw York 



J 



J* 



46 



VAUDEVILLE 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Night Club Reviews 



Continued from page 44 



Latin C asino, Phil I v 

opening with "I'm Still Going 
Strong." in which he introduces his 
famous clarinet and his equally-fa- 
mous battered top hat. "Have a Lot 
of Fun Today" is next on his reper- 
toire, and serves to make the cus- 



"miracle men." After 19 years at 
the same routine (more or less), he 
knows every trick in the trade and 
pulls out all the stops in winning 
the customers to his side. Lots of 
it is frankly corn, but Davis elevates 
it to the status of a fine art. What's 
more, he can handle a bluish ditty 



tpmcrs happy and , n receptive mood. for aJ , the lallghs it - s worth without 
In Paul White and Etroy Peace, ofrending anyone except deep-dyed 
Lewis has a distinct asset in a com- 1 
cdy tap team that makes the most ol 
every moment. White clicks in a 
vocal rendition, "Woodman, Spare 
That Tree," while Peace runs through 
the "shadow" part as Lewis performs 
the classic, "Me and My Shadow." 

The Bellaires are a personable 
quintet of vocalists, three gals and 
two guys, who really know how to 
harmonize and get the most out of 
their lyrics. 

Shirley, Sharon and Wanda are a 
trio of lookers who run through a 
routine of whirlwind acrobatic danc- 
ing. Their harem costumes, and the 
gimmick of being linked together by 
a leg chain, adds to the charm of 
their act. They're young and have 
plenty of zip. 

Geraldine Dubois works with 
Lewis in duet of "The Body and the 
Face." The lyrics are clever, and 
number is extremely well done. 

Lewis closes with "This Old High 
Hat" and "I Think I'll Get the Papers 
iTTd-Go-Homef- His singing style is 
as good as ever, and he exudes a 
charm that comes of -genuine artistry. 
His catch line, "Is Everybody Happy" 
found a positive answer in the audi- 
ence. Biz good when caught. Shal. 



Leon & Eddie's, X. V. 

Eddie Doris, Ruloff Trio, Paco & 
Hilda, Gloria Woliis, Terry Corrigan, 
Robert Baxter, Frank Shepherd's 
Dancers (6), Art Werner's Orch (6); 
$3.50 minimum. 

With Eddie Davis still dominating 
the floor at Leon & Eddie's fall open- 
ing (10), this nitery is staging a top 
bargain show for the visiting fire- 
men who want 'em big, fast and 
bawdy. Judging from opening night 
biz. which was good despite sticky 
weather, this spot is heading for an- 
other strong season. ' 

Davis is still one of 52nd street's 



11 



TEX 
WILLIAMS 

and His 
WESTERN CARAVANS 

"SNVOKE, SMOKE, 

SMOKE" 
RKO Pa\ace, CJeve. 
Week of October 2nd 

Management: A „, ' 
MtlvWe A. Sha-e r AjoY- 
Cliff Carlta* Awoetat* 



bluenoses. For this "occasion, he 
pulled his Gilbert & Sullivan parody 
out of camphor, socks the tourists 
with a ribald version of "Doin' What 
Comes Naturally" and rolls them 
hard with even more -spicy item, 
"My Wife Won't Let Me Run In 
'48." He also does "Who Put the Law 
in Mother - In - Law," "Anniversary 
Song," and winds with a community 
sing on "Peg O' My Heart" and "I 
Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now." 

Frank Shepherd's sextet, neatly 
gowned in abbreviated plaid cos- 
tumes, tee off with a nicely executed 
dance number. Terry Corrigan, in 
the No. 2 spot, flashes some average 
hoofiing followed by young chan- 
teuse Gloria Wallis, who contribs a 
trio of pop numbers in good style. 
Paco & Hilda, rhumba team, pace 
their stint in fast rhythms and the 
femme member earns plenty laughs 
in her rhumba lessons to a couple of 
male patrons. ' 

Bob Baxter, doubling as emcee, 
shows ""off a' strong" barifSne with 
renditions of "Hallelujah," "Mam'- 
selle" and a medley from Jerome 
Kern's "Show Boat." The mike ought 
to be toned down slightly when he 
gets around to "Ol' Man River." Vet 
comedy dance team, the Ruloff trio, 
score heavily with their routine, in- 
eluding their fall-away costumes 
which at finale leaves the gal un- 
dressed to the legal minimum for 
strippers. Professor Ruloff, leader 
of the trio, registers for solid laughs 
with his deadpan serio-comic antics. 

Davis winds up show and brings 
everyone on again for a snappy 
finale. Art Wayne's orch backs 
nicely and dished up bouncy rhythms 
for customer hoofing. Hem. 

Merry Go Round, 
Youngstown 

Youngstown, Sept. 26. 
Joey Adams, Marie Plant, Tony 
Canzoneri, Chandra-Kaly dancers 
(4), Bobbie Martin, Don Cortex Orch 
(6), 3 Latins; couuert $1 Saturdays, 
65c. week days. 



show, the town can stand a major 
spot, but as presently operated, the 
Merry-Go-Round appears to be a bit 
of philanthropy on the part of Con- 
stantino, since the $1 week end and 
65-cent weekday couvert is quite 
reasonable, and there's no casino 
annex to contribute to the receipts. 

The Adams parlay has seldom re- 
ceived a better reception in a cafe, 
Adams, a puckish little guy with a 
sense of comedy and timing appeal- 
ing to all, works in a manner to gain 
top response for himself and col- 
leagues. He has a fine assortment, of 
stories, including some dialect yarns, 
and zany bits of business executed 
with Canzoneri and Plant. 

On his own, Plant does exceed- 
ingly well with his baritoning o£ 
"Beguine," "I Have But One Heart" 
and "Old Man River." He also adds 
much to the hilarity mainly through 
his piping of "Sonny Boy" with add- 
ed comedies by Adams. Canzoneri's 
additions to the comedy are simi- 
larly appreciated. The ex-pug is de- 
veloping into an excellent per- 
former. 

The Chandra-Kaly Dancers also 
win top applause. The turn makes 
a sock impression with their East 
Indian jive and West Indian dance 
interpolations. The three femmes 
with the act dress .up show with 
looks and terpability. 

Completing the bill, Bobbie Mar- 
tin is also nicely received.- Gal is 
personable, well-gowned, and has 
slick delivery. On preem show she 
eschewed ballads in order to keep 
up the rolling speed of the layout. 
— . — , _ _____ — Jose, — 



El Chieo, N. Y. 

Pilar Gomez, Barreira & Mar- 
garita, Rostta Rios, Los Chamulas 
(2>, Los Caballeros (3), Enrique 
Aragon Orch (7) ; $3.50 minimum. 



Cloud Room, Portland 

Portland, Ore., Sept. 22. 
Jimmy Jamerson, Ann Dawson, 
Jackie Dolan, Eddie Flenner Orch 
(5); 85c couer, $1.50 Sat. 



Not for nought has Benito Collada's 
Greenwich Village spot thrived 
through all sorts of conditions for 
almost two decades. Easily the. No. 
1 bistro of the Washington Square 
sector. El Chico is also a Manhattan 
institution because of its authentic 
Latin flavor. More than just an- 
other Spanish nitery, the boite, from 
cuisine and decor to entertainment, 
oozes as being the McCoy Castillian 
stuff, Even the customers, many of 
them from the Spanish-Portuguese 
export-import crowd and the diplo- 
matique, reflect that. 

Gastronomically, therefore, the 
spot cannot afford to be road-com- 
pany in anything it undertakes. And 
a's for the talent, it's likewise in the 
authentic tradition, whether Collada 
brings them from Barcelona or 
Buenos Aires, from Rio or South of 
the Rio Grande. Because that's just 
about how farflung are his artistic 
lines. . . . - . 

Opener is Pilar Gomez, for ex- 
ample, in the best Spanish tradition, 
with or without the castinets, for 
her terps have a concert-flavor. A 
sister of the late La Argentinita, fpr 
a time she accompanied Rosario & 
Antonio on their tour. A tall, per- 
sonable brunet she makes an arrest- 
ing entr'acte. 
Barreira__& _Margaxita_ T arj__£Eom 



classic to bogie-woogie, gets nice re. 
ception. 

The Talbots, dance team holdover, 
reap the top applause with their 
capsule history of ballroom terping, 
and close with the Tinkle Dance, 
in which the customers tap out the 
beat on glassware. 

DiPardo orch gives fine backing 
throughout and dishes up first rate 
danceables. DiPardo fronting « 
deft, with the maestro inserting rich 
phrases on muted trumpet. Buxt. 

El Moroeeo, IMonl'l 

Montreal, Sept., 25. 
Alys Robi, Eddie Schaffer, Armand 
& Anita, Milray Girls (6), Norma 
HVtton Ore*;.', minimum $1.50. 



Bo. 




C ■ 


HARRY 


A. 


ROMM 


38 E 57>H S* 







The Merry Go Round, probably 
the largest nitery venture to hit 
Youngstown, constitutes a major de- 
velopment in this town's cafe sector. 
Nick Constantino, who operates 
other enterprises, is attempting the 
major experiment of beating the 
spot's location, far off the main 
drag, with high salaried entertain- 
ers and low-cost food and drink 
policy. Initial show with Joey 
Adams, Tony Canzoneri, Mark 
Plant, Chanlrlra-Kaly dancers and 
Bobbie Martin is one that gets a 
high rating, even according to 
Broadway standards, and should at- 
tract the cream of this town's trade. 

Club .is a nicely decorated affair 
seating ' around 450 and located on 
the site of the defunct Torch Club. 
Cafe has an ideal layout with no 
obstructions to visibility and the ro- 
tating bar is located away from the 
main room so that there's a mini- 
mum distraction from that end. 
According to reception of this 




Currently for 6 Weeks 
London Casino, London, England 



Mgt.-UNIVERSAl ATTRACTIONS 
S6S Fifth Avinin, N.w York . 



Many niteries are still taking a 
beajing due to the hot weather, 
night baseball and night horse 
racing. However, this spot is doing 
okay with current bill. 

Jimmy Jamerson, slick comedy 
impressionist, does a neat job of 
impressions of name bands includ- 
ing Sammy Kaye, T. Dorsey, Russ 
Morgan, Wayne King, and Vaughn 
Monroe. Encores with takeoffs of 
the late F.D.R. and James Cagney 
as George M. Cohan in "Yankee 
Doodle Dandy for solid applause 
and beg off. 

Jackip Dolan in opening spot 
warms things up with his harmonica 
routine, with "Carnival in Venice" 
and" "Peg O' My Heart" as toppers. 
Ann Dawson, nifty looker, is solid 
in tapstering and Hawaiian numbers. 

Eddie Flenner and his orch set 
the tempo for customer dahsapa- 
tion and. also background show 
neatly. Feve. 

La Martinique, X- Y. 

(FOLLOW-UP) 

To boost the klabiash current at 
the reopened La Martinique, Phil 
Foster, young comedian who's been 
knocking around for some years in 
the borscht belt, clubdates and the 
smaller niteries, is an added starter. 
It is, incidentally, a repeat for him 
at this cafe. He is easily the most 
saleable item in a melange that in- 
cludes Tzigane music by a 14-piece 
string orch, blues by a colored 
singer, an operetta-type baritone 
who precedes Miss Hill, to violate 
the usual routining format that no 
two acts of the same type follow 
each other. Foster has shown in- 
creasing improvement as a comedy 
purveyor, though his casual manner 
and personality are consistently 
better than his material. But he has 
a slick, off-hand style that is in- 
gratiating, and it isn't long before 
he has the patrons de-emphasizing 
the value of his jokes while, at the 
same time, becoming more and 
more absorbed in the apparent spon- 
taneity of the young comedian. 

What Foster needs to correct most 
is a dictional fault right out of 
Brooklyn, And, of course, he needs 
material, especially in those first 
dozen minutes of his turn. In his 
last 15 minutes he's winging. 

Otherwise, the rest of the bill (re 
viewed In last week's Variety) com 
prises Nicola Matthey's string orch 
for the longhair stuff, which is more 
Carnegie Hall than cafe; Ruby Hill 
sings a nice blues song, and Cass 
Franklin does well enough on the 
baritone stuff. Kahn. 



Brazil, their first time in America 
His is a sort of Apache personality ; 
and she looks more striking in the 
Brazilian turbans, rather than when 
her brunet tresses are loose, but in 
whatever- they do they possess a 
flavor that is different. The fruit- 
vendor routine might be considered 
a more palatable version of the 
"peanut vendor" stuff, tout the aura 
is cariocan rather than Cuban. They 
also' feature a rooster flirtation 
routine which is a shade broad but 
OK for a cafe floor, and they're par- 
ticularly good in the audience-flirta- 
tion business, which is where Mar- 
garita shines. 

Rosita Rios, longtime star of El 
Chico, is in fine voice, registering 
perhaps even better than ever with 
her "Maria Bonita" (Mexican com 
poser Augustin Lara's latest click), 
and "Granada." Miss Rios is pos 
sessed of a fine, full, well-trained 
soprano which is given full sway 
here. She looks well, too, trained 
down a bit. 

For the just right comedy balance 
along come Los Chamulas, Mexican 
brother act, who would click in a 
legit revue with their panto. The 
mimicry has a Chaplinesque quality 
which doesn't end with those dimin- 
utive mustaches they sport, as they 
get off their baseball, nonsense, plus 
the satire on the Oriental dance. 
They also do a reefer-smoking rou- 
tine (midnight show> that's out- 
standing. 

This 4-aet lineup is easily one of 
the best that boniface Collada ever 
whipped up, having excellent bal- 
ance of song, dance and comedy, 
topped off with a sort of Latin- 
esque "big apple" or "John Paul 
Jones" audience-participation rou 
tine, sparkplugged chiefly by the 
distaff end of Barreira & Margarita. 

Enrique Aragon, presiding at the 
Steinway, maestros a compelling 
dance septet, alternating with Los 
Caballeros, relief trio of musikers. 

Abel. 



SECOND SENSATIONAL WEEK 
NIXON CAFE, PITTSBURGH 




VALD0 



French-Canadian singing star Alys 
Robi, back from Europe, heads this 
new bill and again puts over with 
sock results her smart singing and 
vivacious personality. Backed by a 
good orchestra working with top 
musical arrangements specially done 
for her/ she neatly registers in her 
French, English and Spanish songs. 
Forte is modernized musical and vo- 
cal interpretations of French-Cana- 
dian folklore. She sings "L'Alou- 
ette Chanta le Jour," "Mon Pere 
N'Avait .Fille Que Moi" and "Vive 
la Canadienne" with enthusiastic 
crowd reaction. Her difficult, boun- 
cing and highly specialized musical 
arrangements are extraordinary and 
she sings through them with a rare 
sense of timing. Possessing a piquant 
gereojialjtj^Miss Robi is equally at 
ease~In~'T_ngrisn~~br Spanish as in 
French. She splits her French songs 
with "Got You Under My Skin," 
"Poppa Don't Preach to Me," etc. 

Comedian - emcee Eddie Schaffef 
seems to have no material to work 
with for he just tells jokes, yet reg- 
isters soundly and has to beg off. 
Six foot tall, smart looking, he has 
smooth delivery, and stays away 
from routine or passe gags. Schaf- 
fer's sense of timing is probably his 
greatest asset. Night reviewed, he 
did but one song, his own version 
of "Sam, You Made the Pants Too 
Long." 

Armand & Anita are a fast and 
different ballroom dance team. They 
do "Beguine," a samba and a fast 
foxtrot, all in stop-and-go fashion, 
with each gesture accentuated, each 
step cut in the middle by dead stops. 
It is a difficult technique with which 
they achieve happy results. The 
Milray line is three ensembles for 
which they are beautifully cos- 
tumed. The Viennese waltz routine, 
in lavish white costumes and all 
blondes, is a knockout. Marc. 

Carrillo Vaude Unit 

Los Angeles, Sept. 30. 

Frederick Bros, agency has pack- 
aged a stage-show for Million Dollar 
theatre for week of Oct 7. Leo Car- 
rillo will topline three other acts 
and Carlos Molina orchestra. 

Layout has been booked at 50-50 
split after theatre takes out first 
$2,500 for exploitation-ad expenses. 



Walnut Room, Chi 

(HOTEL BISMARCK) 

Chicago, Sept. 26. 
The Talbots, Ballantines, Tony 
DiPardo's Orch (12) with Ann 
Ryan; no cover or minimum. 



ASSISTED BY 



PRINCESS PAT 



II 




Management: EDDIE SMITH AGENCY, 



"Valdo and Princess Pat Startle" . . . 

— WALTER WINCHELL 

Paramount Bldg., New York 



Fun that's not frantip is 'the pol 
icy of this sedate room where mid- 
dleagers like to mellow and couples 
bring their kids for dinner and the 
early show. Tony DiPardo's orch 
uses brass and creamy arrangements 
in a neat blend with the subdued 
setting. 

Brief bill opens with trim con- 
toured Ann Ryan singing "There's 
No Business Like Show Business." 
Her sweet, smooth style is at odds 
with her second, number, "Feudin' 
and Fightin'," trilled without a 
trace of hillbilly lustiness. 

The Ballantines, harmonica team, 
put an expert touch on the inhales- 
exhales. Male half uses a standard 
chromatic job, while femme per- 
forms nimbly on an oversize in- 
strument with twin keyboards and 
384 reeds. Their set, ranging from 



COMEDY 
PATTER 

For All Branches of Theatricals 
SPECIAL SUMMER PRICES! 
FUN-MASTER GAG FILES 

At $1.00 Each, or 
Nos. 1 Thru 13 for $10 
Nod. 14 Thro 22 at $1.00 Each 
or SET or 22 FTLES for $18.00 
WOTTA BUY! HURRY! 
"BOOK OF BLACK-OUTS" 
8 Vols, at $20 vrr Vol., or 

$30 for 3 Vols. 
"BOOK OF PARODIES" 
Over 10 Special-Written 
Sock Parodies ONLY $5.00 
"HOW TO MASTER THE 

CEREMONIES" 
(How to Be an Emcee) 
$3 net Copy, luck 2 Gag K'tttl 

NO C.O.D.'s 
Be Sure to Send Permanent Address 

PAULA SMITH 

200 W. Mth St. New York 19, N. \. 



= *>*»!> KOBE/US 




MAXINE 

SULLIVAN 

CURRENTLY 
LE RUBAN BLEU, New York 
RADIO: Sundays, 3-3:15 P.M., WNEW 

Personal Manager n!,-»H«». 

.TosKPit MARSoiiAis wirtction. 
l6 »' »' ri »<l w »3[ • Njw T«A MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 

mute WHS ft CI. 0-403* — 5 



Wednesday, OeloW I, 1947 



47 



New Acts 



t.ILEEN STANLEY, JR. 
ongs 
10 Mins. 

loew's State, New York 

Aileen Stanley was a single wom- 
an headliner in the heyday of the 
jpalace and her protegee, to whom 
she has lent her name, has yet to 
begin to emulate her. Miss Stanley, 
Sr., has been concentrating on train- 
ing new talent, and Aileen, Jr., who 
has been chirping with the Randy 
Brooks band, requires more of that 
sort of schooling before making 
impact on her own. Even in the 
deuce at the State, before a friendly 
house, which was obviously taken 
with the kid's fresh, cleancut looks, 
the impression was tepid. The 
wholesomeness of it all is virtually 
given the convincer by eschewing 
that double-entendre "street of the 
peace" punchline in "Papa Don't 
Preach to Me." 

Her repertoire comprises "Almost 
Like Being in Lov.e," "Civilization" 
(calypso tempoed pop), and a spe- 
cial Parisian intro for "Papa," but in 
none of these does she possess the 
necessary zin|i. She rarely takes 
command, although chirping her 
chores pleasantly enough. Incidental- 
ly, despite the non-relationship, 
other than the endowed name-bill- 
ing, Junior reminds not a little of 
the winsome Miss Stanley of yore. 
Like the l atter, Jun ior may_ yet 
scale the "heights, but she" requires 
further seasoning. Abel. 



LAVERNE FRENCH & LAWAUNE 

INGRAM 
Dance 
Jo Mins. 

Samovar, Montreal 

Here is a new colored team that 
should go places. , French and the 
tall Lawaune Ingram (Rex Ingram's 
ex), and a looker, are both gradu- 
ates from the Katherine Dunham 
troupe. They reveal good training 
in each number. Gayly costumed, 
they do a socko special arrangement 
called "Saturday Evening Moody 
Blues," a typical Negro boy and 
girl Saturday night street date to 
which they lend a brilliant sense of 
Interpretation and some sensational 
Stepping. Another solid number in 
Oriental costume, is their "East 
Indian Love Dance," very Javanese, 
a sure crowd-pleaser. French & 
Ingram also contrib two other lively 
routines, a "Jazz Flamenco" and a 
West Indian Carnival'' dance. 

With this varied repertoire, good 
dancing technique, bright costumes 
and smart interpretation they have 
no difficulty impressing favorably. 
Only slight trouble at this new stage 
of. their career is an occasional mis- 
timed conclusive step which should 
quickly be corrected with a few 
more shows. More. 



ELSA & WALDO 
Dance 

11 Mins.! Two 

Loew's State, New York 

Comedy dance team is of Spanish 
South American extraction and is 
said to be unable to speak any Eng- 
lish but what they do in their 
unique, comedic, terpsichorean man- 
ner is readily understood in any 
theatre or nitery by any audience, 
including the Scandinavian. They 
possess a fine comedy flair which 
recommends them for general con- 
sumption, and their graduation from 
the bistros, to the variety houses, 
with a "Ziegfeld Follies" revue in 
the offing, bespeaks the universal- 
ity of their appeal. 

In grotesque ballerina getup she 
is foiled by an eccentric, lumber- 
limbs type of partner who does gro- 
tesque terps and taps, with hokum 
bumps and kindred fol-de-rol, in a 
manner that's a natural for any 
sight audience. It's all done dumb, 
save for some inane prattle which 
is part of the by-play. 

Their rhythmic nonsense is stu- 
diously contrived and scores all the 
way; For finale fillip she does a 
Harno Marx and he a Groucho, 
dancing off to solid returns. Abel. 



RUDY CARDENAS 

Juggler 

10 Mins. 

Paramount, N. Y. 

Rudy Cardenas, a teen-age South 
American import making his Broad- 
way bow; impresses as likely to 
make the top grade in that direction 
once he learns the few tricks of 
showmanship that U. S. audiences 
are accustomed to. As it is, there's 
nothing wrong with his act. He lets 
the tricks and expert manipulation 
constitute his sole bid for applause, 
and on that basis alone, he's ex- 
tremely successful. 

Cardenas shows some items new 
to audiences. Major innovation is 
a pocketed belt worn around the 
waist used to catch juggled balls. 
He makes some sensational catches 
behind his back and during fast 
Spins. Another item is his manipu* 
lation of cocktail shakers in which 
he provides some picturesque ef- 
fects, and finally top hats are twirled 
about to make some trick landings 
on his dome. He does a minimum of 
standard tricks, concentrating on 
items rarely seen. 

Once he acquires the necessary 
poise, he'll be a likely bet for cafes 
as well. At present stage of devel- 
opment, he's right for the deluxe 
vauders. . Jose. 



DOLINOFFS & It AY A SISTERS (4) 
Dance 

-KS-MinSij- Two-and Four 

Loew's State, New York 

Man and three women in a nov- 
elty terp act which unquestionably 
has been around, possibly under a 
different name, although not in the 
Variety New Act files. Basic dance 
influence is Russian, with a little 
touch of the "Chauve Souris" in 
their toy-soldier opener, with the 
three femme manikins grouped 
around the male. 

Who the Dolinoffs are and who are 
the Raya Sisters Can't be identified 
since Dolinoff works with all three 
femmes in sequence, particularly in 
the blackout sequence where he's 
"invisible," in black costuming, 
against the pitch-dark background, 
handling the girls in odd poses and 
posturings as they are set off in 
iridescent contrast to the black vel- 
vet curtain. Two electrically illu- 
minated question marks, on either 
side of their special setting, further 
eclipses the action as he manipulates 
the femmes in their acro-terps. 

The routines are showmanly and 
ingeniously conceived as he appar- 
ently makes heads, skeletons, tam- 
bourmes and the like float through 
the air, in addition to assisting the 
girls in their own special brand of 
trick terping. 

Act is one of the real hark-backs 
to good old-school vaudeville, and 
its solid reception reflects its dura- 
bility and appeal for any audience. 

Abei. 



PEGGY & MICHAEL ARNAUD 
Ballroom ' 
9 Mins. 

Hotel Pierre,. N. Y. 

Peggy & Michael Arnaud are 
making their debut in America after 
four years playing England and the 
Continent. They have style and 
grace, and are personable. 

Nothing spectacular to their work, 
which is varied enough despite a 
too-slow opener. At limes they're a 
little too elegant, but, nevertheless, 
they go over, aided no little by some 
nice lifts. They dress impeccably in 
formal attire. 

Okay for theatres and cafes. 

Kahn. 



Wham Coin 

Continued from page 1 



when there's a paucity of indoor 
sports events.- Arenas have already 
played bands flke Spitalny for highly 
profitable takes. 

As far as orchestras and perform- 
ers are concerned, many are anxious 
to get into that segment of . show 
business. In the first place returns 
are generally . higher than in most 
fields. White and Gillespie played 
Town and Carnegie Halls at $3 and 
$3.60 tops respectively, and both 
were more than sellouts. Audi- 
torium rental, depending upon the 
day, averages $750 plus charges such 
as treasurers and ushers, while 
Town Hall's rate is around $500. 
Figuring another $1,000 for advertis- 
ing and publicity, the promoter 
comes out with a handy figure at 
the end of an SRO evening. 

That Carnegie Billing 

Another factor making the long- 
hair type of presentation desirable 
is the fact that such appearances re- 
sult in considerable prestige. Bill- 
ing "direct from Carnegie" or Town 
Hall, is an important factor to many 
and invariably pays off big. 

Dizzy Gillespie show at Carnegie 
on Monday (29) was one of the more 
solid sellouts, with many turned 
away. Gillespie, today's No. 1 ex- 
ponent of the be-bop style of music, 
is one of the more controversial 
disciple s of iaz z. consisting oi chord 
backgrounds to melodic passages. 
It's tough for many to take because 
of frequent disonances, but solid and 
difficult musicianship are involved, 
and Gillespie's tonal craftsmanship 
is one of the more important jazz 
contributions of the day. Ella Fitz- 
gerald, who's been around, is a fre- 
quent contributor to concerts and 
has collected a sizable following 
since she came to attention as vocal- 
ist in the late Chick Webb's band. 

Josh White last season didn't click 
on all his out-of-town dates, but is 
figured to do better because of the 
fact that balladeers are still riding a 
high crest of popularity. While still 
short of longhair stature, he's none- 
theless an entertaining performer. 

Both Carnegie and Town Hall will 
have an important allotment of jazz 
concerts. Eddie Condon, the Town 
Hall perennial, is slated to do an 
entire series there, while Ted Zittel 
is promoting a Saturday midnight 
series. Town Hall is also slated to 
have a Calypso carnival Oct. 18 and 
a Tom Scott recital Oct. 16. Car- 
negie schedule, so far includes, a 
King Cole session Oct. 18, calypso 
recital, Oct. 12 and Duke Ellington 
concerts Dec. 26 and 27. 



Bar A'ssn. 

Continued from page 2 



HADDA BROOKS 
Songs-Piano 
13 Mins. 
Apollo, N. Y. 

Hadda Brooks, who's built up a 
rep via her cuttings on Hollywood's 
Moderji label, is making her vaude 
bow at the Apollo. Piano-playing 
Negro songstress is slightly in the 
Hazel Scott-Mary Lou Williams- 
Nellie Lutcher vein. She unwraps 
poise, skill and assurance that 
stamp her for the better cafe and 
vaude dates. Opens with a nifty 
Polonaise" on the 88, then follows 
with self-accompanied warbling of 
such torchy oldies as "Trust In Me" 
and "That's My Desire." 

Tall, lissome Miss Brooks' talents 
aren't exclusively confined to her 
musicianship. Wearing a rust-colored 
floor length gown, she has a wistful, 
come-hither smile' that results in a 
firm expression of approval among 
the male payees. Her chirping is in 
an intimate, cozy style that drapes 
lyrics with additional meanings. But 
a little more volume in her piping 
wouldn't do any harm. Another solo 
on the ivories would also bring about 
better pacing. Warmly received here, 
^indubitably Miss Brooks has talent. 



names as Phil Spitalny who during 
the past year has taken out as much 
as $ 18,000 on one Cleveland engage- 
I ment. Spitalny also pulled $15,000 
: each in Atlanta and St. Louis. Spike 
j Jones in nine dates through the mid- 
! west, did around $94,000 at $3.60 top, 
and Larry Adler and Paul Draper 
in a Christmas week series at the 
N, Y. City Center last year grossed 
$25,000. Other high grossef s include 
Hazel Scott, Richard Dyer-Bennet, 
Burl Ives and Eddie Condon. 

The field has reached the extent 
where concert playing time is fig- 
ured to cut the time in the one-night 
dance field. 

While the N. Y. presentations at 
Town and Carnegie Halls are in- 
creasing in popularity, indications 
are that out-of-town promoters are 
becoming increasingly hep to the 
opportunities offered in the jazz and 
pop concert line. 

Jazz's Big Payoff 

This is partially due to the fact 
that many middle-grade attractions 
offered . in the longhair field, last 
season, failed to pay off. Promoters 
are consequently seeking personali- 
ties and ideas that can be exploited 
and consequently are latching on to 
the jazz field. 

Additional interest has come from 
arena operators, many of whom are 
frequently caught short on booking 



Variety Bills 

WEEK OF OCTOBER 1 

Numerals in connection with bills below indicate opening day of chow 
, whether full or split weeb 

Letter in parenthetic* Indicates circuit: (1) Judependenti (L) Loewi 
(F) Paramount; (R) KKO; (W) Warner 



NEW YORK CITY. 
Capitol (I,) 3 

G«ne Krupa Ore 
The Vagabonds 
Cardini 
Ro.sc Marie 
Mu8ic Hall (1) 4 
Fanfaire 

Patricia Bowman 
R. Krouvlier 
Salict Puppets 
Alexander Small 
Lawrence Nlkol 
Paul Frank e 
Ester Boris 

Paramount (I*) 2 
Desi Arnaz. Bd 
Marion Button 
Nonehalants 
Rudy Cardenas 
Dulcina 

Rosy (I> 2 
Milton Berle 
Nancy Donovan 
Stan Fisher 
4 Moroccans 
The Vikings 

State (I,) 1 
Juggling .Jewels 
Bunin Puppets 
Hal LeRny 
Beverly Tyler 
Myron Cohen 
Zarco & Beryl 

Strand <W) 3 
Blue- -Barron Ore -■ 
Joey Adams 
Tony Can/.onerl 
Mark Plant 
Tar! Vance 

Ql EEN8 
Jamaica (1) 3-4 
Jim Wong Troupe 
B & M Gates 
Hal Monte 
Paul Berkley Co 
T & D Peters 
Flora Drake 
Chet Clark 
(two to fill) 

BALTIMORE 
Hippodrome (I). 3 
Cedric & Algy 
Kugenie Baird 
Marc Ballero 
T'k-Drink Huffman 

Stale (I) 2-4 
Morry ft' Frank 
Eddy Shore 
Milt Ross 
Nik'i Paul & Sherl 

5-8 
Francisco 
June North Co 
Julia ('ummings 
Abdalla-h Girla 

BOSTON 

Boston tit) % 

Jack Haley 
Elsa & Waldo 
Slagg McMjinn 3 
Constance Moore 
(one to fill) 

CAMDEN 
Tower* (I) 1 
Gay 90s Revue 

CHICAGO 
Chicago (P> l 
Larry Adler 
F ft E Barry 
Cookie Bowers 



Oriental (1) 2 

Beatrice Kay 

Joe Howard 

Raye & Nardo 

Pryde ft Oaye 

Carl Sands Ore 
CLEVELAND 
Palace <R) 2 

Tex Williams Ore 

Ben Beri 

Lucienne ft Ashour 
Gaynor ft Ross 
I'OLl'MHCS 

Palace (R) «-tt 
Cab Calloway Ore 
Stump ft Stumpy 
Berry Bros 
Count Leroy 

DAlfTON 

Kelth'H (R) 2 
Ted Weema Ore 
Wally Brown 
The Glenns 

HARTFORD 
State (I) 3-5 
Charlie Splvak O y 
Barry Wood 
Patsy Kelly 
Jordan ft P« rvis 
MIAMI 

Olympla <P) 1 
Juveiys 
Chi to Tzar 
Milt Douglas Co 
Segovia 

Calgary -Byoa- — » 
NEWARK 
Adamtt (1) 2 
Max Baer 
Maxie Rosenbloom 
Art Mooney Ore 
Bonnie Baker 
Floria VestofE 
■i Jansleys 
PHILADELPHIA 

Carman <l) 2 

Randall ft Melino 

ft Mollis 
Larry Daniels 
Jerry Coe 
Stuart Sisters 
READING 
I la J tih ID 3-2 
Cab Calloway Ore 
Berry Bros 
Stump & Stumpy 
Count LeRoy 
ROCK FORD 
Palace (I) 3 

2 Edisons . 
Julie Ballew 
Tarzan 

West & Dearlo 

3 Eddingtona 
SAN FRANCISCO 

Golden Gate <R) 1 

Paul Gary 

Ambassadoretles 

Coleman Clark 
SPRINGFIELD 
Court Sq (I) 2-5 

Jans & Martell 

4 Eights 
Jack Farrell 
Mills ft Powers 
Dale Sis 

The Arnauta 
WASHINGTON 
Capitol (L) 2 
Henderson Oners 
Sasha Leonoff 
Aileen Stanley Jr 
Benson ft Munn 



ENGLAND 



American attorneys as John Mar- 
shall, Judah P. Benjamin and Wil- 
liam Howard Taft could be por- 
trayed in films similarly to the 
stories of Al Jolson and Louis Pas- 
teur. 

The attorney warned that the pix, 
radio and comics are courting legis- 
lative restraints, and he asked the 
ABA to study the advisability of leg- 
islation which would prevent "ill- 
treatment',' of lawyers. At the same 
time, he urged that attorneys oppose 
renewal of licenses of offending sta- 
tions and a- re-examination of codes 
of Hollywood, radio and comic strip 
industries by the industries them- 
selves. 

"Our interest in the matter," de- 
clared the St. Louis attorney, "is 
not generated by motives of self-jus- 
tification, but rather comes from a 
belief that grave harm is being done 
to a fundamental "American institu- 
tion—the administration of justice. 

"Whereas the. doctor is almost al- 
ways represented as a kindly, 
charitable and capable person, the 
lawyer is usually portrayed as a 
cruel, selfish, tricky and unethical 
person. The judge is often shown 
to be unworthy of his high office. 

"The evil of the three media as we 
view it is to infect the minds of 
youth with the conviction that 
lawyers are anti-social and the law, 
through the judges and courts, is 
an instrumentality unwholesome to 
our welfare." 

Specifically, he named radio's 
"Gang-Busters," Kerry Drake, of the 
comics and "The Killers" pic as 
showing attorneys up in bad light. 

The following day, Carl B. Rix, 
president of the ABA, said that 
Freund was "speaking for himself 
and not the bar when he referred 
to Hollywood, the radio and comic 
strips for their approach to the legal I 
profession." 

Rix added that last June the ABA j 
embarked on a program in coop- 
eration with members of radio, press 
and motion pictures, and that the 
joint committee will continue its 
work in an effort to arrive at satis- 
factory solutions. 



BMSTOI, 
Hippodrome (1) '»!> 

Jack Durjuu 
Trose * .Mamlnlifri; 
Leslie .strange 
Garciaa 

Philippe & Maria 
Harris & Christine 
ifartlett & Massey 

. CARDIFF 
New Theatre (I) tit 
Billy Cotton Ore 
Len Youn/r 
Foster & Clarke 
Sum I. Infield Co 
f-.es Floronzos 
A J Powers 
Muldoon -1 . 
CHlSMirK 
Empire (I) 29 
Mad hatters of '47 
Syd Seymour Ore 
Constance Kvans 
Mao * Frank 
F.arle & Osriir 
Spreno & Joy 
Pat O'Brien 
Henry Adurns 
A If Kay 

.Seymour T.owlies 
DKKI1V 
On ml (1) »9 
Spotlight on Sally 1 
Jack Radfliee 
HACK N icy 
Empire (I) 29 
Open Door Rlehard 



Ernie T.olln-ga 1 

l.EIOKSTWt 
Opera Holme (I) 29 

.No Room at" Inn. 

Palace (I) 29 
Broadcast of 1947 
Issy Bonn 
Rhodes & I.ane 
Siki &. Son 
2 Movers 
Vivien & Co 

LONDON 

Coliseum (I) 20 
Anne Get (iun 
Dolores Grsv 
Bill Johnson 

SI oil (I) 29 
Arnold's lee Rev 

MANCHESTER 
Hippodrome <l) 29 
Nitwits 
Sandy Powell 
Rex Ramer 
I.loyd & Betty 
Shane Sis 
St Clair 
Naltos 

SHEPH'DS BI'SII 
Empire. (I) 29 

Joe Loss Ore 
Dick Henderson 
Winters & Fielding 
Jackie 

Jimmie Robins 
Korel & Cullln 
Paul Rogers 



Cabaret Bills 



NEW YOBK CITY 



Mil gill f I If 

OoK»rh\ Roan 
Wally tlrtffin 

Blue Antcel 
Alice IVwrctt 
Marc I a wronce 
A in Ji i;< I n I^ine 
:t FlameK 
Phil Goriion 
Ella Lnrk\n 3 

Belniont-J'hiita 
Riifwell Swarm. 
Bob Dixon 
Taylor Line 
Oacita Ore 
Kddle Stone Ore 

Kutnui Men 
George Krfisler 
Maxine Sullivan 
Jean Fo liner 
Paul Vlllard 
liill Olllanl 
Harold fla.stinKs 3 
Wally BUiclter 

Cafe 5m-iety 

(Dotvnto'vn) 
Stanley Pnnr«r. 
Dorothy .tm-nac 
I f opt* F05 e . 
Nellie Fjutfher 
Dave Martin Ore 
J'afe Society t'ptn 
huetenne Hn>er 
Frji nk Pnurcfl 
Abbey Albert Ore 

Citrnlinl 
Ray HolR^r 
Reairicp Kraft 
Kayf Kalian] 
Wlere Hvuh 
Yvonne AHalr 



PauJ Gavotte 
Reld Ore 

China Doll 

Min*r & Lln« 
Wong tiiy 
Laurie Lour 
Read-ire Fung Ovc 
H Curbello Ore 
.lack Pratte. Ore 
Moo Song 
Fran Yang 
Jadfne LI Sun 
Tai Sings 

Copucahana 
Joe E Lew in 
JeL Mat-Donald 
Mario & Fiona 
(.'lark Dennis • 
Miejiael Du.mj Orr* 
Fernando Alvarez O 
Diamond nors.^tm. 
Ross & La Pierre 
Sir) 

Herman Hyde 
Turner Twin* 
Rosebuds 
Hilly Banks 
Tables Davis 
Renald & Rudy 
Jack Mathers 
Noble Sissle Ore 
S> d Strange Ore 

£1 Chk'o 
P.osJta Rlos 
Pilar Gomez 
BhirrliH & 
Margarita 
Lok Chamulop 
Lou CftbelleroK 
Knriiyje Aragnn (1 



H 11 rem 

Jack Cole Dcrs 
Moore & Lessy 
Pinky Lee 
Lucille Page . 
Kona Lord 
Nevada Smith 
P.iul Reinos 
Ala Pin Soo 
Fans to Curbello O 
Art Ronan O 

Hotel Edison 
Geo Towne Ore 

No. 1 Fifth Ave 
Louise Howard 
Nyp'e & Cote 
Hazel "Webster 
Downey & FonvlU* 
Highlights 

Hotel Hlltmnre 

Dave Appollon 
Lois. Bannerman 
Laverne Gustnteon 
Stenhea Kisley O 
Michael Dunn 
Virginia Boyd 

Hotel Lexington 
A lorn as Ha walla ns 

Hnvnnu-tfndrHt 
Noro Morales Ore 
Ftuririq'z & Phyllis 
Replta Triano 
Maximo 

Sacasas; Ore ^ 

Iceland 
Hose Ellin 
Lynn Allison ' 
Tiny Clark 
Lou Menechel 
Martin Line 
Frankie Frissaura 
Blfmpy Blank Ore 

La Martinique 
Phil Foster 
Joa<juin Garay 
Ruby Hill 
Michel Emer 
Nicola Mathey Ore 

i.eoit, & R4itlle> 
Eddie Davis 
Art Waner Ore 
Gloria Wallis 
R-uloff 3 

Terry . Corrigan ■ 
Catron Bros 
Robert Baxter 
Paco A Hilda 
Shepard Line 

Home Carlo 
Joel Shaw Ore 
Rhumba Ore 
Rob-no 

Ksnex . House 
Richard Himber O 
Hold New Yorker 
Ray McXInley Ore 
Marion Snelman 
Arnold Siioda 
Narena & Nprrli 
Connio Conn 
Hotel 1'ennR.vlvntih 
Claude Thornhill O 



Hotel Vlerre 

Walton & O'Rourke 
McLerie & Butler 
Chas Header Ore 

Hotel rin/a 
Hlldetrarde 
Hal Knnnor Ore 
Lutlu Quartet 
Willie Howard 
A I Kelly 

Mazzone-Abbott D r e 
Gloria Le Roy 
EmMe Boreo 
Piroska 

Miriam Gwynne 
Bon Vivants 
Vincent Tra vers O 

Riviera 
-Martin & Lewis 
Maureen Cannon 
Tony Bavaar 
Joel Herron Oro 
Greb & Lober 
Miriam La Velle 
Hotel St Regie 
Milt Shaw 
Laszla & Pepito 
Maria Morales 
Darling & Jones 
Paul Sparr Ore 
Hotel Taft 
Vincent Lopez Oro 
Charlie Drew 

Splvy's 

Spivy 

-Shiela Barrett — 
Rico Sarroga. 

Troubadour 
Anita O'Day 
Mary Lou Wail 
Georgle Auld ore 

VersnUlea 
Dwight Fifdte 
Bob Grant Oro 
Panchlto Ore 

Village Barn 
Anit Dennis 
Stubby Ore 
Lou Cecil 
Betty Percy- 
Pappy Below 

Village Vanguard 
Chippy Hill 
Phil LeedH 
Tom Scott 
Jimmy Shirley t 
Don Frye 

. Waldorr-Astoiis . 

Jean Sabton 
Jack Finn Ore 
Mi.scha Borr Ore 

Wlvel 
Bob Lee 
Kay Carols 
Brynne Lnrey 
Janle, Scot t 
Danny White 

Zimmerman's 
Paul Smith 
Janczl Makula 
Zelga Bela 
Paulens 

Doris Haywood 
Gf»ne Kardos O 



CHICAGO 



Blackhawk 

Sherman Hayes Or 
Vera Love 
Counters Marina 
Chez Puree 
Mitzl Green 
Jackie Miles 
Marty Gould Oro 
Lander & Holland 
Hobby Clark 
Jack Nelson 
Don Chiesta 
Chez Adorables (10) 
Hotel Bluekstone 
Peter Lind Hayes 
Mary Healy 
Ray Burton Ore 

Hotel Bismarck 
The Talbots (2) 
Tonny UiPardo Or 
Eddie Fens Ore 
Hnllentfne-s <2) 
Orin Morehouse 
Montero & Yvonne 

Hetsinga 
Lionel Prouting O 
Ralph Cook 
Marvin Hlmmel 
Adrian LorraJne 
Jayne Walton 



II Etlgewater Beacb 

R HcatheVton Ore 
Sol Grauman 
Arthur Nelson 
Marian Fedele 
Song Stylists (4) 
D Hild Danrrs Ui> 

Hotel Sherman 
Carl Marx 
Frankie Lalne 
Eddie Hubbard 
Jose Melts 
Joan Williams 

Latin (>uarter 
Steve Condos 
Buddy Lester 
Latin Lovelies 
Buddy Shaw Ore 
Dick Hyde 
RossiliiinoR t2) 
Patti Millbank 

Palmer Houtte 
Griff Williams Ore 
Florence Desmond 
Artino & Counsuelo 
Ray . Maloue 
Howard DH'oursey 

Vine OnrUena 
Lillian Leo 
Yvonne York 
W Whitehouse 
Susan King 
Joe Klsh Ore 



Paris Hemline 

; Continued from page 1 ; 



Louis fashion display will be pro- 
duced by Barrett. * 
" Largest fashion show was held this 
year at the Madison Square Garden, 
N. Y. Jerry Finklestein, a trade 
paper publisher who sidelines with 
the fashion and antique shows, spent 
around $60,000 for talent and pro- 
duction for that event. 

That type of show is an outgrowth 
of what before the war, was a small 
business originally inaugurated by 
sales departments of such hotels as 
the Waldorf-Astoria, St. Regis and 
Plaza in N. Y. Original purpose was 
to promote use of the dining room 
and catering facilities, but since then 
has become an important source of 
hotel revenue. 



K. 0. to Neckin' 



Continued from page 1 



anything more than cinema Spectat- 
ing. Any move to lower side-cur- 
tains is now a one-way ticket out of 
the drive-in. 

One Atlanta drive-in, which pre- 
viously had wooden partitions 
erected to separate the cars, has now 
dismantled that setup. Operators' 
cleanup move has two reasons be- 
hind it. First, there's been a stronger 
turnout of family trade with climb- 
ing biz and they're out to encour- 
age it. Second, there's the natural 
desire to keep a clean bill of health 
with the local gendarmerie. 



48 



HOUSE REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Aulry, Calf-Roping, Steer-Wrestling 
Spark the Rodeo at Mad. Sq., N.Y. 

The annual Madison Square Gar- I tically every instrument is worked 
den Championship Rodeo is usually in for a solo. The band s forte is 
one major event for which Broad- I volume and it doesn t spare the 
wayites drop city slicker attitudes to horses in achieving it. Nevertheless 
yippee and veil for the bucolic dis- . outfit gets strong returns 
play put on by a prize batch of! In the closer are Coke & Poke, 
cowboys and girls in their various I comedy-dancing turn. They register 
contests. While these factors hold with some banal gags plus okajr 
considerable lure for urban ele- • stepping. Off to good reception in a 
ments. a maior part of the draw is finale where one dons a femme skirt 



credited to Gene Autry, the western 
filmster, who dresses up the pro- 
ceedings with considerable enter- 
tainment value;. '.' 

Autry's presence during the early j a comedy bl ackout 
days of the rodeo is especially need 



and blouse for a short Lindy with 
partner. Pigmeat Markham, aided 
by Sybil Lewis and John Bunn, goes 
over for the usual sock response in 



ed inasmuch as the ranch-hand par 
ticipants are still to get into form. 
In the timed events, such as calf- 
roping and steer-wrestling, the con- 
testants invariably groped with their 
problems for a considerable period, 
and failed to nrovoke customary ex- 
citement. In the riding events, many 
encountered difficulty in staying on 
th'" : v mourts. 

Thus Autry in two spots opening 
nWht (24) made a bigger than usual 
dent on the mob of 13,000 when he 
paced his horse* Champion, through 
_a— nice assortment of high, .school, 
tricks, also in singing stanza sur- 
rounded by good production. The 
latter item has a campfire setting, 
and accompaniment by the Melody 
Ranch and Cass County Boys. His 
familiar assortment of cowboy tunes, 
including "Back in the Saddle 
Again," "Rancho Grande," "Adobe 
Hacienda," and "Empty Saddles" 
brings healthy applause. Later in 
the rode.6, when the cowpokes work 
in fever-pitch for their share of the 
$155,000 in prizes, Autry's contribu- 
tion may be anticlimactic, but that 
probably won't be till the half-way 
ma-k of the contests lasting until 
Q~\ 26. 

'"'le Garden rodeo attracts prob- 
ab!-- the cream of the cowboy crop 
because of the large purse. Cham- 
pions entered -include Bud Speal- 
man anc^ Jerry Ambler, who'll de- 
fend their too rating in the bare- 
back and saddle bronc riding divi- 
sions: Wag Blessing, who's rated 
tops in the Brahma bull throwing 
division: and Dave Camobe'I. in 
calf-roping sector: Toots Mansfield 
and Campbell will seek to retain 
m-stery in the calf-roping and steer 
wrestling. 

An event new to Garden crowds 
is the wild horse race in which a 
horse never previously ridden, is 
saddled and jockeyed over a finish 
lin<\ This makes for an exciting 
fir-''e. 

~ther than the contests, rodeo 
pi'ts on a good display of showman- 
ship in the non-contest events. The 
Horseback Quadrille with a sextet 
of mounted couples, the roping; ex- 
hibitions in which some fancy twirl- 
ing is displayed, and twin-horseman- 
ship of Ray Ramsey, who puts a 
pair of white nags through a pic- 
tr ^.que jumping routine. 

°ne of the strong excitement- 
mckmg features is the clowning on 
•the square by George Mills. Jasbo 
Fn'kerson and Jack Knapp. This 
trio have the dangerous assignment 
of touting the charging bulls away 
from the riders when they've dis- 
mounted. Mills, especially gives the 
crowd more than a few gasps by his 
leans in front of the animals. 

Abe Lofton, in the announcing 
spot, often provides humorous com- 
mentary to the proceedings. 

One o? the interesting aspects of 
the rodeo is the fact that entries 
from the usually effete east are 
coming in and may ultimately give 
the westerners a run for 'the money 
There are two from New York and 
one from New Jersey in current 
Garden crop. None of them made 
time on the opening night, but there 
may be some hope. Jose. 

Apollo. N. Y. 

Cootie Williams Orch (16), Hadda 
Brooks, 3 Smith Sisters, Coke & 
Poke. Pigment Markham, Sybil 
Lewis. John Bunn- "Wolf Call" 
(Mono). 



State, N. V. 

Elly Ardelty, Aileen Stanley, Jr., 
Elsa & Waldo, 3 Flames, Lew Parker, 
Dolinofjs & Roya Sisters; "The Other 
Love" (UA). 



Peculiar lineup that Sid Piermont 
has whipped up this week. Three 
of the six acts are dumb, and 50% 
of the bill is under New Acts al- 
though one of them, the Dolinoffs & 
Rnya Sisters, unquestionably have 
been around although not "noticed" 
in Variety's New Acts dept. 

Although laid out in orthodox 
manner, from the opening trapeze 
act to the closing sight dance novel- 
ty, it plays spasmodically. Elly 
Ardelty is an OK intro with her 
standard aerial stuff. She's good for 
nitery or vaudery, as evidenced dur- 
ing her Carnival and former French 
Casino engagements, and of course 
reprises her good impact here. 
French girl has polish and show- 
manship that bespeaks experience. 

Aileen Stanley, Jr., and Elsa & 
Waldo are two New Acts in se- 
ouence. with the former's pop songs 
and the mixed team's sturdy come- 
dic terping. E&W first came to at- 
tention in a Greenwich Village 
nitery, El Chico, and prove their 
worth anew in a theatre, but same 
can't be said for the ensuing 3 
Flames, doubling from the Blue An- 
gel. Colored combo of piano-guitar- 
strintf bass, with the latter two also 
vocalizing, and with the electric 
pi<itarist as the personality kid in 
the main, somehow misses on a the- 
atre rostrum. Their impact in the 
saloon circuits has been undeniable, 
dating from the Village Vanguard 
where they started, but in a the- 
atre their stuff is in a rhythmic 
monotone. "St. Louis Blues," "Salt 
P"anut«." "Little Red Wagon" and 
"How'd You Like the Sea Food?" 
are in the same Idiom, including a 
few saucy nunchlines which aren't 
as bad as the general sameness of 
thfiir offerings. 

Lew Parker. now"billed as Star of 
"Are You With It?" and "Front 
Pasre," is a good comedian who de- 
serves another book musical or 
some other sturdier setting. He 
handles lines like the legit but could 
stand some extra material for his 
vaude route. Most of his bits are 
funny, notably the restaurant im- 
pressions; the hoke with "Try a Lit- 
tle Tenderness" (Treva Frazee is the 
gal foil); and there is some other 
nonsense with a couole of other 
male aides. And, of course, he 
reads his lines like a vet. Closer is 
the Do'inoffs-Raya Sisttfrs act. Abel. 



National, L-ville 

Louisville, Sept. 26. 
Sugar Chile Robinson, Ollie 
Franks, Martells & Mignon, Carlton 
Emmy Madwags, Al "Whiieu" 
Roberts; "Scared to Death" (FC). 



Roxy, 3ST, Y. 

Milton Berle, Nones' Donovan, 
Moroccans (4), Stan Fisher, Ben 
Yost's Vikings (6) Roxyettes, Paul 
Ash House Orch; "Foxes of Harrow" 
(20th), reviewed in Variety, Sept. 
24, 1947, 

Milton Berle's opening at the 
Roxy last week — marking his first 
Broadway appearance since he 
closed almost a year's run at the 
Carnival nitery last New Year's eve 
—could be called, in the lingo of 
the cliche kids, "a triumphant re- 
turn." At least it seems fair to as- 
sume that plenty of that crowd 
which has been packing the 5,900- 
seat showcase is not there to see 
only "The Foxes of Harrow." 

Show is essentially the same as 
Berle did at Nicky Blair's fun em- 
porium. The Vikings, a Ben Yost 
male vocal sextet; The Moroccans, 
tumbling foursome, and harmonicist 
stan Fisher are all reprising their 
Carnival act with the comic. Only 
newcomer is chirper Nancy Donovan. 

It's hardly necessary to repeat 
here that Berle's a funny fellow, 
probably as solid as any in the busi- 
ness for drawing plentiful yaks and 
overwhelming- palm-pounding. That's 
especially true with the natives 
who seem to be piling into the Roxy 
as fast as the subways can carry 
them from Brooklyn and the Bronx. 
Berle, to them, is a native son and 
every gag has a guffaw even before 
it's passed his lips. 
—And it's-just because Berle is such 
a great comic and such a man with 
the fast quip that it's regrettable he 
tangles himself up with so much 
blue material. What's great in an 
8th avenue saloon becomes offen- 
sive before a mixed family audience 
in a Broadway theatre. Despite the 
considerable sapolioing done on the 
routines during the first two days 
at the insistence of managing direc- 
tor A, J. Balaban, there's still too 
much • emphasis on_the Lou Holtz 
and the swish business. Most of the 
dubious lines go by unnoticed, but 
some of those sight gags' should 
have been buried with Minsky. 

The other acts become virtually 
nothing but showcasing for Berle's 
antics, and there can be no com- 
plaint against that, because this is 
his show. If he seems to be hogging 
the spotlight and crabbing the other 
acts, that's nothing more than what 
the customers paid to see. They 
love it. It's no great favor to the 
acts, however, because they get 
scarcely a minute in the hour's 
show to demonstrate their own 
wares. 

Moroccans, in turbans and flow- 
ing desert rig, are nifty on the 
flip-flop and balancing routines, 
even with Berle in there as under- 
stander. And the Vikings, as a 
matter of fact, are considerably 
improved by the comic's appearance 
among them in a tramp getup with 
blacked-out bicuspids. He takes a 
good deal of curse off the corn of 
their manly songs. 

Miss Donovan, quite a looker, 
squeezes in one tune on her own 
for a no-hits, no-runs score. She's 
better in the duet with Belle. She's 
also the foil for a poor taste routine 
with him in which he's overfree 
with his hands. 

Stan Fisher is adept on the mouth 
organ, but is much too mannered. 
That business with the outspread 
palm, the bobbing of the head and 
other body movements better be- 
fits a Met tenor. Bit in which he 
duos -with Berle on the harmonica 
is a smash guffaw-gatherer. 

Roxyettes and their male counter- 
parts preem the show with a nice 
routine marked by unusually good 
precision, although they suffer from 
bad costuming. Paul Ash's house 
band capably backs the melange, as 
usual. Herb. 



Morton shows flashes now and then 
of the much better comedian he is 
going to be with more experience. 
The curtain raiser is Jack Holtz, a 
wizard on the parallel bars. His best 
number is a comic drunk working on 
the bars, some of the stunts being 
real thrillers. Odd feature of this 
turn is that Holtz permits his gal as- 
sistant, who does very little on the 
stage, to grab the bulk of the bows. 

Louie. 



Paramount, IV. V. 

Desi Arnaz Orch (18) with Dul- 
cina; Marion Hutton, Nonchalants 
(3), Rudy Cardenas; "Desert Fury" 
(Par) reviewed in Variety, July 30, 
'47. 



Show this week at this Harlem 
vaude house is a bit on the light- 
weight side. Format of Cootie Wil- 
liams' band differs little from its 
previous appearance here last winter. 
Coke & Poke likewise are playing 
an encore date while Hadda Brooks 
(New Acts), recording pianist-chirp- 
er from the Coast, is the loiie new 
face. 

Band tees off with a hot, jivey , 
Perdido" followed by sax player < cute antics of the mutts 
Robert Merrill's vocahn? of You 



Fall season of stage shows got off 
to a rousing start, with Sugar Chile 
Robinson topping a neat five-act bill. 
The eight-year-old "wonder boy of 
boogie woogte" is pulling 'em in, and 
at show caught Friday night (26) 
played to capacity. Negro lad played 
at the Armory last winter, but this 
engagement gives him an opportu- 
nity to show at better advantage, 
and the talented moppet paces 
through his routine of "Bobby Sox 
Elues." "Milton's Boogie" and his 
sock vocaling and pianoing of "Cal- 
donia" to earn terrific returns. 

Al "Whitey" Roberts, bald-pated 
m.c, was on stage practically the 
full hour, evidently stretching out 
the running time, . but the patrons 
didn't seem to tire of his corny 
stories and gags, his rope-skipping 
so tshoe dance, and his plate jug- 
gling. 

Carlton Emmy and his "Madwags," 
standard dog act, registers with the 



The layout at the Paramount thea- 
tre marks a departure from standard 
practice .inasmuch as comedy aspects 
of the session we spread out instead 
of being concentrated in one act. Ef- 
fect falls just short of being a com- 
plete success, and that's because of 
the physical layout of the house 
rather than that of the acts or rou-* 
tining. Nonetheless, the current par- 
lay of Desi Arnaz orch, Marion 
Hutton, Nonchalants and Rudy Car- 
denas (latter New Acts) provides, a 
diverting program. 

It's probable that the lack of new 
comedy names is because of the 
current experimentation. Rather 
than play the same faces, as the 
house has been doing for sometime, 
and. have the punch lines killed by 
the repeat trade, experimentation is 
in order. The spot usually held by 
a comedian is now taken by the 
Nonchalants (3), one of the best 
comedy aero teams around. Patter 
of the articulate member of this 
crew is entertaining and makes for 
a good degree of hilarity, but un- 
fortunately his contribution to the 
group's acrobatics make it necessary 
for him to gab sans mike, and conse- 
quently full impact of his humor 
doesn't reach the entire house. If 
mikes were spread out to all parts 
of the stage, it's likely that the Non- 
chalants comedy would have the 
same effect as a strictly talk turn. 
However, the gab that is heard and 
fine assortment of tricks make for a 
big 'reception. 

Further laugh material is supplied 
by Miss Hutton, who for sometime 
has been showing a more restrained 
delivery. She sets much humor out 
of such numbers as "Feudin' and 
Fightin'" and "Brooklyn Love 
Song," with comedy effects height- 
ened by smooth delivery. Begged off 
after one encore. 

Arnaz, who started some years 
ago as conga leader at the old La 
Conga, has developed into a con- 
siderable personality, interspersing 
a smooth line, of chatter between 
numbers and attempting a little 
comedy himself. He sets out to 
prove that jitterbugging is much 
more strenuous than the rhumba, 
and does it neatly with aid of Dul- 
cina. band vocalist. However, effect 
of his number is marred by the fact 
that jitterbugging is in its last 
stages Accent from swing to sweet 
bands has contributed to Us down- 
fall, and new skirt lengths will prob- 
ably mark its total demise. Music- 
ally, Arnaz does okay, with Lecu- 
ona's "Malaguena" "Cuban Pete" and 
"Babalu." More Americanese mu- 
sic.' might have had a greater effect 
on the audience, but Arnaz's gen- 
erally good all-around work gives 
him an edge with the mob. 

Dulcina is confined to one lively, 
writhing rendition of "Say Si-Si" in 
the mother tongue. Jose. 



Capitol, Wash. 

Washington, Sept. 26. 
George M. Cohan, Jr., D'lvons (2), 
Gary Morton, Jack Holtz & Afilady, 
Sam Jack Kaufmann House Orch; 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G). 



Should Have Been Drinkin' ." Done 
in blues fashion, his piping is well 
received. Three Smith Sisters, work- 
ing in unison, contrib some fair tap 
routines. Tapping is standard stuff 
but the gals make up for that with a 
conscientious display of energy. One 
femme also does some rope skipping. 
Trio closes to good applause. 

Williams scores with a trumpet 
solo of "Can't Get Started With 
You." Comes next a novelty num- 
ber. "Ooh La La." Sidemen join in 
on the vocals for okay results. Crew, 
comprising five reed, seven bass 
(plus Williams' trumpet) and three 
rhythm, are plenty noisy in "House 



Ollie Franks, singing comedienne, 
had 'em howling with her "Tico 
Tico" takeoff, and "Girl From 
Brooklyn" satire. Her singing is sec- 
ondary to her comedic characteriza- 
tions, and she knocks herself out to 
punch over the laughs. 

Martells & Mignon, a girl and 
three males, start off as a dance act, 
but guys are of the big-shouldered, 
muscled type and tip off that the 
routine is going to be an exhibition 
of the strong arm stuff, tossing the 
gal for difficult catches and the like. 
Their handling of the stocky femmc 
is smooth. Off to nice applause. 
Mac" McConncIl's pit crew 



Those wno admired George M. 
Cohan, and their name is legion, get 
a considerable kick out of George M. 
Jr. who is headlining this week with 
a routine of his father's songs and 
pater, and even uses his dad's old 
accompanist. In gesture and in in- 
tonation the resemblance is at times 
uncanny. But for a younger genera- 
tion, which makes up a large part of 
the Capitol's audience the nostalgia 
is not there and this Cohan is just 
another singer with unique manner- 
isms. 

Cohan does not cheat the cus- 
tomers. He offers more than most 
vaude singers these days. His songs 
including "Good Day," "Yankee 
Doodle Song and Dance Man," "Nel- 
lie Kelly," "Regards to Broadway" 
and "Yankee Doodle Dandy." with 



Olyinpia, Miami 

Miami, Sept. 26. 
Johnny Desmond. Sammy White, 
Jay Marshall, Lucienne & Ashour, 
Jack Lane & Love Birds, Les Rhode 
House Orch; "High Barbaree" 
(M-G). 



Current package plays evenly, 
racking up satisfactory returns in 
most spots. 

Topliner Johnny Desmond holds 
down the slot in top fashion with 
his easy approach to the ballads. Ap- 
plies his baritonings to the "I Won- 
der Who's Kissing Her Now," 
"Guilty" type of swoonings to reap 
hearty palming from bobby-soxer 
and the oldster alike. 

Vet comic Sammy White fills the 
comedy niche in good style. Brings 
back the oldie "woman taking a 
bath" and draw poker game pantos 
for steady laughs, via full playing of 
values inherent in the bits, with 
some fresh twists added to give them 
new face. 

Emcee assignment is handled 
capably by suave looking Jay Mar- 
shall. Magico, in own spot, purveys 
standard trickery to fair returns 



"Harrigan" and "Grand Old 'Flag-.as ^i^^nfln" "weaken 
encores, to provide a very strong fin- . ventre routine. Tops with a takeoff 



of Joy," a frenzied tune where prac- l backgrounds acts neatly. Hold. 



ish. All are his father's numbers 
The D'lvons are smooth ballroom 

team with plenty on the ball. . The 

couple dances not only to the tempo 

of the music but also to its mood and 

spirit and utilizes comedy in some 

of the terping. 
Gary Morton, a newcomer here, 

works hard in the comedy slot. He ! novelty end of the layout. Parra 
I has some difficulty in warming up 1 keets are well trained, though over- 

the house but improves as he goes a "- turn doesn't rouse too much palm 
| along. Much of the act is based on reaction. 
! that old standby — caricature imita- 
; tions of people like Peter Lone. 
I Bette Davis and Charles Laughton 



on cowboy radio singer. 

Rough house Apache routine con- 
tributed by Lucienne & Ashour con- 
tains all the elements of mayhem 
this type of broad comedy terps re- 
quire. 

Jack Lane and Lovebi/ds handle 



Capitol, X. V. 

Gene Krupa Orch (16) uiirh 
Dolores Hawkins, Buddy Hughes- 
Cardini, Vagabonds (4), Rose Marie- 
"Desire Me" (M-G), reviewed in 
current issue of Variety. 

With Gene Krupa's band and Rose 
Marie sharing the headline billing, 
the current layout has variety and 
plays well without being especially 
socko. Rest of the setup mainly 
comprises the expert (as always) 
legerdemain of Cardini and the 
comedy singing-instrumentalizing of 
the four Vagabonds. 

Krupa's band is far from being 
his best outfit, though there's no 
pretense that this group of eight 
brass, five reeds and three rhythm 
(including the maestro at the drums) 
is anything more than a framework 
for the drumming virtuosity of the 
leader. He has several solo spots 
at the skins, in addition to emceeing 
the layout and batoning the orch for 
the other acts from down front. 
Krupa handles his introes simply, 
and it's just as well, since it saves 
time and wordage in bringing 'em 
on that way, instead of the flowery 
verbiage too many conferenciers 
are apt to give a show these days. 
Krupa's "Drumboogie," by now 
standard with him, of course, is his 
drumming finale. 

Rose Marie, more svelte than 
ever, knows how to ride a jump 
tune with the best of 'em. She's 
still doing her inevitable takeoff on 
Durante, which continues to be an 
excellent piece of business albeit a 
little too long for the precious few 
moments she's allotted. This is a 
repeat date for her at the Cap, and 
still clicko. 

Cardini remains among the best 
of the card-and-cigaret manipulators, 
if not the best, and the class that has 
made hfs standard act tops is still 
inherent in every gesture. Cardini 
was a headliner in vaude's heyday, 
and the passage of years hasn't 
diminished his importance to any 
bill. 

The Vagabonds', comprising two 
guitarists, bass and accordion, prac- 
tically have to beg off with what is 
mainly a comedy act, with the songs 
and instrumentalizing secondary. 
They have youth, a flair for audi- 
ence values and little bits of busi- 
ness that leave no lull in their 
turn. Kahn. 

Oriental, Chi 

Chicago, Sept. 30. 
Beatrice Kay, Joe E. Howard, 
Pride & Day, Ray & Ndrdo, Carl 
Sands Orch (14); "Lured" (UA). 



Nostalgia is paying off at the box- 
office for current stanza. Appear- 
ance of Joe E. Howard after the 
showing of his biopic, "I Wonder 
Who's Kissing Her Now," is a natu- 
ral booking. 

Carl Sands' orch opens show with 
a spirited rendition of "Cherokee" 
with sock drum solo by Smith How- 
ard. Pride & Day follow with jug- 
gling and unicycle stunts for nice 
returns. Howard makes slick ap- 
pearance in tails, top hat and cane, 
for reprise of his yesteryear song 
hits. Teeing off with "Hello My 
Baby," he segues into "Wonder 
Who's Kissing Her Now" , and exits 
to heavy applause with a vocal and 
cake walk to "Goodbye My Lady 
Love." He's solid all the way. 

Ray & Nardo, youthful impres- 
sionists, click with their takeoffs of 
Hollywood greats; standouts are 
Barry Fitzgerald, Carmen Lombardo 
and Peter Lorre. 

Beatrice Kay in a gold lame gown 
laments the life of a gal doomed to 
sing Gay 90 tunes for the rest of 
her days and follows with "Jack, 
Jack." Miss Kay's appeal lies in her 
subtle burlesque turn-of-the-cen- 
tury tunes. Socks across "I Don't 
Care," "Take Me Out to the Ball 
Game," and other oldies for terrif 
applause. " Zabe. 



Million Dollar, I.. A. 

Los Angeles, Sept. 27. 
Ewkine Hawkins Orch (17), with 
Mathew Gee, Jimmie Mitchell, 
Laura Washington, Julian Dash; 
Hattie McDaniel, Patterson & Jack- 
son. Cafui'n Dauis; '"Stepchild" 
(PRC). 



Les Rhode house orch backs pro 
cecdings in usual capable mariner. 

Lary. 



There's plenty to please in this 
week's Million Dollar stage offering. 
Erskine Hawkins' orchestra takes 
able care of the music department 
and for socko comedy there is Pat- 
terson & Jackson, as sharp a laugh 
team as has yet played this house. 

Comics start with a funny first 
impression, and go on from there 
with gags that click, easy dancing 
despite their heftiness and impres- 
sions. At show caught act garnered 
plenty applause. Material used Is 
unusually good and a high spot Is 
their takeoff of the Ink Spots. 

On the music side, Hawkins and 
his crew give out with mellow swing 
that sells big. Arrangements are 
bright and keep melody strong for 
foot-patting. Particular standout is 
the tenor sax solo by Julian Dash 
on "Kilroy Was Here." Dash makes 
stimulating music with his ndodling. 
Band opens with "Swing Out," then 
moves into "Out of Nowhere," fea- 

| luring Mathew Gee's trombonang. 

I "Tippin' In" also was well received. 

I Vocal w.ork falls to Laura Wash- 
ington and Jimmie Mitchell. Former 

I sings "Fool That I Am" and "Deed 

j I Do," with latter getting over best. 

| (Continued on page 55) 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



PfiRIETY 



UECTmiATK 



49 



Managers Due to Revise Constitution 
Of League to Facilitate Union Dealings 



Managers are due to revise the 
constitution of 'their League of New 
York Theatres, and it is expected 
that the organization will then be 
able to deal with unions and other 
theatre groups more expediously. 
As the league is made up of produ- 
cers, theatre owners and lessees, it 
is proposed that each class should 
determine questions 'that concern its 
own group. Exceptions would be 
those showmen who produce and 
also own houses. 

Another change would drop the 
required quorum from one-third to 
one-quarter of the board member- 
ship and in that way evade the post- 
poning of meetings, such cancella- 
tions having been more or less fre- 
quent. There are 105 showmen who 
are technically in the League, but 
some are inactive and will probably 
be reclassified or dropped from 
membership. 

CITY INVESTINGS 3-MO. 
NET PROFIT OF $213,769 

City Investing Co., with large 
• holdings in theatre real estate, re- 
ported net income of $213,769 for 
the quarter ending with July, it was 
announced last week at the firm's 
annual meeting in New York. Earn- 
ings amount to 20c. on the common 
after deduction of $107,300 for Fed- 
eral taxes. 

Some one-third of City's income 
■was derived from the firm's exten- 
sive properties in the Times Sq., 
N. Y., area, prexy R. W. Dowling 
pointed out. Its holdings include the 
Astor, Victoria, Fulton, Bijou and 
Morosco theatres among others. In- 
come for the comparable 1946 period 
was $213,741 of which $117,047 rep- 
resented capital gain on real estate 
sales. 



Markova-Dolin-Hurok 
Date an Eyebrow-Lifter 

Booking by Sol Hurok of Alicia 
Markova and Anton Dolin and their 
group of 12 dancers into the Metro- 
politan Opera House, N. Y., for two 
performances Oct. 18 and 19, has 
caused some comment in the ballet 
trade. This will be first time the 
small group, which has been touring 
smaller U. S. cities for a couple of 
seasons, will dance at the Met. Here- 
tofore, Markova and Dolin joined up 
with a full-size ballet company 
(such as with the Original Ballet 
Russe last season) whenever they 
danced in N. Y., although their small 
group has danced successfully a 
couple of summers at Lewisohn 
Stadium. 

Feeling among certain managers 
is that the Met is not the house for 
an intimate dance group. Some re- 
o sent the fact that Hurok is trying to 
sell a small group as a full ballet 
company, and feel he's jeopardizing 
his standing as a ballet impresario. 
(He's booked the Ballet Theatre into 
the Met next spring). Resentment, 
admittedly, is based on the feeling 
among the more traditional man- 
agers that spectacle and glamour 
are ballet's chief selling points, and 
that a small dance unit loses both. 

The Oct. 18-19 performances will 
be the Markova-Dolin Co.'s only 
engagement in N. Y. this season. 
Dancers featured in the group in- 
clude Bettina Rosay, Oleg Tupine, 
Rozsika Sabo and Wallace Seibert. 



Seattle's Heavy Slate 

Seattle, Sept. 30. 

Heavy schedule is set for Seattle's 
two legit houses this season with 
both having nearly full schedules 
for the next three months. 
\ Metropolitan leads off Oct. 6 with 
"I Remember Mama," set for one 
week, followed by a week of three- 
a-day vaudc, then a week of Kolb 
and Dill's "High Cost of Loving." 

The Moore, leased and operated 
by Cecelia Schultz, is chiefly a mu- 
sic house, with all Seattle Symphony 
concerts given there, along with 
Hazel Scott, Galla-Rini and JarofT 
Don Cossacks in October. Ballet 
Russe, Bidu Sayao. De Paul Infantry 
Chorus and Markova-Dolin dance 
group in November, and one-nighl- 
ers for Ellabelle Davis and Maryla 
Jonas in December in addition to 
four Symphony concerts. 

Metropolitan keeps lighted with 
foreign films in between stage at- 
tractions, and Joe Daniels, local 
booker, has house loosed for one 
Week each month for top-name 
vaudeville. 



Buffalo Skeds Legits 

Buffalo, Sept. 30. 
Scheduled legits this season for 
the Erlanger include premiere of 
Katharine Cornell's "Antony and 
Cleopatra," Oct. 8-11; "State of the 
Union" (Kay Francis), Oct. 16-18; 
"Another Part of the Forest," Oct. 
29-Nov. 1; "Lady Windermere's 
Fan," week of Nov. 24; "Firefly," 
week of Dec. 1; "Harvey," Feb. 9-11; 
"Street Scene," March 10rl2. 



55 Investors 
For 'Command' 

Indications are that the number of 
backers, potential or actual, are few- 
er than in seasons past, but that 
doesn't apply to some shows in the 
new Broadway crop. 

One drama lured a record number 
of angels, there being 55 limited 
partners for "Command Decision," 
which opens tonight (Wed.) at the 
Fulton. Noticed that most of the in- 
vestors have but small pieces of the 
war play, produced by Kermit 
Bloomgarden and Sidney Phillips. 

Highest individual backers put in 
$3,000, there being two in that class; 
four invested $2,400 each, three are 
$1,800 angels, 19 put $1,200 each in 
the pot, four slipped the presenters 
$900 each (including Dick Maney, 
show's press agent), 17 put in $600 
and six are low with $300. Total is 
$58,850, which is said to have ex- 
ceeded the budget of the all-male 
cast play. 

Because of the comparatively 
moderate investments the backers 
are virtually sure of getting back 
their investments even if "Decision" 
doesn't click. A pre-production deal 
with Metro for the picture rights 
calls for a down payment of $100,000, 
ceiling for the film deal being $300,- 
000. It's inteded for Clark Gable. 



'Beach' for N.Y. Awaits 
Film Financing Deal 

"The Beach," presented last June 
by a little theatre group at the West- 
wood theatre, Los Angele.s, will be 
brought to Broadway this winter if 
a tentative pre-production film 
financing deal goes through. Iden- 
tity of the producer is being with- 
held until he completes his current 
commitments with-a Hollywood stu- 
dio. The play, melodrama about 
Coney Island, was written several 
years ago by Vincent McConnor, 
whose "A Joy Forever" was done in 
Broadway two seasons ago, with Guy 
Kibbee starred. 

The author is also working on a 
new play, as yet untitled, with a 
South Carolina locale and a topical 
theme. McConnor is also complet- 
ing a novel. 



Booking Snags Key To 
'Swing Mikado' Tour 

Colored - east "Swing Mikado," 
which was revived by Jules Pfeiffer 
in late summer, may tour to the 
Coast if booking problems can be 
solved. Attraction, which played 
Milwaukee last week, was due to 
open Tuesday (30) at the KRNT ra- 
dio theatre, formerly the Shrine, 
Des Moines, and slated into the Ly- 
ceum, Minneapolis, next week. 

Pfeiffer, who is agenting his own 
show, explains he had no intention 
of having an independent company, 
and so advised Equity. Chicagoan 
said he saw no reason why he should 
advance the $100 initiation fee for 
each principal, and invited Equity to 
organize "Mikado" if it wished. 
Pfeiffer said that he has a union 
stage crew and union musicians are 
used in the pit. Colored "Mikado" 
was first presented by Mike Todd, 
also from Chicago, where Pfeiffer 
attracted attention with "Maid in 
The Ozarks." He sent that freak 
south last season, where it was 
promptly brushed off. 



Less Tension Among Membership 
Felt After Recent Equity Pot-Boiler 



'Annie' Touring Co., 
With Mary Martin, 
Struts for B'way Cast 

National company of "Annie Get 
Your Gun," which opens Friday (3) 
at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, 
was given a rather unusual dress 
rehearsal last Friday afternoon at 
the Music Box theatre. N. Y., in 
front of Ethel Merman and the origi- 
nal Broadway cast. Mary Martin, 
who heads the road cast, thanked the 
Broadway company, and the other 
invitees present, for their forebear- 
ance, respectful attention and en- 
thusiasm with a show now in its 
second season. 

Miss Martin's topper, in the. form 
of an ad lib lyric, was a good piece 
of showmanship when she concocted 
this rhyme: "Whoever thought that 
whenshe was on her mother's knee 
that Ethel Merman would ever see 
an old bag like me Doing What 
Comes Naturally." 

For the Dallas debut, Irving Ber- 
lin has whipped up a special chorus 
just- for local Texan pride, which 
Miss Martin will spring on her na- 
tive fans when the show opens Fri- 
day. Berlin is making the trip by 
plane to attend the opening. 

Incidentally, for the second time 
Mary Jane Walsh this week replaces 
Miss Merman, whom she understud- 
ies when the star undergoes minor 
surgery for a fortnight. During the 
summer Miss Walsh replaced her 
also, business easing to $35,000 week- 
ly, but the management is curious 
to watch what effect the cast change 
will have now that the fall season 
is under way. 



Gabel's Legit Stint 

^Hollywood, Sept. *30. 

Universal-International handed 
Martin Gabel a 10-week leave of ab- 
sence to produce and direct "The 
Survivors," a new legit play by 
Peter Vieitel and Irwin Shaw, in 
New York. 

Gabel recently completed a di- 
rector chore on the Walter Wanger 
picture, "The Lost Moment." 



English, Indpls., Has 

3 Shows Lined Up 

Indianapolis, Sept. 30. 

With Theatre Guild subscription 
series, reinstated here for first time 
since 1941-42, English has three 
October attractions lined up for a 
fa^t start on new season. Curtain 
raiser is "Fatal Weakness," Oct. 2-4. 
to be followed by "Another Part of 
Forest," Oct. 9-11, both in Guild 
series. "Song of Norway" is set for 
five days starting Oct. 21. Advance 
interest is heavy. 

Despite mid-summer start. Guild 
subscriptions here totalled about 
$13,000, in excess of pre-war level. 
English will celebrate 50th anni- 
versary in present form this- season, 
although original theatre dales back 
to 1880/ Vince Burke has returned 
as manager. 

The Indianapolis Civic Theatre 
will open its season week of Oct. 2 
with "First Lady" as initial attrac- 
tion in series of eight under direc- 
tion of Jack Hatfield. Walter Rus- 
sell has returned as technical direc- 
tor. Program is made up of Broad- 
way-tested shows exclusively, in- 
cluding "Joan of Lorraine," "Pursuit 
of Happiness," "Ten Little Indians." 
"Guest in the House." "I Remember 
Mama," "Dear Ruth" and "I Like 
It Here." With membership in ex- 
cess of 2.000 for 250-seat playhouse, 
tl'.catre is set for season on solid 
financial basis. 



Clarify Louisville 

Segregation Issue 

• Louisville, Sept. 30. 

Attorney General Dummitt of 
Kentucky last week handed down 
a decision that the City of Louis- 
ville can seat white and Negro 
students separately in Memorial 
auditorium. Opinion was in reply 
to a query by Fletcher Martin, city 
editor of the Louisville Defender, 
Negro weekly. Martin's query re- 
ferred to students attending con- 
certs at the Aude. Martin said that 
John G. Snowden, manager of , the 
Philharmonic concerts«at the Audi- 
torium, said he segregated the two 
races under the Day Law. 

Dummit wired that the law ap- 
plies to schools and added "While 
the Day law would not apply to 
your situation, a segregation would 
be within the police power of the 
city operating the auditorium if 
equal accommodations are given 
colored students and no discrimina- 
tion exercised." 

Martin, war correspondent in the 
Pacific and holder of a Nieman Fel- 
lowship in .journalism at Harvard 
University, sent a similar query to 
Dummit last July on the use by 
Negros of State-owned parks.. 



High Costs Nip 
Lowered Scales 

When there was talk of lowering 
Broadway admission prices last sea- 
son, managers countered by explain- 
ing that no reductions appeared 
feasible because of the boosting of 
production costs and hiking of the 
theatre operation nut. Survey of 
boxoffice scales announced for the 
first' dozen shows of the new season 
bears out the same contentions. All 
straight shows, including a couple 
of fast flops, are or were $4.80 tops. 

First three musicals, two of which 
are carded this week, also have a 
$4.80 top but all boost the scale to 
$6 on Friday and Saturday. As 
tuners are in large-capacity theatres, 
the straight-play rate for the first 
four nights is understandable, week- 
end business depending upon the 
gross to provide an operating profit 
on the week. Two dramas are start- 
ing with regular scale applying on 
the first night, while at least three 
others are charging $7.20 at the 
premiere. The musicals are getting 
$8.40 and $9.20 for the debut per- 
formances. 

One musical so far with a $6 top 
nightly is "Allegro," arriving at the 
Majestic Oct. 10. Ads for that at- 
traction announce the house is sold 
in advance for 29 performances, for 
which dates are specified. All rep- 
resent theatre party deals, there be- 
ing nine in November, 13 in Decem- 
ber and seven in January. No par- 
ties during the balance of October 
because of Theatre Guild subscrip- 
tions. 



N. Y. Actors' Rally 

Onslow Stevens, Alfred . Drake, 
playwright Arthur Miller and legit 
attorney Sidney Cohn, will be speak- 
ers tomorrow (Thurs.) at a 11:30 
p.m. actors' rally at International 
theatre. N.Y., to discuss the high cost 
of living and its effect, on show 
business. 

Aiter-show rally is being spon- 
sored by the Theatre Division of 
Progressive Citizens of America, 
with time set so that casts of cur- 
rent Broadway shows can attend. 



Star, N.O., Leased 

As Legit Showcase 

New Orleans, Sept. 30. 

Irwin F. Poche, town's top im- 
presario, has leased the Star thea- 
tre, dark for five years, as a legiti- 
mate house. It has 1,500 seats. 

Structure, built in early 1900 s by 
the Shuberts, will be completely re- 
modeled and is expected to be ready 
to open Nov. 2, when Poche hopes 
to give this city its biggest theatri- 
cal season since before the war. 

He has booked for the current sea- 
son "Private Lives," with Tallulah 
Bankhead; "State of the Union," "I 
Remember Mama," "Oh, Mistress 
Mine," "Chocolate Soldier," "The 
Red Mill," and other operettas: 
Blackstone's magic show. Tito Gui- 
zar, Victor Borge, John Charles 
Thomas, Rosario and Antonio, the 
Russian Cossack Chorus, Alicia 
Markova and Anton Dolin, and 
others. 

Poche would present several at- 
tractions in the Municipal auditori- 
um because of its larger seating ca- 
pacity. These include "Annie Get 
Your Gun" and "Oklahoma!" 

Star theatre has been an "open- 
and'-close" proposition for years. It 
has been the home of second-rale 
girl shows and films. 



Aftermath of the recent turbulent 
Equity meeting was a noticeable 
lessening of tension in actor circles. 
General feeling was that rank-and- 
filers bad been drawn into angry ar- 
guments against their will, and there ! 
was also a feeling that discussions 
over "isms" are not pertinent to 
show business even though Equity 
is on record as opposed to such 
movements. Some actors wonder 
what such topics have to do with 
getting jobs, and there's been a hope" 
expressed that such agitation within 
Equity will be taken less seriously. 

Action of the council last week, 
when the organization of Equity fac- 
tions was ruled out, was one indi- 
cation of a desire to erase group dis- 
sension in Equity. Elliott Nugent, 
who made an excited speech at the 
membership' session, told fellow 
councillors that he wished to apolo- 
gize to the members for sharp re- 
marks he littered at the quarterly 
meeting. He requested that the 
apology be printed in the next is- 
sue of Equity's monthly magazine. 
At the same time Nugent'said he was 
withdrawing his announced plan of 
forming a "militant middle" group 
in the union. 

A majority of councillors and of- 
ficers promptly signed sworn state- 
ments that they are not communists 
nor members of any groups inimical 
to Equity, as ordered last month by 
the council, when the "ism" matter 
started boiling. Some council mem- 
bers argue that they should not be 
forced to signature the oaths be- 
cause that would be a violation of 
their civil liberty. 

Officers or councillors are sup- 
posed to resign their elective posts 
if refusing to sign the oaths but 
whether they would be required to 
withdraw from the union remains to 
be seen. One councillor who ob- 
jected to signing sent a message to 
the council saying that his allegi- 
ance to America and its government 
supersedes his loyalty to any group 
or organization, and that he would 
lay down his life in the country's 
defense. 

If present indications are correct, 
there will be less factionalism in the 
talent unions and fewer "move- 
ments" foreign to the theatre. 



MIKE TODD LISTS 115 
CREDITORS, INDEF ASSET 

Mike Todd, filing his answer in 
N. Y. federal court Monday (29) to 
an involuntary bankruptcy petition 
initiated two weeks ago by three 
N. Y. creditors, listed sundry assets 
at an unspecified value plus a roster 
of 115 creditors. Among his assets, 
Todd lists 10 insurance policies, nine 
of which were assigned to Robert 
Crown, Chicago creditor, under an 
agreement dated June 1, 1946, as col- 
lateral to secure a $500,000 note. 
Todd also pledged Cro.wn his liter- 
ary properties, and his stock in the 
Windsor Leasing Co., Lechcim Corp., 
and Tee Properties. 

His remaining policy was desig- 
nated as assigned to A. A. Strelsin, 
N. Y., as security for a 335,000 loan. 
Todd's Cadillac car also was subject 
to a $1,500 mortgage. Among his 
creditors are the League of New 
York Theatres, Colony and Toots 
Shor's restaurants, N. Y., Cartier's, 
KFWB in Los Angeles, Arnold M. 
Grant, Herbert and Dorothy Fields, 
Sigmund Romberg, Alec Templeton, 
American Broadcasting Co., and 
other corporations and individuals. 



Poisoning Nips Actor 

Pittsburgh, Sept. 30. 

Keith Andes, playing romantic 
lead in "Chocolate Soldier." was 
suddenly stricken with food poison- 
ing • right before matinee perform- 
ance at the Nixon . theatre last 
Wednesday < 24 ). and John Russell, 
of the singing chorus, had to go on 
for him with only a single rehearsal 
under his belt. 

Latter, an alumnus of Arthur God- 
frey's '"Talent Scouts" radio show, 
got through the performance with 
just -one fluff. Andes, whose wife 
fell ill of same thing at same time. ' 
was able to go back into the show 
that night. j 



'National' Not So Grand 
- In Aussie Premiere 

Sydney, Sept. 18. 

"Grand National Night," new play 
by Dorothy and Campbell Christie, 
at the Minerva, looks only a mod- 
erate draw. Play, staged by Brit- 
isher John Sykes. for Whitehall 
Productions, neither chills nor holds 
attention as a thriller. 

Neva Carr-Glynn, however, steals 
the show. Douglas Herald also docs 
a good job in a hard role; likewise 
Leslie Victor. Sykes brings a 
smooth production touch to his first 
Aussie assignment. 



Schloss Joins Inquirer 

Philadelphia. Sept. 30. . 
Edwin H. Schloss. drama and mu- 
sic critic for the defunct Philadel- 
phia Record, has joined the staff of 
the Philadelphia Inquirer as asso- 
ciate editor in the music and drama 
department , . 



Plays on Broadway 



The Heiress 

Fred P. Hlnklehoffe presentation of Jed 
Harris production of drama In two mis 
(one scene) by Ruth and Augustus Uueix. 
based on Henry .Tames.' novel. "Washlniiton 
Square." Stars Rasll Rathbone and Wendy 
Hiller: features Patricia Colltnge. Staged 
liv Harris; setting by Raymond Sovey. At 
Lillmore. X. T„ Sept. 20, '47; $4. St) top. 

Maria Fiona O'Shiel 

Dr. Austin Sloper Basil Rathbone 

Lavinla Pennltnan... Pati'tola OoltlnBO 

Catherine sloper Wendy Hitler 

Kltzaheth Almond.. ..Katharine Rant 

Arthur Townsend '.Craig Kellv 

Marian Almond Augusta Iceland 

Morris Townsond.. Peter CooUfon 

Mrs. -Montgomery. Hetty Lhrte> 



Pastures." But it's a thirmed-out 
pasture. The play concerns a group 
of recently-freed Negroes, granted 
some land on a Georgia island by 
General Sherman during the Civil 
War, who find the land taken away 
from them after the war. by the 
original owners. 

Ingredients for a stirring drama 
are here. The author instead has 
written a series of tableaux — and 
some of them are impressive, indeed 
—which are disjoined instead of 
cumulative, and sometimes slow al- 
most to dullness. Second act is a 
sharp improvement over the first. 
Spirituals which end many scenes, 
slow down what action there is. 
There are a few noteworthy ex- 
ceptions, as when the group breaks 
into "Go Down. Moses" on hearing 



An overlong performance certainly 
doesn't help the chances of an 1850 
period drama localed in N. Y.s 
Washington Square, which was tried 

out last season under that title. That i —-.■•*" VnC"*. ua«„~;T 

earmaiks of ciack theatie | ^ of p res i den t Lincoln's 

Fred Fink'ehoffe. turned the pro- ; deatn is almost as s t ivr ing. 
du:tion of "The Heiress oyer to Jed Act i ng j s universally well above 
Harris entirely, and its | the scripting. William Veasey, as the 

mounted, the leads expertly cast. The , or0 up leader, is a sort of awkwardly- 
play is a ya'n of blasted romance, power£u i Negro Lincoln, his tall, 
the theme of frustration being a.- rangy figure i mpr essive and his sing- 
most always present, which in ltsell l- and aet i ng superb. One or two of 
plnces the show in the doubtful cale- nis j mpa ssioned speeches are power- 
gory. I fui theatre. Muriel Smith is equally 
Catherine Sloper. a shy, plain girl , affecting as the girl in love with him, 
of 20, lives with her physician father and the lew love scenes between the 



in a fine old house on the Square. 
Girl's mother died at her birth but 
she inherited none of the grace and 
charm the doctor so worshiped in 
her mother. He's never re-wed. He 
resents Catherine's mental back- 
wardness, if not her stupidity when 
she so promptly falls for the ad- 
vances of Morris Townsend, a for- 
tune- bunting, polished heel. 



two are the finest moments in the 
play. Julie Haydon is appealing in 
the brief role of the white teacher 
from the North who volunteers to 
join the grouD. Valerie Black is 
fetching as a pert soldier's wife. 
Other parts in a long cast list are 
' outstanding, 

! Eddie Dowling has directed as well 
I as script limitations permitted. Ralph 



Dr Sloper, being a keen man, ' Alswan«'s sets are striking, while 
senses Morris to be a phony, rather i some of his lighting effects are 
than the gentleman he pretends to be | sharply noteworthy. Choral group- 
and when Catherine accepts the . IngS, as well as group singings are 
youth's proposal of marriage, father above par; The play, unfortunately, 
takes her to Europe. Upon their re- isnt. Bron. 

turn Morris is for an elopement in- , 

stanter, until he learns that the girl s j _ ^. _ • . . 

income of $10,000 is one-third of I Ooita t.ef Will 

What he hoped it would be. Berber! M. Harris and Lester Meyer pro- 

. ... _ ,, „ , ductton of farce in three acts (three scenes) 

Morris jilts Catherine cruelly, flee- i,y Joseph Melds and Ben Slier. Staged by 
ing to' California, then returning ! Melds. Settings, Raymond sovei% At cort, 
after two years unable to make good I - x - v -. Sept. 25, '47; $4.s« top. 



even in the gold rush days. The "doc- 1 ****** 



tor has died and the girl now has the 
money Morris seeks. Again he pro- 
poses an elopement and she pretends 
to accept but Catherine is not that 
dumb, bolting the door, resigned to 
spinsterhood. 

There seems to be something the 
matter with the script for it's hard to 
take sOme of the story. • There are a 
few diverting interludes and bits of 
eecond-act emotionalism, yet the per- 
formance goes on and on with an 
undertone of sexlessness. Perhaps 
pruning would have helped but such 
a story even if acceptable is little 
more than literary. 

Wendy Hiller. who came from 
London, gives Catherine a certain 
charm and in fact it is. her show. 
Basil Rathbone is the bewhiskered 
doctor, giving a fine reading of the 
intelligent father. But despite the 
type of her characterization, Miss 
Hiller dominates the performance. 
Her appearance on Broadway is 
timed with her scoring in the cur- 
rent British feature film, "I Know 
■Where 1 Am Going." 

Patricia Collinge as a companion- 
aunt is gay in a Polly ana-ish way. 
Peter Cbokson turns in as good a 
performance as the heel as possible, 
• and while there are a few other 
characters, what goes on in "The 
Heiress" is principally between that 
toursome. Ibee. 



Our Lan* 



Eddie Dowling and Louis J. Singer pro- 
duction of folk-drama by Theodore Ward in 
two acts. Features Muriel Smith. "William 
Veasey, Julie Haydon, Valerie Black. 
Staged by Dowling. Sets and lighting. 
Ralph Alswnng: choral arrangements and 
direction, Joshua Lee; associate director. 
Edward R. Mitchell. At Royale, K. Y.. 
Sept. 27', '47; ?4.S0 top (?7.20 opening 
night). 

Kdgar Price... Irving Raines 

Gabe Peltier Herman Phillips 

Emanuel Price Louis Peterson 

Patsy Itoss .Theresa Merrltte 

Joe Ross Augustus Smith, Sr. 

Charlie Sellow Ehiory Richardson 

■Ellen. Valeric Block 

Somes Harold Conklin 

Daddy Syues. ..Service Rell 

Jtoxannn Margo Washington 

IVlphine Muriel Smith 



Bernie 

Railtke 

Timmle 

Frances 

Gussie 

11a 1. v.. 

Mrs. Clark .... 

A Toxical) Driver. 
Larry. .............. 

Dr. Pcrrin 

Conatantln. 

Stoddard 



Reed Brown, Jr. 

David Burns 

.Hal Xeiman 

lohn Conway 

Hileen Larson 

Peggy Maley 

. .Peggy Van Vleet 

Kdith Meiser 

...... Ralph Smiley 

Ted Erwin 

Edwin Whimer 

Richard Shankland 
. . .Harry K. Smith 



Dr. Flugeltnan K. A. Krumschmidt 

Angle Kenneth Forbes 

Joke Don Grusso 

Steve ' Griff. Evans 

Hogan Mickey Cochran 

A Woman Player Ruth Savllle 

Broderlok Dan Evans 

A Ticket Seller Charles F. O'Connor 

Jerry Ralph Simonc 

A Player .. Robert Gallagher 

Another Player. Charles Rondeau 

A Second Woman Player Viol Rant 

A Third Woman Player. . -Barbara Thorson 
Tom Hill Donald Foster 



rs"ulah. 

KPirthft. 

Alii e 

Hank- Saunders.. 

Cant;* In Bryant 

T.ilieth AvbarbaDeli . 

Oliver Webster 

Yank Sergeant 

Captain Stewart 

John Lurkhnrdc. . . . . 

Frxil Douglas ; 

Tv-io Taggart... 

Minnie. . .■ 

Sarah 

Joshua Tain 



.!> 



tilores Woodw 

Paula Oliver 

.Mrtry Lucille Melirido 

Charles I.ilicnilvil 

Jack Hooker 

Tulle Haydon 

James Jlai'Wood 

...... .Stuart Hoove" 

Gene O'lXmneU 

Frank Tucddell 

.Augustus Smith. ;Tr. 

Jay Brooks 

.Blanche Christopher 
.K^telle Rolle Mvans 
.... .William Vease\ 
. . .Virginia Chapman 
...Kdith Atuka Rcld 
....Richard Angarol-t 
. .Chauneey Reynolds 
.T'.'dmund Cambridge 

Graham Velsey 

1st Rebel Soldier Nathan Adler 

2nd Rebel Soldier Michael Higgins 



C.ei 
Dos 
Oil! 
I.cn 
Che 
Coil 



gar.: 



Web! 



del' 

in Broker. 



It's hard to resist some parts o f 
"Our Lan' " but harder to take all of 
it. The Nepro folk-drama is earnest 
and thought-provoking, with an 
analogy to today's troubled times. 
But the play is static and plodding 
and the overall effect is disappoint- 
'ihc. Its draw can only be limited. 

T ii mf>>-?up of dramatic incidents 
pcpetl'stod by spiritual singing, the 
play is reminiscent of 



New comedies among the first 
flight of shows this season are scarce, 
and the first one to click will prob- 
ably be hailed. But "I Gotta Get 
Out," a racetrack farce, is strictly out 
of the money. 

Turf plays are infrequent, none 
having succeeded since "Three Men 
on a Horse," which, while concerned 
with betting on the nags, didn't in- 
clude the course itself. Authors of 
"Gotta" localled the principal scene 
at Belmont Park, which was much 
too difficult for authentic back- 
ground. A little of the color of New 
York's ace racing plant is gotten but 
to racegoers the scene is as phoney 
as the money used by the actors. 

"Gotta" is a virtual succession of 
gags with so little story that there is 
hardly a play. First scene is a stable- 
loft where three bookies take bets, 
until cops are reported raiding the 
joint. Action switches to the kitchen 
of a Long Island home, and the play 
seems to bog down from there on. 
Last act has the same scene, after the 
Belmont interlude. Bookies and their 
femmes move in and rent the place 
so that the matron-owner can raise 
funds for her pet charity*. 

Program has 28 players listed but 
most are assigned to bits, a majority 
being walkons. David Burns and 
Reed Brown, Jr.. have comedy lines 
as a brace of bookies, their sour- 
pussed associate being Hal Neiman. 
Peggy Maley and Eileen Larson are 
the girlfriends of the first two. and 
they too register with laugh lines. 
There's a romantic duo. played by 
.John Conway and Peggy Van Vleet, 
but the authors didn't devote much 
attention to that angle. Edith Meiser. 
who appeared in "The Stars Weep," 
removed recently for revision at try- 
out, turns in the best performance as 
the matron. 

There are a number of unneces- 
sary bits and two detectives, one, in- 
cidentally called Broderick, name of 
a well known Broadway dick and foe 
c f bookies, who recently retired from 
the force. Ibee. 

{Closed Saturday (27) after four 
performances.) 




HENRY CLARKE 

With Theatre Guild's London Pro- 
duction of "OKLAHOMA" (Jud) 
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane 
Direction: 
Henry Wiese, 1674 Broadway, N. Y. 




Shylock and Daughter 

Yiddish Art Theatre presentation of Mau- 
rice Schwartz production in two acts (14 
scenes), dramatized by Schwartz from 
Ari lbn-Zahav's novel. Stars Sehtvnrtz; 
features Charlotte Goldstein, Edmund Zay- 
enda, Muni Serebrov, Gustnve Berger, Dina 
Halpern. Staged by Schwartz; settings, 
James R. Hotchkis; music. Joseph Rum- 
shinsky; dances arranged by David Llson 
and Selma Schneider. At Yiddish Art 
theatre. X. Y., Sept, 29, '47; $3.00 top. 

Shylock Maurice Schwartz 

Jessica Charlotte Goldstein 

Launcelot Isidore Cosher 

Stephano Yudel Dubinsky 

Samuel Mono Ktlinan<LZii«n di > 

Lorenzo Muni~eieT>rOv 

Antonio Gustave Berger 

Portia Dina Halpern 

Rabbi Movano Abraham Teltelbaum 

Cardinal Roberto Boris Auerbach 

Dona Camilla Jenny Casher 

The Duke of Venice. .. .Morris Ktrassberg 

Dr. Klonymos Anatole WlnogradotC 

Tubal 1 Charles Cohan 

Gratiano Miiha Fishon 

Salnnlo ..Morris Kroner 

Rabbi Nehemtah Solomon Krause 

Jail Guard Morris Bielavsky 



Shakespeare's depiction of Shy- 
lock, in his . "Merchant of Venice," 
has been given a going-over by 
Maurice Schwartz in his Yiddish 
Art Theatre presenialion of "Shy- 
lock and His Daughter," the opening 
play of the troupe's 26th season. 
Shylock, the 16th century Jewish 
money-lender of the Bard's "Mer- 
chant," has been considerably hu- 
manized in what Schwartz and a 
novelist, Ari Ibn-Zahav, from whose 
book this Yiddish' version has been 
adapted, have purported to show 
was a flagrant misrepresentation of 
the Jewish banker's character. This 
dramatization has many poignant 
moments, the casting, headed by 
Schwartz in the title role, is ex- 
cellent, and the staging is like- 
wise top-drawer, to insure one of 
Schwartz's best boxoffice successes 
since his "Ashkenazi," a decade ago. 

Instead of the greedy Jew that has 
been painted , by Shakespeare, 
Schwartz and his troupe are telling 
the story of the money-lender who 
seeks retribution for the theft and 
conversion of his daughter, Jessica, 
through undue influences of Loren- 
zo and Antonio, and the intended 
exaction by Shylock of Antonio's 
pound of flesh in payment of his 
debt to the banker. In Shakespeare's 
"Merchant" it was purely a selfish, 
mercenary reason that ' prompted 
Shylock to forfeit hjs right to the 
debt, while Schwartz portrays a pic- 
ture of the forfeit resulting from 
the traditional Jewish custom of 
never spilling blood. 

Schwartz gives an overpowering 
performance in the lead part, as do 
all others in the play, with Char- 
lotte Goldstein notable as Jessica. 
Others who. show up excellently are 
Isidore Casher and Yudel Dubinsky, 
as Launcelot and Stephano, respec- 
tively; Edmund Zayenda as Samuel 
Morro. a refugee: Muni Serebrov, 
Lorenzo; Gustave Berser as Antonio 
and Dina Halpern as Portia. 

Kahn. 



Inside Staff— Legit 



In a two-part Oscar Hammerstein, 2d, profile, first installment of which 
appears in the Oct. 4 issue of the Saturday Evening Post, David G. Wittels 
reveals interesting facts about Broadway's champ lyricist* who raised 
such ditties from "banality to singable pOetry." Irving Berlin, who has 
"written more popular hits (songs) than any other songwriter," is quoted 
saying: "The difference between Oscar and the rest of us lyric writers is 
that he is a poet." Cited is "It Might As Well Be Spring," 20th-Fox's 
"State Fair" pic, which Richard Rodgers and Hammerstein composed. 
' Article entitled "How To Make $4,000,000 on Broadway" is fortunately 
timed with the opening of "Allegro" at the Majestic, N. Y., Oct. 10. that 
musical having been written by R.&H., who have been teamed since 1943. 
During his 30 years in show business the musicals in which he^collaborated 
or produced are estimated to have grossed $100,000,000, of which $4,000,000 
went to Hammerstein. Some of the shows were: "Rose-Marie," "Show 
Boat," "Desert Song," "Music In ' the Air," "Song of the Flame," "The 
New Moon," "Oklahoma!" and the lyrics include his end of "Ol Man River " 
"Come Back to Me," "Make Believe." "Ev'ry Little Star," "Can't Help 
Lovin' Dat Man,". "All the Things You Are," "Who," "Indian Love Call," 
"One Alone," "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise," "When . I Grow Too Old 
To Dream" and "Why Do I Love You." 

Hammerstein, 53, is the son of the late William Hammerstein, who, 
during vaude's heyday, managed Hammerstein's Victoria at 42nd and 
Broadway for Oscar Hammerstein, who was more interested in grand 
opera and inventions. There are interesting sidelights on grandpop 
Oscar, and during a period when the lyricist's shows weren't clicking, the 
younger Oscar quoted the elder as saying: "There is no limit to 'the num- 
ber of people who* can stay away from a bad show." 

Wittels says that young Hammerstein was "conditioned" by his ma- 
ternal grandfather, James Nimmo, a "dour miened and reserved but gentle 
Scotchman," and he was raised as an Episcopalian. In his early years 
they shared a milk punch spiked with Scotch whisky, which Nimmo would 
mix before the others rose, and in the evening they'd share a bottle of 
stout. Hammerstein to this day "can and does eat anything edible, con- 
siders life uncivilized without a couple of drinks before dinner and per- 
haps some beer or port later; all he knows about indigestion is hearsay." 

Second installment of the profile comments that after 11 years of flops 
he was regarded as a has-been. Then came "Oklahoma!," which has 
played to 5,000,000 patrons on Broadway and throughout the country, and 
it's still going. Hammerstein soon afterward inserted a holiday greeting 
ad in Variety, mentioning half a dozen flops after which the copy read: 
."I did it before and I can do it again." 



Playwright Irwin Shaw, stepping up to bat for first time as drama 
crjtic of the New Republic, devoted his first column (Sept. 29 issue) to a 
general discussion Of reviewing, and defended himself for signing up for 
the chore. "Nothing the new critic may reflect comfortingly, can hurt the 
theatre more than it has already been hurt by the present crop of play- 
Wrights, critics, producers, directors, theatre owners, stagehands and 
audiences," he said. 

Answering the charge that a playwright might be biased, Shaw said: 
"Professional critics are as liable to bias as other men, and a playwright's 
bias might be a profitably fresh one, born out of a sobering amount of 
experience. Being forced to see and evaluate 50 plays a winter," Shaw 
also said, "can only help a playwright. 
I "Also, it is conceivable that a critic may contribute by a little bit to 
• make a theatre more to his own liking, than the one he finds in operation. 

"Finally, outside politics, what better opportunity could a man find to 
j lose several old friends and win many new enemies? The blood surges 
through the veins in an invigorating, fresh flood at the prospect." 

Significance of a dramatist Who had rapped critics and was now taking 
over as a critic wasn't lost on other reviewers. Richard Watts devoted 
his N. Y. Fo?t column one day last week to welcoming Shaw to the critical 
fold. John Chapman of the News had a friendly greeting for him. All 
this, in spite of the tirade Shaw launched 1 against the critical fraternity 
last year when they unanimously thumbs-downed his "The Assassins." 



A Utile MazH 



Xnlhi 



ng production ol musical 
[ comedy in two acts (six scenes) b> Louis 
Freiman. Stars Leo l-'tn bs; features Jacob 
Jacobs. Beltie Jacobs. Albert Shoeng.dd. 
Rebbecca Rlchlnan, Hannah Hollander. 
Rose Goldberg, Nathan Goldberg. Staged 
by Nathan Goldberg. Settings. Saltzmnn 
Bros.: music. Yasha Kieitzberg; lyrics, 
At Parkway theatre, Btook- 
47; $^.10 lop. 

Rehheeett Rlohmnn 

■ ■ Ret lie Jacobs 

Hannah Hollander 

Jacob Jacobs 

...... Nathan Goldberg 

Leon Seidenberg, 

• Leo l-'ucbs 

- Rose Goldberg 

Fagole. . . . . .Mirele Hergtnnn. Paula Klelda 

Ren Zlon Albeit shnengold 

Policeman Louis IWksnllzlty 

Ma id Frances Wagenfeld 



Enlarge Omaha Ami Plans 

Omaha, Sept. 30. 
City planner's, answer to objectors 
to new auditorium and music hall 
is a vast enlargement of plans with 
Green ! about an additional million cost. 



Jacob Jacob.", 
lyn. Sept. 'J4. 

Beatrice 

Molly. 

Helen. 

Mala.'h Burst ban. 

Jacob Miller 

Joseph Aptttiker. 

Chonina 

Rifka 



Sol Gelb, former assistant N. Y. district attorney, appeared before the 
Appellate Division of the N. Y. supreme court last week on behalf of the 
Jacobs ticket agency. Agency's telephones had been tapped and a listen- 
ing-in policeman made .notes of sales of fight tickets at prices in excess 
of the legal limit. Officer admitted that he rewrote his original notes, 
which were then destroyed, excuse being that he didn't want to be con- 
fused during cross-examination. Testimony at the trial was based on the 
cop's complaint to the magistrate, and Geltty contended that the evidence 
be placed in the category of "hearsay." Attorney when on the prose- 
cutor's staff got a conviction in the "Wine, Woman and Song" indecency 
case several years ago, for which the late I. H. Herk served a six-month 
sentence. 



After the tumult at Equity's recent membership meeting Clarence^ 
Derwent, president of the actors association, saw Bert Lytell. whom he 
succeeded, and the duo commiserated with each other over the ardous 
job of chairmaning such sessions, also conducting some of the talkative 
council meetings. The present president suggested to the past president 
that he take over when Derwent's term expires in 1949, but Lytell de- 
clined to commit himself. Latter headed Equity during the years that 
the actors were in a dither over the communist charges made by ex -Con- 
gressman William P. Lambertson, relinquishing the post at the insistence 
of his family, with whom he was able to spend little time because of the 
press of Equity duties. 



Chane Rivka Shapiro was billed among the show's credits in the house 
program, as secretary to William Herz, Jr.. production assistant for "The 
Stars Weep." tried out in Boston. Miss Shapiro has been identified as 
Renee Carroll, redheaded hatchecker at Sardi's restaurant, she also doing 
work on the side for Louis Schonceit, ticket broker-producer. General 
managers are going for the "production assistant" billing, especially out 
of town, and local showmen there get quite a giggle out o£ it when lamp- 
ing company personnel credits. 



Aline McMahon's replacement by Florence Reed in a featured role in 
the forthcoming "Medea" stems largely from the star, Judith Anderson, 
according to members of the company, llnderstood there has been in- 
creasing personal tension between the two. actresses during rehearsals, 
with Miss Anderson pressuring John Gielgud, director and co-star, to drop 
Miss McMahon. Besides the personal friction, however. Miss Anderson 
and Gielgud didn't see eye-to-eye with Miss McMahon on her character- 
ization. 



Paced by Leo Fuchs, "A Little 
Mazel" shoves its sprightly foot for- 
ward to win solid applause at its 
Brooklyn site of operations. Like 
many of its forebears on the Yiddish 
stage, there's plenty of the hodge- 
podge and improvisation in this Louis 
(Continued on page 52> 



William Liebling, of Liebling-Wood; Joe McGhee. of William Morris; 
Gloria Saner, of Sam Jaffe office; Lillian Arnold, of Lucile Phillips office; 
Lyman Brown and Frances Hidden, of Richard Pitman office— six of 
Broadway's leading casting agents— will hold seminars oh theatre job- 
getting Sunday afternoons at the Abbe Theatre school. N. Y. 

In addition, Vernon Rice, N. Y. Post drama editor, has joined school staff 
to give series of lectures on history of the theatre Wednesday afternoons. 

Brock Pemberton received a container with 46 silver dollars from 
Robert Porterfield as salary for his appearance in "Harvey"' at the Barter 
theatre, Abingdon, Va. Producer told the Barter manager that one buck 
would suffice, so sent him a check for $45 and is waiting for that Virginia 
ham which Porterfield gives guest stars. 

Helen Hoerle, while in advance of "Ladv Windermere's Fan" in Balti- 
more a week ago. fractured her ankle in two places. Just out of the hos- 
pital, she's at her N. Y. home. Mary March has replaced on "Fan" until 
Miss Hoerle's return, probably in three months. 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



PfiRIETY 



LEGITIMATE 



51 



'Benchwarmer Fast Chi Flop at 6G, 
'Mister 25G, Travels, 'Bora' Up to 14G 



Chicago, Sept. 30. -f 

"Benchwarmer," the only play 
that opened here last week, met 
w ith thumbs-down from the critics 
and closed Sept. 27, after a five-day 
run Also on the closing board 
aff'j- 20 weeks of fine business was 
"Ca'l Me Mister" which took in 
$25 000 for the last frame. It tours 
its ' way to the Coast, where it's 
booked for an extended run. 

"Carousel," which has put up 
"final weeks" paper in answer to sub- 
scription demands from other cities, 
slipped off a bit. With two extra 
performances on Sunday it took in 
$30 000, not up to the previous av- 
erage without the extra shows. 
"Born Yesterday" picked up in its 
82nd week to $14,000. "Private Lives" 
and Tallulah Bankhead aren't af- 
fected by changes in the weather, 
religious holidays and such, with 
trif $20,500. 

Replacing "Benchwarmer" is 
"This Time Tomorrow" at the Sel- 
wyn, Oct. 6. On the same day 
"Chocolate Soldier" moves into the 
Blackstone. A week later "Another 
part of the Forest" moves into the 
Erlanger. The Civic relights Oct. 
20 with ZaSu Pitts and Guy Kibbee 
in 'Late Christopher Bean." Alfred 
Lunt and Lynn Fontanne bring in 
"O Mistress Mine" to the Selwyn 
Oct 27. "All Gaul Is- Divided" is 
still scheduled for the last part of 
October or early November, but no 
house is available as yet. "Toplitzky 
of Notre Dame" opened at the Stu- 
debaker Mon. (29). 

Estimates for Last Week 

"Benchwarmer," Selwyn (1,000; 
$3.60). Even the charm of Bert 
Wheeler and others couldn't put this 
hash over. Miserable $6,000. Closed 

S %orn Yesterday," Erlanger (32d 
week) (1,334; $3.60). Pepped up a 
bit this week to $14,000. Final two 

"Call Me Mister," Blackstone (20th 
week) (1,358; $4.80). Neat $25,000 for 
its last week. 

"Carousel," Shubert (18th week) 
(2,100; $4.80). Slipped off a bit, even 
with two Sunday performances, to 
$30,000, but still tops. 

"Private Lives," Harris (10th 
week)) (1,000: $3.60). Tallulah Bank- 
head is turning them away every 
night with regal $20,500 last week. 

Current Road Shows 

(Period covering Sept. 29-Oct. 11) 

"Allegro"— Colonial, Bost. (29-4). 

"An Inspector Calls" — Plymouth, 
Bost. (6-11). 

"Annie Get Your Gun"— State 
Fair, Dallas (3-4). 

"Another Part of the Forest"— 
Walnut, Philly (29-4); Hartman, Col., 
(6-8); English, Indpls. (9-11). 

"Blackouts of 1947"— El Capitan, 
Hollywood (29-11). 

Blackstone— Savoy,. Hamilton (1); 
Strand, Utica (3-4); Walnut, Philly 
(6-11). 

"Born Yesterday"— Erlanger, Chi. 
(6-11). 

"Call Me Mister"— Biltmore, V. A. 
(6-11). 

"Carousel"— Shubert, Chi. (29-11). 

"Chocolate Soldier"— Nixon, Pitt. 
(29-4); Blackstone, Chi. (6-11). 

"Druid Circle" — Shubert, New 
Haven (2-4); Wilbur, Bost. (6-11). 

"Duet With Two Hands"— Wilbur, 
Bost. (29-4)). 

"Fatal Weakness" —Hartman, Co- 
lumbus (29-1); English, Indpls. (2-4); 
Cox, Cincy. (6-8). 

"Girl of the Golden West"— Cur- 
ran, Frisco (6-11). 

"Harvey"— Cass. Det. (6-11). 

"High Button Shoes" — Forrest, 
Philly (29-4). 

"I Remember Mama" — Aud., Fres- 
no (30-1); Aud., Sacramento (2-3); 
And., Oakland (4); Metropolitan, Se- 
attle (6-11). 

"Lady Windermere's Fan" — Nat'l, 
Wash. (29-4); Ford's Balto. (6-11). 

"Man and Superman" — Shubert, 
Bost. (29-4). 

"Medea" — McCarter, Princeton 
(2-4); Locust, Philly (6-11). 

"Oklahoma!" — Metropolitan, Prov. 
(29-4): Colonial, Bost. (6-11). 

"Private Lives" — Harris, Chi. 
(29-11). 

' "Rose Marie-Merry Widow"— Shu- 
bert, Philly (6-11). 

San Carlo Opera— Opera House. 
Boston (29-4). 

"Song of Norway" — Aud., Salt 
Lake (6-7); Aud., Denver (9-11). 

"State of the Union" — Opera 
House, Newark (29-4); Erie, Schen. 
(6-7); Empire, Syr. (8); Strand, Ith. 
(9); Aud., Roch. (10-11). 

"Sweethearts" — Ford's, Balto. 
(29-4); Shubert, Bost. (6-11). 
, The Red Mill"— Hanna, Cleve. 
(29-4); Nixon, Pitt. (6-11). 

"This Time Tomorrow" — Plym- 
outh. Boston (29-4); Selwyn, Chi. 
(6-1 1 ). 

"Tobacco Road" — Shubert-Lafay- 
ette. Det. (29-4); Amer., St. Louis 
(6-11). 

"Toplitzky of Notre Dame"— Stu- 
aebaker, Chi. (6-11). 

"Voice of the Turtle"— American. 
St. Louis (29-4); Geary. Frisco 

(6 nj nslow Boy " — National < Wash - 



Toplitzky' Fair 16G 

In Week at St Louis 

St. Louis, Sept. 30. 
"Toplitzky Of Notre Dame," the 
musical by George Marion, Jr., and 
Sammy Fain, pried off the lid of the 
1947-48 season last week at the 
American theatre, which was em- 
bellished with $25,000 worth of im- 
provements; One-weeker (nine per- 
formances) grossed fair estimated 
$16,000. The house was scaled to 
$3.66. 

Crix dished out posies for the 
piece, and Cast headed by Gus Van, 
Frances Williams and Edward Roe- 
ker. Sondra Barrett and Walter 
Long, the latter trio well known lo- 
cally through p.a.'s at the al fresco 
theatre in Forest Park. 

John van Druten's comedy, "Voice 
of the Turtle,""with Sheila Bromley 
and Philip Faversham in the top 
roles, opened a seven-night stand at 
the American, Sunday (28). It played 
five profitable weeks here in two 
visits last season. House is scaled 
to $3.05. 



'SOLDIER' UNDER 18G 
IN PITTSBURGH OPENER 

Pittsburgh, Sept. 30. 

Nixon teed off legit season with 
revival of "Chocolate Soldier" and 
got just under $18,000 at $3 top, 
excluding tax. Considering fact that 
show had every kind of a break rid- 
ing with it — a Broadway rep, cool 
weather, getaway of a new year and 
fine notices in all three dailies — 
take was something of a disappoint- 
ment. Holding over for another ses- 
sion and advance for it has been 
pretty weak. 

Figured to be hurting "Soldier" is 
the follow-up booking, also for a 
fortnight, of "Red Mill," which opens 
Monday (6). Big mail order sale for 
this one, and it's cutting into chances 
of show preceding it. 



'Shoes' $31,500, 
'Heart' $30,500, 
Spark Philly 

Philadelphia, Sept. 30. . 

That Philly is "hot" right now for 
musicals was proved conclusively 
last week with both the current 
tuners hitting terrific figures, close to 
capacity, in the second week of their 
respective engagements. 

"High Button Shoes" reached a 
smart $31,500 in its second session at 
the Forrest and that stood for an 
SRO at all- performances after 
Wednesday matinee. It is already 
sold out solid this week. Plenty of 
fixing has been in order with show 
shaping up nicely but even now not 
exactly a sure "in." 

"Music in My Heart" did $30,500 
in its second stanza at the Shubert. 
It was also the first full week as the 
show had originally preemed on 
Wednesday (17). One prominent cast 
change had show doing plenty of re- 
hearsing but it was in good shape 
when it opened here. 

The two non-musicals didn't do as 
well although "Another Part of the 
Forest," opening Wednesday at the 
Walnut, collected a low $6,000 in five 
performances but has been building 
since. Reviews were enthusiastic 
and that plus fact that, with "Shoes" 
selling out, "Forest" is the only avail- 
able legiter this week, should spell 
plenty of biz for the Lillian Hell- 
man drama in its getaway week. "The 
Big People" had its delayed opening 
at the Locust on Tuesday and re- 
ceiving Dans all across the line and 
ended dismally under $2,000. On Fri- 
day management decided to close 
engagement and show . Saturday. 
There is apparently little chance of 
its being brought out in the near 
future. 

Booking situation here now is very 
much scrambled. With Shubert and 
Locust both dark this week, next 
Monday finds three openings. "Rose 
Marie" is being offered by a Shubert 
repertory company for a week at the 
Shubert to be followed by a week of 
"The Merry Widow." On the 20th, 
the Shubert gets the new dance re- 
vue, "S. S. Calypso." for two weeks. 
"Medea," with John Gielgud and 
Judith Anderson, starts a two-week 
stay at the Locust on Monday also 
and shapes up as the most important 
theatrical event of the season to date. 
Also next Monday, Blackstone is in 
for two weeks at the Walnut. 

On the 13th. in addition to "The 
Widow." the "Lady Windermere's 
Fan" revival is set for the Forrest 
for three weeks. 

'Windermere's Fan' Sock 
$26,000 in Washington 

Washington. Sept. 30. 
"Lady Windermere's Fan," under 
aegis of American Theatre Society 
and Theatre Guild, bettered its take 
in its second stanza at the National 
by some hundreds of dollars over 
the sock $26,000 of the initial week. 
Third and final session should do 
even better, minus subscription bite, 
with the imposing total of $80,000 
likely for the three weeks. 
, Terence Ratligan's "Winslow Boy' 
moves in Oct. 6 for a fortnight, fill- 
ing' the second slot in ATS-Guild 
subscription season. 

Blackstone 9G, Toronto 

Toronto, Sept. 30. 
On second stanza here, Blackstone 
did a mild $9,000. as he had on first 
week at the Royal Alexandra, with 
1,525-scalcr scaled at $2.40 top. 



lama' $74,500 
In 3 LA. Weeks 



Los Angeles, Sept. 30. 
. Last week was a dull one for local 
legit, with no new openings. Cur- 
rent stanza, however, has two com- 
ing up. "Call Me Mister" bows into 
Biltmore tomorrow night (1). and 
Pelican Productions p r e s e n t s its 
fourth offering, "Dark of the Moon," 
Friday (3) at the Coronet. 

Estimates for Last Week 

"Biography," Las Palmas (4th wk) 
(388; $3.00). Beginning to taper off 
with good $5,800 last week. Closing 
announced for Oct. 5. 

"Blackouts of 1947," El Capitan 
<257th wk) (1,142; $2.40). Same old 
$17,000. 

"Ice Follies of 1948." Pan Pacific 
Aud (1st wk) (6,000; $3.60). Swell. 

"1 Remember Mama," Biltmore 
(3d wk) (1,636; $3.60). Final frame 
brought best gross yet, $25,500 and 
Charlotte Greenwood starrer left 
town with a swell total of $74,500. 



Broadway Dips; World's Series 
Influx Due to Up Legits, Niteries; 
'Gotta Get' Gets Fast; 5 Debuts This Wk. 



'Okla.!' Sock 30G In 

4th New Haven Visit 

New Haven. Sept. 30. 

Fourth local visit of '■Oklahoma!," 
which opened here originally as 
"Away We Go" a few seasons back, 
garnered an estimated $30,000 in its 
full week stand at he Shubert (22- 
27). Figure, based on eight per- 
formances at $4.20 top, meant sev- 
eral sellout shows, which was ter- 
rific in view of prior stands in near- j 
by Bridgeport and Hartford, cities | 
that normally food local coffers. | 

Season's fourth breakin holds forth I 
this week as "The Druid Circle" 
unwraps its script for a last half 
(2-4). 

Other preems set for fall include 
"For Love Or Money" (Oct. 16-18), 
"Street Car Named Desire" (Oct. 30- 
Nov. 1)„ "Bonanza Bound" (.Nov. 20- 
22, tentative). 



Ian 26G, Hub; 
'Allegro 3SG, 
Time $12, 



'COMMAND DECISION' 
8G IN BALTIMORE 

Baltimore, Sept. 30. 
Kermit Bloomgarden's "Command 
Decision" in its pre-Broadway try at 
Ford's here last week garnered good 
local reviews and some" steady re- 
sponse at the b.o., reported at 
$8,000. 

In currently- to big advance re- 
sponse is "Sweethearts," with "Lady 
Windermere's Fan" set to follow. 



'Norway' Oct. 8 Opens 
Denver Legit Season 

Denver, Sept. 30. 

Season opens here with A. M. 
Oberfelder, local impresario, bring- 
ing "Song of Norway" to the city 
auditorium Oct. 8. 

Other events booked through the 
winter and spring include Spike 
Jones orch., Oct. 14-15; The Fatal 
Weakness" with Ina Claire, Nov. 
6-7; "Voice of the Turtle," Nov. 15; 
"Oklahoma!" March 1-8; "Annie Get 
Your Gun," April 28-May 1; "Har- 
vey," April 5-7. The Metropolitan 
Opera Company is here April 26-27. 

In the concert series sponsored by 
Oberfelder he reports more than 
85% sold for the season. 



Spike Jones 24G, S.F. 

San Francisco, Sept: 30. 
Kolb and Dill hit a third week 
gross of mild $9,500 at the 1,550 'seat 
Geary, in "The High Cost Of Lov- 
ing." 

"Loving" closes Saturday (4) 
with "Girl of the Golden West," 
starring James Eliason. Victor Jory 
and Dorothy Craig, opening the fol- 
lowing day (5). 

Spike Jones and his "Musical De- 
preciation Revue," chalked up a 
third week gross al the 1,776-seat 
Curran Of $24,000. It closes Sat- 
urday (4) and "Voice of the Turtle" 
bows in Wednesday (8) for an 11- 
day run. starring Haila Stoddard. 



Shows in Rehearsal 

"All Gaul Is Divided"— John F. 
Golden and J. Michael Lambur, 

"Show Boat" (road) — Oscar Ham- 
I merstein. II and Richard Rodgers. 
tale. 

"Antony and Cleopatra" (revival) 
—Katharine Cornell .and Guthrie 
McClintic. ' 

"For Love or Money" — Barnard 
Straus. 

"An Inspector Calls"— Courtney 
Burr and Lasson Grosberg. 
"Trial Honeymoon"— Harry Rosen. 
"Dear Judas"— Michael Myerberg. 



Boston, Sept. 30. 

"Man and Superman" at the Shu- 
bert. was off to a sock start last'i 
week. Biz everywhere has been good I 
so far, with mediocre attractions | 
doing generally better than similar j 
fare in the film spots. 

The moviog out of "Alice in Won- 
derland" despite an improving level 
of biz at the Opera House has 
brought speculation as to the rea- 
son, with talk of back-stage com- 
plication — and not with the stage- 
hands either — held mainly respon- 
sible. 

Openers this week are "Duet for 
Two Hands" at the Wilbur and the 
San Carlo Opera Co. at the Opera 
House. Immediately ahead are "The 
Druid Circle" at the Wilbur Oct. 6. 
"Sweethearts" at the Shubert same 
night, "Oklahoma!" at the Colonial 
ditto, and "An Inspector Calls" at 
the Plymouth Oct. 7. 

Estimates for Last Week 
"Allegro," Colonial (1,500; $4.80). 
Guild show, SRO since it opened, 
hit a wow estimated $36,000 on its 
third week — first without Guild 
discounts— and moves into its finale 
here headed for the same figure. 
Show has brought plenty of divided 
opinion, especially in theatrewise 
circles, but has proved beyond a 
doubt its attraction for the cus- 
tomers and seems headed for a b.o. 
wham in N. Y. too. Final week cur- 
rent. 

"Alice in Wonderland," Opera 
House (3,000; $3.60). Rallied on its 
second and final week for a strong 
estimated $25,000, which should be 
enough, but moves out with talk 
of managerial complications to make 
room for the San Carlo Co., here 
this week. 

1 "How I Wonder," Wilbur (1,241; 
$3.60). Despite Raymond Massey's 
appeal, this one never clicked and 
dropped on second to poor estimated 
$7,500. 

"Man and Superman," Shubert 
(1,713; $3.60). A sock attraction with 
b.o. and marquee appeal plus a full 
set of raves from the crix, which 
pushed this up to a husky estimated 
$26,000. Very* big, and headed for 
bigger things in current final week. 

"This Time Tomorrow," Plymouth 
(1,461; $3.60). Guild biz got this one 
an okay estimated $12,000, but press 
was divided and it doesn't look too 
much like a b.o. winner. Final week 
current. 



'Harvey' 20G, Detroit 

Detroit. Sept. 30. 
"Harvey," .-tarring Joe E. Brown, re- 
ported a $20,000 lake in its fourth 
week at the 1.500-seat Cass theatre at 
a $3.60 top. 

Show will continue two more 
weeks. 



'Weakness' Is Strong 
$15,800 in Cleveland; 

Cleveland. Sept. 30. I 
As opener of Hanna's 26lh season. 
Ina Claire in "Fatal Weakness" \ 
brought out the carriage trade as 
well as several near-capacity 
crowds which added up to $15,800 at 
$3.75 top. 

Currently on tap is revival of "Red 
Mill," with Katherine Cornell's 
"Antony and Cleopatra" set for 
Oct. 13. Playhouse repertory com- 
pany is starling its 32d season with 
"Jc/n of Lorraine." 



'MILL' 24G, BUFFALO 

Buffalo. Sept. 30. 1 
"The Red Mill." in a full week ' 

session at the Erlanger last week. 

ground out a bumper $24,000 take. ; 
Top was $4.20. 1 



Broadway dipped last week, al- 
though the weather wasn't a factor 
as temperature dropped to the 42- 
degree mark. Showmen said the ad- 
vent of the Jewish Day of Atone- 
ment was the evident patronage 
deterrent. Influx over the weekend 
for the world's series should benefit 
showshops and nightclubs. 

Estimates for Last Week 

Keys: C (Comedy), D KDrama), 
CD (Comedy-Drama), R (Reuue), 
M (Mi/sical), O (Operetta). 

"All My Sons," Coronet (35th 
week) (D-1,095; $4.80). Eased to 
around $12,500, which is profitable 
both ways; no succeeding attraction 
has been booked. 

"Annie Get Your Gun," Imperial 
<72d week) (M-1,472; $6.60). Ro.-d 
edition, with Mary Martin toppi * 
opens in Dallas this week; origin, i 
with Ethel Merman selling out; 
nearly $45,000 last week. 

"Bftrn Yesterday," Lyceum (87th 
week) (C-993; $4.80). Bit affected 
early last week but came back 
strong, and the gross approximated 
$18,000. 

"Brigadoon," Ziegleld (29th week) 
(M-1^26; $6). There are four or six 
shows with which the agencies are 
doing lively business, and this is 
one: over $43,000, capacity. 

"Command Dec'sion," Fulton 
(D-968; $4.80). Presented by Ker- 
mit Bloomgarden and Sidney 
Phillips; all-male cast war drama 
written by -William Wister Haines; 
opens tonight U). ' 

"Call Me Mister," Majestic (76th 
week) (M-1,659; $4.80). Moves to 
Plymouth Monday (6); revue pros- 
pering and .should stay until holi- 
days; eased to $23,000 last week. 

"Finian's Rainbow," 46th Street 
(38th week) (M-1,319; $6). Another 
top musical that should play through 
new season; standees all times; 
$42,000. 

"Happy Birthday," Broadhurst 
(48th week) (C-1,160; $4.80). Now 
slated through autumn: gets good 
share of visitor patronage; around 
$23,500 last week. 

"Harvey," 48th St. (152d week) 
(C-920; $4.20). Attendance only 
slightly affected last week, and 
long-run laugh play approximated 
818,000. 

"How I Wonder," Hudson (CD- 
1.057; $4.80). Presented by Ruth 
Gordon and Garson Kanin, with 
Victor Samrock and William Fields 
associated; written by Donald Og- 
den Stewart; opened Tuesday (30). 

"I Gotta Get Out," Court (C-1,064; 
$4.80). Opened and closed within 
three days; rung down Saturday 
(27) after four performances; all 
notices out of the money. 

"Icctimc of 1948," Center (18th 
week) (M-2,994; $2.40). Some show- 
men don't figure skating show as 
legit but it's cleaning up with 
figures close to those of top musicals; 
dipped with field but big at $39,000 
last week. 

"John Loves Mary," Music Box 
(34th week) (C-979; $4.80). Slipped 
too but laugh show slated into 
winter; approximately approached 
$16,000. 

"Music in My Heart," Adelphl 
(0-1,434; $4.80). Presented by Henry 
Duffy; musical, based on the melodies 
of Tschaikowsky, known on Coast 
as "Music Without Words;" opens 
Thursdr>- (2). 

"Oklahoma!," St. James f232d 
week) (M-1,505; $4.80). Will prob- 
ably get a larger share of world's 
series patronage than any other at- 
traction; profitable always; $24,000 
last week. 

"Our Lan\" Royale (1st week) 
(D-1,035; $4.80). Third play of new 
season is mixed-cSst drama that 
opened Saturday (27) ; questionable 
notices. 

"The Heiress," Biltmore fD-920; 
$4.80). Presented by Fred Finkle- 
tioffe; written by Ruth Goodman and 
Augustus Goetz; opened Monday 
(29). Got divided press. 

"The Medium," and "The Tele- 
phone," Barrymore (22d week) 
(M-1,064; $4.20). Duo of operatic 
playlets has been making some 
prolit; takings around $12,000 last 
week; "An Inspector Calls" slated 
lo follow soon, however. 

"The Voice of the Turtle," Moros- 
co (181st week) (C-939; $3.60). 
Grosses mild in comparison to most 
others but there are only three in 
cast: over $8,000 and moves to Beck 
late this month. 

"Under the Counter," Shubert 
CR-1,387; $4.80). English revue 
brought over intact and presented 
by Lee Ephraim and the Shuborts; 
opens Friday (3). 

"Younfi Man's Fancy." Plymouth 
(22d week) (C-1.075: $3.60). How this 
one continues is the management's 
secret for it's a low-grosser: moves 
to the Court SiThday (5). vacated 
by "I Golta Get Out": $7,000 

REPEAT ENGAGEMENT 

"Anna Eucasta," National iD-1.164; 
$3 60). Second week current; 
"Medea" due in this house Oct. 20; 
$6,500. 



52 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



Plays Abroad 



School for Spinsters 

London, Sept. 12. 
Alec I,. Ren and K. V. ('lift proiliuttoti 
wltli Roy l.imhert of play In two acts 
(Heven scenes) hy Kolatld Pert wee. Directed 
bv William Armstrong,' At Criterion, Lon- 
don. Sept. 1], "47. 

Rosa Hnrdlns Sheila Sim 

Tom HaitJIns Derek Kluniflcld 

L)ainy Hurtling Jasmine Pee 

Prudence Daliry Iris Hoe> 

Oswald tlrey..' , . .tleoffrey Qualfe 

Hamilton Harding lulien Mitchell 

I'i'erta l.ane Georglna CooUson 

Louisa...." llelene Burls 



This is an unoriginal but entertain- 
ing comedy of the tyrannical Vic- 
torian parent confronted with a re- 
bellious family of stock characters. 
Well produced and amiably received, 
. but.dpesn't amount to much.. Story 
starts ' more as an object lesson 
against the possessiveness of the self- 
ish older generation, but develops a 
breeziness bordering on farce which 
detracts from its stability. 

Scene is a provincial town in 1900, 
with a domineering father prevent- 
ing his elder daughter's marriage, 
wishing to insure the home comforts 
and attention he was used to before 
his wife's death. He cunningly co- 
erces the boy, who is an architect in 
his office, to enlist for the Boer War. 
When, two years later, the soldier re- 
turns to claim his bride, he finds she 
has turned into a spiritless woman 
wrapt up in household cares and old 
beyond her years. 

Kid sister has blossomed from a 
lumpy schoolgirl into a seductive 
siren, and shows how a conquering 
hero should be welcomed. This shakes 
the older girl into realization of what 
she is about to lose, and she sheds the 
shawl and air of martyred gloom just 
in time. A bit of papa's past, in the 
shape of a gold-digging chorus girl 
with a dubious infant, appears on the 
scene, and his decision to marry her 
squares things up all around. 

Iris Hoey has the best lines in the 
, play as the wise, understanding 
maiden aunt who is instrumental in 
saving her niece from becoming a 
wasted spinster like herself. Julien 
Mitchell registers convincingly as the 
sanctimonious father, and the young 
lovers are excellently portrayed by 
Sheila Sim and Geoffrey Quaife. 
Derek Blomfield makes, the most of 
some riotous moments as the young 
son getting plastered on learning he 
has finally passed- his medical exams, 
and Jasmine Dee is a typical go- 
getting brat with no scruples. 

Nothing outstanding in this produc- 
tion and, all told, its chances are 
just so-so. Clem. 

One, Two, Three 

London, Sept. 11. 

Hale Plays production (in association 
with Frederick Piffavd, Patrick Me) of re- 
vue In two parts (18 scenes). Book and 
lyrics by I.oftua "Wingram-; music by M-isha 
Slioliansky; dances and ensembles by Philip 
and Betty Buchel. Directed by Tommy 
Hayes. Stars Binnle and Sonnie Hale. 
Charles Heslop: features Anthony Hayes, 
Gail Kendal, Marie Sellar, Michael Lln- 
don, Pamela Kail. Freddie Coulson, llena 
Manova, Roy Hartley. Orchestra directed 
by Van Phillips. At Duke of York's, I*on- 
don, Sept. 10, '47. 



barbed wit and blue innuendo of the 
"Sweet and Low" variety had sharp- 
ened the public palate, it might have 
stood a better chance. 

Of the 18 odd numbers and 
sketches, outstanding are the sister's 
clever character studies, brother's 
exuberance and genial personality, 
particularly in a Statue of Liberty 
and Nelson impersonation, with the 
two wisecracking on topical matters. 
Idea, originated by their father, 
comedian Robert Hale, is well car- 
ried out and gets plenty of laughs. 
Quite a lot of the lyrics poke fun at 
Britain, mainly jibing at current 
preference for American-born stage 
shows. • 

Gail Kendal, a newcomer, has a 
nice sense of caricature and does 
well in her limited scope. Marie 
Sellar has some graceful dancing 
numbers, partnered by Anthony 
Hayes, and the chorus is charming 
and talented. Charles Heslop 
handles his varied tasks with ease 
and skill. 

A blended "Oklahoma-Annie Get 
Your Gun" skit doesn't register as 
well as it should, although the idea 
is good and Miss Hale gives a life- 
like imitation of Dolores Gray as 
''Annie." If the items were re- 
shuffled on the program and. set in 
different running order, it might be 
an advantage. Show has been on 
tour and should have settled down 
for its London premiere with more 
self-assurance. . 

A visual depiction of the radio 
feature, showing the stars not only 
playing numerous characters but 
Supplying all the sound effects, gives 
the best opportunity for displaying 
their talent. Revue closes with a 
flashback of songs from their past 
successes, played in the costumes of 
the time — "No. No, Nanette," 
"Sunny," "Mr. Cinders." 

London loves its old favorites and 
on the strength of the name of Hale, 
this production may get by. "At 
least it is something! one could take 
youngsters to without a qualm. 

• Clem. 



range of the stations that will air 
the series. "It's reasonable to as- 
sume," he said, "that the average 
viewing audience per receiver will 
btf about 15 to 20 persons. Every- 
body from President Truman to the 
average schoolboy who may ^ave 
decided to take the afternoon oft and 
get close to a television set will be 
watching the games." 

Thousands of convalescing service- 
men are expected to watch the 
games via video in Army and Navy 
hospitals throughout the east. Total 
number of lookers will give the 
World Series its greatest audience 
in history. 



600G Advance 

5 Continued from page 1 ; 



with three more in the boxoffice. 
Backstage doorman had to be called 
in one day to help open mail. Guild 
has its own subscribers for 3% 
weeks, and in addition has set 31 
parties until Jan. 14, about two a 
week. After Jan. 24 the lowest- 
priced ticket will be $1.80 instead 
of $1.20. 

Advance sale on the Mary Mar- 
tin-starred road company of "Annie 



'Lay That Tele Camera 
Down,' Shriek Gridders 

Los Angeles, Sept. 30. 

Television has the silk pants 
scared off the footballers in this 
un-gridlike clime. Neither the Rose 
Bowl nor the Coast Conference will 
even bend an ear to overtures for 
video rights and they come right 
out with "nuthin' doin' this year, 
next year or the next." They make 
no bones about it; stadia are built 
for cash customers and not the 
padded warriors and seeing the 
game on home screens has too many 
advantages over buying tickets, 
bucking traffic and incidental an- 
noyances. 

Arnold Maguire, Coast radio head 
of Foote, Cone & Belding, went over 
to see the Pasadena brass about 
televising the New Year's day foot- 
ball. What he came away with was 
a closed deal for setting up cameras 
for the Tournament of Roses Parade. 
When he asked how about the foot- 
ball game the snickers were Pasa- 
dena polite but unmistakable in their 
implied meaning. Maguire, mean- 
while, is talking with Loyola of- 
ficials, who are not averse to hav- 
ing their games televised, commer- 
cially or otherwise. However, being 
unaffiliated with any conference, 
they have few games on th?ir sched- 
ule that could compete with even 
the sound broadcasts of the confer- 
ence crowd. NBC has long had the 
exclusive rights to airing the Rose 
Bowl game. 



Ink Spots 

Continued from page Z 
Hulbert-Cecily Courtneidge 



Although Binnie and Sonnie Hale 
have appeared together' in a radio 
feature, "All Hale," this is the first 
time brother and sister have played 
in the same stage show. Had it been 
put on 10 years ago, before the 



Jack 

"Under the Counter" show which 
opens in New York Friday (3), and 
the Old Vic companies have made 
iU. S. appearances. Another British 
Get Your Gun" for the 15-day stay show " Tne winslow Boy," Is slated 
in Dallas, starting Friday (3), is for ' a Washington debut shortly, 



also unprecedented. By Monday 
(29) night, advance was $108,000, 
with $150,000 expected by curtain 
time. Potential take for the engage- 
ment is $300,000, with auditorium 
seating over 4,000 and a top set at 

$4;90. 



NOW IS THE TIME 
TO PUT YOUR 
"BEST FOOT FORWARD" 

The eyes of the theatrical 
profession are f ocussed on 
photographs by 

JO MERMEL 

Creator of Lights and Shadows 

You pay no more for photo- 
graphs by America's lead- 
ing creative theatrical pho- 
tographer. 

DO IT TODAY I 

W.RITE— WIRE— TELEPHONE 
FOR APPOINTMENT 

JO MERMEL 

483 Lex^ton Ave. at 46th St. 
New York. N. Y. 
Tel. Plaza 3-5791 



Series Nips B. 0. 



Continued from page 1 



SAMUEL FRENCH 

S N< K 18.10 

Play, Brokers and 
Authors' Representatives 

4<f West Iwih strc:-l. Ncu V«w* 
»«>sk s rtV. Ko'lrroml 4(1. Cnl 



when there was no tele coverage, it 
was much worse this year. How- 
ever, film ops expected the influx 
of visitors to N. Y. for the Series 
would help them recoup their losses 
last night. 

About 50,000 tele sets in bars and 
taverns throughout the city were 
jammed with viewers yesterday. 
Fa.ct jhat an estimated _54% of sets 
in Greater New York are concen- 
trated outside Manhattan indicated 
that suburban houses suffered dur- 
ing the game time just as much as 
the Broadway deluxe showcasers. It 
must be pointed out, though, that the 
opening game lasted only two-and- 
a-half hours, so that biz started to 
pick up again shortly after 4 p.m. 
4-CHy Tele Hookup 

Games are being carried by seven 
different tele stations in New York, 
Philadelphia, Washington and Sche- 
nectady and film grosses in the lat- 
ter three cities are expected to be 
affected as much as those in N. Y. 
during game time for the duration 
of the series. More than 500,000 peo- 
ple are expected to watch the games 
on tele sets, with Television Broad- 
casters Assn. prexy J. R. Poppele 
estimating the total might reach 
j close to 700,000. . 
1 Roxy and Park avenue theatres, 
both N. Y. deluxers, installed tele 
i receivers in their lobbies especially 
] for the series in an. effort to offset 
: the b.o. dip. Because* of its high 
j ceiling, the Roxy was uncertain until 
I late Monday (29) that wiring could 
i be run down to service its set. Park 
Avenue set had been ordered some 



while negotiations for the complete 
cast of the Sid- Field show "Pic- 
cadilly Hayrlde" and "Sweetest and 
Lowest" are to appear in New York 
next year. 

In addition, the article declares 
that the London ''Oklahoma!" cast 
is having all its American cast grad- 
ually replaced by Britons. Much of 
the profit of that show will remain 
in England to finance other shows. 
The other Broadway musical, "An- 
nie Get Your Gun," has only two 
American principals, and in "Dia- 
mon Lit" there will be only three 
American principals. Of the other 
American shows in London, "Born 
Yesterday," '.'Life With Father," 
"Separate Rooms" and "Tobacco 
Road" have only two American 
principals, and one of them, Hartley 
Power, has been in England for .the 
last 20 years. . — . 



Yiddish Plays 



; Continued from page 50 , 



A Little Mazrl 

Freiman offering. But there's more 
than a modicum of pleasing enter- 
tainment which should give this en- 
try a fairish pull for biz from de- 
votees of the Yiddish theatre. 

Smooth transition from play to 
song—or for that matter, from Jight 
to heavy — for which the English- 
speaking stage continually aims, just 
isn't? there. Sets are obviously 
cheapies; the choral terping clumsy 
if willing. Nonetheless, there's ex- 
pert laugh-snaring lines, vigorous 
thesping and such general good hu- 
mor that this musico-drama's fail- 
ings are overweighted. 

Two. -factors, increasingly notice- 
able on the Yiddish stage in the past 
few years, stick out more than ever. 
Obviously hep to both the temper of 
the times and boxoffice implications, 
the resurgence of Jewish nationalism 
is played up and an,ti-British dia- 
tribes win the solidest mitting. An 
increase in borrowing from English 
— words, phrases and sentences — 
cater to the ^younger and less Yid- 
dish-versed generation. 

Fuchs, who did an unsuccessful 
English-speaking stint several years 
back at La Martinique, N. Y. nitery, 
under the name of Leon Victor, still 
is tops in his Brooklyn heath. He 
cops the yocks with Bolgerish con- 
tortions, comic song delivery, and 
overall clowning. His travesty on the 
cinema (and, incidentally, a shrewd- 
ly aimed appeal for Yiddish theatre 
patronage), labeled "Do It in the 
Sun" (producer, David O. Selzer), is 
standout. A comic bit in which. he 
masquerades as a femme with a 
weakness for middle-aged men had 
the crowd pleased no end. 

Plot isn't anything to be taken too 
seriously, since it's strictly a vehicle 
for Fuchs and 4iis cohorts. It re- 
lates, not too convincingly, the re- 
union in America of several families 
with their children who had been 
left behind in Palestine. Windup 
plays to the w.k. Jewish love for 
weddings; before the curtains drops 
there are four of them performed si- 
multaneously. Woven into the story 
is an impassioned plea for. tolerance 
towards "greenhorns" and a return 
to a Jewish way of life. 

There's the usual overacting, of 
course, if judged by Yank standards, 
but it goes without saying that Yid- 
dish audiences dote on thesping that's 
strong and unsubtle. Jacob Jacobs, 
who doubles as lyricist and second 
comic, fills neatly as a friend of the 
family; Bettie Jacobs as his vis-a-vis 
is robustly likeable, and Albert 
Shoengold displays surprisingly 
pleasing pipes in a brace of tunes. 

Chorus has a fresh, youthful ap- 
peal, but their footing is rough 
enough to stand plenty of sand- 
papering. Songs are only average, 
with one number, "My Heart Is 
Singing," melodic enough to stand 
on its own. Wit. 



Ink Spots Getting Their Coin 

The William Morris agency, N. Y., 
declared that the Ink Spots con- 
troversy has been settled. Quar- 
tet has agreed to a $1,000 cut which 
will permit them to play only one 
theatre. 

Office spokesmen declared that 
funds for the Spots' remittances to 
America had been sent to the Ex- 
change Control Office in time, delay 
in transmission had been caused by 
the fact that the Control office 
makes its remittances once monthly. 

Spots will continue to play out the 
rest of their pact, and are expected 
back in the U. S. in October. 



Just My Luck 

Menasha Skulnik production of operetta 
In two acta (12 scenes) l>y William Sl'egel. 
Stnra Skulnik, Jjllly Liltlana and Loon J.ieb- 
golcl: features Yetta Zwerllng, Jacob Su- 
aanoff. Anna Teitolbaum. Sarah Gingold. 
Staged by Skulnik; settings, Michael SalU- 
man; dances, Lillian Shapero; lyrics, lai- 
dor Lillian and Jacob Jacobs: music, Abe 
KlHtein;: conducted by Kllsleln. At 2d 
Ave. theatre, N. Y.. Sept. 27, '47; $8.20 top. 

Bennie Max Rosenblatt 

Jennie Anne Winters 

Tzudik..... Sam Gertler 

Kalmen Molslie Isidor Friedman 

Perl Paye Yetta Zwerllng 

Dr. Ciotlhelf Jacob Suzanoft 

Broche. . . .". Pauline Hoffman 

Pinie Menasha Skulnik 

A Naval Guard Willie Secunda 

Leah Anna Tellelbaum 

Rachel Sarah Gingold 

Mania Lilly Lilllana 

Sol .....Leon Liebgold 

Simcha Moses Keder 

Sailors, Refugees. Scotchmen, Ballet 

Dtnic7i'S7"etc; — .— — — 



No Bucks for Mae West 

London, Sept. 30. 
Mae West was denied permission 
to work on the British Broadcasting 
System because of the dollar short- 
age here. BBC explained that all 
artists who must be paid in Ameri- 
can • money are being cancelled by 
the network, in an effort to con- 
serve exchange. 

It's not yet known whether the 
radio ban on Miss West was brought 



of circumstances and blindness in- 
curred by a war injury, is separated , 
until nearly the final curtain, from 
Miss Lilliana. Of course, in the Yid- 
dish theatre, the young lovers are al- 
ways separated because of some such 
reason, and audiences are no end 
grateful for the approach of the final 
curtain. Young lovers must be re- 
united, and, of course, the boy in- 
evitably has some sort of shock or 
operation that gives him back his 
sight or helps bring them together 

The music, as usual, is listenable 
without being socko, with some of 
the score being reminiscent of some 
American musicomedy stuff. There's 
no pretense, however, of borrowing 
music from uptown and interpolat- 
ing Yiddish lyrics. 

Skulnik has directed, with the 
major attention, of course, centered 
on his own talents, without which 
this would be no show. The dances 
are standard for this type of theatre, 
and the settings comprise practically 
all props against backdrops that in- 
dicate that this show has, compara- 
tively, not been expensive to produce. 

Kahn. 



Play Out of Town 



Durt for Two Hands 

Montreal, Sept. 24. 
Robert Reud production of melodrama by 
Mary Hayley Bell In two acts (live scenes).: 
Stars Francis L. Sullivan; features Joyce 
Redman and Hugh Marlowe. Staged by 
Reginald IJenham; set, Charles Klson; cos- 
tunics, Hefe'rie Pons. At His ; Ma*iesty's, 
Montreal, Sept. 24, '47; f&W top. 



Though a London success, this is 
strictly a road show and will have 
a hard time reaching Broadway. 
Even though' fairly well staged in 
one richly decorated set, and well 
acted, "Duet for Two Hands" remains 
a "Beast With Five Fingers" affair 
which is difficult to digest. 

The play tells the melodramatio 
story of a poet who has had an acci- 
dent, losing his two hands. But a 
surgeon performs the miraculous 
operation, of lending, with life still 
attached to them, a dead man's hands 
to his poet friend. The dead man was 
also a friend of the doctor, and the 
latter's daughter was in love with 
him. The deceased had murdered hi* 
mistress, an actress. The story's crux 
revolves around the psychological 
factors that beset the poet because of 
the newly-acquired hands. . 

The dialog in the first act is poor, 
often lagging. It is much better in 
the second act, with, also, more dra- 
matic consistency. Reginald Den- 
ham's staging is fair, though, actu- 
ally, he didn't have much of a play 
with which to play. 

The acting remains the best part 
of the show, with the three leads, 
Francis L. Sullivan, British charac-. 
ter actor, in his U. S. stage debut; 
blonde Joyce Redman and Hugh 
Marlowe performing excellently. 
Sullivan, as the surgeon, is partic* 
ularly good, though with all his tal- 
ent he can hardly solo "Duet" to 
click response. Miss Redman is a 
looker, has a vibrant voice, accom- 
plished diction and artistic depth. 
Marlowe, as the poet, is not only 
troubled with his hands but with hin 
whole part. Above the part, he re- 
veals a rich voice, sober and finisher) 
acting. Wynne Clark mumbles her 
British accent too much in the first 
act but is more understandable in 
the second part. Marc. 



about by the articles in the London 
time ago but wasn't delivered until - Express and Daily Mail on the Ink 
Monday. , Spots situation, but it's been pointed 

Poppele ba.^cd his high estimate out that British authorities have fre- 
of viewers on the fact that more j quently refused permission for some 
than 50,000 .sets arc now distributed ; acts to double in theatres for rea- 
in homes and public places within I sons of exchange. 



As usual, the book in a Yiddish 
musical means far less than it would 
normally in the English-speaking 
theatre, and "Just My Luck" is an 
outstanding example of that. But, 
fortunately, "Luck" has the benefit 
of one of the funniest men in the 
Yiddish theatre, Menasha Skulnik. 
Because of Skulnik it, can't help but 
draw its share of customers. 

Billed as an operetta, this actu- 
ally is a patched-together story that 
includes some good music by Abe 
•Ellstein and a Skulnik-paced cast 
that exacts its proper quotient of 
comedy, drama and music. In short, 
the libretto, as sucl\, doesn't mean 
a thing where there are ample sam- 
ples of the other. 

The story is one of love and frus- 
tration, and when the yarn gets a 
little too heavy there is always Skul- 
nik ready with interminable comedy 
lyrics or fol-de-rol to ease the pathos. 
What the story is about doesn't mat- 
ter. What Skulnik does, aided in the 
comedy department by Yetta Zwer- 
ling, does. The pair, as usual, team 
for some broad antics that invariably, 
as they have for years as a team, 
keep audiences convulsed. Whether 
one understands the Yiddish lan- 
guage or not, one never fails to inter- 
pret the projections of the pasty- 
faced, languid Skulnik, who quite 
conceivably is the top comedian in 
the Yiddish idiom today. 

The major romance is handled by 
Lilly Lilliarfa and Leon Liebgold, 
the former as the girl lost in a Dis- 
placed .Persons camp, the boy as the 
American Army officer who, because 




NATIONAL 
PUBLICITY 
ASSOCIATES 

l>«vld MrSKY - Phillip BtOOJf 
208 W. 41 St., N. y., CH 4-5JR5-B-7 

ALICE PEARCE 

MARK LAWRENCE 

AT Till-; BI.UK ANGKJ. 



BLOOD DONORS 
ARE PAID 

An appointment is unnecessary. 
Apply in person daily 9 A.M. to 4 
P.M., Saturday 9 A.M. to 12 Noon. 
Blood Bank of NEW YORK POST 
GRADUATE HOSPITAL. 20th St. 
and 2d Ave., New York. Please 
bring this announcement with you. 



STAGE AND SCREEN 

LEONARD 

I galleries under the direction of 

| MARIE NHHMH 

I FRENCH & CO.. 210 E. 57th. N. Y. C. 



OCT. 6 

TO 
OCT. 18 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



PfitRIETY 



LITERATI 



53 



Literati 



Zolotow's Shift to Doubleday 

Maurice Zolotpw's blog o£ Billy- 
Rose, originally serialized in Collier's 
niag, will probably see publication 
fcy Doubleday next spring, almost 
coincidental with Simon & Schu- 
ster's compilation of Rose's "Pitching 
Horseshoes" columns which has 
been delayed likewise, albeit for 
another reason. Salvatore Dali's il- 
lustrations for Rose's book is stall- 
ing S&S' book. Zolotow's biog, how- 
ever, got stalled when Rose wanted 
some references in the mag seriali- 
Eation deleted in book version. Ran- 
dom House, the original publisher, 
bowed out, however, when it dis- 
covered it was impossible to pre- 
cede Rose's own volume in the 
spring. RH prexy Bennett Cerf in- 
sisted on a '47 publication, or else. 

Zolotow, meantime, heads for the 
Coast to do pieces on Al Jolson and 
Clark Gable for Readers Digest and 
Oscar Levant and Jimmy Durante 
"profiles" for Satevepost. Zolotow's 
piece on Jack Benny for Cosmo- 
politan is in the current (October) 
issue and another on Rouben Ma- 
moulian is due later. 

Meanwhile, the author's wife, 
Charlotte Zolotow, has written an- 
other book^for children, ''But Not 
Billy," illustrated by Lys Cassal, 
which Harpers is bringing out this 
month. 



ternational Executive Board, it was 
indicated from the returns. Ten o£ 
the winning IEB members were pro- 
Guild nominees. Another, Dorothy 
Rockwell, Washington, was an in- 
dependent candidate, but subscribed 
to the conservative platform and 
supported its major nominees. Left- 
wing representatives elected were 
John T. McManus, PM movie critic 
and president of the New York 
local, who defeated Victor Leo for 
the regional vice-presidency in Re- 
gion V, and George Hutchinson, 
Los Angeles president,- who won 
over conservative Howard Weity. 
San Diego. 



Latins Keen for Yank News 
It's Uncle Sam who calls the tune 
now, Latin newsmen feel, and as a 
result they have cut European news 
far from what it used to be. Scribes 
currently devote a good half of their 
space to Washington dispatches as 
well as covering extensively the 
financial setup out of New York. 
Latin newspapers have also shown 
a firm trend toward more intensive 
news coverage in their own coun- 
tries, American observers in South 
America point out. -. 

Often in the pre-war period it 
wasn't possible to tell what was 
going on locally from studying col- 
umns of the Latin press for it con- 
centrated on everything abroad, 
nothing at home. Also accounting for 
the swing to Yank news is the tense 
Latin American financial situation 
where most countries are up against 
an economic wall because of dollar 
exchange shortage. 

Importance of news from Latin 
America is stressed, too, by U. S. 
sheets. N. Y. Post's current syndi- 
cation of Ray Joseph's (ex- Variety 
mugg) weekly piece has been pick- 
ing up because of increasing hot 
south-of-the-border news. So far 
Josephs has covered, or has been 
able to predict revolutions or serious 
upsets In Venezuela, Ecuador and 
Columbia, 



Embittered 'Squirrel' 

"The Squirrel Cage"— an apt title 
—paints the literati setup in Holly- 
wood as a seamy mess. Novel by Ed- 
win Gilbert (Doubleday) is an in- 
teresting-account of the misadven- 
tures of a New York playwright 
who goes to the Coast to do a screen 
version of his hit Broadway play, is 
licked by the environment and his 
associates, and quits. Book gives 
sordid picture of a scripter's life, 
with false friends, prying execs, 
cheating dames, and a Red bogey 
that hangs like a pall. 

Unfortunately, the characters are 
all stock— the predatory secretary, 
bullying personnel manager, stupid 
film prez, back-knifing writers— and 
few stand out as real figures. Story 
has been told before, but evidently 
needed retelling, to get it out of the 
author's embittered system. Treat- 
ment, though, is nonchalant, objec- 
tive. And though probably exag- 
gerated, its thesis rings true. Bron, 



with Glemvay Wescott as chairman 
and including Greta Palmer, John 
P. Marquand, Robert DufTus, Alan 
Green, Irmegarde . Eberle and one 
other to be named. Next Guild 
council meeting will be held within 
a week or two. 

Dramatist Guild's annual meeting 
and election Will be, held sometime 
between Nov. 2 and 11. The next 
Guild council .neeting will take 
place in a couple of weeks. 



titAA AiiiAil A A A, A A, tiiiA 11 ItAAlAli 



I SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK I 



Triple Ed Shift 

Triple shift of editorships, recently . 
involved Whittlesey House, Crowell, 
Harper Bros, and Harper's mag. 
William Poole switched from editor- ; 
ship of Whittlesey House to become \ 
top editor at' Crowell. 

Edward C. As well transferred j 
from Harper Bros, to the editorship 
of Whittlesey. John Fisher moved I 
from Harper's mag to become edi- j 
tor-in-chief at Harper Bros. 



Ken Kling's Hoss Expose Book 

Hearst cartoonist Ken Kling has 
turned in his final mss. to Duell, 
Sloan & Pearce on "All the Kling's 
Horses," for spring publication. It's 
a comedy expose on racing, the 
training racket, etc. The trotting 
races are in for a particular atten- 
tion. 

This is his second book. Some 
time ago Kling authored "Stuff 
..About. Steeds."— — — 



Mr8. Everilt Named Editor 

Mrs. C. Raymond Everilt has been 
named editorial head of Houghton 
Mifflin's general publishing division 
in New York. She assumes duties 
formerly handled by Hardwick 
Moseley, who moves to Boston the 
entl of the year to become general 
manager of the firm's selling de- 
partment. 

A veteran in the publishing field, 
Mrs. Everitt started her career as 
an associate of her late husband in 
the management of the Curtis 
Brown agency office, where she 
headed the magazine department for 
six years. More recently she con- 
ducted a publishing course at'Rad- 
cliffe College. 



League Nixes Whoduners 

Authors League of America has 
refused a bid of the Mystery Writers 
of America to enter the organization 
as an independent guild. The League 
ruled that it would admit MWA only 
as a unit of the League-affiliated 
Authors Guild. 

A special League committee, 
headed by Frederick Lewis Allen, 
declared its opposition to any kind 
of affiliation with any other organi- 
zation functioning in the same field 
as the Authors Guild. 

Mystery writers committee has 
been formed by the Authors Guild. 
Includes Mignon Eberhart and Law- 
rence Treat, with Frances Lockridge 
chairman. Latter is succeeded by 
Annalee Jacoby as chairman of the 
anthology committee. 

Jack Robinson has joined the 
editorial board of the Authors 
League Bul.letin, succeeding Robert 
T. Colwell, who resigned because 
of the press of business. He's a 
member of the firm of the Sullivan, 
Stauffer, Colwell & Baylcs ad 
agency. 



Radio's "Crime" Quiz Book 
"Isn't It a Crime?", quiz book on 
crime stories, will be issued Oct. 15 
by Arco Publishing Co. Authors of 
the 170-page tome are Ted Colt, 
program director of station WNEW, 
N. Y., and William and David X. 
Manners, mystery writers. Leo 
Garel did the illustrations. Famous 
mystery writers have already taken 
the tests, with their scores being 
printed at the bottom as an added 
feature. 

Kook grew out of a program of 
the same name on WNEW. 



Harry Martin News Guild Prcz 

Harry Martin, amusement editor 
of The Commercial Appeal and 
Variety mugg in Memphis/ was last 
week elected president of the Ameri- 
can Newspaper Guild for a two-year 
term starting Nov. 1, succeeding 
Milton Murray. Martin defeated 
Willard Shelton, Washington cor- 
respondent for PM, 6.409 to 4.88.1. 

Sam Eubanks, of Oakland, Calif., 
was reelected executive vice-presi- 
dent over Jim Bueknam, Man- 
chester, N. H. Ralph Novak, Detroit, 
was elected secretary-treasurer over 
G. Kay Williams. Los Angeles. Mar- 
tin, Eubanks and Novak had been 
nominated jointly to head the so- 
called pro-Guild slate, representing 
the conservative forces in the Guild. 

The conservatives will have 11 
members out of 13 on the new In- 



Authors Guild Balloting: 

Ballots have been sent to the 
membership for a mail referendum 
on three proposed amendments to 
the constitution and bylaws of the 
Authors Guild. The deadline for 
their return is Oct. 16. 

Constitutional amendment would 
revise the procedure for filling 
vacancies occurring in the Guild 
council more than 80 days before a 
regular election. Instead of the 
council electing a replacement, there 
would be a special election by the 
membership. The two amendments 
to the bylaws would (1) require 
nominees for office to file accept- 
ances of nomination and would fur- 
ther insure the validity of secret 
balloting, and (2) would provide for 
distribution- of. statements-support- 
ing various candidates. All three 
proposals have been approved by 
the Guild council. 



GI News Instruction 

Chiefs of American radio and 
news bureaus in Tokyo have ac- 
cepted invitations to help in the in- 
struction of Gls in international 
news reporting at the Tokyo Educa- 
tional center. 

Among the bigwigs who will di- 
vulge their trade secrets (supposed- 
ly) are George Folster, NBC; Russ 
Brines, AP; Keyes Beach, Chicago 
Daily News; Jack Percival, Sydney 
Morning Herald: Dennis McEvoy, 
Reader's Digest; Eddie Tseng, Cen- 
tral News of China: Frank Hawley, 
London Times; Walt Simmons, Chi- 
cago Tribune, and Gene Zenicr. 
March of Time. 



McGraw-Hill Tests Farm Mag 

The Farm Research Division of 
McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. is pre- 
paring the third edition of its pro- 
posed magazine. Farm Business, for 
an October dateline. The third issue 
will be put out with some dispatch 
as it is to be used in a circulation 
test, according to the Chicago office. 
The first experimental issue came 
out late in the spring, and the sec- 
ond last month. 

Thus far the mag follows some- 
what the format of Business Week 
and much of its material has been 
rounded up by Business Week's es- 
tablished correspondents. 



Authors League Council Huddling 

Authors League council will meet 
next week, the exact dale to be 
decided, to appoint a nominating 
committee . for the organization's 
elections to be held at the annual 
membership meeting Nov. 12. A 
new slate of officers will be elected. 
New members of the Leaguccouncil, 
representing the- various affiliate 
guilds, will be elected by the mem- 
berships of the latter organizations. 

Annual meeting and election of 
the Authors Guild will probably be 
set for some time between Nov. 30 
and Dec. 9. Nominating committee 
for the Guild has been appointed, 



CHATTER 

Robert Riskin is writing a maga- 
zine yarn on motion picture bally- 
hOo. 

Irv Kupcinet in Hollywood to 
cover film doings for the Chicago 
Times. 

Eugene Tillinger, writer-author, 
slated to sail Oct. 11 from Cher- 
bourg for the U. S. 

Joseph "Wechsberg's novel, "The 
Continental Touch," due in January 
via Houghton-Mifflin. 

Edwin Seaver's 4th annual "Cross- 
Section: 1948" anthology of new 
writers, due in January. 

Dance — News,- ballet tradepaper, 
marking its 5th anni. 

Louella Parsons, for the eighth 
consecutive year, will write the lead 
story on motion pictures for Ency- 
clopedia Brilannica. 

Theatre Arts, publishers, bringing 
out "The Negro in the American 
Theatre," by Edith J. R. Isaacs, edi- 
tor of Theatre Arts mag. 

Saturday Evening Post profiling 
Oscar Hammerstein II, in article en- 
titled "How to Make $4,000,000 on 
Broadway." by David G. Wittels, will 
appear in two installments beginning 
with issue of Oct. 4. 

Nelson Gruppo, art director of 
N.Y. Sunday Mirror mag since 1945. 
j has resigned to freelance. Before 
' the war he was Stage Magazine art 
director, and during war on staff of 
Yank in U.S. and Italy. 

Bill Ornstein's short story "I Was 
Almost A Hero,'-' coming up soon 
I in Scholastic magazine. Metro pub- 
j licist also has two other pieces due 
next month, one in Screen Writer, 
the-Other inJSEjuiersL Journal,.' - 

A history of "Tom" shows, by 
Harry Birdoff. is being published 
by Vanni in October. "Uncle Tom's 
Cabin", first staged in 1852, is be- 
lieved to have chalked up around 
a million performances since then. 

Henry W. Sams, head of the Eng- 
lish department at the Univ. of 
Chicago, is compiling a hew lext 
book on argumentative writing, 
which will include the recent con- 
troversy between James Thurber 
and Samuel Goldwyn.. 



+ ♦«'** mmm By Frank Scully 

Carey, Cal., Sept. 25. 

Seems best thing radio does is to speed bad news to where it will hurt 
most. First time I ever heard this boon to mankind was on the Riviera 
in a villa of an eminent theatre owner. He was so impressed with his 
wireless that he decided to hold a cocktail party for its launching. 

First item to come over was a news flash from Paris. Commentator told 
of the collapse of a big theatre chain. At first we couldn't get the name. 
Then suddenly our host cried. "Tiens! Sacre bleu, e'est moi!" 

He yanked out the plug, began tearing his hair and cancelled the parly. 
The first news the radio had carried, it seemed, was the tycoon's own 
bankruptcy. 

Then only last week, after listening to a eulogy of the Little Flower, 
I tamed the dial to get away from a jingle concerning second-hand hot 
rods and ran smack into a flash that one of my best friends had just died. 
That was Harry Carey. 

The Last Outlaw 

The two had much in common. Both were born in New York, addicted 
to ten-gallon hats and liked to act. Butch, however, was raised in the 
west and went east to study law and go into politics, whereas Carey was 
raised in New York politics, studied law at Fordham and went west to 
grow up with westerns. 

Carey was the last in the Tom Mix, Bill Hart, Will Rogers tradition, 
and when he said, "They've got me. too, pardner!" they really got 'em all. 

He was also, incidentally, about the last survivor of the MGM's famous 
"Trader Horn" troupe — the Trader, Thalberg. Tully and Van Dyke having 
preceded him up the Gold Coast. That picture also finished the major 
careers of Edwina Booth and Duncan Renaldo, a jirixer if there ever was 
one. , • 

In the last 20 years Carey did westerns only as a sideline, preferring 
fat character parts in big pictures. But he still had one western always 
ready for a make, or a remake, if things got tough. That was "The Last 
Outlaw." It was a natural because it played the techniques of -modern 
criminologists against the .methods of oldtimers, the oldtimers finally 
getting their man with horse, rope and Remington. 

Indians Don't Count 
Carey not only liked to play westerns, he liked to live like a westerner. 
In fact he began his career on Broadway playing in something he wrote 
called "Montana," and if he wasn't about the first to make the San Fer- 
nando Valley his home, that's because entomologists still count Indians. 

Where the pavement ended Carey began. He once owned 4*000 acres 
about 40 miles northwest of Hollywood. It had its own postoffice. It 
was called Carey, Cal. He laid out a trading post, and stocked it with 
authentic Navajo Indians, blankets and silversmiths. Not a trace of 
Carey, Cal., remains today. I've driven right over the townsite without 
knowing it, for today it's buried under 30 feet of sand. 

One Man's Washout 
Years before Carey came into the valley some ruthless individualists 
had built a dam above this rugged individualist's ranch. They built it to 
get as much profit out of as little material as they could, so naturally 
the dam broke one day and' crashed right down through the canyon, 
drowning 900 settlers, on the way to the sea. Carey, Cal., and the Navajo 
Indians were among those destroyed. 

In that flood went $300,000 worth of the Carey capital. Some cops came 
up to "protect" what was left of the Bronx cowboy's rancho and pro- 
ceeded to shoot chickens in the trees and make off with the water-soaked 
Navajo rugs. 

You would have thought that things like this would have driven Carey 
back to City Island and sailboats. Then his house burned down. Instead 
of taking this as a final warning he went to work and rebuilt the house 
exactly as it had been before, except that this time he built it with adobe 
blocks,- which do not burn. 

He loved nature so much that he couldn't tolerate steel girders, tele- 
graph poles and powerlines lousing up his landscape. He wouldn't even 
compromise enough to have electric lights and so for years his hacienda 
was lighted with oil from the lamps of China. 

But just as the dam was built above him whether he liked it or not, so 
power companies were able to run wires all over his acres whether he 
liked it or not. He finally admitted defeat, sold out and headed for greener 
fields, about 100 miles to the south, under the dome of the Palomar 
Observatory. There he built, if anything, a more beautiful adobe hacienda 
than the one which had been home to so many for so long on the fringe 
of the San Fernandd Valley. But he was not to enjoy this new ranch long. 
Valiant Is Ihc Word For Carey 

I knew him best during the more melancholy years of our country's 
history. That is to say about 10 years ago. We were building Bedside Manor 
and Carey was being besieged by an actnr to rent out one of his ranch 
houses. He was dead against renting anything and felt that the only way 
he could tell the actor that no deal was possible was to have the ranch 
house occupied. So he and his wife OUie prevailed upon the Scully 
Circus to move in, which wasn't hard to do as we had got an order to 
move from one place and hadn't completed construction of another. 

Having spent six months in the warm and beautiful company of those 
beautiful people, I look back after 10 years and can recall only one point 
of friction. OHie Carey was, continually annoyed that our kids didn't 
drink enough milk or eat enough of banana cream pies which Tom, her 
Chinese cook, made for no other purpose. 

There was no more authentic sight than to see old All-American Carey 
riding over his rancho. He was then near 60 and sat so erect you'd think 
he had a ramrod up his back. Around him were a dozen dogs, all breeds 
and sorts, all unwanted by everybody else, and therefore welcomed by 
Carey. 

One Fourth of July our kids spoiled his whole day. He had got some 
large wine vats and had cut them down to make cattle troughs. The kids 
were wading in them. 

To the Rescue! 

Suddenly Carey came on one of ours dunking the other to the point of 
drowning. He rushed up, rescued the more-dead-than-alive-little darling, 
and throwing all caution to the winds rolled her on the edge of the barrei 
till he had pumped out most of the water from her vital organs. This' 
actually saved her life. But for the rest of the day Carey was brooding 
i as to whether he had hurt her interna] organs. 

| In all my days I never heard anybody tell stories of the picture business 
I as Carey could. So naturally he's the only actor who never so much as 
| hinted he had a book in him. Actually he had dozens. As he went back 
to practically the beginning of Hollywood, there was hardly a develop- 
! ment in tinsel town which hadn't touched him in one way or another. 
I He had come out 37 years ago when a show lie and Lionel Barrymore 
: were backing went broke in New York. They couldn't even leave their 
| hotel as every exit was guarded by a process server. They finally got an 
offer from Griffith to come to Hollywood, and called in the hotel man- 
ager, telling him of their release from bondage! They told him they-!, ; td 
enough to pay him and get to Hollywood, but that was all. 

He decided that one good turn deserved another, so he got them out of 
the hotel through a basement exit that connected with an adjoining build- 
ing, and told them to take the ferry to Jersey, where they would be out 
of the jurisdiction of New York subpoenas. 
That went fine until the conductor .'■hooted, "Next stop. Albany. N. Y !'' 
For the rest of the trip, until they passed- Buffalo, the two ot them 
locked themselves in the toilet. 

Carey was a star al Universal when Jack Ford came out of the Uni- 
versity of Maine, and their friendship never wavered for the next 30 
years. In iact Ford was at Carey's bedside when he died, and Carey was 
buried from the Field Photo Farm, which Ford set up for the men who 
had served with him in the Navy during the war. 



54 



CHATTER 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947, 



Broadway 



Gloria Safier has resigned as head 
of the N. Y. office of Sam Jaffe 
egency. 

Mrs. Joe Seidelman, wife of the 
Universal foreign chief, lost her 
mother,' 75. 

.Jimmy Gleason and Jerry Horwin 
collabing on a play about magicos 
on the Coast. 

Inez Robb sailing to cover the 
Princess Elizabeth's wedding in 
London for INS. 

D'Oyly Carte Co. due back on 
Eroadway with Gilbert & Sullivan 
rep, starting Dec. 29. 

Milt Pickman, now with the Nat 
Goldstone agency, back to the Coast 
tomorrow (Thursday). 

Lou Cowan "pouring" for Bob and 
Fay Riskin tomorrow (Thurs.) at the 
C.wan home on 5th* avenue, 

Marjorie Hildreth staging Philip 
Van Dyke's "Life Sentence" for On- 
stage at Cherry Lane theatre Oct. 7. 

Martha Linton, formerly with 
James A. Davidson concert manage- 
ment, has signed with Columbia 
Concerts. 

David Pardoll, stage manager of 
"Born Yesterday" staged Jockey 
Club's show at Waldorf-Astoria Sat- 
urday (27). 

Eddie Meyers and Bennett Rosner, 
former United Atrists p.a.s, have 
set up their own flackery to handle 
theatrical personalities. 

Bill Hong Sook, who owned the 
Palais D'Or, now boss-man of the 
Old China, on 52d street, where 
Kelly's Stables rested for many 
yeais. - 

The Hotel Astor's Hunting Room 
and other hostelries advertising for 
customers, both for the eateries and 
rooms, is another prewar keynote 
reasserting itself. 

Messmore Kendall, Capitol thea- 
tre prez, recently presented with 
American Legion Americanism med- 
al in connection with dedication of 
Freedom Train. 

. Par Theatres veepee Edward L. 
Hyman's daughter, Jeanne Grace 
Hyman, married William Edmund 
Blatz Saturday (27) at Christ 
Methodist Church,- N-.-4T. 

Arthur Hornblow, Jr., and his 
wife, the former Bubbles Schinasi, 
flew in from London and o.o.ing the 
N. Y. scene for another week or so 
before proceeding to the Coast. 

Marks Levine, National Concert 
& Artists Corp. v.p., leaving tomor- 
row for his biennial Coast trip to 
check artist contracts and take in 
San Francisco Opera season. Returns 
Nov. 6. 

Harry Cohn, Columbia prez, ar- 
rived in New York over the week- 
end, from the Coast, his first trip 
east in 18 months. He's attending 
the World Series, handling some 
business, etc. 

Important conference every Fri- 
day afternoon for attorney Henry 
Jaffe and Columbia Recording . v.p. 
Manie Sacks is their phone agree- 
ment setting bets on the following 
day's football games. 

Robby Lantz, last Universal's tal- 
ent and story scout in London, flew 
in from Europe over the weekend 
and on to Hollywood for huddles 
. with Abe Lastfogel about a William 
Morris agency berth. 

Sylvia (Mrs. Leonard) Lyons 

Sacked a pair of sneakers In with 
er hospital things "so as to make 
the pacing easier" for the columnist, 
as they're expecting their fourth 
addition any day. 

Theodore Bachenheimer, prewar 
Vienna legit producer, mulling 
Broadway managerial debut with 
musical, "Gay Masquerade," with 
music by Johann Strauss, Jr., and 
book by Howard Greenberger and 
Joe Bates Smith. 

Walter Hendl, asst. conductor of 
N. Y. Philharmonic, who wrote mu- 
sic for "Dark of the Moon," is com- 
pleting his First Symphony and re- 
vising score on his new musical, 
"Once Upon a Holiday," tried out in 
Btrawhats this summer.. 

New Beekman place house dec- 
orating keeping Ellin Berlin here 
while Irving Berlin flew to Dallas 
. for the Mary Martin debut Friday 
<3) in the national company of "An- 
nie Get Your Gun." Incidentally, the 
Berlins' new manse will house a 
private projection room. 

Al Stevens, vaude and nitery 
comic, denies that death of adopted 
15-month-old son, Gary, was due to 
neglect, as previously reported. Al- 
though reports said the baby drowned 
in bathtub, Stevens states child died 
of enteritis, for which it was being 
treated. 



Expects to take several weeks rest 
before Clover Club engagement 
starting Jan. 12. 

Kitty and Danny Davis making the 
rounds of New York cafes on second 
leg of long vacation. They're bidding 
for comics, thereby refuting then- 
own annuonced plans for selling 
their local bistro. 



Chicago 



Ray Milland in for week-end. 
"Henry V" opens Oct. 22 at the 

Surf. 

Audrey Trotter visiting his family 
in nearby Joliet. 

Pat O'Brien looking over the 
local football teams. 1 " 

Ben Lyon and Bebe Daniels in 
town on talent hunt. 

Doris Dowling signed here for lead 
in "All Gaul Is Divided." 

Jack Belasco, Woods theatre man- 
ager, off for Florida rest. 

Burtus Bishop, MGM district man, 
in New York for a week. 

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., in town 
to address Executives Club. 

Douglas Park Yiddish theatre re- 
opened with Jennie Goldstein. 

Stage For Action opens fall sea- 
son Oct. 28 at the 11th Street theatre. 

Y. Frank Freeman conferring with 
Allen Usher, Paramount district 
head. 

Maurice Duke, of Monogram, and 
Freddie" Stewart, junior star, in town 
for disk jockey appearances. 

George Oshrin is the new manager 
of the Harris, ^replacing Leonard 
Sang, who was transfered to the 
Belasco, New York. 

James Stewart, Richard Conte and 
Henry Hathaway, off to Statesville 
prison to .get background shots for 
"Northside 777." Robert Donman in 
as location flack for 20th-Fox. 



St. Louis / 

By Sam X. Hurst 

Martha Raye headlining floor 
show at Chase Club. 

Fred Wehrenberg board chairman 
of newly formed Theatre Owners of 
America. 

Vladimir Golschmann tees off St. 
Louis symph orch season Oct. 18 in 
opera house of Henry W. Kiel audi- 
torium. 

Adele Inge, local ice skater, has 
inked a contract to co-star in ice 
productions at the Stoll theatre, 
London. 

Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo will 
be brought here Oct. 20-22 by 
Entertainment Enterprises, at $1.22 
to $4.27 scale. 

Jacob M. Lashly reelected prez of 
the Municipal Theatre Assn., which 
presents summer shows in the For- 
est Park playhouse. 

Harry Farbman, concertmaster 
and assistant conductor of the St. 
Louis symph orch, guest conductor 
of the Toronto Philharmonic. 



Hal Wallis signed Italian actress 
Marina Berti. . ,. 

Vicky (News Chronicle cartoonist) 
married actress Lucielle Gray. 

Betsy Holmes out of "Oklahoma! ' 
cast with emergency appendectomy. 

Archibald Ogden, 20th-Fox story 
editor, returns to New York Oct. 11. 

Richard Winnington, News Chron- 
icle film critic, returns to his job 
Oct. 6 after long illness. 

Charles Goldner has joined the 
cast of the Anatole de Grunwald- 
Gordon Parry film," Bond Street. 

Arthur Lane's revival of The 
Dubarry" opens at the Princes Oct. 
8, with Irene Manning singing title 
role, 

David Paltenghi, dancer, to work 
in the "Alice in Wonderland" pic- 
ture which Lou Bunin will make in 
France. ,„.,,. 

Austrian producer-director Willi 
Forst due Oct. 1, to start work for 
Two Cities on his film "Elisabeth of 
'\ustrin 

Robert Hull. in from U. S. to re- 
place Launce Maraschal in the 
Senator role in "Born Yesterday" at 
the Garrick. 

Brian Easdale is writing the 
music for the Pressburger ^Powell 
picture "Red Shoes," starring baller- 
ina Moira Shearer. 

"Anna Lucasta" set for produc- 
tion at His Majesty's Oct. 30 follow- 
ing Stratford-jon-Avon Festival Co. 
Shakespearean season. 

Rose Stradner (Mrs. Joe Mankie- 
wlcz) due here Oct. 1 to join her 
husband, who is directing the Peggy 
Cummins film, "Escape." 

Ethel Barrymore may come over 
to star in Anatole de Grunwald's 
film, "Queen of Spades," based on 
a short story by Pushkin. 

Steven Pallos, film producer, re- 
turned from Italy, has finished his 
latest pic, "Call of the Blood," with 
John Clements, Kay Hammond and 
John Justin. 

"Dark Summer," first play by 
Wynyard Browne, tried out at Brigh- 
ton recently was snapped up by 
Dutch managers for production in 
Holland. Show will come into Lon- 
don next month. 

Ivor Novello. Bobbie Andrews and 
Olive Gilbert leaving for New York 
middle of October, then going on to 
South Africa, where Novello stars in 
a stage production of his play, "Per 
chance to Dream." 



"Ice Capades," has left show to re- 
sume as skating -instructress at local 
Gardens. ,„ , 

Phil Cavezza became ill Imme- 
diately after his band opened at 
Ankara and was off the_stand for 
several nights. 

Alberto Casabona, with Marty 
Gregor band for two seasons, has 
left town to join Cleveland Sym- 
phony's first violin section. 

Jules Green, booker for Warner 
circuit in Pittsburgh zone, has re- 
signed to go with James Saphier 
talent agency in Hollywood. 

Mrs. Vince Barnett flew from 
Coast to join her husband for drive 
to Montreal, where Barnett will do 
an indie picture for Geo. Hirliman. 

Shirley Eckl, local ballerina, has 
quit the Ballet Theatre after five 
seasons and is back home as a stu- 
dent at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Will Jason, Monogram director, 
visiting his sister, Lily (Mrs. M. A.) 
Silver, here. Freddie Stewart, star 
of Jason's pictures, accompanying 
him. 



Stockholm 

By Sven G. Wlnquist 

Swedish singer Carina Portnow on 
tour in Denmark. 

"Gilda" is Columbia's greatest b.o. 
draw in. Sweden since the company's 
start here. 

French singer Charles Trenet at 
the Concert Hall here is scoring 
great success. 

Swedish opera-singer Dora Lind- 
gren giving successful concerts in 
Copenhagen. 

"Cyrano de Bergerac," at the 
Oscar theatre, is a big success, and 
will play for several months. 

Scala theatre is opening soon with 
a new variety show. Lasse Krantz 
is the leading name, as usual. 

British actor David Farrar came 
to Stockholm for the preeming of 
Eagle Lion's "Frieda" at the Spegeln, 
Sept. 15. 

"Humoresque," originally stopped 
by censor here, has now been 
okayed, and is a real draw at the 
Rigoletto. 



Hollywood 



Vienna 



Washington 



By Florence S. Lowe 

("Poor Pauline") Walker, 
a nitery stint at . Gold Kejr 



Australia 

By Eric Gorrick 

Sam Snider, head of Snider-Dean 
pic loop, back from U. S. 

Ted Shawn giving repeat con- 
certs at the Independent theatre, 
North Sydney. 

Robert Hill, a director of Greater 
Union Theatres, died in Melbourne 
after a long illness. 

Bob Barre's "Stardusters" will 
open in Melbourne after Sydney run 
for the Dave Martin Tivoli loop. 

Ralph Doyle, RKO topper re 
cently returned from U. S., is to 
marry Edna Penn, local fashion ex- 
pert, f 

"Dangerous Corner" may go on 
the road for Garnet Carroll and Sir 
Ben Fuller. Did okay at the Prin- 
cess, Melbourne. 

Prime Minister Peter Frazer of 
New Zealand nixed the screening 
of short, "Indonesia Calling," 
through the N. Z. zone. Pic was 
made in Sydney some time ago by 
indie group with alleged trade un- 
ion backing. 



Ray 
doing 
Club. 

Harold E. Sheffers, ex of the Navy, 
named sales manager of WTTG-Du 
Mont Television. 

Morton Downey, with Ted Straet- 
er's orch, launching the season for 
Statler's Embassy Room. 

Cornelia Otis Skinner again named 
chairman of women's activities for 
the 1948 March of Dimes. 

Frances Starr, ex-Broadway ac- 
tress, recently widowed, now making 
her home here after a summer stock 
stint in "Claudia." 

WWDC plans a "radio showcase' 
program featuring transcriptions of 
shows from stations in all parts of 
the country to give local listeners 
an idea of how the other half listens 



By Emil W. Maass 
Helene Thimig inked for State 
Burg theatre. 

George Nikolaus Marton, theatri- 
cal agency, has reopened its offices. 

Hungarian music director Ferencz 
Fricsay appointed orchestra leader 
in State Opera. 

Documentary film "Stormy Years 
for Austria," Franz Rossak produc- 
tion, just finished. 

Academy theatre will produce 
Rose Franken's "Claudia," with Elsa 
Wohlgemuth in leading role. 

Robert Stolz contributed the music 
to the Styria Film production, 
"Vienna Ballad," Max Neufeld di- 
recting. 

Paul Kalbeck, back after, eight 
years, has first job, directing Josef- 
stadt theatre production, "Life With 
Father." 

Prof. Gottfried Freiberg resigned 
as president of Vienna Philharmonic 
Orchestra, and succeeded by Alfred 
Boskowsky. 



Ray Milland an from Europe. . ■ 
Virginia Mayo trained ,to Chicago 
Greer Garson divorced Richard 
Ney. 

Gene Anderson laid up with throat 
infection. 

Sister Elizabeth Kenny left for 
Australia. 

Martha Stewart returned from 
Manhattan.. 

Alan Ladd and Sue Carol returned 
from the east. , 

Charlie Brackett and Billy Wilder 
in from Europe. 

Dinah Shore due for motherhood 
in mid-December. 

Larry Storch opened at Ciro's for 
a two-week stand. 

J. Edward Bromberg to San Fran- 
cisco on business. 

Douglas Fairbanks returned from 
huddles in New York. 

John J. Jones to Chicago, for 
Screen Guild parleys. 

Robert Riskin to Chicago for the 
opening of "Magic Town." 

Virginia Huston to Omaha to be 
bridesmaid at a wedding. 

Paulette Goddard and Burgess 
Meredith in from Europe. 

Lucille Ball checked out of Metro 
after contract disagreement. 

Phil Reisman in town for foreign 
distribution huddles at RKO. 

George Raft will leave for Europe 
after seeing the World Series. 

Bill Peirce, Jr., resigned as pub- 
licity director for Ben Bogeaus. 

Danny McCauley back to work at 
Paramount after an eye operation. 

Robert Ableson in town after Film 
Classics sales huddles in New York. 

Fortunib Bonanova opened a sing- 
ing tour with a concert in Burbank. 

Joe Frisco opens a two -week 
stand Oct. 13 at El Cerito, Oakland. 

Joseph P. Smith to San Francisco 
as new head of RKO's branch of- 
fice. 

Patricia Alpin resumed her danc- 
ing after a week out with a sprained 
ankle. 

Anita- Kostka, moppet, will be 
known on the screen as Anita 
Castle. 

Tex . Williams opens a tour of 
vaudefllm houses Oct. 9 at the Orien- 
tal. Chicago. 

Joan Harrison checked in at Uni- 
versal-International after two weeks 
in New York. 

Errol Flvnn checked in at Warners 
for the first time since he completed 
"Silver River." 

Elizabeth Lundigan and Jacque- 
line White planed to Mexico City 
for film chores. 

Milton S. Kusell to Seattle and 
Denver on business for Selznick Re- 
leasing Organization. 

Myrvyn Vye checked in from New 
York for a role in "A Connecticut 
Yankee" at Paramount. 

Bob Hope's right arm burned by 
a premature blast of gunpowder 
during the filming of "Paleface." 



Miami Beach 

By Larry Solloway 

Tom Ferris returns to Roney Plaza 
as publicity rep. 

Ned Schuyler in New York for 
talent for the Beachcomber. 

Club Bali will reopen in Decem- 
ber, with fresh coin and change of 
policy. 

Nan Blackstone into Paddock club 
next week, with Nino Yacovino in 
supporting show. 

E. M. Loew, who owns- the Latin 
Quarter on Palm Island, will manage 
it himself this season. 

Al Jolson will be back this season 
at the Lord Tarleton, at least for the 
March of Dimes party in January. 

Red Buttons, comic in "This Is The 
Army," mulling Copacabana offer for 
early season date, Wants a height- 
of-winter slot. 

Jackie Miles has an apartment on 
the Beach for his wife and baby. 



Budapest 

By George F. Gaal 

Number of radio license owners 
in Hungary now is 341,797. 

Composer Laszlo Angyal appoint- 
ed chairman of Hunnia state film 
factory. 

Alexander Sved. Metropolitan 
Opera baritone, will make five pix 
next spring in Italy. 

Aubrey Pankey, U. S. Negro sing- 
er giving a concert as guest of the 
Hungarian Workers Cultural Assn. 

Ferenc Fricsay, conductor of State 
Opera here, signed a 50-perform- 
ance contract with the Vienna State 
Opera. 

British singer Anita Best ordered 
by police to leave Hungary because 
of statements made publicily against 
Hungarian politics. 

Lajos Zilahy, . novelist and play- 
wright, left for Mexico to attend 
shooting of a pic based on his novel, 
"There's Something in the River." 

Dinu Petrescu, head of Bucharest 
Reflektor Film, back from U. S. and 
here now to negotiate producing 
four bilingual Hungaro-Rumanian 
pix. 

Director Istvan Fejer, who will 
leave soon for London, will first 
make a documentary picture here 
titled, "And Still We Live," showing 
achievements of the new, democratic 
Hungary. Pic will be made in Eng- 
lish and Hungarian version, written 
by Janos Fothy and Istvan Rado, Jr. 



By Hal Cohen 

Dancer Ellen Varga has left for 
Texas 

Penn's Mask and Wig Club show 
booked for Dec. 2(i at Syria Mosque 

Esco LaRue and Trixie, of "Ice- 
Capades," lost tlicir eight-week-old 
baby. 

Dancer Nora Lewis out of action 
for a few months following an op 
eration. 

Pianist Molly Papile taking a 
month's vacation from the Horse- 
shoe Bar. 

Jimmy Murray, new KQV man- 
ager, has moved into a new home 
in Mt. Lebanon 

Eddie Specter, manager of Pitts- 
burgh Symphony, into the hospital 
for observation. 

Lang Thompson has quit town 
again to go back with Frederick 
Bros, in Chicago. 

Lenny Kent opened two-week en 
gagemerit Monday (29) at Jackie 
Heller's Carousel. 

Flock of Cleveland newspapermen 
and radio commentators caught 
"Ice-Capades" here. 



South Africa 

By Joe Hanson 

Sergium and his Gypsy Band, im- 
ported from London "by African 
Theatres, made big hit at Alhambra 
theatre, Cape Town. 

Appointment or Spaniard, Enrique 
Jorda, as conductor of Cape Town 
Symphony Orchestra, confirmed after 
heated debate in City Council. 
• Bobbie and Norrie Dwyer, brother 
and sister dance act, here on six 
months' visit. Although American 
trained, have appeared mostly in 
England. 

Oscar Natzka, bass; Blda Ribetti, 
soprano, and Raffi Petrossain, pian- 
ist, doing combined concert tour of 
South Africa, received ovation at 
first appearance in Johannesburg. 



Tokyo 



Viscount Takatoshi Kyogoku 
named Jap editorial rep of U. S. 
mag, Musical America. 

Sgt. Peter Hines, former city edi- 
tor of the Pacific Stars and Stripes, 
departed from Japan last week for 
his Boston home and discharge. 

Cinema continues to be the No. 1 
amusement for Occupation troops in 
.Japan. There are now 11 theatres 
operating daily in the Tokyo-Yoko- 
hama area. 

Andrew S. Youngman, member of 
the Society of American Magicians, 
and Jack Tropp, member of the In- 
ternational Brotherhood of Magi- 
cians, have organized a Magicians 
Club in Japan. 



Kansas City 



By John Quinn 

Lew Valentine, Dr. I. Q., in a stop 
over on way to a Texas date. | here niani<5t 

Bob Carney back as comic at the I -*' P lanlsl 



Caracas 

Singer Rosa Negra signed for 
Camel program. 

Fernando Flaquer named program 
manager for Radio Barquisimeto. 

Biarritz booked Rosita Constanzo, 
Martha Calderini, Aurora del Tbigal 
and Frank de Caro. 

Gilda Marin in at Copacabana 
club, Hotel Majestic, coming from 
the Havana Jockey Club. 

Hotel Waldorf has booked Rafael 
j Minaya orchestra; Georges Thiron 
: Belgian accordionist, and Ray Gunz- 



Folly Burlesque, his first local stint 
since before the war. 

"Ice Cycles of 1947" set for a six 
day run beginning Oct. 28 in the Pla- 
Muriel Rahn, original Carmen of M ™' Arena, at $3.30 top. 



"Carmen Jones," giving concert Oct. 
3 at Carnegie Music Hall. 

Richard Graham, stage and screen 
actor, has been engaged to teach at 
Playhouse s/jhool this season. 

Herbert Kubly, former Sun-Tele- 
graph reporter and reviewer, named 
drama critic for Esquire mag. 

Al Checco, -just out of Toeh drama 
school, will be assistant stage man- 
ager for "An Inspector Calls." 

Joan Brooks and Debonaires will 
head show for William Penn hotel's 
Terrace Room reopening Oct. 6. 

Harry Levant in town seeing his 
folks before taking over baton for 
"Under the Counter"- on Broadway. 

George Kelly's "Fatal Weakness" 
winding up summer season at Moun- 
tain Playhouse in Jennerstown, Pa. 

Claire Ray has married West Day- 
tona Beach business man and turned 
her dancing line over to Rita 
O'Brien. 

Ailsa McLachlin, ballet mistress of 



Fairy Cunningham, dancer, and 
Toasty Paul orch new comber in the 
Drum Room of the Hotel President. 

"Pirates of Penzance" presented 
Sept. 26-27 in the Music Hall as first 
effort of newly formed Kansas City 
Light Opera Co. 



San Francisco 

By Ted Friend 

Mary Pickford in town. 
John Elwood to New York. 

fmil Brisacher to New York, 
awrence Lash new assistant man- 
ager at Balboa, Levin house. 

Artie Shaw and Kathleen Winsor 
here to visit her ailing mother. 

Benny Ford, flight promotor has 
bought the shuttered Lombard and 
will reopen It as an Italian eatery. 

New entertainment policy at Bar- 
bizon Room, with Guy Cherney 
setting road spot tour. 



Maria Guerrero and Pepe Rameu 
head group of Mexican comedians 
booked for indefinite stay start- 
ing in December. 

Shifting of Saturday basebal 
from afternoon to night has taker 
heavy cut out of theatres. Horses 
going to run under lights next year 



Minneapolis 

Morrie Brennans orch into Angle- 
sey cafe's Disc Jockey room. 

"Dan 'Patch" location crew shol 
race footage at State fair grounds. 

Warren Douglas, film actor, visit- 
ing his family for month's vacation. 

New audience participation show 
"Sur-Prize Party," on WLOL, witl 
Jack Stanley as m.c. 

Johnny Morris replaced Johnn} 
McDougall on WLOL's "Johnny Or 
the Spot" record show. 

Harry Katz, ex-burlesque oper 
ator, named business manager o 
North Star Drama guild. 

Don Stolz, director-manager o 
Old Log strawhat, to South Bend t< 
direct winter stock schedule. 



Wednesday, October 1, 1947 



P53RIETY 



55 




MOSE GCMBLE 

jjose Gumble, 71, veteran music, 
contact man and exploiteer, died 
alter a heart attack on 20th Century 
Limited at Elkhart, Ind., Sept. 27, 
while en route to Hollywood. Serv- 
ice this (Wed.) morning at 11:45 a.m. 
•in N. Y. City* 

Petails in Music section. 

,r - 

JERRY G. MAYER 

ffiti' G. Mayer, 5.6, Metro studio 
-roaitagtr brother of Louis B. 
■Mayer died in Cedars of Lebanon 
hospital, Los Angeles, Sept. 29, af- 
ter a long' illness. He had been in a 
coma for mere than a week. 

He underwent two operations in 
San Francisco earlier in the year, 
but had returned to the studio sev-^ 
'eral times afld was there a month 
ago when fie was stricken. Since 
catering Cedars hospital, he had un- 
dergone ore operation, from which 
he rallied for time. 

Born in Brooklyn, April 16, 1891, 
he wept to Hollywood in 1922 as 
plant manager of the original studio 
founded by his brother. Two years 
later, when Louis took over Metro, 
Jerry ;werit with the company as 
unit manager. He became 'studio 
purchasing agent in 1935, and ad- 
vanced to the post he held for 10 
years prior to his death: 

He began working afl2 for a deep 
sea salvage company in St. John, 
N.B. He became- a professional 
diver, helping dismantle and sal- 
vage a number of wrecks off the 
Nova Scotia coast until he founded 
his own salvage company. He was 
president of the Norwood, Canton & 
Sharon Street Railway Co.; vice- 
president of the Dominion Iron & 
Wrecking Co.; vice-presideV of Con- 
solidated Brass Foundries, and direc- 
tor of Standard Steel Co. 

After the first World War, during 
which he helped clear the Halifax 
.Harbor after the munitions explosion 
there, he joined Louis B. in the -man- 
agement of the latter's first theatri- 
cal enterprise in Haverhill, Mass. He 
remained to see this business expand 
into a large theatre chain and film 
exchange. 

Besides his brother, widow and 
son, Gerald, survive. 



and produced two seasons of opera 
there until retiring because of ill 
health. 

Widow and daughter survive. 



MISHA GERMAN 

Misha German, 60, actor and pro- 
ducer of the Yiddish stage, died in 
New York, Sept. 25, after a brief 
illness. He last appeared in vaude- 
ville at the Clinton theatre, N. Y., 
last spring. • 

In his lengthy career which 
spanned more than three decades, 
German and his wife, Lucy, had 
trouped through Europe, So. Amer- 
ica and the U. S. He was born in 
Russia, came to America In 1916 and 
later was active with the Yiddish 
Art Theatre. 

Widow survives. 



JASPER SPOCK 

Jasper Spock, office manager for 
George T, Bye & Co., " literary 
agency, for nearly 20 years, died 
Sept. 25 in New York. 

Spock was formerly in the busi- 
ness department of the old New 
York World, where Bye was a 
reporter. He went with Bye in 1923 
to start The Putnam Syndicate, sub- 
sequently joining the Bye agency 
after it was founded in 1927. 



daughter and brother also survive 
him. 



William F. Schoenleber, 81, owner 
of the Violet, neighborhood theatre 
in Milwaukee, died in that city, 
Sept. 28. Son Albert operates the 
house. 



Jack Bessey, one-time part own- 
er of the Hickman and Bessey stock 
company, died in Chicago, recently, 
apparently of a heart attack". 



Mother, 75, of Mrs. Joseph H. 
Seidelman, wife of the foreign chief 
of Universal Pictures Corp., died in 
New York Sept. 27. 



William J. Klea, 47. electrician on 
the RKO lot for 25 years, dropped 
dead Sept. 27 as he was reporting 
fqr work at the studio. 



Mother of Abner Greshler, talent 
agent, died in New York Sept. 30. 
Also surviving are husband and 
daughter. 



Mother of Anne Woll, legit press 
agent, died in N.Y., Sept. 26, after 
long illness. 



JACOBO GLUCKSMANN 

Jacobo Glucksmann, 66, president 
of Pennant Products, Inc., film dis- 
tributors and exporters of theatre 
equipment, died in New York Sept. 
29. Identified with the picture in- 
dustry for more than 35 years, he at 
one time handled the export busi- 
ness of several of the major com- 
panies in Uruguay and Argentina. 

Glucksmann, a member of Picture 
Pioneers since its organization, 
leaves four brothers and five sisters. 
Funeral services wil be held at 1 
p.m. today (Wed.) at the Park West 
Chapel, N. Y. 



JOSEPH AUGUST 

Joseph August, 57, pioneer motion 
picture cameraman, died on the 
RKO-Pathe lot in Culver City, 
Sept. 25, after a heart attack. He 
collapsed while filming a scene for 
David O. Sclznick's "Portrait of 
Jenny." In his long film career, 
starting in 1911. August shot 277 pic- 
tures, including the Academy Award 
winner, "The Informer." As a Naval 
commander during the late war he 
was a member of John Ford's O. S. S. 
unit and filmed the battle of Mid- 
way under fire. 

He was charter member of the 
American Society of Cinematogra- 
phy's. 



MILTON MORRIS 

Milton Morris, 63, • former presi- 
dent of the Showman's League of 
America, died of a heart attack in 
Memphis, Sept. 21. A native of 
Greenville, Miss., he was for many 
years .a partner ^ in the Morris. & 
Castle shows. He had recently signed 
a contract to manage the Cavalcade 
of America shows, starting next 
month in Honolulu. 

Wife, two brothers and three sis- 
ters survive. 



Binford 



S Continued from page, 1 



HERBERT CLIFTON 

Herbert Clifton, 63, stage and 
screen actor, died in Hollywood, 
Sept. 26, after a major operation. 
Born in London, he appeared on 
the British stage before coming to 
the States. He worked two seasons 
in the "Ziegfeld Follies," and ap- 
peared in other musicals. He also 
was an Orpheum circuit headliner. 
His last film was "Ivy,"- for Uni- 
versal-International. 

A son survives. « 



HELEN ROSENA SPENCER 

Mrs. Helen Rosena Spencer, 61, of 
Greenfield, Saratoga county, N.Y., 
former dancer, died in Saratoga^ 
Sept. 24, from injuries sustained in 
an automobile accident. She was the 
widow of George Niblo Spencer, also 
a performer, the couple having been 
a vaudeville dancing act. 

Brother and two sisters survive. 



CHESTER A. BARNETT 

Chester A. Barnett, 62, former 
character actor in silent movie3, 
died of pneumonia at his home' in 
Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 22. Barnett 
began his theatrical Career under 
David Belasco on the New York 
stage, but went to Hollywood in the 
heyday of the silents. He appeared 
with such stars as Pearl White, 
Norma Talmadge, Alice Brady, 
Clara Kimball Young, Doris Kenyon 
and others. In recent years Jie had 
operated a music store in Jefferson 
City. 

Widow, two sisters and a brother 
survive-. '—• ' = — 



MAX KOENIGSBERG 

Max Koenigsberg, 70, originator 
of the civic opera movement in the 
U. S.. died in Denver, Sept. 27. Born 
in Denver, he moved to St. Louis, 
where as a May Co. executive he 
became the founder, 28 years ago, 
of the St. Louis Municipal Opera. 
Koenigsberg helped introduce civic 
opera in Detroit, Pittsburgh and 
other cities. In 1943 he became man- 
aging director of the Dallas Opera, 



WILLIAM B. DAVIDSON 

William B. Davidson, 59, a char- 
acter actor, died in Santa Monica, 
Sept. 28. following an operation. He 
began his film career at the old 
Vitagraph studios in New York and 
came to Hollywood in 1924. His last 
film was "Farmer's Daughter." 

Widow, former Helen Bolton, an 
actress, survives. 

THOMAS L. DAVIS 

Thomas L. (Jeff) Davis, 48. branch 
manager of United Artists Corp. in 
New Orleans since 1943, died in that 
city Sept. 23. after brief illness. He 
had been with firm since its found- 
ing. He was former branch manager 
at Atlanta.' 

Widow, son. daughter, brother and 
three "sisters survive. 



GLEN LEWIS 

Glen Lewis. 50, assistant super- 
intendent of the Warner studio lab 
for the last 23 years, died in his 
North Hollywood home, Sept. 28. He 
became assistant to lab superintend- 
ent Fred Gage in 1924. 

Widow and daughter survive. 



ROSALIE WIRTHL1N 

Rosalie Wirthlin. 75, former con- 
cert .singer, died of a complication 
of diseases recently at the; home of 
relatives in University City, St. 
Louis county, Mo, She lived in New 
YbttTiihtll several "fears ago. 



ment by declaring that the Irving 
Berlin score is "suggestively salacious 
and risque. . . .this is particularly 
true of 'Doin' What Comes Natu- 
rally' ", and contending that others 
of the Berlin songs were "equally 
suggestive," the Memphis censor got 
a double-barrelled brushoff from 
Hammerstein and Berlin. The for- 
mer, speaking to Vahiety by phone 
from Boston, where he is working 
with Richard Rodgers on "Allegro," 
due to open on Broadway next week, 
observed that "there would have 
been no question about Berlin's 



eral other cities clamoring for 
them." 

Binford's objection was to the 
Negroes in the cast who portray a 
trainman, waiter and porter. "Why, 
one of them is a conductor, and' we 
don't have any conductors in the 
south that are Negroes," he said. 
(.Hammerstein corrected that by 
stating the action is on a train that 
is heading west, and he added "that's 
where we'll route 'Annie,' certainly 
not in Memphis"]. 



Ride Herd 

Continued from page 1 



Repudiation 

• Memphis, Sept. 30. 

Mayor Hartsfield of Atlanta 
has denied the statement by 
Lloyd T. Binford, Memphis 
censor, that "Annie Get Your 
Gun" has been banned there. 
"It's something we've never 
heard of," the mayor declared, 
"And I would have heard it if 
it were banned." 

Chattanooga auditorium man- 
agement declared that "Annie" 
reps haven't asked for a booking 
there and the Birmingham Police 
Chief, Floyd Eddins. the city's 
one-man censor board, also con- 
tradicted Binford, saying that 
the show hasn't played" there 
and he hasn't reviewed it. 

New Orleans completed the 
quartet repudiating the Mem- ' 
phis censor with the statement 
that the Crescent City is making 
every effort to book "Annie" 
for Nov. 3, but has been un- 
successful so far. 



chief, last week, is to be carried out 
by E. J. McAvoy, company's head of 
short subjects. 

The series, according to McAvoy, 
is experimental— if it sells well, U 
will go into the streamliners as a 
matter of habit. Decision to try the 
25-minute subs for Bs was taken 
after a survey of a number of keys, 
including Dallas and St. Louis, 
where U found that exhibs were 
looking for a shorter pic to tailend 
dual bills so that turnover, of pat- 
ronage could be speeded up. Num- 
ber of hinterland theatres are also 
anxious for shorter pix, McAvoy 
said, because they don't want to 
dump their patrons on the streets 
after midnight in spots where trans- 
portation is- poor. 

All six oaters will feature Dave 
McEnery, San Antonio radio singer, 
and Ken Duncan who's played op- 
posite Roy Rogers in a number of 
the latter's pix. Metropolitan dude 
ranches have already been sounded 
out on the picmaking proposal, Mc- 
Avoy said, and they're willing to go 
for it. One ranch at Montauk 
Point, L. I., McAvoy noted, has 100 
head of cattle and over 40 horses. 
That's more than ample for the re- 
quirements of his scripts. 

At least six ranches in the New 
York area are equipped, so far as 
livestock and terrain is concerned, to 
be usable for filming westerns, U 
exec added. No studio shooting at 
all is contemplated but all stream- 
liners will be made outdoors and on 
one of these sites. 

U's sales toppers think there's a 
good spot for the truncated westerns 
in double-feature territory play- 
ing a big A film and in single-fea- 
ture sectors where a weak A needs 
fortifying. It's the same idea as Hal 
Roach had in turning out his com- 
edy streamliners but the latter is 
now packaging two-in-one and sell- 
ing them in place of an A. 



Fay Bainter 

Continued from page 1 



songs if we had conformed to Mr. 
Binford's peculiar Jim Crow ideas 
and eliminated those three colored 
players. As for calling Berlin 
'salacious,' . after his 40 years as 
America's No. 1 songwriter, that's 
really a new one. Mr. Binford ap- 
parently doesn't know that the most 
circumspect outlets for American 
popular music are the radio net- 
works, and the wide performances 
on the air of the 'Annie Get Your 
Gun' music speaks for itself." 

Berlin, in New York, just prior to 
his departure yesterday (Tues. ) for 
Dallas for the opening of the Mary 
Martin "Annie" company this Fri- 
day (3). stated that "if it ever came 
to a question of Jim Crow cast re- 
strictions or a theatrical booking, 
we certainly don't want to play in 
such communities." 



JANET FAIRBANKS 

Janet Fairbanks. 44, opera singer, 
died in Billings hospital, Chicago, 
Sept. 26. She sang with the Chicago 
Symphony orchestra, the Grant Park 
orchestra and San Carlo Opera Co. 

Mother and two brothers survive. 



Father, 77. of Bert Lahr, comedian 
currently starring in "Burlesque" at 
the Belasco, N. Y., died in New Ro- 
chelle, N. Y., Sept. 27. Widow, 



. Binford's Logic 

Memphis, Sept. 30. 
Amplifying the .reasons for his 
ban, Binford said: "The play is social 
equality in action. It has been 
turned down in other southern 
cities. . . .1 don't know anywhere that 
it's playing in ' the south except 
Texas and, of course, Mary Martin 
is a Texas girl and they can do what 
they like' "down" there." 

Col. Charlie McElravy, managing 
director at the municipally-owned 
Ellis auditorium, confirmed that he 
had cancelled the Mary Martin com- 
pany's booking of "Annie" after 
"consulting" with Binford and 
checking with the New York repre- 
sentatives to see if the three Negroes 
could be eliminated. Harry Essex, 
company manager, declined to cut 

. the Negroes from the troupe and 
said it would be okay to cancel the 

j Memphis dates "since there are sev- 



House Reviews 



Si Continued from page 48 

Million Dollar. A. 

Orch was too loud behi .d vocalist 
on both numbers. Mitchell wraps 
up "Don't Say You're Sorry" and 
"There'll Be Some Changes Made" 
for solid returns. 

Hattie McDaniel. co-star on bill, 
made only a faint impression at first 
show. Bad material and nervousness 
were against her. On song end she 
fared slightly better, doing "Smiles," 
"Can't Help Loving That Man" and 
"Can't Give You Anything But 
Love." 

Rounding out the bill is some class 
interpretive precision tap work by 
Calvin Davis. Lad gives smooth and 
polished terping to 'Temptation" and 
wins well-deserved encore. Brog. 

RKO, Host on 

Boston, Sept. 26. 
Cob Calloway Orch, Count Leroy, 
Stump & Stumpy, Berry Bros., oth- 
ers; "Stepchild" (E-L). 



Cab Calloway band can still jar 
the foundations of the house when 
the boys bear down, but it offers a 
little more contrast this season in 
the quieter moods. Pleases the cash 
customers nicely, but regrettably 
there aren't quite so many of them 
as usual. Just seems bands aren't 
bringing them in as of yore. 

Band, with Calloway handling the 
vocals, does such things as "Summer- 
time," "I've Got a Gal Named 
Nettie." "She's Funny That Way" 
and of course "Minnie the Moocher," 
the last named preceded by an 
elaborate symphonic prelude done 
as if they thought it was Franck's 
D minor Symphony. Maestro, unin- 
hibited as usual, goes over big, and 
.so does the band.__Vpcals are neatly, 
handled ' by Mary Louise, who 
warbles ' My Desire," "I Want to 
Be Loved," etc.. for a'Jfeg-off. 

Nice layout of vauaT?--gpe_cialties 
round out the show. Count Leroy 
does tricky taps on roller skates, 
winding up with a virtuoso session 
on top of a small table; Berry 
brothers knock themselves out in a 
fast dance and acrobatic specialty 
remarkable for its timing, and 
Stump & Stumpy, patomime, pull 
vocal gags and work themselves into 
plenty applause in a sock comedy 
routine. 

Biz, at opener, was off. Elie. 



Fidelity members (who had not par- 
ticipated in the strike) were not re- 
quired to join. 

As the bitterness of the strike 
gradually wore away, various Actors 
Fidelity members took out Equity 
cards, usually in order to accept 
stock engagements. Others joined 
the Screen Actors Guild and Ameri- 
can Federation of Radio Artists, both 
affiliates of Equity, but remained 
non-union in legit. In recent years, 
Charles Coburn and Ruth Chatter- 
ton joined Equity so as to qualify for 
summer stock, but George M. Cohan 
never did join. At one time, when 
he was set for a radio guest date, he 
declined to join AFRA, but the radio 
union gave him a waiver rather than 
make an issue of it. 

Although the fact is little known, 
actors don't actually have to join 
Equity in order to appear in legit, 
either on Broadway the road or 
stock. Under the Equity rules, any- 
one who has conscientious scruples 
against belonging to a union may be 
exempted from membership. How- 
ever, he must pay the initiation fee 
and regular dues. 

There are believed to have been 
a few instances of actors being 
granted such exemptions. Accord- 
ing to Equity officials, in most cases 
actors who have declared they had 
scruples against union membership 
have dropped the issue when they 
learned they had to pay initiation 
fees and dues. 



MARRIAGES 

Laverne Wa'er to Warren Ketter 
in Chicago, Sept. 27. Groom is pro- 
motion man for Bill Evans, disk 
jockey. 

Marjorie Crowl to Mike Newman, 
Las Vegas, Sept. 26. He's head of an 
advertising agency. 

Jeanne Grace Hyman to William 
Edmund : Blatz, Sept. 27, in New 
York. She's the daughter of Ed- 
ward L. Hyman, v.p. of. Paramount 
Theatres Service Corp. 

Cathy Carter to John Edward 
Martin, Hollywood, Sept. 25. Bride 
is a screen actress. 

Helen Damp to Jack Lamont, Al- 
bany, N. Y., Sept. 27. He's assistant 
manager of Warner's Ritz in that 
city. 

Lucy-Carasso de Menasse to Mau- 
rice Abravanel, Richmond, Sept. 20. 
He's former Broadway legit con- 
ductor, now head of Utah Symphony 
Orchestra. 

Anita Covato to Arthur Benton, 
Pittsburgh, Sept. 20. Bride's the 
daughter of Etzi Covato, bandleader 
and nitery owner. 

Hilda Zerelstein to Lewis N. Herb, 
Philadelphia, Sept. 30. Bride's on 
National Screen staff in Pittsburgh. 

Dorothy Earlene Mann to Jim 
Vynalek, Pleasonton, Tex., Sept. 26. 
Bride is member of staff of KYFM, 
San Antonio; he's with Conroy Ad- 
vertising Agency in same city. 

Pamela Wilde to Philippe de 
Coninck, Neuilly, France, Sept. 19. 
Bride is a legit and picture actress; 
he's a film producer. 

Adele Longmire to Arthur Franz, 
Princeton, Sept. 20. Bride is actress- 
playwright; groom is an actor. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. 'Eddie Guss, daugh- 
ter, Hollywood, Sept. 25. Father is 
a film casting director. 

Mr. and Mrs. Irving Lerner, son, 
Hollywood, Sept. 27. Father is doc- 
umentary director and member of 
board of Hollywood Film Society. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Danzig, 
daughter, New York, Sept. 19. 
Father is general manager of C6m- 
mand Radio Productions. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stirling Silliphant, 
daughter, N. Y., Sept. 24. Father is 
administrative assistant to Charles 
| Schlaifer,- 20th-Fox ad-publicily 
head. 

Mr. and ;Mrs. James Nasser, 
daughter, Hollywood, Sept. 23. 
Father is chief of General Service 
Studio. 

Mr. and Mrs. Herb Harvey, 
daughter. West Palm Beach. Sept. 20. 
Father is announcer at WWPG in 
that city. 

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Clayton, son, 
to AntWhfc Sept. 20... Father:i.s a 
film flack. 

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Lyons, son. 
New York, Sept. 29. Father is syn- 
dicated .columnist. ■ 

Mr. and Mrs. Art Duram, son. Chi- 
cago, Sept. 19. Father is WBBM sales 
promotion manager. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Grey, son, 
Hollywood, Sept. 23. Father is a film 
technician at Paramount. 

Mr. and Mrs. George Feinberg, 
daughter, New York, Sept. 29. 
Father is president of Dazian's, stage 
fabrics firm. 



SCREEN 



RADIO 



MUSIC 



STAGE 



OCT 8 47i-- 



published Weekly at 161 Went 46th Street, New Tork 19. N. *., by Variety, Inc. Annual ■ubscription, $10. Slngl« copfrv, 29 cenla. " 
Knterea as second -claim matter December 22, 1905, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y„ under the act of March *. 1(7* 

COPXIUGHT, 1947, BX VAHIKTV, INC. Aut RIGHTS RESERVED. 



VOL. 168 No. 5 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1947 



PRICE 25 CENTS 




Series' Record Gross Belies Tele Hurts 
Sports But It Dos Dent Theatres 



RUSTY ON NEW IDEAS 

: *. : — ; ♦ ; ; — ; — : • 

B'way Season Has Officially Started: 
Critics, Producers Phooey Each Other 



Baseball fans plunked down more -f 
than $2,000,000 for the first time in 
history to see the late World Series, 
proving beyond a doubt that televi- 
sion will not cut into gate receipts 
of major sports events, according to 
tele officials. Severe inroads made 
in Broadway matinee film grosses 
during the seven-game run of the 
Series furnishes proof just as- posi- 
tive, however, that the film industry 
will soon 1 , have a major new competi- 
tor with which to contend. 

Previous record was set in 1945, 
when 333,457 fans paid to watch the 
Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers 
square away. Fact that the. .1945 
mirk was shattered this year, when 
ttle was allowed in a Series ballpark 
tor the first time,' should allay the 
leirs of the most pessimistic sports 
S. romoters. An estimated 700,000 fans 
in four major cities saw the 1947 
Series daily, almost doubling the 
total seven-game attendance at the 
gate, and yet the money raked in 
broke all previous records. 

(Los Angeles Dons' management, 
meanwhile, has determined not to 
sign for tele in 1948 until a compre- 
hensive study is made of its effect 
on the boxoffice. See story on Page 
27.1 

Action of Baseball Commissioner 
A. B. ("Happy") Chandler in hedg- 
ing until the las'; possible minute in 
assigning tele rights this year can 
never be honestly repeated, accord- 
ing to video officials. Reiterating 
(Continued on page 16) 



Anyway, A Bad Trailer 

Television commercials for 
Gillette. Safety Razor during the 
World Series games at Ebbets 
Field looked more like plugs for 
"five o'clock shadow." Both the 
tele announcers and the sports 
celebs they interviewed sported 
what looked like two-day beards. 

Fact is, however, that viewers 
were ■ really getting an insight 
into the. future. Plugs were con- 
ducted in a small studio built 
by CBS next to the tele control 
•booth at Ebbets Field, which re- 
quires studio lighting conditions. 
■ Image ■ .orth icon cameras used 
•are super-sensitive to infra-red 
in the incandescent lights and 
the infra-red brought out the 
announcers' under - the - skin 
whiskers. 



HONORING LASTFOGEL 
FOR HIS WARTIME JOB 

Abe Lastfogei, William Morris 
agency general manager and presi- 
dent of USO-Camp Shows, will be 
tendered a testimonial luncheon by 
the six organizations comprising 
USO. at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, 
N. Y., Oct. 24. Lastfogei will be pre- 
sented with an engraved parchment 
book attesting to his "distinguished 
war effort." Organizations sponsor- 
ing the affair are the Young Men's 
and Young Women's Christian Assn., 
Jewish Welfare Board, National 
Catholic Community Service, Trav- 
elers Aid Society and the Salvation 
Army. 

Others to be honored at the af- 
fair are John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 
Thomas D'Arcy Brophy of McCann- 
Erickson; Walter Hoving, former 
president of Lord & Taylor; Prescott 
A. Bush of the banking firm of 
Brown Bros. & Harriman: T. J. Ross 
of Ivy Lee Associates; Harper Sib- 
lev, president tl. 8. Chamber of 
Commerce; John F. Hickey,, USO 
treasurer: Euclid M. McBride, first 
asst. USO treasurer, and Mrs. 
Maurice T. Moore. 



Europe Radio's 
Lad of Humor 
Cited by Bryson 

Radio programming on the Euro- 
pean continent is glum with a deadly 
seriousness, according to Lyman 
Bryson, CBS' consultant on public 
affairs and education, just returned 
from a tour of the continent. Bryson 
went abroad two months ago as con- 
sultant on education and mass 
media for UNESCO, which is elab- 
orating a program for international 
understanding through use of the 
schools, films and radio. 

Describing operations of the 
broadcasters in France, where he 
spent the major part of his time, 
Bryson said that the state-con- 
trolled facilities displayed as much 
freedom as' there is in America, 
with vigorous debate constantly going 
on between all shades of opinion 
from Communists to De Gaullists 
But nobody ever cracks a Joke. Even 
(Continued on page 48) 



MCA TO ALSO GO INTO 
LEGIT THEATRE MGT. 




F 




By ABEL GREEN 




Tin Pan Alley is at its nadir in 
quality. The fact that some of 
America's currently top bestsellers, 
as well as those of recent years, 
have been yesteryear hits, best be- 
speaks the downbeat in current pop- 
song quality. That's the consensus 
of many of the top-ranking creators 
irt the music business, including not 
only the songwriters and music pub- 
lishers but the recorders and the 
band bookers. 

"Peg O' My Heart," "The Whiffen- 
poof Song," "I Wonder Who's Kiss- 
ing Her Now," "Body and Soul," 
"That's My Desire," "When You 
Were Sweet 16," "Heartaches," 
"April Showers," "Alexander's Rag- 
time Band" and "Guilty," to name 
but a few, are enjoying renewed 
popularity, not because they're old 
songs but because they possess an 
"idea" and a quality which the new 
song crop seems to lack. The new 
generation doesn't know they're old 
songs; obviously most of these "re- 
vived" hits, are so old that, curi- 
ously, they've become new all over 
again. 

Jack Kapp, president of Decca, is 
vociferous that today's songwriters 
allegedly are too mechanical in their 
production, and that the publishers 
seem to be operating on an assem- 
bly-line technique. 

Irving Berlin, without committing 
himself too strongly, apparently is 
of the samcopinion when he men- 
tions that "Jerome Kern seemed to 
have that durable quality best of 
all." Berlin does give the lie to the 
old saw that radio kills off too many 
good songs by stressing that radio, 
conversely, seems to have been 
largely instrumental in reviving 
some of those yesteryear hits. That 
is, radio combined with a good re- 
( Continued on page 43) 



Pay Gypsies, Pay 

Phil Coscia, of the Eddie Sher- 
man vaude agency, yesterday 
(Tues.) gave an office audition 
that he'll remember for some 
time. A pair of gypsies came in 
to inquire about a job for a 
talented brother. Grateful that 
Coscia was listening, the 
Tziganes told his fortune, blessed 
his wallet, and virtually sa- 
laamed before him. • 

Coscia enjoyed it all until 
reached for his wallet after they 
had gone. Then he noted $20 
missing. 



Music_Cprp., ..oL.America. will, soon 
add theatre operation to its full list 
of activities. Agency plans to take 
over the theatre in the new $8,000,- 
Lastfogel waTpreviously honored 000 Prudential Life Insurance bldg 



by the Government two years ago now under construction on Wilshire 
for his Camp Shows work with 1 0 lvd. 
award of the Medal of Freedom. 



He's due in from the Coast next 
week and is slated to take part in 
discussions to frame a new setup to 
take the place of Camp Shows in 
the entertainment of hospitalized 
vets. 



in Los Angeles, near Slapsie 
Maxie's nitery. House will have an 
1,800 seating capacity and will be 
used as a radio studio, in addition 
to a legit showcase. 

MCA board chairman Jules C. 
Stein is handling the deal. 



Hinterland Niteries 
Eye Gaining Rooms To 
Bolster Waning Biz 

An increasing number of out of 
town nitery owners are being forced 
to seek gaming annexes in order to 
make operations pay. High costs of 
operations, coupled with super-per- 
former salaries are making it neces- 
sary for bonifaces to seek other 
sources of revenue, with casino ac- 
tivity offering the likeliest solution. 

Situation is^sp ; ejcM]^_,e-yid£nt = in, 
industrial towns around Ohio and 
neighboring states where it's axio- 
matic that virtually every club, ex- 
cept those in hotels, subsists on its 
green-felt earnings. It's only be- 
cause of the backroom activity that 
the high talent bills can be paid. 
Ordinarily, most towns in this re- 
gion are unable to support a club 
with a $3,000 talent budget unless 
income is buttressed from other 
sources. ' 

Many spots are employing slot 
(Continued on page 54) 



Schary Chasing 
L. B. Mayer For 
Earnings Crown 

Dore Schary, RKO's executive 
veepee in charge of studio opera- 
tions, has a five-year ticket with 
RKO which should make him the 
highest paid production chief in 
Hollywood with the possible excep- 
tion of Louis B. Mayer, Metro's 
studio topper, it's been learned, Be- 
sides receiving $3,800 weekly plus 
expenses of $250, Schary's deal with 
RKO, made this year, gives him 
2Vi% of the net profits of the com- 
pany before payment of federal in- 
come taxes, 

Based on RKO's record revenues 
for 1946, Schary would have raked 
in a total of $682,000 on his pact 
(Continued on page 55) 



•♦■ Another verbal Broadway prairie- 
twister seems to be brewing up be- 
tween producers-directors and the 
N. Y. drama critics, to continue the 
free-for-all tradition carried along 
in the past couple of seasons. The 
ganging up has started early in the 
season. Various straws in the wind 
the past week are the ads producer 
Henry Duffy took reprinting the 
Billy Rose Monday (6) column on 
"Music In My Heart" same day in 
other dailies; ads taken by the 
nanagemcnt for- "The Heiress," with 
jts indirect needling of other critics; 
off-the-beaten-path cracks by re- 
viewers on some shows, and the Jed 
Harris interview^ in Earl Wilson's 
column in Monday's N. Y. Post. 

The Harris soundoff had all the 
steam of some of. the produqer- 
director's diatribes of\the past. "The 
Heiress," which Fred Finklehoffe 
produced and Harris directed, had 
received seven good notices ::ora the 
dailies. Only Brooks Atkinson, of 
the N. Y. Times, and Howard 
Barnes, Herald Tribune, dissented. 

Harris, according to Wilson, 
charged that Bames .panned the 
show because he was given seats off 
the aisle through error instead of 
on the aisle. "For years," Harris 
said, "if the Times and Trib rapped 
(Continued on page 54) 



DANNY KAYE'S 2 WKS. OF 
VAUDERS AT 12iG, 



'0 

Dsnny Kaye has been set for two 
yaude dates, starting at the Palace, 
Cleveland, Nov. 18 ^and playing 
Michigan theatre, Detroit, Dec. 26. 
Other dates may be added. 

He's being guaranteed $12,500 plus 
half the gate over $315,000, but must 
lift tab for supporting acts. 



^ PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT 

<r^ 9 tftyrifitmaB (Carols 




silent night 
'twas the night before christmas 

aoeste'fideus 
gog rest ye merry, gentlemen 

carol of the bells 
hark! the herald angels .sjwl.. 
oh little town of bethlehem 
joy to* the world 
the first noel 



L tlu HOUR OF CHARM 

" ALL-GIRL ORCHESTRA am i CHOIR 

Undtr tht dictttion of PHIL SPITAINY 



IT" CHARM RECORDS. Inc. 

P. O. tw 40. Radio City Static. N«w York If. M. Y. 



2 



MISCELLANY 



VKRffiTf 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



Switch on Usual Benefits, ANTA 
To Finance Via Legit Star Albums 



Switch on usual fund-raising ben- 
efits, involving the release of a 
special album of recordings featur- 
ing legit stars in excerpts from hit 
plays is currently being lined up to 
help finance the work of the Amer- 
ican National Theatre & Academy. 
Nat .Karson, legit and film scenic dc- 
eigner and producer, has been com- 
missioned by ANTA to handle the 
job. 

Platter album was decided on, ac- 
cording to Karson, on the assump- 
tion that the public is tired of bene- 
fit performances at such places as 
Madison Sq. Garden, N. V. Legit 
stars lined up to press' the record- 
ings will turn over all royalties to 
ANTA. In addition, all playwrights 
whose material will be used will 
waive their royalty rights in 
ANTA's favor. Karson is currently 
dickering with several disk outfits 
to press and release the album, ten- 
tatively titled "Album of Stars." 



Lynne Fontanne, Raymond Massey, 
Michael Redgrave, Bobby Clark and 
Judith Evelyn. Most record com- 
panies, Karson pointed out, would 
be unable to round up an array of 
stars such as that. In addition to 
the name value, he declared, the 
album should be a bestseller through 
its educational value. 



ITURBI TAKES RUNOUT 
IN CHILE— FOR 2D TIME 

Santiago, Sept. 30. 

With two concerts scheduled for 
Santiago's Teatre Municipal, and 
every seat long sold, Jose Iturbi 
scrammed out, leaving his Chilean 
fans cold. Pianist arrived Sept. 28 in 
his own plane from Panama, carry- 
ing his own piano. 

Scheduled to play Monday (29) 



he received a phone call from Metro 
Legit players lined up so far in- ! in New York ordering him to get 



elude Helen Hayes, Gertrude Law- 
rence, Fredric March and Florence 
Eldredge, Otto Kruger, Cornelia 
Otis Skinner, Eva Le Gallienne, Sir 
Cedric Hardwicke, Alfred Lunt and 



STATEMENT OF THE OWNER- 
SHIP, MANAGEMENT, CIRCULA- 
TION, ETC., REQUIRED BY THE 
ACTS OF CONGRESS, OF AU- 
GUST 24, 1912, AS AMENDED BY 
THE ACT OF MARCH 3, 1933, 
AND JULY 2, 1946. 
Of Variety, published weekly at New i 
York, N. Y.. for October 1, 1947. 

State of New York, County of New 
York, ss. 

Before me, a Notary Public in and 
lor the State and County aforesaid, 
personally appeared Harold Erichs. 
who, having been duly sworn, ac- 
cording to law, deposes and says that 
he is the business manager of Va- 
riety, and that the following is, to 
the best of his knowledge and belief, 
a true statement of the ownership, 
management, etc., of the aforesaid 
publication for the date shown in the 
above caption, required by the Act 
of August 24, 1912, as amended by 
the Acts of March 3, 1933, and July 2, 
1946 (Section 537, Postal Laws and 



back immediately to select music 
for a new picture for which he's 
contracted. Iturbi spent exactly 36 
hours in Santiago and left a few 
hours before his first scheduled con- 
cert, leaving both management of 
theatre and ticket holders plenty 
mad. 

Iturbi, apologizing profusely, 
claimed he had no choice in matter, 
and had to obey instructions. He said 
it was the second time in his career 
that the same thing happened, and 
that it was Santiago the last time — 
some 15 years ago. 

Santiago is apparently a jinx to 
Iturbi. He once sold his plane to a 
Latin millionaire, who crashed it 
killing everyone on its first trip. 
Though the new owner wasn't a 
Chilean, he crashed the plane at 
Santiago. 




277th WEEK! 

KEN MURRAY'S 

"BLACKOUTS OF 1947" 
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. 

Cominer soon, the most unusual 
picture ev«r made. KEN MUR- 
RAY'S Production, "BILL AND 
COO," in Trucolor. A Republic re- 
lease. 



Par Eyeing Pre-Prod. 
Deal for Abbott's la' 



Paramount has under considera- 
tion a pre-production deal for 
Regulations), printed on the reverse Geo rge Abbott's forthcoming legit 



of this form, to wit: 

1. That the names and addresses 
of the publisher, editor, managing 
editor, and business manager, are: 
Publisher — Variety, Inc., 154 W. 46th 

street, New York City. 
Editor— Abel Green, 154 West 46th 

street, New York City. 
Managing Editor — None. 
Business Manager — Harold Erichs, 

154 West 46th street, New York 

City. 

2. That the owners are: Sidne Sil- 
verman, 154 West 46th street, New 
York City; Syd Silverman, 154 West 
46th street, New York City; estate of 
Sime Silverman, 154 West 46th street, 
New York City; Sidne Silverman in 
trust for Harold Erichs, 154 West 46th 
street. New York City; Sidne Silver- 
man in trust for Abel Green, 154 
West 46th street, New York City; 
Sidne Silverman in trust for Jack 
Pulaski, 154 West 46th street, New 
York City, and Sidne Silverman in 
trust for Louis. Rydell, 154 West 46th 
street. New York City. 

3. That the known bondholders, 
mortgagees and other security hold- 
ers owning or holding 1 per cent, or 
more of total amount of bonds, mort- 
gages, or other securities are: None. 

4. That the two paragraphs next 
above, giving the names of the own 
ers, stockholders and security hold 



musical, "Look Ma, I'm Dancing. 
Whether it puts up coin to back the 
show hinges on casting. Principal 
role is that of a hoofer of the Gene 
Kelly type. Since Kelly is under 
pact to Metro, Par is mulling possi- 
bility of a switch to make it a 
starrer for Betty Hutton. 

If Par goes into the show, it would 
be on a deal combining an invest- 
ment in the legiter itself, plus pur- 
chase of screen rights. Abbott is 
slated to send it into rehearsal Nov. 
1. Nancy Walker will be. starred. 
Jerome Lawrence, Robert E. Lee and 
Hugh Martin did the book, with 
Martin contributing music and 
lyrics. 



Filipino Govt. Cuts 

Admission Prices 

Manila, Oct. 7. 
By government decree, theatre 
and cinema admission prices were 
cut,, yesterday (Mon.) from 25 -to 
30c., with new schedule going into 
effect Oct. 16. Hardest hit will be 



downtown theatres showing firstrun 
ers, if any, contain not only the list I pictures while the third and fourth 



of stockholders and security holders 
as they appear upon the books of 
the company, but also, in cases 
where the stockholder or security 
holder appears upon the books of the 
company as trustee or in any other 
fiduciary relation, the name of the 
person or corporation . for 



class houses are only slightly af- 
fected. ; 

For the purpose of the price- 
fixing, theatres were classified into 
four groups with maximum cuts im- 
posed on the top category. Admis- 
whom ' sions for premiers and benefit show 
planned above the prescribed prices 
must henceforth be submitted to the 
government board for approval be 
fore exhibition. 



Bornemans UNESCO Job 

Ernest Borneman, vet producer for 
the National Film Board of Canada, 
now director of mass media for the 



such trustee is acting, is given, also 
that the said two paragraphs contain 
statements embracing affiants full 
knowledge and belief as to the cir- 
cumstances and conditions undor 
which stockholders and security 
holders who do not appear upon the 
books of the company as trustees 
hold stock and securities In a capac- 
ity other than that of a bona fide 
owner, and this affiant has no reason 
to believe that any other person, as- 
sociation or corporation has any in- 
terest, direct or indirect, in the said ■ Tr „ J( , », t - 
slock, bonds or other securities than Umted Natlons Educational, Scien- 
•• »s*o^sfertc«H^«ii!5==s^^ flies 
5. That the average number of - to Paris Fridav (10V to t»tf«Hwo7*»n= 
copies of each issue of this publica- i *"«ay to tdKe over his 

tion sold or distributed, through the ' new J 00 - He wi)l handle all press, 

^!!i . o '',,. 0thei ;?' ise ' to , paid sub - i ra d'<>. legit and films for UNESCO, 
icnbeis during the months preceding 1 „ .,, , 

the date shown above is . . 1 Borneman will work under John 

• This information is required from , Grierson, his former boss on the 
daily, weekly, semi-weekly and tri- 1 Canadian Film Board, who's now 
weekly newspapers only.) he;:d of UNESCO in Europe and the 

Harold Erichs, Middle Fan. Before the war, 

Sworn to ' ^^^K^T' 

me this 30th day of September, 1947 ! ^" u '. ) " nks . J, - s Criterion Pro 
Nathan Newman, I clllcUons 111 England. He's the au 
Notary Public No. 48 



Film Praisers Squawk 
On Getting Caught Short 



Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Both press agents and fashion de- 
signers are currently squawking 
about the new long-skirt styles. But 
indications are that the hemline goes 
down in Hollywood as well as else- 
where, though Arry Kelly, Univer- 
sal-International designer, is indig- 
nantly wondering who gave Paris 
the right to dictate. 

Kelly insists that the lowest Hol- 
lywood is going to drop its skirts is 
to 14 inches from the floor, this 
talk about a hemline 12 inches above 
floor not meaning a thing in design- 
ing for film production. 

Studios generally say they have 
no great number of backlog pictures 
hanging over the short-skirt period. 
Paramount's immediately forthcom- 
ing releases are either period or 
costume pix in which the latest style 
isn't a factor. Same goes for 20th- 
Fox. 

The U-T designers got the tipoff in 
time to lengthen skirts where nec- 
essary for pictures just finished or 
in production. Chief wail is coming 
from the publicity offices, where the 
boys haven't yet figured out a way 
to meet the" newspaper mag demand 
for cheesecake with femmes garbed 
in the new long skirts. 



Dior of several novels, latest of 
'My commission expires March 30. ,' which, "Tremolo,'' will be published 

by Harper & Bros, early next year. 



U.S. AMUS. TAXES OFF 
SHARPLY IN JULY 

Washington, Oct. 7. 

Government amusement tax col- 
lections dropped sharply in August, 
which means a bad month at the 
boxoffice last July. The excises 
brought in a total of only $33,511,000, 
as against $40,233,000 for June busi- 
ness, and $39,537,000 for July, 1946. 

Of the current total-only $29,309,- 
000 represents the 20% admissions 
bite and about 75 to 80% of that was 
taken in on theatre business, the 
remainder coming from other 
amusements. A year before, the 
figure was $4,000,000 higher. In other 
words, business was $20,000,000 
better for July, 1946, than for July, 
1947. 

The nitcry field was definitely on 
the skids. The 20% nick of nitery 
tabs brought Uncle Sam $4,028,000 
for July, or $1,750,000 under the 
same period of a year before, and 
$1,100,000 below June, 1947. 

The 3rd Internal Revenue District 
of New York, which includes all of 
Manhattan above 23d street, took in 
$3,051,000 in general admissions 
taxes on July business, plus another 
$250,727 from nightclubs. The latter 
was particularly bad. 



1948;. 



Cultural Freedom Rally 

Conference ,of writers, actors, 
artists and others in the creative 
crafts, on _ the subject of cultural 
Tfefcctem and civil liberties, will be 
held Oct. 25-26 at the Commodore 
hotel, N. Y.. under the sponsorship 
of the arts, sciences and professions 
division of the Progressive Citizens 
of America. Harlow Shaplcy, direc- 
tor of the Harvard observatory, will 
chairman. 

Sessions will be devoted to films, 
radio, theatre, music, press, adver- 
tising, art, science, etc., with par- 
ticipants including John Cromwell, 
Olin Downes, Lillian Heliman, Nor- 
man Corwin, W. E. B. DuBois and 
Paul Robeson. 



This Weeks Football 



■By Harry Wismcr- 



(Sports Director, ABC Network) 

College 

GAMES , WINNERS 'POINTS 

Illinois-Array ; , Illinois , t 

Kansas State-Boston College (Fri. nite) Boston College io 

NYC-Boston V. (Fri. nite) ..Boston U. 6 

Cornell-Colgate Cornell 3 

Yale-Columbia Yale 3 

Dartmouth-Penn ........... l . Penn ■" 30 

Penn State-Fordham , ... .Penn State ' 35 

Harvard- Virginia Harvard ... 10 

3 
7 
40 
14 
7 
7 
10 
6 
3 
6 
14 
12 
14 
42 
12 
27 
14 



Villanova-Holy Cross Holy Cross 

Duke-Navy . , . . , Duke '...' 

Pitt-Michigan Michigan 

Princeton-Rutgers , Princeton ..... 

Temple-Syracuse . (nite) Syracuse 

Indiana-Iowa . . . . : Indiana 

Nebraska-Iowa State ...... Nebraska ..... 

Mich. State- Washington State Mich. State ... 

Northwestern-Minnesota Minnesota , ... . 

Detroit-Marquette (nite) Marquette .... 

Missouri-Colorado ....Missouri ...... 

Tulsa-Texas Tech Tulsa 

Florida-Auburn Auburn 

Notre Dame-Purdue ' ...Notre Dame .. 

V. of So. Cal. -Ohio State CSC 

Texas-Oklahoma ':•'.' Texas 

SMU-Oklahoma A&M Southern Meth. 

California-Wisconsin California ..6 

Duqnesne-AIabama Alabama. 21 

Clemson-N. Carolina State (nite) . ; . North Carolina St. '". . . .7 

Georgia-Kentucky (nite) .'. ...Georgia 10 

VMI-Georgia Tech .Georgia Tech ... .. . 30 

Texas A&M-LSU ........ L. S. C. . 7 

Mist. State-San Francisco ,. San Fran 10 

Wake Forest-North Carolina .... N. Carolina 20 

Tulane-Rice .- Rice 

Arkansas-Baylor , Arkansas 

Texas Christian-Miami (Fri. nite) Tex. Christian 

Oregon-UCLA UCLA 

St. Mary's- Washington Washington ... 

Stanford-Santa Clara Stanford , . . . 



7 
10 
12 
20 
7 
6 



(Colieoe games are played Saturday afternoon, unless otherwise slated.) 



Pro Football 

NATIONAL LEAGUE 
GAMES . WINNERS 

N. Y. Giants-Wash. Redskins Redskins . 

Pitt Steelers-Boston Yanks '. . Yanks 

Philly Eagles-Chi Bears ," Eagles 

Chi Cards-Green Bay Packers ... Cards .... 



POINTS 

7' 

7 

6 

7 



L. A. Rams-Detroit Lions 



. Rams . .'. 14 



ALL- AMERICA CONFERENCE 

GAMES WINNERS 

Baltimore Colts-Buffalo Bills Bills 

Brooklyn Dodgers-N. Y. Yankees Yankees . . 

Chi Rockets-San Fran San Fran . 

L. A. Dons-Cleveland Browns Browns . 



POINTS 

10 

35 

32 

12 



(Pro games are played Sunday afternoon, unless otherwise staled.) 
Season's Record: Won 49; Lost, ^5; Ties, 6; Pet., .662 
(Ties Don't Count) 

♦Points represent predicted margin of victory, not the official odds. 



Another Capra's Pix 

Paris, Oct. 7. 

Although nothing much came 
out of the recently concluded 
Cannes Film Festival for the 
participating film companies, the 
event resulted in the discovery 
of a 10-year-old painter prodigy, 
Edouard Capra, whose work is 
highly regarded. Merle Oberon 
bought three of his canvases, and 
Elsa Maxwell is currently ar- 
ranging for an exhibition of his 
paintings in New York in No- 
vember. 

Strangely enough for a boy of 
that age, his works include 
nudes, for which his mother 
acted as model. 



TIGER OF FRANCE DUE 
FOR A. LESSER B10PIC 

Producer-manager Arthur Lesser, 
who returned last week from an 
extended stay in France, is set to 
go ahead with a bilingual filmbiog 
of the life of the late Georges 
Clemenceau, World War I premier 
of France. Deal has been consum- 
mated with Pierre Clemenceau, 
statesman's grandson, to act as tech- 
nical adviser, and permission has 
been obtained to film historic in- 
teriors such as the halls of Ver- 
sailles, where the peace treaty was 
signed. 

Lesser's outfit, Societe Produc- 
tions Mondiales, will use two casts, 
with English speaking actors to be 
imported from- -the -United Slates; 



Boyer Seeks Pic Rights 
On Former London Play 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
Charles Boyer is dickering for film 
rights to legiter. "I,a Tendresse," in 
which he starred on the London 
stage. 

Story of middle-aged man married 
to a young girl would be made at 
Universal - International with Ann 
Blyth. 



ACADEMIE GONCOURT 
ACTS COY ON GUITRY 

Paris, Sept. 30. 

Lack of a quorum prevented the 
Academie Goncourt from settling 
'T Affaire Guitry"— whether Sacha 
Guitry would or wouldn't remain 
a member of the Academie. Latter 
is limited to 10 and the meetings 
take place at lunches at Drouant, a 
Paris eatery. 

Some of the members won't have 
him any more, because of his alleged 
attitude during German occupation. 
Andre Billy, one of the members, 
threatened to resign if Guitry was re- 
instated. Guitry, who has been re- 
turned to civil rights, had propped 
a picture on Talleyrand, the 18th 
century diplomat, but this was 
found too dangerous by the censor, 
as being full of references to cur- 
rent polities. 

With producer Robert Pcriier, he 
has switched to a biopic of his own 
father- the late Lucien Guitry, 
prominent legit actor. 'Guitry him- 
self will give a series of lectures in 
a Paris hall, beginning Oct. 20. 



British Tax Situation 
Cutrates Author's Deal 

Option of "Alexandra,'' novel by 
Gladys Schmitt, recently dropped by 
Universal-International, has been 
picked up by Metro. Yarn about a 
legit actress in love with her coach 
is to be published by Dial Press 
next Monday (13). 
^U-I's -option called for $100,000 
guarantee against a ceiling of $200,- 
000 achieved via an escalator clause 
on number of copies of the book 
sold. Metro's deal is similar in for- 
mat, but calls for only a $50,000 
guarantee against a $100,000 ceiling. 
Its option is for six months. 

Universal dropped the ticket as 
result of the shift in the world situ-' 
action which made it consider the 
property loo expensive for the P r0 " 
sportive gross. Same reason rnablco 
M-G to step in with the h;ilH»' icc 
offer. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



PICTURES 



BIDDING NO PANACEA FOR EXHIBS 



Expect Another Crippling Blow 
Vs. U. S. Films Produced in England 



London, Oct. 7. - 

Treasury statement is imminent 
which may further cripple all Yank 
filmmaking in Britain. Before the 
week is up the Labor government is 
expected to rule that pix made in 
England by American companies 
will henceforth be subject to the 
same transfer of currency restric- 
tions as British films. 

As an added blow, the government 
will also .limit the source of bank- 
rolling for Yank production in 
Britain. The new film restriction will 
provide that companies earning 
money here can use it for financing 
production but cannot borrow from* 
British sources when those funds 
are exhausted. 

In effect, the second ruling makes 
all production plans hirige on the 
current tax question. While a num- 
ber of Yank films are still free from 
the 75% bite, once they're played 
off the dwindling revenues will not 
support pic-making. 

Reps of American companies, fore- 
seeing the move, are already pre- 
dicting that it will curtail- plans to 
spend $24,000,000 within the next 
two years on big films for world 
markets. Instead, the Yanks will 
revert to quota quickies. 

As to subjecting Yank films made 
here to the same currency restric- 
tions as British-made, that puts an 
immediate kibosh on things; It's not 
expected that any Yank producers 
will be willing to have their money 
frozen here and subjected to the die- 
continued on page 16) 

RANK MAY GET GOV'T OK 
TO IMPORT U.S. STARS 

London, Oct. 7. 

Despite tightened currency regu- 
lations which forced J. Arthur Rank 
to shelve production of "Blue La- 
goon" for want of authority to spend 
$17,000 on U. S. Technicolor prints, 
there'll be no hampering of Rank's 
big-spending plans to bring over 
American stars for British produc 
tions. Preliminary to going ahead 
with the project, Rank sounded the 
British treasury on the proposal and 
has received unofficial approval. 

There'll be no official word neces 
sary until paychecks are actually 
turned over to visting stars. But 
the Britisher probed government re- 
action so that he could line up 
shooting schedules and complete 
pacts with the Yank players. Pri 
vate okay is understood to be based 
on a realization of the Laborites that 
British pix with American top 
drawing names will more than pay 
in revenues here and abroad for the 
heavy salaries which will be forked 
out. 

Among American stars lined up 
for British production next year and 
the year after are Bing Crosby, 
Deanna Durbin Claudette Colbert 
and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 



British Exhibs Content 
With Yank Pix Alone 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

American pictures are vital to 
British exhibitors, who would be 
content to show nothing btSPIlolly- 
wood product, according to Harry 
Buxton, operator of a circuit of 23 
first run theatres in England. 

Buxton, currently on his first visit 
to California, declared a 50% freeze, 
instead of the 75% tax is practically 
a certainty over there; 





itish Stalemate 
Up for Scrutiny 
In Washington 

The stalemate resulting from the 
hard-to-get attitude struck by both 
the majors and the British labor 
government will come in for scrutiny 
and possible reshaping at the special 
meet of the Motion Picture Assn.'s 
directorate called by Eric Johnston 
in Washington tomorrow (Thurs.). 
Top execs of all- companies will head 
for the capital for the important 
conclave, which may mean an end 
to the insistence that the Laborites 
officially invite Johnston to come 
over and talk. 

Settlement developments have 
been stymied because the MPA has 
refused to accept hints from the 
British that Johnston's presence 
would be desirable. MPA prexy, it's 
understood, is wary of making the 
crossing unless an official invite is 
forthcoming which would spell a 
fair chance of success. The British 
government has furthered the stale- 
mate by refusing any such act with 
the contention that private individ- 
uals can't be the recipients of official 
invitations. 

There's considerable sentiment in 
trade circles for discarding the ada- 
mant stand as the only way of 
breaking the ice. Among the un- 
official flirtations was one by Sir 
Wilfrid Eadie, head of the recent 
(Continued on page 20) 



Despite the near-certainty that 
the U.S. Supreme Court will insist on 
some method of competitive selling 
in its forthcoming ruling on the an- 
ti-trust decision, the major film dis- 
tributors feel that selling via bids 
definitely is not the answer. 

Majors, in fact, have cut sales by 
competitive bidding down to rock 
bottom in the last several months and 
have striven to evade selling that 
way as much as possible. Chief rea- 
_son for their antipathy— to- putting- 
product on the auction block is that 
they haven't made a cent on the sys- 
tem since the anti-trust decision was 
handed down nearly 18 months ago. 
Several sales chiefs, in fact, declare 
it's ridiculous to take bids for 
product in small situations since 
low grosses from such theatres hard- 
ly even compensate for the extra 
clerical help and paper necessary 
for the bidding procedure. 

Survey of the various companies 
reveals that about the only bidding 
conducted presently is in strictly 
competitive situations where it 
look as though a law suit might be 
pending. Such is the case if an 
exhibitor ^who hasn't been able to 
buy product from a company 
threatens legal action unless he gets 
a chance to bid for product. Even 
in these cases, the majors have at- 
tempted to work out some kind of 
deal that would obviate bidding, 
(Continued on page 16) 



$12,000,000 Golden State Circuit 
Focus of D. C. and Trade Interest As 
Skouras Bros. Are Suspected in Deal 



2 Knighted Exhibs Split 
Lunch Fete (Cuffo) in N.Y. 

Motion Picture Assn. has broad- 
ened the luncheon it will toss for 
Sir Alexander King today (Wednes- 
day.) to co-honor Sir Sidney Clift. 
King controls the largest theatre 
circuit in Scotland while Clift is an 
Important English exhib. Both, since 
arrival in this country recently, have 
expressed strong indignation at the 
British government's imposition of a 
75% tax on U. S. films. 

Luncheon, to which invites have 
gone out to company toppers and 
foreign chiefs exclusively, will be 
_ held at the "21" Club L N. Y. .Gerald 
M. Mayer, chief of MPA's interna- 
tion department, is handling arrange- 
ments. 



Siodmak-AA Deal 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Kurt Siodmak organized his own 
indie producing unit, closing deal 
with Allied Artists to release his 
first picture, still untitled. 

Robert Alda and Ann Dvorak 
probably will top cast. 



Menotti's New Play May 
Have Film Pre-Financing 

Three producers are reported in- 
terested in possibly acquiring screen 
rights to a new play by Gian-Carlo 
Menotti which was tried out at New 
Milford, Conn., this past summer. 
It's called "A Copy of Mme. Aupic." 
Menotti is author of "The Medium" 
and "The Telephone," combo of mu- 
sical plays which are a current 
Broadway hit. "Aupic" is a straight 
play. 

Metro, to whom writer is now 
under contract, a; well as Hal Wallis 
and David O. Selznick have indi- 
cated interest in the new play. Har- 
old Freedman, of Brandt & Brandt, 
who is agenting, is endeavoring to 
set up a Broadway production prior 
to the film sale. 



Ed Raftery — Banker 

Edward C. Raftery, counsel and 
former president of United Artists, 
yesterday (Tuesday) was named a 
member of the advisory board ot the 
Chemical Bank & Trust Co., N. Y. 
He. accepted the post at a luncheon 
at the Hotel Astor. He's a member 
of the law firm of O'Brien, Driscoll, 
Rafter-y_&..Lawlerv— — 

Other members of the Chemical 
advisory board are Robert Goelet, 
chairman; Adolph Zukor, vice- 
chairman; Stanton Griffis, John Reed 
Kilpatrick, Messmore Kendall, E. 
Clause Mills and Meredith Woods. 



COLUMBUS DAY SHUTDOWN 

New York offices of all the film 
companies will be closed Monday 
(13) in observation of Columbus Day. 

Holiday, which falls on Sunday, is 
being observed the following day. 



Cultural Amusements 
From U.S. Get Okay 
For German People 

Washington, Oct. 7.. 

The. American Zone of Germany is 
to be opened up, without restriction, 
to non-commercial films, jsheet music, 
records, etc., which can 'be used for 
cultural and education purposes in 
the reeducation of the people, ac- 
cording to the announcement just 
made by the Army and State De- 
partment. 

The army is authorized to prevent 
any commercial or non-cultural uses 
being made of the material which 
may be shipped into the American 
Zone in unlimited volume from the 
U. S. and elsewhere. The situation 
is creating a precedent which indi- 
cates that the unlimited commercial 
shipment of films into the American 
Zone of the Germany may not be far 
in the future. 



Sidney Mentioned As 
Jerry Mayer Successor 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Louis K. Sidney is mentioned 
around Metro as successor, to the 
late Jerry Mayer, as studio manager. 

Bill Spencer, who had taken over 
some of Mayer's duties, will continue 
as purchasing agent. 



Majors Still Ban 
Oldies From Tele, 
Despite $200 Per 

With indie distributors opening up 
their product to television broad- 
casters in increasing numbers, the 
majors are still holding back on even 
their oldest films, despite the fact 
that most of these pictures now lying 
idle on the fence could mean added 
revenue. Tele broadcasters now pay 
about $200 per feature for a one-shot 
performance, with the actual cost de- 
pending on the age of the picture. 

Majors' sentiment on television 
was summed up by one industry 
spokesman, who implied the usual 
unvoiced fear of tele's eventually 
becoming a major form of competi- 
tion. "I know I can make some extra 
money by renting pictures to the 
broadcasters," he declared. "But why 
should I do anything at all to help 
them?" Other of the majors declare 
the only reason they won't allow 
their product to be leased for tele 
purposes is because of the American 
(Continued on page 14) 



WURTZEL, 20TH SET 
12-PIC, 2-YEAR PACT 

Hollywood, Oct.. 7. 

Deal for 12 films during next two 
years has been signed by Sol M. 
Wurtzel Productions and 20th-Fox. 
Pact was disclosed by Wurtzel and 
I. B. Kornblum on their return from 
N. Y. huddles. 

Current contract, also for two 
years, winds up in November, when 
Wurtzel starts production on a cur- 
rently-prepping comedy-drama with 
a Los Angeles background. 



National Boxoffice Survey 

World Series Hurts B.O.— 'Father,' 'Stranger,' 'Pas- 
sage,' 'Foxes,' 'Earth,' 'Desire' Top Field 



Competition of World Series base- 
ball games, with millions of fans 
tuned in on radios and' television 
every afternoon for seven days in 
succession, and return of warmer 
weather are slowing the pace some- 
what at the national boxoffice this 
week. Fact that a big array of new 
pictures is being launched' currently 
also tends to taper off the takes even 
for the biggest production. 

"Life With Father" (WB) leads 
the b.o. procession this week, new 
playdates at upped scale being a 
repetition of previous sock openings. 
In second groove is "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par) with a new batch 
of playdates. "Dark Passage" (WB) 
continues in third place while "Foxes 
of "Harrow"' (20th)" has' moved 'into' 
prominence by landing in fourth. 
Fifth position is being copped by 
"Down To Earth" (Col), with fourth 
week's takings at the N. Y. Music 
Hall giving it a real boost. 

Others In the Big Eight this ses- 
sion are evenly split. "Desire Me"' 
(M-G), "Kiss of Death" (20th) and 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) finishing in 
that order. Runners-up are "Cross- 
fire" (RKO) and "Desert Fury" 
(Par). 

Easily the most promising of new 



entrants is "Unconquered" (Par), 
which opens in N.Y. this week. Film 
is terrific $45,000 on its Pittsburgh 
preem. "Spirit of West Point" (FC) 
also shows real promise, being sock 
in San Francisco and great at the 
small-seatcr Victoria, N. Y. "Unsus- 
pected" (WB) hints potentially nice 
trade, based on initial N. Y. week. 

"Merton of Movies"' (M-G), new 
Red Skellon comedy, is top new L. 
A, film and okay in Washington. 
"Heaven Only Knows" (UA), an- 
other new L. A. picture, is rated 
fine there. "Husband's Affairs" 
(Col), while only okay in Frisco 
and fair in Philadelphia, shapes as 
lusty in Buffalo and. strong in Balti- 
more. "Magic Town" (RKO), which 
opened' in N. Y. yesterday (Tues'.), is 
faring nicely in second L. A. stanza. 

"Desire Me" ranges from fair to 
stout in some nine keys covered by 
Variety. "Brute Force" (U) is pac- 
ing Portland. Ore., with sock session. 
"Deep Valley" (WB) continues 
spotty, not showing up big in any 
.spoi currently. "Lured"' (UA) is 
showing up nicely in several new- 
bookings this stanza, being particu- 
larly strong in Chicago and Seattle. 
(Complete Boxojiiee Reports 
on Pages 9-11) 



Golden State Theatre circuit ot 
California became the focal point 
yesterday (Tuesday) of develop- 
ments from coast to coast. Reports 
concerning the 116-house chain, val- 
ued at about $12,000,000, included: 

1. That the anti-trust division of 
the Department of Justice is prob- 
ing complaints that Charles and 
Spyros Skouras are behind efforts 
to purchase the circuit. One or 
more independents squawked that 
some of the would-be buyers are? 
fronts for the Skouras theatre inter- 
ests. 

2. George Skouras, president of 
Skouras Theatres Corp., N. Y, and 
v.p. of United Artists Theatre Cir- 
cuit, has made an offer of $12,000,000 
for the chain. Records show that 
George Skouras is in no way con- 
nected in a business way via 20th- 
Fox with brothers Charles and 
Spyros. 

3. Reports from San Francisco 
were that deal by which Milton Rey- 
nolds, Chicago manufacturer of 
ball-point pens, and Robert L. Lip- 
pert, California indie circuit opera- 
tor, were to take over Golden State 
was at the point of completion. 
However, it was learned that Rey- 
nolds and Lippert a few days earlier 
were said to be "sore as a boil" that 
their offer had been turned down 
and felt they had been "shouldered 
out" by other interests. 

Lippert, it has been learned, was 
recently questioned by Dept. of Jus- 
tice attorneys investigating the 
charges that Charles and Spyros 
Skouras were behind offers to buy 
(Continued on page 16) 

MAYER DUE IN N.Y. FOR 
H.0. MEET AND CHEfKUP 

Metro production chief Louis B. 
Mayer is slated to arrive in New 
York from the Coast Oct. 20. Pur- 
pose of his trip has not been re- 
vealed but it's believed he'll huddle 
with Metro prexy Nicholas M. 
Schenck and other h.o. officials on 
future production plans. 

Mayer may also check into Mt. 
Sinai hospital, N. Y., for his periodic 
going-over. He hasn't been in N. Y. 
since his hospital checkup about 
this time last year. 




Trnrto Murk Registered 
FOUNDED BY SIJIE PILVEIIMAN 
ruhllHheil Weekly by VAKIETV. Inc. 

Bid SUrernian. President 
IM West 46th St., New Vorb 19, N. T. 



St'BSntirTlON 
Annual *I0 Foreign $11 

SlDB'e Copies 25 Cents 



Vol. 168 



No. 



INDEX 

Bills ., 48 

Chatter 55 

Film Reviews 8 

Foreign . . . ..... 13 

George Frazier 38 

House Reviews 49 

Inside Legit 50 

Inside Music 43 

Inside Pictures 14 

Inside Radio 32 

Legitimate 50 

Literati 54 

Music 3G 

New Acts 49 

Night Club Reviews 46 

---0bituarios-^^.=?=~^.T~=w;" r -48 

Orchestras 36 

Pictures 3 

Pre-Production News 7 

Radio 21 

Radio Reviews 24 

Records 38 

Frank Scully 54 

Television ; 27 

Vaudeville 45 

DA IX I VARIETY 

(Published In Hollywood bj 

D.llj VnrletT. LUIA 
110 I Year— SU Vm\ta 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



lights/ Mby-Soxer,' 'Welcome,' 
'Father Top 4 B.O. Champs in Sept. 



Betty Grable's "Mother Wore 
Tights" i20th) was the national box- 
office champion for September, ac- 
cording to weekly boxoffice reports 
from Variety correspondents in 
some 22 representative key cities. 
Picture even surpassed the great 
showing of "Bachelor and Bobby- 
Soxer" (RKO), which ended Sep- 
tember in second position. In like 
, manner, "Welcome Stranger" < Par) 
was just a few strides behind 
"Bachelor," after copping first po- 
sition for the month of August. It 
was the second month" running that 
"Bachelor" wound up a close sec- 
ond, indicating the Cary Grant- 
Shirley' Temple starrer's vast draw- 
ing power. 

"Life With Father" (WB) was a 
strong fourth in last month's sweep- 
stakes, gaining big money totals to 
« large extent via its $1.25 top in 
all theatres played to date. Oddly 
enough, "Father" found the hiked 
scale, which had helped it to such 
big totals in many keys, a stumbling 
block in some spots. This was par- 
ticularly true of cities where natives 
long have had an aversion to paying 
the upped scale for any screen at- 
traction. In a few of such cities, the 
higher scale was blamed for pared 
weekly totals or a few disappointing 
sessions, especially after opening 
week. 

Fifth place was won by "Down to 
Earth" (Col), which took in plenty . 
of coin despite failing to impress in 
a few locations. Picture also was 
helped by two big weeks at the 
W. Y. Music Hair to start its four- 
week run there. "Variety Girl" (Par) 
finished in sixth slot while "Gone 
With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) ended 
in seventh. Eighth place went to 
"Crossfire" (RKO), and "Dark Pas- 
sage" (WB) was strong enough to 
slide into ninth position. 

Closely in There 

"Kiss of Death" (20th) and "Song 
•f Thin Man" (M-G) barely missed 
(Continued on page 18) 



KREISLER'S FOREIGN 
0.0. ON PIX MARKETS 

Full outline on the inroads being 
made by foreign pictures against 
American film markets abroad will 
he furnished U. S. industry officials 
by B. Bernard Kreisler, former Uni- 
versal shorts salesmahager. Kreisler 
sails aboard the Queen Mary, Fri- 
day (10) for a four-month compre- 
hensive study of production, dis- 
tribution and exhibition of films in 
14 European countries. 

Kreisler is to report on the foreign 
market situation for the Harvard 
Graduate School of Business Admin- 
istration. His findings will be pub- 
lished, however, for the film indus- 
^ try, as well as the faculty and stu- 
dents of Harvard. While Kreisler 
expects to study the progress made 
fcy film industries in foreign coun- 
tries since the war's end, primary 
emphasis will be laid on how far 
foreign product has gone ,in com- 
peting with U. S. films in Europe. 



September s Big Nine 

1. "Mother Wore Tights" 
(20th). 

2. "Bachelor Bobby-Soxer" 
(RKO). 

3. "Welcome Stranger" (Par). 

4. "Life With Father" (WB). 

5. "Down to Earth" (Col). 

6. "Variety Girl" (Par). 

7. "Gone With Wind" (M-G) 

8. "Crossfire" (RKO). 

9. "Dark Passage" (WB). 



Can. Censors Reverse 
On 'Black Narcissus' 

Toronto, Oct. 7. 

Following film group and news- 
paper protests over the banning of 
"Black Narcissus" (E-L). censor- 
ship appeal board of British Colum- 
bia has reversed its decision and 
given the J. Arthur Rank production 
the greenligbt, according to word 
received over the weekend by 
Frank Fisher, general manager in 
Canada for Eagle Lion product. 

First time Rank film was ever 
forbidden showings in any part of 
the Empire, no reason was given by 
the B.C. censorship board on its 
original decision or subsequent re- 
versal, although it was Eagle Lion's 
contention in its protest that "Black 
J^ajrcfcgiw'Mwwl .not been viewed on 
first occasion by entire personnel' of 
the censorship board. 



'Mother Wore Tights 7 
Author Culls From 
Vaude Memory Files 

Goldensbridge, N. Y. 
Editor, Variety: 

I read your review of "Mother 
Wore Tights" and was—after the 
enthusiastic notice Joe Laurie, Jr., 
gave my book when it came out in 
Sept., '44 — somewhat disappointed 
that you hadn't much praise for 
Lamar Trotti's adaptation. . 

The reason I am writing, however, 
is to clear up a misunderstanding. 
Your reviewer thought, I believe, 
that the picture was, in one spot, 
making fun of 'or trying incorrectly 
to imitate) Variety's colorful and 
highly individual language. I refer 
to the sentence: "Sample of the 
picture's unreality is the daughter's 
protest against the language used by 
Variety in its marriage columns." 
The daughter's protest was not 
against Variety or its language but 
against the poor taste of vaude- 
villians, themselves. And she was 
not speaking of Variety's marriage 
columns, but of a PAID ADVER- 
TISEMENT. What she says in the 
picture is: "They (vaudevillians) 
take a full page AD to announce 
their daughter's wedding so they can 
advertise their act at the same 
time" — or words to that effect. 

Mr. Trotti got this from Chapter 
16 of my book in which I quoted a 
full page ad which did actually ap- 
pear in Variety around 1930. Al- 
though I am relying on my memory 
I can see it just as clearly as I can 
my typewriter. It was on a right- 
hand page and ran like this: 
Y I P P I E ! ' 
Chic Rose 

YORK & KING 
of THE OLD FAMILY TIN- 
TYPE announce the marriage 
of their daughter, 
True 

(to so and so on such 
and such a' date) , 
The, kids are going to Europe 
on their honeymoon and Mom 
and Pope are going along! 
W H O O P I E ! 
I knew York & King, who were 
big enough headliners to run such 
an ad, and went to school for sev- 
eral years with their daughter, 
True — that is why the ad stuck in 
my memory. Anyway, I hope this 
clears up the misunderstanding for 
I love Variety, out of old copies of 
which Mother cut my first paper 
dolls between shows and which Dad 
quoted as religiously as a preacher 
quotes the Bible and which, in fact, 
was as familiar to me in the dress- 
ing rooms in which I was raised as 
were those Gideon Bibles in the 
hotel rooms in which I slept as a 
child traveling 'on the road' with 
Burt & Rosedale. 

Miriam Young. 



Chi JBans 'Narcissus' 

Chicago, Oct. 7. 
"Black Narcissus" (U) last week 
was banned here on the grounds it 
is immoral and its subjects— Angli- 
can nuns — were not portrayed prop- 
erly. 

"Railroaded," Eagle Lion gangster 
pic, also got thumbs down from the 
censor board, which reviewed 87 
piclS Board made 31 cuts, but didn't 
pass out any pink tickets. 



FIRST TOA BOARD MEET 
PROBABLY IN CHICAGO 

First board of directors' meeting 
of the newly-birthed Theatre Owners 
of America will be staged at the 
end of the month with Chicago its 
likely locale. Top question for gab- 
•bnrg-^viU'-be wlretber-Tseat-tax boost 
of the American Society of Com- 
posers, Authors & Publishers should 
be compromised or fought to the 
finish. 

It's been decided, board will have 
29 directors, one from each local 
theatre group. First four to be 
tapped by their outfits are Richard 
Biechlie, Kansas-Missouri Theatre 
Owners; Martin Mullins, Allied of 
New England; James Shanklin, West 
Virginia Theatre Owners; and Ar- 
thur Lockwood, Theatre Owners of 
Connecticut 



Reliance's Penalty' 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. j 
Reliance Pictures, Inc., new indie 

outfit, picked "Strange Penalty" as 

its first production for distribution 

through 20th-Fox. 
Jean Yarbrough will direct, film 

starting Nov. 10. 



Hope fflfo Aussie 
Freeze May Prove 
Pattern for Eng. 

Exultant over favorable settlement 
of the Aussie currency tangle, for- 
eign managers expressed the belief 
that it may serve as a pattern in 
other British dominions and else- 
where. The agreement which freezes 
30% of remittances (estimated at 
$6,000,000 annually) for a 10-year 
period is figured to be the tops that 
could have been secured by Yank 
distribs. It's attributed, in the main, 
to definite pro-American sentiments 
expressed by the Aussies since start 
of the war and before. 

With New Zealand, Malaya and 
other parts of the British common- 
wealth mulling some sort of restric- 
tions, Aussie's relatively lighthanded 
action may pave the way to similar 
semi-freezes. 

Seven ways of investing the 30% 
blocked Down Under were definitely 
approved by the Australian govern- 
ment. They're film production; pay- 
ment of capital debts; capital ex- 
penditures on improvements; em- 
ployees' pension funds; real estate 
of a permanent nature relating to 
business interests of a distrib; gov- 
ernment and industrial securities; 
and loans on credits to theatre com- 
panies. 

Theatre acquisitions remain in 
limbo. Government will pass on 
each theatre purchase when pre- 
sented with the individual case. 
Companies may pay off debts on 
theatres which they now own. 



Majors Still Seek Ruling on Easier 
U. S. Corporate Tax on Frozen Coin 



Skeered? 

Loew's execs, leaving the- h.o. 
at lunchtime last Friday (3), 
didn't know whether they had 
suddenly got into a new kind of 
labor war, or there was holdup 
in progress, or It was merely 
the competition really getting 
tough. Trained on the building's 
Broadway entrance were two 
machine guns. 

It all proved harmless, how- 
ever. The pair of persuaders 
were merely new sources of in- 
nocent merriment being moved 
intOj the penny arcade next to 
the film company. 



U.S. Films Staying Out 
Of Denmark Until Some 
Accord Can Be Reached 

Film of no U. S. major has played 
in a Danish theatre since last Fri- 
day (3) as result of the nix by 
members of the Motion Picture Ex- 
port Assn. earlier in ' the week of 
Denmark's proposals for currency 
restrictions. Danish government for- 
bids exhibition of films of any dis- 
trib not signing the agreement, 
which means the only American pix 
that can now be dated are minor 
product wholly owned by indie dis- 
tribs in Denmark. 

In the meantime, Fayette Allpori, 
Motion Picture Assn.'s British rep, 
is endeavoring to work out a com- 
promise in Copenhagen similar to 
the freeze agreement achieved with 
Australia last week. Danish pro- 
posal would result in export of less 
than half the coin due American 
companies and a heavy domestic tax 
on portion withheld. Less than 
$600,000 would be available for films. 

Danish situation ties up closely 
with the British crisis, which re- 
sulted in England's discontinuing 
the convertibility of third country's 
currency into dollars. Denmark is 
the greatest butter exporter in the 
world, holding contracts from Eng- 
land for most of it. Country thus 
has a large supply of pounds which 
it could formerly convert to dollars 
to pay for films and other U. S. 
products. It is now without such 
funds, making restrictions necessary, 
which is clearly realized by the 
MPEA. All latter is seeking, accord- 
ing to spokesmen, is a fair deal on 
the amount of income withheld and 
use to which it can be put in Den- 
mark. 



Lancaster-Wallis Deal 



Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Burt Lancaster inked new seven- 
year contract with Hal Wallis, pact 
superseding his original deal set 
with Paramount producer last year. 
Ticket permits Lancaster several 
outside pictures, including three 
commitments which remain with 
Mark Hellinger and films which he 
will produce himself. 

His next stint for Wallis willbe 
star role in "Rope of Sand." 



Mazda 'Nuisance' Row 
A Test Case for All, 
SaysUA'sB'wayMgnit 



The Broadway theatre's battle to 
keep "The Outlaw" in lights . after 
11 p.m. in spite of litigating tenants 
of a nearby apartment building will 
be decided by three judges sitting in 
N: Y. special sessions. United Art- 
ists, operator of the house, claiming 
that the entire Times Sq. mazda sit- 
uation depends on the ruling, asked 
and got a switch of the row from 
the magistrate's court. Trial is ex- 
pected within two weeks. 

Tenants of 200 W. 54th street have 
already slapped the Broadway with 
two summonses. Several magistrate 
court hearings in which Ernest Mah- 
ler of O'Brien, DriscoU, Raftery & 
Lawler repped for UA against the 
tenants failed to arrive at either a 
decision or settlement. UA, in an 
attempt to mollify the complainants, 
ordered everything above the mar- 
quee to be doused after midnight 
and the marquee itself, at 1 a.m. 

Second summons, however, was 
served by cops at 11:10 p.m. last 
Thursday (2). on the charge that the 
flickering lights are a nuisance. 
Countering, UA has claimed in court 
that efforts to darken the theatre 
by 11 were an intolerable restriction 
on all Broadway theatres. Further 
summones are being held up pend- 
ing a decision by special sessions. 



New Directors Named By 
Rep in Goetz Bow-Out 

L. A. Swirbul and Carl B. Heine 
have been elected to Republic's 
board, following resignation last 
week of three directors representing 
the Harry Goetz interest. Three 
more directors will be chosen later, 
prez Herbert J. Yates announced 
yesterday (Tues.). 

Swirbul is prez of Grumman Air- 
craft Engineering Corp. and has 
been affiliated with Republic for 
18 years. Heine, retired realtor, has 
served on the Setay Co. board since 
'34. He's also a director of Associ- 
ated Motion Picture Industries. 
Both Sjetay and AMPI are Rep hold- 
ing companies. 

Bow-out of the three board mem- 
bers followed Yates' purchase of 
Goetz's interest .last month, after a 
long free-for-all between the two 
stockholders. Resigning were Goetz; 
his attorney, Samuel Becker, and 
Harry C. Mills, an exec of J. C. 
Penney Co. 

First quarter financial statement 
issued followed the directors' con- 
clave disclosed that profits hid 
dipped to little more than half of 
what they were for first 13 weeks 
last year. Net for quarter ending 
July 26 was $233,022 for '47, Bs 
against $444,349 lor same period of 
'46. 



N. Y. to L. A. 

Joan Barton 
Steve Broidy 
MacDonald Carey 
Arthur Christiansen 
Paul Dullzell 
Bert Friedlob 
■A-rnolcliGrant 
George Heller 
Hedda Hopper 
Arthur Hornblow, Jr. . 
Moe Kerman 
Irving Mills 
Morris S. Novick 
Eleanor Parker 
Lew Parker 
Ella Raines 
Ruth Richmond 
Victor Saville 
Lew Wasserman 
Milton Weintraub 
Walter Winchell 



• Edwin S. Cohen, of the law firm of 
Sullivan & Cromwell, is repping for 
the film industry in a request of the 
Treasury Dept. for a ruling that 
frozen overseas currencies are free 
from corporate income Taxes. Cohen 
has had a series of huddles with a 
committee designated by Treasury to 
talk over the question. There's been 
no ruling as yet. He was dispatched 
to Washington by the Motion Picture 
Assn. 

Majors want to know where they 
stand on this important tax ques- 
tion before pitching for a shift to a 
freeze by the British government. 
Since Australia has already blocked 
30% of remittances, the tangle also 
presents an immediate issue. 

Some industry legalites believe a 
decision of the tax courts on a pro- 
ceeding filed some years back by the. 
United Artists Corp. of Japan against 
the Commissioner of Internal Rev- 
enue. May serve as a legal prece- 
dent. That ruling held U/ of Japan 
didn't have to pay taxes until the 
coin was actually received by the 
parent org. Move was taken, how- 
ever, because other company lawyers 
don't think the decision goes far 
enough. 

Without a favorable ruling, dis- 
tribs -will be as badly off with a 
freeze as they are with the 75% ad 
valorem tax so far as dollars are 
concerned. Best that can be expected 
from the Labor government in Brit- 
ain is a 50% blocking of funds. On 
a film netting $1,000,000 in England, 
for example, majors would receive 
$500,000. But they'd be compelled to 
pay a Federal 40% bite or so on the 
entire $1,000,000, Or $400,000, leaving 
only $100,000 in dollars. 

Under the ad valorem tax, distrib 
would receive $250,000 or a clear 
$150,000 after Federal taxes. That 
wbuld leave the company with more 
in-the-pocket coin with present 
restrictions than if the British were 
won over to a freeze. 



L. A. to N. Y. 

John H. Auer 
George Banyai 
Charles (Bud) Barry 
Hobert Benjamin 
Stephen Bekassy 
Bill Brennan 
Phyllis Calvert 
Janis Carter 
Bob Cobb 
Emil Coleman 
Cora Sue Collins 
Doris" Day 

Mrs. Sidney Franklin 
Cedric Gibbons 
Georgia Gibbs 
Wanda Hendrix 
Sonja Henie 
Oscar Homolka 
Kim Hunter 
Ken Lane 
Robert Lantz 
Emmet Lavery 
Lida Livingston 
Collette Lyons 
Norman McLeod 
Lillie Messinger 
Frank Morgan 
Boris Morros 
Ralph Murphy 
Michael North 
Marc Piatt 
Marty Rackin 
Phil Reisman 
William Saal 

Louis Sallet ^ 

E. L. Scanlon 
Grad Sears 
Max Shagrin 
Earl Sheldon 
Sam Shirley 
Hunt Stromberg 
Dave Sussman 
Teddy Tctzlaff 
Beverly Tyler 
Alex Ward 
Pat Weaver 
Robert Webb 
Ward Wheelock 
Herbert J. Yates 



N. Y. to Europe 

Karl A.- Bickel 

Marquis George De Cucvas 

Ben Fisher 

Jed Harris 

Mr. and Mrs. Oliver B. Johnston 
A. C. W. Nightingale , 
Lee Sabinson 
Jerry Sevastianoff 



Europe to New York 

Maurice Chevalier 
Daphne Du Maurier 
Pat Wallace 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



PICTURES 



5 MAJORS' $80,000,000 CREDITS 



Metro Clearing Releasing Sked 
Of Minors for Upcoming Biggies 



-Strategy of Metro's high com- 
mand, it is reported, is to get oft the 
company's shelves as quickly as 
possible a group of Alms which have 
been piling up because execs are 
dissatisfied with them. Aim now is 
to get them out this fall and early 
winter, roll with the critical hay- 
makers anticipated, realize what- 
ever income is possible — and then 
forget the whole thing. Release 
schedule reveals that the plan is al- 
ready in effect. 

Reasoning behind the strategy is 
that a flock of films in the old Metro 
tradition of quality will start pour- 
ing forth after the first of the year 
and the best thing to do is clear the 
slate in preparation forstepping out 
on the new foot. It is expected that 
the product coming after Jan. 1 will 
reflect production chief Louis B. 
Mayer's return to detailed operation 
of the studio earlier this year. He 
had been giving only generalized at- 
tention to activities on the lot for a 
time, with resultant opinion in the 
trade that he was being sorely 
missed. Studio is now getting his 
undivided attention, with every as- 
pect of every film getting his care- 
ful o.o. 

As well as paying careful mind 
to the artistic quality of each film, 
Mayer has been giving special gan- 
der to the budgets and shooting 
schedules, in keeping with efforts of 
all the studios at economy. It was 
(Continued on page 14) 



COL/S 'SWORDSMAN' IN 
LOEWS N.Y. CAP., OCT. 16 

Metro films have been playing off 
so fast at the Broadway Capitol, the 
company's most important showcase 
house, that an outside picture will 
play the theatre next week for the 
first time in months. Film is Co- 
lumbia's "Swordsman," co-starring 
Larry Parks and Ellen Drew, which 
goes in Oct. 16 following the current 
"Desire Me." 

Capitol film bookings have been 
marked by disappointing runs re- 
cently. After "Hucksters" chalked 
up a neat six weeks, "Songs of the 
Thin Man" lasted only two weeks, 
and "Romance of Rosy Ridge" also 
stayed a disappointing two weeks 
before being pulled in favor of "De- 
sire Me." Latter film winds up its 
second frame tonight (Wed.) and 
it, too, is scheduled lor only one 
more session. 

Metro spokesmen ara quick to 
point out that the situation is not 
unique and the Capitol's two-week 
dates only follow the general trend. 
While this may be true outside New 
York, very few films have j>layed 
less than three weeks in other 
Broadway houses recently and the 
street has been marked by such mar- 
athon runners during the last few 
months as "Bachelor and the Bobby 
Soxer" with seven weeks at Radio 
City Music Hall; "Welcome 
Stranger," seven weeks at the Para- 
mount, and the low-budgeted "Cross- 
fire," now finishing its 11th and final 
week at the Rivoli. 



Metro Still. Hedges On 
Upping 'Dolphin' Scale 

With exhibitor organizations re- 
sisting upped admission scales on 
Pictures, Metro has not yet decided 
on the price policy for its forth- 
coming "Green Dolphin Street." 
Since "Dolphin" is the most costly 
nlm on M-G's. current release ros- 
ter, however, it's probable exhibs 
will be asked to boost their admis- 
sion scale, according to a Metro 
sales official. ., 

Metro's upper sales echelon be- 
lieves an upping of prices is the only 
way to recoup costs of high-budget- 
ers. the spokesman said. "Dolphin" 
was started two years ago, when the 
entile industry was operating at 
peak profit conditions. When biz 
began to slump.. it was too late to re 



Inflationary Billing 

San Francisco, Oct. 7. 

Miracles, apparently, can still 
happen anywhere. 

Manager Edwin Scheeline, of 
the Balboa theatre here, found 
himself short of "4s" when he 
started to set up his marquee on 
"Miracle on 34th Street." So he 
merely extended the miracle a 
block to make it read "Miracle 
on 35th Street.'' 

Forced stunt, even though it 
showed , that miracles have hit 
an inflationary trend along with 
everything else, aided Schee- 
line's gross by drawing consid- 
erable attention to the marquee 
and feature. 



475 'Amber Prints 
Primed for 3,000 
Dates Before '48 

Twentieth-Fox,, shooting for a goal 
of 3;000 bookings on "Forever Am- 
ber" between Oct. 19 and Dec. 31, 
has gone more than two-thirds of 
the way, with 2,211 dates set as of 
last week. According to 20th sales 
chief Andy Smith, Jr., the picture 
will open in every key city in U. S. 
and Canada during the first three 
weeks of its availability. It's slated 
to preem at the Roxy, N. Y., Oct. 22. 

Twentieth has ordered 475 prints 
on "Amber," believed to be the most 
ever turned out on one film. All of 
them, according to Smith, will' be 
in use continuously at the same time. 
Each Technicolor ^rint costs about 
$1,200. "Anroer" is being sold on a 
straight 50-50 deal in all situations, 
with price scales upped everywhere 
to $1.20 evenings, 76c matinees and 
55c for children. 

Four other films, meanwhile, are 
(Continued on page 49) 



Oklahoma and N. H. 
Territories Have 700 
Houses, 417,776 Seats 

Following up its recently launched 
statistical survey of the number and 
type of theatres in the U. S., Motion 
Picture Assn. has issued two addi- 
tional reports this week covering 
operations in the New Haven and 
Oklahoma City exchange areas. 
Complete survey will cover the 
nation's 31 exchange centers with 
installments on each territory to be 
issued weekly. 

New Haven report discloses 191 
theatres in operation with total seat- 
ing capacity of 178,948, these figures 
excluding two drive-ins with an 
automobile capacity of 1,100. Seven 
theatres in the area with 6,109 seats, 
are closed. Of all houses in section, 
85 theatres with 104,940 seats are 
circuit operated with indie-owned 
theatres represented by 113 houses 
with 80,117 seats. 

Oklahoma City directory reveals 
509 theatres in operation with a 
238.828 seating capacity not counting 
three drive-ins with auto capacity of 
2.250. Area also contains 16 shuttered 
theatres with 7,231 seats. Of all 
theatres, 206 are .circuit-operated 
with 128,944 seats and 319 are non- 
circuit houses with capacity of 
117,115'. ~! ' — : — 



RK0 Ends Talent Unit 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
New talent . will have to shift for 
itself at RKO, with the abolition of 



duce the budget, which Metro claims I the department organized five years 
has run over $4,000,000. With the ago to handle young thesps. .Studio 
British market cut off, consequently, ' can't afford it at this time, 
a boost in admission scales appears i Donald Dillway, head of the de- 
the only way to get back production j partmcnt for five years, checked off j 
costs on the film. ' I the lot along with his staff. , 



METRO AMD WB IN 
E 






Five major companies have beat 
the overseas crisis to the punch by 
arranging total bank credits of $80.- 
000,000, to grease future production 
activities. The current foreign dim- 
out which has hit the chances of 
film profits and weakened the ma- 
jors' borrowing powers came too 
late to snarl bankrolling maneuvers 
of Paramount. 20th-Fox, RKO, Uhi" 
versal and Columbia. 

Of.- the. other three- companies, 
Metro and Warner Bros, had already 
rigged financing some years- -backr 
Only United Artists has been caught 
since TJA is seeking $5,000,000 bank- 
rolling in the present bearish mar- 
ket. Companies latched on to loans 
when plenty of unattached coin 
meant record low interest, rates. No 
company is paying more than % of 
1% for funds committed but yet un- 
borrowed. Interest rates on money 
actually loaned in no instance ex- 
ceeds 3%. 

Universal has borrowed $8,000,000 
from available credits of $10,000,000, 
it's been learned. U's deal with The 
First National Bank of Boston, the 
Bank of Manhattan and the Guar- 
anty Trust Co. of New York scales 
down N the figure to $9,000,000 in 1948 
and $8,000,000 in '49. Company re- 
(Continued on page 14) 



Anti-Theatres' 
Tabu in U Loan 



Universal is barred from investing 
more than $3,000,000 in theatres for 
the period running through 1951 
under a unique provision of its loan 
from the First National Bank of 
Boston, the Bank of Manhattan and 
the Guaranty Trust. Further limit- 
ing its entry into the exhibition end 
of the business, U is also restricted 
from assuming liabilities for theatre 
rentals, directly or indirectly, in ex- 
cess of $750,000 annually. Specifically 
exempted from these restrictions are 
funds frozen in foreign countries. 

U has agreed to a number of other 
unusual provisions which regulate 
its production and distribution op- 
erations. Company must at all times 
have an inventory of features with 
unamortized negative costs of not 
less than 150% of the face amount 
of outstanding notes. With $8,000,- 
000 now loaned to it, U must have 
$12,000,000 in inventory to meet this 
provision. 

Loan agreement specifies that cer- 
tain pix will not be included in esti- 
mated inventory. Those are all films 
which haven't been edited and cut 
within 10 months after going before 
the camera. Also excluded from the 
figuring are black-and-white which 
aren't released within 12 months "of 
completion or within 18 months if in 
color. 



BREAK ON TAXES UPS 
COL/S NET PROFITS 

Columbia cashed in this week on 
the lifting of the excess profits tax 
in 1946 by reporting an upped net 
of $3,707,000 for the year, ended 
June 30, despite declining revenues. 
Profits went a shade ahead of 1946 
when Columbia had $3,450,000 to 
show after payment of taxes. By 
scoring a gain, Columbia pairs off 
with Warner Bros, as the 1 'only, two 
companies which will report' ad- 
vances over peak 1946 profits. 

Gross take before taxg.s_amounted , 
tri $5^8Ti?iUBD; a fair-sized dip" from"! 
the $7,000,000 garnered in fiscal 1946. j 
Difference, however, was more than > 
made up by payment ot taxes of ! 
$2,100,000 during the last stanza , 
against $3,550,000 doled to the Gov- ! 
ernment in the year before. 

Equivalent earnings per share of 
outstanding common also hit an 
all-time high with $5.33 netted for 
the 637,352 shares in stockholders' 
hands. Earnings in '46 were $5 per 
share on the 610,349 shares out- 
standing, j 



UA Decides to Buy Only Four RKO 
Films; Kelly Setting $5,000,000 B.R. 



B.O. Boff in Bombay? 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Bombay Talkies, Ltd., is dis- 
cussing a deal with Monty Shaft 
and Frank P. Rosenberg for a 
Hindustani version of "Man Eat- 
ers of Kumaon" which Univer- 
sal-International will release. 

Plan is to turn English script 
over to BT which will reshoot 
. all sequences requiring actors 
while retaining the animal foot- 
-age from. the—original-version. 



AFL Intent On 
Settling H wood 
Labor Row in SF 



San Francisco, Oct. 7. 

Whether Hollywood will be 
granted immediate labor peace or 
have its long jurisdictional fight 
dragged out even further is the im- 
portant decision facing American 
Federation of Labor leaders today 
(Tuesday) meeting here at their 
annual convention. [No final de- 
cision by Variety's presstime.] 

A settlement today would give the 
AFL the nod for cleaning its own 
house of internal troubles. If it is 
delayed, the credit is likely to go to 
Congress through Rep. Carroll 
Kearns, head of the House Labor 
subcommittee, who recently wound 
up his probe of the Hollywood labor 
situation. Kearns has an Oct. 20 ses- 
sion slated in Los Angeles for final 
review of the dispute. 

AFL exec council thinks the film 
labor wrangle is so important that 
it has . adjourned the convention for 
(Continued on page 14) 



-+- Instead of the seven films which it 
originally expected to purchase from 
RKO, United Artists has settled on 
four, for which it was expected to 
close a deal on the Coast last night. 
The other three pictures, more or 
less, may be purchased later on. 

Instead of the $7,50,000 which UA 
tentatively anticipated paying for 
the seven films, it will give RKO 
about $5,000,000 for the four. Arthur 
W. Kelly, exec, v.p., who returned to 
New York from the Coast over the 
weekend, after sitting in on selection 
of the films, is now arranging the 
banking. 

Irving Trust Co., N. Y., is one of 
the banks with which he is negotiat- 
ing and is: understood principally in- 
terested in advancing the coin. It's 
believed to be between 25% and 50% 
of the purchase price, the rest to go 
to RKO out of income from the 
films. Deal is a flat sale, however, 
with RKO retaining no profit par- 
ticipation. 

Decision to reduce the number of 
films in the initial. deal was reached 
at a meeting in Hollywood, Monday 
(6) of Mary Pickford, co-owner of 
UA; Gradwell L. Sears, prexy, and 
George Bagnall, v.p. in charge of 
production. Sears was slated to 
plane from the Coast to New York 
last night. 

Three of the pictures being pur- 
chased, it has been learned, are 
"Station West," "Out of the Past" 
and "Indian Summer." "West," just 
now being completed, has Dick 
(Continued on page 14) 



Selznick Org. Priming 
'Paradine' and 'Jenny' 
To Follow Intermezzo' 

Daniel T. O'Shea and " Ernest L. 
Scanlon, top execs of David O. Selz- 
nick's Vanguard Films, have been 
in New York the past week confab- 
bing with Selznick distribution topper 
Neil Agnew and eastern pub-ad chief 
Bob Gillham. They are laying plans 
for release of "Paradine Case" and 
"Portrait of Jenny," next two on the 
Selznick Releasing Organization 
slate after "Intermezzo" reissue. 

It is currently planned to release 
"Paradine" about January and 
"Jenny" in March or April. How- 
ever, DOS still has to do a final 
editing job on "Paradine," but is 
now so completely absorbed in fin- 
ishing up "Jenny" there's a possi- 
bility that he will go right ahead 
on the latter. That could put "Jenny" 
ahead of "Paradine." Actual dates of 
release depend on swiftness of play- 
off of "Duel in the Sun," on which 
SRO is now concentrating. 

"Mr. Blandings' Dreamhouse," 
which Dore Schary is making at 
RKO for SRO distribution, is to be 
released next summer. First of the 
six films Mark Hellinger is to make 
for SRO will be., worked in some 
time next spring. 



20th's 3-Day Sales Meet 

Three-day meet of 20th-Fox di- 
vision sales managers has been 
called for Nov. 10-12 at the home- 
office by sales chief Andy W. Smith, 
Jr. Sales execs will huddle on plans 
for merchandising 20th's 1948 roster 
of features. , 

Prexy Spyros Skouras will out- 
line the upcoming films, including 
Sir Alexander Korda productions to 
be released by 20th in the U. S. Ad- 
publicity chief Charles Schlaifer is 
slated to present ad-pub plans and 
Clarence Hill, manager of branch 
operations, will discuss exchange 
policies. Shorts sales manager Peter 
Levalhes will outline plans for 
shorts. 



NO RFC COIN SLATED 
FOR INDIE FINANCING 

Washington, Oct. 7. 

There is little chance that the Re- 
construction Finance Corp. would 
lend coin for independent film pro- 
duction but, despite reports, Donald 
M. Nelson has not asked for such 
loans, an RFC spokesman said last 
week. • 

RFC has lent money to Hollywood 
on one or two occasions in the past, 
none recently. However, as a result 
of congressional action last June, 
the agency must sharply whittle 
down its lending and it will take a 
real selling job to interest it in any 
film venture now. 

"I talked with most of the RFC 
directors, including John Goodloe, 
the chairman, who did speak with 
Donald Nelson," said one agency 
spokesman. "None of these people 
could understand reports that a re- 
quest had been made to them for 
film loans and that the independents 
and Nelson were waiting to hear 
from them on the subject. The fact 
is we have nothing pending on that 
matter." 



Andy Smith Going Out 
Into the Field Next Week 

Andy Smith, Jr.. 20th-Fox sales 
topper, goes out into the field next 
week to wind up his tour of the ex- 
changes that began last May. He's 
slated to visit Dallas, Charlotte, 
Oklahoma City, Memphis, Pitts- 
burgh, Detroit, Boston. Albany and 
Buffalo and then goes to the Coast 
for huddles with 20th salesmen in 
the Los Angeles exchange. 

Smith will probably return to the 
homeoffice from time to time during 
the trip, as he has been doing in the 
past. Chief purpose of the trips are 
to establish closer relationship with 
the field men in his new post as 
chief of 20th's distribution depart- 
ment. 



Dawson Resigns as RKO — 
VP-Director, O'Connor Up 

A. W. Dawson has stepped down 
from the triple post of veepee, 
treasurer and director of RKO the- 
atres. His resignation was accepted 
last week by the RKO board, which 
immediately named Thomas F, 
O'Connor to take over the job of 
treasurer. Harold E. Newscomb was 
upp*>d from ass't treasurer to a 
supervisory spot under O'Connor. 

Edward W. Avery was named as 
ass't treas. in place of Newscomb. 



41 Trust Suits Totaling $50,000,000 
Claims Hang on U. S. Supreme Court 
Action on Majors, Schine, Griffith 



The U. S. Supreme Court enters 
its fail term this week with the 
Government's main equity suit and 
the. Schine and Griffith appeals in 
its lap and the fate of a record 41 
individual exhib anti-trust actions 
depending on what the court says 
on those three appeals.. Since suc- 
cessful prosecution of the Goldman 
(Philadelphia) and Jackson Park 
(Chicago) actions in the lower 
courts by suing exhibs, treble-dam- 
age suits have now hit an all-time 
peak of $50,000,000. 

Actions have piled up in the 
courts but few, to date, have been 
tried'. In most instances, exhibs are 
marking time until the high court 
has its say on the trio of actions 
before it. What the nine judges do, 
company lawyers think, will have a 

Year 

Plaintiff 

Harry N. Ball • • ]44 

Jack. Y. Berman.. '46 

Florence Bigelow '42 

Bordanaro Bros '46 

Courter Amus. Co '40 

Chalmers Cullins '46 

Mentin W. D'Arcy '48 

Be Luxe Theatres . . '47 

Glen W. Dickinson \iT 

Eipion Theatres '46 

Duluth Theatre Corp '46 

Thomas Ealand '44 

Filth & Walnut..... '46 

Nicholas George '45 

Goldman Theatres '42 

Goldman Theatres : '47 

Kenneth M. Gorhah 38 

David N. Green '47 

Grosz & Grosz '45 

Harford Theatre Co '46 

J. J. Theatres .... '3 

C. H. King *«• 

Lakeview Theatres '<7 

Simon M. Lazarus ........... '47 

Manasha Theatre Realty '47 

Mission Theatres '47 

Netcong Amuse. '40 

New Bio Theatres '47 

Rivoli Operation Corp ... '47 

Mosque Theatre '47 

Morris Roth .. '44 

St. Louis Amuse '44 

Shore Amuse '47 

State Amuse. "47 

Strand Theatre : '4-7 

Raymond J. Syufy..*.. '47 

Theatco '45 

United Exhibitors '39 

Waldo Theatre Corp •.. '40 

Westor Theatres '48. 

Joseph P. Wilson '47 



direct bearing on whether the im- 
posing list of anti-trust actions ever 
reach a judge and jury. 

Half-hundred mark in damages 
(despite a number of settlements) 
has been reached with the filing of 
the Mosque theatre action in New- 
ark this month. That suit seeks 
$3,648,000 in triple balm. Of course, 
complaints represent only the ask- 
ing price — but that hasn't been 
viewed lightly by legalites since 
William Goldman was handed a 
$435,000 judgment in Philadelphia 
last year. 

Survey by Variety discloses the 
following complete list of anti-trust 
actions now pending against the 
majors. It doesn't include Govern- 
ment-inspired' suits such as those 
now before the Supreme Court. 

Total 

Court Pending Damages 

Circuit Court, 3rd. . . .. Injunction 

$5,250,000 

7th..... 



Calif. Dist. 
Circuit Court, 
Buffalo Dist. 
N. J. Dist:.... 
Tenn Dist. .. 
Mo. Dist. .... 
111. Dist/ 

Mo. Dist. 

Buffalo Dist. 



600,000 
489,000 
574.200 
2,910,000 
600,000 
600.000 
- 525,000 
2,561,833 



Unconquered' Bow 
In Pittsburgh Nats 
Plenty of Baif v W 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 7. 

World preem of Cecil B. DeMill. s 
"Unconquered" turned . this usua'ly 
reserved community inside cut for 
three days last week. It was pixb- 
abi'y the biggest ballyhoo- promotion 
the town's ever seen. n. 

There was a natural historic tie- 
up in the subject matter, since "Un- 
cciiquered" deals with early, history 
cf Pittsburgh, and that brought the 
commonwealth's governor, James 
Duff, and the . state's junior U.S. 
senator, Edward Martin, in for the 
jr.'ciri events to share the spot'inht 
with DeMille. Sandwiched betwern 
the -banquets, breakfasts, balls arc 1 
offi-ial receptions were stunts at 
)?ndmarks, historical sites and in- 
st'tutions of higher learning, all good 
for plenty of columns. The clim; x 
crme with a three-hour long pareVe 
on Friday afternoon (3), with m<-re 
than 100,000 spectators crowded 
along the route. 

DeMille received honors galore 
from colleges, Americanism groups 
and patriotic organizations, leaving 
town loaded down with scrolls and 
plaques. Almost unbelievable, wrs 
the way civic, business, political, 
educational and social leaders be- 
came assistant press-agents for the 
enterprise. 

A lot of credit goes to Bill Pan- 
ziger and Charley Burke, sent into 
town nearly two months ago to map 
and execute the details. 

Windup was preem of picture it- 
self at Penn theatre Friday night 
,<3) before an invitation audience 
that jammed the house. Thousands 
gathered outside to see the celebri- 
ties take a bow and say a few words 
from a specially-built platform. . 



Rep After Fistic Greats 
For Clean-Boxing Pic 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
Clean side of the boxing business 
will be portrayed in "Ringside," an 
unpublished novel by Martin Van 
Lass, recently purchased by Repub- 
lic. 

Studio is negotiating with Joe 
Louis, Gene Tunney, Jack Dempsey, 
Manuel Ortiz, Tony Zale and Ray. 
Robinson to play themselves in the 
picture, with Ray Miller already 
signed as technical adviser. 

Hal Roach Suit 
Sparks Ail -Out 
Drive on Binford 

Memphis, Oct. 7, 
First step in the film industry's 
all-out fight against Memphis film 
censor Lloyd T. Binford was insti- 
tuted here today (Tues.) with the 
filing of legal action by Hal Roach 
and United Artists. Initial action, 
constituting petition for a writ of 
certiorari, will challenge the con- 
stitutionality of Binford's ban oh 
"Curley" because the film shows 
white and colored children playing 
together. 

Suit is backed by the entire film 
industry, which has long burned at 
Binford's bigoted tactics. Eric Johns- 
ton, Motion Picture Assn. prexy, has 
promised full support of the MPA. 
American Civil Liberties Union also 
offered backing for the fight, with 
Elmer Rice, chairman of its National 
Council on Freedom from Censor- 
ship, wiring Johnston that "you may 
count on our support to carry this 
test up to the U. S. Supreme Court 
if necessary in an effort to reverse 
the old ruling that motion pictures 
are solely entertainment and may 
therefore be censored." 

[Roach declared in New York 
yesterday (Tuesday)' that he would 
not have inserted the banned scene 
in the film had it not been for the 
agreement between the MPA and 
the National Assn. for the Advance- 
ment of Colored People to present 
Negroes in a picture in proportion 
to their population in the film's 
locale. 

[Producer emphasized that the 
scene was shot in Los Angeles, where 
colored kids do play with white 
children, and not in^lemphis. He 
added that Negroes might have felt 
.neglected if he'd failed to show at 
least one colored moppet in the 
school scene. Roach declared that 
the costs of carrying the anti-Binford 
battle through the courts would 
probably be split among- himself, 
UA and the MPA.] 

Edward C. Raftery, general coun- 
sel for UA and attorney for Roach, 
1 spent two days here last week in 
I huddles with three of Memphis' 
outstanding attorneys, Frank L. 
All majors except Columbia have | Glankler> Hamilton Little and Lowell 

Taylor. Raftery had originally 
planned to seek relief from the Bin- 
ford nix in the Federal courts but 



'Forced' Higher Adnrish Prices Rapped 
Along With ASCAP Hike at Probe 



Pa. Sabbath Strategy 

Loew's is preparing to use the 
screens of its own houses in. 
Pennsylvania in its battle to 
win votes for Sunday films at lo- 
cal option balloting in Novem- 
ber. It is shooting pix for ex- 
hibition in jts houses, of theatres 
outside the borders of Harris- 
burg to show the crowds of 
Harrisburgians who patronize 
them on the Sabbath. ' 

Plea against the church groups 
who defeated a Sunday films op- 
tion in 1940 is, of course, that if 
people want to see pictures they 
"shouldn't be forced of out town 
to do so. Loew's collected almost 
twice as many names as the 4,- 
700 required to get .the Sunday 
pic question on the ballot, but 
churchmen are now fighting 
validity of the signatures. 



M!nn. Dist 1,400,000 

Mich. Dist 450,000 

New York Dist 2,100,000 

Mich. Dist Injunction 

Circuit Court, 3rd, judge 435,000 

Pa. Dist 8,400,000 

Vt. Dist. 200,000 

Pa. Dist 375,000 

816,908 

Wash; D. C" 90,000 

N. Y. Sup . Injunction 

111. Dist Injunction 

La. Dist 962,000 

Calif. Dist .... .. . ; 3,000,000 

Wise. Dist 600.000 

Mo. Dist 1.050,000 

N. Y. Dist 330,000 

111. Dist . 1,200,000 

N. Y. Dist. 1,200,000 

N. J. Dist 3,648,000 

Pa. Dist Injunction 

Mo. Dist. 285,000 

Wash, D. C. ...... .... 105,000 

Mass. Dist 200,000 

N. J. Dist. 3,900,000 

Calif. Dist 1,050,000 

Calif. Dist 1.540,000 

Pa. Dist 1,275,000 

Me. Dist 375,000 

N. J. Dist . . 280,500 

Vt. Dist 3.648,000 



7 MAJORS CHARGE % 
CHIZ BY OHIO INDIE 

Cleveland, Oct. 7. 



Ft. Lee Studio Plans 
Cue Interest Anew In 
Other Eastern Plants 

With the disclosure recently that 
a group of Long Island business 
men headed by Dr. A. O. Peters 
and Thomas Taglianetti had acquired 
the long dormant Fort Lee studios 
in Ft. Lee, N. J., for a $250,000 mod- 
ernization program, interest of the 
trade focused on similarly inactive 
studios in the same area. Inasmuch 
as the present assessed valuation 
for the Ft. » Lee studios is only 
$17,600, fealty circles feel there may 
be- activity in other Jersey , film- 
making plants of yesteryear. 

Elsewhere in Ft. Lee are the Para- 
gon studios, now used for the con- 
struction of scenery. In the adjoin- 
ing town of Cliffside are the old 
Ideal Sound Studios which National 
Screen Service used some 10 years 
ago »or recording trailers. More re- 
cently the premises have been used 
for the production of an occasional 
quickie Negro film. 

Ideal lot, according to Burton 
Bobbins of National Screen, is in 
a general state of disrepair and his 
firm has made little use of it since 
switching its trailer recordings to 
the Coast Improvement program at 
the Ft. Lee studios, officers of the 
firm said last week, calls for con- 
struction of an 85 x 125 aluminum 
sound stage as well as a smaller one 
similarly built Alterations on the 
3'/4-acre site are expected. to be 
completed about the end of Novem- 
ber. 

Revamped plant will have a pro- 
ducing affiliate known as Gateway 
Ftoductions, Dr. Peters revealed. 



Philadelphia, Oct. 7. 

A Congressional sub-committee 
investigating the high cost of living 
last week heard a blast against 
"forced higher admission prices" and 
recent hike in exhibitor license fees 
by the American Society of Com- 
posers, Authors and Publishers. 

The squawk was embodied in 
testimony on Thursday (2) before 
the committee by Sidney E. Sam- 
uelson, general manager of Allied 
Independent Theatre Owners, of 
Eastern Pennsylvania at a hearing 
in the Federal Building here. Fol- 
lowing his testimony, the subcom- 
mittee decided it had no authority 
to probe increased admission prices 
foisted on exhibs by distributors or 
ASCAP'.s proposed new license fees. 

Samuelson was the only witness 
to take up an item other than food 
and clothing before the sub-com- 
mittee, which included Senator 
Flanders, R., Vt; Sen. Myers, D., 
Pa., Rep. Rich.. R., Pa., and Rep. 
Hart, D., N. J. 

Samuelson prefaced his remarks 
by saying that entertainment was, 
in fact, a "necessity" and "is de- 
finitely an. element in their cost of 
living." 

"Congress should be as alert to 
detect arbitrary and unwarranted 
increases in amusement costs as in 
the commodities which are also in- 
cluded in life's necessities," Sam- 
uelson said. 

Samuelson said that exhibitors 
had in the past fixed admissions on 
the basis of what they knew "their 
patrons can reasonably afford to 
pay." 

"As a matter .of self-interest," he 
which will attract the maximum 
said, "they fix the prices at levels 
(Continued on page 16) 



filed seven separate percentage 
chiseling actions here in the Federal 
district court against Harold Makin- 
son, Frank N. Gaethke and the Park 
Theatre Co., operators of a chain of 
'even Ohio theatres. Involved in 
1he action are the Lake, Lyric, Park 
and Pastime in Barberton; and the 
Deuber.and McKinley, Canton. 

Complaints follow conventional 
pattern and charge defendants with 
submitting false reports of admission 
receipts. Jones, Day, Cockley & 
Reavis filed for plaintiffs with Sar- 
goy & Stein of New York also of 
counsel. 



Mono-AA and British 
Pathe Plan Anglo-U.S. 
Prod, to Dodge 75% Tax 

With the- foundation laid for a 
joint filmmaking arrangement be- 
tween Monogram- Allied Artists and 
Pathe Pictures, Ltd., of Britain, the 
indie American firm has come up 
with a unique solution to the British 
tax-frozen remittance bugaboo. Un- 
der a plan outlined last week by 
Morto-AA prexy Steve Broidy the 
two companies lack only their re- 
spective boards' approval before set- 
ing up mutually-owned producing 
subsids in the U. S. and Britain. 

In disclosing the- deal, Broidy said 
| that he felt certain Monogram's No- 
vember board meeting would place 
its stamp of approval on the scheme: 
Final arrangements for reciprocal 
production were worked out with 
Pathe managing director William 
Moffat by Broidy and Monogram 
foreign chief Norton V. Ritchey on 
Its plans are rather nebulous at the a two- month* European junket from 



the conferences here resulted in his | 



decision to initiate action in 
(Continued on page 14) 



local 



Minority Stockholder 
Suit Vs. U and Officers 

Series of stockholder suits under 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
continued last week when Bertha" T. 
Aine filed action in the NY federal 
court against Universal, N. J. Blum- 
berg. J. Cheever Cowdin, Charles D. 
Prutzman, William A. Scully, and 
Clifford Work, former studio 'head. 
Claim is made that defendants in 
January. 1945, made profit in excess 



ROACH'S COMEDY DUALS 
SEEM TO BE PAYING OFF 

Present indications are that Hal 
Roach will turn a fair profit on his 
"Comedy Carnival," which recently 
went into release. There has been 
considerable trade interest in the 
early engagements, since the "Carni- 
val" is something new in distribu- 
tion and exhibition. It's a combo of 
two short features running about 
110 minutes together, which United 
Artists is selling in package form 
on an A feature basis. 

Estimates from engagements 
played during the past three or four 
weeks are that the "Carnival" will 
£arner about $1,100,000 in domestic 
rentals. With UA's distribution fee, 
cost of prints, advertising, etc., out 
of that, it will carry the producer 
to the break-even point on his in 



moment but it's anticipated that the 
filmmaking company will use about; 
one-third of the premises for its j 
own pictures, balance of the Space 
will be rented out. Peters said he 
wa's an actor and director for UFA, 
the German pre-war film company, 
and had worked in the U. S. as a 
technical director for Universal. 
His associate, Taglianetti, is a neo- 
phyte in the film biz. 



SOPEG NIXES STATUS QUO 
PROPOSAL TILL 1948 

Rejecting counter-proposals by the 
film companies to continue current 
pay levels until next September, 
Screen Office & Professional Em- 
ployees Guild has invoked the ar- 
bitration clause in its contract to 
settle dispute stemming from the 
union's wige hike 'demands. Under 



qf_$250.qq0 by. numerous 'stock trans- ; vestment of not quite $800,000 in the 



actions. 

Contention is that defendants vio- 
lated the SEC law by buying and 
selling within a six-month period. 
Complaint demands that all profits 
be turned over to the company. 



Cartoonists Shaving Costs 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
Animated Cartoon Producers Assn. 
will hold a meeting this week to de- 



pair of pix. Since Roach's comedies 
have always done fairly well in the 
world market, income from abroad 
is being figured by UA to give him 
a convenient profit. 



'Saga' Garson's Next 

Hollywood. Oct. 7. 
Next starrer for Greer Garson at 
Metro will be based on the John 



vise means of shaving production , Galworthy trilogy, "Forsythe Saga." 
costs to cover the loss of the foreign Robert Lord will produce, with 



i market. 



'the starting date still undecided. 



which they returned last Wednes- 
day (1). 

Plan calls for 50% of the new 
American producing subsids profits 
to accrue to Pathe in dollars while 
revenues of the British counterpart 
will be split in pounds. As an il- 
lustration he pointed out that "what- 
ever dollars British pictures earn in 
America will resolve into dollar 
credit for the British company" and 
vice versa. 

Maximum of four pictures are to 
be made in Britain and the same 
figure is contemplated in the U. S. 
Idea, emphasized Broidy, did not 
stem from the recent British tax 
but was conceived 18 months ago. 
Included in the. deal is an arrange- 
ment whereby Monogram will dis- 
tribute Pathe Pictures other than 
those made with Monogram in all 
markets where Monogram has ex- 
changes or reps. 
However, Broidy pointed out that 
wage -reopening clause, union asked there are certain franchise arrange- 
for 30% or $10, whichever is higher. ' ments in foreign countries that con- 
but received a flat nix from the . fine distribution at those points ex- 
home offices last week. I clusively to Monogram and AA 
Meanwhile, Screen Publicists [ Product. In those markets if Pathe 
Guild is expected to present its wage can make a mutually favorable dis- 
demand for a flat. 30% increase, to tribu t ional deal " we will lift the 



the companies this week. 



bars to permit our franchise holders 
to distribute the pictures, assuming 
that Pathe desir.es that outlet." 



Wilde Suspended 

Hollywood, Oct. -7. 
Cornel Wilde's refusal to play the 
male lead in "The Walls of Jericho" 
resulted In his suspension from the 
20th-Fox payroll. 

This makes two suspensions on the j screenplay from Vicki Baum novel, 
same picture. First, was Gene Tier- j Actor starts assignment when he 
ney, who declined the femme lead ' winds up current "Mr. Blandings 
and was replaced by Anne Baxter. I Builds His Dream House." 



RK.O Casts Douglas 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
RKO has set Melyyn Douglas to 
, star in "Mortgage on Life," simul- 
j.taneously announcing Herman J- 
| Mankiewicz will produce and write 



W«flneBday, October 8, 1947 



PRE-FBOIIITCTIOIV 



BUYS ON PIX ORIGINALS DOWN 75$ 



Claim Clearance Cuts Foolish; Will 
Only Cut More Into 1st Run Grosses 



Attempt by several of the majors if 
to teduce clearances between first 
run and subsequent run houses is 

Irded as a foolish move by sales 
S of the companies who haven't 
n tituted the new policy. Their 
argument against the plan runs like 
SI- Most of the domestic gross 
comes from key city first runs; biz 
fa off tremendously in those situa- 
tions; therefore, any further moves 
that encroach on profits of first run 
houses, such as reduction in clear- 
ances, is foolhardy. 

Those majors working on cutting 
clearances for the last year or so 
hooe to achieve more rapid liquida- 
tion of pictures. Such attempts, 
however, were slow-paced moves in 
scattered situations. Then came the 
British 75% tax and Universal sales 
chief William J. Scully's statement 
of all-out plans to reduce clearances. 
Scully's step was followed shortly 
by 20th-Fox sales head Andy Smith, 
Jr.. who inaugurated a policy in 
Cleveland of cutting clearance to 21 
days, with percentage terms to be 
asked of subsequent run houses in 
return for getting films more rapid- 
ly. Columbia and Warners indicated 
last week they would follow Smith's 
idea in principle. 

Other majors, however, believe 
such a fullscale move to reduce 
clearances won't pay. off. Where 
pictures used to play three or four 
weeks in key city first runs, they 
point out, they now last only one or 
two weeks. It's foolish, consequent- 
ly, to do anything that would cut 
into first run grosses. In addition, 
one sales chief pointed out, it's ex- 
tremely unlikely that any subse- 
quent run exhibitor would consent 
to paying higher percentage terms 
(Continued on page 14) 

LEGIT BIJOU ON B'WAY 
FOR CHEVALIER'S FILM 

Dual deal with RKO has been 
negotiated by Maurice Maurer, op- 
erator of City Investing Company's 
Broadway showcases. RKO's "The 
Fugitive," recently completed by 
John Ford in Mexico, goes into City 
Investing's Victoria around Thanks- 
giving, while "Man About Town," 
Maurice Chevalier-starrer, made in 
Fiance, goes into the Bijou, which 
CI is switching over from legit, Oct. 
22. 

"Fugitive" will follow "The Gang- 
ster," Allied Artists production, 
which goes into the Victoria after 
the current "Spirit of West Point." 
RKO is planning extensive buildup 
for the preem and a costly spectacu- 
lar sign over the theatre, similar to 
that of the Astor, next door. 

Bijou will make its film debut 
with "Man About Town." It's a tiny 
600-seater which last housed "Life 
With Father." Booth equipment used 
this past summer in CI's Fulton, 
(Continued on page 48) 

2 Par Newsreel Execs 
Into Tele-Comm'l Prod. 

Duo of top Paramount newsreel 
officials have stepped out of the 
company to combine their efforts in 
running a newly-created pic produc- 
ing outfit specializing in television, 
commercial and industrial films. The 
twosome, J. Segar Heavilin, in recent 
years makeup editor of the reel, 
and H. Alfred SteckmaR, re*l's erst- 
while sports editor, are taking over 
Mannon Productions, a New York 
unit which is backed by Mrs. Fran- 
ces B. Mannon, wealthy San Fran- 
cisco widow with no previous ex- 
perience in filmmaking. 

Heavilin ankled- Par recently fo- 
take over the executive producer 
spot in the company. Steckman has 
oeen acting as general sales manager 
tor the past few weeks. Heavilin's 
spot at the newsreel won't be filled 
immediately but the chores will be 
Handled by A. J. Richard, editor-in- 
'•' c *> *oi the time being. 

Mrs. Mannon, who's now migrated 
to hew York, is the company prexy. 
some three months ago she took 
over the company plus equipment 

cilities Unk ° VCr $250 ' 000 in new fa ' 



Metro Boots Ballet 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Ballet department, including Janet 
Bates, coach, was lopped oft' the 
Metro payroll as part of the re- 
trenchment campaign caused by the 
British film tax. 

Dancers will be signed to one- 
picture deals whenever their serv- 
ices are needed. 



Keys Resist Most 
In Us Proposal To 
Cut Clearances 



Campaign to slash clearances 
down the line is being pushed by 
Universal in face of stiff opposition 
from flocks of exhibs, company sales 
topper said this week. Company is 
finding toughest going in key cities, 
it's said, despite fact "in many cases 
a reduction of clearances doesn't 
mean anything to the exhibitor in 
loss of revenues." 

U, so far, has succeeded in taper- 
ing clearances in some 200-300 sit- 
uations. In Sa*n Francisco, for in- 
stance, second runs are now operat- 
ing 30 days behind first runs where 
previously U sold its product on a 
traditional 59-day time lapse. Both 
Des Moines and Omaha have been 
cut to 45 days from 60 with further 
reductions under way. 

U's toppers still see no sign of 
other majors joining in the move to 
speed up pix liquidation by faster 
playoffs. "Most of the distributors 
are all for it," one Universal exec 
said, "and once we clear the way, 
we know they'll follow suit. But 
right now, all they're willing to do is 
to hold our. coat." 

Clearance-reduction program was 
announced by sales chief William A. 
Scully with the idea of getting back 
film investments at an accelerated 
pace. With production costs upped, 
U needs the cash for its extensive 
shooting schedule. " 



MORE COLOR PIX FOR EL 
THROUGH WANGER DEAL 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Color films will form a predomi- 
nant part of future product at Eagle 
Lion. Tinted production gets a lift 
through the recent deal with Walter 
Wanger, who will produce four high- 
budgeters, two of them in Tech- 
nicolor, annually for EL release. 

Meanwhile, Jack Schwarz, who 
completed "Enchanted Valley" in 
Cinecolor for EL release, is dicker- 
ing for a series of pictures to be 
made under that process. Al Rogell 
has also lined up "Mickey" and "New 
Mexico" for Cinecolor filming, in ad- 
dition to his recently, completed 
"Northwest Stampede." Other 
tinters are expected in case Hunt 
Stromberg closes his deal, now un- 
der negotiation, for release of a 
series of expensive productions 
through EL. 

Sharp Battle Foreseen 
For SWG Presidency 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Presidential election in the Screen 
Writers Guild has developed into a 
sharply defined battle, with Sheridan. 
Gibney and Hugo Butler slated to 
fight it out for next year's term. Of- 
ficial ballots, bearing these two 
names, will be mailed to the mem- 
bership Oct. 30, with Nov. 19 as the 
deadline for returns. 

Candidates for the veepee post 
are Anne Chapin, Frances Goodrich, 
F. Hugh Herbert, Arthur Kober, 
George Seaton and Dwight Taylor. 
Running for secretary are Arthur 
Sheekman and Stanley Rubin, and 
for treasurer are Harry Tugend and 
Leo Townseud. 





EOF 





Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

The market for original stories, 
for years a rich source of extra in- 
come for freelance writers, has been 
shot to pieces, according to an in- 
dustry-wide survey completed by 
David Stephenson, Eagle Lion story 
editor, at the request of Bryan Foy, 
EL exec producer. Report disclosed 
that demand for originals has plum- 
meted 75% in the past six mo*ihs. 

In ■ preparing data, Stephenson 
queried every studio and nearly all 
agents. In every case, purchase of 
originals from outside sources were 
reported down to a minimum. Al- 
though contract writers are supply- 
ing originals, this group accounts 
now for 38% of Hollywood's output 
as against 8% penned six months 
ago. Figure on originals from 
writers not on studio payrolls are 
down from 20% to 5%. 

Prior to recent boxoffice dip. 
Stephenson learned, 47% of the 
average studio's output was from 
novels, short stories and articles. 
It's now 28%, and play purchases 
which equalled 12% of total produc- 
tion, is 7%. Remakes of old pictures, 
which comprised remaining 13%, is 
currently up to 22%. 

Survey also showed what's been 
apparent for some time that studio 
purchases of high price novels and 
plays have fallen off considerably. 
Agents and studio heads agree the 
curtailment has resulted from in- 
creased production costs. In conse- 
quence, percentage of originals by 
salaried writers has surged upwards. 
Studios are demanding that writers 
wor*; largely on their own originals 
thus cutting story costs. 

Remakes of past hits are also in- 
creasing considerably. Stephenson 
predicts, however, that as soon as 
writers become aware that produc- 
tion costs are now a major feature 
in picture making and they begin to 
shape their yarns to fit limited sets 
and wardrobes, original story mar- 
ket will rise again. 



Foresee Exhibs Defraying More 
Of the Cost on Co-op Film Selling 



Juke Trailer 

Paramount theatre, N. Y.. which 
has been booking bands and per- 
formers on the basis of their hit re- 
cordings, has installed a jukebox in 
its lounge to plug coming, attractions. 

It's stocked with disks of bands 
house has booked along with plat- 
ters of Frankie Laine, Vic Damone 
and Mel Torme, all slated to play 
the house later. 

The jukebox is part of the house 
-service — and on the cuff. 



Jackie Robinson's Pic 

Jackie Robinson, Brooklyn Dod- 
gers' star infielder and first Negro 
to crash major league baseball, has 
been signed for a one-picture role 
by Eagle Lion. The first baseman 
will take the lead in "Courage," film 
which will go before the camera in 
December with" Ben Stploff, exec 
producer, and Jack Goldberg, pro- 
ducer. . 

Stoloff-and Goldberg are jturrently 
dickering with Branch Rickey, prez 
of the Dodgers, to do an opening 
commentary.. 



Goldwyn's Break 
On Tax Claim In 
Precedent Suit 



Washington, 'Oct. 7. • 
Samuel tioldwyn has just saved 
Federal taxes on about $135,000, on 
the basis of a decision handed down 
by the Tax Court of the United 
States. This case has no connection 
with the pending "one picture cor- 
poration" matter but affects old 
earnings of the United Artists Studio 
Corp.. forerunner of Samuel Gold- 
wyn Studios. 

By a decision of 11 to 5 of the 
Tax Court bench, Goldwyn upset a 
decision of the Commissioner of In- 
ternal Revenue regarding taxable 
dividend in a 1942 redemption of 
shares of the studio corporation. In 
1942, Goldwyn received $800,000 as 
his share of the distribution. He 
maintained that only $104,610 was 
earnings and profits and therefore 
subject to income tax. He claimed 
the remainder was merely the re- 
turn of paid-in capital. The Reve- 
nue people said that $239,059 was the 
earnings and profits share and that 
a tax should be paid on that amount. 

Names mentioned in the suit in- 
cluded Joseph M. Schenck, Mary 
Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. 
Together with Goldwyn, they organ- 
ized the original corporation in 1926, 
calling it United Artists Studio Corp. 
In 1930, control was taken over the 
Features Productions. Inc. However, 
(Continued on page 18) - 




Michael North draws the crooner 
role in "Forever and Always," Mi- 
chael Curtlz's third indie production 
for Warners release. .. .Linda Pra- 
gere, 11 -year-old ballet dancer, is 
the first casting for the film version 
of Lion Feuchtwanger's book, 
"Proud Destiny". . . Barton MacLane 
checked in at 20th-Fox for the first 
time in five years for his role in 

"The Walls of Jericho" Arthur 

Murray returned to work in "Jiggs 
and Maggie in Society" after sev- 
eral days out with a back injury. . . . 
Universal-International gave the go 
sign tr> "Up in Central Park," with 
Deanna Durbln, Dick Haymes and 
Vincent Price in top roles..: . Nana 
Bryant signed for a featured spot in 
"The Return of October" at Colum- 
bia. 

Columbia switched "I Surrender 
Dear" back to its original tag, 
"Glamour Girl". . .Adele Jergens 
drew a top role in "The Fuller 
.Brush Man" at . Columbia. ..Walter 
Lantz finished "Band Masters," his 
first delivery under his releasing con- 
tract with United Artists, which calls 
for one cartoon per month. . .Jerry 
Fairbanks has four camera crews 
working on location in Washington, 
Oregon, Hawaii and Illinois. . .Beu- 
iah Bondi draws a femme heavy role 
in "The Sainted Sisters" at Para- 
mount. . .Joseph Creham plays a 
vaudeville booker in "April Show- 
ers" at Warners. ..Frederick Brisson 
named Foote, Cone & Belding to 
handle advertising for the Rosalind 



Russell starrer, "The Velvet Touch." 

Lotte Lehman checked in at Metro 
for her film bow in "The Big City" 
...R. G. Springsteen draws director 
chores on "The Heart of Virginia," a 
Sidney Picker production at Repub- 
lic. . .Catherine McLeod takes over 
the femme lead in "Old Los An- 
geles," replacing Ilona Massey, who 
bowed out because of other commit- 
ments. . .Charles Dingle, William 
Frawley and Howard Smith joined 
the "State of the Union" cast at 
Metro. . .Katharine Dunham re- 
ported at Universal-International to 
ready her dance routines for "Cas- 
bah"... Steve Fisher signed to write 
"Angel Face," Mickey Rooney's next 
starrer at Metro. . .Henry Kesler 
bought "Devil's Day Off," authored 
by Lynn Root, for his first indie 
production. . .First production by 
William Pereira under his new RKO 
contract will be "Bed of Roses," 
starting in December. 
- DanLJtQliln_signed for a comic role 
in "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream 
House" at RKO... Ward Bond 
checked in at RKO-Pathe for a fea- 
tured role in the Ingrld Bergman 
starrer. "Joan" ... Marc Piatt, on 
loanout from Columbia left for Italy 
to join the cast of "The Eternal Mel- 
ody". . .Virginia Belmont draws the 
femme lead in "Dangers of the Ca- 
nadian Mounted," Republic's serial 
which starts this week. . .Milton 
Krasner will handle the cameras on 
"Up in Central Park" at Universal- 
International. 



First run exhibitors henceforth 
can look for an industry-wide de- 
mand by distributors that they carry 
more of the load in cooperative ad- 
exploitation campaigns. Although 
20th-Fox prexy Spyros Skouras was 
the first to voice the demsnd pub- 
licly in his speech at the recent Thea- 
tre Owners of America meet, most of 
the majors have been gunning for 
such a move for several months, re- 
garding, it a_s another method, of 
cutting costs. 

Paramount remains as the only 
major company that plans, to con- 
tinue its present policy of a 50-50 
split on all co-op advertising. Con- 
sensus among the other majors was 
voiced by Howard Dietz. Metro vee- 
pee over ad-publicity, who declared, 
"We don't get 50% rentals in all sit- 
uations; why should we pay 50% 
of all cooperative advertising costs?" 
Dietz pointed out, however, that the 
entire situation is ambiguous' as a 
mirage, since the percentage of co- 
op costs paid by various theatres 
varies with each theatre's basic 
budget. 

Par, according to ad - pub chief 
Curtis Mitchell, cut out co-op cam- 
paigns in all but 114 cities about 18 
months ago. Company will continue 
to split co-op ad . costs on a 50-50 
basis with theatr.es in those cities, 
all with over 100,000 population. 
Amount of co-op advertising, Mitch- 
ell said, depends on various factors, 
such as the star value in each film, 
what Par considers to be the box- 
office potential of a picture, and 
how far the theatre is willing to go 
in meeting Par's participation half- 
way. 

As far as the small towns are 
(Continued on page 18) 



ALLIED'S REACTION TO 
SKOURAS AND HIS NT 

Demands of 20th - Fox prexy 
Spyros Skouras that .exhibitors 
henceforth will have to bear more 
of the distribution cost burden were 
met with a barrage of opposing re- 
actions from both affiliated and non- 
affiliated theatre owners. 

Alleged favoritism granted by 
Skouras to 20th's National Theatres, 
a wholly-owned subsidiary, consti- 
tuted the chief target of the opposi- 
tion guns. In answer to Skouras' 
plea for exhibs to carry a greater 
load of cooperative advertising ex- 
penditures, one affiliated circuit ex- 
ecutive declared that "it might be a 
good idea for Skouras to set an ex- 
ample with his own National 
Theatres." 

Skouras' demands for upped rent- 
als were met with a typical inde- 
pendent exhib onslaught from 
Rocky Mountain Allied. Organization 
charged that Skouras, as a former 
exhibitor himself, "did not believe 
in percentages and he did not pay 
it." Emphasizing that the income of 
the majors is "still higher now than 
at any period during the war," the 
(Continued on page 16) 



N.O. Burley Strips For 
Artistic Foreign Pix 

New Orleans, Oct. 7. 

The pendulum is going to make a 
complete swing here Nov. 4 when 
the old Star, home of burlesque for 
the past 15 years, switches to an art 
theatre flicker policy to become the 
first to play foreign pix regularly in 
New Orleans, The 1.550-seater has 
been acquired by Irwin Poche. vet 
theatre operator, who's now dicker- 
ing with Universal's Prestige pic- 
tures outfit for a U. S. preem of a 
British film to lead off. 

Poche, is going to^eie the switch . 
of the Star from strippers by book- 
ing a symphonic orchestra for the 
first evening show. It'll give a full- 
time performance without benefit of 
celluloid. Each customer on open- 
ing night will be doled a nip of 
champaigne instead of dishes. 



Greater Boston motion picture di- 
vision of the Combined Jewish Ap- 
peal came within a few thousand 
dollars of hitting its $250,000 quota 
at its opening dinner in the Hub last 
week. 



FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 8, I947 



Where There's Life 

Hollywood, Oct. 3. 

Tarajpoutit reluiw of 1'aul Jones produc- 
tion, suns Boll "Hope, Signe Uhb», Wit- 

• limn Bendix; I'oitlures WorM t'oulouvta. 

■ Directed by Sidney l.nn(leld. Screenplay, 
Allen Borctz mill Melville Shavelsnn; bused 
on story by Shavelsnn; camera, Charles B. 
T.«ng, Jr.; special effects, Gonfon Jennings; 
Klllor, An-hle Maisbek, Ti'adesliown Sept. 
S», '47. Running time, ,7$ MINN. 

Michael Valentine Bob Hope 

Katl'lna Gilinovlteh «»ne Hasso 

Victor O'Brien William Bendix 

Kr'lvoe 

Hazel O'Brien 

Paul KferfiiriUK. George, Zucro 

JHinlstpr of War Gruhitch Dennis Hoey 

Mr. Herbert Jones.. John Alexander 

Finance Minister Xaviteh. . . Victor Vareoiii 

Albert Miller loseph Vltale 

Joe Snyder Harry Von Zell 



"Where There's Life" gives Bob 
Hope a tailor-made vehicle and 
adds up to nifty boxoffice. That old 
mythical kingdom fable has been 
brushed off and brightened up to 
furnish framework for a laugh- 
provoking melange of gags and sit- 
uations. All involved make it reg- 
ister strongly. Production, direction 
and writing are smartly valued to 
display the Hope talents and he 
pops the maize handsomely. 

Hope is seen as a happy New York 
disk jockey who doesn't know he's 
the heir-apparent to the kingdom of 
Barovia. The king is shot down by 
a bolshevik and a party is sent to 
America to bring back Hope; He 
doesn't take kindly to the idea as 
he's just about to marry Vera 
Marshe. He begins to change his 
mind, though, after being kidnapped 
and meeting Signe Hasso, the beau- 
tiful general in the party. 

Plot is virtually one long chase 
as Hope and his kidnappers seek to 
avoid a group of murderous bol- 
sheviks and at the same time dodge 
Miss Marshe's policemen brothers, 
headed by William Bendix, who 
want him for the proposed wedding. 
All the formula situations of the 
plot are milked dry for laughs in 
the swift scripting by Allen Boretz 
and Melville Shavelson. Dialog is 
punchy as tossed off by Hope and 
laughs often crowd laughs in un- 
foldment. Sidney Lanfield's direc- 
tion is sure-handed. in belting over 
the chuckles and keeping' pace fast. 

Miss Hasso brightens proceedings 
considerably as the fascinating gen- 
eral. Eye-appeal is strong and tal- 
ent excellent, which makes the as- 
signment count. Bendix rates laughs 
for work as the flat-foot brother of 
Miss Marshe, and George Colouris 
gets over as the principal heavy. 
Harry Von Zell is in briefly, for 
chuckles as gag-playing announcer. 

Production polish has been ca- 
pably furnished by Paul Jones. 
Charles B. Lang used his camera ex- 
pertly, and special photographic ef- 
fects by Gordon Jennings aid laugh 
intent. Other credits measure up. 

Brog. 



the aquashow to the Mackinac 
Island (.Wis.) locale where grandma 
is permanently domiciled. It thus 
becomes an on-location bally for the 
Mackinac resort, shifting from the 
tropical California locale to the 
Wisconsin winter-summer spot (both 
seasons are shown). In between, 
maestro Cugie batons his band with 
a tiny chihuahua pooch, in lieu of 
the baton. There are specialties by 
Tommy Wonder and others; Durante 
„ i whams over a symphonic arrange- 
Gw Tera °S ment of Tnka Dinka" and a good 
comedy routine, "I Found the Lost 
Chord"; the marine ballet and other 
dance numbers are effective flashes 
as Stanley Donen staged them.; 
"Piquita Amor" is interspliced as a 
promising theme, but the standard 
Porter number, "Easy to Love," 
snags the tune honors. 

Joe Pasternak's production is ul- 
tra; director Richard Thorpe's pace 
good; and the swimming ensemble 
strictly orb-filling but done with 
restraint and consummate good 
taste. Abel. 



Eagle I. ion release of Charles F. Rlesner 
production. Features John Ireland, Sheila 
Ryan, Hugh Beaumont. Jane Randolph. 

irected by Anthony Mann. Screenplay by 
John 0. HlgRinB from original by Gertrude 
Walker; camera, CSuy Roe; editor, Louis 
. ackln. Tradeshown N. . Y., Oct. 2, •*>. 
Running time, Vi .M1NS. 

Duke Martin...... John Ireland 

Rosa Ryan .:. Sheila Ryan 

lekey Ferguson Hugh Beaumont 

lava Calhoun Jane Randolph 

Steve Ryan Ed Kelly 

aptaln MacTaggart Charles U. Brown 

•hubb Clancy Cooper 

Morie Peggy Converse 

Mrs. Ryan .....Hennine Sterler 

Cowie Keefe Brasselle 

Aim-worth ..Roy Gordon 



This Time for Keeps 

(COLOR-SONGS) 

■Metro release of .Toe Pasternak pvoduc 
tlun. Stars Esther Williams. Lauritz Mel- 
chior. Jimmy Durante. Directed by Rich- 
ard Thorpe. Screenplay, .Gladys Lehman 
story, Krwin Gelsey, Lorraine Fielding 
camera (Technicolor). Karl Kreund; special 
•fleets, A. Arnold Gillespie; music, Georgle 
Stall; editor, John Donning; dances and 
water ballet. Stanley Donen. Tradeshown 
N. Y., Oct. B. '47. Running time. JOS SUNS 

Nora Ksther Williams 

Richard Herald Lauritz Melchior 

Ferdi Farro Jimmy Durante 

Pick Johnson .Johnnie Johnston 

Xavie.r Cugat Himself 

Grandma . .Da me May Whltty 

ron MeManue. 



Debora h . 
Cordon Coonie... 

Frances 

Peter 

Merle 

Tommy Wonder. 

Mrs k Allenbury ...Nella Watkei 

Norman Holmes Herbert 



. . . .Dick Simmons 

Mary Stuar 

. ..l-.udwlg Stossel 
...Dorothy Porter 
Himself 



"This Time for Keeps" is a money 
picture. Esther Williams, Lauritz 
Melchior and the yeoman Jimmy 
Durante, who struts himself to 
jriew personal hit, virtually insure it 
on marquee values alone. Couple 
the splendiferous Technicolor pro 
duction with the s.a. splash of the 
bathing beauts and it's ideal enter 
tainment anywhere. . 

Johnnie Johnston is projected as 
the juvenile, his usual blonde coif 
wisely denatured so that the color 
gives him a better camera perspec- 
tive, but actually he is eclipsed by 
Dick Simmons (cast as the disap- 
pointed juve) who does a standout 
job. Miss Williams, besides the 
aquatic and pulchritudinous display 
comes off above par on her personal 
histrionics. She handles her lines 
(dialog) almost as well as her other 
lines (Jantzen). 

Melchior gets off a few arias in 
eluding a rather operatic version of 
a Cole Porter oldie, "You Are So 
Easy to Love." He is cast as John 
ston's doting dad. Latter is an 
ex-GI who is more jive than long 
hair in his vocal leanings and he dis 
plays them with a swing treatment 
of "Martha" after Melchior does it 
rousingly well a* a legitimate aria 

Miss Williams is cOstarred with 
the comedic Durante in the Aqua 
Caper show. Latter alternates be 
tween a .mimic and a father con 
lessor for the aquabelle whose 
grandmother (Dame May Whitty 
an equestrian star on her own. gen 
erations back, watches over th 
brood'. It's established that th 
pride of heritage that comes with an 
old theatrical family permits this 
grand dame of the circus to rule as 
arbiter of her favorite granddaugh- 
ter's romantic, as well as profession- 
al, career. 

The story is episodic as it flits 
Jrom the Casa (Xavier) Cugat to 



Railroaded 



This is an old-type blood-and- 
thunder gangster meller that's bet- 
ter than its no-name cast would in- 
dicate. A ruthless mobster's trigger- 
happy mood is reflected by many 
killings and robberies, with payoff 
gun battle in nightclub reminiscent 
of gangster shockers before the strict 
code era. Fact that there are no 
names to brighten the marquee will 
militate against film's draw but it 
will do okay as under-half of some 
dualers. and possibly other spots 
where the exhibitor is smart enough 
to circus his bally. 

Story starts out like a familiar 
cops-and-robbery, then disintegrates 
into a plot wherein police detectives 
misinterpret circumstantial evidence, 
and it finally winds up with yarn 
centering on a cold-blooded gangster 
who uses his gun whenever anybody 
gets in his way. 

Probably the most suspenseful 
moment is built around said mob- 
ster's deliberate gun-blasting of his 
sweetheart after hr» overhears her 
tipping off the coppers. Even skill- 
ful cutting "does not make this a 
nice episode particularly since he 
had pushed her around all through 
the picture. The cold-blooded slay- 
ing . of his boss soon afterwards 
steeps this production in plenty of 
gore. 

Anthony Mann has directed, for 
the most part, with real acumen in 
developing maximum of suspense. 
Earlier passages where a truck- 
driver is unjustly accused by the 
gendarmes and put through a vivid 
third-degree seems a bit extraneous. 
John C. Higgins' screenplay is okay 
even if the Gertrude Walker original 
story proves not so original. 

Outstanding in the cast is Hugh 
Beaumont, as the conscientious de- 
tective. He tends to underplay 
which makes his work all the more 
effective. John Ireland is suffi- 
ciently menacing as the gangster 
killer. Jane Randolph does excellent 
work as the gunmoll while Sheila 
Ryan, comely dark-haired gal, shows 
promise as the heroine. Wear. 



Miniature Reviews 

"Where There's Life" (Par). 
Bob Hope at his funniest, which 
means solid business. 
', "This Time for Keeps" (Songs- 
Color) (M-G). Esther Williams, 
Melchior, Durante and Techni- 
color insure hearty b.o. 

"Railroaded" (EL). Gangster 
meller with plenty of killings 
but no cast names; lower dualer. 

"The Last Round-Up" (Col). 
Top-grade western, first of the 
new Gene Autrys from Colum- 
bia. Plenty to recommend it for 
the Autry market. 

"The Wild Frontier" (Rep). 
Neat westerner for dual situ- 
ations. 

"The Spirit of West Point" 

(FC). Exploitable feature built 
around last season's Army grid- 
iron greats, "Doc" Blanchard and 
Glenn Davis. Filled with actual 
news footage of season's top 
games. 

"Blonde Savage" (E-L). Mod- 
est-budgeted jungle yarn for the 
dualers. 

"White Stallion" (Astor). 
Westerner with Ken Maynard 
and Eddie Dean. Okay for sup- 
porting situations. 

"Fame Is the Spur" (Gen.) 
(British). Excellent drama of a 
self-made politician, with U. S. 
appeal somewhat restricted. 

"Farewell, My Beauti'ul Na- 
ples'' (Italian). Overlong,. ave»- 
age quality romance with music; 
little appeal byeond the Italian- 



with overall dress making this film 
appealing fare for dualer situations. 

Yarn revolves around the sheriff 
vs. outlaw theme with Lane getting 
the law-and-order job after his 
father is killed by some rustlers. 
Plenty of hard riding and gunplay 
takes place before Lane uncovers 
the town's leading citizen as being 
head of the robber gang. Climax is 
a hangup shooting fray ending in a 
stiff hand-to-hand fight between 
Lane and Holt, playing the heavy. 

In lead, Lane registers nicely as 
a cowboy hero, showing an adequate 
thesping talent besides the usual 
square jaw. Holt makes a creditable 
villain, albeit it's strange to see this 
upstanding guardian of the law in 
so many previous pictures in part 
of a cattle thief. Rest of the ' cast 
play competently in their stock roles. 

Kerm, 



The Spirit of West Point 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Film Classics release of John W. Rogers- 
Harry Joe Brown production. Stars Felix 
"Doc" Blanchard, Glenn Davis: feiilures 
Robert abayne, Anne Xagel. Alan Hale, 
Jr. ^Directed by Ralph Murphy. Screen- 
play, Tom Reed: camera. Lester While; 
editor. Harvey Manger. Previewed Sept. 
30, '47. Running time, 78 M1NS. 

'elix "Doc" Blanchard Himself 

Glenn Davis 

Ralph Davis. ... • 

Col. Red Blaik... 

Mrs. Blaik 

Oklahoma Cutler... 

Joe Wilson,... 

Mileaway McOarty. 

Mrs. Davis 

Mildred 

Mrs. Blanchard. .... 

Mr. Blanchard 

Cabot 

Quarterback 

Kerrlss . John Gallaudet 

Young Dorr Blanchard Rudy Wlsslc- 

Bill Stern Harry Wlsmer Tom Harmon 



.'. Himself 

Glenn Davis 

Robert Shayno 

........Anne NuKel 

.. . . .Alan Hale. Jr. 

. . .George O'llsnlon 
. . . . M 'cha el Browne 

. Margaret Wells 

Tanis -Chandler 

Mnry Newton 

. . . , "William Forrest. 

Lee Bennett 

..Mickey McCnrdle 



The Last ltoiind-IJp 

(Songs) 

Hollywood, Oct. 4. 

Columbia release of a Gene Autry 7>To~ 
duction. produced by Artnand Schaefer. 
Stars Gene Autry: features Jean Heather. 
Ralph Morgan. Carol Thurston. Mark Dan- 
iels. Bobby Blake. Ross Vincent. The 
Texas Rangers. Directed by John English. 
Screenplay, Jack Townley and Earle Snell; 
story, Townley; camera. William Bradford; 
musical supervisor, 1'aul .Ylertz: editor, 
Aaron Stell. Previewed Oct. '47. Run- 
ning time, 76 AII.N8. 



practically minus faults. Although 
Jack Townley's solid script is, laid in 
the. modern west, there're Indians on 
the war path and other prairie ac- 
tion. It's all veil premised, though, 
and the story holds water, a point 
not too common in westerns. Earle 
Snell collabed on script with Town- 
ley from latter's original. 

JoHn English's direction points up 
all of the plus factors, injecting little 
bits of business that add to overall 
merit. One instance is use of tune, 
"She'll Be Coming Around the 
Mountain," sung by Autry and class- 
room of Indian kids with gestures. 
Other Autry numbers are the title 
tune, "An Apple for the Teacher" 
by Johnny Burke and James Monaco; 
"You Can't See the Sun When You're 
Crying," by Allan Roberts and Doris 
Fisher, and "160 Acres" by David 
Kapp. All are nicely sold. 

Plot deals with efforts of Autry to 
get the Indians to take new, fertile 
lands in exchange for barren acres 
through which an aqueduct is to be 
built. Between necessity of convinc- 
ing the Indians, obtaining water 
rights from ranchers and blocking 
the villains' attempts to balk the 
deal, the hero has his hands full. 
Setup gives basis for a number of 
rough-and-tumble fistic displays, the 
Indian uprising promoted by the 
heavies, and general chases that 
make action swift. 

Aiding Autry is a very competent 
cast, all registering strongly. Jean 
Heather, the heroine school teacher; 
Ralph Morgan and Mark Daniels, 
chief heavies; Bobby Blake, Carol 
Thurston and Russ Vincent, very be- 
lieveable as educated Indians; 
George "Shug" Fisher, and others 
make for solid support. 

Armand Schaefer, production head 
of the Autry company, selected film's 
backgrounds with care and exercised 
equal judgment on alf phases. The 
action and outdoor backgrounds 
have been given wise attention by 
William Bradford's camera. Art di- 
rection, sets, Paul Mertz's musical 
supervision arid other factors fit in 
perfectly. > Brog. 



Gene Autry.. 

Carol 

Mason . , 

Lydia Henry. 
Matt Mason.. 

Mike 

Jeff Henry... 

Marvin 

Indian Chief, 

Gov? 

Taylor. 

Jim. 

Smith 

Sam Lot iter. 



. Himself 

. . - Jean Heather 
..Ralph Morgan 
. .Carol Thurston 

...Mark Daniels 
Hobby Blake 

... Russ Vincent 
e "shug" Fisher 
.Tl-evor Bardette 

Lee Bennett 

— lolm Halloran 

. .Sunily Sanders 

Roy Gordon 

. , .Siiverheels Smith 



Cora Luther Frances Rey 

Bob t'ason 



Gene Autry has teed off his new 
Columbia production slate with a 
top western entry. "The Last Round- 
Up" has everything a good, actionful 
western should have-to-make it click 
in the outdoor market. There's 
knowledgeable production, direction 
and writing to give the action plenty 
of substance. It's certain to please 
the many Autry fans and should at- 
tract some new ones. 

Film bears evidence of higher 
than average oater budget. Because 
of that, extra sales efforts are called 
for to make sure the western market 
is completely covered, but picture is 
strong enough to back up any extra 
efforts taken. 

"Round-Up'' needs tighter editing 
in the beginning and on the finale 
for better pacing, but otherwise is 



The Wild Frontier 

Republic release of Gordon Kaye produc- 
tion. Stars Allan Lane. Directed by Philip 
Ford. Screenplay, Albert DeMoml: camera, 
Alfred S. Keller; editor. Les Orlebeck. 
Tradeshown N. V. Oct. 3, '47. Running 
time, 59 !»I1NS. 

Allan "Rocky" Lane.. Allan "Rocky'* Lane 

His Slallion Black Jack 

Charles "Saddles" Barton lack Holt 

• Nugget" Clark Eddy Waller 

Marshal Frank Lane Pierre Wafkin 

Jimmy Lane.- John James 

Lon Brand , Roy Bat-croft 

Patrick .MaeSween Tom London 

Steve l.nwson... Sam Flint 

A Gunman .' Ted Mapcs 

Sam Wheeler Bud,! Busier 

Doe Hardy Wheatou Chambers 



Film Classics should garner fast 
return on "The Spirit of West Point" 
if releasing film during current foot- 
ball season. There's much actual 
footage of games that gave "Doc" 
Blanchard and Glenn Davis their 
reputation as the touchdown twins 
for Army, and presence of two pig- 
skinners gives added exploitation 
material. Story is sketchy and film 
kudoes West Point and its traditions 
with plenty of flag-waving but 
authentic gridiron footage carries 
the ball satisfactorily. 

Careers of football stars are picked 
up as they enter West Point and be- 
come members of^the team in 1944. 
Their lives are sketchily and briefly 
dealt with, but there's enough to 
justify actual football footage, which, 
after all, is main contributor to the 
picture's salable values. 

Quite a pitch is made on struggle 
of the two pigskinners to holdout 
against lucrative professional offers 
that flowed their way and how the 
Army was victorious in retaining its 
two new officers. Film was made 
while pair were on 60-day furlough 
between' graduation and reporting 
for active duty as officers of the 
Army. Temptation is stressed 
through Mileaway McCarty depart- 
ing West Point for better paying 
professional ball field. 

Blanchard and Davis do an okay 
job of portraying themselves on the 
screen. Robert Shayne, as the coach. 
Col. Red Blaik, is excellent, as is 
Alan Hale, Jr., as Oklahoma Cutler. 
Anne Nagcl, Mary Newton, Mar- 
garet Wells, Rudy Wissler and others 
are good under Ralph Murphy's di- 
rection in the John W. Rogers-Harry 
Joe Brown production. 

New lensing and newsreel clips 
have been fitted together expertly 
by editor Harvey Manger. Other 
technical credits measure up. 

Brog. 

Blonde Savage 

Eagle Lion release of Kneign (Lionel J. 
Toll! production. Stars Leif Eriokson. Gale 
Sherwood: features Veda Ann Borg, Doug- 
las Dumbrille, Frank Jenks. Directed by 
S. .K. Sceley. Original screenplay. Gordon 
Rat-he: camera,. William Slckner; editor, 
Paul Lnmlres. Previewed X. Y.. Oct. J. 
Running lime. (W SUN'S. 

Steve Blake 

Meelah 

Connie ftarper. . . 
Mark Harper.... 
I loppy Owens. . . . 

Herger ; 

Tonga'. . . .: 

Mary Comsloek.. 
Joe. Comstock .... 

Stone 

George Bennett . . 

( *la rlssa 

Inspector. .... 



transport nrm.are hired by diamond 
mine owner Douglas Dumbrille to 
make an aerial search for a nativs 
village. Forced down in the wilds 
they encounter Miss Sherwood a 
femme big wheel among the savages 
It develops she is the daughter of 
DumbriHe's murdered partner. 

Acting is generally mediocre 
Erickson physically is a stalwart 
enough hero but as the footage un- 
reels he fails to inject conviction 
into his role. Jenks' comedy relief 
is strained while Miss Sherwood 
does as best she can in an implaus- 
ible part. Dumbrille and Matt Willis 
register as heavies and Veda Ann 
Borg is so-so as DumbriHe's wife 
who loathes her life in the jungle. 

Gordon Bache's screenplay is 
reminiscent of the Tarzan tales 
S. K. Seelcy's direction is fair. Pro- 
ducer Lionel J. Toll made liberal use 
of stock shots and film's mountings 
reflect his care in disbursing the 
budget. 



White Stalfion 

(SONGS) 

Astor release of Walt Mat (ox production 
Features Eddie Dean. Ken Majnar.t Rocky 
Cameron, Max Terhune. Directed by Rob- 
ert Emmett. Screenplay. Frank siinpson; 
editor, Fred Bain; camera, ttdward Kail; 
music, .Flunk Sanuccl. At New Y/orkev ihe- 
alre, N. T., Oct. 1, '17. Running time 
.14 M INS. 

Ken Maynard. Himself 

Eddie Dean Himself 

Rocky Onnieron Hfiiiseil 

Max Terhune Himself 

II. S. Marshall Taylor Glen strange 

Ann Martin Ruth Roman 

Pop. Martin Boh McKenzie 

Jim Son ell. Charles King 

Tip. Bud Osborne 

Red A I Ferguson 

Bronco Dan White 

Sleepy .Fred Gil.lgrt 

Tex lerry Shield* 

Mr. Hodges Hal Price 

Sheriff : Jolt ti llridses 



"The Wild Frontier" is a fast 
actionful westerner that won't dis- 
appoint the customers for whom it's 
intended. Pic, marking the demise 
of Republic's Red Hyder series and 
the start of another mustang cycle 
with Allan Lane playing himself, is 
cut from a familiar formula but 
with exceptional neatness. Director 
Philip Ford has paced this one-hour 
feature at a breakneck speed with 
no time out for even a hint of 
romance. There's not a femme to 
be seen which is probably okay for 
the juve trade. who don't like to mix 
musnin' with murderin'. 

Production standards for this new 
series are fixed at a solid level. 
Backing up Lane is a good roster of 
players headed by Jack Holt and 
Eddy Waller. Camera work is first- 
rate, especially in fisticuff sequences 
where the punches look very real- 
istic. Editing job is tight but smooth 



Leif Krickson 

Gale Sherwood 

....Veda Ann Borg 
..Douglas Dumbrille 
Frank Jenks 

Mall Willis 

. . . . Ernest Whitman 

Cay Forester 

John Dehner 

Arthur Foster 

Alex "Fro set 

Eve Whitney 

lames Logan 



Initial filmmaking venture of En 
sign Productions is a modest-budg- 
eter whose distributional market 
will be confined to lower dualers 
"Blonde Savage,' 1 an unpretentious 
African jungle yarn, is just .passable 
entertainment for the action fans. 
Overworked, is the use of the flash- 
back technique, but occasional em- 
ployment of narrative to outline the 
plot presents a novel touch. 

Picture has inherent exploitation 
values in the "blonde savage" angle. 
Mystery of why a flaxen-haired 
damsel is living with a tribe of 
African aborigines is eventually ex- 
plained, but even when Meelah 
(Gale- Sherwood) first appears in 
the reel there's little suspense gen- 
erated as to how she got there. 

First scene has Leif Erickson in a 
powwow with an attorney in an 
African coastal town pondering the 
fates of a gal and man who are held 
on murder raps. Then comes the 
flashback. Erickson and his pal, 
Frank Jenks, operators of a plane 



"White Stallion" is a routine west- 
ern that's able to sustain itself in 
supporting situations^ Picture is 
well-paced, has a certain marquee 
value with Ken Maynard and Eddie 
Dean, and there's a dab of comedy to 
heighten the interest. 

Film makes some slight departure 
in that the cast toppers run through 
the film using their own names. Only 
obvious advantage in this procedure 
is the easy identification of the play- 
ers. Otherwise there's the incon- 
gruity of having the rest of the cast 
fictionally labeled. 

Maynard, Dean and Max Terhune 
work under Rocky Cameron in an 
effort to capture a group of bank- 
robbers. Heroics of this quartet ul- 
timately break up the band and re- 
cover the loot. 

Aside from chasing the- baddies, 
Maynard, whose assignment has him 
posing as an entertainer with a med- 
icine show, is afforded an oppor- 
tunity to make with fancy roping 
and trick-shooting. Eddie Dean, 
ladles out his quota of songs and 
Max Terhune works a ventriloquist 
dummy for comedy effects. Further 
comedy is by Bob McKenzie as the 
medicine show operator, whose 
makeup and characterization is 
highly reminiscent of the late Walter 
Connolly. Ruth Roman is the minor 
love interest and villainy is by 
Charles King. 

Robert Emmett's direction is fast 
and Frank Simpson's screenplay is 
good inasmuch as it uses a minimum 
of dialog. Jose. 



Fame Is the Spur 

London, Sept. 24. 

Genera) Film Distributors' release of Two 
Citiee-F. Del Giudice film. Stars Rosamund 
John. Michael Redgrave. Directed by Hoy 
Boulting. Screenplay by Nigel Balchin from 
Howard Spring's novel. Editor. Richard 
Best: music by John Womlridg'e: camera. 
Gunther Grampf, Harry Waxman. Stanley 
Pavey. At Studio One, London, Sept. 23, 
•47. Running time, 116 MINS. 

Hnmer Radshaw /.Michael Redgrave' 

Ann Rosamund John 

Tom ffannnway Rerhard Miles 

Arnold . Ryerson Hugh Burden 

Mrs. Radshaw. . . . 

Grandpa 

Suddaby - 

Lady Leltice. ..... 

Old Buck 

Lord Llskeard , . 
Aunt Lizzie. ..... 

Magistrate 

Pendleton 

Boy Hamer. ....', . 

Roy Ryerson 

Boy Hannaway... 
Dal 



lean Shepheard 

Guy Verney 

Percy Walsh 

Carla Lehiminn 

Seymour Mirks 

....David Touilinsell 

.Mnijnrle I'iti'ling 

Milton Rosmer 

. . . . Wylle VValsnd 

Anthony Wager 

Brian Weske 

Gerald Fox 

Charles W'-od 



Few writers can give poverty such 
an air of adventure as Howard 
Spring, and in the Boulting Bros, he 
found the right producer and direc- 
tor. It was not an easy matter to 
translate Spring's workmanlike saga 
of a self-made politician to the 
screen, but the Boultings have done 
this with "praiseworthy conscientious- 
ness. 

In these days, when British audi- 
ences are politically minded, this 
story of a lad from the slums, who 
rises to cabinet rank, although he has 
qualities everyone will condemn, 
should have a wide appeal. It lacks 
humor, and now and again is pe- 
destrian, yet Michael Redgrave s 
playing of the principal part— a 
blend of many labor politicians with 
a strong dash of Ramsay MacDoimld 
— is powerful enough to hold atten- 
tion airthrough. 

For American audiences it may be 
a revelation of what British work- 
men have suffered since 18V0. It may 
explain to them Labor's uncompro- 
mising attitude today to many Tory 
ideas. But as a general (entertain- 
ment it will most likely find its way 
into the arty pix theatres. With the 
exception of the woman's suffrage 
(Continued- on page 18) 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



PICTURE GROSSES 



'Thin Man -Adler Tops Chi, 
Fury' Sofid 19G, Carnegie' Lofty 25G 



Chicago, Oct. 7. 
After a long siege of holdovers 
Ave new pictures opened in Chi this 
S " High dough-grabber is "Song 
Z Thin Man" at Chfcago with Larry 
A^i.r heading the vaude. bill, for 

WO "Sparer with 
?Ifs a Joke Son" at th* Palace is 
„ -Jiaht $18,000. Roosevelt's "Desert 
|3 'looks solid $19,000. 

The Grand has "Carnegie Hall" 
w th a fancy $25,000 in prospect, 
u«d" with Beatrice Kay and Joe 
f Howard on stage is bringing the 
Oriental a crisp $45,000 on second 

W Most remarkable run fa -thai of 
"Outlaw" at Rialto in its 15th week 
with a fair $9,500. This is its second 
in Loop previously haying played 
the Oriental eight weeks. "Kiss of 
Death" at the Garrick is still hefty 
at $18 000 for second frame. Life 
With Father" is down to $19,000 irt 
seventh stanza. 

Estimate? for This week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 95)— "Wel- 
come Stranger" (Par) (10th wk). 
Medium $10,000. Last week, $12,000. 

Chicago (BS:K) (3,900; 95)— "Song 
Thin Man" (M-G) with Larry Ad- 
ler and Fred and Elaine Barry top- 
Dins stagebill. Sock $58,000. Last 
wee'k, "Mother Wore Tights" (20th) 
with Virginia O'Brien heading stage 
(4th wk), staunch $40,000 — 

Garrick (B&K) (900; 95)— "Kiss of 
Deith" (20th) (2d wk). Hefty $18,- 
000. Last week, $20,000. 

Grand (RKO) (1,500 ; 95)— "Car- 
negie Hall" (UA). Strong $25,000. 
Last week, "Bachelor and Bobby - 
Soxer" (RKO) (5th wk), light 
$13,000. 

Oriental (Essaness) (3,400; 95)— 
•'Lured'' (UA) (2d wk) with Beatrice 
Kay and Joe E. Howard topping 
sta'geshow. Crisp $45,000. Last week, 
$58;000. 

Palace (RKO) (2.500; 95)— "Sing- 
apore" (U) and "It's a Joke Son" 
(EL). Mode- ate $19,000. Last week, 
"Something in Wind," (U), $18,000. 

Rialto (Indie) (1.700; 95) — "0"t- 
lawi" (UA) (15th wk). Fair $9,500. 
L'/t week. $10,000. 

Rooseve'l (B'lO (1,500; 95)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par). Neat $19,000. 
Last we?k. "Cry Wolf" (WB) (4th 
wk). $15,010. 

State-Lake (B&K) 2.700; $1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (7th wk). 
Down to $19,000. Last week, nice 
$20,000. 

United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 95)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) (2d wk). 
Okay $18,000. Last week, $21,000. 

Woods (Essaness) (1.073: 95)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (10th wk). 
Tidy $17,000. Last week, $19,500. 

World (Indie) (587; 75)— "Chil- 
dren of Paradise" (Indie). Robust 
$4,000. Last week. "Happy Breed" 
(U) (6th wk), big $3,000. 

'SLAVE' BRIGHT 20G 
IN 2 DENVER SPOTS 

Denver, Oct. 7. 
"Slave Girl," day-date at Denver 
and Webber, is doing best money 
this session, "Unfinished Dance" is 
rated mild at the Orpheum. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aladdin (Fox) (1,400; 35-74) — 
'Dark Passage" (WB) and "Adven- 
tures of Don Coyote" (UA), after 
week at Denver, Esquire. Good $4,- 
000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20t!v) . and "Blackmail" 
(Rep), fine $5,000. 
Denham (Cockrill) 1,750; 35-70)— 
Variety Girl" (Par) (2d wk). Nice 
$12,000, and holds again. Last week, 
smash $23,000. 
Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74) — 
Slave Girl" (U) and "Philo Vance 
Returns" (EL), day-date with Web- 
ber. Fancy $17,000. Last week, 
Dark Passage" (WB) and "Adven- 
tures Don Coyote" (UA), also Es- 
quire, big $18,000. 

ESquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— "Deep 
Valley" (WB) and "Joe Palooka 
Knockout" (Mono), day-date with 
Paramount. Good $2,500. Last week. 
Dark Passage" (WB) and "Adven- 
tures Don Coyote" (UA), same. 
Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74)— 
Unfinished Dance" (M-G) and 
c P n acific Adventure" (Col). Mild $12.- 
??? ^ LESt we " !; - "Gone With Wind" 
$nooo lreis! ' ue) (2d wk) ' fair 
Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74) — 
Deep Valley" (WB) and "Joe 
Palooka Knockout" (Mono), also 
"& U o e - °' :;; - v $11,000. Last week, 
inats My Mm" (Rep) and "North- 
west Outoost" (Rep) $9,000.. 

Rialto (Fox) (878: 35-74)— "Mother 
WWTr'Ms" (20th) and"Blackmail" 

"i! ep V" ?, fter two weeks at Para- 
mount E-i-v.-irc and week at A i ad . 

am. , Good $2,500. Last week, "Sing- 
apore <u> and "When A Girl's 
"eautiful' (Col) (m.o.), $2,000. 

Tabor (Fox) (1,967: 35-74)— "New 
Orleans (UA) and "Hat Box Mys- 
tery iSG). Moderate $8,000. Last 
week. -Citv Without Men" (Col) and 

«l s ? n Wit hout Bars" (UA), $9,000. 

Webber (Fox) (750; 35-74)— "Slave 
.. and "Philo Vance Re- 
nnn" s r ,E A also' -Denver. Neat $3.- 
X .La--* -ook. "That's My Man" 

<m, $i n oo 0 . " Northwest ° ut P° St " 



Broadway Grosses 



Estimated Total Gross 

This Week $724,000 

(Based on 21 theatres) 

Last Year ..$662,000 

(Based on 18 theatres) 



'Harvest' Strong 
16G Leads Cincv 



Cincinnati, Oct. 7. 
Biz in downtown sector is only 
so-so this round because of scarcity 
of new bills, slicing of matinee biz 
by World Series and recurrence of I 
warm weather in the first half, j 
"Wild Harvest" is-topping the town 
in rosy style, being smartly ahead of \ 
the other new entrant, '"Kiss of j 
Death." 

Estimates for This Week 
Albee (RKO) (3,100; 50-75)— "Kiss I 
of Death" (20th). Fairish $13,000. j 
Last • week, "Other Love" (UA), I 
$12,000. 

~CapildI " 7RKG7 ~(2~0O0T 50-75)— 
"Welcome Stranger" , (Par) (m.o.) 
(2d wk). Nifty $7,500 in 5 days. 
Last week, great $12,500. 

Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-75)— 
"Each Dawn I Die" (WB) and "Bad 
Men of Missouri" (WB) (reissues). 
Swell $11,000, Last week, "Adven- 
turess". (EL), mild $6,000. 

Keith's (CI) (1.542; 50-75)— 
"Something in Wind" (U) (2d wk). 
Moderate $5,000 after $7,000 teeoff. 

Lyric (RKO) (1.400: 50-75)— 
"Wyoming" (Rep) and "Hit Parade 
of 1947" (Rep). Thin $4,000. Last 
week, "Mark of Zorro" (20th) and 
"Drums Along Mohawk" (20th) (re- 
issues), sturdy $7,500. 

Palace (RKO) (2,600: 50-75)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par). Strong $16.- 
000. Last week, "Crossfire" (RKO), 
about sume. 

..Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 50-75)— 
"Crossfire'' (RKO) (m.o.). Okay 
$6,000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
TipHs" (20th) (m.o.) (2d wk), good 
$6,500. 



'Desire' Torrid $12,000, 
Indpk; 'Kiss' Mild 9G 

Indianapolis, Oct. 7. 
World Series interest put a dent 
in film business here this week, but 
! "Welcome Stranger" held up fine 
in its second stanza at the Indiana. 
Its take will equal or pass that of 
"Desire Me," at Loew's. strongest of 
new entries. "Kiss of Death" is fair 
at Circle. 

Estimates for This Week 
Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 40- 
60)— "Kiss of Death" (20th) and 
"Trespasser" (Rep). Fair $9,000. 
Last week, "Long Night" (RKO) 
and "Seven Keys Baldpate" (RKO), 
$10,000. 

Indiana (G-D) (3.300; 40-60)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d wk). 
Dandy $12,000 after big $18,500 in 
first stanza. 

Keith's (G-D) (1,300; 40-60)— 
"Marked Woman" (WB) and "Dust 
Mv Destiny" (WB) (reissues). Trim 
S7.000. Last week, "Life With 
Father" (WB) (m.o.), about $7,000 in 
6 days at 90c.-$1.25 scale. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 40-60)— 
•Desire Me" (M-G). Fancy $12,000. 
Last week, "Unfinished Dance" 
(M-G) and "Arnelo Affair" (M-G), 
$10,000. 

Lyric (G-D) (1,600; 40-80)— "New 
Orleans" (UA) and "Fun on Week- 
End" (UA). Mild $6,000. Last week, 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) (m.o.), 
dandy $6,000. 



Series Nips B'way But 'West Point' 
Big 1$/$; 'Unsuspected-Blue Barron 
In Black, 6^; Foxes -Berk 117G, 2d 



SeriesJaps-Bet.,- 
'Kiss Modest M 



'Wyoming'-Haley-Moore 
Neat 28G, Hub; 'Harvest' 
Fat 23G, 'Crossfire' 32G 

Boston, Oct. 7. 
"Crossfire" in its first week at the 

Memorial shapes well ahead of town 

this week with "Welcome Stranger" 
in second still great at the Met. 
"Wild Harvest" day-date at the 

Paramount and Fenway looks sturdy. 
Estimates for This Week 
Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10)— 
"Wyoming" (Rep) plus Jack Haley, 
Constance Moore, others on stage. 
Sock vaude layout but biz looks 
merely good $28,000. Last week, 
"Stepchild" (EL) with Cab Calloway 
orch, others, on stage, $26,000. 

Esquire (M-P) (700: 75-$1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (6th wk). 
Nice $3,500 after $4,000 last. 

Exeter (Indie) (1.000: 45-65)— 
"Captive Heart" (U) and "Cynthia" 
(M-G) (2d wk). Fine $3,500 after 
$6,000 in first. 

Fenway (M-P) (1.373; 40-80)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) and "Killer 
Dill" (SG). First-run here, with 
okay $6,500. Last week. "Mother 
Wore Tights" (20th) and "Tres- 
passer" (Rep), $5,900. 

Memorial (RKO) (2.985: 40-80)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO) plus "Knockout" 
(Indie). Begins second week today 
after snagging great $32,000 in first. 

Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367: 40-80) 
—"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d 
wk). Still great at $28,000 after 
smpsh $36,0Cj) for first. 

Modern (M-P I (890: 75-$1.25 > — 
'Lite With Father" (WB) (6th wk). 

i Ok.-.y $6,000 after $7,000 in fifth. 

I _OM South (Siritzky) (700: 45-65) 

; — "Pioue Dame" (Indie) and "Page- 
ant Russia" (Indie). Trim $3,500 on 

! this. Last^week. subsequent-run. 

I Orpheum (Loew) (3.030;- 40-80)— 
'•Desire Me" (M-G). Opened big on 
Sat. (6). Last week. "Unfinished 
Danco" (M-G) and "Arnelo Affair" 
(M-G). Neat $25,000 in 9 days. 

Paramount (M-P ) 1 1,700; 40-80)— 
"Wild Harvest" (PaT) and "Killer 
Dill" (SG). First-run bill looks 
fancy $16,500. Last week. "Mother 
Wore Tights" (20th) and "Tres- 
passer" (Rep). $16,000. 

State (Loew) (3.500: 40-80)— "De- 
sire Me" (M-G). Opened Sat. (4) 
in big manner. Last week, "Unfin- 
ished Dance" (M-G) and "Arnelo 
Affair" (M-G). fine $12,000 in 9 days. 

Translux (Translux I (900: 30-74) 
— "Scarface" (WB'l and "Hell's 
Angels" (UA) (reissues). Oldies 
getting a good plav at $5,500. Last 
week. "Dark Journey" (WB> (re- 
issue) and "Gas House Kids Holly- 
wood" (EL), $4,000. 



v Detroit. Oct. 7. 

"Kiss of Death" at the Fox looks to 
j gut top coin this week as business 
,=ag§ at all houses. "Other Love" 
also is lusty at Palms-State. Among 
the holdovers, "Dark Passage." at the 
Michigan, and "Wild Harvest." at 
the Broadway-Capitol, looks strong- 
est. Exhibitors blamed part of 
slump on the World Series. 

Estimates for This Week 
Downtown (Balaban) (2,683: 70- 
95)— "Black Gold" (Mono) and "Kil- 
roy Was Here" (Monoi. Minor $10.- 
000. Last > week, "Scared to Death" 
(Rep) arid "Murder in Reverse" 
(20th), about same. * 

Broadway-Capitol (United Detroit) 
(3,309; 70-95)— "Wild Harvest" (Par) 
and "Jungle Flight" (Par) (2d wk). 
Tall $15,000. Last week, sock $24,- 
000. 

Adams (Balaban) (1,740; 70-95)— 
"Bachelor Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(4th wk). Off to $9,000. Last week, 
$10,000. 

Cinema (Marten) (250: 60-90)— 
"Well-Digger's Daughter" (Indie) 
(3d wk). Good $2,O00. Last week, 
strong $2,500. 

Madison - (UD) (1866; 50-60) — 
"Repeat Performance" (EL) and 
"Dishonored Lady" (UA). Average 
$2,100 in 3 days. Last week, "Un- 
faithful" (WB) and "Vigilantes Re- 
turn" (Rep), $2,400 in 3 days. 

Michigan (UD) (4,039; 70-95)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Keeper 
of Bees" (Col) (2d wk). Stout $18- 
000. Last week, big $28,000. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,100; 70-95) 
—"Kiss of Death" (20th). Modest 
$28,000. Last week, "Slave Girl" 
(U) and "Bulldog Drummond at 
Bay" (Col), $24,000. 

Palms-State (UD) (2.976' 70-95)— 
"Other Love" (UA) and "Adventures 
Don Coyote" (UA). Lusty $17,000. 
Last week, "Unfinished Dance 



i M-G) (2d wk), tall $15,000. 

United Artists (UDi (1,951; $1.- 
$1.25)— "Life With Father" (WBi 
(4th wk). Attractive $14,000. Last 
week, strong $19,000. 



New Pix Boost St. Loo; 
'Desire' Nice 22G, 'Kiss' 
18G, 'Beach' Fancy 17G 

St. Louis. Oct. 7. 

With a wealth of fresh screen 
product on tap at firstruns. "Desire 
Me" and "Kiss of Death" are stand- 
out. "Woman on Beach" also is big. 
Annual Veiled Prophet parade, pat- 
terned after the New Orleans Mardi 
Gras last night lured thousands 
downtown, leaving the nabes virtu- 
ally empty. 

Estimates for This Week 

Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-75) 
— 'Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d 
wk). Nice $14,000 after robust $19,- 
000 first stanza. 

Art (S'Renco) (115; 85)— "They 
Were Sisters" (U) (2d wk). Build- 
(Continued on page 16) 



Grosses Are Net 

Film gross estimates, as re- 
ported herewith from the vari- 
ous key cities, are net, i.e., with- 
out the 20% tax. Distributors 
share on net take, when playing 
percentage, hence the estimated 
figures are net income. 

The parenthetic admission 
prices, however, as indi'"- , <>d. in- 
clude the U.S. amusement tax 



First nickel World's Series in six 
years is clipping, all Broadway first- 
runs this session since they had to 
compete against avid interest in the 
ball games for seven straight days 
starting on Tuesday (30). Only a 
brisk upbeat Saturday and Sunday, 
especially Saturday (4) night, will 
hold grosses 4s high as they are 
currently. N. Y. deluxers again 
benefited from iniiux of visitors from 
nearby football games over the 
weekend. 

Matinees were particularly off 
naturally, with thousands tuned in 
on their radios and television sets 
to hear the results of the Yankees- 
Dodgers struggle. They are watch- 
ing results of holdover bills this 
week to check carefully on this 
angle and also how badly radio cut 
in as a result of the all N. Y. series. 

Only four new pictures teed off 
during the past seven days. Biggest 
money is going to "The Unsuspected" 
with slageshow headed by Blue 
Barron band, Joey Adams, Tony 
Canzoneri at the Strand. Combo 
looks to hit very good $60,000, with 
fairly nice crix appraisal from many 
-reviewers.- - Having-to start -on- Fri- 
day (3). fourth day of series, un- 
doubtedly cut deeply into business 
afternoons of opening days. 

Outstanding showing is being 
made by "Spirit of' West Point," new 
football opus starring Davis and 
Blanchard. Army's touchdown twins. 
Helped by strong weekend while 
grid enthusiasts were in town, this 
new picture is giving the Victoria a 
great $24,500 or better, big for this 
small-seater and especially fine in 
view of series' competition. Elabo- 
rate, colorful house front is letting 
the street know that the two former 
West Point football star's are in this 
opus. 

"Blonde Savage," big exploitation 
film, is giving the bandbox Rialto its 
best week in some time, with strong 
$8,500 or better likely. Picture holds. 
Other opening is "Magic Town," 
which started out nicely yesterday 
(Tues.) at the Palace, after three 
fairly good weeks with "Long 
Night." 

Not a single house with holdovers 
escaped the baseball series competi 
tion, all dropping sharply from 
initial week's business. Foxes of 
Harrow," with Milton Berle and his 
revue onstage, at the Roxy fell from 
sock $140,000 to $117,000 in second 
session ended last (Tues.) night. 
"Desire Me" with Gene Krupa band, 
heading stagebill, at the Capitol 
dipped from $72,000 to $64,000 or less 
in current round. 

Paramount, with "Desert Fury" 
plus Desi Arnaz band and Marion 
Hutton topping stage layout, also is 
down to $70,000 this stanza from 
good $81,000 opener. "Down to 
Earth," in fourth week at Music 
Hall, is way off at $104,000 or near 
after $116,000 for third. 

"Fun, Fancy Free" dipped from 
sock $35,000 opening frame to near 
$28,000 this week at the Globe. Most 
other houses suffered in like manner. 

"Ride the Pink Horse" opens to- 
day (Wed.) at the Winter Garden 
after three okay weeks with "Singa- 
pore." "Nightmare Alley" comes into 
the Mayfair tomorrow (Thurs.) after 
six strong weeks with "Kiss of 
Death." 

"Unconqtiered" tees off next Fri- 
day (10) at the Rivoli after 11 big 
weeks with "Crossfire." Latter is 
going a couple of days' beyond the 
11th week. "Hungry Hill" goes into 
the Park Avenue on the same day. 
Estimates for This Week 

Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 80-$1.80) 
—"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (8th wk). 
Still going along at a nice clip, but 
hurt by series: okay $31,000 looms 
after $36,000 for seventh. * Stays on 
indef. 

Broadway (UA) (1,895; 70-$1.50) — 
"Outlaw" (UA) (4th wk). Continues 
in big money at $39,000 or better 
this stanza after $46,000 for third. 
Continues. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4.820: 70-$1.50) 
— "Desire Me" (M-G) plus Gene 
Krupa orch. Rose Marie, Buddy 
Hughes. Cardini heading stageshow 
(2d wk). Down to okay $64,000 or 
under after nice $72,000 in first 
week. Goes a third round. 

Criterion (Loew's) (1.700; 60-$1.25) 
—"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reis- 
sue) (6th wk). Slid off to $26,000 or 
near this frame after $30,000 in 5th. 
both fine profit. 'T.rppn Dolphin 
Street" (M-G ) opens here on Oct. 15. 

Globe ( Brandt i (1,500; 70-$1.20)— 
"Fun. Fancy Free" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Latest Disney opus holding up 
stoutly with $28,000 likely this ses- 
sion after socko $35,000 opener. 
Stays on. 

Gotham (Brandt) (900: 70-$1.40)— 
"Each Dawn I Die" (WB) and "Bad 
Men of Missouri" (WB) (reissues) 
1 3d wk). Getting around $8,700 in 
blowoff; second was sturdy $10,500. 
Holds a fourth. 

Little Carnegie (Indie) (460; 95- 
$1.20)— "Tawny Pipit" (U) (5th wk). 
Staying up in profit zone with ease, 



going to $5,500 or better this stanza 
after $6,500 for fourth. Holds again. 

Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 70$1.50> 
—"Kiss of Death" (20th) (6th-final 
wk). Goes one day beyond sixth 
week, getting $15,000 in final eight 
days after $17,500. for fifth. "Night- 
mare Alley" (20th) opens- here to- 
morrow (Thurs.). 

Palace (RKO) (1.700; 60-$1.20>— 
"Magic Town" (RKO). Opened here 
yesterday (Tues.) in strong fashion. 
Last week, "Long Night" (RKO) (3d 
wk). finished at $11,000, oke; second- 
good $18,500. 

Paramount (Par) (3.664: 55-$1.50) 
Desert Fury" (Par) and Desi Ar- 
naz orch, Marion . Hutton topping 
stagebill (3d-final wk). Second frame 
ended last (Tues.) night okay $70,000 
after good $81,000 opener. Making 
the third week the final one here. 

Variety Girl" (Par) slated to come 
in next. 

Park Avenue (U) (583: $1.20-$2.40) 
"Frieda" (U) (8th-final wk). Off 
at $5,200 in final 8 days after $6,000 
for 7th week. "Hungry Hill" (U) 
opens Friday (10). 

Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- 
lers) (5,945; 70-$2.40)— "Down to 
-Earth— (-Gol-)-and-stageshown- (4th— 
final wk). Winding up at a fairly 
modest $104,000 after oke $1 16,000 in 
third stanza. "Song of Love" (M-G) 
opens here tomorrow (Thurs.). 

Rialto (Mayer) (594; 35-85)— 
"Blonde Savage" (EL). In week end- 
ing tomorrow (Thurs.) this big ex- 
ploitation film is hitting strong $8,500 
or better, bigl This is best liere in 
many weeks. Holds, naturally. In 
ahead, 'Tracy Meets Gruesome" 
(RKO), $6,500. 

Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092 ; 60-$1.25) 
—"Crossfire" (RKO) (12th-final 
week). For 11th week ended last 
(Tues.) night, this dipped to $18,000 
as against $23,000 for 10th round. 
Going a couple of days beyond the 
11th week, with "Unconquered" 
(Par) teeing off here on Friday (10). 

Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.50)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) plus Mil- 
ton Berle and his revue heading stage 
layout (3d wk). Off sharply from 
opening week with big $117,000 
likely in second week ended last 
(Tues.) night, competition of series 
games especially hurting matinees; 
initial frame was great $140,000. 
Stays four weeks in all with "For- 
ever-Amber" (20th) opening op Oct. 

State (Loew's) (3,450;' 43-$1.10)— 
"Perils of Pauline" (Par) (2d run) 
with Myron Cohen, Beverly Tyler, 
Hal Le Roy heading vaude. Fancy 
$29,000. Last week. "Other Love" 
(UA) (2d run) with Lew Parker, 
3 Flames heading vaude, $25,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,756; 75-$1.50)— 
"Unsuspected" (WB) plus Blue Bar- ' 
ron orch, Joey Adams, Tony Can- 
zoneri topping stageshow. First week 
ending tomorrow (Thurs.) shapes 
for very good $60,000, and naturally 
is holding. Crix appraisal for film, 
fairly good. Last week, fourth of 
"Dark Passage" (WB), Victor Lom- 
bardo orch, was $41,000 very fine 
for final stanza. 

Sutton (Rugoff-Becker), (561; 70- 
$1.25)— "Know Where I'm Going" 
(U) (8th wk). This Britisher hold- 
ing on remarkably well after big 
opening weeks. Seventh session 
ended last Monday (6) night hit 
$9,500 after $10,500 for sixth. Con- 
tinues on. 

Victoria (City Inv.) (720: 70-$1.20) 
—"Spirit of West Point" (FC). First- 
run football opus about the Army's 
gridiron twins and starring them 
(Davis and Blanchard), going to 
great $24,500 unusually big for this 
small-seater. Stays on. In ahead, 
sixth week of "Lured" (UA) 
rounded out very fine engagement 
at $8,500. 

Warner (WB) (1,499; 90-$1.50)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (8th wk). 
Still going on all six in this extended 
playdate with stout $30,000 after 
rugged $33,000 for seventh. 

Winter Garden (UA) (1,312; 60- 
$1.20)— "Ride Pink Horse" (U). 
Opens here today (Wed.) after 
three okay weeks for "Singapore" 
(U). Final frame for latter was okay 
$16,000 in -8 days following nice 
$17,500 for second albeit below hopes. 



'Brute' Wow $14,000 
In Port.; 'Beach' 10G 



Portland. Ore.. Oct. 7. 

"Brute Force" is packing the 
Broadway this week, being standout 
of firstruns. "Gone With Wind" at 
United Artists is still solid on second- 
week. Other films shape as good to 
light. 

Estimates for This Week 
Broadway (Parker) (1.832; )<! JiO)' 
— "Brute Force" (U) and "Spring- 
time Sierras" (Rep). Sock $14,000. 
Last week. "Wyoming" (Rep) and 
"That's My Gal" (Rep), mild $8,000. 

Guild (Parker) (427;' 65-$1.00)— 
"Magic Bow" (U). Excellent $3,500. 
(Continued on page 16) 



10 



Wednesday, October 8, I947 



liiljiill 




M 



273 out of 273 comment- 
cards received at 4 pre- 
views hailed Paramount 's 
new "steam-heated " ro- 
mance with one or more 
of the rave adjectives that 
make up this amazing 
composite quote: 



11 
m 




II 

• 

• Iff 



4 'S ■ I 



• Ml 



Word-of-mouth like that means 
you've got another audience^ 
pleaser like "Dear Ruth'' for ... , 



season! 



■v : :v-"^:Vj:?X?;^' ■..;-V:".i:r-' : \ *'-X V..avIv>.-.:'-::^Iv.v..- -v.'. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



PICTURE GROSSES 



11 



'Unconquered' Huge 45G, Pitt Preetn; 
'Foxes' Great 18G,.'Pa$sage' OK 19G 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 7. • 
Terrific weekend, with all the 
festivities attending world preem of 
"Unconquered" sandwiched with 
Pitt-Notre Dame football game, put 
nearly every spot on gravy train, 
and Biz generally is shooting far 
thove normal. Cecil B DeMille pic- 
ture at advanced prices, got away 
\o a blazing start at Perm and 
should be a record-breaker if trade 
holds up. "Foxes of Harrow" at 
Harris and "Dark Passage" are run- 
ning neck-and-neck for second place. 
'•Bachleor and Bobby Soxer" is 
hanging on well at Warner and will 
likely stick a third week. 

Estimates for This Week 
Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 40-70)— 
"Something in Wind" (U). They 
aren't buying Deanna Durbm here 
any more. jVill be .lucky to get 
S6,'500. but stays a,n extra three days 
because house wants more time for 
launching "Walter Mitty" (RKO) 
on Saturday (11). Last week. "Kiss 
of Dealth" (20th) (2d wk), less than 
$6,000. 

Harris (Harris) (2,200; 40-70) — 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Got off 
to honeyed start and some overflow 
from nearby Penn. Should get close 
to $18,000, great and cinch holdover. 
Last wpok, "Lured" (UA). $10,500. 

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 75- 
81.20)— "Unconquered" (Par). Ter- 
rific bally paying off on this. Town's 
been pelted on all sides by movie- 
land glamour and pressure. Cecil 
B. DeMille picture got nearly $10,000 
on opening day Saturday (4) fol- 
lowing invitation preem the night 
before. Looks to hit better than 
$45,000. terrific. Last week, "Wild 
Harvest" (Par), fine $16,500 in 8 
days. 

KHz (Loew's) (800; 40-70)— "Wild 
Harvest" (Par) (m.o.). Okay $3,000. 
Last week, "Gone With Wind" (M-G ) 
(reissue) (m.o.), ditto after a fort- 
night at Penn. 

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 40-70) — 
"Fun on Weekend" (UA) and "Stork 
Bites Man" (UA). Looks like just 
another also-ran at $2,500. Last 
week. "Mother Wore Tights" (20th) 
(m.o.), strong $5,000 for third week 
downtown. 

r Stanley (WB) (3,800; 40-70) — 
"Dark Passage" (WB). Oke $19,000 
or near. Last week, second of "Wel- 
come Stranger" (Par) down to 
$12,000. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-70)— 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(2d wk). Standing up well despite 
rush of new pix and will do nearly 
$12,500. That's enough to get it an- 
other week. Last week, big $18,000. 

'Passage' Fast 14G In 
Seattle; lured' Hot 8G 

Seattle, Oct. 7. 

"Dark Passage" and "Lured" shape 
up as best newcomers this week. 
Real news, however, is the terrific 
showing being made by "Welcome 
Stranger" in its second session at the 
Liberty. It's only a step away from 
initial week's sockeroo pace. 
Estimates for This Week 

Blue Mouse (H-E) (800; 45-80)— 
"Slave Girl" (U) and "Time Mind" 
(<U). Good $5,000. Last week. 
'Marked Woman" (WB) and "Dust 
My Destiny" (WB) (reissues) (2d 
wk+. $3,800. 

Fifth Avenue J[H-E) (2,349; 45-80) 
— Great Expectations" (U). Sad 
$7,000. Last week, "Song Thin Man" 
(M-G) and "Yankee Fakir" (Rep). 
$8,800. 

Liberty (J & VH) (1,650; 45-80)— 
Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d wk). 
Terrific $16,000, and setting daily 
records. Looks like new high for 
second week. Last week, colossal 
$18,000. 

Music Box (H-E) (850; 45-80)— 
Long Night" (RKO) and "Mahoney" 
(Mono) (m.o.). Thin $1,200 in 3 
days and pulled for "Shanghai Ges- 
ture (Indie) and "Dakota" (Rep) 
• reissues) which did $4,000. Last 
week. "Fifth Avenue" (Mono) and 
t 7!, 1u nderbolt" (Mono) (2d wk), 

Music Hall (H-E) (2,200; 45-80)— 

Deep Valley" (WB) and "Second 
Chance' (20th). Good $8,000. Last 
week. "Gone- With Wind" (M-G) 
(reissue) (3d wk), $7,200. 
..O'l'heum (H-E) (2,600; 45-80)- 

Dark Passage" (WB). Big $14,000. 
Last week. "Long Night" (RKO) and 

Mahoiioy ' (Mono), $9,300 
Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 45-80) 
^nnn Ve f . (UA) ' Hitting great 
»?.000. Last week, "That's My Man" 

Kep.i and "Spoilers of North" 
<Rep), $3,500 m 6 days. 
Paramount (H-B) (3,039; 45-80) — 

Something in Wind" (U) and "Bull- 
dog Drurnrrsond Strikes Back" (Col). 
Thin $G,000 in 6 days. Last week. 

mi.v? ,9£K (u > and "Time Out 
Mind' (U). big $11,400. 

Koosevelt (Sterling) (850; 45-80)— 
'•inn ? i!i fieent Obsession" (U) and 
100 Men and Girl" (U) (reissues). 
Good $4,a00. Last week, "Fun 
Weokc,„ ri . (UA) and "Kilrov Was 
neie (Mono), $3,200. 



Key City Grosses 

Estimated Total Grosu 

This Week $2,989,000 

(Based on 22 cities, 216 thea- 
tres, c/iie/ly first runs, including 
N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Week- 
Last Year .. .$2,989,000 

(Based on 22 cities, 193 theatres) 



'Foxes' Wham 32G 
Best Philly Bet 

Philadelphia, Oct. 7. 
Foxes of Harrow" is getting best 
play here this session with heavy 
weekend biz pointing to sock total. 
' Song of Thin Man" looks oke while 
opening of "Her Husband's Affairs" 
getting so-so attention. "Gone With 
the Wind" shapes fine. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aldine (WB) (.1303; 50-94) — 
■'CrQSsfire"-4RKa)— (.6 th -wk) , — Mild- 
$10,000. Last week, neat $12,500. 

Arcadia (Sablosky) (700; 50-94)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d run) 
(2d wk). Nice $6,000. Last week, 
big $7,000. 

Boyd (.WB) (2,350; 50-94)— "Her 
Husband s Affairs" (Col). Fair $21,- 
000. Last week. "Life With Father" 
(WB), good $15,500 for sixth week. 

Earle (WB) (2,760; 50-94)— "Dark 
Passage" (WB) (3d wk). Mild $15,- 
500. Last week, fairish $18,500. 

Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-94 )— "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th). Sock $32,000. 
Last week, "Kiss of Death" (20th), 
$14,000. for third scsh. 

Goldman (Goldman) (1.300: 50-94) 
—"Variety Girl" (Par) (4th wk). 
Still holding up with $17,000. Last 
week, fine $20,000. 

Kartton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-94) 
—"Song Thin Man" (M-G). Teeing 
off nicely at $17,000. Last week, 
"Desert Fury" (Par), $7,000 fifth ses- 
sion. 

Keith's (Goldman) (1.300; 50-94)— 
"Bachelor and Bobby Soxer" (RKO) 
(2d run ). Showing effect of milk- 
run at Stanley with modest $7,000. 
Last week, "Deep Valley" tWB), 
$4,000 for second run. 

Mastbaum (WB) (4.360; 50-94)— 
"Down To Earth" (Col) (3d wk). 
Modest $16,000. Last week, $22,000. 

Pix (Cummins) (500; 50-94) — 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue). 
Looks like fine $12,000. Last week, 
"Abie's Irish Rose" f UA). pale $5,000 
holdover. 

Stanley (WB) (2.950; 50-94) — 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) (2d wk). Fair- 
ish $19,000. Last week, fine $23,500. 

Stanton (WB) (1.475: 50-94)— "Bad 
Men Missouri" (WB) and "Each 
Dawn I Die" (WB) 'reissues). Get- 
ting great play at $18,000. Last week, 
"Red Stallion" (EL), oke $11,000. . 



WB's Lower Scale Boosts 
'Passage' Rugged $20,000, 
D.C.; 'Merton'-Vaude 24G 

Washington, Oct. 7. 

Despite plenty of new material 
along the main stem, town's biz is 
on the dull side this stanza. "Dark 
Passage," at Warner, ushering in a 
new lower scale policy at company's 
showcase, looks substantial. "Desire 
Me." at Loew's Palace, is close run- 
ner-up for this session's leader. 
"Monsieur Verdoux." In second week 
at the Pix, small raidtowners is still 
going strong. "Merlon of Movies." 
new Red Skelton film, is okay at 
the Capitol with vaude. 

Estimates for This Week 

Capitol (Loew's) (2.434; 44-80) — 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) plus 
vaude. Satisfactory $24,000. Last 
week. "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) 
with vaude. $26,000. 

Columbia (Loew's) U.263: 44-70) — 
"Vigilantes Return" (Mono) (1st 
run). Slim $6,000. Last week, 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) (2d 
run), oke $7,000. 

Keith's (RKO) M,838: 44-80)— 
"Singapore" (U) (2d wk). Good 
$11,000 after big $16,000 opener. 

■Metropolitan (WB) (1.153:44-70)— 
"Red Stallion" (EL). Disappointing 
$7,500: Last week, "Bad Men of 
Missouri" (WB) (reissue I, husky 
$12,000. 

Talace (Loew's) (2.370: 44-74)— 
"Desire Me" (M-G). Good $20,000. 
Last week. "Desert Fury" (Par) 
(2d wk), slow $12,000. 

Pix (Lewis) (500: 44-74)— "Mon- 
sieur Verdoux" <UA) <2d wk K Hot 
$7,500. Last week, sock $9,.)00. Holds 
again. 

Warner (WB) 12.154: 44-74)— 
"Dark Passage" (WBt. First week 
of lowered admission policy boost- 
in? this to trim $20,000. Last week. 
"Life With Father" (3d wk), at $1.25 j 
top, big $18,000. I 



'Affairs' Stout $13,000, 
Balto; 'Desire' Oke 15G 

Baltimore, Oct. 7. 

Business is holding fairly steady 
here, with some all right action re- 
ported for newcomers in rather 
fulsome h.o. list. "Desire Me" is 
okay at Loew's Century while "Her 
Husband's Affairs," at Town, is 
doing better with strong session. 
"Foxes of Harrow" shapes up nicely 
on second week at the New, 
Estimates for This Week 

Century (Loew's UA) (3,000: 20- 
60)— "Desire Me" (M-G). Okay 
$15,000. Last week, "Carnegie Hall" 
(UA), $13,800. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 
20-70)— "Long Night" (RKO) plus 
vaude. Pleasing $15,500. Last week, 
"When Girl's Beautiful" (Col) plus 
Three Stooges, Mel Torme and Bon- 
nie Baker on stage, fancy $20,200. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 
60)— "To Each His Own" (Par) and 
"Lost Weekend" (Par) (reissues). 
Starts today (Tues.) as an innovation 
in this town of lone features. Last 
week, "Slave Girl" (U), mild $11,700. 
In ahead. "Desert Fury" (Par) (2d 
wk) $9 500 

Ma vf air ' (Hicks) (980; 25-55)— 
"Driftwood" (Rep). Modest $6,000. 
Last week, "Born to Kill" (RKO), 
$6,300. 

New (Mechanic) (1.800; 20-60)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). 
Maintaining good pace at solid 
$11,000 after great $15,400 opener, 
albeit a bit below hopes. 

Stanley (WB) (3,280; 50-$1.25)— 
•"Life With Father" (WB) (2d wk). 
Tapering off rather sharply at $15,- 
000 after upped scale helped toward 
a sock $34,400 opening round. 

Town (Rappaport) (1,600; 35-65)— 
"Her Husband's Affairs" (Col). 
Strong $13,000. Last week, third oE 
"Crossfire" (RKO), $9,700. 

'Desire' Lush 17G, 
K.C.; Kiss' Hot 15G 

Kansas City. Oct. 7." 

Biz at the firstruns here this stanza 
is about average. Sudden return of 
warm weather is crimping biz to 
some extent. "Desire Me," at Mid- 
land, is pacing city. "Life With 
Father," at Orpheum, holds for a 
second round after sturdy opening 
frame. "Kiss of Death" shapes 
stout at three day-date Fox-Mid- 
west spots. "Deep Valley'^ looks 
mild at Paramount. 

Estimates for This Week 

Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 
65) — "Singapore" (U) (m.o.) and 
"Yankee Fakir" (Rep). Okay $4,000. 
Last week, "Moss Rose" (20th) and 
"Crimson Key" (20th), $6,000, and 
a bit over hopes. 

Kimo (Dickinson) (550; 65)— 
"Barber Seville" (Indie). Sharp 
$1,800. Last week, "Children of 
Paradise" (Indie) (2d wk), so-so 
$1,400. 

Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65)— 
"Desire Me" (M-G). Big $17,000. 
Last week, "Down to Earth" (Col) 
and "Son of Rusty" (Col), $14,000. 

Orpheum (RKO) (1,900; $1.25)—, 
"Life With Father" (WB) (2d wk). 
Steady $11,500 after sturdy $14,500 
initrai-stanza. . 

Paramount (Par) (1.900: 45-65)— 
"Deep Valley" (WB). Mild $9,500. 
Last week, "Cry Wolf" (WB), pass- 
able $10,000 for 8 days, but far be- 
low expectancy. 

Tower-Uptown-Fairway (Fox Mid- 
west) (2,100, 2,043, 700; 45-65)— "Kiss 
of Death" (20th). Strong $15,000 
Last week.. "Singapore" (U), big 
$18,500. 

living' 12G Tops Omaha 

Omaha, Oct. 7. 
Reissues o£ "Each Dawn I Die" 
and "Bad Men of Missouri" are sur- 
prise of week here with lusty biz in 
6 days. "Living in Big Way" looks 
top newcomer but on disappointing 
side. 

Estimates for This Week 

Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16-65) 
—"Living Big Way" (M-G) and 
'Adventures Don Coyote" (UA). 
Modest $12,000. Last week. "Red 
Stallion" (EL) and "Cover Big 
Town" (Par), nice $14,500. 

Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 
65)— "Cry Wolf" (WB). Below bopes 
at $10,500, mild. Last week, "Life 
With Father" (WB) at 50c-$1.25 
scale only $11,000. 

Brandeis (RKO) (1.500: 16-65) — 
"Each Dawn I Die" (WB) and "Bad 
Men From Missouri" (WB) (reis- 
sues). Surprisingly big $8,500 in C 
days. Last week, "Dark Passage" 
(WB) and "When a Girl's Beautiful" 
(Col), $7,000. 

Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65)— 
"Slave Girl" (U) and "Affairs of 
Geraldine" (Rep). Healthy $10,000 
or close. Last week "Welcome Stran- 
ger" (Par) (m.o.) (3d wk) and 
"Sarge Goes to College* (Mono), 
fine $9,000. 

State (Goldberg) (865; 15-50) — 
"Western Union" (20th) and "Les 
Miseiables" (Indie) (reissues ). Look 
for fancy $2,500 in 4 days. Last 
week, "The Hucksters" (M-G), good 
$5,000 for 10 days of third week. 



'Merton' Paces New LA, Entries At 
$47,500 for 3 Spots; 'Widow' 39G, 5; 
'Heaven' Tall 28G, 4; 'Father' 49G, 2d 



Los Angeles, Oct. 7. 
A slight, upbeat is noted in film 
grosses here this week, with only 
three newcomers bowing in for the 
second successive week. "Merton of 
Movies" is leading the town with 
good $47,500 in three theatres. "Wist- 
ful Widow" looks okay $39,000 in five 
spots. "Heaven Only Knows" is 
heading for a sweet $28,000 in four 
smaller houses. 

s Third week of "Life With Father" 
is down to $49,000 in three locations. 
"Trouble With Women" is only fair 
$20,000 in second fraThe for two Par- 
amount houses. "Magic Town" shapes 
as okay $42,000 for s r econd session in 
five spots. "Long Night" is $24,500. 
I also in second, for five situations. 
"Down to Earth" slipped to $21,500 
in third round, two spots. 

Estimates for This Week 

Belmont (FWC) (1,532: 50-$D— 
"Long Night" (RKO) and "Banjo" 
(RKO) (2d wk). Slight $2,500. Last 
week, oke $4,500. 

Beverly Hills Music Hall (G&S- 
Blumenfeld) (826; 65-$l )— "Heaven 
Only Knows" (UA). Okay $4,000. 
Last week, "Roach Comedy Carni- 
val" (UA) and' "Death Valley" (SG) 
(2d wk-6 days),' $1,000. 

Carthay Circle (FWC) (1.518: 50- 
$1)— "Magic Town" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Slipped to $5,500. Last week, aver- 
age $8,200. 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 50- 
$1)— "Magic Town" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Medium $8,500. Last week, fair $12,- 
800. 

Culver (FWC) (1,145: 60-$D— 
"Long Night" (RKO) and "Banjo" 
(RKO) (2d wk). Building to $5,000. 
Last week, slow $4,700. 

Downtown (WB) (1.800; 90-$1.50) 
—"Life With Father" (WB) (4th 
wk). About $18,000 on blowoff. Last 
week, $19,500. 

Downtown Music Hail (Blumen- 
feld) (872; 50-$l )— "Heaven Only 
Knows" (UA). Sweet $16,500. Last 
week, "Roach Carnival" (UA) and 
"Death Valley" (SG) (2d wk-6 days), 
scant $3,000. 

Egryptian (FWC) (1,538; 50-$D— 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Keeper of Bees" (Col). Good $12,- 
000. Last week, "Unfinished Dance" 
(M-G) (2d wk). $5,600. 

El Rey (FWC) (861; 50-$D— "Long 
Night" (RKO) and "Banjo" (RKO) 
(2d wk). Down to $3,500. Last week, 
$5,400. 

Esquire (Rosener) (685: 85)— '^Cage 
of Nightingales" (Indie) (2d wk) and 
"Un Carnet De Bal" (Indie). Light 
$2,000. Last week. same. 

Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 50-$D— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(8th wk). Neat $3,500. Last week, 
$3,800. 

Guild (FWC) (968; 50-$D— "Wist- 
ful Widow Wagon Gap" (U) and 
"Knockout" (Mono). Below hopes at 
$5,000. Last week, "Black Narcissus" 
(U) and "Bulldog. Drummond" (Col) 
(2d wk), $3,300. 

Hawaii (G&S-Blumenfeld) (956; 
■50-$l )— "Heaven Only Knows" (UA). 
Mild $4,000. Last week. "Roach Car- 
nival" (UA) and "Death Valley" 
(SG) (2d wk-6 days), only $1,300. 

Hollywood (WB) (2.756; 90-$1.50) 
—"Life With Father" ( WB ) (4th 
wk). Finalod at $15,000. Last week, 
good $17,300. 

Iris (FWC) (828; 50-85)— ' Wistful 
Widow" (U) and "Knockout" 
(Mono). Around $3,500. Last week, 
"Black Narcissus" (U) (2d wk), 
$3,700. 

Hollywood Music Hall (Blumen- 
feld) (475; 50-85)— "Heaven Only 
Knows" (UA). Mild $5,000. Last 
week, "Roach Carnival" (UA) and 
"Death Valley (SG) (2d wk-6 days), 
$1,200. 

Laurel (Rosener) (890; 8 5) — 
"Things to Come" (FC) and "Man 
Work Miracles" (FC) (2d wk). 
Dropped to $6,500. Last week, sock 
$8,100\ 

I.oew State (Loew-WC) (2,404; 
50-$D— "Magic Town" (RKO) and 
"Under Tonto Rim" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Dipped to $15,500. Last week, be- 
low average $22,600. 

Cos Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 
50-$D— "Merton Movies" (M-G) and 
"Keeper Bees" (Col). Okay $24,000. 
Last week, "Unfinished Dance" 
(M-G) 2d wk), dull $10,500. 

Loyola (FWC) (L248; 50-$l)— 
"Magic Town" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Swell $6,000. Last week, average 
$9 300 

Marcal (G&S) (900: 75-$1.20)— 
•Best Years" (RKO) (8th wk). Oke 
$3,000. Last week, $3,900. 

Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2,210; 
50-$l>— "Long Night" (RKO) and 
"Banjo" (RKO) (2d wk). Scant $10,- 
000. Last week, okay $16,900. 

Million Dollar (D'town) (2,122: 
55-98) — "Gas House Kids Hollywood" 
(EL) with Lionel Hampton orch 
on stage. Hot $25,000. Last week, 
Stepchild" (EL) with Erskine 
Hawkins orch, Hattie McDaniel on 
stage, $22,600. 

Pantagcs (Pan) (2.812: 50-$D— 
"Down to Earth" (Col) (3d wk). Off 
to $11,000. Last week, dull $12,700. 

Paramount (F&M) (3.398; 50-$l) 
— "Trouble Wiih Women" (Parj and 
"Adventure Island" (Par) (2d wk-6 



days). Okay $11,500. Last week, 
thin $15,600. 

Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (1,- 
451; 50-$l)— "Trouble Witli Women" 
(Par). and "Adventure Island" (Par) 
(2d wk). Fair $8,500. Last week, 
$11,400. 

RKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890; 
50-80)— "Down to Earth" (Col) (3d 
wk). Slow $10,500. Last week, 
$11,800. • 

Riti (FWC) (1,370; 50-$l ^"Wist- 
ful Widow" (U) and "Knockout" 
(Mono). Satisfactory $6,500: Last 
week. "Black Narcissus" (U> (2d 
wk), oke $0,000. 

Studio City (FWC) (880; 50-$D— 
"Wistful Widow" (U) and "Knock- 
out" (Mono). Average $5,000. Last 
week, "Black Narcissus" (U) (2d 
wk), $3,400. 

United Artisls (UA) (2.100: 50-$l) 
— "Wistful Widow" (U) and "Knock- 
out" (Mono). Strong $17,500. Last 
week, "Black Narcissus" (U) and 
"Bulldog Drummond" (Col) (2d wk), 
oke $10,900. 

Uptown (FWC) (1.719; 50-$D— 
"Magic Town" (RKO) and "Under 
Tonto Rim" (RKO) (2d wk). Cut to 
$16,500. Last week, about average 
at $10,500. 

Vogue (FWC) (885: 50-$D— "Long 
Night" (RKO) and "Banjo" (RKO) 
(2d wk). Slow $3,500. Last week, 
neat $6,000. . . 

Wilshirc (FWC) (2,296; 50-SD— 
"Merton Movies" (M-G) and "Keep- 
er Bees" (Col). Okay $11,500. Last 
week, "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) 
(2d wk), $5,600. * 

Wiltern (WB) (2,300: 90-$1.50) — 
"Life With Father" (WB) (4th wk). 
Pale $16,000. Last week. $17,000, but 
under hopes. 



Prov. Picks Up; 'Desire' 
Tall $22,000, 'Crossfire' 
Lusty 17G, 'Valley' 15G 

Providence, Oct. 7. 

Cool weather hereabouts has 
started biz zooming. Looking partic- 
ularly bright currently are "Desire 
Me" at Loew's State and "Crossfire'' 
at RKO Albee. Strand leaped into 
a big sesli on Monday with "Wel- 
come Stranger." 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65) — 
"Crossfire" (RKO) and "Winter 
Wonderland" (RKO). Happy $17,000. 
Last week, "Slave Girl" (U) and 
"The Web" (U) (2d wk), nice 
$12,000. 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-65) 
—"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Tres- 
passer" (WB) i2d run). Good $5,000. 
Last week, "Brute Force" (U) and 
"Sport of Kings" (Col) (2d run), 
hep $6,000. 

Fay's (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— "Sad- 
dle Pals" (Rep) and vaude on 
stage. Nifty $7,000. Last week. "Fol- 
low Fleet" (M-G) (reissue) and 
vaude on stage, $6,000. 

Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100: 65- 
85)— "South of Monterey" (Mono) 
and Ray Eberle orch on stage for 
one-day Sunday stand. Good $2,000. 
Last week "Newshounds" (Mono) 
and John Calvert magic, on stage 
for three-day weekend stand, so-so 
$4,000. 

Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 44-65)— 
"Deep Valley" (WB) and "Killer 
Dill" (SG). Good $15,000. Last 
week, "Dark Passage" (WB> and 
"Trespasser" (WB), strong $18,000. 

State (Loew) (3.200; 44-65)— 
"Desire Me" (M-G). Snappy $22,000. 
Last week. "Unfinished Dance" 
(M-G) and "Arnelo Affairs" (M-G), 
fair $17,000. 

Strand (Silverman) (2.200: 44- 
65)— "Welcome Stranger" (Par). 
Opened Monday (6 1. Last week, 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (2d wk), mild 
$8,500. and below hopes. First was 
fairly good $18,000. 

Prima Ups 'Singapore' 
Sock $20,000 in L'ville 

Louisville, Oct. 7. 

Business is spotty here this week. 
Louis Prima band and stage show at 
the National, with "Singapore," is 
catching a bumper take. "Desire 
Me" at the State is going good, but 
h.o.'s are not burning up the main 
Stem. World series and return of . 
warm weather is holding dou n the 
pace at most houses. 

Estimates for This Week 

Brown (Fourth Avenue i 11.200: 
40-60) — "Mother Wore Tights" 
(20th) (3d downtown wk). Neat 
$4,500. Last week, nice $5,000. 

Kentucky (Switow) (1.200; 30-40) 
— "Possessed" IWBi and "Romance 
Rosy Ridge" (M-G). Fair $2,900. 
Last week. "Sinbad Sailor" (RKO) 
and "Won't Believe Me" (RKO), 
$3,100. 

Mary Anderson (People's) (1,100; 
40-60) — "Dark Passage" (WB). 
Fairish $7,000. Last week. "Life 
(Continued on page 16) 




COLOR BY TECHNICOLOR 



WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE "FOREVER AMBER" 




CENTURY-FOX 



VAKaMW IX)NDON OFFICK 
g fit. ltarilu'a riuce, Trafalgar 6«ua(* 



Pix Biz Off 50% in Philippines; High 
Wages, Taxes, Costs Peril Production 



Manila, -Sept. 23. 

Picture business reports a 50% de- 
cline in boxoffica receipts in the 
Philippines. Late in 1945 and 
through most of 1946 the locaj pic- 
ture industry was still enjoying a 
boom. That's over now. " . 

A serious worry of local film pro- 
ducers is the high cost of produc- 
tion. Where it cost an average of 
$7,000 td $9,000 to produce a picture 
before the war, it now costs from 
$35,000 to $50,000. 

A major factor influencing the 
high cost of production is the short- 
age of films and other materials. 
Lack of equipment and facilities also 
handicaps the industry. Though 
there are over a dozen film com- 
panies in the Philippines, only three 
are understood to have their own 
studios and necessary equipment. 
The rest, however, have been able 
to get along by renting whatever 
equipment and facilities available 
from the nation's major producers. 

The most serious problem con- 
fronting producers, however, is the 
high cost of labor and services. Pro- 
ducers claim tbat salaries drawn by 
actors are fantastic in relation to the 
actual earning power of the indus- 
try. It's pointed out, for example, 
that a top actor today gets as much 
as $12,500 a picture which could be 
made in 15 to 20 shooting days — 
spread over some four to 12 weeks. 
A top salary before the war aver- 
aged only around $2,500. An extra 
getting about 75c a day before now 
gets $2.50. 

While salaries have gone up 500%. 
admissions, producers claim, have 
only been doubled. They say a good 
part ol receipts is absorbed by taxes. 
Producers say there are at least half 
a dozen different amusement levies 
a company has to pay today, includ- 
ing the so-called amusement tax, 
which is passed on to the public; 
production tax, municipal tax (in 
Manila), as well as the municipal tax 
in the place where the shooting hap- 
pens to take place; sales or distri- 
bution tax, etc. 



WB-Montand In 
Counter Suits 



Paris. Oct. 7. 

Although Warner Bros, signed 
Yves Monland. French vaude actor, 
last January, Montand. claiming that 
he had not understood the English 
of the contract, has since then re- 
fused to report to the studio. War- 
ners is suing him for breach of con- 
tract before a civil court, and Mon- 
tand has countered by suing for an- 
nulment of the pact. Due to Warners 
sending no rep to a court hearing 
for latter suit, it has been postponed 
until Dec; 4. Montand claims he'll 
sue for annulment in America loo. 

Montand was signed at the same 
time as Yves Vincent, now known 
as Stephen Vincent. Both had 
changes of heart after signing, and 
sounded off. Vincent admitted hav- 
ing inked the pact definitely and 
after some minor details had been 
satisfactorily adjusted, went to work. 
But Montand has been difficult for 
Warners lo handle. 



Govt. Aided Hungarian 

Films Start Rolling 

Budapest, Sept. 23. 

Aided financially by the govern- 
ment's film-law, two new Hungarian 
pix are now in works. One film is 
"Somewhere in Europe," written 
and directed by Geza Radvanyi, who 
made many pix during the war in 
Italy, Pic is being produced by the 
Communist film company MAFIRT. 
Story deals witli the fate of young- 
sters who became lost during the 
war and formed selves into lawless 
bands. Arthur Somlay plays an old 
artist who leads them back on the 
right way. Other three leading roles 
are played by Miklon Gabor, Zauzsa 
Banky and Gyorgy Bardy. 

Other pic under production is 
Aron Tamasi's 'Prophet of the 
Fields." Female lead will be played 
by Eva Szoke. Production staff has 
left already for Transsylvania. where 
outdoor shooting will be made. 

Zsolt Harsanyi's "Rence 14th" was 
started last year in German version, 
but due to inflation shooting stopped. 
Later Franciska Gaal. who played 
lead, left for the States and so pro- 
ducers could not proceed. Now they 
want to finish German version while 
making pic in Hungarian too, but 
Artistic Council has rejected per- 
mission, declaring "in this new phase 
of Hungarian film production only 
artistic pix may be made." 



INTERNATIONAL 



13 



JOSIE BAKER IN CHILE 
CONCERT-AIR DEBUT 

Santiago. Sept. 30. 

Josephine Baker, busy doing the 
Latarri circuit, turned up in San- 
tiago with a contract to sing at the 
Casanova Music Hall, and on Radio 
Agricultural leading Chilean net. 

Miss Baker, accompanied by band 
leader-husband Jean Bouillon, de- 
buts Oct. 8 to Chillenos. 



Zion Film Coin 
Clamp Likely 

Jerusalem. Oct. 1, 
Following on heels of restrictions 
imposed by Britain and some of her 
dominions on remittances of U. S. 
dollars. Palestine, a British-man- 
dated territory, is expected to clamp 
similar measures on film imports, 
according to William Auten. United 
Artists foreign exec currently on 
tour through the Middle East. 

Next stop for Auten. who is being 
accompanied by A. V. Steinhardt, 
UA manager for this territory, will 
be Lebanon. 



HYLTON BOOKS GIGLI 
FOR BRITISH TOUR 

London. Oct. 7. 

Jack Hylton in association with 
Harold Fielding, has booked a con- 
cert tour for Benkimino Gigli. one- 
time Metropolitan Opera tenor. 
Route covers 52 cities, starting 
Nov. 16 at Newcastle-on-Tyne. 

Gigli, who quit the Met in 1932 
after a salary tiff, sang in Italy dur- 
ing the war. to be dubbed a pro- 
Fascist. Dates abroad since have 
met mixed reception. 



U.S. Films to Have New 
Competition in Japan 
From Russia, Eng., France 

American industry, after two years 
of operation in Japan without com- 
petition, is about to face attempted 
inroads on the market there by 
Russia, England and France. Ac- 
cording to reports received by the 
Motion Picture Export Assn., which 
reps all the U. S. majors in Japan, 
the Soviet is preparing release of 
"The Stone Flower," color feature, 
while England is readying 17 pic- 
tures and France an undetermined 
number. 

In opening Japan to pix of other 
Allied countries. American Military 
Government has made but one re- 
striction. That is that there can be 
only one distributing agency for each 
country. That won't mean anything 
so far as Russia is concerned, of 
course, but it is expected that Brit- 
ish and French producers will have 
to band together in organizations 
similar to the MPEA. 

While the MPEA must operate 
through AMG. as will other coun- 
try's distribs, it has had much 
greater freedom of action in Japan 
than in Germany. Same h;>s been 
true for native - operated theatres. 
In Japan, houses don't even have to 
run an Allied newsreel. as they are 
forced to do in the Reich. 

MPEA is just about to take over 
its own distribution in Germany, in 
place of having everything handled 
by AMG, as has been true in the 
past. Marian F. Jordan. Export 
Assn.'s general manager there, is 
currently on a tour arranging phys- 
ical facilities. These may be in the 
same building as the AMG's. but will 
be entirely separate in operation. 
Military .Government will dontinue 
to handle all newsroels and some 
shorfs. 



French Remittances Hinge on Quick 
Passage of Marshall Plan: Lissira 



♦ Whether U. S. distributors will re- 

H C 17*1 I i n I • [ceive the . balance of the $11,400,009 

U.2>. films IntO DUlgaria in blocked French remittance money 

HiwW PorrMttaffA Port i depends upon speed ? approval of th « 

UllUer ItlteUldge rdU Mar¥ hall pi ani rko European gen- 
Deal recently closed between the e ia manager Wladimir Lissim de- 
Motion Picture Export Assn. and the , ^ conference in New 
Bulgarian film monopoly, Filmsko „._.,, 
Delo, is a percentage arrangement. York, Friday (3), shortly after his 
Long delay in getting the pact fin- a '' nval for hls first homeoffice visit 
ally closed was the Bulgarian in- m 16 months. Some $2,850,000 of the 
sistance on a flat rental deal. Other remittance total, he said, was paid 
Balkan countries are. putting up a I ,ast Marcl1 at the official rate of ex- 
similar battle, against which the i change of 119 francs to the dollar. 
| MPEA is holding out. Under an agreement with the 
Agreement provides that exhib French government worked out by 
gets 50% and Filmsko Delo and i Motion Picture Assn. oi' America 



MPEA split the rest, former taking 
15% arid latter 35%. Deal was closed 
by Jean Birkhahn, MPEA rep in 
Sofia, and continues until April 1, 
1948. 

There's a good supply of prints in 
Bulgaria, dating back to pre-war. 
They were hidden away when hos- 
tilities started and gathered up with 
the aid of the American mission 
when the war was over. They had 
been under seal in the Mission until 
the recent pact was negotiated. No ] 
coin comes out of Bulgaria under the 
new arrangement, but part of the 
print cost is paid from income. 



BRITISH EXHIBS BOOK 
SHOWS FOR PIC SLACK 

London, Oct. 7. 

Success of the recent week of bal- 
let at the 4.000-seater Empire State 
at Kilburn has induced other cxhibs 
to book stageshows to offset a 
threalened film famine. The Gau- 
rnont-Bijtisli circuit has booked a 
circus for Christmas week. Bern- 
stein's Granada circuit is dickering 
for a topline musical play from the 
West End. 

Odcon circuit is doing nothing at 
present J, Arthur Rank considers 
Ins position satisfactory for the next 
e ! Rh t . . ni omte ■ ■ 



Rank Exports Kemp 

: Toronto. Oct. 7. 

Following death in a cance acci- 
dent of j„y i English, chief archi- 
tect for Odcon Theatres of Canada. 
•Ltd.. the J, Arthur Rank Organiza- 
tion flew -over Leslie Kemp cn loan 
'or six months to supervise remain- 
ing Construction of the 19 new thea- 
tres- now underway across Canada 
OJ' the Rani; subsidiary. 

Kemp is now on an inspection 
t0 W by plane. 



Pagnol, Rossi Form 

Pix Producing Unit 

Paris. Sept. 30. 

Marcel Pagnol, playwright and 
film producer. ' and Tino Rossi, 
crooner, are partners in a new pix 
production outfit. First picture, 
starring Rossi, will be "La Belle 
Meunier" ("The Pretty Miller- 
woman"), with Rossi acting Franz 
Schubert. Film is to be made in four 
languages at once. French, Spanish, 
Italian and Portuguese, obviously 
aimed for the Latin- American mar- 
ket, where Rossi has a following. 

Production setup looks like a 
family affair. The picture will be 
made in the Riviera estate of Pag- 
nol. who will direct. Production 
manager Martinetty and stage man- 
ager Salunaz are both Pagnol's 
brothers-in-law. Apart from Jacque- 
line Bouvipr— who— is PaguoL'ii. jvife_ 
the es.<t besides Rossi includes Lydia 
Vetti. who is his wife, and also 
Rossi's sister. The Script girl will be 
Mile. Bouvier's sister.. 

Picture is to be made both in tint 
and in black and white. Understood 
that Rossi will draw no salary, get- 
ting a share of the picture instead. 



Ex-GI to Stage French 
Shows With U.S. Talent 

Paris. Sept. 30. 

Baird Hastings. American veteran, 
has taken a lease on the Vital Hall, 
in Passy. to produce shows featur- 
ing foreign and particularly Ameri- 
can talent. He is currently present- 
ing there Nyota Inyoka. Hindu 
dancer, in sets by Ray Wisnewsky. 
also an American veteran currently 
taking art courses at the Paris Ecole 
des Beaux Arts. 

Other bills slated include dances 
by a company beaded by Mary Jane 
Shea, who stages the ballet at the 
Chatelet here. Also a song recital by 
Margaret Wood. American Negro 
contralto, who already clicked here. 

Hastings, before joining the 
Seventh Army and doing liaison staff 
work, was an editor of Dance In- 
dex, N. Y. mag. He also plans to 
use his hall for exhibits of French 
and American paintings pertaining 
lo show business. ' 



Bolivia Pixers 
See Fund Loss 



Washington, Oct. 7. 
Possibility of some loss of funds 
from the Bolivian film market, after 
the first of next year, is seen here 
on the basis of the deal which re- 
cently ended the strike of exhibitors 
there. The row between the Bo- 
livian Minister of Finance and the 
motion picture distributors over the 
decree on the price of exchange for 
imported films resulted in the La 
Paz filmeries being shut down for 
two weeks. 

• The agreement was a provision 
that $18,000 a month at the legal ex- 
change rate would be made available 
each month for the remainder of 
1947 for the country's three distribu- 
tors to import pix. Allowed $6,000 
apiece in exchange are Empresa Al- 
berto Ackerman-Saenz, Distributors 
de Films, and the Empresa Boliviana 



reps and the State Dept., the re- 
mainder of the wartime Gallic 
rental coin was to have been re- 
mitted in 25% installments al the 
end of August, September and Octo- 
ber. Sum that's still outstanding, 
Lissim said, has not been forthcom- 
ing "because they just don't have 
'he money." He opined France has 
every intention to pay the remit- 
tances and in the event the Marshall 
Piar is effective this winter, ac- 
counts will be squared before the 
end of January. 

Itidatiit Echoes Sentiment 

Tenor of Lisiim's observation! 
were partly echoed in the assertions 
of French Foreign Minister George 
Bidault in Washington last week that 
after Nov. 1 France w'.ll not have 
dollars to purchase the barest essen- 
tials. In conference with President 
Truman, the diplomat sought a tem- 
porary relief arrangement pending 
inauguration of the Marshall Plan. 

Lissim expressed optimism on the 
Emopean outlook and predicted 
"tremendous" business increases next 
; ycar in terms of continental ctifren- 
! cics. RKO alone, be forecast, would 
boost its sales by 100''; . Frozen 
Italian market particularly is flour- 
ishing, he asserted, and amusingly 
added "we're collecting a lot of 
lira." He indicated that RKO may 
produce there next year to utilize its 
100% blocked funds. Studios are 
ample and other companies as well 
may be obliged to engage in Italian 
film making, he pointed out. 

Analyzing the remittance and box- 
office situations in some 17 European 
contries, as well as Egypt, Lissim 
stressed the fact that Continental 
filmgoers have looked to American 
films as entertainment to ease their 
immediate economic woes.' This was 
the case particularly in. Denmark 



de Cincs. However, at the end of 

the year, the arrangement will be j where U. S. pix ran for weeks on 
resurveyed by the Bolivian govern- til last week's action of the Danish 
ment. The dollar shortage being \ government in banning exhibition of 
what it is over the world, there is j American films. 



Eari St. John, formerly chief pro- 
duction a-iyiser to J. Arthur Rank 
Organization, now joint managing 
director of Two Cities Films, Ltd.. 
with Josef Soniio. who already 
holds this position on the board. 



Current London Shows 

(Figure shoirs teeeks of rim) 
London. Oct. 7. 
"Anie Get Gun," Col'sm nO). 
"Bless the Bride," Adelphia (24V. 
"Born Yesterday." Garrick (37>. 
••Chiltern Hundreds." Vaude (6). 
"Grime »f Foley," Comedy (13). 
"Deep Are Roots." Critern- ( 13). 
"Dr. Angelus," Phoenix (10). 
"Edward My Sou," Lyric (19 >. 
"Ever Since Paradise." Nous (18 1 
"Farmer's Wife," Apollo (3l. 
"Fly Away Peter," Fort. 
"Girl Quite," St. Martin's (7). 
"Here There," Palladium (27),: 
"Life With Father." Savoy iW: — 
"Linden Tree," Duche.-s (8 1, 
"Noose," Saville tlfl). 
"Off Record," Piccadilly (2>. 
"Oklahoma." Drury Lane (23). 
"One, Two, Three." Yorks (4). 
"Peace In Our Time." AUlw'h (9). 
"Perchance to Dream." Hipp (129) 
"Piccadilly Hayride." Wales (30). 
"Present Laughter." Ilaym'kt (25) 
"Separate Rooms." Strand (7). 
"Sweetest Lowest," Ani'bass, (75). ! 
"Together Again," Vic Palace (25). | 
"Trespass'' Globe fl2'i. 
"Worms View," Whitehall (23;. 1 



concern that the government will 
not be able to go through with the 
arrangement next year. 

The distributors of 16m pictures 
are being allowed $500 a month in 
exchange at the legal rate. 



FOREIGN DISTRIBS WOO 
N.Y. SMALL-SEATERS, 

With the approach of fall, foreign | 
film distribs are creating a brisk de- | 
mand for small seaters in the Timos j 
Sq. area. General belief among the ■ 
distribs is that they can amass more 1 
b.o. money by leasing or buying 1 
their own showcase than by renting | 



No Profits in Spain 

In Spain the RKO foreign exec 
declared a picture's release costs so 
nuch that an American company 
can't make a profit. There's an im- 
port tax, a dubbing tax and other 
imposts that total up to about 900.000 
pc. et.as oh the avera;.o film import. 
| When the gross runs around 1.500.000 
pesetas there's hardly a profit when 
distribution costs, advertising and 
olhe,r overhead are. subtracted. 
Hence, Lissim noted, you're obliged 
to sell films there on'Yight. 

Business in Egypt slumped 20% 
with the departure of British troops. 
Recent political bombings there have 
also made people wary of attending 
their product to others. film .theatres. Lissim ventured U. S. 

_ ; u , , . , 1 distribs may get 50% re:r> ttances by 

On the verge of closing a deal for ; th -- en d of the year although the 
ahouseoffBroadwayasashow pi ece . E;;yptisn government is talking in 
for wares of his new Globe Films, is . terms of onl 30% A hard curl . ency 
Joseph Green operator of the City ; count Switzerland coin is urire- 
and Irving Place, N Y., as well as : strjc ted. However there's an im- 
the Hopkmson. Brooklyn. His part- 
ner. Michael Hyams, returned last 

Wednesday (1) from a nine-week j tiZ'mi-^ye^" ■ 
European junket to line up product, j Thumbnai )j n< , otht , r countries . Lis . 
Firms first pur is the Agfa-color | ,. m ..^ j hat Sweden permits d0% 
French-made Marriage of R^- ; vemiHances. Norway coin is prac- 
muucno - I tieally unrestricted although there's 

Others who have expressed inter- j a fixed percentage of 30'- on all 
est in small seaters for their coMu--; playing time. Portugal was unre- 
loid merchandise in the Times Sq. i stricted until about .10 days a»o when 
area are Melvin Hersh, prexy of i u U)ok steps to naU th( , dwindling 
Crystal Pictures; Andre Lelarge. i dollar supply, some funds are com- 
head of European Copyrights & Dis- J j„F out „f Greece while Finland, 
trtbtltiOTI. and the foreignTilm divi- , Hungary, and the Rufsian dominated 
»°» °], Charles^ A. Koons Co. Lnt- j countries of Yugoslavia. Roumauia 

and Bulgaria he completely dis- 



i port, quota for each company based 
I upon the amount of film imported in 



ter's film chief. Ivan Pochnn, re- 
cently declared if a suitable house 
could not be found, his company 
might build one. 

Hersh, whose seven-year-old firm 
last week assumed distribution of 12 
French films to be spread over a 12- 
m.onlh period, indicated he'd defi- 
nitely be in the market for a bouse 
in the event he failed to close suit- 
able deals for his product. His first 
pic is "Blind Venus," a Viviane 
Romance 1939 starrer. 



; counted. Germany, he felt, won't be 
: a good market until six to eight 
! years hence. 

' As far. as competition is con- 
| cerned, Lissim said thai Russian 
| films are shown in very few coun- 
| tries in his territory and their b.o. 

impact was negligible. lie felt that 
j a good British picture helps the b.o. 

for U. S. films benefit from an audi* 
! dice's favorable reaction. It en* 
I courages them to see other pix. 



14 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



Supreme Court Ruling on Circuits 
May Influence N.Y. Boothmen s Wages 



Unusual facet of the current long- -f 
drawn-out wage dispute, between the 
major affiliated circuits in New York 
and Projectionists Local 306 is that 
the pending Supreme Court decision 
on competitive bidding for films is 
an important factor. Majors are 
squawking against continuation of 
the differential between their houses 
and those of the non-affiliated cir- 
cuits. 

Difference in scales, they say, was 
Inaugurated years ago on the basis 
of the preferred runs of the ma- 
jors' houses. If the Court upholds 
competitive bidding, say reps of 
Loew's and RKO, they'll hold no 
advantage, since the same run will 
be open to all exhibs. In that case, 
the affiliateds would be :.t a dis- 
advantage as a result of the higher 
scale and they want contractual pro- 
vision for an adjustment. Union has 
been unwilling to accede. 

Strike action against 120 theatres 
Jn New York, originally threatened 
. by 306 for today (Wednesday), was 
postponed at a session last Thursday 
(2) for at least three weeks. Rich- 
ard F. Walsh, prexy of the Interna- 
tional Alliance of Theatrical Stage 
Employes, of which the projection- 
ists is an affiliate, at a meeting with 
local execs demanded the delay un- 
til he returns from a huddle with 
Hollywood producers in San Fran- 
cisco, Oct. 20, to . attempt a solution 
of the present studio strike. Her- 
man Gelber, 306 prexy, had been 
pressuring the IA board for per- 
mission to take strike action, if nec- 
essary, to end the five-month nego- 
tiations deadlock with Loew's, RKO, 
Warner Bros., Paramount and the 
top Broadway houses.. 

Demands 

Union is asking 34% wage hike 
and 5% welfare fund, although it is 
known it would accept a compro- 
mise of 15% increase and 3% wel- 
fare fund. Base, pay in the Broad- 
way houses now is $3.76 an hour for 
first 12 hours every day, time and 
one-half for the 13th and 14th hour, 
and double time for everything over 
that, with at least 15 hours a day 
guaranteed. 

This sum doesn't go to each in- 
dividual operator, but is paid as a 
"booth charge" in - most of the 
Broadway houses on the basis of six 
men, in a booth.. Actually there 
are M men assigned by the union 
to a booth, with 306 making the 
pay divvy among th» men. This 
system grew up during the depres- 
sion days as a means of spreading 
employment. 

Companies are objecting to it now. 
on the basis that it breeds discon- 
tent among employees, since it cuts 
their take-home pay. Each man 
works 21% hours a week. Employ- 
ers maintain they'd be doing very 
veil were they working a regular 
35 or 40-hour week. What would 
happen to the operators thrown out 
of jobs is another question, of 
course. 

In the nabes there are six men 
in a booth instead of the four re- 
quired and on which the pay is 
based. They work 28 hours a week 
each, with the pay scale somewhat 
lower than on Broadway. 



$80,000,000 

; Continued from page 5.; 



HEAVY SALES IN LOEW'S 
AND COL. BY CO. EXECS 

Philadelphia, Oct. 7. 
Heavy sales of Loew's and Colum- 
bia common by various of its officers 
as well as minor activity by execu- 
tive personnel in 20th-Fox, RKO, 
Republic and Monogram stock were 
reported Saturday (4) by the Se- 
curities & Exchange Commission. In 
the period covering Aug. 11 to Sept. 
10, Loew's board chairman Nicholas 
M. Scheneck sold a block of 40,000 
shares of no par value to slice his 
holdings to 21,727. 

Loew's veepee J. Robert Rubin 
disposed of 2,000 common shares to 
cut his total to 3,940. Other Loew's 
officials who sold stock include vee- 
pee-treasurer Charles C. Moskowitz, 
who pared his kitty of 3,500 down 
to 2,500. 'iJOth-Fox veepee Joseph H. 
Moskowitz dropped 1,000 shares of 
20th common to- retain 1,500. Fred 
L. Metzler, of Los Angeles, also sold 
1,000 shares. Lehman Bros, covered 
a short by picking up 400 shares of 
20th $1.50 cumulative preferred. 

Columbia executive-veepee Jack 
Cohn dumped 700 shares of common 
from holdings of a trust fund bear- 
ing his name. Some 26,619 remain 
outstanding in the fund while Cohn 
retains 49,969 shares in his own 
name. Veepee Ab'e Montague sold 
300 shares but reported holding war-, 
rants for 10,426 common shares. 
Switch of 600 shares of common by 
veepee-treasurer Abe Schneider to 
the Schneider Foundation, shaving 
his personal holdings to 12,679 
shares, was also disclosed. 

RKO director L. Lawrence Green 
sold 300 shares of dollar common in 
a lone transaction involving that 
firm. He still retains a block of 250 
shares. Deals in Republic disclosed 
by the SEC brought to light the pur- 
chase of 454 shares of Associate 
Motion Picture Industries capital 
stock by the Herbert J. Yates fam- 
ily whose collective holdings now 
aggregate 7,990 shares in that class. 

Republic prexy Yates boosted his 
Republic 50c common holdings to 
51,300 in his own name by acquiring 
500 shares. Other stock in this cate- 
gory, amounting to 86,950 shares, is 
owned by his Onsrud, Inc., while the 
same corporation holds 46,918 shares 
of AMPI capital stock. Edwin Van 
Pelt hiked his 400 shares of 50c' 
.Republic common to 600 with the ac- 
quisition of 200 shares. 

Monogram executive veepee-treas- 
urer George Burrows picked up 300 
shares of Monogram by exercising 
the last of his options, according to 
the SEC report. He wound up with 
a total of 7,633 shares of the com- 
mon, which has a $1 par value. 



pays in equal monthly instalments 
with the last due Dec. 31, 1951. 

Notes bear interest of 2%% dur- 
ing '47-'49 and 3% thereafter. U 
must borrow a minimum of $4,000,- 
000 but Can terminate the credits by 
paying % of 1% on maximum 
amount of notes which could have 
been outstanding. Participation of 
three banks is First National, 55%; 
Bank of Manhattan, 25%, and Guar- 
anty Trust, 20%. . 

Other Setups 

Checkup discloses Columbia has a 
$6,000,000 loan outstanding on a re- 
volving fund of $10,000,000 set up 
by the First National of Boston, 
Bank of America, National Trust & 
Savings Assn., and the Manhattan 
Co. Maximum of $10,000,000 is 
available to Nov., 1947, and then is 
stepped down $1,000,000 annually 
until Nov., 1951, when ultimate $6,- 
000,000 is reached. . - 

Interest rates are fixed at 2>4% 
on all oustanding notes. These notes 
mature Nov. 30, 1951. Added pro- 
vision requires Columbia to main- 
tain net current assets at $10,000,000. 
Should the assets fall below that fig- 
ure the banks are not obligated to 
make further advances. 

RKO has created a revolving fund 
of $10,000,000 available for produc- 
tion outlays. Paramount's credits 
have been set at $25,000,000 with $5,- 
000,000 already borrowed. Status of 
20th's Aedit is identical— $25,000,000 
in credits created with $5,000,000 
now advanced to the company. 

Warners has longterm credits of 
$22,000,000 payable over a period of 
10 years at 2% interest. Metro's 
total funded debt comes to -$44,000,'- 
000 consisting of 2% promissory 
notes and 3% debentures. Deben- 
tures are due in 1965 while the notes 
are payable at $750,000 semi- 
annually. 



Inside Stuff-Pictures 

Mrs. Lela Rogers, mother of Ginger Rogers, has admitted under oath 
that when she told "America's Town Meeting of the Air" listeners that 
Emmet Lavery's "A Gentleman From Athens" contained Communist propa- 
ganda she hadn't even read the play. Defendant in a $2,000,000 libel suit 
brought by Lavery and the play's producer, Martin Gosch, also testified 
during pre-trial examination iff Los Angeles that she had written two 
scripts for the Sept. 2 broadcast on the ABC network. 

She admitted receiving help on the first script, which contained Cham- 
ber of Commerce literature and material from a speech by James K. 
McGuiness, Metro producer, before , the Motion Picture Alliance for the 
Preservation of American Ideals, and from a new MPA booklet called 
"Motion Pictures for Americans." She also received help from authoress 
Ayn Rand, director Sam Wood, screen writer Morrie Ryskind and pro- 
ducer Robert Arthur, she said. 

Mrs. Rogers swore that she wrote the revised script, the one subse- 
quently used on the broadcast, after lunch at McGuiness' home with State 
Senator Jack Tenney, who teamed with her in the radio debate, and a 
"Mr. Martin," whom she identified as the publisher of Tenney's book. 
She said she took the statement about "A Gentleman From Athens" from 
a studio reader's report, which she heard about at dinner at McGuiness' 
home the night before the broadcast. 

A second pre-trial deposition, scheduled for last Thursday (2), was post- 
poned to tomorrow (Thur.). 



Paramount staged a "Superlative Party" for Cecil B. DeMille's "Un- 
conquered," at the Rainbow Room, N. Y., last week to encourage language 
coinage. Five wordologists were the judges — John Kieran, Gelett Burgess, 
Wilfred Funk (& Wagnalls, the dictionary publishers), Prof. Irving Lorge 
of Columbia, and a Variety mugg. The co-winnahs of the $1,000 prize were 
Loew's Theatres' ad-pub boss Ernest Emerling, and Jack Lloyd, 
columnist on Movie Stars Parade. Winning word was "Paramonumental," 
to describe the DeMille epic. Most numerous contributions were plays on 
run-of-DeMille, DeMillenium, etc. The Variety mugg was a dissenter on 
the winning word, which apparently made news for The New Yorker's 
Talk of the Town department which was apparently more interested in 
the mugg's nominations of "Paromantic" and "DeMillepic" It was argued 
that "Paramonumental" was too much a Par flack's phrase, and probably 
already thought of — and possibly* even discarded. 



UA-RK0 

Continued from page 5 ; 



No decision has been made as yet by Orson Welles on whether he'll 
accept the offer of Edward Small to star in "Cagliostro," which the pro- 
ducer is making in Italy. Welles is anxious to take on only those jobs 
which give him a chance to produce, direct or write, rather than merely 
act, and in which he can get a profit participation. The Small offer is 
strictly as an actor. » 

There are also other factors deterring Welles, such as his contract with 
Sir Alexander Korda to make a film in England. Decision is now pend- 
ing on a date to start work on the British pic and this might interfere 
with the "Cagliostro" chore. 



Clearance Cuts 



Continued from page 7 



for product just to get it a week or 
two weeks faster. Reason for the 
drop in first run attendance, they 
believe, is that customers are wait- 
ing until films get to their nabe 
houses at lower admission prices. 
With subsequent run exhibs drawing 
some of the cream off first run 
profits, the nabe houses don't need 
any less clearance. 

Best way to lessen the time lag 
between first and subsequent run 
houses, according to one sales chief, 
would be to establish a shorter 
clearance on geographical terms. 
Under this plan, which has already- 
been put into effect by Metro, four 
or five houses are selected in various 
sections of a city and given pictures 
28 or 35 days after the first run 
house has completed its run. Re- 
maining nabe houses continue on the 
old clearance of seven or eight 
weeks. Result is a breakdown of 
the nabes into different subsequent 
runs, greater profits for the distrib 
and nabe houses and, most im- 
portant, the least encroachment pos- 
sible on first run profits. Overall 
clearance reduction to 21 days, how- 
ever, is n.s.g, 



Powell, Jane Greer, Agnes Moor- 
head and Burl Ives in the cast and 
is being produced by Robert Sparks 
with Sidney Lanfield directing. 

"Out of the Past," which was 
completed last April, includes Rob- 
ert Mitchum and Jane Greer in the 
cast, and was produced by Warren 
Duff with Jacques Tourneur direct- 
ing.' "Indian Summer," which was 
put in the can last June, stars Alex- 
ander Knox and Ann Sothern. Pro- 
ducer was Michel Kraike and direc- 
tor Boris Ingster. 

Responsible for the decision re- 
ducing the number of films in- 
volved, it is understood, was UA's 
desire to buy nothing with a price 
tag so high that it was doubtful 
money could be gotten back in the 
domestic market alone. UA is aim- 
ing to get its distribution cost plus 
a profit domestically, if possible. 

The $5,000,000 that RKO gets from 
UA will mean that the company has 
received $9,000,000 for sale of assets 
in the past few months. It recently 
sold its newsreel to Warner Bros, 
for $4,000,000 in cash. 



Metro Sked 

Continued from page 5 ' 

to a great extent his doing that the 
present 55-day ceiling on shooting 
was imposed. 

. Among Mayer's aims, it has been 
learned, is to return to cajeful 
buildup of young players, of which 
Metro was the leading exponent. It 
is hoped to get away, as much as 
possible, from the borrojwed and 
freelance actors and to build a stable 
of important name personalities such 
as were developed on the lot in 
earlier days. ' 

Postponing again a stepup In 
Metro's release schedule, sales vee- 
pee William F. Rodgers has sched- 
uled two films for January and two 
for February. Four new pix brings 
to 11 the total to be made available 
in the next five months and repre- 
sents the largest advance release 
schedule announced by Metro in 
several years. 

Slated for January release are 
"Cass Timberlane" (Tracy-Turner), 
and "If Winter Comes" (Pidgeon- 
Kerr). February will see "Birds and 
the Bees." a Technicolor musical 
starring Jeannette MacDonald, Jose 
Iturbi and Jane Powell, and "High 
Wall," co-starring Robert Taylor and 
Audrey Totter. 

Release schedule doesn't include 
"Green Dolphin Street," earmarked 
as a special, which preems soon at 
the Criterion, N.Y., and "Gone With 
the Wind," which is being spotted 
selectively around the country. Now 
in its fourth time around, "GWTW" 
to date has played 55 engagements. 



After the sharp feelings that developed between Samuel Goldwyn and 
James Thurber over Goldwyn's transition of Thurber's "Secret Life of 
Walter- Mitty" to the screen, producer's New York reps were a bit dubious 
when Robert Nathan appeared at the first screening in the east last week 
of "The Bishop's Wife." It was made from a Nathan story of the same 
title. 

There were none of the Thurber repercussions, however, author wiring 
Goldwyn: "It was delighted and amused . . . warmest congratulations." 
Nathan went back to the Coast over the weekend, after vacationing at 
Cape Cod during the summer. 



Familiar Hollywood face with the Turkish Military Mission to the* 
United States, which will make a 9,000-mile tour of military, industrial 
and cultural points, will be the former Warner Bros, publicist and Variety 
mugg, Major Barney Oldfield. Oldfleld was assigned by the Army's public 
information chief, Maj. Gen. F. L. Parks, and will be the press handler 
for the super tour. Turkish party landed in N. Y. yesterday (7) and 
touches Miami, Hollywood, San Francisco, Chicago and Detroit, and other 
spots, after the usual courtesy calls in Washington. 



"Love On the Dole," six-year-old British film featuring Deborah Kerr 
and Clifford Evans, chalked up a quick return date at the Squire, N. Y., 
last week. Picture, released by Four Continents Films, originally wound 
up a two-week stand at the house Sept. 25. However, unexpected public 
demand prompted a return booking Friday (3) when the film was coupled 
with the Swedish import, "Torment." 



Ban Film Sales to Tele 



Pickford Optimist c 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Future film business looks good 
to Mary Pickford, co-owner with 
Charles Chaplin of United Artists. 
After a huddle with Gradwell Sears, 
company prexy, she said: 

"This is the first time in years I 
have felt optimistic about United 
Artists. It looTts as though we are 
straightening out the company so it 
will be satisfactory to all' con- 
cerned." 



Memphis Suit 

555 Continued from page <f j — ; 

circuit courts. "We will go all the 
way to the Supreme Court if neces- 
sary to combat this capricious cut- 
ting of a perfectly harmless picture," 
.Raftery declared before flying back 
to New York. 

Raftery explained that, the film 
industry's action will be double- 
barreled, seeking both to nullify 
Binford's ruling in the case of 
"Curley" and to challenge the con 
stitutionality of Memphis' strict 
municipal censorship ordinance. 
"The Memphis statute is one of the 
tightest anywhere on record," he 
said. "It admits of no appeal from 
the rulings of this board, leaving a 
theatre owner absolutely without re- 
course. However, it has never been 
seriously challenged beyond the 
lower courts and I am confident 
that we can establish its uncon- 
stitutionality." 



Continued from page 3 

ban against 
any music 



Federation of Musicians 
the use of film with 
soundtrack on video. 

According to Ed Evans,' chief of 
CBS television's film department and 
former RKO-Pathe News staffer, the 
majors won't turn down a bid for 
product directly but do it in more 
subtle ways. "They ask us to write 
them a letter and then don't answer 
the letter," he declared. One of the 
majors, he said, is trying to get the 
AFM to clarify the ban on films for 
video, but claims that he can't get an 
answer from the musicians' union. 

Despite the absolute nix by the 
majors, however, broadcasters have 
been able to improve steadily the 
type of pictures they feed their au- 
diences. Most of those now booked 
come from indie distribs who've 
bought up 16m rights from the ma- 
jors to a bunch of oldies. CBS, for 
example, has run several RKO, Uni- 
versal and PRC films. Web played 
four Crime Club pix last year that 
had been produced originally by U 
and one of them, according to Evans, 
played a suburban house in Astoria, 
Long Island, after it had played on 
tele. CBS bought it from Astor Pic- 
tures, to which U had assigned 16m 
rights. 

"Where we used to have to go 
digging through all the back libra- 
ries for pictures, it's getting to a 
point where these independent pro- 
ducers are coming to us," Evans 
said. "A lot of them are still holding 
put for too much money for corny 
pictures, but we warn them that un- 
less they cooperate with us now, 
they'll be bypassed when television 
can really afford good films. As it, is 



now, we can afford to be more par- 
ticular in the quality and content of 
the films we run." 

Best type of film for tele, as far as 
viewers are concerned, are light mu- 
sicals. While it's impossible to get 
anything from the majors, the broad- 
casters have played several tune- 
films produced by PRC. CBS, for in- 
stance, last week played "Swing 
Hostess," first released by PRC in 
1944, and "Harvest Melody," released 
a year earlier. 



AFL Intent 

Continued from page 5 

today so that it can full time to the 
question. The all-day session will 
see Bill Hutcheson of the Carpenters 
union and L. T. Lindeloff of the 
Painters union squared against Rich-^ 
ard Walsh, prez of the International 
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Em- 
ployees. Participating for the s'lu- 
dios will be Y. Frank Freeman, Ed- 
die Mannix, Ben Kahane and Charles 
Boren. 

None of the labor leaders present 
would make a guess on the outcome 
of the meeting, but all were em- 
phatic that an honest effort would 
be made to reconcile the carpenters 
and IATSE on question of set erec- 
tion jurisdiction. Fact that the AFL 
council will sit in lends strength to 
reports that AFL is determined to 
bring about a settlement. Also, 
council figures in dispute decisively 
since it was a directive handed down 
by its three-man committee which 
precipitated all the trouble. 



From Bosky Crowther's Article, 
N. Y. Times, September 28, 1947 



WE'LL give you three 
guesses (and no fair 
peeking) .as to what pic- 
ture showing today is 
doing the most amazing business, 
not only, in New York but all 
around. Give up? All right, we'll 
tell you. It's the oldie, "Gone 
With the Wind." And if that 
doesn't strike you as surprising, 
you are much more blase than we. 
Now in Its fifth week at Loew's 
Criterion, where it has been 
steadily packing the house, and 
doing likewise in other cities, it 
looks good for one of the "big 
money" films of the year. 

Indeed we are of the opinion 
that this eagerness for "Gone With 
the Wind" is occasioned by wide 
common knowledge that it is full, 
rich entertainment on the screen. 
This knowledge, of course, is circu- 
lated by those who have seen the 
film, and it must be a major in- 
ducement when one considers most 
pictures of today. But it is also 
of large significance that audiences 
seeing this film are composed in 
considerable measure of those' who 
have never seen it before. Spot 
checks of audiences in Loew houses 
around the c>"ntry where the epic 
is now showing have revealed that 
approximately three-quarters of 
those seeing it in the afternoons 
are "first-timers" • and that one- 
quarter of the night audiences 
(mostly elders) is a pristine crop. 
In short, between 35 and 40 per 
cent of the customers today are 
youngsters (and possibly a few 
oldsters) who have become movie- 
goers since the film was last re- 
leased. 



1 



/ 



IS DOING THE 
MOST AMAZING 
BUSINESS TODAY?" 

asks Bosley Crowther in the N.Y. Times - 
and here's his answer: 



NEWITH 





THE WIND" 

DAVID O. SELZNICK'S PRODUCTION. RELEASED BY M-G-M 




CLARK GABLE NEVER TIRES OF 
HOLDING VIVIEN LEIGH! 

7th WEEK in NEW YORK 

and still big! 

10th WEEK in FRISCO 

and still S.R.O. 

9th WEEK in LOS ANGELES 

and very strong! 

Completed Engagements: 

4 WEEKS: Detroit, Atlanta, Buffalo, Washington, D. C, St. Louis. 
3 WEEKS: Cincinnati, Toledo, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Worcester. 
2 WEEKS: Baltimore, Boston, New Orleans, Dallas, Indiana- 
polis, Kansas City, Louisville, Denver, Memphis, Columbus, 
Rochester, Birmingham, Akron, Providence, Dayton, Salt Lake 
City, Nashville, Bridgeport, New Haven, Cleveland and many 
more. 



Picture Grosses 



ST. LOUIS 

(Continued from page 9) 
ing nicely to $800 after $725 in initial 
session. 

Fox (F&M) (0,000; 50-75)— "Kiss 
Of Death" (20th> and "High Con- 
quest" <Mono). Good $18,000. Last 
week, "Crossfire" (RKO) and "Thun- 
der Mountain" (RKO) strong $22,000. 

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— 
"Desire Me" iM-G). Nice $22,000. 
Last week, "Unfinished Dance" 
(M-G) and "Arnelo Affair" (M-G) 
$211,000. 

Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-75)— 
"Woman on Beach" (RKO) and 
■" „orn to Kill" (RKO). Trim $17,000. 
Last week, "Mother Wore Tights" 
1 20th) and "Something in Wimd" 
t ) (m.o.) (2d wk), big $12,000. ■ 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 50-75)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) and "Ar- 
i elo Affair" (M-G) (m.o.). Big $11,- 
(.00. Last week, "Gone With Wind" 
■ M-G) U'eissue) (m.o.) (2d wk), 
SI 0.000. 

St Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-75>— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Kilroy 
Was Here" (Mono). Fine $16,000. 
Last week, "Desert Fury" (Par) and 
"News Hounds" (Mono) (3d wk), 
i 6.000. 

World (Ind) (432 ; 58-65 )— "Lucre- 
. a Borgia" (Indie) (4th wk). Wound 
up run with a neat $1,800 alter $1,900 

last. 



WF-RAFF-T. DORSET 
TERRIF $33,000, MPLS. 

Minneapolis, Oct. 7. 
With Tommy Dorsey band on the 
stage and "Riff-Raff," the RKO- 
Ovpheum is showing its heels' to 
< ther Loop houses currently. It's 
t!;e first stageshow here in months 
end Dorsey is boosting this combo 
to a terrific session. Neither "Other 
Love" nor "Ghost and JVIrs. Muir" is 
credited; with an excess of box- 
office lure, but latter is okay. 
Estimates far This Week 
Aster (Par) (900: 30-44)— "Jungle 
Flight" (Par) and "Gas House Kids 
West" (PRC). Weal $2,500 in 5 days. 
Last week," "Crimson Key" (20th) 
and "Killers All™ (Indie) (reissue), 
fine $2,600 in 5 days. 

Century (Par) (1,600; 90-$L25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (2d wk). 
Has come through like ■ the big- 
leaguer it is. Pace still is fast at 
$14,000 after hefty $20,000 first week. 

Gopher (Par) (1.000;. 44)— "Lost 
Honeymoon" (EL). Mild $3,000. Last 
week, "Adven'iure Island" (Par) 
$3,500. 

Lyric (Par) (1,000; 50-70)— "Dear 
Ruth" (Par) (m.o.). Here after two 
big weeks at Radio City. Continues 
virile at $6,S9C Last week, "Wild 
Harvest" (Par) (3d wk), $5,000. 

Radio City (Par) (4,400; 50-70)— 
"Other Love" (UA). Light $12,000. 
Last week, "Dear Ruth" (Par) (2d 
wk). big $14,000. 

RKO-Oipheum (RKO) (2,800; 55- 
85)— "Riff-Raff" (RKO) and Tommy 
Dorsey orch on stage, with Dorsey 
mainly responsible • for boxofiice 
rush. Terrific $33,000. Last week. 
"Singapore" (U) (50-70), good 
$12,000. 

State (Par) (2,300; 50-70)— "Ghost 
Mrs. Muir" (20th). Good $10,000. Last 
week, "Red Stallion" (EL), same. 

Uptown (Par) (1,000; 50-55)— 
"Variety Girl" (Par). First nabe 
showing. Fairly good $4,000. Last 
week, '.'Possessed" (WB), $A5©0. 

WorM Mann) (350; 50-99)— "Cross- 
fire". (RKO) (m.o.). Third week 
downtown. Okay $2,500. Last week, 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(5th wk), good $2,400. 



'Father' Terrif $34,000, 
Frisco; 'West Point'. Big 
\2&, 'Affairs' Okay 17G 

San Francisco. Oct. 7. 

Business in general here lacks the 
needed spark for sock trade. Excep- 
tion is the terrific biz being done by 
"Life With Father," "Spirit of West 
Point" and, on a lesser scale, by 
"Shoe Shine." "Her Husband's Af- 
fairs" is on the mild side. 

Estimates for This Week 

Golden Gate «RKO) (2,844; 65-$l) 
—"Crossfire" (RKO) (3d wk) plus 
vaude headed by Chaz Chase. Okay 
$16,000. Last week, strong $24,000. 

Fox (FWC) (4,651; 60-95)— "Song 
Thin Man" (M-G). Mild $18,000. Last 
week, "Long Night" (RKO), $17,500. 

War Held (FWC) (2,656; 60-85)— 
"Bark Passage" (WB) (m.o.) (2d 
wk). Strong $13,500. .Last week, 
rugged $19,500. . • 

Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)— 
'-Wild Harvest" fPar) (2d wk). 
Sturdy $16,000. Last week, hefty 
$25 500 

St Francis (Par) (1,400; 70-$1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB). Sock $34,- 
000. Last week, "Welcome Stranger 
(Par) (11th wk), fine $9,500. 

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,448; 55- 
85)— "Her Husband's Affairs" (Col). 
Smooth $17,000. Last 'week, "Some- 
thing in Wind" (U), $15,000. 

United Artists (Blumenfeld) (1,207; 
55-85)— "Lured" (UA) (2d wk). Neat 
$7,500. Last week, good $11,000. - 

Esquire t Blumenfeld) (952; 55-85) 
—"Spirit West Point" (PC).- Husky 
$12,000. Last week, "Black Narcis- 
sus" (U) (2d wk), sock $9,000. 

Center (Lippert) (300; 90-$L20>— 
"Best Years" (RKO) (2d wkk Lusty 
$4,000. Last week, $4,200. 

Clay (Roesner) (400; 65-85)— "Tor- 
ment" (Indie) (4th wk). Solid $2,500. 
Last week, $3,500. , 

JLarkin (Roesner) (400; 65-85)— 
"Shoe Shine" (Indie). Huge $4-500. 
Last week, "39 Steps'* (Indie) and 
"Adventure of Chico" (PRC) (reis- 
sue), $1,700. 

United NaUaas (FWC) (1.149; BO- 
SS) — 'Saratoga Trunk" (WB) (reis- 
sue). Lasted only two days, sad $450. 
•Endearing Charms" (RKO) and 
"Forever a Day" (RKO) (reissues) 
sot $850 in five days. Last week, 
-Long Night" (RKO). mild $3,000. 



LONGHAIR MUSICPIX 
SOLD A LA CONCERTS 

San Francisco, Oct. 7, 
Utilizing grand opera boxoffice 
techniques, Vogue theatre here re- 
cently presented a three-week series 
of musical films with tickets sold on 
a season-ticket basis. Buildup for 
the serious music film festival was 
accomplished by coverage of San 
Francisco Opera Assn., private and 
public school teachers and all mu- 



sical organizations in the Bay area. 

Stunt, which was also tried last 
year, paid off with unusually big re- 
sults for this type of feature. Pic- 
tures included "The Great Mr. Han- 
del," "Moonlight Sonata," "The Life 
and Loves of Beethoven," "Existence 
of Music," "Seventh Veil" and "April 
Romance," in addition to musical 
cartoon shorts. 



Golden State 

Continued from page 3 



Bidding 

Continued front page 3 ; 



(U), 



PORTLAND, ORE 

(Continued from page 9) 
Last wesk. "Brief Encounter" 
(2d wk 5 days), $1,500. 

May fair (Parker) (1,500; 40-80)— 
"Arizona" (Col) and "Texas" (Col) 
( reissues 1. Neat $6,300. Last week. 
"Won't Believe Me" (RKO) and 
"Dick Tracy's Dilemma" (RKO), 
$5,000. 

Music Box (H-E) (1,000; 40-80)— 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and 
. "That's My Man" (Rep). After 
thi'ec weeks downtown, good $5,500 
or over. Last week, "Variety Girl" 
(Par) and "Bulldog Drummond 
Strikes Back" (Col) (m.o.) (2d wk), 
so-so $3,000. 

Oriental I H-E) (2,000; 40-80)— 
"Long Night" (RKO) and "Under 
Tonto Rini" (RKO). Day-dale with 
Orpheum. Fair $4,000 Dr near. Last 
week, , "Desert Fury (Par) 
"Little Miss Broadway" (Col) 
$5,200. 

Orplfeum (H-E) (1,750: 42-80)— 
"Long Night" (RKO) and "Under 
the Tonto Rim" (RKO) (5 days). 
Also Oriental. Mildish $6,000. Last 
week. "Mother Wore Tights" (20th) 
and "Second . Chance" (2d wk), big 
$10,000. • 

Paramount (H-E), (3,400; 40-80) — 
"Woman -On > Beach* (RKO) and 
"Drai'nef 



Buff. Spotty; 'Desire' 

$16,000, 'Affairs' 13G 

Buffalo, Oct 7. 
Buffalo firstnms are mild this 
week "Desire Me" and "Her Hus- 
band's Affairs" neither will be big. 
Estimates for This Week 
Buffal* (Shea) (3,500; 40-70)— 
"Desire Me" (M-G) and "The Pre- 
tender" (Rep). Good $16,000. Last 
week, "Wild Harvest" (Par) and 
• Yankee Fakir" (Rep), $17,000. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 40-70) 
—"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d 
wk). Rousing $17,000 after sock 
$23,000 opener. . , 

HiM> (Shea) (2400; 40-70)— "Wild 
Harvest" (Par) and "Yankee Fakir" 
(Rep) (m.o.). Trim $8,000 Last 
week, "Life With Father" (WB) (2d 
wk), big $13,000 at 90c-$1.25 scale. 

Lafayette (Basil) (3.000; 40-70)— 
"Her Husband's Affairs" (Col) and 
"Last Round-Up" (Col). Lusty $13,- 
000. Last week, "Something in Wind" 
(.U) and "Stepchild" (U), $14,000. 

Teek (Shea) (1,400; 40-70)— 
"Destry Rides Again" (U) and 
-When Dalton's Rode" (U) (re- 
issues). Nice $4,000. Last week, 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) (m.o.), 
strong. $4,200 for third downtown 
week. 

20»h Century (20th cent.) (3,000; 
40-70)— "Black Gold" (Mono) and 
"News Hounds" (Mono). Fine $13,- 
000. Last week, "Won't Believe Me" 
(RKO) and "Ghost Goes Wild" 
(Rep) (2d wk-2 days), solid $7,500, 



such as splitting product among two 
competing exhibs. 

Most of the majors confess they're 
still trying to protect their old cus>- 
tomexs as far as possible. Sales 
chief for one company, fn fact, ad- 
mitted he'd collaborated with old 
customers in several situations to 
appease a competing exhib. Deal 
was made with the old customer to 
let his competitor have a picture 
from time to time, merely to per- 
suade him not to file suit through 
the appeasement method. It an old 
customer refuses to make such a 
deal, however, he's invariably 
warned that the Government will 
insist on some form of competitive" 
selling. Unless' he plays ball, con- 
sequently, he might eventually lose 
all product to bis opposition. 

Hew It Average* Off 
Distrib heads deride reports about 
exhibs bidding way over their heads 
for product and so pouring more 
money into distrib coffers than 
otherwise would be forthcoming. 
Ifs true, they concede, that an ex- 
hib who's hard up for product might 
bid more than he can afford but he 
invariably gets his fingers burned. 
An exhib who usually pays $500 for 
a picture might bid as high as $1,000 
for first time. Once he succeeds in' 
buying product away from his com- 
petitor, however, he gradually be- 
gins lowering his bids until he's 
finally offering only the $500 that 
he's able to pay. 

Rentals under- the bidding pro- 
cedure will always reach their own 
level, consequently. Because of this, 
it's only a matter of time until the 
majors find themselves able to sell 
legally again to their old customers. 
Bidding, therefore, might barm 
rather than hurt a competing exhib. 



the chain. Who actually made these, 
offers was not revealed by the Jus- 
tice Dept., but it was said unoffi- 
cially in New York yesterday that 
the anti-trusters were of the opinion 
that George Skouras' offer might 
have been made on behalf of his 
brothers and such a complaint was 
filed by Lippert and Reynolds. 

Whether the latter's offer still 
hold's could not be determined, but 
possibility was seen that he had 
withdrawn it and, as a result, Golden 
State was again negotiating with 
Lippert and Reynolds. They likewise 
were ©Bering between $12,000,000 
and $13,000,000. This would tie up 
with the San Francisco reports. 
Opposition to Fox-West Coast 
Golden State circuit is owned by 
its three top officers, E. H. Ernmick, 
president; R. A. McNeil, 1st v.p„ and 
M. A. NaBy, 2d v.p. It is in com- 
petition with both Lippert's theatres 
and Fox-West Coast, which is a 
subsid of 20*h-Fox. Spyros Skouras 
is prexy of Fox and Charles heads 
the company's theatre interests. 

Complaint to the Dept. of Justice 
was made on the ground that ac- 
quisition of Golden State by F-WC 
would strengthen domination which 
that circuit already holds on. the 
Coast at the very time the Gowrrt- 
ment has been working for complete 
divorcement of the majors' theatre 
affiliates. 

i A Government spokesman ad- 
mitted, "We are looking into possible 
acquisitions by the Skottrases," but 
would say no' more. It has been, 
learned, however, that several per- 
sons have appeared quietly before 
Justice attorneys here in recent days 
and another investigator was sent to 
the Coast to check into the matter. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 

Kramer's 'N.Y.' To 
UA But Via Ent 



After refusing to sign the contract 
offered him by Knitetfc Artists in 
July for release of his ''So This Is 
New Y«rk," Stanley Kramer last 
week got UA distribution via Enter- 
prise. Enterprise, which has a re- 
lease pact with TJA, recently put coin 
into the Kramer film- and will send 
it out under its banner. 

Deal offered Kramer in July was 
during a period when UA was en- 
deavoring to hypo its profits by de- 
manding that all new producers pay 
10Q% of advertising costs. Kramer 
refused to sign under such an ar- 
rangement — as did other potential 
producers — and UA has reverted 
back to putting up approximately 
25% of ad budgets. 

UA release for "New York" was 
set last week at huddles on the Coast, 
between company's prexy, Grad 
Sears, and Enterprise topper David 
Loew. It will make the fifth offering 
on Ent's six-picture deal with UA, 
others being "Ramrod," "Other 
Love," "Arch of Triumph," and 
"Body and Soul." 

Set as the sixth is Ginger Rogers' 
"Wild Calendar," but since that 
hasn't been started yet, Hairy Sher- 
man's completed "New Mexico" may 
be substituted or may make an extra 
film under the deal. "Ramrod" was 
a' Sherman film and UA is required 
to accept only one Sherman under 
terms of the pact, so it's at the dis- 
trib's option whether it will handls 
"New Mexico." 



Series Gross 

Continued from pace t 



LOUISVILLE 

(Continued from page 11) 
With Father"' (WB) (2d wk), pa 
Irons no like upped prices, so this 
did only fair $8,000 at $1.25 top. 

National (Standard) (2,400; 85-99) 
— "Singapore" (U) with Louis 
Prima orch, others on stage. Band 
helping this combo to big $20,000 or 
near. Last week, "Scared to Death" 
(FC> and stageshow headed -by 
Sugar Chile Robinson, about same 
Kialto (FA) (3,400; 40-60)— "Wei- 
come Stranger" (Par) (2d wk). 
Modest $13,000 after starting week's 
and i great $18,000. 

fine I Scoop (Louisville Theatre) (700 
40-60)— "Each His Own" (Par) split 
with "Lost Week End" (Par) (reis- 
sues), fine $2,400. Last week, "Song 
Open Road" (Par) split with "Up 
in Mabel's Room" (Par) (reissues) 
$2,200. 

State (Loew's) (3.300: 40-60)— "De- 
sire Me*' (M-G). Femmes going for 
this one. but pace still slow merely 



'Forced' Prices 



Continued from page 6 



their argument that tele will create 
new baseball fans, they're positive 
that fans will never accept the me- 
dium as a substitute for a seat in 
the ballpark, regardless of the excel- 
lent job done by broadcasters in 
covering the Series. 

Ballyhooing the Crowd Appeal 
One point stressed continually is 
that constant shots of the crowds 
were presented for more than just 
added color. Telecasters had an ul- 
terior moytive — attempting subtly 
to show home viewers who might 
possibly have never attended a game 
before the extra, "thrill" inherent in 
watching a game in person. Spot- 
lighting celebs at the ballpark, such 
as the cameras did consistently with 
Danny Kaye, Leo Durocher, Laraine 
•Day, Babe Ruth, etc., will certainly 
give women the idea of rubbing 
shoulders ' personally with such 
celebs at future games. 

Survey of filmeries in the metro- 
politan New York area, meanwhile, 
revealed they continued to suffer 
during their weekday matinees 
throughout the Series. First-day 



Morgan's Second Tie 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Second starrer for Henry Morgan 
under the Screen Plays banner will 
be "So This Is Hollywood," a sequel 
to his current picture, "So This Is 
New York." 

Stanley Kramer, indie producer, 
plans to use the same director, Dick 
Fleischer, and the same east in the 
sequel, with Carl Foreman and Her- 
bert Baker writing the screenplay, 
based on Morgan's opinions about 
Hollywood 

Meantime, Phil Stang has been 
signed for a featured part in "So 
This Is New York" in his first film 
assignment in years. Character, 
comic has also been appearing on 
the Morgan radio series on a loan- 
out arrangement with Eddie Cantor, 
on whose program he's a featured 
stooge. 



attendance and yield the highest re- 
turn. Thus automatically admission 
prices become adjusted to the reeds 
and means of the country." 

Samuelson said there was a road 
show trend among distributors to 
release pictures- to exhibitors only 
lpon the condition that they increase 
their established prices. 

'While this imposed a hardship on 
the exhibitors," said the Allied exec, 
"it was not too great a burden be- 
cause of the relatively few admis- 
sion prices. However,- recently the 
distributors have already announced 
that from sev>-.n to nine pictures will 
be released at advanced admissions,, 
and there are persistant rumors that 
stilt more will be added to the list." 

In referring to ASCAP*s increase 
in license fees, Samuelson declared 
that the license was j> form of I 
"double taxation'', inasmuch, he j 
claimed, ASCAP received fees both | 
from the producer and exhibitors I 
for the same tunes. 

"If ASCAP— a Government-ap- j 
proved monopoly — gets away with I 
this threatened gouge the motion 
picture distributors, landlords, pur 



C Crippling Blow 
Continued from p*gt J 

tales of the treasury. It would moan 
that after a film takes in profits, 
those sums couldn't be transferred 
out of the country without treasury 
okay. Those are the present restric- 
tions on British films. 
There's already talk of withdraw- 
average of a 50% boxoffice slump re- mg America n production reps from 
mained to plague the Broadway de- Europe . 0ne report is that HKO 
luxe showcases with only those , wiu rec>n Robert Wolff overall 
houses playing womens pictures B - jtisn chief and Jack Votio 



such as "Desire Me" at the Capitol 
and "Foxes of Harrow" at the Roxy, 
holding to a- steady pace. Weekend 
grosses, on the other hand, held up 
well and the influx of out-of-town 
visitors for the Series helped most 
houses recoup their daytime losses 
during the evenings. 

Circuit chiefs denied any b.o. 
slump in Washington and Philadel- 
phia, which carried Series telecasts 
along with N. Y. and Schenectady. 
Most of the tele sets in those cities, 
they pointed, out, are located in bars 
and taverns. Women in those cities, | 
who constitute the greatest part of 
matinee audiences, haven't yet 
formed the habit of frequenting 
saloons during the daytime, even to 
watch a World Scries. 



tAllied's Reaction 
— Continued from page 7 - 



Allied bulletin 
Skouras "take a 



suggested that 
good look at his 



veyors of supplies — all will be de , 

manding like ' increases, and the ! company s bank balance and income 
admission prices will spiral'." 



a trim $16,000 .looms. Last week, 
(SG). Light $8,000\ Last I "The Women" (M-G) (reissue), mild 



week/, "Desert Fury" (Par) and 
''Little Miss Broadway" (Col), trim 
$11,000. 

United Artists (Parker) (895; 40- 
80)— "Goite With Wind". (M-G) , (re- 
issue) (2d wk)."- Solid '$9,500. Last 
week, lush $12,000., 

..- .- /••-. '• % 



SI 1.000. 

Strand (FA) (1.400: .40-60)— "Long 
Night" (RKO) and "Seven Keys to 
Balopate" (RKO). Sluggish $4,500. 
Last week. "Repeat Performance" 
i ED and "Lost Honeymoon" (EL), 
about same. 



He urged the committee take im- 
mediate action and called for an 
amendment to the copyright law. 

"It is fair and logical." said Sam- 
uelson, "that when a motion picture 
distributor licenses its copyrighted 
films to the theatre that the license 
should confer on the theatre, all the 
rights necessary to exhibit those 
films, since otherwise the license is 
of no value." 



before he starts asking exhibitors to 
pay more money." 

"Then," Allied continued, "if he 
still thinks that he needs more film 
rental, we suggest that he call his 
brother Charles. The latter' gentle- 
man, through his Fox theatre circuit, 
i continues to buy film at about half 
■ of what, the independents are pay- 
j ing." Bulletin concluded with the 
'suggestion that Skouras ""raise the 
' affiliated circuit deals up to what 
I the independents arc paying." 



duction head in France. 

Bowing Out Pronto 

Immediate shelving of production 
plans for Britain is likely if the 
threatened treasury ruling is handed 
down in London, company biggies 
said. Filmmaking in Britain would 
be an unprofitable business with the 
restrictions. 

Hardest hit would probably be 
Metro and Warner Bros. First com- 
pany had slated four big films at its 
Elstree studio while Warners has six 
which were to go before its cameras 
at Teddington. Reports are already 
current that M-G has shelved its 
program pending settlement of the 
entire Anglo-American film ques- 
tion. 

Paramounfs Hal Wallis will defi- 
nitely drop his proposed production, 
of "House of Mist" if the ruling is 
applied, -it's been learned. As for 
RKO, that company has a partner- 
ship venture for two pix With J. 
Arthur Rank with the American out- 
fit supplying stars and technicians 
and Rank, the studio and coin. 
Whether such a program is affected 
is still moot. 

Since its tieup with Sir Alexan- 
der Korda, 20th-Fox has one picture 
nl 



in production and no plans for 
others. Universale status is 
seriously in doubt because of 
its complex relationship on pro- 
duction in Britain with Rank. United 
Artists' ambitious filmmaking proj- 
ect for England also gels the go-by 
since it depended on local financing. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



P&RIETY 



17 




W ****** 



« : 



from WARNER BROS, now comis 



031 



9 V? 

m • • 

Klltil 

| VP ; . ~ 




starring 



JOAN 



CLAUDE AUDREY CONSTANCE 



HURD 



CAULFIELD • RAINS • TOTTER • BENNETT • HATFIELD 

and introducing Directed by Produced by 

MICHAEL NORTH- michael curtiz- charles hoffman 

a MICHAEL CURTIZ production • a WARNER BROS. PICTURES RELEASE 

Screen Play by Ranald MacDougall • Adaptation by Bess Meredyth • From t story by Charlotte Armittont ' Music by Finn Wexmtn 



18 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



Drive-Ins, Quonsets Coming Thing, 
Theatre Equipment Men Are Told 



Washington, Oct. 7. 4 
Coining thing in theatres is the 
drive-in, with well over 1,000 due to 
be in Service by the end of 1949, de- 
spite zoning laws and other restric- 
tions, George M. Petersen, builder 
of open-air film houses made that 
prediction here last week. Petersen 
was one of the speakers at the an- 
nual trade show and' conventions of 
the Theatre Equipment & Supply 
Manufacturers Assn., and the The- 
atre Equipment Dealers' Protective 
Assn. 

Growth of the drive-ins is taking 
place despite the jump, of construc- 
tion costs to a minimum of $125,000 
per theatre. Former figures ranged 
from $25,000 to $80,000. There are 
now about 300 drive-ins nationwide. 
Even the major companies, it was 
stated, will get into the drive-in 
business, not permitting all the 
gravy to be skimmed by indepen- 
dents, unless, of course, they are 
barred by the government. 

Petersen said the drive-ins draw 
about 80% parents of young chil- 
dren, who find this the only type of 
theatre they can attend, since the 
children can sleep in the car during 
the performance. Another 15% of 
the audiences are estimated to be 
crippled, invalids or convalescents, 
who don't have to leave the car. A 
third category is figured as tran- 
sients. It was pointed out that this 
is a new type of clientele which 
cuts very little into the grosses of 
nearby indoor houses. However, 
they are expected to be greater 
competition in the future' as they 
become more numerous, due pri- 
marily to the mounting downtown 
parking problem in most cities. 
Parkins Problem 
Parking problem, a i convention 
seminar brought out, is also hypo- 
ing other new developments in the- 
atres. One of these is the Quonset 
theatre, a brand new project with 
less than two years of history be 
hind it. At present there are just 
over 20 in operation in 13 or 14 
states, with 16 more under construc- 
tion and another 10 on the drawing 
board. . It is claimed that* these 
houses can be placed in operation 
for as little as $100 per seat and 
that they are proving the answer 
tolack of theatre facilities for small 
towns and suburban areas. 

The exhibitors and theatre equip- 
ment men attending the convention 
found the Quonsets one of the most 
interesting developments of all. 
Nathan D. Golden, motion picture 
consultant for the U. S. Dept. of 
Commerce, declared there is also 
widespread interest in Quonset the- 
atres in Mexico. He said he had 
recently received a request from the 
Mexican government for more in- 
formation about them. 

Third new development discussed 
at the meetings was the multiple en 
terprise center, which includes i 
theatre, bowling alley, skating rink, 
food shops, etc., and which are now 
being expanded to include evening 
housing projects. It was pointed 
out that they provide entertainment 
for the entire family. The multiple 
centers were figured as one more 
development to benefit by the con 
gested parking conditions in city 
centers. 

TESMA elected the following of 
fleers: president, Oscar F. Neu 
Neumade Products Corp.; vice-pres- 
ident, W. A. Gcdris, Ideal Seating 
Co„ : secretary-treasurer, Roy Boom- 
er; board of directors for a two-year 
term. Harry Strong, of Strong 
Electric Corp.; V. J. Nolan, National 
Carbon Co.; E. J. Vallen, of Vallen, 
Inc.; E. Wagner, of Wagner Sign 
Service; H. B. Engel, of De Vry 
Corp.; M. H. Stevens, of Bausch & 
Lomb; J. B. UofT, Ballantyne Co.; 
W. D. Matthews, of Motiograph, 
Inc.; L. W. Davee, Century Projector 
Corp.; Lee Jones, Neumade Prod- 
ucts; Bert Sanford, Altec Lansing 
Corp.; and J. F. O'Brien, 'of RCA. 

TEDPA named the following of- 
ficers: President, Ray G. Colvin, Ex- 
hibitors Supply Co.; vice-president, 
J. Eldon Peek, Oklahoma Theatre 
Supply Co.: and executive commit- 
tee, F. A. Van Husan, Western The- 
atre Supply Co.; A. E. Thiele, Des 
Moines Theatre Supply Co.: Wil- 
liam Carroll, Falls City Theatre 
Equipment Co.; 1 Joe Hornstein, of 
Joe Hornstein, Inc.; John P. Fil- 
bert, of John P. Filbert Co.; Harry 
Sarber, of Western Theatrical 
Equipment Co.; Ray Busier, of 
United Theatre Supply Co.; and J. 
Eldon Peek. 

Convention was the biggest the 
two groups have ever held. Next 
year's meeting will be in St. Louis. 



Many Circuit Bookings 
Of Short for Runyon Fund 

"Power Behind the Nation," War- 
ner Bros, short being sponsored by 
Motion Picture Assn. for the Damon 
Runyon Memorial fund, will prcem 
on Broadway Saturday (11) in 11 
theatres. At the same time through- 
out the metropolitan area, the short 
will also show in major and indie 
circuits. 

Warners, handling distribution of 
the Technicolor two-reeler, esti- 
mates that approximately $50,000 
will be earned by' the short for the 
Runyon Fund. Short is being re- 
leased as a regular short on normal 
terms but more-than-average play- 
ing time is expected to be accorded 
this subject because of the MPA 
sponsorship and benefit angles. 

Curtiz Optimistic; 
Skeds 1950 Pix 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
Michael Curtiz has already lined 
up his shooting, schedule for 1950, 
when he will produce " Victoria 
Grandolet" and "La Qtra." 

His 1948 lineup includes "The 
'49ers" and "Forever and Always," a 
tunefilm. In 1949 he will make 
Shadow of Fear," "Serenade" and 
Winter Kill." 



Chicago Show Business 
Fighting Tax Increase; 
Reveals Inequalities 

Chicago, Oct. 7. 
The license committee of tho^Chi- 
cago City Council warned all 
branches of the amusement industry 
at a meeting Wednesday (1) that a 
3% amusement tax on receipts will 
be proposed Oct. 15 to Chi's alder- 
men unless other means to clear up 
the city's $6,000,000 deficit can be 
found. What this other means might 
be was not indicated, but the com- 
mittee adjourned after dumping the 
problem into the laps of the indus- 
try. 

One alderman, Thomas E. Keane, 
went so far as to suggest that the 
amusement industry wage a cam- 
paign to get Chicago a slice of the 
$44,000,000 Illinois State surplus, 
which has been accumulating from 
sales tax collections. But success in 
this direction seems dim. 

Eddie "Silverman, head of Essaness 
theatres and chairman of the Joint 
Committee for the Amusement and 
Recreational Industry of Chicago, 
appearing with other showmen be- 
fore the license committee, pointed 
out that the amusement industry is 
already paying the city's highest 
license rates and that research of 
his group has uncovered appalling 
inequalities in present licensing 
ordinances which have put the city 
into desperate financial straits. He 
compared the $79,590 license fees 
paid by the city's largest motion pic- 
ture concern doing a gross business 
of $19,00,000 against a $4,000, fee paid 
by a non-amusement firm grossing 
$450,000,000. 

He declared any further tax on 
amusements would have to be passed 
on as increased admission rates with 
all its consequences. This position 
was further upheld by other reps 
from legit theatres, opera, concerts 
and baseball and other spoils events. 



'Tights' 

_ Continued from pace 4 

the first nine list, ending the month 
virtually neck-'n'-neck, with slight 
edge to "Kiss," via its pull for all 
five weeks covered by Variety in 
September ratings. Also high in the 
runner-up category were "Desert 
Fury" (Par). "Something in Wind" 
(U), "Brute Force" (U) and "Un- 
finished Dance" (M-G). 

"Passage," which first started in 
the key cities the week of Sept. 23, 
gives promise of being a real comer. 
This is not true of "Dance," another 
newcomer that's inclined to be spot- 
ty thus far. "Singapore" (U) also 
shapes as a - nice new entry while 
•'Foxes of Harrow" (20th) hints real 
possibilities if not smash to date. 
Fun and .Fancy Free" (RKO) and 
'Wild Harvest" (Par) also shape 
well as new films. : 

"Tights" was at the top of the 
boxoffice heap most of time during 
September, never dipping below 
fifth money every week in month. 
This consistently strong pace en- 
abled "Tights" to come through with 
$1,600,000 gross at. keys covered by 
Variety, this being better than $200,- 
000 ahead of the field. 

• "Bachelor," great second-place 
winner, was weekly champ several 
times in September, and again dem- 
onstrated its sock staying powers 
with huge holdover coin. It managed 
to snap second spot despite an un- 
expected and great spurt by "Stran- 
ger" at end of last month. "Bache- 
lor" also boasted terrific carryover 
strength from August, and in the 
past month showing sock to record 
opening weeks. Picture bore out the, 
vast strength shown by seven weeks' 
.at the N. Y. Music Hall, where it 
rang up the biggest gross for a sin- 
gle picture this year. 

Showings made by "Father" at 
advanced-scale dates plainly indi 
cate that Warners has a vast money 
maker in this -filmization of the rec- 
ord Broadway hit. Fact that it has 
been received so ' well by crix and 
has rung up .tall coin even in cities 
where there is some sales resistance 
to increased admissions points to the 
picture's big possibilities when it 
ultimately gets on pop-scale runs. 
Sustained money being reaped by 
Stranger" plainly tips that Para 
mount has a production that' will 
be one of the year's big grossers. 
In fact, the Bing Crosby-Barry 
Fitzgerald opus apparently will have 
to get out of the keys before the 
same company's "Harvest" will be 
able to make much headway. Latter 
has been doing nicely in spots 
played. Same situation applies in 
part to "Crossfire" which must await 
"Bachelor." 

"Red Stallion" (EL), despite being 
unable to obtain many big playdates, 
pulled in some sizeable coin in Sep- 
tember, with critical praise hinting 
additional biz when more dates are 
available. 

One of the big items last month 
was "Gone With Windi" Metro's re 
issue of this epic for the nth time, 
bringing in money that was ahead 
of fondest hopes. "Thin Man," an 
other from the same stable, teed off 
nicely, helped by batch of bookings 
in Loew houses, but never went far 
after the second week. 



'Zoomar' Lens a Boon for Newsreels 

"Zoomar" proved a boon for filmgoing baseball addicts in its first 
acid test at the Paramount theatre, N. Y., yesterday (7). With the 
pacemaking tester a batch of clips of the fourth to seventh wiridup 
games of the World Series, use of the vari-focal lens had the effect of 
turning the magnifying glass on a string of crucial plays. It's difficult 
to say how much the new technique added to the general excitement, 
but the Paramount newsreel special threw the house into a feverish 
parallel of the ballparks. 

The camera was able to switch from the panoramic to closeups, 
smoothly and efficiently. Sharp cuts from shots of the battery and 
batter to the fielding players who. handled the ball when hit were 
avoided. In their place, the camera followed the play naturally while 
dollying in rapidly from batter to outfielder. 

Zoomed film showed remarkable clarity in closeups of batter or 
pitcher. Trained on "Cookie" Lavagetto when he delivered his pinch 
double, focus was so sharp that his expression becomes public know l- 
edge. Shift of the lens from his face to the grip on his bat is done 
without half trying. Another remarkably dramatic shot which almost 
projects the patrons into the Yankee dugout, shows Joe Di Magyio 
selecting his bat at a tight moment in one of the games. 

At the same time, long shots appeared as effective as those taken .with 
an ordinary camera. There was a bit of a tendency to overwork the 
zooming technique but that, no, doubt, can be ascribed to Paramount 
feeling its oats. Introduction of new lens was brought home to the 
customers with considerable fanfare in the reel. Wit. 



Film Reviews 

s Continued from page S 

Fame Is the Spur 

sequences, there is little to thrill the 
distaff side. 

Having wisely discarded the flash- 
back, the Boultings begin in 1870 
when Hamer Radshaw, a lad in a 
north country slum, dedicates his life 
to better the lot of his fellow work- 
ers. The sword his grandfather 
picked up at Peterloo (1819), when 
soldiers cut down workers crying for 
'Bread and Liberty," becomes his 
talisman and symbol. 

Attractive (uncannily like Mac- 
Donald in some shots), he becomes a 
grand rabble-rouser. With his sword 
he can incite men to their own death, 
all for the "cause," and as a Labor 
Member of Parliament he takes the 
line of least resistance, shedding old 
friends when necessary, making new 
ones if they can help, as long as it 
all leads to glory and power. 

Only his wife. Ann, really knows 
him and is unblindcd by her deep 
love. He resents her suffragist activi- 
ties, but she is true to her ideaJs and 
goes to prison for them. Her treat- 
ment there accelerates her end and, 
on her deathbed, she reveals a little 
of her true self to the man she loves. 

When Labor comes to power he 
joins the Cabinet, and vanity and 
adulation is too rich a diet. Comes 
the day when Labor joins its op- 
ponents to form a National Govern- 
ment, and Hamer throws over any 
remaining principles to retain his 
high position. At the election he is 
rejected, and losing his seat in the 
Commons, he accepts a peerage and 
becomes Lord Radshaw. 

Closing scenes show a pitiful old 
man addressing the Lord Mayor's 
banquet and, as some of the past 
flashes through his mind, doddering 
and failing to make sense. Film ends 
on the symbolic note of the old man 
struggling in vain to draw the sword 
from the scabbard in which it has 
rusted. 

Michael Redgrave gives a grand 
performance as the earnest young 
idealist who becomes the vain selfish 
politician. It is a difficult part, but 
he makes it wholly credible. As his 



writer. Other scenes are in 'the 
Naples opera house (which a lew 
GI's may recognize), the hotel, the 
composer's home overlooking the 
Mediterranean, and various sight- 
seers' spots in and around Naples, 
Pompeii. Amalfi and Capri. Some 
of the latter provide effective scenic 
shots, but they're dragged out and 
repeated too much. 

Fosco Giacchetti is a handsome 
Composer-hero, but his appearance 
is a bit mature and he's somewhat 
heavy-moving. Vera Carmi, the 
'American" heiress (whose grand- 
father was a Neapolitan and who 
speaks fluent Italian) is a blonde 
looker and a satisfactory actress. 
Much of the sparkle of Muss Ma- 
tania's performance is obviously 
lost to non-linguists, since she plays 
a Neapolitan posing as a Parisionne. 
However, Paolo Stoppa gets sym- 
pathy and comedy into the part 
of an agent, Bella Starace Sainati is 
touching in the trite role of the com- 
poser's mother, and Giulietta de 
Risco combines dignity and- gentle- 
ness as the heroine's chaperone. 

Mario Bonnard's direction seems 
acceptable, but the photography is 
spotty and the music, despite the 
presentation of some famous Nea- 
politan songs, suffers from imperfect 
reproduction. As indicated, the film 
bogs for drastic editing. Hobe. 



Foresee Exhibs 

; Continued from page 7 



concerned, Mitchell declared that 
Par isn't concerned with them. Cities 
selected for co-op campaigns are lo- 
cated strategically in major market 
areas so that Par is convinced that 
campaigns launched in those cities, 
together with national publicity 
campaigns, -will" take care of the 
small towns via word-of-mouth and 
other methods of dissemination. And, 
according to Mitchell, if smalltown 
tilmgoers have made up their minds 
in advance not to see a picture, no 
amount of publicity can get them to 
reverse their decisions. 

Skouras ' stated bluntly at the 
TOA merger meet that the majors 



wife, Rosamund John chalks up her | cannot any longer continue to p;u 



Goldwyn's Break 

— 'Continued from page 7 555 



E-L Names Wir to Mex 
Post; Yeoman Aids 

Paul M. Wir has been named Eagle 
Lion manager for -Mexico with Mil- 
ton Yeoman, El manager of foreign 
branch operations, temporarily as- 
sisting. Wir last repped for Uni- 
versal in China and before that 
served as Supervisor in Latin Amer- 
ican countries for United Artists and 
Republic. 

Appointment readies EL's Mexican 
staff for release of "Bedclia," com- 
pany's first pic to hit st locus in that 
country. "Bedelia," J. Arthur Rank 
product distributed in the western 
hemisphere by EL, will play first 
runs of the Azcarraga and Opera- 
clora circuits in Mexico City and all 
subsequent runs of the latter chain. 



the big shareholders were included 
on the board of directors and took 
an active part in its affairs. As they 
used the studio for independent pro- 
duction, each was billed weekly for 
facilities and materials. In 1930, the 
board declared a dividend from 
earnings and profits, but no pay- 
ments were made at that time. In 
1931, '32 and '33, the corporation op- 
erated in the red. Goldwyn and 
many other stockholders directed 
that their 1930 dividends be applied 
to the indebtedness. 

In 1942, Goldwyn reported the 
$800,000, of which he claimed only 
$104,610 was taxable. Revenue said 
the taxable figure was $239,059 since 
all of that latter sum constituted the 
distribution o£ accumulated earnings 
and profits. However, the Tax 
Court sided with Goldwyn; it agreed 
that the accumulated earnings and 
profits were reduced by the divi- 
dend declared in 1931. so that only 
$104,610 should be subject to tax. 

Case is in effect a precedent-set- 
ter. It provides that a dividend 
credited to a shareholder and un- 
qualifiedly subject to his command 
is taxable to him as distributed in 
the year of the credit, whether or 
not actually withdrawn. In this 
case, it was pointed out by the court 
that the stockholders had complete 
control from 1930. 



best performance to date, and reveals 
an acting ability hitherto only 
suspected. 

Bernard Miles is more than compe- 
tent as a shrewd moneymaker, to 
whom the end always justifies the 
means. Nice work comes from Hugh 
Burden, Seymour Hicks, David Tom- 
linson, Marjorie Fielding, Jean Shcp- 
heard and ..Anthony Wager as the 
boy Hamer. 

Production and direction are first- 
rate, and for those who want a 
thoughtful adult picture, this can be 
recommended. Cane. 



FarewHl, My ltaauiiful 
TVaples 

('Addio Mia Bella Napoli') 
(HAI.1AN-MABEI 

Sal-urnia Film release, of Meal Films pro- 
duction. Directed bs' Mario Bonniml. Story. 
Wrne.sto Muolo; Camera, GMalMW Pogany and 
Tino riiintoni. Kngllsh titles. Armando 
Macaluao. Previewed N. .T., Oct. 1, '-17. 
Kunnimr time, Nil) MINK, 

Carlo Snnmt Vosco Giarhelti 

Roberta; Sullivan Vera. fto-mi 

Yvonne (Mclia MaUftUu 

Michael I'anlo , Slowm 

Mother Bella St a nice Sainali 

t'JirrperoHC . . . .tliulietta, tie ltleo 

Oll-Screm Voire Francesco Athanese 



ticipate in co-op campaigns on such 
a large scale. "From now on," he 
told exhibs, "the responsibility must 
be shared by you." Dietz echoed this 
belief, opining that producers "h ive 
been very generous in the past.'' lie 
added that Metro would "like to see 
exhibitors spend more money" than 
the 50% split on which they now 
come in. 

RKO, according to ad chief 
S. Barret McCormick, is "trying to 
improve the situation," believing 
that many theatre budgets are too 
low in the ad-publicity items. Com- 
pany hasn't made any drastic 
changes in its co-op policies, how- 
ever, McCormick said, and will con- 
tinue to split on a 50-50 basis with 
certain key city first run houses. 



Italian-born audiences may find 
nostalgic appeal in "Farewell, My 
Beautiful Naples," and it may have 
a wallop for lovers of Neapolitan 
music, but the general public will 
hardly be drawn and probably 
wouldn't be much entertained by it. 
The film is a musical romance of the 
sort Hollywood does well, but this 
Italian-make is uneven dramatically, 
unimpressive musically and above 
all extremely attenuated. 

The thin story of the early 1900's, 
is about the romance of a young 
composer, whose songs are the rage 
of Naples, and an American heiress 
tourist. Some of the action occurs 
in a Neapolitan music hall, with 
Clelia Matania as a temperamental 
singer with a yen tor the song- 



Gov. Davis Testimonial 
Trailerizes His Biopic 

New Orleans, Oct. 7. 
A public testimonial dinner hon- 
oring Gov. Jimmie Davis was held 
yesterday (Monday) in connection 
with the ■ preem of Monogram's 
"Louisiana," based on the career of 
the hillbilly songwriter-politician... 
Civic leaders and film people attend- 
ed the affair given by the Commerce 
Assn. ' 

Hollywoodites present included 
Jackie Cooper, John Galludet, June 
Preisser, Smiley Burnctte, Freddie 
Stewart. Roddy MacDowa'Z Gail; 
Storm, Dotty Brown, Steve Broidy, 
Monogram prexy, and others. World 
premiere of "Louisiana" is being 
held in Shreveport today and it will 
open tomorrow at the Saonger the- 
atre. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



frfifRIETY 



19 



THE GREATEST ACTION THRILLER OF THE YEAR 

IS THE BOX-OFFICE 
CHAMPION OF 
THE YEAR! 




TAKE THE WORD Of 
HUNDREDS OF SHOWMEN 
WHO PLAYED IT 



LIKE... Warner • Interstate * Fox West Coast 
Paramount * Loew • Fabian • Robb & Rowley 
Jefferson * Harry Arthur * Jay Emanuel • Lucas 
& Jenkins • Basil «' Standard • Alliance • RKO 
Westland • Yamins, and more, and more... 

TAKE THE WORD OF THE HUNDREDS 
OF BOX-OFFICE RECORDS 

SET IN CITIES LIKE ... Los Angeles • San Francisco 
Dallas • Seattle • Fall River • Cincinnati • Portland, 
Me. and Portland Ore. • Houston • San Antonio 
Galveston • Spokane • New Orleans • Rochester 
Atlantic City • Baltimore • Ft. Worth • Milwaukee 
Terre Haute • Altoona * Elmira • Memphis 
Oklahoma City • San Diego • Long Beach • Phoenix 
Lincoln • Colorado Springs • Buffalo, and more, 
and more ... 



EAGLE LION 
FILMS 

pr»»»n»§ 




IN THRILLING 
CIHECOLOR 




ASK THE MAN WHO PLAYED IT! 



20 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



See More Product Bidding in M'pls 
With Lyceum, Alvin Booking Picts 



Minneapolis. + 
Increased bidding for pictures as 
well as additional opposition are in 
prospect here in consequence of the 
impending entry of two downtown 
theatres, the Lyceum and Alvin, into 
the motion picture exhibition field. 
t,eo Murray, manager of the Ly- 
ceum, legit house, has announced 
that, henceforth, he will back pic- 
tures to fill in the open, time be- 
tween touring stage engagements. 

When the present Minnesota 
Amus. Co. lease expires on the 
Alvin after this season, Ted Mann, 
head of a group that acquired it and 
the World from the estate of the 
late W. A. Steffes, says he'll take it 
over for a picture policy. It now 
presents burlesque. 

Minnesota Amus. Co. has made 
seven promotions from the ranks. 
Mike Guttman, Century theatre 
manager here, is advanced to Aber- 
deen, S. D., city city manager, suc- 
ceeding Byron McElligott, who re- 
signed to become a radio station 
executive. He'll manage the Cap- 
itol, leading Aberdeen house, and 
supervise the other two. Tom 
Martin has been upped from Uptown 
theatre manager to succeed Guttman 
at the Century. Other house man- 
agers moved up include Francis 
Wiggins, Fred Bachman, L. A. 
Brewer, Ben Rahn and Gordon 
Bydeen. 

More EL Sales Shifts 

New Eagle Lion salesmen, all vets 
in distribution field, are -Gay. S. Pin- 
nell, Kansas City branch salesman; 
Carl I. Michel, Milwaukee; Samuel 
Jack Weiss, Cleveland; Stanley Ar- 
nold, Philadelphia; Ernest C. Leeves 
and Collins Riley, Dallas; and John 
J. Hill, Boston booker-salesman. 
Nelson T. Towler, former Atlanta 
branch manager, named sales man- 
ager of that locale. 

Jas. Morgan (Toped by WB, Albany 

Albany. 

James Morgan, manager of the 
Delaware, local Warner nabe, has 
been advanced to manager of the 
company's second-run Madison. 



Harold Stern, assistant manager of 
the Strand for the last eight months, 
has been shifted to the Delaware 
with Theodore Friedman taking 
over the Strand assignment. 

James Morgan has been named 
manager of the Madison theatre and 
Harold Stern, of the Delaware thea- 
tre, both Warner houses in Albany. 



PRODUCERS OR 
Interested Investors 

Holly w—d M »i >m r with srrtml HIT 
milfttoala — the Hrrbrrt-Frlml-Kainarrn 
(j — ilmlnra Aaanrial nlaa f« pro- 
duction In New Iwk. Hat tS, Variety. 
151 Vint 4Mb St., New If ark 1*. 



Blatt, Finkel to Chair MPTO. Pitt 

Pittsburgh. 
Bill Blatt and Bill Finkel, indie 
circuit exhibs, will co-chairman the 
27th annual convention of Allied 
MPTO of Western Pennsylvania at 
William Penn hotel, Nov. 24-25. 
Same pair ran the organization's 
confab last year. 

Bob Munn, Republic salesman, re- 
signed to join the sales force of local 
Selznick Releasing Organization of- 
fice. Munn won't be replaced imme- 
diately at Republic. 

Andy Battiston, theatre broker and 
one of the producers of the "Sister 
Cabrini" picture, has just opened a 
new $200,000 drive-in on Route 30 
right near the entrance to the Penn- 
sylvania Turnpike. 

Dick Lange, former local RKO 
salesman, named head of the com- 
pany's Portland, Ore., branch. He's 
recently been Los Angeles sales 
manager. 

Newton Williams named manager 
of the Natfonal Theatre Supply Co; 
office in Pittsburgh, succeeding the 
late William JerviS; 

Michael C. Halm sold the Marsh 
theatre in Wheeling, W. Ya., to 
George Prostinak, proprietor „of the 
Echo Radio & Sound Service. A 
former navy lieutenant in radio 
communication, Prostinak will be 
assisted in the management of the 
house by his brother, Joe Prostinak. 
Halm, a former distributor of for- 
eign films, expects to return to that 
field. 



Krieger, Paul Costello, Wally Ma- 
kowski, Breti Davidoff, Brodsky, 
Miss Plechner, Mary Egan, Miss 
Mahoney, Esther Muchnick, Iz Per- 
lin, Paul Harvey, Walt Leach, 
George Balkin, Ralph Colayita, 
Johnny Nirenberg, Sam Phillips, 
Earl Dutton, and Henry Clements. 

South-Lyn Chain Adds 2 

Los Angeles. 

Leslie Funk sold the Bellflower 
and Circle theatres in Bellflower, 
Cal., to Al and Wayne Hanson, who 
will add the two houses to' their 
South-Lyn chain. Price is reported 
$500,000, with $100,000 more ear- 
marked for improvements. 

Mort Goldberg, owner of the Em- 
pire and Admiral theatres, is con- 
verting the Beaux Arts into a film 
house after years as a legiter. 

After two months' refurbishing, 
the house will be ready for film 
operation, with only an occasional 
legit booking. 



W. T. Keith to New Orleans for DA 

W. T. Keith, a United Artists 
salesman, has been named manager 
of the company's New Orleans 
branch, succeeding T. L. Davis, who 
died last week. 



Exhibs Sue Utah Fair Board 
Salt Lake City. 

Intermountain Theatres Inc. and 
J. L. Lawrence Theatres Inc., have 
brought suit against the Utah State 
Fair Board and Beehive Midways, 
Inc. Action seeks to invalidate the 
contract between the board and 
Beehive, granting Beehive the Tight 
to exclusive operation of the uiid- 
way at the Fair Grounds for a pe- 
riod of 10 years. 

The theatre groups have joined 
with Saltair, Jerry Jones' Randevu 
Lagoon, and the Coconut Grove, 
contending that the State Fair 
Board exceeded its authority 
in granting a private company the 
right to compete with established 
businesses by using tax free state 
property. 



John Constantino, home-office audi- 
tor, is in Minneapolis along with 
Fred Ableson, San Francisco branch 
manager, to set the deal. A branch 
manager will be named this week. 
Wolf will continue to distribute 
Screen Guild and temporarily Film 
Classics will continue to use his of- 
fices and ship through Jack Bradley. 



Thompson Opens III. Drive-In 

St. Louis, 
J. W. Thompson has opened his 
drive-in theatre at the Winet airport, 
between Pocohontas and Highland, 
111. 

New 400-seater "Tn Auburn, 111., 
erected for Ray Mitchell and his 
sons, will be lighted within the next 
few weeks. It will be opposition for 
the American, 385-seater owned and 
operated by Mrs. C. G. Redford. 

Boone, a 842-seater, dark for the 
past five years, has been reopened 
by S. N. Fangman, at Boone, la. 

Moorhead, a 200-seater, Moorhead, 
la., has been sold to Ralph Morton 
by E. A. Bryceson. 

Lyric, 245-seater, Marcus, la., re- 
lighted after being shuttered for 
several months due to flood and pro- 
longed heat wave. 

Page, a new 750^-seater, Shenan- 
doah, la., has been open'ed by the 
A. F. Baker Enterprises and Finton 
H. Jones, of Kansas City. Ed Doty, 
formerly with the Dickinson Circuit, 
is manager. 

Starlight Drive-In, with a 700-qar 
capacity, has been opened at Water- 
loo, la., by Stephen A. Oellerick and 
Philip E. Winslow. 

The Upton, 75p-seater, Clinton, 
Mo., has been opened by J. T. 
Goshen, Sedalia, Mo. It replaces a 
smaller house owned by Goshen 
which was destroyed by fir« several 
months ago. 



W. Randolph street Corp., former 
operator of the Oriental theatra 
here. Funds were expended after 
the Oriental filed a petition to reor. 
ganize. 

Alvin Margolian, former Boston 
newspaperman, joined the RKO 
country sales force. 

Earl Wright, with 20th-Fox for 
the past 18 years in New Haven, 
Conn., added to Universal country 
sales force, Chicago. 

Judge William Campbell of federal 
district court held that the money 
was spent outside the normal course 
of business and was not authorized 
by the court. Also ordered to re- 
turn $12,000 was the Oriental En- 
tertainment Corp., present operat- 
or of the theatre. 

Master in chancery fees of $6,780 
were assessed against the 32 W. 
Randolph Street Corp. Court action 
does not affect pending reorganiza- 
tion petition. 



British Statement 



Continued from page 3 



Philly Warner Club Elects 

Philadelphia. 
Jack Brodsky was reelected presi- 
dent of the Warner Club at a meet- 
ing Tuesday (30). Also" relected 
were: Lou Davidoff, vice-president 
in charge of entertainment; Adele 
Plechner, vice-president in charge 
of welfare; Floyd Bretz, vice-presi- 
dent in charge of membership; J. 
Ellis Shipmah, treasurer, and Helen 
Mahoney, secretary.^ 

Named to the board of governors 
were: Ted Schlanger, J. Ellis Ship- 
man, A. J. Vanni, Ben Wirth, Lester 



namriek-Evergrecn Staff Shifts 

Portland, Ore. 
William H. Thedford, new district 
manager of Hamrick-Evergreen, 
Portland, has shifted managers of 
several of the chain's theatres. Al- 
ton Robbins, manager of the Music 
Box and Playhouse, moves up to the 
larger firstrun Orpheum. His as- 
sistant, Archie Zarewski, becomes 
manager of the Music Box and 
Playhouse, with Sterling Oreck as 
his assistant. 

Robert Anderson, former manager 
of the Orpheum, now handles the 
Newsreel theatre, adding the edit- 
ing to his duties., He succeeds Carl 
Miller, who transfers to the Liberty, 
replacing Roy Smith, resigned. 




WARNER BROS. 

pr«S» ' 





WITH 
FATHER 

WIUIAM IMNE 

POWELL- DUNNE 

ELIZABETH TAYLOR 

EDMUND CWENNWASU PITTS 



WARNER 



THEATRt ■ 3WAY 51s; 



IAW MIDNIGHT HU» • CONTINUOUS 



ON SCREEN 

I Thura., Oct. S 
i (it N.Y. Showlna! 
M-G-M's 

'LIVING IN 

A BIG WAY' 

Gene Kelly 
'Marie McDonald 



IN PERSON 
'Rojangles' 

BILL 
ROBINSON 

Wynn Murray 

IMllH Otl>«M'H 



"THE UNSUSPECTED" 



la War Mr Bras. Picture Starring 
Jaun Caulflcld • t'lunilr Rulua 
Audrey Totter- • Conatunee Bennett 
Hard JfatHrlil 

Introducing;: Mlchitcl North 
Directed by Mienael Curtia 
A Michael Curtiz Productlaa 

In Person BLUE BARRON 

and HIS OBCHESTHA 

and JOEY ADAMS 

.Mark PLANT • Tony «' AN/.ON KKI 
WARNER BROS. 

STRAND 



BROADWAY 
AT'OTH STREET 



Ron Gamble Mgr. of Palace, Akron 

Akron. 

Ron Gamble,* Portland, Ore., is 
now managing the Palace, Akron 
succeeding . Sid Holland, resigned. 
He also will supervise the circuit's 
theatres in Steubenville and New 
Castle, Pa. 



Larry Doyle Upped by SRO 

Larry Doyle, former San Francisco 
booking and office manager for Selz 
nick Releasing Organization, last 
week was upped to handle all SRO 
sales in the Oregon territory. He'll 
headquarter in Portland. 



— The—™,,, ev 
Foxes of p^f^ 
Harrow; IWOH * 

an ?m»umim : nrni t 

HARRISON -Q'HARA': BERLE 




Ask Juve Restrix in San Antonio 

San Antonio. 

Cooperation of theatre managers 
to bar school-age pupils from their 
theatres during school hours is being 
sought by Dick R. Carabetta, at- 
tendance officer for the San Antonio 
independent school district. Cara- 
betta cited instances of children 
spending their lunch money for thea- 
tre tickets and confectionery. One 
local house, he said, opened at 8 a.m. 
and featured gangster films for the 
Juvenile trade. 

Meanwhile, Nacho Torres, manager 
of the Guadalupe. Naciona] and Za-' 
ragoza theatres, Latin-American 
houses, announced that he had in- 
structed ticket sellers to bar children 
during school hours. 



Vogue, Chlcaf*, Sold 

Chicago. 

Vogue theatre, 1,475-seater, has 
been sold by Chicago Title & Trust 
Co. to Coniglio Corp. for $550,000. 
Deal included a ballroom, hotel, 13 
stores, and 10 offices. House, con- 
structed in 1914, is operated by the 
Essaness Corp. 

John E. Flynn, recently retired 
sales manager of Metro western 
division, has joined the James A. 
Fitzpatrick travel service as head of 
the Chicago office. 

Jack Schwartz resigned from -Chi- 
cago office of E-agle Lion with Joe 
Friedman, recently of Paramount, 
replacing. . 

Bert Kraus appointed district man- 
ager of the eastern states division of 
Radiant Screens. 

Tivoli theatre, 1,000-seater at 
Downers Grove, 111., has been sold 
to the Liberty National • Bank as 
trustee for $265,000. Included in the 
deal is a 39-room hotel, a bowling 
alley, and seven stores. Property 
was sold by the Wheaton (111.). Na- 
tional Bank and Trust Co. 

Phil-Korh Drivc-In theatre, 850- 
seater with restaurant facilities, 
opened recently in Bloomington, 111. 
Cost estimated at $250,000. 

Lawrence R. Wagner, former 
teacher, has been named district 
manager for Encyclopaedia Britan- 
nica Films in the states of Wash- 
ington and Oregon. Company has 
set up rental and preview libraries 
in Chicago, New York, Pasadena 
and Dallas. 

Robert Redfield has acquired the 
American Film Registry, Chicago, 
formerly the DeVry Corp. Film divi- 
sion. 

Officials of the Doubleby Co. and 
various financial advisors have been | 
ordered to repay $48,000 to the 32 



"dollar mission," who told Donald 
Nelson, prexy of the Society of In- 
dependent Motion Picture Producers, 
the latter would be welcome to Brit- 
ain. His bid also included Johnston. 
But Sir Wilfrid was not talking of- 
ficially—hence the MPA's brushoff 
to date. 

British government has dropped 
other hints that it's willing to dis- 
cuss the tax, industry biggies say. 
Added to them is the proposed trip 
here of B. T. Davis, prez of the 
Cinematograph Exhibitors Assn., and 
Walter R. Fuller to meet with John- 
ston and gab about latest develop- 
ments. 

MPA prez usually travels to New 
York for board meetings. He's under 
daily treatment for the severe attack 
of bursitis he recently suffered, how- 
ever, which ties him to D. C. 




FIVE-STAR 

BC-6 

FLAGSHIPS TO 

LOS ANGELES 
SAN FRANCISCO 
MEXICO CITY 
CHICAGO 

and many other cities. 

Phone HAvemaycr 6-S0O0 

Ticket Offices. Airlines Terminal • Rockefeller 
Center • Hole! New YVker • 120 Broadway 

AMERICAN 
Al RUNES 



- — - RAOIO CITV MUSIC HAll ~ 

Itocltetellai t.'eniei y 
r 

Katharine Poul Robarl + 

J HEPBURN HENREILI • WALKER* 

X 



in JI-OM'k 

"SONG OF LOVE" 



SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION 



"Diiaey at ale kett!"— Hlrr«e 



9" Cf 



COLOR BY . 
.TECHNICOLORl 



Distribute* ay RKO Ha«i« Pictarai 



PALACE 



James Snwwr-JANE Wman 

, ROBERT RISKING 

MACK TOWN 

AVHUUWJlWMMAHriafcdjM • RtffMtd by RflO RADIO FK1UM6. INC. 



mzmith scon 

JOHN HOBIM 
■UIT LANCASTER 

m mai wAUir rtooucTioN 



CGIOR «Y TICHNtCOtO* 

A rWavnsunt Fkfifta 




CAPITOL 



»Wy > 31H St. ■ Poor* Open 10 A-M. 



GREER CARSON 

In M-O-M'a 

"DESIRE ME" 

ROBERT MIICHUM 
RICHARD HART 



In Person 

GENE 
KRUPA 

a m mt aa qt 
MVaCMOHM 



ROSE MARK 



/ SAMUEL GOLDWYN pr«»*r,!« V 

j DANNY KAYE* VIRGINIA MAYO J 

•ml tne CoUwyn Gfr/i In 

V * T S! ! tff l l c P to, L J3 \ 



Don Clark Joins UTS, Texas 
Dallas. 

Don Clark, Screen Guild of Texas 
salesman, resigned to join the sales 
staff of United Theatres Service 
Corp. of Texas. 

Walter Knoche. owner and' op- 
erator of the Palace, Fredericksburg, 
Texas, has purchased a community 
center building to house another the- 
atre there. 



Dave Williams Vice Ray Morin. Sask. 

Regina, Sask. 
Dave Williams, ex-Weyburn. Sask., 
theatre owner, named an inspector 
of theatres in Saskatchewan, suc- 
ceeding Ray Morin, who resigned to 
live in Vancouver. 



Economy Ax Hits Mpls. 

Minneapolis. 

Ranks of film salesmen here are 
feeling the first impact of Holly- 
wood retrenchment. United Artists 
and 20th-Fox each have cut their 
staffs by one. Former let out Rob- 
ert Smith and latter dropped Harry 
Buck in economy wave which pre- 
viously -bad. ..found local branches 
dismissing more than 20 office .start 
employes. Buck has joined Inde- 
pendent Film Distributors. 

Film Classics Iies bought out Joe 
Wolf, local franchise holder, and 
will operate the branch here itself. 



An Estate Will Dispose of 
Two 1400-Seat 

FIRST RUN THEATRES 

Located in the Capital cities 
of two midwestern States 

These are two prime properties 
enjoying excellent returns 



If you or* Intarattcd In molting 
an offer, please contact 
for particulars: 

O'BRIEN, DRISCOLL, RAFTERY 

152 West 42nd Street 
New York City. New York 



LAWLER 



"GROSSES GO HIGHER WITH DEVONSHIRE" 
VIVIEN LEIGH • REX HARRISON • ANNABEUA • DAVID 
NIVEN • RAYMOND MASSEY • HENRY FONDA • EDNA 
BEST • EDMUND GWENN • PAUL LUCAS • ROBERT NEWTON 
ClIVE BROOK • FLORA ROBSON • JOHN MILLS • ANN TODD 
CONRAD VEIDT • GLYNIS JOHNS 
DEVONSHIRE DISTRIBUTORS- COAST TO- eOAST-— 



DEVONSHIRE FILM COMPANY 

185 ^bevousltin Slrrrf /Julian. 'ffl\ai>. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



RADIO 



21 



FTC WON'T CARR Y THE BALL 

Radio, Ad Agency Activity in Food 
Campaign Spearheaded by Lever's 
Chas. Luckman Loaded with Dynamite 



What Petrillo Wants 

James C. Petrillo, American Federation of Musicians prexy, realizes 
he's got a tough nut to crack. He talked into the early morning hours 
with a small group of radioites following last Wednesday night's (1) 
meeting in New York, with his off-the-cuff remarks revealing the ex- 
tent of his major concerns and what he's up against in negotiating 
new contracts with, the four major networks. 

Here, in effect, was Petrillo's reasoning when he squared off for his 
conversation piece with the handful of radioites. It's simply a case, 
he argued, where he's got to maneuver a deal with the networks to 
retain the status quo, rather than add additional musicians. He's con- 
vinced that when station contracts expire, the managers are going to 
chop off a lot of heads. That under the guise of the Taft-Hartley law, 
the network affiliates in particular are going to content themselves 
with the coast-to-coast musical pickups and discard local musicians. 

Petrillo said that already it's meant a loss of $150,000 in musicians' 
wages since the enactment of the law, with 76 musicians getting the 
axe, and he's of the opinion by the time the four-network contract 
expires Jan. 31 it's probable that an additional $2,000,000' revenue will 
be lopped off through the release of several hundred additional 
musicians. 

Thus Petrillo cited as foremost the need to put pressure on the net- 
works to convince their affiliates to retain their present staffs of mu- 
sicians: If he wins out on that point, he said, the rest should be easy. 
But he figures he's going to have trouble oh that point. 



Petrillo Still Sez W on AM-FM 
Duplication; Webs Dig in For Battle 



' Last glimmer of hope that James* 
C. Petrillo was going to allow 
AM-FM duplication this year faded 
out yesterday (Tues.) and the radio 
industry figuratively threw up its 
hands, resigned to dig in for battle 
with the American Federation of 
Musicians on the duplication front 
as well as others. High hopes raised 
in FMers last, week that the AFM 
boss was going to permit "interim" 
duplication pending expiration of 
-AFM-network pacts early next year 
. went fluttering out the window a 
couple of days later when Petrillo 
sat down with network brass in a 
pair of preliminary contract-talk 
huddles. 

How strongly the webs plumped 
for the interim duplication deal in 
the closed-door sessions, held Fri- 
day (3) and Monday (6), isn't 
known. What is known, however, 
is that FM interests who conducted 
a friendly session with Petrillo last 
.Wednesday (1) came away thorough- 
ly convinced he was going to give 
duplication the green light. Mon- 
day, following the second huddle 
with the web toppers, word came 
out -he had informed the webs that 
he was sticking by his duplication 
nix. 

Petrillo's apparent turnabout, rea- 
sons for which both FM and net- 
work spokesmen claimed they were 
at a loss to ascribe, tossed the whole 
AFM-industry picture back into the 
dismal and disputed state it was be- 
fore. 

Petrillo's adamant stand in refus- 
ing to permit his musicians to play 
for network co-op shows also is a 
growing basis of irritation. Web pro- 
grammers are pointing increasingly 
(Continued on page 34) 



Dinah-James-Lund 
Piece-Meal' Deal 

Deal was finally concluded last 
week for the Dinah Shore-Harry 
James-Art Lund half -hour musical 
to go i n> as Philip Morris replace- 
ment on CBS for "It Pays to Be 
Ignorant,'' but under circumstances 
that may not find the show fully 
crystallized until the first of the 
year. "Ignorant" bows off after the 
Oct. 24 broadcast, with the new 
musical. "Call for Music," scheduled 
tor a teeoff on the following Friday 
night. 

However, between Oct. 31, "47 and 
. Ja| i- 1, '48. it will likely be a piece- 
meal production, with Miss Shore, 
who gets top billing, checking off 
ior her period of confinement (her 
child s due in December) and James' 
presentation house commitments 
necessitating a flexible format which 
may find either one or the other 
..carrjuHg. fo e-full- ■tewtttf-tiirtiww: 
ueal with Philip Morris is also suffi- 
ciently flexible so that it may even 
be decided to keep "Ignorant" on 
until all the component parts of 
music' can be assembled for a 
aeuut under full-blown auspices. 



Wilson-Sullivan Try 

CBS producer Will Roland has 
just cut an audition platter with 
Teddy Wilson and Maxine Sullivan. 
It's planned as a 15-minute show for 
Saturday night showcasting. 

Entire cast consists of Wilson, Miss 
Sullivan and bassist Billy Taylor, 
and features a batch of old songs. 



Biow's N.Y.-LA. 
Show Shifts Cue 
H.O. Overhauling 

Last season every network show 
off the Milton Biow agency produc- 
tion line, with the single exception 
of "Suspense," had an eastern origi- 
nation. That included "Take It or 
Leave It." Henry Morgan, "FBI in 
Peace and War." "It Pays to Be 
Ignorant" and the Milton Berle pro- 
gram. 

Today the situation has practically 
reversed itself, with the. drastic 
overhaul of the Philip Morris pro- 
gramming lineup automatically lop- 
ping off three of the N. Y.-originat- 
ing shows, and "Take It" taking up 
Coast residence last Sunday (5>. 
With "Crime Doctor" cancelled, and 
"Ignorant" and Berle being replaced 
by two' musicals, it will leave only 
"FBI" and the Adam Hat "Big 
Break'' as the sole tenants of the 
Biow homeoflice in Manhattan. 

Replacing "Ignorant'' will be the 
Dinah Shore-Harry James-Art Lund 
show from the Coast, while 
Horace Heidt, the Berle replace- 
ment, will be traveling. Morgan, too, 
has transferred to the Coast because 
of pix commitments. 

Situation has cued considerable 
speculation as to what effect it will 
have on the Biow production per- 
sonnel in N. Y.. since the major pro- 
gramming emphasis will be in Hol- 
lywood. It's expected that, it will 
involve some shifts and depart- 
mental overhauling. 






NEW BURROWS SHOW 
IS BREWING AT CBS 

In a further bid to wrap up a 
deal with Listerine. CBS is audition- 
ing a new Abe ■"■'Burrows show, 
which will be expanded from its 
current 15 minutes to a full half- 
hour. 

In addition to the Burrows songs 
and comedy. Margaret Whiting will 
go on the show with co-billing and 
there will~be-a~ guest-star— policy.-— - 

Listerine deal is reported hot and 
if papers are signed show will be 
moved into the Wednesday night 
9:30-10 time, into which the net has | 
moved Sweeney & March on a wait 
and-see basis. 



Washington, Oct. 7. 

The Federal Trade Commission- 
sidestepping the question of whether 
or not it has jurisdiction to enjoin 
certain types of radio programs as 
"unfair competition" — has, nonethe- 
less, refused to put its authority to 
the test on the ground FCC has the 
primary responsibility over pro- 
gramming and the Trade Commis- 
sion has no wish to "duplicate or 
overlap" the functions Of another 
federal agency: " 

As a result, it looks like the FCC 
will continue to call the plays on 
program matters and the FTC will 
confine its attention to the commer- 
cial , copy served up with the pro- 
grams themselves. 

The FTC decision was made on the 



No Room! No Room! 

Washington, Oct. 7. 

FTC's refusal last week to 
break precedent and move into 
the radio program field brought 
broad smiles from the top braps 
at NAB, who generally think 
FCC provides mbre than enough 
trouble for the broadcasters and 
have no wish to jump "from the 
frying pan into the Are." 

NAB is also cool to the jdea — 
apparently started as a one-man 
campaign by FTC Commissioner 
Lowell Mason— that FTC would 
throw its weight behind enforce- 
ment of the new NAB Code, 
once it is on the books. If any 
enforcing is to be done, NAB'ers 
are making it clear they want 
the industry and not the FCC or 
FTC to do it. In any event, it is 
considered unlikely that Mason 
would get support of his fellow 
FTC'ers for such a radical de- 
parture from past Trade Com- 
mission practices. 



q.t. last week in dismissing a peti- 
tion from local station WWDC. 
WWDC had asked for FTC action to 
restrain a money-give-away quiz 
show, "Dollars for Answers," aired 
over WARL, Arlington, Va. and a 
horse-racing stanza carried by an- 
other indie, WGAY, Silver Spring, 
Md. 

WWDC .counsel Pierson & Ball 
claimed the WARL stint was a lot- 
tery since a listener had to tune the 
broadcast before he could give the 
right answers or cop off the prize 
money. On the WGAY show, WWDC 
pointed out that it had dropped a 
similar racing-results stint last year 
when it appeared the show was 
being used by bookies and numbers 
(Continued on page 34) 



Irony-of-It Note! 

About the same time WOR, 
N.Y.. pulled the plug on news- 
caster George Carson Putnam, 
who had been handling 11 shows 
on the station, WOR's publicity 
dept. announced that the New 
Jersey State Fair had bestowed 
an award on Putman's "Human 
Side of the News"— as the best 
news program on the air! 



Independents' In 
AFRA to Put Up 
Own Slate in Nov. 



With the organization last week of 
the "Independents," factionalism in 
the American Federation of Radio 
Artists now exists formally and in 
the open. The new group and the 
entrenched Artists Committee, which 
until recently operated in semi- 
secret, will' offer opposing slates of 
candidates in next month's New 
York election of officers and board 
members. Meanwhile, the present 
board has voted to study the politi- 
cal situation in the union and, 
possibly, make recommendations 
concerning it. 

The "Independents," formation of 
which was revealed in Vauietv last 
week, is to continue in existence 
only through the coming local elec- 
tion. It has announced that it will 
campaign for officers and board 
members who will be governed en- 
tirely by their own principles and 
judgment, without "guidance or con- 
trol from any unofficial group, in- 
cluding ourselves." The Artists 
Committee, meanwhile, has still not 
announced any formal policy or 
campaign platform. 

The local board's decision to study 
the political situation in AFRA took 
the form of a joint resolution by Dan 
Seymour and Clayton Collyer, al- 
most identical to the proposed one 
Seymour offered recently to Artists 
Committee leaders, in an" effort to 
heal the split in the union's ranks. 
As reported in Variety at the timi, 
Collyer and other AC heads agreed 
to support the resolution at the Sept. 
18 local membership meeting, but 
failed to do so. Later, when the in- 
(Continued on page 32,) 



♦ The radio and advertising trades 
are awaiting with keen interest the 
part radio and other media will 
play in President Truman's meat 
crisis campaign. It's particularly 
fraught with interest because of the 
fact that Charles Luckman, head 
man of Lever Bros., is in charge of 
the braintrusting Citizens' Food 
Committee. ,. 

In view of Lever Bros.' standing 
as a major radio bankroller and its 
distribution of accounts among top 
agencies, it's regarded as a foregone 
conclusion that this in itself would 
guarantee some action. In fact, 
Luckman has already alerted the 
agencies and the principal adver- 
tising media used by Lever, and the 
blueprinting of concerted action is 
reported to be considerable. 

As far as radio is concerned, it's 
known that Frank Stanton, CBS, 
prexy, has commissioned Victor 
Ratner, formerly the network's pro- 
motion director, to prepare a presen- 
tation for President Truman on 
what radio can do in the campaign. 

What makes the whole thing sig- 
nificant and has occasioned such 
keen interest is the fact that there 
are so many delicate political angles 
involved. Top men in radio are not 
unmindful of the fact that the- whole 
thing's loaded with dynamite. For 
there are definite political and busi- 
ness overtones tied in, plus the 
threat of future restoration of con- 
trols in the next year's election. And, 
too, there's the realization that 
among the people who killed the 
OPA are the big food processors, 
who in turn arc the big advertisers 
in radio and other media. 

It's a case of radio wanting to do 
its bit, particularly where the sen- 
sitivities of large advertisers are 
concerned, and yet recognizing that 
the present difficulty of high prices 
tends toward making the whole 
campaign a little absurd. 



Veepees for Syd Eiges, Chas. Hammond 
Accent NBC's Youth-Slanted Format 



NBC board of directors at its regu- 
lar monthly meeting last Friday (3) 
elected Sydney H. Eiges, manager of 
the web's press dept., and Charles P. 
Hammond, newly-appointed asst. to 
the executive vice-president, as 
veepees. First official act of Eiges 
as a veepee was to name his asst., 
Tom Knode, as director of publicity. 

The moves are cued to the whole 
realignment within the NBC organ- 
ization aimed at establishing a post- 
war format in which the thinking of 
the younger men of proven ability 
will be integrated into web policies. 

Elevation of Eiges to the role of 
veepee, marking the first time that a 
network has bestowed the title on a 
press dept. head, also points up the 
new emphasis being directed by 
prexy Niles Trammell and Frank E. 
Mullen, exec veepee, on public re- 
lations as-a vital function, with the 
scope of Eiges' duties eventually to 
be broadened. It's recalled that at 
the NBC convention in Atlantic City 
a few weeks back major emphasis 
was directed at the overall signifi- 
cance of public relations in combat- 



ting wholesale criticism directed at 
radio. - 

Similarly, it marks the first move 
within network spheres to give the 
same stature to its publicity chiefs 
as that which applies to the film in- 
dustry, where in many instances, the 
pub.-ad heads are titled executives 
playing important roles in formu- 
lating company policy. 

Promotions of Eiges and Hammond 
is in keeping with the wholesale 
executive reshuffling in recent 
months with the accent >on youth, 
with Jim Gaines, manager of WNBC, 
the web's N. Y. flagship, for example, 
also taking over the m. & o. station 
functions, and with the emergence of 
Ken Dyke and Harry Kopf into two 
of the topmost key operational roles. 

Eiges, who came to NBC as a 
writer in the press dept. in 1941, was 
named manager of the division in 
January, 1945, and, along with Ham- 
mond, has projected himself into 
network operations. His know-how 
techniques have won him high in- 
dustry regard. 

Hammond, until the recent ap- 
pointment, was director of adver- 
tising and promotion, a post he has 
held since 1944. 



Midwest Copy Fullback 

Chicago, Oct. 7. 
The food conservation drive last 
week started a flurry of activity 
among midwest agencies represent- 
(Continued on page 32) 



Hudnut s Powder 
On Jean Sablon 



Collapse of the cosmetic market, 
with the current inventory prob- 
lems, flooding of the market with 
cheap items, etc.. has resulted in 
Hudnut taking a powder on the 
Jean Sablon show. Program, heard 
Sunday afternoons in the 5:30-5:45 
segment, cancels out at the end of 
the month after a year of spon- 
sorship. CBS plans to keep pro- 
gram on sustaining. 

It follows within a week word of 
Rayve dropping its Sammy Kaye 
show on ABC. It's one of the main 
factors that led to Lady Esther's 
cancellation of the high - rated 
"Screen Guild Players" program 
(since acquired by Camel). 

First inkling that the webs would 
be hit came as far back as last fall, 
when Bourjois, seeing the handwrit- 
ing on the wall, scrammed out of 
network programming, dropping its 
Tony Martin stanza. 



TONI NOT SO PERMANENT 
AS IT CANCELS TORME 

Toni (makers of home permanent 
wave gadgets), which has been buy- 
ing up practically everything in 
sight for network spotlighting, did 
a sudden reverse switch last week, 
notifying NBC that it was cancel- 
ling its Mel Torme show after the 
first 13-week cycle. 

Toni sticks with the web, how- 
ever, having purchased the 11-11:15 
a.m. cross-the-board strip for a soap 
opera series. 



22 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



Station Reps Vs. CBS Radio Sales 
Issue Tossed Into Lap of Govt 



Battle royal is sha'ping up between ♦• 
CBS and the new National Assn. of 
Radio Station Representatives, with 
the whole concept of network func- 
tions due for a showdown review as 
a result of the filing of complaints 
by the NARSR with the FCC and 
the U. S; Attorney General. The 
complaints, filed late last week, 
charge the network with making 
illegal inroads on the business of the 
reps by taking over non-network 
time sales of CBS affiliates which 
■were previously represented by as- 
sociation members. 

NARSR threw down the gauntlet 
8s a direct upshot of the taking over 
by Radio Sales, spot sales division of 
CBS, of rep status for WRVA, Rich- 
mond, and KSL, Salt Lake. 

In the field of national advertising, 
the only competition with the net- 



Up in Arms 

Washington, Oct. 7, 
Other webs are evincing 
plenty of interest in the com- 
bined opposition of station sales 
reps to CBS' entry into sales 
representation field. NBC, prob- 
ably concerned over application 
to NBC National Spot Sales, has 
asked FCC for -copy of the reps' 
blast at Columbia. And FCC al- 
ready is nursing a letter from 
WING, Dayton, former ABC af- 
filiate, pointing up fact that 
American is asking its stations 
to clear time across the board 
lor web shows. 

CBS has already signed up as 
rep for WBVA, Richmond, and 
KSL, Salt Lake City. Reports 
are that web has plans to sign 
up WWL, New Orleans, and 
KQW, San Francisco, shortly. 



'New Faces': Air Version 

Leonard Sillman is readying a ra- 
dio version of his "New Faces" legit 
revue, which he'll package, with 
Music Corp. of America as agent. 

He'll be the m.c, and the stanza 
will feature "unknown" profes- 
sionals. 



Non-Commie Rule 
NoIBEWVoteBar 



Washington, Oct 7. ' 
National Labor Relations Board 
today tTues), by a 6-1 vote, reversed 
its general counsel and the Balti- 
more regional board, and ruled that 
the International Brotherhood of 
Electrical Workers (AFL) may go 
ahead with an election at . station 
WARL, Arlington. 

NLRB, in so ruling, held it was 
not necessary for AFL top brass to 
have signed non-Communist affida- 
vits required under the Taft-Hartley 
Act in order for the IBEW to pro- 
ceed with its election, inasmuch as 
officers of the IBEW have signed the 
affidavits. Action was regarded as 
the first major test case under the 
T-H Act. 




KLZ'S FARM REPORTER 

LOWELL WATTS 

Cited for Public Service 

KLZ's Farm Service, directed by 
Lowell Watts, received prominent 
mention in KLZ's recent winning of 
top honors among regional network 
affiliates in the Public Service divi- 
sion of The Billboard's annual radio 
promotion competition. 

KLZ, DENVER. 



Grocery Mfrs. Account for 26% Of 
AD Program Time Sales in U.S. Radio 



Philco Hypo 



Philadelphia, Oct. 7. 

Philco used the World Series 
broadcast to sell radios. Western 
Union messengers were walking 
around midtown with portable sets 
tuned to the game with signs keep- 
ing score. 

The stunt drew large crowds to 
each street corner in the downtown 
district. 



■work's own sale of time has come 
from national advertising sales by 
the station reps, NARSR set forth in 
its complaints, arguing that "to com- 
bine these two competing forms of 
radio advertising in the hands of the 
network is to eliminate that com- 
petition and to place full control of 
time allocations and advertising 
rates for national advertising in the 
Columbia Broadcasting System." 

This, the reps charge, violates the 
Sherman anti-trust- act. On that 
(Continued from page 30) 



McGill Slated for O'seas 
Brasshat Commission To 
Dig Army Program Ideas 

Earle McGill, national prexy of 
the Radio Directors Guild and di- 
rector of the Army-sponsored "War- 
riors of Peace" stanza, which bowed 
off the ABC network last week, was 
slated to .plane Europe-ward with 
Army brasshats yesterday (Tues.) on 
a mission to dig for program and 
promotion ideas for the Army's 1948 
recruiting campaign via radio. 

Ayer agency, which handles the 
Army radio, campaign, is sending 
along Tally Joyner of the agency's 
Philadelphia office. 

In Frankfurt next week, McGill 
and Joyner will sit in on a confer- 
ence of Army public relations offi- 
cers called in from Allied occupation 
zones to toss up ideas for radio pro- 
gramming to plug the Army way of 
life. 

Objective is to come up with some 
show formulas to slot on the net- 
works early next year when the 
Army's present schedule of football 
airers runs out. Other Army stanzas 
—"Sound Off," Guy Lombardo's 
"Take a Break" and "Warriors of 
Peace"— have been cancelled mean- 
while. 

McGill, who's still a freelance di- 
rector, may stop over in Dublin en 
route home to direct a plattered 
series of Abbey theatre dramats for 
Harry Alan Towers, British tran- 
scription producer. In this event, he 
would probably not return to the 
U. S. before December. 



'Land We Live In' to Get 
Airing by Two St Louis 
Stations Due to Mixup 

St. Louis, Oct. 7. 
The "Land We Live In" program 
that has been an outstanding mid- 
west contribution to radio over 
KMOX, with the Union Electric Co. 
of Missouri as bankroller for nine 
years, will be heard over KMOX and 
KSD, owned and operated by the 
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Pulitzer), 
dut to a squabble with the sponsor. 

Last week KMOX sought to shift 
the time of the 30-minute broadcast 
from 6:30 p.m. Saturday to a p.m. 
hour on Sunday. Gardner Adver- 
tising Agency, representing the pub- 
lic utility, took the matter up. The 
switch was unacceptable especially 
as the offered, spot on KMOX was 
subject to cancellation if later re- 
quested by the Campbell Soup Co., 
which moved into the "Land We 
Live In" slot. 

KSD was then contacted and 
agreed to set aside a 5:30 p.m. Sun- 
day spot for the program. The deal 
was made and KSD will begin 
broadcasting this program starting 
Sunday (12). In the meantime 
KMOX will continue the program 
as a sustainer. Kensinger Jones, who 
has been scripting the show for the 
last year, and another KMOX em- 
ployee have been hired by the Gard- 
ner Co. to continue their stint with 
the program. 



King Quits WOR 
In 'Exodus 1440' 

On the upper floors at 1440 Broad- 
way, N. Y., occupied by WOR, Bam- 
berger-owned key outlet of the Mu- 
tual web, the march of exiting per- 
sonnel is being called "Exodus 1440." 
Latest to join the parade is Gene 
King, manager of program opera- 
tions, who will check out Oct. 17 to 
become program manager ofWCOP, 
Cowles-owned station in Boston. 

King, who went to WOR in 1940 
after a hitch with WEVD, N.* Y., as 
chief announcer and all-night disk 
jockey, is No. 3 among ranking WOR 
staffers to jump on the outgoing 
bandwagon in the past month. Rod 
Erickson, program director, was 
first. Last week Dick Pack, director 
of publicity, followed him. Erickson, 
who stuck it out a year in the pro- 
gramming "hot seat," hasn't set his 
future plans. Pack went to WNEW, 
N. Y. indie, as head flack. 

Bert Briller is exiting WOR's pub- 
licity staff to join Pack at WNEW. 
One of the secretaries in WOR pub- 
licity also is resigning. That leaves 
Robert Blake, assistant publicity di- 
rector, and a secretary to carry on 
where five were before. 

There are rumblings of added 
resignations amid only half-guarded 
talk of general discontent, stem- 
ming, it's said, from resentment of 
station edicts and policies and a 
mounting trend toward arbitrary 
generalissimoing from oh high. It's 
an open secret that the top brass 
has been taking an increasingly ac- 
tive hand in day-to-day program- 
ming affairs, in an effort, it's said, to 
hike the stations competitive posi- 
tion ratingswise. 

As of early this week, no suc- 
cessors had been named to King, 
Pack and Erickson — although the 
latter's spot has been open going on 
a month. 



Chi Production 
Needle Points Up 

Chicago, Oct. 7. 
Expectations that Chicago will 
regain a fat fraction of its- former 
importance as a production center 
are higher than at any time in the 
last several years. The so-called 
"radio ghost town" is flexing its 
muscles and tossing off beakers of 
plasma. 

Reason for the surge of hope is 
that most informed persons feel that 
rock bottom was reached in the exit 
of General Mills' soapers, and from 
now on the only place left to go is 
up. They pointed out that Chi is 
originating about 15 commercial net- 
work shows along with a rash of 
sustainers, and that a lively business 
in open-end transcriptions has 
sprung up almost overnight. 

Five packagers of transcribed 
shows have set up shop within the 
last two years. They include Char- 
toc-Colman with their "Ted Lewis 
Show,'' arid Green Associates with 
the money-making "Coach Leahy of 
Notre Dame." Flourishing in this 
field is Feature Productions, which 
handles "Hint Hunt" and "Ladies Be 
(Continued from page 30) 



Shucks! Blackout Can't 
Stop KMOX's Hillbillies 

St. Louis, Oct. 7. 

KMOX's hillbilly galaxy demon- 
strated last week that it can perform 
as well in the dark as in a brightly- 
illuminated studio. Half a minute 
before the "Billy Star Show" pro- 
gram was to hit the airwaves a fuse 
blew out, plunging the studio in 
darkness. There was no time to 
switch to another studio. 

Lloyd Anderson, gabber, put the 
program on the air by adlibbing 
while the producer, Lambert Kohr, 
fled for help. In the meantime, Starr, 
the headliner, passed the word 
among the tooters to play an open- 
ing selection they knew by memory. 
By the time Starr finished vocaling 
the number an oil lantern had been 
produced. That enabled Starr to 
read the first commercial. Midway 
through the program lights were re- 
stored and dialers were unaware of 
the incident. 



Washington, Oct. 7. 

Manufacturers of groceries and 
toiletries plow most money into pur- 
chase of radio program time, while 
department and specialty stores and 
sponsors of grocery products are 
the largest single buyers of spot an- 
nouncements on U. S. radio stations. 
These are the findings of NAB Di- 
rector of Research Kenneth Baker 
who this week mailed out to NAB 
members a comprehensive break- 
down of products and services which 
are footing broadcasting's bills. 

Although a few product-types 
(groceries, toiletries, medicines, de- 
partment stores, jewelry and silver) 
account for most radio sales in both 
the program and spot announcement 
categories, Baker believes the dis- 
tribution among different brands 
and types of products is "broad 
enough to insure "-a fairly solid 
economic base for radio advertis- 
ing." As he sees it, withdrawal of a 
few soap or grocery accounts won't 
spell disaster for the broadcasters. 

As listed in Baker's analysis, gro- 
ceries account for 26.1% of program 
time sales and for 14.8% of the 
commercial spot announcements 
sold on all V. S. radio stations. 
Baker uses groceries to include all 
foods, laundry soaps and powders, 
soft drinks, etc. 

A poor second to groceries in pur- 
chase of program time are toiletries 
which account for 9.3% of program 
time sold. Under this category, 
Baker includes facial soaps, cosme- 
tics, razors, etc. 

Medicines account for third 
heaviest use of commercial program 
time. Sponsors of laxatives, patent 
medicines, and drug stores buy 8.9% 
of the program time sold on all 
stations. 

In general, commodities sold by 
department- and specialty stores 
contribute more on a percentage 
basis to radio announcement busi- 
ness than to program business. 
Products in the toiletries and medi- 
cal categories account for a greater 
percentage of sponsored time and 
announcements on large stations 
than on medium and small stations. 

Baker's figures show that depart- 
ment store advertising and sponsors 
of household equipment account for 
more program time sales on 250- 
watt and regional stations than on 
the bigtime stations. 

Motion picture and other "amuse- 
ment" advertising accounts for only 
1.5% of program time sales and 
6.4% of commercial spots sold on 
all stations. The small local-waiters 
get the lion's share of the pix and 
amusement advertising — most of 
which shows up in spot time sales. 



Geo. Heller to Coast 

George Heller, national executive- 
secretary of the American Federa- 
tion of Radio Artists, planes to the 
Coast this weekend, to be gone 
about 10 days. He'll attend the 
American Federation of Labor con- 
vention in San Francisco, and sit in 
on -the- .rcsioual.-£oiifab_ihere_Jwith_ 
rcprcsentatives of the various Coast 
locals. He'll then go to Los Angeles 
lor several days on union business. 

He's due back in New York on or 
about Oct. 21. 



More Cuff o Time for the Asking 

(Variety's list of public service programs available free to stations, published in the Aug. 20 issue, aroused 
much interest and elicited many inquiries to sponsors. A postscript of more such programs, mostly new, is offered 
herewith.) 



Program Title 
Building for Peace 

Eyes on the Ball 

Our Delayed Pilgrims 

In Your Name 



U. S. Navy Band 



Quaker Relief Series 



Highways to Safety 



Ave Maria Hour 



Music for the Soul 

The Christians 
So You Want to Stay Married 
Fire Prevention Spots 



Description Producer and Address 

Six 15-min. dramats, with Ingrid Berg- Joint Religious Radio Committee 
man, others 287 Park ave., N. Y. 10, N. Y. 

24 15-min. musicals Better Vision Institute 

630 Fifth ave., N. Y. C. 
4 30-min. dramats, with Eddie Cantor, Citizens Committee of Displaced Persons 
others, on behalf of displaced persons 39 E. 36th st.. N- Y. 16, N. Y. 
26 15-min. dramats of stories in Red American Red Cross 



Cross files with John Howard, William 
Gargan, others 
13 15-min. concerts 



Six 15-min. dramats, with Eva LeGal- 
lienne, others 

15-min. dramats on accident case his- 
tories in files (free to New Jersey 
stations) 

52 30-min. dramats based on lives of 
saints using top show biz names 



28J^airivJQMisic_^j!gtan>a_ 

13 15-min. dramats 
Eight 15-min. dramats 

Five jingles on fire prevention, from 20 
to 45 seconds' length 



John S. Renwick, Director 
Washington, D. C. 
U. S. Navy 

Capt. John S. Shipman 

Navy Dept. Annex, Washington, D. C. 

American Friends Service Committee 

Arthur Ritz, radio director 

20 S. 12th St., Phila^, Pa. 

N. J. Dept. of Motor Vehicles 

Leo Welch, safety director 

State House, Trenton, N. J. 

Ave Maria Hour 

Rev. Terrence Cummings, S.A. 

Garrison, N. Y. 

he. U pper-Room — — — — ■ — — - — 

1908 Grand ave. 
Nashville 4, Tenn. 

Fire Prevention Institute 

Walter Sandt 

675 Fifth ave., N. Y. 



Lewis to Fight Ouster By 
Farmers' Co-op Which 
Claims He Falsified 

Washington, Oct. 7. 
Fulton Lewis, Jr., sponsored co- 
operatively on Mutual, a coopera- 
tive network, climaxed his year- 
long fight with the farmer and con- 
sumer co-op groups here Saturday 
(4) by a threat to sue the Southern 
States Cooperative farmers' organi- 
zation for dismissing him from 
membership. 

The Southern States 14-man board 
Of directors last week unanimously 
voted to oust the commentator, 
charging he had embarked on a 
propaganda campaign" designed to 
mislead the public into believing 
that farmer cooperatives are social- 
istic, if not communistic, and are 
tax dodgers.". 

Lewis, who earlier claimed he 
joined Southern States because he 
had no other source of supply for 
his 250-acre farm near Leonaxl- 
town, Md., appeared at the board 
sessions in Richmond. When told of 
the co-op's decision he dubbed the 
meeting "a star chamber proceed- 
ing," declined an appeal to the or- 
ganization's annual membership 
meeting in Richmond, Nov. 10, and 
said he would take his case to court. 

Lewis' long-standing fend with 
the cooperatives last year resulted 
in an appeal from the co-ops to the 
Federal Trade Commission to re- 
strain his broadcasts. On another 
occasion, Mutual commentator *Sf-. 
thur Gacth took to the air to give 
the cooperatives' side of the picture 
following a series of broadcasts by 
Lewis attacking their tax immunity 
as unfair competition. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



RADIO 



23 



MEX STANDOFF ON ALLOCATIONS 



NBC to Denny: Think It Over' 

Washington, Oct. 7. 
Both NBC and Mrs. Charles R. Denny, Jr. (Denny is still in Atlantic 
City) are denying fast-flying rumors that the FCC chairman has al- 
ready signed up with that network. 

It's an open secret now that several months ago NBC put in a bid 
'or, Denny's services. Latter turned .it down and NBC told him to 
ake his time in thinking it over. As yet Denny hasn't said yes. But 
ongtime Washington radio men and FCC staffers found a new omen 
lere yesterday (6) to bulwark their fear that Denny plans an early 
lepartment from the Government. 

For the first time since he came to FCC five and a half years ago, 
penny failed to show up at the agency's all-important budget hearing 
here' yesterday. As general counsel, commissioner and chairman, 
Benny has always played a prominent role in presenting FCC's fund 
requests. Last spring he was given single-handed credit for winning 
a record appropriation for FCC in 1948. (The commissioners asked 
for an approximate $7,000,000 kitty for fiscal 1949 when they appeared 
before the Budget Bureau men yesterday.) 



Sales Mgrs. Sing 'Code Me Blues; 
Spot Rate Raise Seen a Necessity 





• Chicago, Oct. 7. > 

Midwest station sales, managers 
are singing the "Cdde Me Blues." 
Practically every one of them 
quizzed last week on the possible 
Effects of the commercial time limi- 
tations in the proposed NAB code 
expressed the firm belief that the 
code's adoption would give stations, 
particularly those of indie status, no 
alternative but to raise their local 
•pot announcement rates. 

Reconciled to having to knuckle 
down to some form of commercial 
time shaving early next year, these 
sales managers are beginning to fig- 
ure how they're going to make up 
for the anticipated loss of income 
from their quarter-hour segments, 
especially daytime, when the sched- 
ule is heavy with local retailers. 
The sales managers are faced with a 
twofold headache in the latter case, 
namely, eliminating one of the three 
Announcements that customarily are 
Strung into a 15-minute program and 
bdvising the local retailer that he'll 
have to be content with 30% less 
wbrdage in his copy. That cut in 
wordage, say the sales managers, is 
in itself tantamount to a tilt in rates. 

As these sales managers see it, 
Under the code average participation 
programs won't be able to get away 
■with more than two announcements, 
no matter how they're sliced. That 
adds up a loss of 30% in revenue. 
That 30%, argue sales managers, 
can't be made up in any way but a 
like rate increase. 

Newspaper Threat 

What worries the sales heads of 
Jndie stations, particularly, is that 
they will have to turn with their 
problems to local retail advertisers. 
The local retailer, say the sales 
*xecs, is a very sensitive person 
when it comes to tampering with his 
(Continued on page 35) ' ' 



'CBS Is There' Comes Back 
Through Public Demand, 
Teeing Off This Month 

"CBS Is There," the network's 
summer show which utilized the on- 
the-spot coverage technique to higrt- 
1'ght major events that helped shape 
the worlds course, is returning to 
the network. It's set for an Oct. 21 
teeoff,-. in the Tuesday night 10:30-11 
period. Re-slotting the program was 
inspired by the flock of requests from 
listeners. 

m Wttal presentation will be the 
Battle of Gettysburg" (told from the 
Union side of the line but based on 
a Southerner's impression of the 
War). Researchers are also at work 
(each show requires a minimum- of 
five-six weeks research so as to safe- 
guard the network against going off 
the deep end on authenticity) on fu- 
ture shows scheduled. These include 
the Magna Carta, Burr-Hamilton 
duel. Boston Tea Party, set for Dec. 
16, the date on which it happened; 
signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence (down for Dec. 30); Death 
of Socrates, Marco Polo story, Exile 
.-PiJlapoleon. and Commodore Peary's 
opening of Japan, set for Dec. 2 to tie 
ln wit h the Pearl Harbor anni- 
versary. 

Bob Shayon will again produce the 
series, with John Daly handling the 
on-the-spot mike coverage, and 
George Fielding Eliot as analyst. 



Sandwich Com'I 

Chicago, Oct. 7. 

J. Walter Thompson's radio 
department last week got a 
pitch from the sales manager 
of a midwest station who ex- 
plained that he's conceived of a 
surefire way of inserting three 
blurbs in a 15-minute program 
and still keeping within the 
time requirements of the pro- 
posed NAB code. The sales 
manager referred to his idea as 
the "sandwich commercial." 

The plan is to get three re- 
lated accounts such as bread, 
butter and some other kind of 
spread and induce them to 
agree to operate within the 
same 15-minute segment and 
rotate the amount of wordage 
of their commercials from .day 
to day. 



AP Trims Its Sails 
So NBC Signs; CBS, 
ABC Also in line 



Associated Press, faced with al- 
most certain turndown of its rate- 
hiked "associate" membership deal 
by the three major radio networks 
now buying AP service, did some 
fast maneuvering last week to keep 
the webs in the fold and succeeded, 
as a result, in getting NBC on the 
line, with CBS and ABC considered 
likely to follow. 

Trio of webs, which are pacing 
in the vicinity of $125,000 yearly 
apiece for AP, balked at the press 
association's proposal to grant them 
non-voting AP memberships in re- 
turn for signing pacts considerably 
jumping rates for the news service. 
In addition to the hiked cost, the 
webs didn't ?ike the idea of being 
tied to by-laws which they would 
have no .voice in changing. Current 
contracts with AP had monts to 
(Continued on page 34) 



BARGAIN CLUB 

Washington, Oct. 7. 

American broadcasters are fight- 
ing mad over revolutionary pro- 
posals^— calling for reallocation of 
from 400 to 500 U. S. radio stations 
at a probable cost of several million 
dollars — which were forwarded to 
the State Department last Friday 
(3) by the Mexican government. 
Less drastic revisions of our present 
radio structure were contained in 
recommendations from other West- 
ern Hemisphere countries. The pro- 
posals were submitted by signatories 
to the North American Regional 
Broadcasting Agreement in prepara- 
tion for a new treaty to go into ef- 
fect March 1, 1949. 

Brighter side of the picture for 
U. S. broadcasters is fact that the 
Mexican proposals are just that and 
are not conceded to have a chance 
of winning majority approval of the 
NARBA signatories. The demands 
are looked on as "a bargaining club" 
which some of the countries south 
of the border hope to use to win 
more spectrum space and higher 
power for local stations under the 
next treaty. The U. S. proposals 
call for little or no change in pres- 
ent assignments. 

The Mexican government proposes 
complete reallocation of all U. S. 
radio channels. This calls for all 
channels between 540 and l,140kcto 
be given over exclusively to clear 
channel stations, operating with 
a minimum of lOOkw power. The 
U. S. present limit is 50kw power, 
although the clears are making a 
push for power up to 750kw for 
some of their group. None of the 
U. S. clears, however, will look 
favorably on the Mexican proposal. 

The Mexicans also want all U. S. 
regional stations bundled into the 
space between 1,150 and l,540kc, and 
local channel outlets shifted up- 
stairs between 1,550 and l,600kc. 
The recommendation would mean a 
virtual shift of most U. S. assign- 
ments. 

In addition, the Mexicanos propose 
creation of a new class of "border 
radio station," to operate with 250 
watts power. These stations would 
be protected on both sides of the 
border. 

Fireworks At Havana 

Even though these recommenda- 
tions stand no chance of survival 
they are counted on to cause plenty 
of fireworks when the NARBA 
engineering committee holds its 
first meeting in Havana next month. 

Here's the way the other signa- 
tories' recommendations stack up: 

Canada recommends that the 540 
kc channel (newly added to the 
standard broadcast band) be made a 
Class 1-A clear channel. Canada 
also proposes creation of a new type 
of station )to be designated as Class 
V stations) to operate with 50 watts 
power on clear channels assigned to 
the country in which they are loca- 
ted. These outlets* would act as 
boosters to bolster the service of the 
clear channel or network stations in 
radio-poor areas. 

Cuba made ho specific proposals 
(Continued on page 35) 



BOB ALLEN TEES OFF 
WOR STANZA OCT. 19 

Deal for Col. Robert Allen, Wash- 
ington columnist and author, to do 
a 15-minute weekly commentary on 
WOR. N. Y.. has been set with a 
teeoff tentatively calendared for Oct. 
19. Airer will go into the Sunday 
2:45 p.m. period. 

Allen, former co-author with 
Drew Pearson of 'Washington 
Merry-Go-Round." will do his initial 
stanza from N. Y.. but subsequent 
stints will be piped through from 
Washington. Its understood he 
plans a hard-punching, straight re- 
porting slant for the sequence. , 

Acquisition of Allen, second news 
gabber the station has added to its 
roster in the past fortnight— Carey 
Longmire. ex-war correspondent, 
started a twice-weekly stint last 
week— is cued to a generat strength- 
ening of WOR's news coverage pro- 
gram. 



Three Webs Scramble Into BMB Camp 
On Proviso Basis; Heat Put on Mutual 
But Net Refuses to Be Railroaded 



Network Premieres 



(Oct. 8-19) 



Wed., Oct. S 
"Mayor of the Town," drama, with 
Lionel Barrymore, sponsored by 
Noxzema (S.S.C.&B,); ABC. from 
H'wood; Wed.. 8-8:30 p.m., ET. 
Sat., Oct. 11 
Joan Davis, comedy, sponsored 
cooperatively; CBS, from H'wood; 
Sat., 9-9:30 p.m., ET. 

Mod., Oct. 13 
Billy Rose, comment, sponsored by 
Kreml hair tonic and by Musterole; 
Mutual, from N. Y.; Mon.-Fri., 8:55-9 
p.m., ET. 



M. Block-KFWB 
Finally Decide On 
Parting of Ways 

• _ Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
History repeated itself here this 
week when Martin Block completed 
a cycle started 12 years ago by ex- 
iting Warner's KFWB again — this 
time ' apparently for good. Simul- 
taneously, he wrote an anti-climactic 
chapter to what still remains a deal 
that was one for the book of radio 
wherein he brought disk jockeying 
to a new all-time high of coin and 
kudos in the most precedental rela- 
tionship ever established between a 
personality and an independent sta- 
tion. 

After completing only four 
months of a three-year contract, he 
and Harry Maizlish, station's g.m., 
finally saw eye to eye on one thing, 
mutual consent to cancel, following 
prolonged disagreement on virtually 
(Continued on page 32) 



CBS SHIFTS SWEENEY 
AS SPONSOR COMEON 

In the face of months of futile 
efforts to wrap up a sponsor but 
still convinced that they've got a 
potentially sock comedy .airer. CBS 
is switching its Sweeney & March 
comedy show from Saturday evening 
to Wednesday 9:30-10 p.m. for cream 
j time showcasing. Half-hour period 
| has been opening up due to bowout 
I of the Ford dealers' Meredith WiU- 
i son show. 

Switchover of S & W solves the 
I web's problem of what to do with 
the Bill Goodwin show. He's being 
| yanked oat of the Saturday 9-9:30 
j period to make way for the Joan 
I Davies co-op stanza and hell be 
i moved into the old S & W 8:30-9 
' Saturday evening stretch. 



Top 15 and the Opposition 

CBS' Lux Radio Theatre, with a 17.9, fops the Hooperatings in the 
Oct. 1 report, with "Mr. D. A." as runnerup and the Bob Hope-Red 
Skelton Tuesday night NBC pariay in the No. 3-4 position. Five shows 
in opposition to the Top 15 managed to snare a 10 or better rating. 



With a "Hey, hold that gate open!" 
three of the networks— ABC. CBS 
and NBC — scrambled into the Broad- 
cast Measurement Bureau's pay-as- 
you-go camp last Tuesday (30» at 
6 p. m. But they were only tentative 
joiners. They wouldn't stay, they 
said, unless Mutual came in. too, 
and made it unanimous. And Mutual 
wasn't acting like it was going to 
play. Yesterday (Tues.), after a full 
week of hopeful waiting. BMB was 
still sitting in a four-web-or-nothing 
hot seat. Mutual was refusing to be 
cowed. 

United action of the three webs 
in putting the heat on Mutual to fall 
in line came with suddenness, just a 
few hours before the deadline for 
BMB subscriptions under a 10% dis- 
count comeon. Just before BMB's 
N. Y. offices were about to be closed 
for the day, messengers arrived from 
the three nets bearing signed con- 
tracts. The contracts were dated to 
qualify the webs for the 10% dis- 
count, but bore riders stipulating 
that they were not to be officially 
"accepted" by BMB unless one ar- 
rived from Mutual. 
-At the same time, a deluge of 11- 
hour subscriptions from stations 
jumped the number of station signers 
from 301 to 456. 

BMB prexy Hugh Feltis, adding a 
voice to the thrce-web "come'n in" 
chant, said that the "action stems 
from the fact that BMB is founded 
on the principles of uniform station 
and network measurements, deter- 
mined by the entire industry and ap- 
plicable to all stations and net- 
works." Paul West, Assn. of National 
Advertisers prexy and a BMB vice 
chairman, and Frederic Gamble, 
American Assn. of Advertising 
Agencies prexy and BMB vice chair- 
man, also chimed in with implied 
nudges at Mutual to get into line. 

Mutual's brass was unmoved by it 
all. "They don't need to put the bee 
on us and make us look like the 
horse's neck in this picture," ran the 
feeling of the web's execs, "We've 
told the other nets to go ahead and 
join BMB if they want to. We're 
backing up our convictions by stay- 
ing out of the party for a while." 

Mutual's "conviction." one topper 
reiterated, is that BMB should take 
(Continued on page 34) 



PROGRAM 

Lux Radio Theatre.. 17.9 

"Mr. D. A.". 17.0 

Red Skelton ...... . . ..... 16.1 

Bob Hope 16.0 

Charlie McCarthy 13.9 

Walter Winchell 13.6 

Bob Hawk 13.1 

"Truth or Consequences". 11.8 

' "Rexall-Summer Theatre" 11.7- 

"Mv Friend Irma" 11.5 

"Take It-Leave It"......,. 114 

"Album Familiar Music". 11.4 
"Can' You Tops This?'"... 10.6 

"Hit Parade" 10.4 

"Crime Doctor" 10.4 



OPPOSITION' 



Total 
Network 
Competition 

'] 14.4 
9.5 



( 10.0 "Corliss Archer" 

(11.7 "Man. Merry-Go-Round" 



( 13.6 Winchell 

( 10.0 "Corliss Archer" 



10.3 "Gangbusters" 



9.3 
13.6 

23.6 



22.6 

12 .6 
14.7 
18.9 
15.4 
16.0 
19.0 



Heidt-Morris Show To 
Tour With Vaude Dates 
Spotlighting Am. Talent 

Horace Heidt's new show for Philip 
Morris, which replaces the Milton 
Berle stanza on NBC in December, 
will be a touring vehicle to tie in 
with Heidt's vaude - presentation 
house dates and will utilize local 
personalities cued to the program's 
format of spotlighting amateur 
talent. 

As far as Philip Morris is con- 
cerned, it's an innovation in ner- 
chandising payoff, with the ciggie 
outfit capitalizing on the marquee 
value of "Heidi's Philip Morris Or- 
chestra" tagline. 

Show, incidentally, accents anew 
the current talent development trend 
on coast-to-coast commercial airers, 
given impetus by Arthur Godfrey's 
"Talent Scouts" and the Adam Hat's 
"Big Break" show on NBC. 



MULL McCAFFERY AS 
MANHATTAN GABBER 

John K. M. McCaffery. who mod- 
erates the "Author Meets the Critic" 
show on WNBC, N. Y. is being 
groomed for his own radio program 
on the NBC flagship station. Jim 
Gaines, manager of the station, is 
backing his own faith in McCaffrey's 
potentialities as an air personality 
by; prepping a 15-minute cross-the- 
board morning stanza, with McCaf- 
frey to survey the New York scene. 

Show is planned for the 9:30-9:45 
segment.' with likelihood that it will 
replace "Honeymoon in New York," 
which Station is dropping. 



24 " RADIO REVIEWS 



WcjnegJay, October 8, 1917 




One could no more quarrel with 
the new Ford Theatre as a 60-min- 
ute dramatic production than to pre- 
dict that Lux Radio Theatre is a 
potentially promising show. Like 
its aged predecessor, Ford Theatre 
manages to capture all the -assorted 
techniques and heightened values 
that are so essential to the success- 
ful integration of borrowed proper- 
ties for radio. 

Certainly there's no quarrel with 



FORD THEATRE 

With Howard Lindsay, emcee; Mason 
Adams, Jan Martin, Horace Bra- 
ham, Karl Swenson, Santos Or- 
tego, Lyn Murray orch, others 

Adaptation: Lillian Schoen 

Producer: George Zachary 

Script Editor: George Faulkner 

60 Mins.; Sun., 5 p.m. 

FORD MOTOR CO. 

NBC, from New York 

(Kenyan & Ecfchardt) 



the painstaking care and preparation 
that Kenyon .& Eckhardir's radio 
dept. put into the new show, as was 
certainly reflected in last Sunday's 
(5) initial presentation, a jivey 
adaptation of Mark Twain's "Con- 
necticut Yankee." Nor with the ex- 
pert production it received at the 
hands of radio's able George Zach- 
»ry. Nor again in the lineup of more 
than capable acting talent poured 
into the presentation. 

Rather, the quarrel lies in the very 
fact that one might just as well have 
been ringing up the curtain Sunday 
on the Lux stanza, or again on 
"Theatre Guild of the Air." -Which 
in no way minimizes its sometimes 
superlative qualities as ■ "borrowed 
radio." The case in point is, if 
there's a Ford Theatre in radio's fu- 
ture, one that will enhance its own 
prestige and that of radio's, it would 
lie rather in helping achieve a long-, 
needed development of original 
dramatic writing for the air. The 
premiere "Connecticut Yankee" was 
not the answer. Nor will it be found 



again in next week's "Great Mc- 
Ginty" adaptation. 

In its original blueprint for the 
Ford show, Kenyon & Ejkhardt 
made much of the fact that the Sun- 
day afternoon showcase would serve 
as a coast-to-coast testing ground for 
a number of vehicles specially writ- 
ten for the program and that it 
would pay $2,000 for each original 
accepted for performance. Which, 
in terms of filling the needs for a 
strictly radio theatre and encourag- 
ing writing talent for the medium, 
makes considerable sense. 

Equally encouraging was Henry 
Ford II's reported statement that 
he'll go along for a three-year bank- 
rolling regime to give the whole 
idea sufficient time to jell. But 
Ford's patience and K &E's bid for 
fresh writing talent still possess 
little more than promissory values. 
Thus far one can only weigh it on 
the merits of last Sunday's presen- 
tation. 

In adapting. "Connecticut Yankee" 
to radio (marking the first time the 
Mark Twain saga has been given air 
treatment), Lillian Schoen let out 
all the stops in remodeling it to 
present-day tempo, thus even height- 
ening the contrast. It was a rewrite 
job that occasionally paid off hap;- 
pily; at other times it suggested a 
straining for effect and laughs. Un- 
fortunately, the Twain spirit wasn't 
too often in evidence. 

Howard Lindsay as emcee of the 
show is a sort of vice-president in 
charge of footnotes, filling in be- 
tween acts, with the prefatory com- 
ment and the afterpiece. There's an 
unfortunate deadpan quality about 
his air voice. Lyn Murray's orches- 
tra shapes up as a real asset on the 
basis of its assist on the premiere. • 

This is a Ford institutional show, 
with Henry Ford II on hand for the 
first show to set the modus operandi, 
with an explanation that some com- 
mercials may from time, to, time 
project themselves. Otherwise, there 
was a commendable bending-over- 
backwards to keep the 60 minutes 
plug-free. . Rose. 



AMOS 'N' ANDY 

With Freeman Gosden, Charles Cor- 
rell. Lasses White, Eddie Green, 
Jim Basquetlc, Ernestine Wade, 
Wonderful Smith, Jester Hair- 
stone, Jubalaires (5), Jeff Alex- 
ander orch (15), chorus (8); Bur- 
nt Wheeler, Ned Le Ferve, an- 
nouncers 

Writers: Robert Ross, Arthur Phil- 
lips, Robert Fisher, Robert Mosher, 
Joe Connelly 

Producer: Glenn Y. Middleton 

30 Mins.; Tues., 9 p.m., ET 
LEVER BROS. . . 
NBC, from Hollywood 

(R;ut)iraut7 & Ryan) 

As straight commercial entertain- 
ment, "Amos 'n' Andy" is a solidly 
successful series and, of course, a 
choice advertising buy. Back for 
another season for Levers in the 
Tuesday night powerhouse on NBC, 
it retains the credibility, humor and 
•warmth it had in its original 15- 
minute version, but with the half- 
hour length permitting more scope^ 
the additional characters giving 
greater variety and depth, and the 
musical interlude lending a pleasant 
change of pace. Above all, the per- 
sonalities and performances of the 
stars, Freeman Gosden and Charles 
Correll, hold the show together and 
supply the sock listener appeal. 

The commercial handling, too, is 
exocrt. There is the familiar "Rinso 
white" product signature, with 
clever sound effects, commercial 
voices and the other standard de- 
vices which irritate habitual radio 
critics but hypo sponsor identifica- 
tion and underline sales points. Fur- 
ther, Lever is now using a skillfully 
simulated "salesman," rather than 
an announcer, to read the commer- 
cial plugs in a fplksy, non-profes- 
sional style. It continued with the 
same artfulness as on the season's 
preem, it should spark plenty of 
salts. 

When all that has been said, how- 
ever, there remains a serious ques- 
tion about "Amos 'n' Andy" beyond 
its straight entertainment and com- 
mercial effectiveness. That is 
■whether, from a sociological per- 
spective, such a series serves the 
best interests of the public. It is 
admittedly a complex matter, with 
much to be said on both (or vari- 
ous) sides. But in the increasingly 
explosive contemporary, world, with 
inter-group relationships a delicate 
factor, it is a question that grows 
progressively sharper. 

Obviously, "Amos 'n' Andy" is 
• efi'ectionately intended blackface. 
Also, it presents the Negro in an 
amiable light. Unquestionably, too, 
most of its listeners, including 
Negroes themselves, regard it as 
innocent, enjoyable entertainment. 
However, the point has been raised 
repeatedly in recent years, whether 
certain types of dialect comedy, of 
which "Amos 'n' Andy'' is an out- 
standing example, do not tr.nd to 
reinforce racial stereotypes and, in 
so doing, help to perpetuate the 
Enyth of inherent racial inferiorities. 

Many students of the subject be- 




LENNY HERMAN 

Business is really booming at New 
York's Hotel Astor. 

With Lenny Herman's name back 
on the marquee for an indefinite 
period, the payees are wearing a 
path to the Astor's Broadway 
Lounge. 

Lenny's "Biggest Little Band In 
Radio" is a prime favorite with 
Lang- Worth's 500 station affiliates. 
LANG -WORTH, INC., NEW YORK 



Heve that one of the basic '. causes 
of bigotry is the myth that certain 
races are endowed by their creator 
with inherently greater intellectual 
powers.' They further believe that 
this master race fallacy is' bolstered 
by stereotype thinking, such as the 
shibboleths that Negroes are by 
nature simple, credulous, irrespon- 
sible and happy-go-lucky, or that 
Jews are naturally avaricious, smart 
and tricky, or that Irishmen are 
inherently pugnacious; improvident 
and drunken, etc. 

. There is obviously a distinction 
between dialect comedy in general 
and that which is based on racial 
stereotype. One is authentic folk 
humor and is properly cherished by 
race relations students and general 
public alike. But comedy based on 
racial stereotypes, in the opinion 
of many people, fosters ignorance 
and superstition, and is socially 
harmful, even though its own vic- 
tims may not recognize it as such. 
It is also, of course, lazy craftsman- 
ship, since it depends upon the most 
hackneyed of stock characteriza- 
tions and conventional situations. 

Hobe. 



CLUB 15 

With Bob Crosby, Andrews Sisters, 

Jerry Gray Orchestra. 
Producer: Cal Kuhl 
Director: Diana Bourbon 
15 Mins.; Mon.-Wed.-Fri. 7.30 p.m. 
CAMPBELL SOUP ; 
CBS, from New York 

'(Word Wheelock) 
A fast, tuneful and well turned 
show based on an idea similar to 
Chesterfield's Supper . Club is this 
new one using Bob Crosby five 
nights weekly, with the Andrews 
Sisters and Modernaires splitting 
vocal chores. Andrews trio works 
Monday-Wednesday-Fridays and the 
Modernaires Tuesday and Thursday, 
the latter segments using name 
guests while the Andrews shows do 
not. , 

This particular program was well 
done. Operating' on a minimum of 
script and a maximum of music for 
a 15-minute period (five tunes and 
none hurried), Crosby and -the An- 
drews trio, ably backed by a excel- 
lent orchestra under Jerry Gray 
(former Glenn Miller, arranger), 
presented a lively, nicely paced pro- 
gram. Starting out with "Smoke, 
Smoke" by the girls and Crosby, 
the talent ran through a standard 
("Back iri Your Own Back Yard") 
by the trio, another pop ("How 
Soon") by Crosby, a new polka from' 
"High Button Shoes" by the trio, 
then a finishing ballad "Apple Blos- 
som Wedding" by Crosby, which 
wasn't wise since the musical por- 
tion of the show finished with a 
slow-tempo tune — and Crosby didn't 
do it well. • 

How five tunes plus the rather 
long Campbell Soup commercials 
are packed into 15 minutes without 
a tight feeling is a tribute to the 
production. But .it's done. It's that 
minimum of conversation that does 
the trick. A good show. Wood. 



) Crosby: Tip Top Tope j 

— — - — — ~ — 1 — - mini _ F 



Any resemblance between this 
show as aired last week (1) and as 
aired Oct. 16. 1946, is purely co- 
incidental. The preem platter of 
Crosby's brand - new transcribed 
show last season was flat, tinny, 
choppy, more novel than entertain- 
ing. Last week's kickoff of the 
Groaner's second season on wax was 
a socko triumph over the it'll-never- 
work boys. Radio headliners tied to 
a weekly "live" sked must have 
greened-up with envy as they lis- 
tened to this solidly entertaining^ 
crystal-clear airer and recalled that 
Crosby put the stint on ice last 
August. 

Show seemed, to this reviewer at 
least, to have picked up markedly in 
quality of the reproduction, even 
over the final platters of last season 
— a fact apparently attributable to a 
switchover from acetate records to 
German-made "magnetaphone" tape 
recorders to transcribe the program. 
Show is now edited on tape, then 
transferred to platters. Result, as it 
came through last week, is the most 
"live"-like tones yet fed over net- 
work skeins. 

Aside from the stanza's achieve- 
ments in waxed fidelity, however, 
it is additionally improved 100% as 
an entertainment article. A formula 
has been arrived at, as an outgrowth 
of last season's trial-and-error ex- 
perimenting, in which El Bingo 
seems perfectly at home. Format has 
none of the rigidity of, say, Bob 
Hope's show, but rather allows Cros- 
by to croon and caper through the 
half-hour in a leisurely, old-hat 
manner. Overall effect is a recap- 
turing of that offhand air which 
made the Groaner's • Kraft Music 
Hall inning such a fave. 

Preem opened with a couple of 
janitors sweeping out a studio "be- 
cause Crosby's coming back." "That's 
a reason to sweep up?" one of them 
cracks. "His baggy pants'll sweep 



I 



A & C: Co-oped Corn ) 



Perhaps when Bud Abbott and 
Lou Costello go a la Bing Crosby 
with the Oct. 15 broadcast and feed 
their show over ABC from a disk, 
things production-wise will run 
more smoothly than they did on last 
week's (1) teeoff. The fumbling that 
went on with the cue could have 
been worse, but that opening night 
wasn't the sort of impression that 
a local station, whose job is to sell 
the program, can exact]}' tout with 
pride. 

The fluffing of lines on an A & C 



ABBOTT AND COSTELLO 

With Lou Krogman, Frank Nelson, 
Martha Wentworth, Susan Miller, 
Les Baxter Singers; announcer, 
Michael Roy 

Producer: Don Bernard 

Director: Ted Toll • 

Writers: Eddie Forman, Paul Con- 
Ian, Pat Costello, Martin Ray- 
away, Len Stern 

30 Mins.; Wed., 9 p.m. 

CO-OP 

ABC, from Hollywood . 



episode is no cause for the removal 
of anyone's epaulets and brassbut- 
tons, but when the proceedings go 
awry to the point where an an- 
nouncer, determined to get in his 
chore as written, has to vie with the 
chorus for a hearing, with the vol- 
ume of either mike fading in and 
out crazily, then it's not even small- 
time production. (In Chicago, where 
the debut was caught, the broadcast 
got off to still a worse start. There 
were 10 seconds of dead air between 
the playing of a disk that A & C had 
cut for their local sponsor and the 
actual beginning of the network 
stanza). 

Aside from the shaky production 



the stars and their supporters were 
pretty much in the groove. An A & 
C writing stable can't go wrong be- 
cause its precincts are fairly well 
circumscribed. The material is as 
familiar and earthy as a drugstore's 
menu. To cite one joke in this par- 
ticular script: Abbott— "What do 
you know about Marconi?" Costello 
— "I know it's not as good with 
meat balls as spaghetti." In this 
particular script Jane Russell re- 
ceived but one mention, but the 
comics were as prodigal as ever 
with their "helmet the hat" routines. 

In their efforts to plant identity of 
network A & C waxed quite puckish, 
even slipping in a dig at their previ- 
ous network checksigner. There was 
a reference to "another network 
with 15 presidents" and contrasting 
bow to ABC where "nobody is 
president and everybody works." A 
& C apparently know where to sow 
goodwill when the program's a co-op 
and there's still more selling to be 
done. 

Absence of an orchestra on the 
show, because of the Petrillo ban on 
co-ops, didn't seem to have an ad- 
verse effect. The a capella touches 
of the Les Baxter Singers served 
well where a bridge was needed and 
the group wove a pleasing back- 
ground for the vocalist, Susan Mil- 
ler. This girl, whose outstanding 
quality is warmth, not only knows 
her way around a pop number but 
she's exceptionally deft with the 
lines. 

In addition to the special record 
made for the local account, the A & 
C series allows for three com- 
mercial cut-ins. They come at three 
minutes after, the halfway mark and 
at 28 minutes after, That arV* up 
to plenty of co-oping. Odcc. -.. 



up the place." Groaner walks in 
leading a live moose he corralled on 
his summer hunting trip. His 
brother Everett was out front 
"strapped on the fender of the car " 
Crosby said. Thus intioed. sans fan- 
fare, the show perked along at a 
jaunty pace. Crosby's pipes never 
sounded better than when he swims 
into "My Heart Is a Hobo." He 
was in top form too in a medlev of 
"Mam'selle," "Chi-Baba" and "Peg 



BING CROSBY SHOW 

With Peggy Lee, Rhytbmalres. John 
Scott Trotter's orch; Gary Cooper, 
guest; Ken Carpenter, announcer 

Producer-Writer: Bill Morrow 

Director: Murdo McKenzie 

30 Mins.; Wed., 10 p.m. 

PHILCO 

ABC, transcribed in Hollywood 

(.Hulchins) 



O' My Heart" and in his closing 
"Who Knows How Much I Love 
You." 

Gary Cooper was a natural as a 
teeoff guest, pernlitting Crosby to 
go into his old cowhand act for a 
round of cutuppery with Cooper as 
a pair of tough hombres. of the west. 
Gags were fast and fancy, with 
Cooper obviously enjoying the fun. 
Highspots were their duoing of "El 
Rancho Grande" and a ditty about 
all cowboys being movie stars. 
Whole sequence was capital stuff. 

Peggy Lee, a .regular from last sea- 
son, returned with a neat chirping of 
"It Takes a Long v Long Train." John 
Scott Trotter's backing throughout 
was tops. Ken Carpenter's Philco 
plugs are models, pleasantly in- 
tegrated or smoothly sequed, and 
wonderously non-irritating. 

It'll be surprising if the Bingle 
doesnt make Hooper's honor roll 
early this semester and stay there, 
if he continues to tape 'em as elicko 
as this one. Don?) 



FIRST NIGHTER 

With Olan Soule, Barbara Ludy, 
Rye ■ Pillsbury; announcer, Larry 
Keating 

Producer-director: Jack Ainley 
Writers: Virginia Safford Lynn, Nor- 
wood Chamberlain, Jack Kelsey 
30 Mins.; Sat., 8 p.m. • 
CAMPAGNA CO. 
CBS, from Hollywood 

(Wallace, Ferry & Hanley) 
To the trade, and, it is easily 
assumable. to the listener, "First 
Nighter" may rate as class B enter- 
tainment, but to others, like the 
sponsor and actors, it's got a deeply 
sentimental connotation. The Cam- 
pagna Co.. which concocts the Italian 
Balm lotion, put the show on the 
Blue Thanksgiving Day, 1930, and 
even kept it on during the. war 
when it couldn't furnish the prod- 
uct to retailers.' 

Unlike the average sponsor, the 
owner of Campagna didn't regard 
"First Nighter" as just part of an 
advertising campaign, comparable, 
say, to an ad in a magazine. It 
was! a prerequisite to the job that 
the leads go through the mixing 
and bottling plant and they fre- 
quently were guested by the owner 
at his home near the plant's site in 
lower Illinois. The program with 
him was as much a matter of pride 
and sentiment as comparative photos 
of his first and latest factory site 
and- the bill of lading on the first 
batch of bottles he shipped out. He 
always sought to make the leads of 
"First Nighter" feel that the jobs 
were theirs, as the older employees 
at the plant, as long as they wanted 
to stay. 

And that's the way it happened. 
They stayed until they decided to 
move to Hollywood or the Coast. 
"First Nighter" took a sabbatical in 
early '46. In the 16 years it had but 
three leading- men and three lead- 
ing women. Don Ameche and 
Irene Wicker was the first com- 
bination. Ann Seymour and Les 
Tremayne followed and Tremayne 
stayed on as a team with Barbara 
Luddy. who came in nearly 10 years 
ago, and when Tremayne moved to 
the Coast, Olan Soule, the present 
incumbent, took over. As for the 
"Mr. First Nighters" Charles 
Hughes, who has long since disap- 
peared from the business, was the 
original and for a time Bret Morri- 
son filled that role. 

The "family" idea even extended 
to the director. Joe Ainley, has been 
throwing the cues on "First Nighter" 
since the mid 30's and when Cam- 
pagna decided to resume broadcast- 
ing it found that Ainley was settled 
in Hollywood and so to keep the 
| family the origination was moved 
out to him from Chicago, where 
"First Nighter" originated and has 
heretofore been produced. 

"First Nighter" was the pre- 
cursor^ . the rash of "theatre" and 
"playhouse" format that broke out 
in radio, especially network, in the 
early 30's. With the years it has 
changed none in the format, in the 
mores of the lead characters or in 
the quality of writing. The cheaper 
romance magazines come or go or 
adapt their gibber to the current 
idiom, but "First Nighter" stays 
snugly and smugly within its mold 
of artificial tete-a-tete, mossgrown 
situations and piffly plots. Back 
there in the 30's it did a much-cited- 



VOX POP 

With Parks Johnson, Warren Hull; 

Don Hancock, announcer 
Director: Rogers Brackett 
30 Mins.; Wed., 8:30 p.m. 
AMERICAN EXPRESS 
ABC, from Pittsburgh 

(.J. M. Mathes) 

One of the best established and 
participation giveaway shows on the 
air, "Vox Pop" has returned this fall- 
with its format intact. There's still 
the plethora of fancy gifts to make 
dialers ooh at the program's gener- 
osity; there's still that slight, and 
probably deliberate touch of corn 
that's slanted for the rural fans, and 
there's still Parks Johnson and War- 
ren Hull swinging the show around 
ABC's key outlets with their unfail-: 
ing enthusiasm. There's a solid 
formula underlying this show which, - 
although not copping any top Hoop- 
eratings, pays off the bankroller in 
plenty of human interest. . 

Initial stanza originated in Pitts- 
burgh with the program giving a' 
bigger pitch to Paramount's picture, 
"The Unconquerable," than to Amer- 
ican Express. Gary Cooper, star of- 
the film via Coast wire greeted the 
participants who were chosen to tie 
in with the pic's title. John- 
son and Hull achieved several 
touching moments in their inter- 
views with this group of persons 
who showed a fighting pioneer spirit 
in surmounting their troubles. Best" 
spots involved two women, one a 
farmer who operates her place 
single-handedly, and another who 
built her own home after being dis- 
possessed. Show was warm and 
homey despite a fluff by Hull 
in which he confused Cooper with 
Clark Gable. 

Plugs for the traveler checks had 
a pronounced similarity to the Arid 
commercial with a voice through a 
mike filter booming, '^Safe in your 
pocket, safe at home, safe wherever 
ypu travel." One expected to hear, 
"safe under your arms, too." Other- 
wise plugs were okay in length. 

flerm. 



then selling job for Italian Balm, 
and it's not easy to break senti- 
mental attachments. 

For the dusting off occasion last. 
Saturday (4) "First Nighter" stuck- 
closely to form. It was something 
about an English girl who comes 
over with her baby and her ex-Gi 
husband has to learn to love her 
all over again. The threads of the 
plot made little sense and the sit- 
uations still less, but the "must" 
payoff of all "First Nighter" scripts 
was 'there: boy and girl kiss. 

Rye Billsbury presides as "Mr. 
First Nighter" and the sound effects 
man has his usual two innings of 
simulating the traffic around Times 
Square and there's still the "color'' 
chatter about curtain going up, in- 
termissions, etc. "First Nighter" may 
be far from ready for radio's SVith- 
soman Institute but it could stand 
some revamping of this "color'' 
pitch. 

Campagne was never one to lay 
on the blurb thickly. All it seeks to 
get over now is that Italian Balm is 
back on the market, and that the 
user will find it as dependable as 
it was before the war. Odee. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



RADIO III VIEWS 



25 



j Spike Jones: Coke Hoke j 



Every so often bookers and buy- 
„r talent in any field of theatrics 
r'.'S ot Entertainment which 
on paper looks great-only to have 
any one of a number of possible in- 
terring factors step in and upset 
»rrole cart. That seems to have 
&:„ 8P wnat happened to the debut of 
♦he Spike Jones-Dorothy Shay show, 
which reached tor air from San 
Francisco last week (3). It was, per- 
haps the sorriest scripting and pro- 



SPOTLIGHT REVUE 

with Spike Jone« Orchestra, Dorothy 

Shay, Victor Borge 
Piodiicer-Wrltcr: Hal Flmbeif 
30 Mins.; Friday, 10:30 p.m. 
COCA-COLA . 
CBS, from San Francisco 
(D'Arcy) 



during job done on a major show in 
a long time. . ■ 

Spike Jones is, due to his many 
hit recordings of novelty and hoked- 
up standard tunes, one of the strong- 
est h o. names in the country. He 
had never been used by commercial 
radio. Dorothy Shay has come up 
strongly within the past six months 
via her Columbia recording of 
"Fetidin' and Fightin'" (she's called 
the "Park Avenue Hillbilly"). Here 
was a case of two names who use 
Eimilar themes being bought for the 
same show. They figured to tangle; 
but what tangled things up was not 
thai; what may have done it was 
that the producers of the show, rec- 
ognizing that similarity, leaned back- 
ward to avoid connection — and 
Wound up with very thin air. 

They had Jones' orchestra doing 
straight musical renditions of "This 
Can't Be Love" and "Perfidia." They 
weren't done badly although no one 
would ever be reminded by the per- 
formance of Percy Faith or any one 
of a number of radio combos. Ex- 



cellent or average, that's beside the 
point, the argument is that such a- 
band, which was hired basically for 
its appeal on a novelty and trick 
basis, should be asked to work over 
such material, while being assigned 
only a comparatively fast few min- 
utes at the tail end of the show to 
do its widely known William Tell 
Overture arrangement, which equals 
many of its best hoked bits. The en- 
tire premise in view of the talent 
involved was badly thought out. 

However, the poor aim didn't stop 
there. It prevailed throughout the 
entira script, which often made the 
speakers of lines sound silly. Miss 
Shay, after contributing her ''Feudin' 
and Fightin' " arrangement, did one 
of "Near You," the current top song. 
Perhaps this wasn't any producer's 
fault, but Miss Shay's performance 
of the tune, done in ballad tempo 
was a far shine from her work on 
"Fightin ," due to the pace. "Near 
You" isn't that strong a melody. 

Victor Borge was the one bright 
spot. Many of his gags are not for 
radio, but enough of them hit the 
bell to get him over comfortably and 
his piano workover of "Clair De 
Lune" was also well done. He suf- 
fered a bit, too, from the inept 
script when involved in conversa- 
tion with Jones and Miss Shay. 

As for the radio personalities of 
Jones and Miss Shay, it was obvious 
that neither has had much radio ex- 
perience, although the femme did 
much better than Jones and for the 
first half of the show seemed like a 
veteran, She began stepping on her 
inflections only toward the end. 
Time will smooth that out, however. 

All in all, Coca-Cola has the talent 
to build its new show into a respon- 
sible position in the Hooper sweep- 
stakes, but it won't do so with the 
sort~of construction applied to this 
debut program, The main draw, 
Jones, was wasted. Wood. 



PHIL HARRIS SHOW 

With Alice Faye, J canine Roose, 

Anne Whitfield, Walter Tetley, 

Elliott Lewis, William Forman, 

Walter Scharf Orch 
Producer-Director: Paul Phillips 
Writers: Dick Chcvillat, Ray Singer 
80 Mins.; Sunday, 7:30 p.m. 
F. W. FITCH CO. 
NBC, from Hollywood 

(L. W. Ramsey) 

Phil Harris-Alice Faye return to 
the Fitch Bandwagon for the second 
successive fall season indicates that 
many of the kinks evident during 
the first year are being ironed out. 
There's a greater stress on situation 
comedy, with a diverting dash of 
musical interludes by Harris and 
Miss Faye. 

But no matter what peak of ex- 
cellence the various components on 
the show reach, the entire layout is 
bound to be anticlimatic as long as 
Harris follows the characterization 
he . established on the Jack Benny 
show preceding immediately. With 
the superb comedic assistance by 
Benny, Mary Livingston, Dennis Day, 
Rochester et al., a Harris show is 
bound to come in second best on 
comedy payoff. 

There was nothing essentially 
wrong with the initial show, 
although its essential appeal was 
limited by situations best under- 
stood by the entertainment industry. 
Situation on the first show has Miss 
Faye forcing Harris on a budget, and 
word gets around that Re's broke. 
His musician pals subsequently ar- 
range a benefit for him. 

Harris, Miss Faye and the two 
moppets playing the children, occa- 
sionally are helpful in setting up 
some yocks. The writing indicates 
that the show knows in which direc- 
tion It's heading, by confining the 
song sessions by Miss Faye and Har- 
ris to logical breaks in the program. 

However, they're working on a 
hand-me-down basis that inevitably 
invites comparison with the pre- 
ceding Benny stanza. Jose. 



THE ALDRICH FAMILY 
With Eira Stone, Jackie Kelk, 
House Jameson, Katharine Raht, 
Mary Rolfe, Mary Shipp, Judith 
Abbott, Joan Jackson, Norman 
Tokar; Dwight Weist, announcer; 
Jack Miller orch 
Writers: Patricia Dinsdale-Del Dins- 
_dale, and Norman Tokar 
Director-Producer: Lester Vail 
*0 Mins.; Thurs., 8 p.m. 
GENERAL FOODS 
NBC, from New York 

(Young & Rubicam) 
Last week's (2) return sequence 
oi this weekly slice of good solid 
Juvenile Americana started the 
stanza on its ninth semester over 
tne airwaves. It's therefore a fix- 
o i il ^- s - radio programming, 
ana there doesn't seem to be any 
oasis for speculation that it won't 
go on being one, as long as the w.k. 
American way of life continues what 
it is. The producers have hit on a 
version of the Peck's Bad Boy 
'oumilii tiiat has perennial appeal 
«t the family fireside. Henry's es- 
capades might pall on some seg- 
ments of the populace, but to others 
" ey re as standard standbys as the 
i> unci ay comics. 

Only question, then, is whether 
we stint is up to par. On the basis 
" last week's episode, it looks like 
E,, c m shouldn't lose a listener. 
Mono, who by now is synony- 



JACK BP^JNY 

With Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, 

Eddie Anderson, Dennis Day: Do n 

Wilson, announcer 
Writers: Sam Perrin, Milt Josefsberg 

George Balzer, John Tackaberry 
Producer: Milliard Marks 
30 Mins.; Sun., 7 p.m., ET 
AMERICAN TOBACCO 
NBC, from Hollywood 

(Foote, Cone & Belding) . 

Last weekend, with the return of 
many of the top stars of the Hooper- 
ated shows, the regular season can 
be said to have gotten definitely un- 
der way. And of the standard head- 
liners back on the air one of the 
leaders was Jack Benny, with his 
familiar cast including Mary Living- 
stone, Phil Harris, Eddie (Rochester) 
Anderson, Dennis Day and Don Wil- 
son, Also present were the Sports- 
men vocal group, which Benny has 
used for comedy commercials iri the 
past, and the elaborate talent and 
sound-effects lineup for the Lucky 
Strike commercial. 

After the seemingly endless open- 
ing commercial din, including the 
latest ear-assaulter, the repetitive 
gunshot-bullseye bell sound effect, 
Don Wilson yelled the show intro- 
duction and the studio audience 
howled a welcome greeting. Then 
there were the annual references to 
Benny's vacation, with the custom- 
ary jokes about his stinginess, toupee 
and glasses, building to a sound ef- 
fects gag about his ears being full 
of water from diving for pennies at 
Catalina Island. 

Next. Phil Harris made his con- 
ventional brassy entrance, with 
Dennis Day. Mary Livingstone and 
Rochester following in traditional 
style. Wilson had his allotted com- 
edy-corn joke. Dennis Day did his 
vocal number, there was a spot for 
the two gabby telephone operators 
and there was the standard insult 
swap with Fred Allen. At stipu- 
lated spots the nerve-shaking Lucky 
Strike commercial spiels, devices, 
sound effects and general bedlam 
were repeated. 

As every story-telling papa well 
knows. Junior always demands that 
his favorite yarns be told in pre- 
cisely the same words every time. 
And as Jack Benny obviously has 
learned, there's a good deal of the 
small child in every listener. There s 
no joke like that old wheeze Father 
used to tell. H ° be - 



FRED ALLEN SHOW 

With Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious, 
Kenny Delmar, Parker Fennelly, 
Peter Donald, DeMarco Sisters, AI 
Goodman and orch; Jay Jostyn, 
Len Doyle, guests 

Writer*: Fred Allen, Bob Welskopf, 
Harry Bailey, Terry Ryan, Stan 
Shapiro, Marvin Marx. 

Producer: Howard Rellly 

30 Mins.; Sun., 8:30 p.m. 

STANDARD BRANDS 

NBC, from New York 

(J. Walter Thompson) 

Fred Allen took up residence 
again last Sunday (5) in the 8:30-9 
period — same station, same format, 
same Alley and same routines. And 
it was this self -sameness that 
formed the basis tor the getaway 
program. In effect it was Allen, with 
an assist from "Mr. District At- 
torney" (Jay Jostyn) and his aide 
Harrington (Len Doyle) kidding the 
pants off radio's critics of the status 
quo in comedy programming. 

All of which indicates that Allen's 
back in. form — a tipoff that the Al- 
len's Alley '47-'48 semester holds 
forth promise of some additional 
freshness and innovations that char- 
acterized last year's 39-week swing 
around the NBC kilocycles. 

Dialers unaware of the "D. A." 
guest shot on the premiere must 
have done plenty eyebrow-lifting, 
suspecting an NBC shift in program- 
ming when, in place of the usual 
Allen intro, show started off with 
the familiar "Mr. District Attorney" 
signature and credo, seguing imme- 
diately into a D. A. -Harrington con- 
fab on the NBC Crime — the case 
against comics (with Allen cited as 
the chief offender) who return to 
the air season after season with the 
old formulas still intact. That, says 
the D. A., is a crime against the 
people. At show's windup, Allen is 
in neck deep, with a first degree rap 
against him, program being labelled 
"murder." 

Actually the program unwrapped 
by Allen for the edification of the 
D. A. was the old familiar reprise; 
some good, some moderate, never 
anything to invite tuneout boredom. 
The Senator Claghorn-Titus Moody- 
Mrs. Nussbaum-Ajax Cassidy Alley 
parlay, if at the mercies of a weak 
script one week, is just as apt to 
bounce back with a- click session the 
next. 

The closing portion, generally 
reserved for guest showcasing, was 
taken over on the opener by the 
Allen stock company (Moody, Pious, 
et al.) for a looksee into "Inside 
Poughkeepsie." the missing chapter 
in John Gun trier's "Inside U. S. A." 
A moderate payoff on laughs, but, 
like the overall Allen show, suggest- 
ing that those little touches in adult 
comedy will, on an average, make 
Sunday night. 8:30 to 9, a pleasur- 
able wintertime excursion. Rose. 



mous with Henry Aldrich, knows 
his way well in the role. The char- 
acter is established; all he has to do 
is keep it in form. Jackie Kelk as 
"Homer" and the remainder of the 
cast are also familiar with then- 
chores and handle them with the 
ease of old hands. . 

Takeoff sequence was typical, with 
Henry getting into a peck of trouble, 
inadvertently as usual, involving his 
parents Homer and his family, the 
whole school, and the towns police 
and (ire departments. 

Show is expertly packaged: Jack 
Miller could, however, soft-pedal 
the music bridges a trifle. Commer- 
cials (for Jcll-O Puddings) involve 
a moppet character called ' String- 
bean Kittinger" in some rather un- 
believable enthusiasm for the prod- 
uct. Also, if the stuff is so hcalth- 
1 ful. how come the kid chosen to 
plug it carries a skinny-Jim moni- 
ker of "Stringbean?" Doaii. 



THE JACK PAAR SHOW 

With Florence Halop, Hans Conreid, 

Martha Stewart, Jerry Fielding 

and orch: Hy Averback, announcer 
Producer: Clair Weidenaar 
Writers: Hal Kanter, Jack Douglass, 

Seaman Jacobs, Leo Solomon 
SO Mins.; Wed., 9:30 p.m. ET 
LUCKY STRIKES 
ABC, from Hollywood 

(Foote. Cone & Beldtiig) 

ABC now has set up a sweet com- 
edy parlay for itself in the Wednes- 
day night spot, with the addition of 
the Jack Paar show. Evening's 
combo includes Abbott & Costello, 
Bing Crosby. Lionel Barrymore and 
Henry Morgan., and with Paar the 
evening runs "a, variety gamut from 
corn to satire, and horselaughs to 
refined wit. Paar's contribution to 
the parlay is pretty good, and suffi- 
ciently individual to stand on its 
own. 

Urogram, which held down the 
Jack Benny NBC slot during the 
summer, is a fairly successful com- 
edy show, a little loose and ambling 
now, but of the type that can be 
tightened to make it smooth and 
surefire. Paar is a soft, apologetic 
sort of comic whose material is of a 
piece— a gentle style of comedy, re- 
laxed and easy-going, and not gaggy, 
pushing or high-pressured. It's a 
middle-brow Morgan, not as satirical 
or sharp as the other. 

The opening show Wednesday (1> 
had Paar quipping amusingly about 
the day's news, fellow-actors, and 
the like. Most of the program con- 
sisted of skits, with an in and out 
quality about them, but overall on 
the okay side. One skit had two 
couples exchanging apartments, the 
quirk being that they expressed 
actually what they thought of each 
other. Another skit limned the life 
and romance of a theatre usher and 
usherette. Another presented a disk 
jockey as he might run a show in 
the days of our Pilgrim forefathers, 
together with interviews of Revolu- 
tionary Day celebs. Good material 
here, on the whole successful, and 
pointing to sock stuff when the writ- 
ing bugs get ironed out. 

For change of pace, Paar had 
Martha Stewart singing "It's a Good 
Day." with a great deal of spice and 
personality, and Jerry Fielding's or- 
chestra for the show's musical back- 
grounding. 

Commercials — hammering away 
that "when von buy. keep your eye 
on the bull's-eye"— were in sharp 
contrast to the easy tempo of the 
.show and therefore all the ' more 
effective. The trigger-quick com- 
mercials were hard-hitting, bift not 
in any way offensive. Bron. 



| Jolson: Kraft on High 



i 



Kraft Music Hall last Thursday 
night (2) bounced back into major 
league programming — a status it 
hasn't enjoyed since Bing Crosby 
went Philco's way— when Al Jolson, 
capping an amazing comeback ca- 
reer, took over as permanent man. 
And the good tidings are that it's a 
wham of a show, one that will give 
the Top 15 Hooperated^oys a run 
fOr their money. If there's any 
doubt about Jolie entrenching him- 
self as a vital cog in modern-day 
show business, last week's premier 
broadcast was the clinches'. 

From the "April Showers" curtain- 
raiser to the closing nostalgic refrain 
cued to recollections Of Luchow's 
14th street <N.Y> restaurant as the 
"Stork Club of the Ws." Jolson 
breezed through the KMH stanza 
completely at ease, sparking the 
whole routine with a pacing and 
timing that can match the best of 
them. 

The J. Walter Thompson agency 
production boys have brought out 
all the top-shelf accoutrements, 
even to the extent of endowing the 
Kraft show with a solid scripting as- 
sist, and if the getaway show clicked 
with just the correct tempo, writers 
Manny Manheim and Charles Isaacs 
rate billing with the rest of them. 

There's been no stinting oil the 
talent layout, with Oscar Levant 
also a permanent fixture, along with 
Milena Miller as the femme vocal- 
ist, and a guest star policy that had 
Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen 
on hand for the teeoff in a three- 
way Levant-Jolie-McCarthy barb- 
throwing parley. That's talent in 
spades, a surfeiting of name values 
that under ordinary circumstances 
could easily bog down the comedy 
flow and the overall effect. Yet 
thanks to the Mannheim - Isaacs 



script contrib, the neat handling of 
the production controls by Ezra 
Mcintosh and Jolson 's major-domo 
operation, each dovetail nicely into 
the whole. 

The component parts of the show 
were rationed to a T, with proper 
balancing of the two-way' Jolson- 
Levant banter, with the latter segu- 
ing into his pianistic pyrotechnics;, 
Jolson's properly spaced and not- 
too-overdone vocalizing of "Toot, 



KRAFT MUSIC HALL - 
With Al Jolson, Oscar Levant. Milena 
Miller, Lou Bring orch. Ken Car- 
penter, announcer; Charlie McCar- 
thy and Edgar Bergen, guests 
Writers: Manny Manheim, Charles 
Isaacs 

Producer: Easra Mcintosh 
30 Mins., Thurs., 9 p.m., ET' 
KRAFT 

NBC, from Hollywood 

(J. Waller Thompson) 



Toot Tootsie." "All My Love" and 
the nostalgic "When You Were 
Sweet Sixteen" windup; the "Sonny 
Boy" comedy ducting with Mc- 
Carthy that was the show's laugh 
standout, with even sufficient time 
to spare to give Lou Bring some 
orchestral spotlighting. 

Only Miss Miller appears excess 
ballast for the 30-minute ride, adding 
nothing to the format. With such 
a layout, a femme vocalist would 
appear to be unnecessary. If there's 
time to spare, let Jolson go around 
for a No. 4 whirl on the singing 
chores. It's his show. 

Ken Carpenter does his usually 
glib job on the commercials. They 
were about as unobstrusive as any 
could be. Rose. 



FRED WARING SHOW 

With Jane Wilson, Joan Wheatley, 
Joe. Marine, Joe Sodja, Mac 
Perrin, Stuart Churchill, Pennsyl- 
vanians and Glee Club; Bob Con- 
sidine; Bill Bivens, announcer. 

Writer: Jay Johnston *• •• 

Producers: Tom Bennett, Edwin 
Marshall 

30 M'ns.; Man., 10:30 p.m. — 

GENERAL ELECTRIC 

NBC, from New York 
iB.B.D.&O) 

With the exception of the summer- 
time filliu for Johnson's Wax "Fib- 
ber McGee and Molly" show, the 
sock Fred Waring aggregation of 
Pennsylvanians and Glee Club has 
been missing from the ranks of 
nighttime radio for several years — 
a state of affairs that's been gener- 
ally deplored and one that only now 
has been remedied via General Elec- 
tric sponsorship. 

Waring and his orchestral-vocalist 
perfectionists, in addition to their 
10 a.m. cross-the-board slotting on 
NBC, are now being showcased on 
the web's 10:30-11 Monday night 
segment, thus giving the network, 
with its preceding Percy Faith 
"Contented Hour." a 60-minute par- 
lay of some of the best musical 
arrangements radio has to offer. 

Monday's (6) premiere was stand- 
ard Waring, which means a nicely- 
patterned musical show — polished 
to perfection. Be it a spiritual, a 
two-piano Rachmaninoff vignette, 
a full-blown orchestral-glee club 
production on "Cecelia" to demon- 
strate what comes out of a round- 
robin rehearsal with the combined 
virtuosi taking pot luck on impro- 
visation, or again a Jane Wilson 
soloing on "Intermezzo"— the dis- 
tinctive Waring touch is always 
there. It's musical radio at its best. 

Bob Considine. the INS columnist, 
is a regular on the show as GE's 
commentator, dramatizing the com- 
pany's part in American industry, 
with behind-the-scene flashes to 
point up how GE'.s 200,000 items 
contribute toward raising the stand- 
ard of living. Strictly a commercial 
pitch, but not overaccentuated. 

Rose. 



KAY KYSER SHOW 

With Harry Babbitt, Ish Kabibble, 
Campus 'Kids; John Ileistand, an- 
nouncer 

Producer: Frank O'Connor 

Director: Harry Sax 

Writers: Lou Fulton, Don Prindle, 
Ed Ualdeman, Ed Helwick 

30 Mins.; Saturday. 10 p.m. 

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE-PEET 

NBC, from Hollywood 

(Ted Bates) ■ 

In (he reshuffling of the Colgate 
programs, Kay Kyser now has the 
Saturday 10 p.m. slot formerly oc- 
cupied by Judy Canova in which to 
display his ebullient shenanigans. 
The personality and tone of the pro- 
gram is still one that bubbles over 
into the listeners' -laps despite the 
various changes in format wisely ef- 
fected by Kyser. 

This time. Kyser comes up with a 
comedy of errors in which audience 
selectees listen to a paragraph, and 
get $5 for each error detected and 
$50 if five are spotted. Kyser has 
i always been liberal with the spon- 
I sor's dough, gets additional laughs 
I and furthers his reputation of being 
a good gee by virtually giving con- t 
I festants the answers whenever ne-* 



SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS 

With Bins Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, 
Joan Carroll; Wilbur Hatch, con- 
rtuctor; Michael Roy, announcer 

Writer: H:>rry Kroiiri'-.n 

Producer: Don Bernard 

Director: Bill Lawrence 

30 Mins.; Moll., 10:30 p.m., ET 

R. J. REYNOLDS CO. 

CBS, from Hollywood 
(Est//) 

The season premiere Monday 
night (6) ol "Screen Guild Flavors'" 
offered little indication of the prob- 
able answer to the prime question 
about the series. That question is, 
simply, will the show maintain its 
impressive ratings of former sea- 
sons, now that it's moved back a 
half-hour from the choice 10-10:30 
spot Monday nights on CBS, im- 
mediately following Lux "Radio 
Theatre." 

In other words, was it the pro- 
gram or the time slot that drew 
those juicy ratings? Many people 
have asked that question, even 
though "Screen Guild" frequently 
topped Lux in the ratings last sea- 
son. 

Under the new circumstances, the 
answer may have various ramifica- 
tions. Now that Camel cigaret has 
replaced Lady Esther as the sponsor, 
at a stepped up price for the pro- 
gram package, the matter of rating 
will decide whether the series pays 
off in cost-per-thousand advertising 
impressions. 

In any case; Lever Bros, appears 
to be in an enviable position with 
its new "My Friend Irma" show in 
the 10-10:30 spot, between "Radio 
Theatre" arid "Screen Guild." The 
soap outfit seems certain to profit, 
whatever happens. 

As for the "Screen Guild" seasonal 
opener, it had the loaded dice usual 
for first broadcasts of guest-star 
shows. In this case the marquee 
names were Bing Crosby and Ingrid 
Bergman, just about the current 
ultimate, and the Vehicle was a 
repeat of last season's highlv popular 
"Bells of St. Mary's," from the Para- 
mount picture. 

It was, of course, excellent listen- 
ing, but proved only that "Screen 
Guild" can periodically come through 
with ton names and entertainment. 
For this occasion. Jean Hersholt, 
president of the Motion Picture Re- 
lief Fund, which benefits from the 
charity angle of the series, was 
present to introduce the stars and 
thank them at the sign-Off. 

Commercially, there was only one 
notable point, beyond the standard 
testimonial plug and the transparent 
claim about a "survey" showing 
that "more doctors smoke Camels 
than any other cigaret." The addi- 
tional factor was the closing soiel. 
which Crosby had to deliver", about 
the sponsor's generosity in sending 
free cartons of Camels each week 
to hospitalized— vets.- This, surely, is 
the limit of commercialized vul- 
garity. Hope. 



cessary. Finale has a $100 jackpot 
to arid to the interest. 

While Kyser is virtually the whole 
show, the rest of his talent con- 
tributes appreciably. Harry Babbitt's 
I smooth vocals, comedic assistance by 
Ish Kabibble and the Campus Kids' 
choir work, are part of what seems 
to be an unchanging and durable 
show that's still a good session of 
entertainment. 

PalmoJive's commercials constitute 
no hindrance to the session's enter- 
tainment values. Jose. 



2« 



RADIO REVIEWS 



pmrnfr 



Wednesday, October 8, I94.7 



I "Duffy ": Heie We Go Again | 




j D urante: Soars fn Solo j 



Jimmy Durante is soloing it this 
season for Rexall, following his 
split-up with Garry Moore in the 
duo's Friday night CBS exit. He's 
now bringing up the rear for NBC 
in its Wednesday night program- 
ming roster that includes Dennis 
Day, Gildersleeve, Duffy's Tavern, 
and Mr. D.A. 

It's still a sock closing act on 
anybody's kilocycles and CBS' loss 
is NBC's gain. The Schnoz demon- 
strated that when he preemed his 
new season's show last week (1). 

There was plenty of head-shaking 
when Moore and Durante decided to 
go their separate ways, for as a 
team their peculiar talents comple- 
mented one another. Out of the 
teamup emerged the sundry comic 
situations around which their weekly 
shows were built. How, it was nat- 
urally asked, would the audience 
take to a full half-hour of the 
Sitlinoz's zanyisms, particularly 
since a large segment of the old 
Rexall show's audience were ad- 
herents of the Moore comedy tech- 
nique? 

The fact that Durante bounced 
right back into the routine despite 
the handicap of some sorry scripting 
on the initial program indicates that 
the Schnoz won't have much diffi- 
culty keeping them awake until 
10:30. The absence of Moore has 
obviously necessitated a drastic re- 
vision in the format, which now 
boasts a guest-star policy, but it's 
the Schnozola who bears the brunt 
of the show. 

True, he's got Arthur Treacher 
now as a regular, but the latter 
doesn't fill Moore's shoes by a 



longshot. It's probable that the 
limited range of Treacher's contrib 
due to the fact that he's so indelibly 
typed, may permanently handicap 
him on the show, or again, it could 
be that last Wednesday night's 
script was insurmountable. 

Greer Garson was on hand for 
the curtain-raiser and she clowned 
along with the Schnoz in a Lord- 
Lady Windermere lorgnette vig- 



JIMMY DURANTE SHOW 
With Arthur Treacher, Peggy Lee, 
Candy Candido, Tom Harmon, 
Boy Bargy orch; Greer Garson, 
guest 

Writers: Stanley Davis, Elon Pack- 
ard, Bud Pearson, Lee White 
Producer: Phil Cohan 
30 Mins., Wed., 10:30 p.m. EST 
REXALL 

NBC, from Hollywood 

(W: W. Ayer) 



nette that added up to the program's 
top bit of buffoonery. 

Peggy Lee is the show's new 
chirper this season and it's not sur- 
prising that her "It's a Good Day" 
was a standout. In all fairness, 
however, they ought to bypass her 
on the comedy lines. Roy Bargy's 
orch is still one of the show's assets. 

Program winds up with a one- 
minute cut-in for a Tom Harmon 
sportscast, with the current accent 
on the week's top grid game. 

Howard Petrie does his usually 
effective job on the Rexall com- 
mercials, with a jingle assist from 
the chorus, plus Durante's own 
Rexall hitchhike. Rose. 



Ed Gardner's mythical grub and 
grog emporium; where the crumb 
come to bum, is back again Wednes- 
day nights on NBC, manhandling the 
language and puncturing pretension 
for another season for Bristol-Myers. 
It's just about as before, except for 
another recruit as the dopey Miss 
Duffy, plus a new dimwit character 
is the person of Miss D.'s romance, a 
Catskill cowboy crooner named 



DUFFY'S TAVERN 

With Ed Gardner, Eddie Green, 
Charlie Cantor, John Brown, Helen 
'Eley, Frank Saputo; Matty Ma- 
Ineck conductor; Jay Stewart, an- 
nouncer 

Producer: Tony Stanford 

Writers: Vincent Bogert, Al Johnson, 
Herbert Finn, Robert Schiller, Lee 
Karson, Larry Rhine, Lou Grant, 
Phil Sharp, ' William Freedman, 
Morris Freedman 

30 Mins.; Wed., 9 p.m., ET 

BRISTOL-MYERS 

NBC, from Hollywood 

(Young & Rubicom) 



Frankie, portrayed by Frank Saputo, 
and whom Archie tabs as another 
Burl Ives. 

The latter stumbles through a 
cactus ballad medley in a halting, 
off-key whine that's pretty funny 
for the listeners and, obviously, a 
panic in the studio. Whether he'll 
sustain as a regular "Duffy" denizen 
may depend on the writing hence- 



WOftLD SECURITY WORKSHOP 
With Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 
moderator; Gen Carlos P. Romulo, 
Sven Ahman, Russell Barnes, Mrs. 
Etham M. Clark, Mrs. William 
Dick Sporborg; William Crago, an- 
nouncer 
Director: Charles Harrell 
Producer: Robert Sandek 
"30 Mins.; Sun. 12:30 p.m. 
Sustaining a 
ABC, from Poughkeepsie 

This program was wisely con- 
ceived. It's exceedingly regrettable 
that its execution was so ineplSy 
handled that the hoped-for effect 
was almost completely missed. And 
the blame apparently can be laid 
mostly in the lap of Mrs. Roosevelt, 
who, for all her capabilities as a 
U. S. delegate to the United Nations 
and in other endeavors, is a conspic- 
uously inexperienced hand at mod- 
erating a radio roundtable. 

Robert Saiidek, ABC's director of 
public affairs, who . doesn't mind 
taking risks in programming when 
he sees a- chance to achieve greater 
effectiyenss, felt that the dramat 
form employed on the Workshop last 
season to highlight world security 
problems could be suspended during 
the UN General Assembly's session 
this fall in favor of a weekly panel 
of world personalities invited to 
kick around the vital issues concern- 
ing the UN. "It is hoped," he an- 
nounced, "that under the distin- 
guished guidance of Mrs. Roosevelt 
and other UN representatives many 
of the problems of the world will 
'come alive' for the radio audience." 

Mrs. Roosevelt was given carte 
blanche to pick the panel. She in- 
vited two women observers of the 
UN (Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Sporberg), 
representing U. S. womens organ- 
izations, to fire questions. To an- 
swer questions on the teeoff airer, 
she invited Russia's Vishinsky and 
a Yugoslav delegate to the UN, but 
got turndowns. The duo would have 
given the stanza headline appeal, but 
it's no fault of Mrs. Roosevelt, of 
course, that they didn't choose to 
appear. As the announced topic of 
the initialer was "Freedom of Infor- 
mation and the Warmongering 
Charges," Mrs. Roosevelt invited as 
her second choices General Romulo 
of the Philippines, Sven Ahman of 
the Swedish press and Russell 
Barnes of the Detroit News, the lat- 
ter two both UN correspondents. 

Mrs. Roosevelt's unfamiliarity with 
the peculiar technique required for 
moderating an effective roundtable 
in a highly confining 30 minutes of 
air time was evident from the out- 
set. Her intro, chatty and verbose, 
took 10 minutes of the 30 and in- 
» volved a great deal of unnecessary 
explaining that people find it hard 
to understand what UN is trying to 
do, etc. To top it off, she re-intro- 
duced the whole panel, which the 
announcer had already named off. 

Romulo, first panel guest on the 
question end, spent five minutes dis- 
cussing mostly the procedural as- 
pects of a Freedom of Information 
resolution. That left 15 minutes of 
the 30. 

In the final half, the q.-and-a. se- 
quencing finally got rolling. But, 
such was the general irrelevant na- 
ture of the questions, such were the 
resulting unspecific and uninforma- 
tive replies, and ^uch was the lack 
of time-conscious Qheck on talk and 
deft pointing up of comments by 
the moderator, that the listener was 
left with hardly a thought he did not 
already have. Unprofessional han- 
dling of the session made it wooden 
•nd windy. Doan. 



"forth, as the character so far -is one- 
dimensional and the single comedy 
angle, hokum singing, is limited. 

The latest Miss Duffy, too, is still 
a question. On this hearing, as play- 
ed by Helen Eley, she sounded shrill 
and without the pathetic undercur- 
rent that Shirley Booth originally 
put into the part and that it has had 
in varying, lesser degree ever since. 

As always, Gardner's sock Arch 
portrayal carries the show. Eddie 
Green's wise and whimsical waiter, 
Charlie Cantor's by-now-classic Clif- 
ton Finnegan (why don't they have 
HIM guest on "Information, Please" 
some night?) and John Brown's 
larcenous Shifty Dave Hossinger 
whack every laugh line on the but- 
ton. 

For the seasonal opener there was 
one of those comically fraudulent 
guest spots, this time a collapsible 
floor show with three "name" per- 
formers, Larry Crosby, Jim Hope 
and Ray Sinatra. As usual, there 
were several blue-tinted jokes, 
neatly pointed so the studio audi- 
ence caught 'em. And Matty Mal- 
neck was on hand to direct the small 
musical unit. In other words, an- 
other season of "Duffy's Tavern," 
comfortably recognizable for the 
faithful, but with little new for the 
exacting. 

As usual with this sponsor, there 
was a triple-product setup, Ipana 
toothpaste, Trushay lotion and, in 
the hitch-hike, Minit-Rub liniment. 
The copy contained the familiar 
cliches, with a varied presentation 
helping avoid monotony. Hobe. 



CAREY LONGMTRE 

1$ Mins.; Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m. 

Participating 

WOR, N. Y. 

Newspaperman and mag writer 
Carey Longmire turned up last week 
as the latest acquisition in the Mu- 
tual key station's news commentator 
department. During World War II 
he was a correspondent in Europe 
for the N. Y. Herald Tribune and 
N. Y. Post. He is additionally a 
regular contrWutor to the Saturday 
Evening Post and Collier's. He has 
recently returned from a postwar 
looksee at Western Europe and he 
obviously intends to utilize observa- 
tions he made there as a basis for 
many of his conclusions in his cur- 
rent viewing of affairs. 

In his Thursday (2) stanza, for in- 
stance, his main pitch was for speedy" 
and generous U. S. aid to Western 
Europe to save it from the clutches 
of Communism. "What are we do- 
ing — just giving up France to the 
Communists?", he inquired. He ad- 
vocated a special session of Congress 
to vote aid. He said- Truman's vol- 
untary rationing program "is not 
enough to save Europe this winter." 
He said the U. S. ought not to with- 
hold aid to Socialist-dominated gov- 
ernments, because "what the Com- 
munists hate most of all is the 
Socialists."' - 

Such gab as this certainly isn't 
news ticker stuff. But neither is it, 
as a WOR exec preferred to label it, 
"analysis of the news." It's opinion, 
albeit possibly well founded, on con- 
troversial issues. And it skirted 
perilously close to the line " of 
thought which prompts warmonger- 
ing charges when Longmire de- 
clared, "We are already at war with 
Russia.". It's not a shooting war, he 
admitted, but war in just about 
every other sense. He referred later 
to our "undeclared war" with the 
Soviet and said that "anyone who 
fights Moscow should be on our 
side." Such talk is strangely remi- 
niscent of a rallying cry of several 
years ago: Anyone (including the 
Communists) who fights Hitler is on 
our side. 

WOR thus seems to have weighted 
its commentator scale even more 
heavily on the side it already leans 
to. 

Longmire's delivery is somewhat 
unsteady of pace, but no doubt will 
improve on that score, and his 
enunciation is crisp. 

Caught sequence carried recorded 
spots for Schaefer Beer and Lifebuoy 
Soap, the latter being a promising 
contender for the New Low in taste. 
A man whispers, "Stay away from 
her— BO!" It's hard to see how a 
commercial could be much' more 
offensive. Doan. 



INVITATION TO LEARNING 
With Lyman Bryson, Whitney 3. 

Oates, Herbert Schneider 
Producer: Robert Hudson 
Director: Robert Allison 
30 Mins.; Sun., 12 noon 
Sustaining 

CBS, from New York 

Starting its last 13-week cycle of 
1947, "Invitation to Learning" still 
maintains its status as one of the 
stiffest challenges to cranial diges- 
tion heard on the air. Contrasted 
to the usual intellectual pabulum 
dispensed on the airlanes. this half- 
hour discussion of great books is, a 
virtual shocker with its polysyllabic 
seriousness and cloistered academic 
tones. This show, however, would 
do better, in terms of its own aims, 
if it avoided the heavy philosophical 
jargon and pointed itself towards 
evaluations that the average intelli- 
gent layman could understand. As 
it stands, -nobody under the level of 




LANNY ROSS 

Opening October 15th, Bowman 
Room, Biltmore Hotel, New York. 
WIIXIAM MOKKIS AGENCY 



Y- • • 

j Follow-up Comment: 

** **** * * ♦<♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦«♦♦♦* 

William Spier gives himself triple 
credits on "Suspense." Its "directed, 
edited and produced by" him. So 
that makes him a target for last 
week's (2) choice, an abuse of lis- 
tener goodwill and a shoddy bit of 
pumped-up artificiality in plotting, 
which had to do with the Mystery 
Writers of America, the trade asso- 
ciation of whodunit manufacturers, 
which last year presented Spier 
with an "Edgar" (after Edgar Allan 
Poe). 

Spier was apparently out to re- 
turn the honor with this tale of a 
mystery writer who kills one man 
and in establishing his alibi pins an- 
other murder, of which he is inno- 
cent, on himself. The whole thing 
had a certain minimum profession- 
alism, thanks to Spier's skill as a 
director, but his choice and taste as 
a producer left much to be desired 
and especially dubious was the 
scene at the banquet of the Mystery 
Writers of America with the sotto 
voice allusion to Spier himself. 

Roma Wines has a squawk com- 
ing. r 



Thelma Ritter, who Was appeared 
on the "Mr. District Attorney" series 
repeatedly in the past, was in the 
cast again last week and, as always, 
got bumped off in the script. Over 
a period of years she's been shot, 
poisoned, stabbed, garotted and run 
over by a variety of vehicles, but 
this time she got "the business rela- 
tively painlessly, merely being 
conked with a bronze statuette. 
She's never survived the show at 
the signoff. 

Actress probably rates some sort 
of award as a martyr to law-enforce- 
ment (or Bristol-Myers, the spon- 
sor). 



Miriam Wolfe was promoted from 
character roles to the lead, Cathy, 
in last week's CBS "Studio One" 
production of "Wuthering Heights." 
Her reading of 'the part was tense, 
many-shaded, radio-wise and in- 
telligent and it was smart casting by 
CBS to give her the assignment. 
The script, by Joseph Ruscoll, 
helped make this familiar work a 
hangup dramatic offering. The se- 
lection of scenes, the approach and 
dramatic pressures were unusual, if 
the choice itself was not. Ann Burr 
was quite acceptable as Miss Linton 
and Fletcher Markle, the actor,- 
director from Canada, stepped into 
the role of Heathcliff with good re- 
sults as his peculiar vocal pitch and 
acting style fit the Bronte hero. 



William Powell, guesting with 
Burns & Allen last Thursday, played 
with his customary skills as a reader 
of lines and a painter of character 
colors but the whole stunt was 
pretty forced and unfunny. Script 
did not have enough yaks or pace to 
offset the creeping silliness of the 
situation, Gracie writing a play and 
badgering Powell into a part. It 
would have been easy at several 
points to tune to something a bit 
more "sincere." 



Burl Ives* recently refurbished 
Philco stanza (Mutual, Fridays, 8 
p.m.), which now boasts guestars, 
the Dick Davis Quartet and a studio 
audience to make with the yoks and 
claps, is a surprisingly neat little 
quarter-hour to be residing in the 
Hooperating subcellar. It should 
rise out of that subterranean depth 
before long. Last week's (3) se- 
quenee had Celeste Holm in for a 
clicko round of patter dueting with 
Ives, whose easygoing manner is not 
unlike that of his brother-in-Philco, 
Bing Crosby. Sponsor, incidentally, 
holds its plugging down to one brief 
message at the stanza's windup — a 
policy some other bar.krollers might 
well emulate. 



a university "student would be 
able to unravel the talk. 

Last Sunday (5), Aristotle's "Meta- 
physics" was the takeoff point for 
Lyman Bryson, chairman of the 
series, and a pair of professional 
specialists on the subject. Herm. 



HOLLYWOOD STAR PREVIEW 
With Robert Young, Gloria Grahame, 

Ed Penney, Rye Pillsbury, Irene 

Winston; Bernard Katz, conductor; 

Ken Peters, announcer 
Writer: Milton Geiger 
Producer: Joe Thompson 
Director: Jack Van Nostrand 
30 Mins.; Sun., 6:30 p.m.. ET 
WHITEHALL PHARMACAL CO. 
NBC, from Hollywood 

(S. S. C. & B) 

Behind the pretentious title and 
opening-closing continuity, "Holly- 
wood Star Preview" is merely a 
mediocre; low-budget freelance dra- 
matic series. The words "Hollywood" 
and "Preview" are misleading, since 
the program has nothing whatever 
-to do with a Hollywood preview, in 
the accepted meaning of the term. 
As for the word "Star," there's an 
angle to that, too, as the recognized 
name on each broadcast does not 
participate in the show proper, but 
is present only as m.c. or "host," to 
introduce the little known guest 
lead. 

"Hollywood Star Preview," then, 
is more or less a conventional free- 
lance series, with a visiting m.c, no- 
name cast and a grandiloquent 
"theatre" format. As such, it can 
be rated according to the quality of 
the script, production and perform- 
ance of the individual broadcasts. 
On the basis of the stanza Sunday 
(5), it is pretty sappy. 

The Milton Geiger script, titled 
"My Big Brother," was a trivial, 
trite and trashy romantic comedy, 
only adequately produced* and sim- 
peringly played. Under the circum- 
stances, Robert Young's presence, to 
give a gushing introduction to Gloria 
Graham, was embarrassing. The 
whole show may have cost $3,500 or 
so, net. Definitely not the quality to 
warrant dropping "Ellery Queen" 
except in order to rid the network 
of early evening crime shows. 

Whitehall Pharmacal's commercial 
copy was the familiar palaver about 
how Anacin is like a doctor's pre- 
scription because it has not just one, 
but three ingredients (whiskey, an- 
other recognized cold remedy and 
pain-killer, is reputed to have a half- 
dozen or so ingredients, and doctors 
sometimes prescribe IT, too). The 
show also had a cow-catcher for 
Hills cold tablets, which contain 
cascara, the man said. Hobe. 



BOB HAWK 

With Peter Van Steeden, conductor; 

Charles Stark,. Art Gentry, Dennis 

James, announcers 
Producer: Charles White 
30 Mins.; Thurs., 10 p.m. 
R. J. REYNOLDS 
NBC, from New Vork 
(Esti/) 

As part of R. J. Reynolds' realign- 
ment of its programs, Bob Hawk has 
moved from CBS to NBC and is now 
heard Thursdays, a"t 10-10:30 p.m , 
ET, for Camel cigarets. The show 
continues the same, even the accu- 
mulated $1,750 from the seven previ- 
ous weeks on CBS remaining (and 
being increased another $250 on the 
NBC premiere). Charles Stark, Art 
Gentry and Dennis James share the 
announcing, and Peter Van Steeden 
directs the orchestra for the fan- 
fares, playoffs, etc. 

There's porbably nothing new to 
note about Hawk. He's well known 
as one of the fastest ad-lib boys in 
the quiz-m.c. business, and some of 
his jokes are not only pointed and 
funny, but at least a few of them 
seem genuinely extemporaneous, in 
contrast to the palpably planted "ad 
libs of some of the audience par- 
ticipation fraternity. However, Hawk 
sometimes reveals a patronizing, oc- 



SAMUEL B. PETTENGILL 
With Don Gardiner, announcer 
Producer: Thomas DeHuff 
Writer: Pettengill 
15 Mins., Sun. 1 p.m. 
AMERICA'S FUTURE, INC. 
ABC, from New York 
(A. Gahagan) 

While liberal commentators are 
snuffed out in the current wave of 
reaction, up come the demagogs, 
swathed in the American flag, to 
rant vaguely about the return to 
old American principles, and smooch 
the air with their ravings. A ster- 
ling example was Samuel B. Petten- 
gill's return to the airwaves Sunday 
(5), in what was publicized as a 
15-minute analysis of the news, but 
what was actually a rash of rheumy 
rhetoric, in a bundle of general 
charges loosely scattered over a 
dozen fronts. 

Pettengill's topic was: "How Eu- 
rope got into its present mess, and 
what the U. S. should do about it." 
The expression "present -mess" was * 
the tipoff to his thinking and his 
approach; the vague prescriptions 
for remedy betrayed in every word 
his' hatred and his bias. The 15- 
minute talk (hell, it was a diatribe) 
rambled from Germany to the UN 
veto, and from hunger to Stalin. 
The hunger in Germany obsessed 
him (hunger in Norway, Poland, 
France apparently didn't concern 
him). 

Europe is strangling in government 
red tape and regulations, Pettengill 
spouted. It was "the curse of plans, 
plans, plans." Take the political 
deadheads off the backs of the 
works, P. urged. Don't blame it all 
on the war. The cure is work and 
the incentive to work. "You don't 
need loans— just let them work." 

The fool policies adopted since the 
war in America must be changed, P. 
added. They prevent European 
recovery. The pinks, Reds, fellow- 
travelers have had their day; out 
with them. Politicians can't run and 
plan a land; (presumably commenta- 
tors can, the P. breed). 

There was more of the like, in our 
betrayal" of Poland; the refugees 
from the east swelling Germany's 
food problem; the "colossal stupid- 
ity of the Morgenthau plan; the 
need to boost German production to 
aid the food problem. (A digest of 
the talk makes more sense than the 
speech did). In between were ref- 
erences to "the spider of the Krem- 
lin weaving his web," and thp like. 

Demagogery, this, and a disgrace 
to radio. Amity among nations, and 
a better world, were never built 
like this. Nor is radio's stature. 

Bron. 



casionally even slightly sarcastic, 
tone in his handling of the contest- 
ants. 

For instance, on the broadcast last 
Thursday (2), he made his interview 
with a So. Carolina sailor a standout 
tor laughs, but then mimicked a 
Brooklyn girl's accent and in in- 
definable ways held her and other 
contestants up to subtle ridicule. 
Also, his echoing of the statements 
of the contestants, which often clar- 
ifies the interview, sometimes has a 
supercilious ring. 

Hawk himself reads the commer- 
cials, with the three announcers par- 
ticipating. Besides the straight 
plugs, there are jingles done by a 
chorus, and there's a hitchhike for 
George Washington (minus the Hill 
surname, natch) pipe tobacco. 

Hobe. 



w~j»E8feT, October 0, 1947 



TELEVISION 



27 



DuMONT BRACES FOR REVOLT 



Short Stops on Video 

East coast tars and taverns from Schenectady to Washington reported 
iwndoffice business during television broadcasts of the series. Bar keeps 
fa many 'spots. complained aieiT saloons were so crowded they 

rouldn'i reach custonaers on the fringes of the crowds to serve them drinks. 

Tavern business during the Series was generally reported to be up 
•bout 500"* over the usual weekday afternoons. Several bars in isolated 
jjjjjanccs loot advance reservations for choice seats before their tele sets 
from iavored customers. Barkeeps without video sets, meanwhile, were 
renoried crying in their beer as they saw their regular patrons crowd 
into telc-equipped opposition saloons. 

Desatte llif ta«t U»t Gillette Safety Bazer hud no chance to prepare 
(rah ronwjerciaif far (he Series fcecanse tney sfened on as sponsors at 
«„. ust want*, <*e firm's caaked-an live |>*»e> reportedly elicited more 
„»»«oi M/atiScatimi Uuui Faid^ film eommereSaSs. 

Smtmr at kara in tke metropolitan New Tark area conducted by an 
hJepeaitoit service far the Minn a a agency, which handles the Gillette 
aeeaant, revealed 46 persons outline the firs! jaait last Taesday (3«) 
Identified the anonsws as Ford ami Gillette, 31 identified Gillette alone 
while nnly 33 MeatiCed Ford atone. Fallow 3ns day was hrtter still for 
(he raior Smb. with fit auunxng hath eaasnanies, .S3 naming Gillette and 
- oalv M identifying: Ford. 

Semite of the snrcey aren't believed to indicate, however, that live com - 
niereaah are invarlaWy better than Sim. Mare people weald be prone to 
I#e*itfv Gillette *hh the Series, it's point** oat, wut the eorajmny has for 
ao lone fceen Mi nflhed with radio airiasK at the hasekaU classic Gillette's 
■lags, however, followed the general sports theaw via interviews with 
snorts celebs, whereas the Ford commercials, rnncenteatiag aaly on j»lug- 
ibe product, would have caused a complete break from the general 
lot the 



DuMont handled pickups for three of the .games, as compared to tihe 
two tamSBed by 3JBC amd CBS. This was .only a lucky break, however, 
dependent solely ©a Ifiie fact the Series went #)e Ml route of eeven 



s Bte-Seraes flip ©f a coin among tiie three webs set the schedule, with 
NBC getting the JBist game, DaaMotft the aeoomd, CBS the third and fourth, 
NBC the fiffla and DjaMomi *he sixtt and seventh, li ihe Dodgers hadn't 
come •thmojtgh wMh tHieir sarprisang wins. DuMont would have toad the 
to are tor ©sally ®me contest 'Very few bookies, in ifaci, thought the 
Series would go mesne tfcan five games. * 



• SeSBote the limited scope of tele cameras, wbfirh seriossly hindered 
the andienee*s view of the field at times, tele proved coaelastvely that 
its better than radio — and eves better than a seat on the first base line — 
when it caaaes la draautic moment s. 

Only tele caaM have g»ren viewers the thrill that caane when Cookie 
lavageHo hit has pinch doable in the last inning at the faartfh game 
Friday at that tied -the Series at S ail and pal the Dodgers bach in the 
raaaing. And the chtaeap shot of Eddie Stanfcy Mowing his top at the 
ampires- railing Togi Serra's baselwe single safe in Sunday's sane was 
certaiaK better than any dkaxroptaan ef the action that eonid be far- 
ahhed by radio annoancers Xed Barber and Mel Allen, who can be 
classed with beet. 



Even Ihou^i CBS onnoiiw.cer Bob Edge didn't mention until after the 
Qumc tens over that Yankee pitcher Floyd Bevens was on his way to mtch- 
ing a -no-hitter in Friday's game, he was aware of if n/2 ifee te'trie.; 

It's long been an unwritten law among baseball announcers to desist from 
calling the number of hits oiuera np by a pitcher u-hen it loofcs as though 
a no-WKcr wisM fee upcomin©. Reason is t?mf a prewtavre atnmowncemsnl 
micflit throw « hex on the pitcher. As a result of Edge's itHperarf.-aion, von- 
teqnewly, many viewers didn't know until ajler the Dodpe.rs had sron the 
contest that they did it on only one hit. 



CADDIH APPT, 
BURNS STftFFEfiS 

Considerable unrest among Du- 
Mont programming perjiorffiiel caused 
by. the recent reshuffle of top per-, 
sonnel, may soon erupt into a revolt. 
Sparking the revolt, it's been learned, 
is the naming this week of James L. 
Caddigan. former Paramount News 
chief in Boston, as manager of the 
web's program planning division to : 
I work directly under Lawrence Phil- 
. lips, director of DuMont'i network. 

Discontent has been fomenting 
among DuMont staffers since fil- 
lips was first named to head up the 
web in a move that sent veepee 
Leonard F. Cramer and his assistant, 
Paul Eshleman. back to Passaic, 
N. J., to supervise administrative 
work at the DuMont plant. Staffers 
ted nothing against Phillips but 
oowldnt understand why someone 
with no previous experience in video 
operations should be brought in 
from the outside to take over the 
most important job in the program- 
ming setup. Phillips came over to 
'DuMont from tois post as exec veepee 
•of USQ-Camp Shows. 

Now that Phiffips has reached all 
the way to Boston to bring Caddigan 
into the operation, staffers who've 
been on £oe payroll for years re- 
portedly feel Shey've been working 
all this lime for naught. Granted 
that Caddigan's post is a newly- 
crested one. they believe that it 
should have gone to one of the 
WABB program men who know (the 
operation through experience. In 
addition, there's a constantly-grow- 
ing belief that if outsiders are to be 
brought in continually to take over 
line top jobs, then their jobs are no 
longer secure. 

Morns Agency A*$lr? 

Phillips, who came into DuMont 
several months ago. conceded pub- 
licly at lihai time that he had. much 
to learn about video, . While it's 
never been definitely revealed, it's 
believed he was brought into the 
organization b^ the William Morris 
office, which repeitediy owns a 
large block of DuMont stock. As an 
tContinued on page 30) 



It's convenient and more comfortable but it's not the same as being 
there. 



The way the electric cameras bring it to you prompts the guess that 
promoters of the individual sports (boxing, wrestling, tennis, billiajds) 
have something to worry about in television, bat this doesml go for oil 
team gaaaes. Toe difference is the number sf contestants and the sice «f 
tte playing area. Baseball, football, hockey, basketball cover too janch 
ground and carry too aiach action for the camera to satisfy everybody. 
Oaly tbc weather earn keep ''can hem*. "You're no better than your 
caaH-ranuuV goes the adage.' And so long as the leasaacn insist en close - 
«p actio* shots it's like watching a game through a pair of field glasses. 



Ciottttps hone tAeir place. VspetSriQw regarding the sidelight highlights. 
But boj tchem the baU is in play. Hfosl .rieu'ers want to see tiie game, or 
Ptoy, as a w&ole. 

It wajy MfAioate the necessity of a witter angle leus or rttoving the camera 
location to ike roof of the baH parks. 

Hiis column wiS! never know how the television comrnenlators did dur- 
ing the series. After a summer of "em there was no wait or delay in 
turning on fo e AM set to put Barber and Allen with the picture. Thou- 
sands must have done the same thing. This is a leaf tele has not yet 
Plucked finom radio's book—to pick an announcer for his knowledge of 
She game he's announcing rather ijhan for his diction. With Frank Frisch 
idle throughout the games, tele skipped one by not putting him with its 
tegular men for the inside and genuine background.material. 



Granting that the camera is the bass, the series crews did a good job as 
* whole. It mas their first and they had various tarings to gaard against. 
™*»diiig those rival razor signs en the outfield fences. 



Some plans sfoaiMd up better to ottoers. For mrta»ne the sixth 
fftane was maetenim-Uhg for pood views *)/ unusual catches by the, 
outfieMcf-x—iwcjwiiftg that mrne <oJ CJoafriddo'*. tJUMomiio ■ now knoics 
ftoir Grreemfec/r® Jelt*. On the other hand, the camera mmffed the extra 
hose drama of hath triples by SGmmeifs ami Linden in the third inning oj 
me second ffame. 



Yet, how can amy sports follower get sore at a medium which in one 
oay (Friday, Oct. 3 It offers a World Series game at the matinee and for 
the night show presents boxing (NBO. a football game tCBSi and wres- 
tling (DuMont i. 



HSC's 'Come Away From 
That Swigging Door* Tele 
Bid Via 6 Guild Air ers 

Inlring of a pact this week for NBC 
television to stage six former The- 
atre Gaaild hits during tke next sev- 
eral months is believed to represent 
a major move away from tele's al- 
leged slanting of the majority of 
shows to tavern audiences. Fact that 
John F. Boyal. recently superseded 
as NBC tele chief by Frank Mullen, 
instituted and liraaliaed the deal with 
the Guild indicates, moreover, ftoat 
Royal will continue to have plenty 
to say in NBCs programming plans. 

Plays to be presented on the series 
haven't yet been selected but it's 
believed they'll comprise souse of the 
Guild's outstanding hits of the past, 
■ Because, of the American Federation 
of Musicians" ban on the use of live 
. music for tele. "NBC will not attempt 
'to stage any of the Guild's musicals. 
! Series is to star legit players who 
have appeared in Guild productions 
on Broadway and will also serve as 
a showcase for tyro actors and new 
plays,. 

Warren Caro. Guild staffer and 
first proxy of the American Tele- 
vision Society, hr.s been named exec 
director on the scries. Eddie Sobol, 
NBC producer, will 'handle produc- 
tion. Paul "rabtree. who staged 
"The Iceman Cometh" on BBC tele 
and will direct . the forthcoming 
Guild production of "This Time To- 
morrow" on Broadway will be one 
(Continued on pase 3(H 



Par Disavows Control of DuMont, 
Mm Waiver on Proxy Solicitation 



Par's Interstate Buyout ? 

Washington, Oct. 7. 
Badio men here are taking 
odds that Paramount may buy 
out its 50<"r held exhibitor com- 
pany. Interstate Circuit. Inc. of 
Dallas, Texas, to take over that 
company's video bid in Dallas, 
if the New York ••Court's anti- 
trust decree against the "Big 
Five" film producers is aiphcld 
in the Supreme Court. If the 
decree is sustained. Par will 
have to assume 3©0*i control or 
. pull entirely out of over 1.000 
partly-owned film houses. 

Tip-off carne in Par's lelter to 
FCC last week quarreling wit h 
the Commission's finding that 
the pix company is in a position 
to exercise control over line 
Allen B. DuMont Labs. Par did . 
not quarrel with a similar FCC 
conclusion that company, 
through its 50% ownership, also 
could control Interstate Circuit, 
Inc. 

Assuming FCC goes along 
with Pars arguments on Du- 
Mont, the pix company will 
have tw® video operations in 
Chicago, and Los Angeles 
(WBKB and KTLA1 and can 
safely prosecute bids in Detroit, 
Boston and Dallas, without run- 
ning afoul the FDC's five-sta- 
tians-to-one-CTiStomer rule. 



LA Dons Hedge 
OnTeleUntilB.0. 
Meet Is Studied 



Hollywood. Oct. 7. 
Sportsmen apparently are taking 
the same attitude as titans regarding 
television. Result may be increased 
reslri.ctions on. the medium, follow- 
ing a decision of Los Angeles Dons 
football team management here. 
Possible adverse affect on sports box- 
office wilT be carefully studied be- 
fore the lesan is again committed to 
video next year. 

Move by Harry Thayer, g.m. of 
the Dons, is second one against tele, 
j Olympic Stadium management hav- 
| ing assumed the same stand when 
it nixed losing on tele recently.' 
Thayer stated that before re-signing 
next year with anyone the Dons' 
hierarchy has "got to have lots more 
inforniation on the anticipated radi- 
cal effect, one way or the other," 
iihat televised sports events will 
have oh the b.o. There is no inten- 
tion of signing for video unless facts 
and figures on audience reactions 
have, been gathered and fineeombed. 

In consequence. Thayer -has had 
conferences with Television Re- 
search, new indie survey outfit, rel- 
ative to studying the situation but 
wants Paramount, now airing over 
1CTLA to share -the oust; of such an 
undertaking. Station, however, is 
' refusing to go along, which' may 
mean that the Dons will underwrite 
■ itself, for the protection plan is to 
; interview viewer's in bars and tav- 
| ems, make a poll al the annual 
; ThrnksgivhuR Day game oi the Dons 
| and augment this with telephone call 
surveys to homes of set owners. 



o-.y Washington, Oct. 7. 

I Paramount Pictures. Inc. last 
; week asked the FCC to reconsider a 
i tough edict requiring Far to shave 
down its holdings in the Allen B. 
DuMont Laboratories. Inc.. by Oct. 
15, 1947. or, in the alternative, force 
both companies to dismiss a total 
of four pending television bids. Par 
disavowed any "'present" control of 
DuMont and told FCC it would cer- 
tify any arrangement which would 
make it impossible for the pis com- 
pany to exert any more control in 
DuMont than that generally ac- 
corded minority stockholders in any 
corporation. 

. The. Par letter reached FCC just 
two weeks before the Ocl. 15 dead- 
line which was to have necn a cor- 
porate shakeup in DuMont or the 
dismissal of Pal's tele bids for 
Detroit and Boston and DuMont's 
applications tor Cincinnati and 
Cleveland. Par alread.y holds two 
tele permits and DuMont. thiee,-,- 
the statutory liimait pesmitted any 
one company or allegedly •com- 
monly-contnolled ©rganuzation. 

Par pointed out that ■ it owns a 
total of only 39*3 «f all DuMont 
stock. 2.B'% of Ihe A slock and \m% 
of the Class B sharres. 

Company answered FCCs claim 
that it could acquire control of the 
A stock by solicitation of prosaes 
with the firm promise ■"to take such 
action as is necessary to guard 
against this contingency either by 
the execution oi a waiver of its 
right to solicit prarxies ©r by trans- 
fer of: any Class A stock now held 
or which it may subsequently ac- 
quire, to a voting trust in such 
manner as to relinquish all voting 
privileges with respect thereto." 

Par said that no action was needed 
to alter its present owj&ership of 
all of DuMont's Class B .stock since 
the majority of the tooa'rd of direc- 
tors is elected 4ry the A stockholders. 
(Commission Sound last spring that 
Par through its MM . hold on Class 
B stock "could eMercise certain veto 
power in all cairporate anattera re- 
quiring the consent of the stock- 
holders."') Par's letter went on to 
say that firmwagla the B stock it "can 
exercise no measure of control over 
the corporate affairs of the DuMont 
Co. that cannot toe exercised gener- 
ally by mtewarlty slockholtilers in any 
corporation." 

Par there reaffirmed its willing- 
ness to take legal steps to prevent 
its acquisition of CBBlmol of the A 
stock in DuMont Once this is done, 
the company said "no possible basis 
for the Commission's original con- 
clusion of control will remain."' 

DuMont spokesmen here reaf- 
firmed Par's stand that the pix com- 
pany is in no position to control 
their company under its present 
corporate setup. 



Contrast caused by the autumn sun anil the deep shadows at both ball 
Pavks bothered the tele cameras. The boys at the helm tried to mask out 
»"e or the oilier as much as possible, but this was often impossible. NBC 
Particularly had trouble during the fifth same in Brooklyn with a dark 
Wot appearing to the. left or the mound and being emphasized in the 
closeups. 

S'.'rnWsp .(„,,„;, o/ the Series come in ihe ,-j.vf)i i'n'iiifl o.t the sixth game 
wu„ Wcll-cr Jonled oat to close Brooklyn's four run e.vjlosion. As John- 
*°» cavyht the ball Red Barber said: -Thai finishes our big inning." 



Chi Sun-limes' Video Bid 

Chicago. Orl, T. 
j The Sun-Times Co., newly incor- 
: porated subsidiary of Marshall 

Field Enterprises, has applied to the 
, FCC for permission to launch a 

video station in Chicago. 
. Previous application had boon 
| made by the TiitK's. which the Sun 
I recently purchased. 



TAVERNS CONTEND 
WITH TELEJACKERS 

The television, hijacker has ap- 
peared on the New York scene. Vic- 
timized tavemkeepers arc telling of 
a new type thief making a specialty 
of posing at bars as repairmen, and 
assuring the bartender that the f>nly 
way they can overhaul the. television 
set installed there is by taking it off 
to the shop. The bartender, accus- 
tomed to seeing repairmen frequent- 
ly around the mechanism, shrugs his 
shoulders and lets them remove it. 

The pilferers come garbed in me- 
chanic's overalls and lugging small 
toolbags. 



To Carry Truman Speech 
To Viewers in 4 Cities 

Washington. Otet 7. . 
Washington's tliree operating tele-, 
vision stations worked a coojuerative 
Sunday (5) night to present Presi- 
dent Truman's food-saving speech to 
receiveis in four cities. Stations 
WNBW CNBC), WTTG < DuMont) 
and WMAL-TV < ABC-Evening Star) 
joined in lie program, which was 
sent via coaxial cable anrl radio re- 
lay to Philadelphia, New York and 
Schenectady, 
It was the largest hookup to date, 
with eight stations in four cities 
participating, Burke Crotly of 
WMAL, directed the show, and 
Walter Compton. of DuMont. was 
ann-juncer. NBC provided the im- 
age orthicon cameras and technical 
staff. ■ 

Washington is now tied with New 
York for the most television Kta- 
tkmi, in operation — three apiece. 
WMAL made its video debut with 
the program just 30 days after the 
delivery of its new transmitter. 



Worcester — WTAG's Vice-Presi- 
! dent and General Manager Robert 
W. Booth has been appointed to the 
governing board of the Worcester 
Uunior College. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



USlRIETY 



29 



m 

■dm 



4 





e A re Proud to Join You 



STARS STUDIOS • PRODUCERS - WRITERS 

and the Entire Industry 

— in helping to maintain the magnificent work heing done by Motion Picture 
Relief Fund and its Country House... through The Screen Guild Players Program. 

We greatly admire the work that all of you are doing for the ill and aged in the 
Motion Picture Industry . . . through your splendid cooperation with The Screen 
Guild Players Program. 

We are very proud indeed to include this distinguished program in the Camel 
group of radio presentations. 



lip s * 




CAMEL CIGARETTES 



PRESENT 





MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 

BOB HOPE • DOROTHY LAMOUR 

' "My Favorite Brunette" 



10:30 P. M. 9 E. T. 
9:30 P.M., C.T. 



8:30 P.M.,M.T. 
7:30 P. M. 9 P. T. 



(OLVMIIIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM 




80 



RADIO 



Wednesday, Oelolter 8, 1947 



British Advertisers Can Now Buy Air 
Time in England Via Radio Lux Coop 



Radio Luxembourg has pulled off 
a coup to completely change the pic- 
ture of its coverage of the sponsor-! 
free British airwaves and attitude, 
of the British government towards, 
the powerful continental commer- 
cial outlet. In an unusual move 
about a month ago. just disclosed. 
Radio Lux set up a British company, 
Radio Luxembourg Advertising. Ltd.. 
with two of its principal directors 
being Sir Herbert Dunnico, Labor 
Member of Parliament, and Major 
General Gray: 

Significance of the move is that 
. now British advertisers can buy air 
time in England, in sterling, on the 
French station. Radio Lux has thus 
overcome two obstacles — one, the 
former openly -stated objection of 
the British government to the com- 
mercial station beaming its spon- 
sored programs into England, and 
two, the difficulty of the station get- 
ting any revenue out of Britain. 
Heretofore, Lux operated in Eng- 
land through concessionaires on air 
time, who weren't authorized to han- 
dle company money and who were 
hobbled in getting British advertis- 
ing. In addition, British objection 
to Lux had reached the point of 
open opposition in Parliament, even 
to the threat of forced purchase of 
the station by the British govern- 
ment. 

Fact that a Labor M.P. was will-, 
ing to join board of directors is' 
taken as indication the government 
will no longer combat the French 
station, which, with its 200,000 watts, 
is the most powerful station in 
Europe. Agency has got promptly 
to work, and has already signed as 
first English sponsor the Associated 
British Cinemas, next to Gaumont- 
British the largest theatre chain in 
England with 800 houses in key 
cities. ABC has taken a half-hour 
peak Sunday time, .15 minutes on 
two weekdays, and two minute spots 
every other day for complete daily, 
coverage on Lux. 

Chain is sponsoring the Henry 
Alan Towers-Warners "Hollywood 
Hour," and in addition is giving Lux 
an unusual break with slides in all 
its cinemas advising that they're ad- 
vertising on Lux. 

New British setup was disclosed 
by R. L. Peulvey, director general 
of Radio Lux, who came to the U.S. 
for the first time at end of August to 
attend the International Wavelrmi<th 
Conference in Atlantic City. Peul- 
vey, who planed back to Paris, 
last week, has also been huddling 
-with large corporation execs on 
a long range institutional plan to 
sponsor programs on Radio Lux 
that show the American way of life, 
to combat anti-U. S. propaganda and 
false conceptions of this country now 
current in Europe. Reception has 
been favorable, he said, with de- 
tails to be worked out this fall. 

Peulvey also reported unusual 
success ol first U. S. -sponsored pro- 
gram on Lux, the. Lutheran Lay- 
man's League religious program 
Saturday midnight. 



Rutgers Univ. Aiding 
CBS on U.S. Education 
Documentary Airer 

In cooperation with the sociology, 
department of Rutgers Univ., CBS 
Documentary Unit began spade work 
Monday (6) for its one-hour pro- 
gram on the state of U. S. education 
to be aired over CBS in November 
or December. Unlike previous docu- 
mentaries which were researched 
over a wide field, focus now has 
been narrowed to one town in New 
Jersey which the unit is planning to 
give an intensive going-over. 

According to Robert Heller. Doc- 
umentary Unit chief, the anonymous 
town is in a superior bracket so 
that if flaws in the town's educational 
system are uncovered, educational 
officials won't be able to use poverty 
as an alibi. Main problem to be in- 
vestigated, according to Heller, is 
whether the growing generation now 
in schools and colleges is being pre- 
pared properly for adult life. Ques- 
tion of teachers' pay, in forefront of 
most discussions on education, will 
be in background of this documen- 
tary. 

Research work in the New Jersey 
town will be completed in six weeks. 
Charles Munroe, scripter, is partici- 
pating in the investigations, 



Price Tag 
Put on KXYZ Deal 

Houston. Oct. 7. 

Multimillionaire Glenn H. McCar- 
thy has been reported as negotiat- 
ing for the purchase of KXYZ here. 

Sales price is said to be $1,500,000 
with $850,000 to be paid in cash. 
KXYZ is the third oldest station in 
the city and operates with a power 
of 5,000 watts. 



Station Reps 

Continued from page 22 



• »»♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦»♦»♦♦>♦»>♦♦♦»#»♦♦♦♦♦♦»»♦*♦♦< 



From the Production Centres 



NBC— Guild 

Continued from page 



ild I] 

ige 27 jj 



claim, Justice Dept. action is de- 
manded. \ 

Yesterday (Tues.) CBS snapped 
back with a statement which indi- 
cated the trend of arguments the 
network will offer in defense of its 
Radio Sales operations. Denying 
that CBS is raiding affiliates for rep 
biz, Howard S. Meighan, veepec, said 
the net "has never solicited busi- 
we represent in tfte national spot 
field. In each case, the station has 
initiated the conversations, and we 
do not propose to depart from ^hat 
procedure." 



Chi Production 

S Continued from page 22 a 



Seated" on the nets, and an impres- 
sive sked of open enders, • 

Still in the formative stage is a 
group of actors and producers which 
plans extensive missionary work 
among Chi bankers, industrialists 
and manufacturers. Seeds of civic 
and regional pride already have 
been sown with biggies. Defects in 
absentee sponsorship will be stress- 
ed. "It's nice to be in the studio for 
your show." they'll be told, and 
when profits taper off the "unneces- 
sary" expense of agencymen treks to 
New York and Hollywood will be 
used as a selling point. 

One Chicago manufacturer al- 
ready is committed to the buy-home- 
products campaign. When his raw 
material problem is solved, he'll 
bankroll an impressive show bearing 
the Made-in-Chicago label. How 
much pressure his chums exert along 
the same line remains to be seen, 
but even the most optimistic can't 
envision the return of Don Amcche, 
Amos 'n' Andy. Harold Peary and 
other headliners who did a Greeley. 

Des Moines— Paul A. Loyet, Vice- 
president and resident manager of 
WHO, Des Moines, has been named 
to fill out the unexpired term of the 
late Joe Malawi on the board of di- 
rectors Of the Des Moines Chamber 
of Commerce. 



official of USO-Camp Shows, he 
worked directly with Abe Lastfogel, 
prexy of USO and general manager 
of the Morris office. 

Phillips' backers point out that he 
did a standout job with USO, even 
though he joined that organization 
with no previous show biz experi- 
ence. He was brought into USO 
from his position as an industrial 
consultant. .Having already proved 
through his USO stint that he's quick 
to catch on to show biz techniques, 
Phillips 'S expected to duplicate that 
feat with DuMont once he gets 
stsrted. 

In announcing Caddigan's appoint- 
ment, Phillips declared that DuMont 
proposes henceforth to offer network 
stations a "planned program serv- 
ice." Pointing out that stations are 
coming onto the air so fast that in- 
dividual station programming of the 
past is no longer adequate to meet 
the demands of the public for top 
shows, he declared . that "we intend 
not merely to deliver an excellent 
day-to-day service but. by farsighted 
planning, to unite television's pecu- 
liar capacities to the wealth of ma- 
terial that the millions wish to en- 
joy in education, in entertainment, 
in sports and in public service." 

Caddigan has been affiliated with 
Par in Boston for the last 15 years, 
serving as manager of the film de- 
partment of its New England dis- 
trict and as editor of the New Eng- 
land edition of Paramount News. 
Besides extensive theatrical experi- 
ence, he's written several tele 
articles and is a member of the So- 
ciety of Motion Picture Engineers 
and the American Television Society. 



Du Mont 

Continued from pace 27 , 



Midwest Reaction 

Chicago, Oct. 7. 
Unanimity seems to exist among 

those midwest broadcasters checked 
that the formation of the National 
Assn. of Radio Station Represcnta- 1 
tives is a constructive move for spot 
radio, but with the backing of the 
idea comes the expression of doubt 
as to the organization's judgment in 
taking its gripe against CBS to the 
FCC. Such action these broadcasters 
point out. can lead to added FCC 
authority and comes at a timc.when 
disposition of the industry is toward 
less regulation. 

Next meeting of the association 
won't be held until the end of the 
month. Meanwhile, attorneys Paul 
Spoarm-Hi and Lawrence Fly will 
agitate by brie/ and. otherwise be- 
fore FCC the association's demand 
that CBS and the other networks 
be adjured against expanding their | 
interests into the station rep field. 

Very Serious, Sez FCC 

Washington, Oct. 7. 

Appeal of the National Assn. of 
Radio Station Representatives to the 
Attorney General and FCC for ac- 
tion against . CBS' attempts to han- 
die radio sales for affiliates may not 
see affirmative action from the Jus- 
tice Department, but is being re- 
garded as "a very serious matter" 
at the FCC. The Commission re- 
leased the NATSR letter yesterday. 
Justice has merely confirmed receipt 
of the sales reps' demands. 

FCC men would not commit them- 
selves on whether they would ac- 
cede to the station reps' demand for 
a public hearing but said the charges 
raise "serious questions" under 
FCC's chain broadcasting regulations 
and affiliates' bargaining positions 
with networks generally. 

The station reps called FCC's at- 
tention to the gi-eatly increased bar- 
gaining power of the networks as 
result of activation of hundreds of 
new stations since the war. Refer- 
ring not only to Columbia but to the 
other three chains, the letter dc- ' 
clared: . . . "it is not secret that the j 
networks are now demanding dc j 
facto control of all station time | 
without regard to options." . . . "the j 
threat or fear of cancellation of af- 
filiation contracts is a great force." 
. . . "under present conditions, a 
CBS affiliate is in no position to op- 
pose effectively any plan of action 
which CBS in its capacity as a sta- 
tion representative might de- 
sire ..." 



j of the directors on the series. An- 
other will be Denis Johnston. Irish 
I playwright and former director of 
BBC's programming division, 
j Charge that tele is catering too 
j much to barroom habituees was 
| leveled at the industry last week by 
' Maurice Gorham, head of BBC tele. 
Britisher, comparing the ambitious 
schedule of Jegiters staged in the 
London studios with the paucity of 
; good dramatic shows offered U. S. 
| viewers, declared the emphasis on 
sports pickups and variety programs 
lis "lousing up" the U. S. industry. 

Royal, former exec veepee over 
I tele for NBC, was named assistant to 
'Mullen in the recent shakeup of the 
tele department's top echelon. He 
was assigned to complement NBC's 
facilities with the "best programs 
available." Inking of the Guild pact 
represents the second feather in 
Royal's cap in a week, since he's also 
believed to be the tele official most 
responsible for lining up tele rights 
to the recently-concluded World 
Scries. 



IN NEW YORK CITY ... 

Joao B. AmoTal, prez of Emissoras Unidas, four-station group in Sao 
Paulo, Brazil, in N. Y. for 10 days for conferences with ad agencies .... 
Wilmot H. Losec appointed WINS sales manager, replacing Bill Robinson. 
Latter returns to WLW as program director. . . .Radio actor Jaclc'Lloyd 
won $500 prize last, week for coining new superlative word describing 
Cecil de Mille's Paramount pic, "Unconquered." Came up with "Para- 
monumental". .. .Dario Soria assigned by CBS to direct a show regularly 
for the first time. It's "Opinion Please," on Fridays, 5 p.m., for American 

School of the Air series, starting Oct. 10 Leonard Traube into hospital 

last week (Wed.) for tonsillectomy. .. .Frank Stanton, CBS prexy, has 
shed 40 pounds. Now he'll settle for a new show with half that rating. 
. . . .Clarence Menser, NBC's ex-program chief, lost a third of his Florida 
orange grove crop in recent hurricane. 

Tony Provost,- WNBC program chief, radio chairmaning the Fire Pre- 
vention Week program for the N.Y.F.D Dave Driscoll, WOR news and 

special events chief, called to St. Louis by death in family ... .Harry Alan 
Towers, British transcription packager, planing in from Toronto Friday 
(10) to complete arrangements with his U. S. rep, Oliver Nicoll of Radio 
Features of America, to start producing e.t. shows here. .. .Lillian 
Schoen got out of the hospital, where she underwent" a major op, just 
in time to catch the Ford Theatre preem which presented her "Conn. 
Yankee" adaptation .... One of Paul Whiteman's heifers copped a blue 
ribbon at the N. J. Aberdeen Angus Assn. show in Trenton. 

Max Miller, back east after directing two commercial .films, is ready- 
ing three daytime audience participation stanzas in a bid to enter the 
packaging field. Initialer to be waxed is titled "Ladies First". . . .Igor 
Gorin, baritone on "Voice of Firestone," heading for Powell River and 
Prince Rupert, B. C, to stage a one-man concert. . . .Dwight Weist. who's 
up for his third emcee stint on "We the People," has cut sets of one- 
minute spots for American Airlines and Packard cars. . . .Ken Banghart 
picked as "Ford Reporter" and Jay Jackson as announcer on "Ford 
Theatre" .... Frank Papp, NBC producer, and his actress wife, Mary 
Patton, due home today (8) from Europe, where Papp has spent several 
months gathering material for documentaries ...Lou Dropkin back in 
N. Y. to freelance after resigning as script editor and continuity chief of 
WBAL, Baltimore. .. .Sydna Scott and William Hollenbeck into "Katie's 
Daughter" cast, Barbara Weeks and Robert Donley added to "Lora Law- 
ton" players. Katharine Emmet and Charles Penman new to "Young 

Widder Brown." Clyde North into "Our Gal Sunday"* cast Mutual 

staffers started taking physicals Monday (6) to qualify for the web's new 
retirement benefit program. Appropriately, the insurance outfit involved 
is Mutual Life. .. .Charles Irving, leading man of "Young Dr. Malone," 
and Minnie Brill, former drama! teacher at the Univ. of Minnesota and 
founder of the North Star Theatre, wed Saturday <4).,.. Betty Miller of 
"Theatre of Today" cast engaged to Robert Smith, Beacon (N. Y.i manu- . 
facturer. Big Date is Jan. 11. 

Cast of "Evelyn Winters" has adopted' a Polish boy, an inmate of a Paris 
orphanage .... Writer-director combo of Ashley Buck and Ed Downes is 
readying a dramatic scries, "Adventure Comes to Mr. Timothy." about a 
timid pawnshop, owner. The stories will stem from items on the establish- 
ment shelves. .. .The Elwood Hoffmans (Toni Darnay) due for parenthood 
in December. .. .William Whiting and Anita Grannis offering theatre 
classes for professionals and non-pros, with rehearsal groups and courses 
in acting technique, sight reading for audition, directing for unions, play- 
wrighting plus a course for children . . . .Alan Courtney, former- Gotham disk 
jockey, started daily platter piloting stint Monday (6) on WGBB. Frceport, 

L. I Mutual's lined up 15-minute special eventer Sunday (12) at 1:15 

p.m. as a salute to "Grandmothers Day" with Kate Smith as star. . . .Guy 
Lombardo tees off annual radio- appeal, U. S. Saving Bond special airer, 
Monday afternoon (13). Bands following are Xavier Cugat, Vaughn Monroe, 
Johnny Long, Freddie Martin. Dick Himber and Orrin Tucker .., .Sylvia 
Lowy, after an eight-year association with Ed Byron, is checking out and 
will devote her time to the four-and-a-half -months-old child she's adopted. 

IN HOLLYWOOD .... 

"Scrappy" Lambert has pulled out of MCA after four years, but won't 
divulge his plans until after a month's vacation back east. He's one of 
the better -liked percenters and has been a popular figure on Radio Row 

Bert Praeger. on completion of his first year with James Saphicr, not . 

only was made a veepee but is now also a stockholder Earl Ebi, pro- 
ducer of the Charlie McCarthy show, was rushed to the hospital just be- 
fore broadcast time for a fast appendix snatch. Two days later Allan 

Smith, one of the writers, also took a cut at the infirmary Rollo Hunter, 

acting program chief at KECA, became a papa Sam Kerner, agent- 
packager, went for another throat operation to remove recurrent growths 
. ..David' White. BBD&O executive. producer, transferred here from the 

N. Y. office Carmen Dragon drew a fat bonus check from General 

Foods for his pinch-hitting duty in the Burns & Allen summer spot 

Which means he's practically set for next midyear hiatus period Al 

Durante and Kendall Foster, press heads for Thompson and Esty agencies, 

respectively, in town for the getaways of their company's shows As 

ABC's "Bud" Barry moved east, Mutual's Walter Lurie barged in. That 
means the talent and program marts will be picked clean before many 
more weeks. 



Busiest producer in town is Jack Wormser, bicycling between seven 
shows^for Rexall and three for Emerson Radio. Not biggies but pro- 
grams, nonetheless. .. .Frances Scully resting from her ABC labors for a 

month and taking in the N. Y. tourist traps Union Oil dropped "Richard 

Davis. Investigator" from Don Lee and bought a news strip Day before 

Lum and Abncr moved over to CBS from ABC, their announcer. Gene 
Baker, signed off with "American Broadcasting System." He squared, him- 
self the next day with "this is me Columbia Broadcasting Co." Bob 

...,, „.... Redd, producer and packager of "Point Sublime," went for the tab to plug 

WHllln lil»t<» a TnrnilAWn ' his ihow ' s opening with a plane-towing canvas over the football game and 
Tl UVm UCU> a 1U1 UUUWU at u, e beaches. . . .Spike Jones called for seven microphones to pick up all 

those weird sounds on his Coca-Cola program ... .Don Quinn has decided 
to call his book "The McGecs of Wistful Villa". 



Washington. Oct. 7. 

FCC last Friday (31 nixed the ro- 
■ quest of WHOM. Jersey City, fox 
permission to move its main studios 
into Manhattan without going 
through public hearing. Italian pub- 
lisher Generoso Pope, operator of 
WHOM, told FCC the station would 
be able to give better service to its 
predominantly Italian. Yiddish and 
Polish speaking audiences if located 
in New York City. 

FCC set the request for hearing to 
see whether the move would jibe 
with the Commission's obligation to 
distribute radio service equitably 
among the states. 



Cleveland— Don Taylor has left ; 

his post as music director at WJW ; 
, for Arizona. Station's Bill Brow- ' 

nell has moved into Meldrum & . 

Fewsmith, George Todd folds at ■ 
j WHK for civilian job in Tokyo i 
I radio sctuj- 



IN CHICAGO ... 

Spike Jones and Dorothy Shay arrive here next week for several Chi 
originations Of "Spotlight Revue". .. .The Richmond Quartet and vocalists 
Ellen White and Johnnie Hill have been parted for ABC shows.... Art 
Thaler. Schwimmer & Scott art director, teaching night classes in ad 
layout at Academy of Applied Art.... Fifty newsboys of the Indianapolis 
Times visjtcd the Quizz Kids broadcast Oct. 5.... Craig Claiborne. ABC 
flack, will handshake radio eds in Memphis, Mobile and other southern 
crb.es. .. .Former Gov. Ellis Arnall will occupy WJJD's "Distinguished 
Guest spot Oct. 12 ...Don McNeill has been named Denfather of the 
Winnetka llll.l den of Cub Scouts. .. .Disk Jockey Dave Garroway form- 
ing JATA club. Idea is tor escorts of long-skirted femmes to roll their 
trouser cuffs Just Above the Ankles. .. .Capt. Bill Eddv. director of tele 
station WBKB, is author of "Birds Without Feathers.'" to be published 
this fall. . . Bendix Home Appliances is bankrolling Tommv Bartlett's 
JMeetthe Stars" on WGN....Jack Payne, subbing for Linn Burton on 
\\ AAF. jammed the switchboard by reading list of apartments for rent. 
Turned out the ads were from a Paris. France, sheet. 

Mutual v.p. E. P. H. James in town for speechmaking at stationers' 
convention. . . . Life of contralto Carol Brice was dramatized on WBBM> 
Democracy USA ' Oct. 5. with the singer on hand for comment... 
George Creech, manager of NBC's local sales traffic, bedded by grip. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1047 



PBriety 



81 



lis 

m 

y ■ • : 



rfcanJIr you, Gentlemen, 
For Tkose R/nrf Words.. . 

We refer, of course, to the words of the distinguished panel of 
advertisers and agency men who served as the judges for The 
Billboard's 10th Annual Radio Promotion Competition. We are 
proud and honored to have had our entry voted FIRST in the 
Over-all Promotion Division and THIRD in the Public Service 
Promotion Division among all clear channel network affiliates. 

Our thanks, too, to The Billboard for sponsoring this annual 
competition, and to the staff for their monumental task in pre- 
paring the excellent report on this year's entries. 



'mi 



WE QUOTE... 



"WLW has long been recognized as 
one of the ablest operators in the 
many-angled field of promotion. 
The station's entry in this year's 
The Billboards over-all competition 
bears this out. More than that, the 
entry, a compendium of informa- 
tion, shapes up as a veritable bible 
of promotional procedure. Scarcely 
a facet is untouched and all of 
the expository material shows an 
adult approach. 

"The accent is not on the 'gimmick'; 
neither is it -on the flashy or cute 



type of promotion which reads well 
but proves nonproductive. Rather, 
the WLW conception of promotion 
is all-embracing and involves the 
highest levels of activity in merchan- 
dising, audience building, and test 
planning. Unlike the promotional 
operation of most stations, that of 
WLW has an architectural quality. 
It has structure and it is many-di- 
mensioned. It succeeds in selling, 
the station's programs to listeners, 
the virtues of WLW to time buyers, 
and thru special services it helps 
the merchant with his problems." 



"WIWJ 

THE NATION'S MOST MERCHANDISE-ABLE STATION 



CROSLEY BROADCASTING CORPORATION 



82 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



'Monopolies Balking Ball Airings 
Now Under Justice Dept. Scrutiny 



Washington, Oct. 7. 

Justice Department, acting on re- 
quest of radio station WARL, Ar- 
lington, Va., is now in process or 
investigating "monopolistic and re- 
strictive practices of the major and 
minor baseball leagues" which al- 
legedly limit opportunities of radio 
stations throughout the country to 
broadcast league games. 

Situation — brought to a head by 
WARL's failure to get an okay to 
broadcast National league ball 
games locally — has already been 
called to the attention of the NAB 
and Washington counsel for several 
other radio stations throughout the 
country. 

WARL charged specifically that 
the leagues restrict the opportunity 
of radio stations to broadcast de- 
scriptions of ball games played by 
competitive league teams, Gripes 
from other stations point up fact 
that frequently stations in towns 
with minor league ball clubs are 
prevented from broadcasting de- 
scriptions . of out-of-town games of 
the major league teams. Protests 
have reached Washington from sta- 
tions in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and 
Texas, but in each case the stations 
asked that no publicity be given 
their situations. 

Frank Fletcher, counsel and part- 
owner of WARL, took things in his 
own hands last Friday (3) and asked 
Asst. Attorney General John F. Son- 
nett to probe the matter and, if 
necessary, "to take appropriate ac- 
tion under the anti-trust laws." 

As an illustration, WARL said it 
wanted to broadcast descriptions of 
games being played in New York by 



Radio on Food 

; Continued from page 21 5 



ing food processing accounts. Pre- 
liminary to switching the sales ap- 
proach, clients in that field have in- 
structed their agencies to pull back 
all selling copy and shelve the cur- 
rent slogan. 

Agencies at the same time were 
put to work devising copy that 
would be in conformity with the 
conservation campaign. The tack in 
the radio copy from now on will be 
"eat completely," instead of "cat 
more" of the product. 

Pujlback of copy- involves junking 
of completed * transcription jobs, 
mainly of the spot announcement 
category, and rushing production on 
substitute disks. 



teams which are members of the 
National League — the Brooklyn 
Dodgers and the N. Y. Giants. Ford 
Frick, National League president, 
advised WARL the League would 
have no objection to such broad- 
casts, so long as Clark Griffith, 
owner of the Washington, Senators 
— an American League team — gave 
his approval. 

Griffith Nixes 'Invasion' 

According to WARL, Griffith 
"flatly refused to give hi9 consent 
to any such broadcasts," on the 
ground there was an agreement 
among the leagues "not to invade 
each others' territory." Griffith also 
argued that the WARL broadcasts 
might make less valuable the sale 
of the broadcast rights to the Sena- 
tors' games. 

Local indie WWDC has exclusive 
rights to the night broadcasts of the 
Senators' games and farms out the 
daytime games to WPIK, daytimer 
in Alexandria, Va. WOL-Mutual 
carries the World Series exclusively 
and makes them available to 
WASH-FM, independent D. C. 
FM'er. But no local station has ever 
gotten Griffiths' okay to air broad- 
casts of competitive League teams. 
Similar treatment has been accorded 
Baltimore stations which carry de- 
scriptions of the Baltimore Colts (a 
minor League team) but would like 
to air the Washington Senators. 



AFRA 



Continued from page 21 



J 



Longhair Stations 
'Culture Package 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

A plan to package culture-in-radio 
on a national basis is being proposed 
here by Cal Smith, g.m. . of KFAC, 
recently returned from the NAB 
convention and a visit to New York 
where he discussed the notion of 
uniting his station, WQXR, and 
others of a classical kidney under a 
national sales organization. 

Plan advanced by the local "Mu- 
sic Station" is to form a kind of syn- 
dicate that would pitch a planned 
and concerted -sales slant for the 
longhairs, the self-created front 
shop acting as national sales rep as 
well as program counsel in individ- 
ual situations. There are a reported 
20-odd such stations operating in 
the U. S. now where also live sym- 
phonies would be included. 



cident became public, Seymour was 
invited to resubmit the proposal to 
the next meeting of the local board. 

The resolution, after noting the 
existence of factional groups in 
AFRA, calls for the appointment of 
a committee to study the situation 
and make a report "including" 
recommendations for (a) recognition 
of political activity, (b) methods of 
establishing responsibility of any 
group to the entire membership, (c) 
securing minority representation in 
the government of the union and, as 
an amendment by tha board, (c) 
"any other related recommenda- 
tions." As of yesterday afternoon 
(Tues.) the board had not completed 
the admittedly tough job of naming 
a committee acceptable to all ele- 
ments in the union. 

At the initial organization meet- 
ing last Wednesday night (1), the 
Independents named Nelson Case 
chairman, Ted Osborn to head the 
membership drive and Seymour to 
handle publicity. As anticipated, a 
formal statement of principles was 
drafted. It was signed by the 50- 
odd AFRA members present and 
during the ensuing week by around 
100 or so others. Several original 
signers were acknowledged dissi- 
dents from the AC. At least one 
was until recently a key member 
and another was one of the four 
original organizers of the group. 

The statement, basic principles o£ 
the Independents, condemns "all 
secret organizations, permanent po- 
litical machines and continuous pres- 
sure groups in AFRA," whether of 
the left or right and "whatever their 
claims as to motive." It pledges its 
signers to "refuse to nominate, sup- 
port or endorse" and to "oppose with 
all our strength the election of any 
candidate who is a member of, allied 
with, or a supporter of the Commu- 
nist party, or of any group advo- 
cating or supporting fascism, nazism 
and their attendant evils of preju- 
dice, bigotry and intolerance." As 
a clincher, it declares the signatories 
will support* only nominees who 
have signed the non-Communist oath 
specified in the Taft-Hartley law. 

Further, the statement promises 
that all its meetings (except those 
involving discussion of AFRA policy 
and strategy) will be' open to the 
public and press, that decisions, can- 
didates and resolutions will be pub- 
licized promptly, and that communi- 
cations to the AFRA membership 
will be signed and made public. 



Memphis — -Jane Ruth Skinner has 
joined WMPS, Memphis, as musical 
director. , 



Inside Stuif-Radio 

Unusual situation of a station affiliated to two nets, capitalizing on 
the best programs of the two webs because of its peculiar link is in- 
stanced by WBAP, of Forth Worth. Station is on the 820 kc band, 50,000 
watts clear channel, affiliated with NBC, a part of the Texas. Quality 
Network. Station is also on the 570 kc band, affiliated with ABC, in tha 
Lone Star Chain. With one studio, one set of officers, station manages 
to dovetail two nets' programming, following a top show of one web 
with that of another's, to give it sock coverage through a primary popu- 
lation area of 2,411,700 -people. 

Station is NBC and ABC outlet for Fort Worth and Dallas, and blankets 
Texas and Oklahoma. It's owned by the Star-Telegram, newspaper 
whose prez is Amon Carter. Harold Hough is director and George Crans- 
ton, manager. 



Carter-Johnson Associates, N. Y., conducted a survey of the Negro 
press during the summer to see whether news reaching them regarding 
radio and tele had been adequate for their needs. Of 130 papers contacted 
(two dailies, two semi-weeklies, 126 weeklies), 24% replied, and answers 
were close to 'a unanimous No. Indications pointed to neglect of the 
Negro field by publicity depts. of agencies and nets, and private pub- 
licity concerns. 

Of 23 replies, 17 editors said releases they received dealt with "pro- 
grams in general," while six said they got copy about "programs in- 
volving Negroes." Only four out of 21 editors said the general program 
was coming "angled" for their readers, while 17 said it was not. 



Coastites add to the serial of self praise for platform performances 
among radio men this season. Among Hollywood hucksters there are 12 
"specialists" lining up as guest professors for the fall-winter sessions of 
the U. of Cal's extension course in radio advertising which started last 
week at NBC studios. Lecturers and subjects are: Leon Wray, Don Lee- 
Mutual, network sales; Katherine Lancaster, C. E. Hooper, audience sur- 
veys; Mai Boyd, exploitation; Gene Grant, Grant Co., station representa- 
tion; Mark Finley, Don Lee, television; Joe Lighton. JWT, publicity; Innes 
Harris, -Y. & R., commercial writing; Martha Gaston, KFOX, local station 
sales; Jack Creamer, agent, talent management; Ray Cormier, Hunter Co., 
and Wayne Miller, Richfield Reporter staff, campaign case histories, re- 
spectively, local and net. Bob McAndrews, radio promotion manager for 
Y. & R., Hollywood, heads class. 



Paragraph in last week's Vaiuety, quoting a statement by Jackson Beck 
at a recent membership meeting of the New York local of AFRA, was 
inaccurate. Beck did not, as reported, charge that two recently-elected 
national officers of the union had declined picket duty in the threatened 
network strike last year. As nearly as he recalls, the actor declared that 
it was "at least one" of tha Artists Committee candidates for New York 
delegate to the annual convention who made such refusal. Back has not 
revealed to whom he referred, but the exact nature of the accusation was 
apparently widely misunderstood at the meeting. The matter has since 
been raised at a New York local board meeting, and it was stated that 
no national or local officer or board member had ever declined picketing 
assignment or other strike duty. 




"STAR TIME" 



WITH 



ABC 



DOROTHY MGALLEN 

THURSDAY, 10:45 A.M., EST 
Sponsored by the DRACKETT COMPANY 



When the Radio Directors Guild and Mutual finally get to negotiating 
in Hollywood it looks like it'll be a hot time in the new town or; at best, 
a considerably more complicated deal than that presented by the other 
three nets now signed. Initialers, NBC and CBS, were comparatively easy, 
the latter presenting the minor additional problem of its former "contact 
producers," since eliminated for standardization of two contracts. Then 
came ABC's hassle of writer-producers requiring special considerations 
and concessions from both sides since ABC's boys got extra scribbling fees. 
But in the case of Mutual-Don Lee here there are writer-producev- 
announcers, a three-way clambake. Moreover, the latter net is likely to 
make the claim that directors are, in effect, employers since they hire 
and fire, with some support seen in the recent Westinghouse foremen case 
successfully tried in the east. 



Plenty of publicity has been given the fact that Rep. Carroll Kearna 
(R., Pa.), chairman of a House Labor subcommittee probing the activi- 
ties of the American Federation of Musicians, still has a subpoena 
hanging over Petrillo's head— and will call him on the stand later this 
winter if and when it looks like AFM negotiations with the webs and 
FTvTers are stalemated. 

It is not generally known that Kearns also has subpoenas outstanding 
for NAB president Justin Miller and FCC Chairman Charles R. Denny. 
Both Miller and Denny ducked earlier appearances before the House 
Committee. 

♦ ■ 



Martin Block 

Continued from page 23 — 

everything. The situation grew un- 
I tenable for both and finally came 
to a head this week, with papers 
being signed Friday night (3) condi- 
tionally releasing both parties from 
the agreement on Nov. 8, in accord- 
j ance with the contractual 28 days' 
notice. Block will continue on KHJ 
and Mutual-Don Lee, however. 

Two major points , of the settle- 
ment that involves no finances are 
that Block will not, be permitted to 
broadcast on a local indie until June, 
1950 (when his contract would have 
expired), and that Warners not be 
held responsible for previous com- 
mitments to deliver Block to Mutual. 
The network has already agreed to 
latter. Block stated he was so eager 
to get out of the arrangement that 
he was "willing to sign himself 
away." while Maizlish appeared 
equally pleased and relieved with 
the decision which constant, wran- 
gling precipitated. Though born of 
bitterness and discord, the parting is 
amicable and neither wants "any- 
body to get hurt." 

Block was currently earning $2,- 
500 at KFWB. where he was guar- 
anteed a minimum of $1,500 weekly, 
plus the first commercial $1,000. 
Station's gross billing on him at 
severance was $4,500 and the poten- 
tial was $12,300, out of which he 
would have received $4,000. 

The loss, however, is negligible, 
since Block still gets $2,750 from 
NBC for the Chesterfield "Supper 
Club" show; a current $4,500 week- 
ly — - and possible $6,000 — from 
WNEW, New York, for his tran- 
scribed series; a guaranteed $6,000 
weekly from Mutual (which this 
week started his first net commer- 
cial, Kreml, with three weekly quar- 



ters and which also starts a week 
test arrangement with Coronet 
magazine 1; $25,000 per picture from 
Metro for a shorts series of six 
yearly; plus his publishing business 
income and other possible 6ide in- 
terests. 



Rochester, N. Y. — Rochester School 
of the Air, which has gone out over 
WHAM since 1933, when the late 
George Eastman donated radio sets 
to all the schools here, has been 
shifted to WHFM. Change stems 
from gift of 131 FM-AM sets to the 
schools by the Kiwanis Club of 
Rochester. Programs dialed by the 
sixth, seventh and eighth grades in- 
clude music appreciation conccrls 
by the Civic Orchestra, magic book 
shop, science adventures, news to- 
day—history tomorrow, and people 
in the news. 



0t 




HIRES TO YA" 

FOR THIRD YEAR 
ON CBS 



I 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



RADIO 



SS 



WBAL Hearing Put 
Down for Nov. 3 

Washington, Oct. 7. 
FCC on Friday (3) set Nov. 3 as 
new date of hearing on the renewal 
licpnse of William Randolph Hearst's 
50-kilowatt station WBAL, Balti- 
more In same hearing, Commission 
will hear competing bid of column- 
*jsts Drew Pearson and Bob Allen 
to take over the Hearst wavelength. 
This is the last of the so-called Blue 
Book cases. WBALs license was 
originally tabbed for hearing on pro- 
gram counts in February, 1946. 
Hearst recently lost a court appeal 
to stay the FCC hearing until the 
Blue Book statements about WBAL's 
operation had been publicly investi- 
gated. , ' 
, Hearing on the renewal- was due 
to have opened yesterday it?) but 
Hearst had asked for a 60-day post- 
ponement and FCC replied by 
awarding both parties a 30-day re- 
prieve. 

Conn. Boasts Third Of 
New England's FM'ers 
With More to Follow 

Hartford, Oct. 7. 

One-third of the 15 authorized FM 
stations for New England are in op- 
eration in Connecticut. Nine are in 
Massachusetts, with . one in New 
Hampshire. Of a total of 57 others 
authorized for the New England 
area, 10 will be in Connecticut, five 
in Maine', 30 in Massachusetts, five 
In New Hampshire, six in Rhode 
Island and one in Vermont. Four 
others are proposed for Connecticut. 

FM stations in operation in Con- 
necticut are: WDRC, Hartford, by 
the Connecticut Broadcasting Co.; 
WTIC, Hartford, Travelers Broad- 
casting Co.; WKNB, New Britain, 
New Britain Broadcasting Co.; 
WBIB, New. Haven, Colony Broad- 
casting Co., and WNLC, New Lon- 
don, Thames Broadcasting Corp. 

FM stations authorized in Con- 
necticut are as follows: WLAD, Dan- 
bury, Berkshire Broadcasting Co.; 
WONS, Hartford, Yankee Network; 
WTHT, Hartford, Hartford Times; 
WMMW, Meriden, Silver City Broad- 
casting Co.; WNHC, New Haven, 
Elm City Broadcasting Corp.; WEMI, 
New Haven, Connecticut Radio 
Foundation, .Inc.; WAVZ, New 
Haven Broadcasting Corp.; WSTC, 
Stamford, Western Connecticut 
Broadcasting Corp.; WBRY, Water- 
bury, Waterbury. American Repub- 
lican, and the Waterbury and Mat- 
tatuck Broadcasting Co. (no call let- 
ters). 

Proposed are three stations for 
Bridgeport by Harry F. Guggen- 
heim, Harold Thomas and the 
Bridgeport Herald Corp., and one in 
Danbury by the Fairfield Broadcast- 
ing Co. 



CHI JURY Mim 
COUPLE ON AIR FRAUD 

- ■■ Chicago, Oct. 7. 

Edmund and Virginia Sherzan 
were indicted last week by a fed- 
eral grand jury in session at Chi- 
cago on charges of fraudulently 
reaping $100,000 in a mail order 
scheme foisted via spots on 14 radio 
stations and ads in 16 newspapers. 
During 1946 the couple offered ny- 
lons and other scarce merchandise, 
but few of the buyers ever god their 
orders. 

The Sherzan commercials were 
aired by indies in the midwest, 
southwest and souHh. Some stations 
have made refunds Jo listeners. The 
Sherzans, now jn Oklahoma, oper- 
ated the Maiden and Sherzan com- 
panies in Chi. 



^^Sfcf^ FCC Fixes 188 Hearings on 346 Bids; 

Faces Heavy Sked of On-Spot Inquiries 



Hollywood, Oct. 7 
MurrW Bolen has terminated his 
duties as general manager of Edgar 
Bergen's Cal. Interests Corp. after 
two months. The parting was mu- 
tually agreed upon when Bergen de- 
cided not to make corporation op- 
erative until next spring. 

Bergen's Enterprises in new set 
up includes his radio show, tele- 
vision interests and Gourmet build- 
ing on Sunset Boulevard. 



Canton — James P. Wilson- is man- 
ager and program director of Can- 
ton's third radio statiOE. WAND, 
which went on the air for the first 
time on Sept. 24, v.-itfo 500 watts 
power, daytime. Magic Wand Broad- 
casting Co., which operates the sta- 
tion, also has been granted an FM 
license. 



Bachman's 'Sports Slants' 

Detroit, Oct. 7. 
Charlie Bachman, former Michi- 
gan State grid coach, starts a five- 
minute, twice-weekly football re- 
view over WJR today (Tues.). Show, 
called "Sports Slants," will be aired 
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., 
originating from Bachman's home in 
Lansing. 

Inking of Bachman for the stint 
completes cross-the-board sports 
programming at 5:30 on WJR, it was 
announced by Harry Wismer, assist- 
ant to prexy G. A. Richards. Fritz 
Crisler, of Michigan, is heard Mon- 
days and Wednesdays, and Leahy, 
of Notre Dame, on Fridays. 



CHI FUND DRIVE TO USE 
FULL AIR TECHNIQUES 

Chicago, Oct. 7. 

Commercial radio techniques, com- 
plete to transcribed spots and jingles, 
will be used for the first time in the 
Chicago Community Fund drive, 
which kicks off next week with half- 
hour shows on four major stations. 
Also for the first time the Fund's 
radio section has been allotted $2,000 
for token payment to scripters. 

Kits containing spots and tran- 
scriptions have been sent to every 
Chi station and the larger agencies. 
Tape recordings will be supplied to 
newscasters, along with special spots 
for disk jockeys and femme com- 
mentators. • 

Fund radio committee is chair- 
maned by Stu Dawson, of Feature 
Productions. 



Washington, Oct. 7. 

FCC unleashed here last Friday (3) 
a calendar fixing' dates for some 188 
hearings, involving 346 bids for new 
or improved radio station operation. 
Calendar covers all broadcast appli- 
cations tabbed for hearing before 
Oct. 1, 1947. Hearing dates range 
from October through April, 1948. 

Impact of FCC's larger 1948 ap- 
propriation is seen in the fact that 
the Commission has scheduled all 
field hearings in the city where a 
bidder proposes to locate his station. 
If several contenders in nearby 
towns are bidding for use of the 
same frequency, hearing will moy,e, 
from one town to another. Idea is 
to save bidders time and expense 
of travel and also to give local peo- 
ple an opportunity to appear at the 
hearings. 

Hearings cover AM, FM and tele- 
vision applications, bids for im- 
proved operation and renewal li- 
censes. 



Coulter's Mutual Shift 
Aimed at Sales Dept. Hypo 

Added emphasis on Mutual's top- 
iide sales efforts was reflected last 
week in transfer of Hal Coulter from 
the promotion department, which he 
headed, to the staff of Jess Barnes, 
veepee in charge of sales. As as- 
sistant to Barnes, Coulter will take 
over much of the inside work at the 
web's N. Y. homeoffice, permitting 
Barnes to do more direct contacting 
ef sponsors and agencies. 

Coulter's appointment comes less 
than six months after his advance- 
ment from assistant director to top- 
kick of the promotion staff. Title 
of director of advertising and pro- 
motion now goes to Jesse Thompson, 
formerly copy chief in the ad de- 
partment. He'll report to E. P. H. 
James, veepee of advertising, re- 
search and promotion. 



s Grid Feed to AM 

San Antonio, Oct. 7. 

A new "first" in radio history wijl 
occur here Saturday afternoon when 
Eddie Hyman, KYFM sports an- 
nouncer, will broadcast the Trinity 
University and Stephen F. Austin 
College football game simultaneous- 
ly over KYFM, the FM station of the 
£Mi-e SS Publishing Co., here at 
K-OSF, and AM outlet at Nacog- 
°°cnes, home of the Austin College. 

According to Charles Lutz, man- 
"f^r of KYFM this is believed the 
n 's-t time that an FM outlet has "fed" 
a broadcast to an AM outlet. In the 
Past the reverse has" been true. 




There must bt a reason for the first place ratings of all Scripps-Howard 
radio stationsl The networks are different... station strength is different 
...the areas and markets covered are vastly different. Yet each station 
rates FIRST in listening audience according to the latest C. E. Hooper 
index of total rated time periods. The only common denominator 
applying to all of these stations is SCRIPPS-HOWARD OPERATION. 




~^fU Scripps* Howard Stations 

EPRESENTED BY THE BRANHAM COMPANY 



S4 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



F££Hano&3Gradeso! 
licenses Gets 



f Operat 



Bacikng 



ors 
of NAB 



WasMrtstart. Oct 7. 

Ths KAB, sr3fc several "ifs, ands 
ant! tatts."" fcas gone on record as 
approving ~ia prErxipIe" FCC's pro- 
posal io sei cp SErree grades of broad- 
cast slatffen ejieraSors" licenses to re- 
place Ifce presect single type of 
operators license now handed out. 
Ths 3JAB sJaSercmt reBects the con- 
cern of radii sSatiatis generally that 
TCCs Effsr standards for okaying 
operators EEi«t=e3; may add to the 
oveaall expense of station operation 
tjr Jeogaarfi5ze Ifce present jobs of 
fllSKtime sfcfesa engineers. 

Hbroagi 3s engineering director, 
Boyal V. Howard. Sf AB last Thursday 
«2» recDn^ended to FCC that it in- 
«!ta£le a -gaaadfaffter clause" to pro- 
vide for aiitornatk: renewals of all 
xailjoiielepfc&re licenses depending 
lapaa len»3£i of service. 'Under this 
proposaL fccsfdeis of first-class li- 
censes iaraiia five or more years ex- 
perie:;.« s" a zsdio station would re- 
ceive an automatic renewal at the 



"Ernest Anderson presents 
PRED ROBBINS* 

ONE-NTTl STAND 




top grade of station engineer's li- 
cense. 

Holders of first-class operators' 
licenses not meeting these require- 
ments would automatically receive 
second-level licenses, as "broadcast 
technician operators." 

Howard also suggested that life- 
time licenses be given to holders of 
first-class tickets with 10 or more 
years of experience at a radio sta- 
tion. The statement submitted for 
the NAB said that the proposals 
were made "to assure the licensing 
of sufficient broadcast personnel" 
and "to assure the continuity of good 
technical service" in manning the 
nation's radio stations. 



FTC 



Continued from page 21 



Petrillo 

Continued from page 21 



MURRAY LATEST TO 
JOIN RADIO-NAME UNIT 



SIDNEY BECHET 



RW1N COREY 



Slev/sn'Tliiriy Saturday Nirfht 



OCT I ! th 



*Mt TOWN" HALL 




K4JL; LBV CLAYTON 
IMKJ) KCXAM. OKI « CO 
ffrimfcf . NBC. 19:39 TJd... K.S.T. 
M-CW-M — -©» (fee t»t»n* Willi You" 
"THIS TIKE FOR KEEPS" 



racketeers to encourage gambling. 
Hoopers of both WGAY and WARL 
have climbed since the quiz show 
and racing stanzas have gone on the 
air. 

Authority Not Denied 

Pierson & Ball pointed out that 
FTC did not deny it had authority to 
enjoin programs but simply ducked 
the issue and passed the buck back 
to FCC. The FTC letter dismissing 
the WWDC complaint generally fol- 
lows earlier arguments made by 
WGAY counsel Cohn & Marks. They 
had opposed WWDC's petition on the 
ground that even FCC had no au- 
thority over specific types of pro- 
grams (outside of lotteries) and FTC 
could not assume powers denied to 
FCC, the licensing agency. 

The FTC letter declares: . . . "the 
FCC has the primary and direct re- 
sponsibility to determine whether 
stations broadcasting this type of 
program serve the public interest..." 

FCC added that it knew FCC had 
expressed concern over such pro- 
grams in the past and stations had 
"immediately stopped broadcasting 
them." The Trade Commission said 
it understood "FCC, at the staff, 
level, is now considering regulatory 
action with respect to radio stations 
broadcasting such programs." 

This is surprising news since FCC 
has been steering clear of too much 
activity in the program field. Com- 
mission has been probing the WARL 
show as a possible lottery and fre- 
quently cites stations for horse-rac- 
ing stints, but this is supposedly the 
limit of its interest. 

FCC spokesmen said they had, jf 
anything, encouraged FTC to assume 
jurisdiction over programs which 
fall in category of "unfair trade 
practices." 



Finley Acquires 2 More 
Outside Firms' T.C. Shows 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
Continuing its expansion to dis- 
tribute outsiders' shows, Finley 
Transcriptions, Inc., this week took 
on two more locally-produced shows, 
the property of C. E. Bird, of Los 
Angeles. 

Shows are "Federal Agent," quar- 
ter-hour dramatized series of news- 
behind-the-headlines, with 39 shows 
cut. 



to .the "inequity" of a situation 
.which permits transcription pack- 
agers to employ AFM musicians for 
shows to be sold to local sponsors, 
but prohibits the networks from 
using musicians for the same type 
of programming, i.e., locally spon- 
sored, because it's piped over net- 
work lines. 

It's known, however, that Petrillo 
is meeting with opposition to this 
rule from within the union itself. 
Local 47, Hollywood, is understood 
to have registered a protest with 
the AFM boss .and asked for further 
information on his reasons for nix- 
ing co-op music. Word seeping back 
to N. Y. radio circles is that the 
Coast musicians are burned up over 
the ban, feeling that it's accomplish- 
ing no end beyond cutting musicians 
out of work. 

One setimate is that at least 60 
musicians would be used, if AFM 
permitted it, on the Abbott & Cos- 
tello, Joan Davis and Parkyakarkus 
co-op airers. As it is, ABC is lining 
up a 20-voice a cappella group for 
its A&C stanza and may addition- 
ally use some harmonica and uke 
players: CBS is lining up the Chor- 
alites singing group for Joan Davis, 
and Mutual probably will set an a 
cappella or harmonica combo for 
Parky. 

"What reasoning process Jimmy 
Petrillo is using to sustain this stand 
is beyond me," one network pro- 
gram veepee exploded. "A station 
salesman can go out with a platter 
under his arm of a transcribed snow 
using AFM musicians, but he can't 
carry a piece of paper representing 
a co-op show with the same kind 
of music. We could use AFM musi 
cians if we transcribed our co-op 
shows and sent the platters out to 
the stations. But would that give 
the musicians any more work than 
if they played on live co-ops?" 

Petrillo's attitude on AM-FM du 
plication is of an equally mysterious 
turn to those affected by the ban 
FM Assn. delegation headed by 
prexy Everett L. Dillard, WASH, 
Washington, and accompanied by 
Rep. Carroll Kearns (R., Pa.), c-hair^. 
man of the House subcommittee in- 
vestigating AFM activties, came 
away from last Wednesday's meet- 
ing with Petrillo unanimously cer- 
tain that he was going to permit du- 
plication during the four months re- 
maining before AFM-network con- 
tracts expire. 

FMers believed they had firmly 
sold Petrillo on their sincerity in 
wanting to work out a fair agree- 
ment- with the union at close of the 
interim deal. They argued that du- 
plication was needed to get more 
people to buy FM sets, which in turn 
would provide indie FM stations 
with greater potential audiences and 
permit them, once on their feet, to 
give work to musicians. FM can't 
thrive on recorded music; it must 
have live music, they told Petrillo. 

That line of though he seemed to 
like, the conferees reported. Without 
actually saying he'd grant duplica- 
tion, it was felt he gave every in- 
dication of apporving it. 

What changed his mind between 
then and Friday, when he met with 
the nets, has the industry mystified 
arid guessing. And unhappy. 



Hollywood, Oct. 7, 
Radio Repertory , Theatre, Inc., 
radio outfit owned and controlled by 
Hollywood film and radio names, 
has added Fred MacMurray to its 
poster of stockholding members. 

He joins Dana Andrews, Joan 
Fontaine, "John Garfield, Myrna Loy, 
Ray Milland, Charles Boyer and 
radio producer Arthur Kurlan to 
the group, which plans production 
of a weekly transcribed dramatic 
series including the stockholders as 
leads, purchase and development of 
story properties and possible pur- 
chase and operation of a radio sta- 
tion. . ' ' 



WNEW's Mag Roundup 
Show Preems Oct 21 

"Magazine Roundup," p r o g r a m 
highlighting important articles in 
current issues of popular magazines, 
will preem on WNEW, N. Y. Oct. 21, 
in the Tuesday 9:15-9:30 p. m. spot. 
Station has made tieup with Readers 
Digest, .Coronet, Readers Scope, 
Saturday Review of Literature and 
others to present digests of outstand- 
ing features, mags preparing the ma- 
terial. Station will have two an- 
nouncers reading the articles, with 
music bridges in between. 

Material is similar to that pre- 
pared by various mags and mailed 
out to radio stations, bnt material 
hasn't been put together in the form 
of such a 15-minute program before. 



BMB 

Continued from page 23 ; 



CUT TARGET 



MEANS INTELLIGENT AND PROMPT SERVICE TO 

THE WORLD'S LARGEST ADVERTISING AGENCY 

Year after year we read Info our record for 
consistently satisfactory service words like 
these from America's leading agencies . . . 
... we have always enjoyed your intelligent 
and prompt service ... it is a pleasure to work 
with Weed ... this is the kind of "rep" rela- 
tionship we like . . . 

The harmonious relationship that exists between 
Weed men and agency contacts is the measure 
of success for a radio representative. 



WEED 

ADD COm PAD Y 

RADIO STATION REPRESENTATIVES 
TO«-IOSTO«-H«aSO-MTItOU-SAN nUNtSCO- ATMNTA- MUTW09* 



AP 



Continued from page 23 



run, so webs gave the whole idea 
the think-it-over standoff. 

AP's Oliver Gramling, assistant 
general manager in charge of radio, 
countered with a rate formula 
trimming the overall cast to. just 
about what the webs are paying 
now. NBC said okay-provided a 
clause is added to the contract 
whereby the net could cancel the 
pact in event of any change in AP 
by-laws "not in keeping with terms 
of the contract." AP conceded, and 
a deal was inked. 

CBS meantime applied for mem- 
bership, "contingent upon the work- 
ing out of a satisfactory contract." 
Negotiations to work out such a pact, 
probably along the lines of NBC's, 
are expected to take place late this 
week. 

ABC hasn't applied for AP mem- 
bership, but the concessions made 
to NBC by the press association no 
doubt will be offered to ABC as well 
as CBS, with the result that the 
former will come in line shortly. 

AP board last Friday. (3) elected 
441 radio stations to associate mem- 
bership, including all NBC and CBS 
owned and operated outlets, plus 
the Texas State Network, Yankee 
and Don Lee networks. 



to its bosom MBS' "listenability" 
coverage measurement technique. 
Mutual is "fighting the battle for the 
new stations that came on the air 
too late for BMB's 1946 study," the 
exec said. "We believe our coverage 
method opens up new possibilities 
for BMB measurements and might 
provide shortcuts so that BMB 
wouldn't need a year to produce re- 
sults of its survey." 

Exec pointed out that Mutual 
"probably has more member stations 
in BMB than any other net" and 
that most of the web's large stock- 
holder stations are subscribers. But 
he admitted this argument undoubt- 
edly would not be considered "an 
answer" by the other three nets. 

An answer to the whole situation 
would be welcomed by BMB, which 
sees itself in a damned-if-we-do, 
damned-if-we-ddn't position as re- 
gards acceptance of Mutual's cov- 
erage methods at this point. It's felt 
that BMB would be accused of 
knuckling under^ to the net's de- 
mands if the Mutual technique were 
suddenly adopted. On the other hand, 
if the bureau said no, it could be 
rapped in some quarters as refusing 
to alter in any way the concepts of 
its 1946 listener study. 

Belief is that if Mutual persists !n 
its refusal to join the other nets in 
"walking in four abreast" as BMB 
joiners, ABC, CBS and NBC will 
give the bureau a go-ahead in ac- 
cepting their contracts. 



Cong. Wene Sells 50% 
Interest in Jersey Station 
To Carl Mark for 165G 

Washington, Oct. 7. 

Former Cong, Elmer H. Wene 
(R., N. J.) 83% stockholder in the 
Trent Broadcasting Corp. last Sat- 
urday (4) contracted to sell a half* 
interest in his station WTTM, Tren- 
ton, N. J., to Carl Mark, director of 
the Al Paul Lefto.. ad agency of ' 
Philadelphia. Sales ticket was 
$165,000 cash. Mark is the son-in- ' 
law of Albert Greenfield, prominent ' 
Philly realtor and businessman. The 
WTTM transfer application will be 
filed with FCC shortly. 

Under the contract, Wene will 
continue on-the-spot operation of 
WTTM. Mark will remain with the 
agency but act as a director and give 
part-time attention to the Trenton 
station. Sale was handled by Smith- 
Davis brokerage firm. 

Transfer, it was understood, will 
not affect WTTM's newly filed bid 
for television in Trenton. In fact, 
it will bring in additional capital to 
push the video application. 



Philadelphia— KYW is distributing 
more than 5,800 manuals outlining 
each program and providing ex- 
haustive bibliography for classroom 
use to integrate its new education 
series. The 144-page manuals are 
being sent to school teachers. The 
new series began Monday (6) and 
present six 15-minute periods weekly 
for 32 straight weeks. 



From Hollywood 




Detroit— Arch Shawd,' long identi- 
fied with the Detroit radio and news- 
paper industry, named sales mana- 
ger of WJR (CBS). For the past 
eight years, Shawd had been execu- 
tive veepee and general manager of 
WTOL, Toledo. 



cMeo^ult by most , . 

PtejeMed by most 

in the BUYING Ark-La-Tex 



Write for Availabilities 




74c 

Sfmeotjtint 
"Timet Station 



VcJncsjay, October 8, 1947 



CIRCLING THE KILOCYCLES 



Boston - Arthur Flynn, "Round 
the Town" commentator on W7.AW 
Tawrence), is promoting a local 
%£%£ to, raise $10,000 to Uqw- 
Sta the mortgage on a new home 
tor Jam« Dowd ' Lawrence Marine 
hero and the city's only paraplegic 
veteran. The home is being con- 
ducted with special equipment to 
make it possible for Dowd to carry 
on in the wheel chair in which he is 
confined for the rest of his life. 

navtona Beach— FCC has just an- 
nounced the licensing of WNDB-FM 
Daytona Beach, for full-time opera- 
tion As a result this station has be- 
come Florida's first full powered 
FM station after an interim opera- 
tion of several months. It has just 
embarked on an extensive sales cam- 
paign. 

Detrolt^-Eleanor Horen, past pres- 
ident, Womens Advertising Club of 
Detroit, formerly with Chelton Pub- 
lications, is the newly-appointed as- 
sistant producer of "House O' 
Charm," heard daily over WXYZ, 
Detroit. 

Columbus, O. — WELD, columbus 
FM station, has just started com- 
mercial operation, with Herb Welch, 
former program director, named 
sales director. Bill Pepper succeeds 
him as program director, and Charles 
Baker has been added to the an- 
nouncing staff. 



Detroit— WJR (CBS) has unveiled 
Its new mobile studio, one of the 
first of its kind in the nation, to 
carry radio to the farmer and the 
rural area. The elaborately custom- 
built coach can travel anywhere 
within WJR's listening area and 
originate broadcasts, and will take 
WJR programs and personalities to 
county fairs, 4-H clubs, conferences 
and other group gatherings. 



radius of 150 miles from St. Louis 
intead of the immediate vicinity. 
Sponsor pays cash to winners . . . 

Charles Slookey, Farm Editor for I bought time on a hookup of 17 Mu 
KXOK, celebrating 15 years in early I Ulal stations in N. Y. state to air a 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



33 



Masons Buy State Hookup 
For Oct. 26 DramatShow 



N. Y. State Grand Lodge of the 
Masons will use radio for the first 
time in the history of the fraternal 
order on Sunday, Oct. 26. Lodge has 



a.m. radio. 



Cincinnati— First Cincy stations to 
come up with their own plane are 
WKRC and its FM affiliate WCTS. 
Job is a four-place Beech Bonanza 
with a cruising speed of 175 m.p.h. 
Pilot is Hulbert Taft, Jr., managing 
director of both stations. 



half-hour dramatic show. Stanza, 
titled "The Beacon Light," will tell 
the story of the fight against rheu- 
matic fever and will announce the 
establishment by the lodge of a 
Masonic Medical Research Founda- 
tion for the aid of all faiths and 
races. 

Lodge's radio committee is com- 
posed of Jack Paige, Mutual special 
events director, who will produce 
the Oct. 26 airer; Walter E. Koons, 
San Antoiiio-A new Monday former NBC exec, and Bob Wilson, 
through Friday quarter-hour show | Mutual exploitation director. Show 
titled the "Admiration Coffee Shop." ; is beirjg scr ip te d by Jerry Holland. 

sponsored by Admiration Coffee, | 

is being heard here over KABC and 
stations in Dallas and Houston. Pro- 
gram features the music of Fred 
Gibbons at the organ; songs by 
Jimmy Baxter; Jim Sanders as m.e. 
and the voice of "Alexander" the 
waiter and John Paul Goodwin as 
announcer and reader of a bit of 
poetry on each broadcast. 



Sales Mgrs. 

Continued from page 23 



St. Louis— C. L. Thomas, gen. mgr. 
of KXOK, has been elected to a two- 
year term on the St. Louis Ad Club's 
Board of Governors . . . KMOX's 
"Quiz of Two Cities" now being 
bankrolled by the Pevely Dairy Co. 
Contestants now are drawn from a 



copy or quoting him rates. He likes 
to have his copy long and repetitious 
and if the station threatens to blue- 
pencil he has a quick comeback: he 
can turn to the local newspapers, 
where he can tell his" sales story in 
his own way. 

That newspaper bugaboo colors | imsky. 
the reaction of the station men' <o 
the code's requirements in a big 
way. They figure that if the code 
in its final form turns out to be as 
tough as ;t now looks the newspaper 
will be the gainers. In the matter 
of paring copy the sales managers 
agree that the local retailer has a 
good case of opposition 



WBZ-WBZA School of Air 

Boston, Oct. 7. 
WBZ-WBZA's own school of the 
air under way this week with an 
enlarged format designed to hit the 
400,000 public school students of 
Massachusetts with a five-week 
ayem broadcast. 

Series, sponsored by Mass. Dept. of 
Education and the New England 
Committee on Radio in Education, 
goes on at 9:15 on a Monday through 
Friday basis. Scheduled are "News 
in Review," an analysis of news and 
how to read news by Arch MacDon- 
ald, "Seeing America," a geography 
series; "Living Literature" with 
Prof. John Scammell of B.U.; "Ad- 
ventures in Research," and "The 
Road to Music" with Nicolas Slon- 



Florence Bendon Tipped 

Philadelphia, Oct. 7. 
Florence W. Bendon, with WFIL 
for more than 10 years on the pro- 
gram and production staff, has be.en 
named assistant to Jack Steck, pro- 
It is like- I gram director, it was announced Sat- 



wise their contention that it takes 
far more wordage to sell a suit sell- 
ing for $27.50 with two pairs of pants 
than a branded soap or cheese. After 
all, they add, the latter announce- 
ment is merely spotted for reminder 
purposes. In brief, it puts the non^ 



urday (4) by Roger W. Clipp, gen- 
eral manager. 

Miss Bendon is also wellknown as 
a radio vocalist under the name of 
Carol Wynne. She formerly pro- 
duced the ABC "Melodies to Re- 
member" series, and was assistant 



78 Nations to Ink Communications 
Treaty at A.C; Denny Signs for U.S. 



Atlantic City, Oct. 7. 

A treaty which prov.ides for a 
closely-knit permanent international 
organization which can deal with 
world communications problems as 
they arise will come into being as the 
governments of 78 nations repre- 
sented here all summer ratify the 
International Telecommunications 
Convention and International Radio 
Regulations of Atlantic City. 

The treaties are the result of 
meetings of the International Tele- 
communications Conferences which 
have been in session here at Hotel 
Ambassador with more than 600 
present since May 16. 

Treaty was signed last Thursday 
(2), with Charles R. Denny, chair- 
man of the conference and the head 
of the U. S. delegation at the confer- 
ence, opening the formal ceremony. 
Denny, FCC head, outlined the treaty 
as follows: 

"In addition to writing a new 
treaty, it was necessary to revise 



Mex Standoff 

Continued from page 23 ; 



brand advertiser at a disadvantage, producer for the "Hayloft Hoedown. 



but urged "a complete revision of 
the NARBA" and "the imperative 
necessity of improving" the assign- 
ment of channels which Cuba has 
been and is using." This is looked 
on as a sure sign that Cuba wants 
more channels and higher power, 
neither of which will be too fav- 
orably regarded by U. S. clears. 

The Bahamas want to keep the 
1,540 kc band which they won last 
year. The Dominican Republic asks 
for Class II stations on 650, 945 and 
1,170 kc. Haiti proposes establish- 
ment of two high power 25 kw sta- 
tions on the 1,080 and 1,130 kc 
channels. Newfoundland wants to 
stake a claim on the 790, 930 and 980 
kc slots for 5 kw local stations. 

Mexico also wants additional clear 
channels in addition, to those she 
alresdy has— namely, the 590, 630, 
950 and 980 kc slots. In return, she 
would give up 1.220 and 1,570 kc 
buf would keep her present assign- 
ments on 730, 800, 900 and 1,050 kc. 



completely the entire set of radio 
regulations. These now fill a print- 
ed volume of 391 pages of small 
print, and cover every phase of in- 
ternational radio communications, 
including technical standards, op- 
erating practices, procedures relat- 
ing to safety and distress, and a 
myriad of other subjects. 

"We have not only completed a 
comprehensive revision of these pro- 
visions. We have broken new 
ground in the radio field in three 
important respects: 

"First, we have adopted a world- 
wide frequency allocation table ex- 
tending up to 10,500,000 kilocycles. 

"Second, we have planned practi- 
cal machinery for putting this new 
allocation table into effect. 

"Third, we have provided for a 
permanent board of experts, the In- 
ternational Frequency Registration 
Board, which, starting with the new- 
ly engineered list of frequency as- 
signments, will consider every fu- 
ture assignment to determine 
whether it will cause international 
interference." 

Further clarifying the work of the 
delegations, Hugh Townshend, chair- 
man of the United Kingdom delega- 
tion, declared that the most im- 
portant task was to agree on the 
orderly allocation of bands or. radio 
frequencies between the various 
types of services — international 
radio telegraph and telephone serv- 
ices, service to ships, civil aviation 
and broadcasting. 



'Blue Tag Quiz' New 

Chi Airer Comeon 

Milwaukee, Oct. 7. 
New way to pull in customers for 
retailers is embodied in "Blue Tag 
Quiz," which tees off Thursday i9> 
via WEMP, Milwaukee. Blue cards, 
six of which entitle bearers to prize 
merchandise, will be handed out to 
all comers at the Blatz Palm Gar- 
den, the show's origination point. 
Idea is for card holders to visit six 
retail stores to see if they have the 
winning numbers. The store prizes 
are duplicates of those awarded 
contestants on the show. 



but th 



e women 



The men may 



LISTEN 



LOOK 





Will you gentlemen please feast your eyes on the face, then 
forget it and face the facts? Because, frankly, we're not selling 
the lady's pulchritude. You get that gratis. We're selling her 
charm for the female radio listener. And women listen to 
Barbara Welles (Florence Pritchett) on her WOR show, every 
weekday afternoon at three. They listen — and ACT. 

THEY ACT? Within one week, five days, some 6,045 Women 
peppered Barbara for a sample of — of all things — paint! And 
not the kind they gild their faces with. Within two weeks, the 
number of requests piled up to 10,297. They came from folks 
from as far off as Maine and Virginia — and even New York. 
That's mighty pretty mail for a new show, don't you tliink? 

BARBARA WELLES (Florence Pritchett) is such news that 
LOOK magazine gave her a fancy spread recently. She's some- 
thing new in radio: a glamour girl with grey matter and a 
homey touch. She speaks to and for young housewives; spices 
their lives with glitter and good common sense to hoot. 

YOU PAY ONLY FOR BARBARA WELLES when you buy 
into her WOR show hut you get bank-breaking talent as well. 
Luminaries like Bing Crosby, June Knight, Lucille Ball and 
others have been her guests because they arc her friends. 

IF YOU want to move in on what is proving to be one of 
radio's most productive daytime woman's shows, dial PE 6-8600 
NOW. 



MUTUAL 



WOR 



1440 BROADWAY 



36 RECOUPS — -DISK JOCKEYS 



P^RtETY 



Wednesday, Octob er 8, 1947 



1. 

ss 
s 



0 

g 

M 

% 



C8 

1! 

03 



ft 

IN 



S 
e 



I 


AISMM— UE||Bd J*V 


St. Louis 


MAIM — 3IU0Sitt3N l!9 


HOXH— saqSnn qsnji 


»* 

1 

0 

« 

e 
c 

5 


10144— uosinea IV 


NIKAA— »9«d ""ox 


Char- 1 
lotte I 


XHM— "IsqaM Unj 


Seattle 


OKIH— JiaranBO l»MI 


Phila. 


AtAH— au<t.tt IJBnis 


NaaM— ^p«4«> »»r 


■k 

t/i 




' Denver 




13 JH— s«!1-i»J *bh 


Cincy 


OdOAl— spjei|»!a "i|03iBK 


X V1,U — 3UIM UOSI5M 

A.li I.H I J* • 


u* 


guu — ,<p3iiu>v qon 




I33A\— J»H»d nW»HS 




HHHU— nopjoo IHH 


M 

"5 

O) 

e 
< 

JS 


fl « JM — uosuv II'H 

1 




Chicago 


mom — suKA r .i ninr 


arrii— norais »iu.ia 


oniav — pjBqq»H »ippa 


New York 


MaNAV— PJ>»J IW 


XVVAV— •»»«•"»•«« I»bj 


WEEK OF 
SEPT. 28 

Pub. 



< < 



•I'll si s 

••■5 §.» 

2 S a §. ° S 

t- o k u £ 
tJ t •% B 

O 



&3 



O 

•s- g I g o .3 
° i-o k ft 

M a; a £ g 

t- -S 13 a g 
S a .2 « § I 

*» e s a j; 

OCOOOR 



e - ^ o 

j£ •«■* t, a* 

p 

* * S c? a 

»k «5j 

fe- S « e -9 
is e 2 « 

«P3S« 

ts h w 5i » 

s § 9 g 9 



o J3 •> 
ft. * 



U 



< 

I- » O! 



w w e*3 <J< ift «o 



■0 
. > 



^ tt^ » CfJ 



E 
< 



Si 



< 



2fSlS! 



9 

W 

S 

o 

V 

> 

o 
-5 



c 

s 



bo 



c 
E 

03 



c 



o 

EO 



e 
B 

3 

O 



CJ 

3 
E 

3 



o 

CO 

B 
o 



11 



H 



o 
J3 
CO 

3 



a 
J3 



ft< 



P. 

; 



| 
O 

U 



9 

E 

o 
U 



s 

a 

c 

d 



5s 



•a 
c 



•a 
■o 



s 



c 



c 

I 



s 
3 

CO 



s 



o 
O 

bo 
c 



8 



< M 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



•BCHKSTHAS-M17SIC. 



57 



RCA, COL. IN PUBLISHING PITCH 



Recording Firms Expect AFM to Halt 
Production in Royally-Per-Disk Snarl 



Recording companies are looking 
forward to the middle of next week 
with no apparent trepidation what- 
ever. By that time they expect to 
be made aware of what the Ameri- 
can Federation of Musicians is plan- 
ning in regard to the Dec. 31 ex- 
piration of the agreement between 
the two groups calling for a royalty- 
per-disk sold to the union. At its 
meeting in Chicago last month the 
AFM's executive board, which at 
that time contemplated making 
known the course it would take, de- 
cided to delay until the Oct. 13 
board meet 

Since the Taft-Hartley act spe- 
cifically forbids ■ deals such as the 
AFM contract, which requires the 
per-disk-sold royalty, recording com- 
panies are not kidding themselves. 
They fully expect the AFM to call 
a halt to recording. And if they 
have any plan to combat it there's 
none being talked of freely. 

Meanwhile, few of the disk com- 
panies have as yet begun to stack 
away masters against a strike. Co- 
lumbia hasn't, nor has Decca. Vic- 
tor has been doing a slight amount 
of extra cutting but nothing that 
might be called a rush. What extra 
dates have been scheduled are to 
keep ahead of travelling artists. 

It isn't easy to cut disks far in ad- 
vance, unless novelty and standard 
material alone is laid away. Pop 
tunes are too shortlived in the mod- 
ern scheme of things and not 
planned far enough in advance by 
publishers to allow recorders to 
stock up on them. Anyway, -in so 
far as the majors are concerned, the 
majority are pretty heavily loaded 
with backlog as it is without going 
into extra sessions. 

Indies Can Benefit 
If and when AFM piez James C. 
Petrillo does call a strike, the sec- 
ondary strata of recorders will be 
the most seriously hurt— particularly 
so if the walkoutMasts any length of 
time. These outfits, such as Capitol, 
Majestic, Musicraft, M-G-M, et . al., 
can stack away a fair amount of ma- 
terial against a drought of mu- 
sicians, but they can cut only so 
many, and when those are exhausted 
they will be smothered by the tre- 
mendous backlogs of the larger 
companies. 

Peculularly enough the dozens of 
Indie firms that sprang up during 
the war may get the same sort of 
benefit from an AFM strike as that 
given them by the war's grip on the 
production of major companies. It's 
felt that many of these companies 
would be able to make disks, which 
the majors and some of the .sec- 
ondary firms wouldn't dare try in 
fear of eventual retaliation in one 
form or another by the AFM. They 
could use college bands and other 
non-union musicians under protec- 
tion of the T-H act, which forbids 
interferences with non-union work- 
ers. Another angle expressed is 
that the Harmonicats' harmonica-ar- 
rangement of "Peg O' My Heart" 
may have popularized that instru- 
ment to the point where it would be 
accepted as a fairly steady diet. And 
harmonica players are not looked 
upon as musicians by the AFM. 



Sinatra Co-Pilots 

Own Plane to N. Y. 

When Frank Sinatra came east 
last week for benefit dates, record- 
ings, etc., prior to his mid-Novem- 
ber opening at the Capitol theatre, 
New York, he arrived in his own 
plane. He and Bob Lee, radio 
scripter who worked on the singer's 
Old Gold show last year, bought a 
single-motored ship recently, and 
they flew it east together. Sinatra 
has been taking flying lessons and 
did a good deal of the piloting him- 
self. 

Sinatra will be east at least 10 
weeks, doing his Lucky Strike "Hit 
Parade" broadcasts from New York. 
He will not play the Hotel Waldorf- 
Astoria this year. The Cap is the 
only p.a. on his schedule. 



MPCE Slaps An 
Unfair Tag On 
Pelham Heath, N.Y. 

Executive Council of the Music 
! Publishers Contact Employees union 
yesterday (Tuesday) placed the Pel- 
ham Heath Inn, New York, out of 
bounds for its members. Spot, owned 
by Herman Shubert, had been the 
subject of many complaints during 
recent months by MPCE members, 
who made charges of unethical prac- 
tices against both the owner, and 
bandleaders playing it. MPCE Coun- 
cil met Monday evening as- well as 
yesterday before deciding to put the 
date on the unfair, list. 

Pelharn Heath move, however^ is 
only a starter, according to Council 
members. Now that such action 
against Shubert has been taken, the 
MPCE is preparing to mark other 
locations and owners who look for 
breaks from publisher's representa- 
tives, out of bounds. 



SEEK TD MATCH 
DECCA EXPANSION 

Apparently impressed by Decca's 
expansion in the music publishing 
field, both RCA-Victor and Colum- 
bia Records are looking into the pos- 
sibility of- matching Decca's strides. 
Victor, in fact, is talking with an 
established publisher about . setting 
up a subsidiary or cooperative firm. 

Columbia also is reported to have 
had discussions in the past week 
with a major publisher. What 
eventuated from these talks is un- 
disclosed; Columbia execs flatly 
deny that any such talks occurred. 

Both Victor and Columbia have 
had the publishing-affiliation idea 
for some time. Columbia several 
years ago went so far as to regis- 
ter two company .titles to be used on 
publishing ventures. One involves 
the Columbia .tradename. Victor has 
never gone that far. but at various 
times had had talks with major 
publishers about going into the field. 

Decca has been in it for some time, 
but has considerably increased its 
interests during the. past year. It 
took over the Milton Weil catalog of 
Chicago, after Tommy Dorsey had 
bought it and then returned it to the 
widow of its owner; last year it set 
up the Mood Music Co. in conjunc- 
tion with Columbia Pictures and 
Shapiro-Bernstein, and only a couple 
months back established a new firm, 
Supreme Music, in partnership with 
Bregman-Vocco-Conn. This firm is 
publishing the current top hit, "Near 
You.". 



Revenue Bureau Won t Dun Leaders 
To Pay S.S., Unemployment Taxes 



Mus-Art Due To 



Book Shep Fields! 



Washington. Oct. 7. 
Name bandleaders who might 
have feared that the U. S. Internal 
Revenue Bureau would dun them 
Shep Fields' new orchestra, cur- j for socia , gec^i, and unemploy- 
rently at his Glen Island Casino, t ... . , , 

New Rochelle, N. Y., will be booked J ment taxes part in protest by buyers 
by the Mus-Art agency. Fields : of their bands during the tenure of 
made an exclusive deal last week the disputed American Federation 
with the new booking group to han- j of Mus j c i ans ' Form b contract now 



die his band if and when it leaves 



need not worry. In issuing its long- 



the Casino. Fields is still uncertain 

as to when the spot will cio.ie and I awaited directive following the can- 



may keep it open all winter, either 
full-week or weekends only, 

Fields formerly was booked by 
Music Corp. of America. He was 
tied to that agency originally on one 
of its $1.000,000-in-commissions con- 
tracts, which .later was revised by 



cellation of the Form B contract 
several months ago by the U. S. 
Supreme Court, as a result of a Des 
Moines suit by Roy Bartels, an Iowa 
promoter, the Revenue Bureau as- 
serted that it would not require 
maestroes to file returns or pay 



American Federation of Musicians i taxes in behalf of their musicians 
order to the then-conventional I for the period prior to July 1 last, 
seven-year deal, which expired less | while it was the opinion of cer- 



than a year ago. 



ARMSTRONG INTO 
HOTEL WORK ALSO 

Louis Armstrong, who has achieved 
unusual b.o. success since disband- 
ing his large orchestra and setting up 
a small jazz combo including Syd- 
ney Catlett (drums), Barney Bigard 
(clarinet) and Jack Teagarden 
(trombone), will depart from his 
practice of working only nightclubs 
when he goes into the Chase hotel, 
St. Louis, for one week opening Oct. 
21. Hostelry is paying $3,500 against 
a 50%-of-the-gross privilege, and 
will use a local dance band along 
with Armstrong. 

Following and prior to the Chase 
job, Armstrong is working a series 
of concert dates with his new combo, 
which started work at Billy Berg's, 
Hollywood, and has been extraor- 
dinarily successful ever since. It 
moves into the Chicago Opera House 
Nov. 8 and the Cleveland Aud Nov. 9, 
and will do a concert at Carnegie 
Wall, N. Y. later this year. 



Cap., N. Y., Slated 
For Woody Herman 
In Switch from Par 

Woody Herman's new orchestra, 
currently being readied on the Coast 
for his return to the band business, 
will play the Capitol theatre, New 
York, the next time it hits town. 
Contracts have been signed for Her- 
man to play the house next May at a 
reported $12,500 weekly. That figure, 
presumably, includes supplying the 
show. 

Capitol contract moves Herman 
out of the Paramount theatre, N. Y., 
for the first time in years. He had 
been a Paramount regular, for a 
while working that house during the 
choice Xmas period each year. He 
has never played the Cap before. 

Herman's new outfit, incidentally, 
is partly composed of Sam Marowitz, 
Stan Getz, "Zoot" Simms, Herb 
Stewart, saxes; Ralph Piffner, trom- 
bone; Fredy Otis, piano; Don La- 
mond, drums; Walter Yoder, bass. 
He will use a Negro musician for the 
first time, too, Ernie Royal, a trum- 
peter. Yoder is one of the musicians 
who started out with Herman when 
the latter took over leadership of 
the old Isham Jones orchestra. He 
at one time was a co-owner with 
Herman in that band, which was 
cooperatively owned. He was not in 
Herman's last orchestra. 

New band opens at Municipal 
Aud., San Bernardino, Cal. Oct. 16. 



Claridge hotel, Memphis, is booked 
solidly with bands for the balance 
of the year. Al Jahns. current, will 
be followed Friday ( 10) by Eddy 
Rogers. Then Nick Stuart, Oct. 31- 
Nov. 20: Russ Carlyle, Nov. 21-Dec. 
11; George Olscn, Dec. 12-Jan. L 



New CAPAC Plan 
Calls (or Putsch 
On Local Writers 



Toronto, Oct. 7. 
First item on the agenda of a re- 
vitalized Canadian Authors, Pub- 
lishers and Composers, Ltd., set up 
is the determination to have music 
publishers in this country put more 
local classical and potential pop mu- 
sic into print and hypo its circula- 
tion. Tee-off had Bill Low, newly 
elected general manager of CAPAC, 
calling a meeting of over a score of 
recognized Canadian lyric writers 
and composers in Toronto to put 
pressure on Canadian publishers 
who, allegedly, have been too lax in 
recent years in meeting local pro- 
fessional obligations. 

Up until now, a vast majority of 
the music handled by Canadian pub- 
lishers has been that of U. S. writers 
and music firms. Low. in fact is one 
of the largest above-border repre- 
sentatives of Yankee firms. Idea, 
presumably, is „ not to lessen this j 
traffic but to increase the flow of 
home material so as to benefit local 
authors and composers. 

Immediate plan calls for the con- 
tacting of over 100 authors and com- 
posers across Canada to attend a 
general meeting in Toronto, with 
CAPAC willing to pay the expenses 
of out-of-town delegates if necessary. 
Many of these already hold member-_ 
hip in CAPAC but qualifications of" 
others attending the meeting will be 
one of three: <a) they have had 
works published; (b) they have had 
works publicly performed; (c) a 
committee will deem their works to 
be of sufficient merit to be published 
or performed. 

A group of CAPAC member- 
judges will winnow out composi- 
tions submitted by the delegates and 
will then try to induce Canadian 
publishers to market them; similarly, 
CAPAC will use its influence to have 
o.k.'d compositions performed. 

Headed by Sir Ernest MaeMillan, 
conductor of the Toronto Symphony 
and newly-elected president of 
CAPAC, the initial meeting was at- 
tended by bandleaders from the 



Beneke Dropping 
Glenn Miller Name 
From His Band 

Tex Beneke-Glenn Miller orches- 
tra will at long last drop the Glenn 
Miller half of its tag as of Feb. 2, 
when the band finishes six weeks at 
the Palladium ballroom, Hollywood. 

It's figured that Beneke alone has j cia " s under Form B. They cannot 



tain accountants that the govern- 
ment division would not ask that 
leaders pay the disputed taxes, 
basing their predictions on past di- 
rectives from the Commissioner of 
Internal Revenue, who ail along 
agreed with Form B that leaders 
and their men were employees, 
other accountants and some booking 
agencies felt that there was a pos- 
sibility that leaders would be asked 
to pay the pyramided sums. Especi- 
ally since a vast majority of theatre 
operators, nightclub owners, one- 
night promoters and others who 
used name bands during the Form 
B regime are expected to file re- 
ouests for refunds of the tax money 
they have paid on behalf of musi- 



achieved sufficient stature as a lead- 
er of the band to carry on alone with 
the late Miller's orch. That plus the 
fact that within the band business it- 
self the outfit is generally known as 
the Tex Beneke orch, with few 
people ever adding the Miller por- 
tion. 



ask for refunds back beyond three 
years, however. 



Maestro An Employer 
j Revenue Bureau directed that a 

I bandleader is to be regarded as an 
, employer of his men for the pur- 
! poses of (1) withholding taxes and 
! (2) social security. Unemployment 
When Beneke began work two . taxes are a state responsibility. Bu- 



years or so ago following his dis- 



re.-.u will require that leaders col- 



charge from the Army Air Forces ■ )ect (rom the sa , ariss f< musicians 
along with a majority of the men ,„ thejr , the S(w|g jrcd 
who now make up the band, it was and . make ta BandleaderS( . 



the intention then to drop the Miller 
name as soon as possible from the 
band's billing. At first the combo 
was known as Glenn Miller's or- 
chestra conducted by Tex Beneke. 
A few months later this was revised, 
first on RCA-Victor record billing, 
to read Tex Beneke and the Glenn 
Miller orchestra. About a year ago, 
Don Haynes, the band's manager, 
and Helen Miller, widow of the 
former leader, tried to drop the 
Miller name but ran into objections 
from theatre bookers and one-night 
promoters, et al., and the name was 
continued. 

Now it has been decided to make 
the change on the theory that Ben- 
eke can continue to pile up the high 
grosses he has been drawing without 
4he help of the Miller tag. Letters 



I incidentally, who have pot already 
; applied for Employer Certificates 
from the Bureau must do so. That 
isfi if he is the employer of eight 
or more men. 

Regarding the payment of unem- 
ployment taxes, band accountants 
are in a quandary. It seems that 
these sums must be paid to individ- 
ual states. Since most name outfits 
travel consistently this presents a 
problem. For example, if a maestro 
lives in N. Y. state and pays u.t. 
sums there for all his men the year 
round. Some of the latter might be 
hurt. If one is a California resident 
and is discharged from or quits the 
band and returns home and files for 
unemployment insurance he would 
more than likely be out of luck. 



to that- effect from Haynes went to ! No "f , w J° uld . ha ™ been paid on him 



all bookers last week. 



Oscar Moore Fails To 
Show, King Cole Trio 
A Duo at Pitt Concert 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 7. 
King Cole Trio was a twosome for 
its concert here last week at Syria 
Mosque, local home of long-hair 
music, when guitarist Oscar Moore, 
who is leaving the outfit end of this 
month, failed to show for the date. 



in California. He would be told to 
collect from N. Y. Too, leaders do 
not want to pay the taxes in each 
individual state they work, for the 
same reason, plus the fact that by 
the end of the year they would pay 
far more than the required 1% up 
to $3,000 in salary for each man. 

Accountants such as Phil Braun- 
stein <& Cherney). who handles T. 
Dorsey, Woody Herman, Jimmy 
Dorsey and many others have asked 
for a clearer setup. They are seek- 
ing reciprocity arrangements be- 
tween states to make it easy for 
musicians to collect insurance sums. 
Cole waited for him until after So far, it's no go. In Dorsey's case, 
scheduled curtain time and then de- j Biaunstein is paying unemployment 
cided to try it with just himself and I sums only to N. Y. state. 

his drummer, explaining to the | • : 

audience that Moore had disap- 
peared somewhere enroute and that 
anybody who wanted to could get 
their money back. 

So the two men gave out with two 
hours of music and "only a scattered 
few in the packed house asked for 
refunds. 



Sir Louis Sterling in U. S. 

Sir Louis Sterling, w.k. British 
showman, is in New York on an an- 



niteries and radio field, heads of j nual trip, 
music departments of the U. of To- He's long been identified with Lon- 
ronto, resident composers and ar- I don legit, music, recording and kin- 



rangers. 



Idred activities. 



APOLO, ASCH PAY UP, 
FOX DROPS FEE SUITS 

Suits filed by Harry Fox. music 
publishers' rep in mechanical and 
1 other matters, against Apollo rec- 
ords, and another minor , action 
against Asch Records for failure to 
pay royalties, have been dropped. 
Companies in each instance paid up 
what they owed. 

Apollo's debt amounted to ap- 
proximately $6,000; Asch about 
$2,200. 



38 



RECORDS— MSK JOCKEYS 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



Jocks, Jukes and Disks 



By George Frazier 



This week there are a few records 
which will probably be on all the 
jukes before long. One is Arthur 
Godfrey's Columbia of "Too Fat 
Polka," a jovial number which, in 
this instance, is brimming with 
Godfrey's ebullient personality, 
Archie Bleyer handles the accom- 
paniment, and with a great deal of 
skill. On the other side is "For Me 
and My Gal." It's pleasant enough, 
but "Too Fat Polka" is the face 
that'll get the nickels. 

Eddy Howard's Majestic of Irving 
Berlin's "Kate" sounds like another 
big seller. There isn't much to say 
about it except that it's a typical 
Howard bit of vocalizing and dansa- 
pation. Backing it up is "On the 
Avenue." * 

Art Lund's latest for M-G-M 
couples "And Mimi" and "Jealous." 
"Mimi" has taken on all the aspects 
of a hit tune, so you'll be hearing 
Lund's interpretation of it. "Jealous" 
is a great job, however, and a strong 
standard backing of a potential hit. 

It's rather curious that the disk 
companies should have aided bur 
valedictory by ^sending only tw.o 
disks this week. Could it be that 
they're trying to rush us? 

There may be a Variety column 
or two after this one, but the point 
is that we must make our departure, 
because of the pressure of other as- 
signments. Naturally, there are a 
good many reasons why we are un- 
happy about doing so. First of .all, 
we hate to miss that by-line. 

Between 50 and 100 disks weekly 
require a great deal of listening and 
we like to bend an ear to every one. 
Any reviewer who doesn't, should be 
put in the pillory. If an artist makes 
a record, he deserves to be judged, 
but after a matter of 15 years, we 
find it impossible' to pay attention to 
everything. And when the mind 
wanders and the' ear invents other 
occupations we think that disquali- 
fies a reviewer. For that reason 
we're cutting out. 



Lion, New Odd-Label, 
Readies Wooden Disks 
Of Old ARA Masters 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 
Lion Records, new odd-label into 
which Alfred E. Simpson, Canadian 
lumber tycoon, has sunk nearly 
$350,000 so far, will try marketing a 
new type of platter, tradenamed 
"Sterilite," made of wood pulp, tar 
and pitch with several secret in- 
gredients salted in. Disk is unbreak- 
able and is a product of the labora- 
tory at one of Simpson's lumber 
mills at Vancouver, B. C. 

Last week Lion took over the 
studios and offices here of the de- 
funct Pan-American Records. Firm 
already has bought up a mass of 
masters from bankrupt ARA wax- 
ery. These, made several years ago 
by Bob Crosby, Genny Simms, Judy 
Canova, Jan Savitt, Jan Garber and 
others, will be pressed and marketed. 

Lion will seek to get its most 
sweeping distribution in Canada and 
other British possessions, at the out 
set. Simpson is a member of the 
Parliament in Ottawa and well 
known in north-of-border business 
circles. 

Offices here will handle record 
ings and artist personnel, and local 
frontmen of firm are Bert Richman 
and Dave Miller, who have signed 
thus far Tony Trankina and Jessie 
Pryor. 



Baron to Switzerland 

On Recording Deal 

Paul Baron, head of artists and 
repertoire of Majestic Records, 
planed from New York Sunday (5) 
for Switzerland to make a deal for 
foreign masters. Baron is acquainted 
with a music pub and disk manu- 
facturer in Switzerland who appar- 
ently has an extensive catalog of 
classical material, and his purpose 
is to make an arrangement whereby 
Majestic will market some of it in 
the - U. S. He'll be abroad several 
weeks. 

Meanwhile, Majestic and Dave 
Shelley, who headed the A.&T. di- 
vision in New York with Lee Savin 
following the split of Ben Selvin 
(now with Columbia) with the Ma- 
jestic powers over money, have 
parted. Shelley had been shifted to 
California after Baron moved east 
to replace Selvin. He's going into a 
musip publishing partnership with 
Dave Bernie. ex-Santly-Joy rep. 

BAND TIEUP MAY NIP 
DAMONE JERSEY DATE 

Vic Damone's date at the Mead- 
owbrook, Cedar Grove, N. J., which 
is to start Nov. 11, coincidental with 
the unveiling there of Larry Clin- 
ton's new orchestra, may not go 
through. William Morris agency, 
which handles Damone, wanted a 
package deal built around the Da- 
mone contract and involving two 
other bands, one the George Olsen 
combo, and Frank Dailey, Meadow- 
brook operator, refused. 

Damone was to, and may yet, 
work the spot for two weeks with 
Clinton, continuing the Meadow- 
brook policy of name acts plus 
dance bands or top-name orchestras 
plus non-name acts, while Clinton's 
outfit holds over until Dec. 21, with 
possibly Phil Brito or the Harmoni- 
cats added. 

Skitch Henderson's orchestra and 
Johnny Desmond, RCA-Victor disk 
singer, dpen at Meadowbrook to- 
night (Wednesday). Frarlkie Laine is 
a probability for around the first 
of the year with an as-yet undis- 
closed band. ■ 



Irving Mills Coasted Friday (3) 
after two-week stay to o.o. his Royal 
Records and bon voyage his brother 
Jack, who sailed for London Sept. 26. 



Ina Ray's Reorg. 

Ina Ray Hutton will definitely re 
organize her orchestra within the 
next few weeks to take up theatre 
and location dates she did not play 
during her last trip east. Miss Hut- 
ton will start putting her band to 
gether again in N.Y. and may go into 
the Arcadia Ballroom, N.Y., follow 
ing George Paxton, for her first date. 

Miss Hutton disbanded her last or 
chestra late last spring after work 
ing the Strand theatre, NY., and 
early summer bookings. 



K.C. Symph Into 15th Yr 

Kansas City, Oct. 7. 
Kansas City Philharmonic Orches- 
tra, Efrem Kurtz conducting, will 
open its 15th season with twin con 
certs Oct. 14-15 in the Municipal 
Auditorium. Kurtz will begin his 
fifth year as conductor. He has com 
pleteiy recovered . from shoulder 
lameness which began to bother him 
late last season and which can ruin 
a baton-waver. 



New Switch on Disks 

Gene *Norman, disk jockey on 
KFWB, Hollywood, and Fred Rob- 
bins, of WOV, N. Y., have made ar- 
rangements whereby each will make 
for trie other one transcription week- 
ly. Norman will patter on happen- 
ings in jazz circles on Coast, and Rob- 
bins will report on Gotham goings-on. 
Both Norman and Robbins, on their 
programs, feature modern music 
idiomantics. 

Too, each promotes jam concerts 
in their respective communities. 

RCA Royalties 
Drop Off 50% 

RCA-Victor's. third-quarter royalty, 
statement to music publishers was 
made last week, and the sum dis- 
tributed, overall, reflected the tre- 
mendous slump that hit disk sales 
during the past summer.. Statement 
was close to 50% off from the previ- 
ous quarter, which had been fairly 
close to wartime figures (over 
$500,000) . 

Though the third-quarter pay- 
ments went .far off the beaten path 
of the past three or four years, the 
statements of all the major com- 
panies will likely b"e back -to even 
higher figures for the fourth quarter. 
Indications are that the'usual three- 
month pre-holiday sales lift will sur- 
pass even last year's high mark. 

Statements of the other companies 
for the third quarter won't be made 
until Nov. 15. Victor's fiscal year 
runs a month in "advance of theirs. 



Disk Jockey Reviews 



DIAMOND RECORD CO. 
SUED ON ROYALTIES 

Warner Bros.' music publishing 
companies have filed suit in New 
York against Diamond Records to 
force the collection of royalties 
owed by the firm, headed by Irving 
Gwirtz. WB's action, which neither 
they nor their attorneys will talk 
about relative to details,' is the sec- 
ond known suit by WB against a 
recording firm in recent weeks. It 
went after Majestic Records, but the 
move was dropped when the latter 
paid off in full. 

Diamond, the objective of another 
probe by Harry Fox, publisher trus- 
tee, has not fljed statements with 
publishers for some time, and, no 
one seems to know exactly how 
much coin might be involved. 



MOREY AMSTERDAM MATINEE 
With Phil Goulding, announcer 
Producer-Director: Milton B. Kaye- 
55 Mins.; Mon.-thiu-Fri., 3:30 p.m. 
Participating 
WHN, N. Y. 

Morey Amsterdam, a most un- 
inhibited comic, has been let loose 
in the disk jockey sweepstakes and, 
in typical style, he's billed himself 
as a ■ "josh diskey." It's an apt 
handle because this hourly across- 
the-board session is part mayhem, 
part madness and very small part 
music. Amsterdam, an experienced 
nitery performer, is a natural aany 
with one .of the best-stocked larder 
of gags in the comic craft and he's 
turned this so-called disk matinee 
into one of the top laugh bargains 
on the air. 

This is a strictly ad-libbed stint 
with Amsterdam commenting at ran- 
dom on everything that pops into 
his head. Consistency of the gags 
he tosses rapid-fire is remarkable. 
His bankrollers, too, had better duck 
for cover because Amsterdam has 
posted notice that he intends to hash 
up the plugs according to his taste, 
not theirs. Thus' far, no sponsor has 
nibbled, for participation on the pro- 
gram and Amsterdam haV yet to 
prove that his peculiar-type ribbing 
can sell product. 

Amsterdam's musical selections, 
which rarely, number over five per 
hourly stanza, fit into the show's 
general pattern. Novelty tunes and 
weirdly dissonant numbers get the 
greatest play with ordinary swing 
platters given the go-by. Sometimes 
he uses a number by a popular 
crooner but only to make it the butt 
of some crack. It's evident that the 
disks are not the forte of this show 
— they're the props of the act 

• Herm. 



1160 CLUB 

With Dave Garroway 

2 Hours; Tues.-thru-Sat., 12 midnight 

Sponsors: Hudson-Boss Co., 12-12:30; 

Participating 
WMAQ, Chicago 

Dave Garroway is the local hep 
set's hero. His stuff on .musicians, 
platters and singers is reechoed with 
cult-like fervor. He leans strongly 
to the non-commercial and there's 
not a "Smoke, . Smoke, Smoke" in a 
carload of his disks. He's an ace 
showman and his heavy-rimmed 
glasses, crew haircut, bow ties, and 
sport jacket are standard equipment 
for many of his male fans. 

Garroway entered radio as a page 
boy and worked his way up to an- 
nouncer. He at one time was an 
assistant instructor of astronomy at 
Harvard. Besides the "1160 Club," 
which he unveiled early in 1946, his 
present sked includes a Monday- 
thru-Friday late afternoon platter 
session and a Sunday show with live 
talent on NBC. He also stages jazz 
concerts. 

Garroway's strong though limited 



10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines 



8. 



■ • 9. 



NEAB YOU (4) (Supreme) Francis Croiy Bullet 

J Perry Como Victor 

I Mills Bros Decca 

Perry Como Victor 

S Vic Damone Mercury 



WHEN YOU WEBE SWEET 16 (12) (Shapii-o-B) 

I WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER NOW (4) (Marks) 
I HAVE BUT ONE HEART (5) (Barton)... 



LADY FROM 29 PALMS (5) (Martin) . 
PEG O' MY HEABT (18) (Bobbins)..., 



7f SMOKE, SMOKE, SMOKE (9) (American). 

THAT'S MY DESIRE (24) (Mills) 

YOU DO (1) (BVC) 

FEUDIN' AND FIGHTIN' (9) (Chappell) . . . 



10. 



Coming Up 



\ Frank Sinatra Columbia 

5 Freddy Martin Victor 

\ Andrews Sisters Decca 

f Harmon icats Vitacoustic 

' | Three Suns . Victor 

J Tex Williams Capitol 

\Phil'Harris « Victor 

( Franlcie Laine ..' Mercury •• 

| Sammy Kaye Victor 

(Dinah Shore Columbia 

' X Margaret Whiting Capitol 

$ Dorothy Shay Columbia 

\ Tex Beneke Victor 



I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU (Paramount) 
APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING (Shapiro-B) , 



S Betty Hutton , Capitol 

t Vaughn Monroe ........... .Victor 

$ Buddy Clark Columbia 

" \ Sammy Kaye .Victor 

KATE (Berlin) „ Eddy Howard ......Majestic 

HUBBY ON DOWN (Criterion)' Nellie Lurcher Capitol 

J WHIFFENPOOF SONG (Mlllcr-Schirmer) Bing Crosby Decca 

SUGAR BLUES (Williams) Johnny- Mercer Capitol 

BLACK AND BLUE (Mills) Franfcie Laine Mercury 

KOKOMO, IND. (BVC) , , $ Bing Crosby ...Decca 

I Dinah Shore Columbia 

(Lombardo) . f Elliot Lawrence Columbia •• 

I Sammy Kaye Victor 

S Andrews Sisters Decca 

I Carmen Cavallaro Decca 

CUMANA (Martin) Freddy Martin... .....Victor 

ALMOST LIKE BEING LOVE (Fox) , $ Frank Sinatra .Columbia 

[Margaret Whiting . . .' Capitol 

BALLERINA (Jefferson) . .. (Jimmy Dorsey M-G-M 

' X Vaughn Mdnroe • ;. .Victor 

PEGGY O'NEILL (Feist) Harmonicats 



ECHO SAID NO 



ON THE AVENUE (Leeds) 



Vitacoustic 

t NAUGHTY ANGELINE (Simon) S Dick Haymes . : ..Decca 

7 ' '" X Art Lund • M-G-M 

; HOW SOON (Supreme) [ Jack -Owens..., ToJer 

[Figures in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top 10.] 

M , t , Mmmt 



appeal lies in genuine jazz savvy 
and an ability to create a cozy you- 
and-me atmosphere. He assumes 
that his listeners are intelligent and 
musically hep, which can be a form 
of flattery. "Was that Billy Butter- 
field's horn?" ; he'll ask Ed and 
Ednas— who possibly can't tell the 
difference between cornet and trum- 
pet. 

His vocabulary is vast and per- 
suasive in a jazz style. He addresses 
listeners as "old honey," "my so ui\- 
frowzy," "old tiger eyes" and "my 
inside volcano." Peggy Lee is "a 
thermal thing,'' Sarah Vaughn's 
voice is "moist and velvety," Bill 
Harris' trombone has the "primitive- 
vigor of the goat god." Platters are 
described as "delicate," "incandes- 
cent and diaphanous," "pretty rea- 
sonable" and "very happy and un- 
bitter things." 

He ad libs continuity and com- 
mercials, using a casual, conversa- 
tional tone. His approach to a com- 
mercial is vaguely apologetic, but 
the sales message comes through 
strangely undamaged. He has a 
trick of breaking a commercial mid- 
way, as though something else had 
popped into mind, but always re- 
turns exactly where he left off. 
This serves to sugarcoat the plug 
and gives it greater force than a 
letter perfect reading- in a loud, 
unctuous voice. Lately he has drawn 
participating sponsors with self-im- 
provement products — elevated shoes 
and charm courses — which are natu- 
rals for an audience of college-age 
night owls. 

Musically, Garroway works the 
non-commercial middle ground be- 
tween barefoot Dixieland and atomic 
be-bop, although he sometimes 
samples both extremes. 

Main device on the "1160 Club" is 
a guest disk jockey spot on which 
fans spin their favorite records and 
then, analyze its high spots. Baxt. 

JACQUES FRAY 
Producer-Announcer: David Allen 
Writer: Frav 

25 Mins.; Wed., 7:30 p.m. 

Sustaining 

WQXR, N. Y. 

WQXR has joined the disk jockey 
ranks. Being longhair by setup, the 
New York Times-owned N. Y. indie 
would naturally acquire a longhair 
platter,rtwirler. They have, in this 
case, and he's a good one. He"s 
Jacques Fray, former partner of the 
two-piano classical team of Fray & 
Braggiotti, and as appealing a 
spieler as he's a pianist. 

Fray presents brief but interesting 
bits about the composer and the 
music he's to play, couched in simple 
language, and delivered in a clear, 
culti«»ted voice without any patron- 
izing. It may be;longhair stuff, but 
it's not highbrow. Wednesday's (1) 
preem presented the first movement 
of Mozart's Quartet in D Minor and 
Ravel's "La Valse." Music and com- 
ment was all of very agreeable 
quality. ' . Bron. 



RCA Gets Green Light 
On Phil Harris' 'South/ 
Toker Club' After Snag 

-Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

RCA-Victor this week will release 
the Phil Harris recordings of 
That's What I Like About the 
South" and "Darktow.n Poker Club," 
which - it pulled off the market some 
time ago. Harris originally cut the 
tunes for the defunct ARA label 
here and when he moved to Victor 
after ARA folded he remade them 
for the major label on his first disk 
date. When Victor released them, 
trustees of ARA's assets, among 
which were Harris' ARA masters ot 
the tunes, forced Victor to with- 
draw them from sale. 

Harris and Victor were able to re- 
lease the Victor versions after Cana- 
dian lumber magnate A. E. Simpson 
bought a majority of ARA's assets. 
Victor immediately went after him 
for a deal on the toasters and got 
them. At the time, Victor sought 
to release the disks for sale and was 
stopped by ARA, Harris himself 
tried to buy the masters from the 
ARA trustees, but was unsuccessful. 
He offered $1,500 for them. 



Jocks in LA. 



Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Last of the keys without a chap- 
ter, Los Angeles will soon have its 
branch of the National Assn. of Disk 
Jockeys. In the wake of a recent 
visit by Hugh Douglas, v-p of the 
group, Bill Leyden, KMPC platter 
pilot and secetary of NADJ, will 
form a shop here. 

Leyden will call a meeting tomor- 
row or Thursday to set up this area's 
second attempt at organizing, and 
states that jockeys individually 
queried so far are eager for it- 
thought just as eager to avoid the 
pitfalls of talent bans, etc., that led 
to the collapse of the first independ- 
ent group formed here earlier this 
, year. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



39 



mmmm 




T YOU LOVE ME 
ANY MORE 

Words and Music by MACK DAVID, AL HOFFMAN and JERRY LIVINGSTON 





EDDIE JOY, Prof. Mgr. 



0xioth Jflu^tc Corporation 

GEORGE JOY, President 1619 Broadway, New York 19, N. Y. 
> ro f. Mgr. JACK PERRY, Chicago ARTIE VALANDO, Hollywood 



40 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



fARIETY 



Wednesday, October 8, I947 



802 Meets With N.Y. Theatre Men; 
Hartford Situation Temporarily OK 

Meeting between New York Local 1 tion, is scheduled for this morning 
802 of the American Federation of I (Wednesday) at either the Loevi' 
Musicians and representatives of the booking offices or the Warner office. 
Paramount, Capitoi and Strand This meeting between the two fac- 
theatres, N. Y., on the standby situa- I tions has been sought by 802 execu- 



Double in Brass! 




YOU CAN REALLY DO IT WITH A SOLOVOX 



With the amazing Solovox you 
can produce the tonal effects of 
brasses, strmgs, or woodwinds 
while you accompany yourself on 
the piano. 

Play sweet or hot, barrelhouse 
or blues, whatever you choose! 
How the customers love it! 

For night club or theatre work, 
you can use the sax, clarinet, trum- 
pet, cello, or other tones to aid 
beauty and variety to your play- 
ing. Other engagements might call 
for the violin, French horn, bas- 
soon, organ, or other effects. 

Here is an instrument that can 



broaden your repertoire, improve 
your music, increase your popu- 
larity, and multiply your income. 
And it's all so easy with the 
Solovox*! 

It is portable— easily attached 
to and detached from any piano— 
and plugs into the lighting circuit. 
It doesn't interfere with the nor- 
mal use of the piano, and it adds 
welcome variety to any piece you 
play. 

• Tojeam more about this re- 
markable instrument— and what 
it can do for you— see your dealer 
or mail the coupon today! 




oVox 




Made by the makers of the Hammond Organ 



Hammond Instrument Company 

4248 W. Diversoy Ave. Chicago 39, Illinois 

Gentlemen: Please send me further information about the Solovox, and 
the names of Solovox dealers near me. 



Name 



Address 



City 



P. O. Zone 



State 



tives for the past two weeks and, so 
far, the theatre men claim to be in, 
ignorance of its purpose. 

Local 802 men asked for the con- 
fab to talk over with the theatre 
ops their contention that the con- 
tract between the theatres and 802, 
still in force and which carries pro- 
visions for standby orchestra salaries, 
cannot be discarded simply because 
of the-Taft-Hartley law. Union will 
seek, as explained last week in 
Variety, to have the theatres con- 
tinue to pay the standby fees when 
travelling orchestras play the houses, 
at least until the expiration of the 
pact. And to pay up such salary 
sums as have not been forwarded to 
union coffers since the T-H law went 
into effect in August. 



Hartford's Peace 

Hartford, Oct. 7. 

With a temporary 90-day accord 
reached, the pit men at the State 
theatre here last weekend reported 
for work after being absent since 
the start of the season (Lalior Day). 
Accord N was reached between Musi- 
cians Protective Association (local 
American Federation of Musicians 
affiliate) and State ops despite fil- 
ing of charges of unfair labor prac- 
tices against union with NLRB by 
the house.. 

Extent of the charges is unavail- 
able. However, it is understood that 
hearings are being held in abeyance 
Until it is seen whether a solution 
to Taft-Hartley aspect of the fight 
over standby bands is found in this 
90-day period. House is claiming 
hiring of the musicians is needless 
and had refused' to renew a contract. 

State filed its charges v with the 
Boston offices of NLRB, claiming 
that it considers itself a business, in 
interstate commerce and therefore 
comes under jurisdiction of the fed- 
eral agency. It claims that some 
60% of its business is from out of 
state, namely Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island, and that it advertises 
in papers of three states. Union, 
on other hand, is citing a decision of 
supreme court several years ago that 
a theatre is engaged in intrastate 
commerce. Therefore, says union, 
State theatre is all wet in its claims 
before NLRB. 

According to Bill Appleton, presi- 
dent of the union, the State pit 
band was inaugurated 11 years ago, 
"before the adoption of either the 
Norris-LaGuardia Act or the Taft- 
Hartley Act." Union, he says, seeks 
no changes in its contract from pre- 
vious years. 



©IM7 



St. Local Generous 

St. Louis, Oct. 7. 

When city fathers contracted for 
a 20-piece AFM orchestra to play 
seven concerts during St. Louis 
week, Oct. 18-25, in the Henry W. 
Kiel (municipal) auditorium, execs 
o? Local No. 2 made what is believed 
to be the first concession of its kind 
in this burg. They agreed not to 
demand standby footers for other 
bands, etc., that will work during 
the week. 

City Registrar Joe Gallagher, co- 
chairman of the committee for St. 
Louis week, had received the o.k. 
from a bunch of tyro, semi-pro and 
pro bands to appear at the aud when 
the union question arose. Gallagher 
huddled with Sam P. Meyers, prez of 
No. 2 and his executive committee 
and pointed out that the extrava- 
ganza was civic and non-profit affair 
and the city had no funds to expend 
for the standby footers. Union 
agreed not to interfere. 



HAMPTON'S $23,700 
RECORD TAKE IN LI. 

Los Angeles, Oct. 7. 

Lionel Hampton's orchestra boost- 
ed the gross mark at the Million 
Dollar theatre here for the week 
ending Monday (6) night by raking 
in a total ot $23,700 after taxes. It 
was the biggest week the theatre 
has had since resuming stage shows, 
when they moved over from the 
Orpheum. 

Hampton's week was the long- 
disputed one he was supposed to 
have played some weeks ago and 
which was blocked out by additions 
al work demanded of the leader on 
Danny Kaye's Samuel Goldwyn- 
RKO picture, "That's Life." Hamp- 
ton was forced to switch his theatre 
contract due to his inability to play 
when scheduled and, as a result of 
his record week, drew a revised deal 
that increased his personal take. 



Ray Ventura in N.Y. From 
France to Place Songs 

Ray Ventura, French bandleader 
a.nd film producer, currently in 
America, has his own music pub- 
lishing business and object of his 
U. S. visit is to market some of the 
songs from a picture he just com- 
pleted. "Mademoiselle s'Amuse" 
("Miss Has a Good Time") for Hoche 
Productions. Director Jean Boyer 
also wrote the story, dialoged by 
Serge Veber. 

Picture, starring Giselle Pascal 
and Randall, ex-"Folies Bergere" 
comedian, has three songs of which 
Ventura has taken records over with 
him. One is titled "With Armstrong, 
Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington." 
Music is by Misraki, Ventura's part- 
ner, and ' lyrics by Andre Hornez. 
Another song, titled "Sans Vous" 
("Without You") by the same pro- 
ducer and lyricist, is sung by Miss, 
Pascal and Billy Taffel and the third 
is "Maria," a samba by Marc Lan- 
gean. 



Criterion Expanding 

Book-Pub Activities 

Criterion Music, operated by 
Mickey Goldsen, which went into the 
book publishing business last year as 
a sideline to its music-marketing, is, 
going deeper into the former. Gold- 
sen while on the Coast within the 
past forthnight completed a deal 
with Ernst Toch, former professor of 
music at U. of Southern California, 
to . publish a book by him titled 
"Shaping Forces of Music (Harmony, 
Melody, Counterpoint and Form).*' 

Goldsen is also talking with 
Hughes Panassie, French jazz writer 
and critic, to publish, a new book by 
him which already is in manuscript 
form. In addition, Goldsen recently 
secured world publishing rights to 
Charles DeLauny's forthcoming and 
subsequent editions of "Hot "Discog- 
raphy." 



Wclk's 7G in Dakotas 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Lawrence Welk orchestra grossed 
$7,265 on three one-niters in the 
Dakotas Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2. 

Welk, in on a $1,500 guarantee 
against 60%, earned coverages in 
Fargo, N. D., drawing $2,280; Bis- 
mark, N. D., with $2,400, and Mow- 
bridge, S. D., hitting $2,580. 



♦♦♦♦♦♦» M ♦»♦♦♦>»♦♦»>♦»♦ » » ♦ ♦»♦>«♦♦♦♦♦*♦>♦«♦♦»♦♦♦♦ 

Best British Sheet Sellers 

(Week Ending Oct. 2) 

London, Oct. 3. 

Now Is the Hour K . Prowse 

Sorrento Ricordi 

Chi-Ba-Ba g un 

Guilty "p. D. & H. 

Little Old Mill Dasn 

I Believe. .'.Morris 

People Will Say ; Chappell 

M«*selle ••••••• — F. D. & H. 

Old Spanish Trail p. Maurice 

Garden In the Rain : Connelly 

Souvenirs t, Wrisht 

First Love Last Love Dash 

Second 12 

Sun In the Morning Berlin 

Anniversary Song Connelly 

What a Beautiful Morning rhirmpii 

They Say It's Wonderful BerHn 

Heartaches . ..'.'.'.V.'.' Connelly 

Time After Time . . . Mbrds 

Leeds 

Feldman 



Donegal 

Gal in Calico 
Try Little Tenderness 



. Connelly 



Lovely World and You CineVhoni, 

Danger Ahead VnU 

My Adobe Hacienda l^^^i^^^^^S^ 



**************** «M t M ♦ ♦ ♦ MHHMte 



Dreyer to Handle 
O'Keefe Catalog 

Dave Dreyer, who recently left the 
Irving Berlin firm to go into the 
music business on his own in part- 
nership with Frankie Carle, made a 
deal last, week witrf Francis C 
("Cork") O'Keefe to handle the lat- 
tei's Words and Music catalog. Ac- 
cording to the terms of the deal, 
Dreyer will operate W. & M. for 
O'Keefe on a profit-sharing basis, 
with a five-year option on buying 
into the firm. He has no option on 
its full purchase, however. 

O'Keefe made the deal with 
Dreyer mainly because he did not 
have the time to devote to supervis- 
ing the firm's operation and, at the 
same time, did not want to sell the 
catalog. He purchased it only last 
year by buying up Individual shares 
in the venture held by those who 
originally established it, among them 
Fred Waring, Abe Lyman, Guy Lom- 
bardo, Paul Whiteman and Johnny 
O'Connor, Waring's manager at the 
time of the firm's Inception. 

BELLE BAKER RETURNS 
TO DISKING FOR NAT! 

Belle Baker will record for the 
National label, her first disking 
chore in some time. Singer signed a 
term agreement with that company 
last week and is to make her first 
disks within the next few weeks. 

During the past couple years, Miss 
Baker has confined herself mostly to 
nightclub dates. 



Louis Jordan Takes 
46G Out of 9 Dates 

Louis Jordan cracked his own 
southern bookings' gross mark of 
last year with a take of $46,460 for 
nine recent dates. All stands were 
at a $1.25 top and only at Tuskegee, 
Ala., did he fail to break into per- 
centage. 

Swing started at Birmingham 
Sept. 17 and ended on the 26th in 
Columbia, S. C. 



A GREAT NEW BALLAD 



LET'S PICK UP 
WHERE WE 
LEFT OFF 

JAY MILTON-LEWIS BELLIN 



Introductd by DOROTHY LAMOUR 

Recorded by TOMMY DORSEY 
For R.O.A. Victor 

For Material Write: 

BEL-AIR MUSIC CORP. 

6406 Sunset Blvd. 
Hollywood 28. Calif. 



I Sensational Recording! 

MY GAL SAL 

'. by 

JERRY MURAD'S 

HARM0NICATS 

on 

Univerial Record #U-851 



PA DLL-PIONEER MUSIC CORP. 



16S7 Bnadwiv 



N«* Y-r< ,3 N Y 



Tonight You 
Belong to Me 

leo Diamond's Harmonica Hit 
(Yltacoustlc 1111) 
• 

Black and Blue 

I'rmiklc Lalne (Mercury No. 1026) 

If It's True 

Johnny Desmond-Page Cnvanntigrh Trio 
(Victor 20-2312) 
Cootlo Williams (Majestic 1165) 

MILLS MUSIC. Inc. 
1619 Broadway Hew York 19 



FOR THE FIRST TIME 

Before a Show 
Opened in New York! 




RECORDS 



A 7WtWe ta the Qieat ScOAe fey 

RICHARD RODGERS and OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II 



[ 




"SO BUT 

VIC DAMONE 

Associated 

MARGARET WHITING 

Capitol 

SKITCH HENDERSON 

Capitol Trans. 

FRANK SINATRA 

Columbia 

GUY LOMBARDO 

Oecca 

SHEP FIELDS 

Lang-Worth 

LENNY HERMAN 

Lang-Worth 

JOHN LAURENZ 

Mercury 

JACK FINA with HARRY PRIME 

M-G-M 

JACK FINA 

Muzak 

NORMAN CLOUTIER 

(Music of Manhattan Orch.) , 

NBC Thesaurus 

ALAN DALE and RAY BLOCH 

Signature 

PERRY COMO 

Victor 

GUY LOMBARDO 

• _ Ziv 

1 D'ARTEGA 

Lang-Worth 

"A FELLOW NEEDS A GIRL" 

VIC DAMONE 

Associated 

GODON MacRAE 

Capitol 

FRANK SINATRA 

Columbia 

JIMMY ATKINS 

Continental 

GUY LOMBARDO 

Decca 

SHEP FIELDS 

Lang-Worth 

LENNY HERMAN 

c Lang-Worth 

D'ARTEGA 

Lang-Worth 
MARTHA TILTON 

Majestic . 

JOHN LAURENZ 

Mercury 

JACK FINA 

Muzak 

SWEETWOOD SERENADERS 
NBC Thesaurus 

PERRY COMO 

Victor 

GUY LOMBARDO 

Ziv 



THE GENTLEMAN IS A DOPE" 



MINDY CARSON 

Associated 

JO STAFFORD 

Capitol 

DINAH SHORE 

Columbia 

PATTI DUGAN-JUMPIN' JACKS 

NBC Thesaurus 

BERYL DAVIS 

Victor 



YOU ARE NEVER AWAY" 



FREDDY MARTIN 



Victor 



fn Preparation — A Victor Album of the Entire Score 
by the Original Cast 



42 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



New Continental Agcy. 
Sets Deal to Handle 
Gale Talent in West 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

New Continental Agency, set up 
here recently by Jack Archer, Milt 
Deutsch and Abe Turchen, completed 
a deal last week whereby it will 
handle bookings on the Coast for all 
Gale, Inc., properties. This solves a 
problem for Gale, who has been 
surveying the Coast area for months 
on the advisability of establishing a 
western office for his agency. Billy 
Shaw, one of Gale's partners, was 
here last April looking into a Coast 
branch idea, but lack of office space 
and other factors killed the plan. 

Continental, only a few weeks old, 
has been endeavoring to make deals 
similar to the Gale arrangement to 
supplement income from the prop- 
erties it handles. While Willard 
Alexander was here (he returned 
east last week) Archer had conver- 
sations with him regarding booking 
Vaughn Monroe in this area, but the 
plan didn't- go through. 



♦ »♦♦»»♦»»♦♦♦♦♦»»♦ »♦ ♦»♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦»»»♦♦»♦ »» ♦•♦ ♦ ♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦»*»** * » *♦ »»♦*»* ♦ ♦»<; 



15 Best Sheet Sellers 



Title 

NEAR YOU 

APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING 
WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER 
I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU 

FEUDIN' AND FIGHTIN' 

WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16. 

YOU DO 

WHIFFENPOOF SONG 

KATE 

LADY FROM 29 PALMS 

I HAVE BUT ONE HEART... 

THAT'S MY DESIRE 

ON THE AVENUE 

PEG O' MY HEART. 

KOKOMO, IND 



(Weelc Ending, Oct. 4) 
Writers 



Publisher 



(Francis Craig-Kennit Goel!) i . Supreme 

(Nat Simon-Jimmy Kennedy) -.. Shapirb-B 

(Wiil Af. Hough-Frank Adams-Joseph E. Howard) .... Marks 

(Frank Laesser) Paramount 

(Burton I^ane-Al Dubin) Chappell 

(James Thornton) .......... Shaplro-B 

(Joe Myrow-Mack Cordon) ' BVC 

(Meade Minngerode-George Pomeroy-Tod Galloway) . Mlller-Sohirmer 

(Irving Berlin) Berlin 

(Allte Wrubel) Martin 

(Johnny Farrow-Marty Symes) , r Barton 

(Carroll Loveday-Helmy Kresa) Mills 

(Harold Rome-Fred Freed) , Leeds 

(Alfred Bryan-Fred Fisher) ... Bobbins 

(Joe Myrow-Mack Gordon) BVC 



************************************************* * ******* ** *************** 

VTfACOUSTIC EYES WESTERNS 

Chicago, Oct. 7. 
Vitacoustic Records, Chi indie, 
is negotiating for Riley Shepard, 
former Columbia western disk sing- 
er. II pacted, he will be the first of 
a proposed cactus division. 



CHARLES 
ROSS 

MAKES HIS DEBUT AS A PUBLISHER 
and takes pleasure in presenting 




Words by 

JACK YELLEN 



Music by 
SAMMY FAIN 



IT'S A BALLAD! 

IT'S DIFFERENT! 

IT'S STARTLING ! 



Published by 



and FAIN 



CHARLES ROSS 

General Manager 
131 W. 52nd St. New York City 

Circle 6-8920 



Upsurge In 
Sheet Sales 

Sheet music jobbers felt another 
upsurge in music sales during the 
past week, further boosting the busi- 
ness graph upward from the .deep 
slump that gripped the business all 
spring and summer. At this point, 
the No. 1 seller, in this case "Near 
You" (Supreme), is moving at just 
about double the rate of the top 
seller of a few months back. Mu- 
sic Dealers' Service, N, Y., jobber, 
last week ordered 5,000 copies of the 
tune in one day. It hasn't done that 
in months. 

For example, "Near You" last 
week sold approximately 45,000 
copies, a figure slightly higher than 
its previous week's mark. During 
the summer, the top tune was doing 
between 20,000 and 25,000 weekly, 
and sometimes didn't get as high as 
the first figure. And so-called best 
sellers below the number one posi- 
tion were going at a rate that really 
scared publishers, who, until the 
slump broke, were getting ready for 
a protracted dip. 



Leeds in Reciprocal 

English Song Deal 

Leeds Music completed a deal last 
week with Keith - Prowse, English 
publisher, to publish in the U. S. the 
No. 1 British best sheet seller of the 
moment, "Now Is the Hour." Agree- 
ment was arranged with K-P Peter 
Maurice, which has a reciprocal 
publishiing deal in the TJ. S. with 
Leeds via which the latter operates 
a U. S. Maurice firm' and the Eng- 
lish Maurice company operates a 
London Leeds branch. 

In snagging "Hour," Leeds will 
handle in this country both of the 
most recent top sheet sales hits of 
Britain. Other Is "How Lucky You 
Are." 



BUDDY MORROW REVISES 
STANCE ON DISBANDING 

. Buddy Morrow will not break up 
his orchestra after all as cited in 
last week's Variety, but before that 
decision was arrived at there was 
considerable argument following the 
publication of the story. 

Morrow is goin£ to hit the road 
with his band to plajfsix weeks of 
dates lined up for him by Music 
Corp. of America, but he states that 
as soon as those dates are completed 
the band will be disbanded. Argu- 
ment over whether he was to break 
up or not last week began thusly: 
Morrow is a bit tired of road work 
and the conditions medium-level 
bands must face currently. Without 
advising his manager, Al Herman, he 
decided to return to radio work. He 
agreed to join the trombone section 
of the Lucky Strike "Hit Parade" 
orchestra conducted by Axel Stor- 
dahl, which will work out of New 
York with Frank Sinatra for the 
n*xt 10 weeks. Meanwhile, Herman 
had signed contracts for dates with 
MCA. And he didn't know until 
the Variety story broke that Mur- 
rdw wanted to quit and go v back to 
radio, which today is far more lu- 
crative to an instrumentalist of Mor- 
row's ability than road work with a 
secondary band. 

Morrow then was in "the position 
of reneging on the dates which Her- 
man had okayed and signed for, or 
reneging on the "Hit Parade" deal. 
He backed out of the latter. He will 
play theatres, locations and college 
and promotion one-nighters for the 
next six weeks, including a week at 
the Casa Loma Ballroom, St. Louis 
week of Oct. 10; Stephens College, 
Columbia, Mo., Oct. 18; one-nighters 
thereafter into Adams theatre, New- 
ark, week of Oct. 23; State theatre, 
Hartford, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, and Famous* 
Ballroom, Baltimore, Nov. 6, for two 
weeks. 



34,000 Miles in 34 Tears 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

"Now Is the Hour," first published 
in Australia, and now the No. 1 
song in England, traveled 16,000 
miles in 34 years toward hitdom. 
Published in Australia in 1913, it 
was written by Clement Scott, Dor- 
othy Stuart and Maewa Kaihan, 
and has been known as the "fare- 
well song" Down Under since first 
published. 

Waltz lay idle until picked up By 
Gracie Fields and pushed to the 
top sales position in England. Lou 
Levy also heard it in England and 
had to go through three publishing 
companies, W. H. Paling Co. in Aus- 
tralia, Keith-Prowse in England,: and 
Gus Schirmer in this country to 
get it. No advance was involved. 



Morales, Paxton Orcks 
In Metro Disk Pacts 

M-G-M Records has signed the 
Noro Morales orchestra to a two- 
year contract. Deal doesn't begin, 
however, until Jan. 1, when the 
-band's current agreement with Ma- 
jestic Records expires. 

Metro disk subsid also has signed 
George Paxton's orchestra, which 
had been on the Majestic label. 



Bob Miller's Eye Op 

Bob Miller, president of the Music 
Publishers Contact Employees or- 
ganization in New York, goes to the 
hospital Oct. 22 for an operation on 
an eye. 

At the moment, the sight of Mil- 
ler's right eye is completely gone 
and the operation, on the cornea, 
would restore it. 



Music Notes 



Harold Arlen and Leo Robin assigned to write five tunes for Tony 
Martin and Yvonne De Carlo in Marston Productions' "Casbah" at Uni- 
versal-International. Walter Scharf, musical director, is propping 13 tune 

sequences for film Criterion Music paid $5,000 for Cindy Walker's "My 

Rancho Rio Grande." Ditty has been waxed 1 by Frank Sinatra for Co- 
lumbia, Dennis Day, RCA-Victor and Jack Smith, Capitol. .. .Calypso ditty 
"Ann Sheridan" inserted in Michael Curtiz's production, "Romance In 
High C"....Herb Reis, formerly with Mutual, new plugger at Charles K. 
Harris.... Teddy Bunn Trio, with Jack LaRue, piano; Julius Gilmore, 
bass, and Bunn, guitar, set to slice for Modern Disks Frederick Hol- 
lander reports to ■ RKO to write musical score for "Roughshod".. 
Mitchell Boys' Choir will sing "Buttons and Bows" for Paramount's Bob 

Hope, Jane Russell starrer, "The Paleface" Bobby Worth Music has 

been admitted into ASCAP. .. .Rocky Carr here to head branch of Coast 
United Music firm piloted by Juggy Gayle and Jack Gale. .. .Merry Macs 
opened at Stork Club, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Oct. 6, for week Modein- 
aires re-inked for three years by Columbia label. ;. .Sophie Tucker set 
for Bal Tarabin, San Francisco, opening Dec. 2.. ..Barry Wood and Patsy 
Kelly into Flamingo, Las Vegas (9). 



Comics Added to Jazz 
Concerts at Town Hall, 
Big $4,200 for Latest 

Jazz with a commercial tinge 
made its debut at New York's Town 
Hall Saturday (4) evening and, like 
the preceding straight hot-music 
shindigs staged at Carnegie Hall, 
N. Y., the two preceding weeks, did 
a sellout business. Fred Robbins 
and Ernie Anderson, who put on 
the straight jazz jams at Town Hall 
last season, this year are adding 
comics to the musical bill in an 
effort to add showmanship. This 
past week it was comic Red But- 
tons; next week it swill be Erwin 
Corey, a standard laugh act. 

Robbins, WOV,. N. Y., jive disk 
jockey, who m.c.'s the shows, and 
Anderson claim a gross for last 
week's show of $4,200 after taxes, 
with a lineup of Nellie Lutcher, 
Cozy Cole, Al Hall, Herman Mitch- 
ell and Joe Bushkin's six-piece or- 
chestra. These are all strong jazz 
names and, with Lutcher and But- 
tons added, it was a more rounded 
program. t 

This sort of booking will prevail 
through future weekly Robbins- 
Anderson concerts. They have the 
"Calypso Carnival" for this Satur- 
day (with Corey) and a 20-piece 
band led by Wingy Mannone, who's 
flying in from the Coast. Later dates 
will use the full bands of Count 
Basie, Duke Ellington and Benny 
Goodman's sextet as draws in con- 
junction with acts. 



Granz's $11,200 in Detroit 

Detroit, Oct. 7. 
Norman Granz's "Jazz At the 
Philharmonic" did a hefty $11,200 
gross in one night here Saturday 
(4) at the Masonic Temple, which 
was packed to the doors. Unit came 
in from a tour of Boston, Philadel- 
phia and' Toronto, where it is 
claimed to have worked to full 
houses without exception. 



Stan Kenton Resumes 
Record-Cracking Ways 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Stan Kenton, who started back in 
harness 10 days ago, picked up right 
where he left off when illness felled 
him last, spring — on the crest. His 
re-formed orchestra resumed opera- 
tions with a two-nite stand at Balboa 
Beach and cracked a record set four 
years ago by Tommy Dorsey by 
drawing 5,170 paid admissions on 
one of the evenings. 

On the two days, Kenton drew 
nearly 9,000 customers. Booked at a 
guarantee of $3,500 against 80%, the 
crew exited with about $6,000 for its 
end. Working northward on a skein 
of 25 gigs, band did well rotatively 
in Oakland, Fresno and San Jose. At 
Vallejo, returns were wan when only 
<970 admissions were registered. 



■m ' 

i 



COMING BACH 
BIGGER 

■ THAN EVER 

Wm 

. ^ 



WHY SHOULD 

I CRY 
OVER YOU? 

w ■> • a o ' a - r 



U Kit Irerfwoy • Htw Y«ik, N. V. 
I HAW IINK, C»n. fret. Mgr. 
§ GEQKGiDAUN.rrot.Mar. 



OUR 
HOUR 

(Tke Puppy Love Song) 

SANTLY-JOY. INC. 

1619 Broadway. Now, York 
TOMMY TMANDO, Gem. Pro. M*r. 



WcdaeeJay, October 8, 1947 



Inside Orchestras-Music 

■When B. H. (Ted) Lewis, head of the British Decca company, markets 
his new London label disks in the U. S., he will not be disturbing relations 
tvith U. S. Decoa. While British Decca, by contract, has the rest-of-the- 
world market, it is forfended from using the Decca tag for marketing in 
■the Americas. Hence the London label, which will sell at 85c, theory 
being that those disk connoiseurs who want imported artists will not 
Object to the tilted price, 

Lewis is now in New York huddling with the American Decca com- 
pany's prexy, Jack Kapp. Lewis used to be on the U. S. company board— 
In fact was board chairman— but when he found himself too removed 
from the western hemisphere by war and other circumstances, a new 
deal was set divesting him from Kapp's company. British Decca, however, 
has first reject rights to U. S. masters by American Decca but, failing to 
fully avail itself of that contractual privilege, American Decca may then 
export. However, under existing economic regulations and restrictions, 
any expansion plans are rather remote. 

■ - . » > ■ 

Mabel Wayne's ditty "It Happened In Hawaii" is being dusted off by 
Remick Music Disks on tune, cleffed in 1941 prior to the outbreak of 
the war, were set for release when Pearl Harbor was attacked and Remick 
execs realized that title and lyrics would not blend with the crisis at 
that time and consequently stashed the ditty. 

Firm will now go to work on "Hawaii" with platters waxed in 1941 
by Jimmy Dorsey, Kay Kyser, Dick Jurgens, Buddy Clark and Glenn 
Miller set for immediate release. Disk by Miller will be among the last 
of his waxings never before heard, to be sold over the counter. Miss 
Wayne- also inked "Ramona" and "It Happened In Monterey." 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



43 



"land and foam" suggested a war 
proximity that, at the time, was 
pretty generally being disavowed. ' 

Kapp, in his analysis of current 
trends, based strictly on general 
trade graphs, feels that "while the 
music business hasn't the impetus in 
general that it should have, none 
the less it is in healthier position 
because it is going through its di- 
gestive period." As such, he ob- 
serves, anybody should be willing to 
take his chances in such an open 
market because, while it is a more 
discriminating market, it has a heal- 
thier tone. ' 

"The time has passed where you 
can't tell the difference between silk 
and calico," says Kapp. "With the 
public's ability to tell good merchan- 
dise, it'll be best all around." 



Through a typographical error, the gross of the "Jazz at the Philhar- 
monic" unit at Carnegie Hall, New York, a week ago Saturday (27) was 
indicated in Variety last week to have reached $9,300. This figure is 
physically impossible to attain at Carnegie under the $3.60 top at which 
Norman Granz's jazz unit worked. Highest gross ever hit at Carnegie by 
a pop band concert is claimed to have been reached by Lionel Hampton's 
orchestra at a concer.t there last winter, which drew $6,400. Granz's outfit 
did slightly less than $6,300. 



New Metro Disk Label 
Based on ARA Masters 

Hollywood, Oct. 7. 

Maurice Rappaport, longtime local 
record dealer, has started a new 
label, tagged Metro. As start toward 
a catalog, Rappaport has acquired 
masters from stack ■ made by the 
year-long defunct ARA waxery, in- 
cluding etchings by Vatican Choir, 
"Spellbound" album, and works of 
Jeri Sullivan and Illinois Jacquet. 
Miss Sullivan will immediately start 
cutting new sides. 

As yet M-G-M Records has not 
lodged a protest over use of the 
Metro trademark. 



SIGNATURE RECORDS 
INKS CONNIE HAINES 

Signature Records inked singer 
Connie Haines to a term contract 
last week. 

Warbler's first sides will be cut on 
the Coast, staff conductor Ray Bloch 
backing her with a 32-piece band. 
Second waxing session is planned in 
New York late next month, when 
Miss Haines is due in Gotham for a 
personal at the Paramount theatre. 
In conjunction with her vaude ap- 
pearance Miss Haines is slated to 
guest on Mutual's Block Party show 
for five consecutive weeks as part of 
Signature's buildup of the vocalist. 



Music Biz Rusty 



Continued from page 1 s 
where the 



disk 



cording, which is 
jfcckey comes in. • 

The lack of 1947 pop-song quality 
has created a vicious cycle. The 
bands all sound the same. The 
records ditto. Department, chain 
and independent music shops are 
screaming to the diskers that they're 
merchandising too many platters; 
they all sound alike; ■ nobody wants 
'em unless they possess some spe- 
cial quality. 

The band bookers bemoan the lack 
cf new, fresh and/or exciting ideas 
in bands. Top bands have been on 
top for years, but even a good thing 
may pall, and the public, hungry for 
something fresh in dansapation and 
pop music, is veering more and 
more to the disk jockeys. 

Result is that the disk jocks are 
growing in stature, but their vogue 

Crosby's Perennials 

Evidence of how the music 
retailers anticipate the market 
is reflected by Decca's two cur- 
rent top-sellers, both oldies, both 
by Bing Crosby. One is his wax- 
ing of "White Christmas," which 
" has gone over 1,000,000 platters; 
the other, "Silent Night." 

Both are Xmas perennials, 
having sold steadily for several' 
" years, and the advance orders 
indicate a continuing strong 
market. 



Is born chiefly of the fact they only 
program the best of the wax works, 
or public demand compels them to 
program only the quality stuff. This 
is the answer, in short, to how The 
Harmonicats' "Peg O' My Heart" 



MURRAY BAKER 

SUGGESTS FOR YOUR PROGRAM 

DON'T 
BLAME 
ME 

Music by . . . 
JIMMY McHUGH 

ROBBINS 



DENNIS DAY 

It doing hit 



CHRISTMAS DREAMING 



A LITTLE EARLY THIS YEAR 



HOW ABOUT YOU? 



(Vitacoustic) and Francis Craig's 
"Near You" (Bullet) could break 
through, into the mass conscious- 
ness, even though on minor labels. 

There are over 1,700 disk jockeys 
now platter-chattering on America's 
kjjocycles, and as direct-to-the-con- 
sumer purveyors of plattered music 
they're infallible pulse-feelers and 
reflectors of popular music tastes. 

From the recorders' viewpoint it's 
reached the stage where the disk 
execs themselves encourage the vet- 
eran music publishers and song- 
smiths to resurrect from their own 
files some oldie tunes, frankly stat- 
ing these seem to possess the quality 
and flavor which none of their 
present-day new pops seem able to 
capture. 

Need Unusual Interpretation 
It must not be overlooked that an 
unusual interpretation, be it disk, 
film or radio, or otherwise, is neces- 
sary to give the revived song that 
new impetus. "Time Goes By" is an 
example of what a Warner Bros. 
(Bogart) film could do. It was a 
plugger's delight, as witness the late 
Mose Gumble's job in building it up 
anew. Frankie Laine made himself 
and "That's My Desire" because of 
his unique interpretation, Perry 
Como on "Sweet 16," The Harmoni- 
cats' "Peg," or the Joe E. Howard 
filmusical ("Wonder Who's Kissing 
Her Now") naturally helped those 
song entries. 

Berlin has his own ideas on these 
"solid old-fashioned songs." Perhaps, 
he reflects, this is beyond the ken of 
today's average songwriter. Every- 
body tries to be so hep and so mod- 
ern that it's frequently difficult' to' 
conjure up that yesteryear feeling. 
This is not a nebulous philosophy, 
Berlin stresses, because he cites that 
even as far back as 1933, when "As 
Thousands Cheer" was being readied, 
and the Moss Hart libretto called for 
nostalgic song, he in turn had to 
project himself back another genera- 
tion and resurrect a 1917 oldie. Thus 
was "Easter Parade" created, for that 
song was originally titled "Smile and 
Show Your Dimple," when Berlin 
first concocted it in '17. The 
"Dimple" idea was literally out of 
tune with the Sunday-bonnet motif 
of an "Easter Parade" song, but when 
Berlin 16 years later blended the 
two he achieved a hit. By the same 
token, even though he wrote "White 
Christmas" only five years ago, Ber- 
lin knew he had to project himself 
backwards several decades to 
achieve the feel and the "idea" of 
that song. 

This timing, incidentally, occurred 
with "God Bless America" which 
was a vague part of the 1917 "Yip 
Yip Yaphank" score, which is best 
remembered for "Oh, How I Hate to 
Get Up in the Morning." For one 
thing, Berlin's lyric then read, 
"....land that I love, stand beside 
her and guide her, to the right, 
through the night...." In those 
days "to the right" referred to the 
yesteryear John Golden legit smash 
of the same name; today it has politi- 
cal implications. In 1917, of course, 
the fervor about America's blessings 
didn't exist in a non-Nazi world as 
in 1938. On the other hand, in 1938, 
the lyrical portion, "make her vic- 
torious on land and foam, God Bless 
America, our home sweet home," had 
a false note, because victorious on 




1 ^ * SAMMY CAHN 



J) 



4 



f! 




f i 



1* EDWIN H. MORRIS and Company, lac. 
Row York • Chicago • Mywooi 



44 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



A-B-C of Plugs Holds 

VAnusfv'S warning last week that music plugging evils were still 
going or that it was no secret which song made, "the top of the sheet"; 
and that the technique .of alphabetically publishing the "top 30" was 
so, much eyewash, resulted in: a flood of protests that "it would be a 
great mistake" to recourse to the' old numerical listings of plugs. In 
view of the many protests, immediate action on such intent is deferred, 
but it was curious to note that none endeavored to hide the fact that 

• some sort of subsidization Still continued. 

Stress was made that any recourse to numerical listings would 

' revitalize an evil which has been considerably suppressed; that the 
major national plug means more than a casual chorus or two in order 
"to make the sheet"; and the present system has achieved a lot in the 
right, direction. ",■;■>. :'■''')-'.'].'■ ■ -.. ■-.':. 

B a nd s at H ble I B.( Kb 



Weeks 

Rnml Hotel Flared 

Nat Brandwymie*. Waldorf (400; $2) 0 

Claude Tliornhill. Pennsylvania (500; $1-$1.50) 4 

Ray McKinley*, . .New Yorker (400; $l-$1.50). . . . , ... 2 

Johnny Pineapple .Lexington (300; $1-$1.50) . .. . . 47 

Orrin Tucker . . . . Roosevelt (400; $1-$1.5Q) ........... . 5 

Vaughn Monroe. . ^Commodore (400; $I-$1.50). ....... 0 



Covers - Total 
Fast Covers 
Weeli On Date 
tl,100 
1,800 
1,525 
1,025 
1,750 



tl,400 



1,100 
8,550 
4,300 
43,450 
9,625 
1,400 



1 3 days. * Ice Revue at New Yorker— Jean SaUon at Waldorf. 



Chicago 

Bay Hcatherton (Marine Room, Edgewater Beach; 700: $1.50-$2.50 min.), 
Opening of football season on nearby Northwestern campus equalled 
fancy 5,300. 

.lose Melis (College Inn, Sherman; 700; $2-$3.50 min.). Frankie Laine, 
second week, piled up a lusty 6,200. 

Bay Morton (Mayfair Room; Blackstone; 350; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Peter 
Lind Hayes and frau, Mary Healy, opened Fri. (3) to holdout crowds. 
Smash 2,000 for the two days. . 

Benny Strong (Boulevard Room, Stevens; 650; $3.50 min.-$l cover); 
Convention trade helped take here with good 3*000. 

Griff Williams (Empire Room, Palmer; 550; $3.50 min.-$l cover). New 
revue with Florence Desmond in Thursday (2); covers up to 5,300. 



Los Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Back at old stand. Start 
great; walloping 3,300 covers. 

Buss Morgan (Biltmore; 900; $1 -$1,50). Solid 2,100 tabs. Band bows 
out after 75 weeks; Jan Garber opens Thursday (9). 



On the Upbeat 



Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

(Ctecaffo) '../. , . 

tommy Cailyn (Trianon; $1-$1.25 adm.). New band doing a fast 15*500 
in second week. 

Marty Gould (Chez Paree; 540; $3.50 min.). Mitzi Green and Jackie 
Miles potent draw; 5,500 customers this week. 

Sherman Hayes (Blackhawk; 500; $2.50 min.). Spot is sport fans' fa- 
vorite; heaythy 3,300. 

Buddy Moreno (Aiagon; $1-$1.25 adm.). Tex Beneke one-nighter here 
helped the first week of Moreno to. sock 19,000. 

Buddy Shaw (Latin Quarter; 700; $2.50 min.). Mild 3,300. 

O. . ■.'; ' . ■ - ■ . 

(Los Angeles) : 

Harry Owens and Hal Derwin (Aragon, B, Ocean Park, 1st wk.). Two 
bands pulled 1 excellent 7,700 payees. 

Frankie Masters (Casino Gardens, B, Ocean Park, 6th wk.). Slick 7,000 
admishes. 

Alvin Bey and Joe Ll&gins (Meadowbrook* B, Culver City, 1st wk.). 
Site started full- week policy last nite (7). 

Jimmy Dorsey (Palladium, B, Hollywood, 5th wk.). Wound, up stand 
with slim 8,800 admishes. Harry James in for six stanzas last nite (7J. 



Universal Becords, of Chicago, last 
week signed Ellen White. Miss 
White, former chirper with Jimmy 
Joy orch. will cut first four sides 
next week. She will be backed by 
Pianist Warren Durrett, who has 
formed an orchestra and was also 
signed by Universal. 



They Ail Do It 



New York 

Decca has combined Danny Kaye 
and the Andrews Sisters for the first 
time: on "Civilization"; advance 
vinylite disks of the tune will be 
out soon. . . .Johnny Dee orchestra 
into Palladium, New York, Oct 16 
, : , .Ziggy Elman, who gave up his 
band last year,, drawing attention 
with his M-G-M disking of "Body 
artd Soul". . . Keynote Records add- 
ing distributors — Motor Radio, Kan- 
sas City; Record Merchandising, Los 
Angeles; Triangle, Pittsburgh and 
Circle ■'Record, San Francisco .... 
Lee Berg renewed by World Tran- 
scriptions"' to handle scripts for. an- 
other year. . . Butch Stone orchestra 
signed by Majestic Records, He's 
ex-Les Brown singer-musician now 
on the Coast. ■-. '. Jack Smith, CBS 
singer, given a surprise party in 
New York last Wednesday (1) by 
•music contact men assigned to him, 
on occasion of his return from 
Coast . . .Wm. Morris agency sighed 
Ernest Tubb, country-music star . . 
Bobby Worth music house admitted 
to American Society of Composers, 
Authors, Publishers. 

Hollywood 

Les Brown will follow Frankie 
Masters at Casino Gardens, starting 
Oct. 24, when the Tommy Dorsey- 
owned ballroom reverts from full- 
week to four-night policy for the 
winter. . .Carlos Gastel en route to 
New York. . . Jim Breyley, of Music 
Corporatio n of America's Chi 
branch, here for pow-wow with 
agency's coast booker. Eames Bishop, 
and also to scout orchestras for mid- 
west clients.. ..Woody Hermin in 
New York picking up sidemen for 
his re-forming , aggregation, . .Duke 
Ellington etched first six sides for 
Columbia within past fortnight, on 
two of which Woody Herman vocal- 
izes. . .Lillian Armstrong, pianist 
singer and sister of Louis, inked for 
stretch at Billy Berg's, Oct. 15. 
Frankie Masters ticketed for short 
at» Universal-International. 

Negro Musicians Local 767 tossing 
annual party Oct. 13, at which all 
sepia outfits in area will supply dan- 
sapation. One ofay crew. Frankie 
Masters, will join- the jamboree... 
George Olsen, after 20 years with 
MCA, has severed with that agency 
and enlisted under the William 
Morris banner. . .Barney McDcvitt 
back in town. . .Chuy Reyes' rhum- 
band into Avodon ballroom for 
string of Sunday shots. The down- 
town terpalace, which always was a 
white elephant when using policy 
of names, has been making coin 
lately, running weekends with local 
crews and renting out site to private 
parties on other nights. 



Everyone Is Waiting to Hear 

WHAT ARE 
YOU DOING 
NEW YEAR'S EVE 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 7. 
Leslie Long, local singer, has left 
the Carmen Cavallaro band after six 
months and plans to go out on her 
own shortly as a single. Miss Long 
recently attracted wide attention in 
the headlines when she drew the 
winning ticket in that Akhqsie, N. C, 
car raffle and then refused to pull 
when committee discovered the first 
one was held by a Negro. 

Another ex-Cavallaro vocalist who 
likewise lives in Pittsburgh, Gloria 
Foster, sister of Maestro Chuck 
Foster, is reading a single act. too. 
She's been breaking it in around 
suburban spots, and last week filled 
in for few nights at Jackie Heller's 
Carousel, when flu sent Heller to bed. 



Chicago 



.,»♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦»» » ♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦ ♦ »♦♦ »♦ ♦ ♦ »»♦ 

I Songs With Largest Radio Audience j j 

The top 30 songs of the week, based on the copyrighted 'Audience 
Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over Radio 
Networks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John G. 
Peatman, Director, : 

Survey Week of September 26-October 7, 1947 

Ain'tcha Ever Comin' Back Sinatra 

All My Love ... ... .....Harms 

Almost Like Being In Love— ""Brigadoon". . , , . , . . <» . . Sam Fox 
An Apple Blossom Wedding Shapiro-B 

Ask Anyone Who Knows . . , , Witmark 

Come To the Mardi Gras ......... i . Southern 

Feudin' And Fightin' Chappell 

Freedom Train ...... ...Berlin 

Fun And Fancy Free— i "Fun And Fancy Free". ...... Santly-Joy 

I Wish I •Didn't Lo.ve You So — f'Perils Pauline" Paramount 

I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now ... . ... .......... Marks 

Just An Old Love Of Mine ..,»,......,..'.. . C-P 

Just Plain Love ... . ....... . ...... ....... Morris 

Kate >';v..;.;' : ". .';'.'','..sv,'/.. /i.*'.-'.-. . . Berlin ; 

Kokomo, Ind— f'Mother Wore Tights" BVC 

Lady From 29 Palms , ,. ... . , , . — .*, . . Martin . 

Love, And the Weather ;. , ........... Berlin 

My Heart Is a Hobo — f'Welcome Stranger" , .. ,. . . Burke-VH 
Naughty Angeline .. ... . . . ...... ...... . Simon 

■ Near . You . ... .. . , . , . , . . '.■■;'.' . . , . Supreme 

On the Avenue .. . . ... .-. . . . .... . Leeds " •' 

Peg O' My Heart ... .... ..... .... Robbins 

So Far— ""Allegro" ............... Williamson 

Stanley Steamer , . . .. ... . , , ... .Warren 

Tallahassee .,....,..;....,,....,,.,.,„; ,. ..Famous 

That's My Desire . ........ Mills 

When You Were Sweet Sixteen ..... : \. ........ . Sbapiro-B 

Whiffenpoof Song . . .. . ,. .......Miller 

You Do— f'Mbther Wore Tights" ..... . ;-; BVC 

You're Not So Easy To Forget , Feist 



The remaining 20 softos of the week, based On the copyrighted . . 
Audience Coverage. Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over 
Radio Networks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., pr. John ', ', 
G. Peatman, Director . . ■ ■ 

Across the Alley From the Al an io. ................... Capitol 

All Of Me............ . ...... . , Bourne 

Christmas Dreaming ............... .... ...........Leeds. 

Don't Tell Me ...... ^ ..... ...w. .'. Bobbins 

Every So Often ......Warren 

Home Is Where the Heart Is,.- .... .-. ......... Advanced 

How Lucky You Are . . . . . .......................Maurice 

I Can't Get Off My Horse. . . ... .... . . . ... .-. . . . f . . . . . Feist 

I Have But One Heart .......... . . A. Barton 

It Happened In Hawaii. ...... ; I Remick 

Je Vous Aime^ — fCopacabana" ................ .....Crawford 

Lazy Countryside— f"Fun And Fancy Free" ........ ,'. Santly-Joy 

Let's Pick Up Where We Left Off . . , . . Bel-Air 

My Future Just Pass'ed. . . . . . .'. . . . Beverly 

Oh My Achin' Heart. . . . . . ............ ...... ., . ... . Mood 

On the Old Spanish Trail ........... Maurice 

Story of Sorrento ■ . . . -. ....... ... ......... Pemora 

Turntable Song— f'Something In the Wind". Mill-er 

What Are You: Doing New Year's Eve Famous 

Why Should I Cry Over You. , Feist 



tFtimusicol. "Legit Musicol. 



Sister Bosetta Tharpe signed with 
RCA-Victor after breaking off with 
Decca.- : - 



Gene Anions fronts' five-piece 
combo at El Sino, Detroit, starting 
Oct. 5 for two weeks. . .Joe Sanders 
into Indiana Roof, Indianapolis, Oct. 
29 for fortnight. . Ray Anthony do- 
ing two college dates — Western 
Michigan Oct: 18, and Southern Il- 
linois U., Oct. 25... Randy Brooks 
follows Ray Eberle into Tune Town, 
St. Louis, Oct. 14 with. Cab Calloway 
jumping in Nov. 18 . , .Phil Levant 
into the Plamor, Kansas City, Oct. 15, 
•for 14 days. ..Sonny Dunham does a 
Dec. 5 stand at the U. of Nebraska. . . 
Murray Arnold in for a three week 
stint at the Blue Moon. Wichita, 
starting Oct. 21. .. Tony pastor be- 
fore going into the Chase hotel, St. 
Louis, Nov. 28, does a week at 
Omaha, Orpheum. . .Del Courtney 
into the Baker hotel. i>llas, No* 
7-30..\Henry Busse locates at 
Schroeder, Milwaukee, Nov. 18... 



« 4 ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦ > ♦. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ M f » ♦ » > ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 

Jack McLean opened at O'Henry 
Fallroom, Willow Springs, 111... 
Eddy Rogers begins a four-weeker 
at Claridge, Memphis; Oct. 10. . . 
Jimmy James at the Trocadcro. 
Evansvilie, Ind.. for 14 days, starting 
Oct. 10. ..Sid Mills in town. . .Kenny 
Sargent set on two-day stand at 
Turnpike,! Lincoln, Neb., Nov. 14-15 
...Art Tatum back to Chicago at 
the Club Detour, Nov 4. . .Bob Opitz 
brings his Versatillians to the But- 
tery, Oct. 7... Ken Nelson, WJJD 
music director, penned "If It Hadn't 
Been You.". . .Jack Ivett opens at 
the Capitol Lounge, Oct. 10.. <Desi 
Arnez into Radio City theatre, 
Minneapolis, Oct. 24. 



Borde Heads Vitacoustic 
TalenttTunes Division 

■ Chicago, Oct. 7. 

Al Borde was appointed talent di- 
rector of Vitacoustic Records, Chi 
indie, last week. Borde. also head of 
Central Booking Agency, will con- 
centrate on the exploitation and 
: signing of talent. ■ 

Vitacoustic recently tried to grab 
Judy Conova but lost out to- Majestic 
at last moment. 



Pittsburgh 



Jack Fina's band back at Bill 
Green's for a 16-day stay. '■ .Velve- 
tones returned to the Hollywood 
Show Bar, joining the Three Coro- 
nets, ..Freddy Schacffev's all-girl 
orchestra On two-week • engagement 
at Vogue Terrace. Ray Herbeck fol- 
lowing Slam Stewart Trio booked 
for Mercur Music Bar beginning Oct. 
20;:, .Pee Wee Lewis has changed his 
name to Lew Barton and has his 
band at the Balconades. 



SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 

(That Cigarette) 
AMERICAN MUSIC. INC. 

1(109 Sunset Blvd., tini-Ft Romero 
Uollyivood 4fl, e«l. 85 W. *!i St., ii.V.C. 




^at W r«d toftff m tf» M-G-M Fidvri, "S**aW*. Mkhf' 



mm 





TZecvuUd iff . . . . BLUE BARRON, M*G-M • GEORGIA GIBBS, Majestic * TONY MARTIN, Victor 

DINAH SHOPE viln the Modernaires, Columbia • JOE STAFFORD, Capitol 



'vfycwut 'Wewiett music, inc. 



Ttfednegday, October 8, 1947 



VAVDEVIIJJE 



45 



World Series Influx Kited Take 



World Series skyrocketed N. Y.+ 
nitery biz plenty last week. Benefit- " 
5 ne mostly were the Broadway spots 
where majority of the out-of-towners 
congregated, although eastside bis- 
tros also got a fair share of the har- 
vest. 

Latin Quarter had its secong big- 
gest week in history, hitting a boom 
«45 600 as against the record take of 
WflOO during the first week of 
Sophie Tucker's run. 

Bonanza gross was chalked up 
despite competition of the newly 
opened Harem, which also had a 
profitable first week. 

How both rooms will make out 
when out-of-town visitors decline, 
remains to be seen. However, a fair 
test is unlikely to come until end of 
football season, and the advent of 
Christmas shopping time. The fall 
months are traditionally good for 
N. Y. niteries because of the strong 
attraction of the grid games here. 

Among the eastside spots, the 
Copacabana with Joe E. Lewis head- 
ing the layout, easily tops the town's 
business. Business is reported 
crowding the $60,000 mark. None of 
this trade is figured to dwindle for 
sometime because of the fact that 
the Series visitors contributed little 
to the take. What tourists did hit 
the spot displaced a native spender 
who couldn't get in. 

The Versailles and Cafe Society 
Uptown did big dinner business 
while late trade was about normal. 



Nan Wynn's Return 

Nan Wynn, who has been out of 
circulation since her marriage, re- 
turns to the singing field Oct. 23 in 
Hollywood when she opens a new 
room in Beverly Hills, as yet un- 
titled. Club will be on the site of 
the old Henri's and will be under 
the direction of Felix Young. Don 
Loper designed the . spot. 

Phil Ohlman's orchestra will car- 
ry the musical end. 



Top Names Set For 
Druggists Conv. in AX. 

An experiment in the clubdate 
field being conducted by the Ameri- 
can Wholesale Druggists Assn. con- 
vention at Atlantic City, Oct. 21 and 
22 is being watched by the casual 
date bookers as opening a way 
toward more revenue from that field. 
Show will be spread over two days 
and at two different hotels in an 
effort to provide a more intimate 
type of entertainment. 

This arrangement means that 
twice as much will be spent on tal- 
ent. Two orchestras will be neces- 
sary and more top names. 

Show will be topped by Jimmy 
Savo, Georgie Price with Dick Wil- 
son's orch from the Coq Rouge, N.Y., 
playing his first date away from that 
spot in five years. 




C0NS0L0 
and MELBA 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 9TH 

LOEWS STATE 



NEW 

YORK 



Thanks: SID PIERMONT 

JACK KALCHEIM 

R.K.O. Building. NEW YORK 



Ohio Burley Op Held For 
Hiring Minor in Chorus 

Columbus, O., Oct. 7. 

Shaffer B. Berkshire, manager of 
the Gayety Theatre local burlesque 
house, was in two different courts 
last week. On Monday (29), he ap- 
peared in the Court of Domestic 
Relations, under charges to contri- 
buting to the delinquency of a 
minor, in connection with employ- 
ing Norma Jean Miller as a chorine. 
The girl originally told police she 
was 22, but her real age was said to 
be 15. Berkshire was released under 
$500 bond on this charge. 

On Wednesday (1) he was in Po- 
lice Court, where he pleaded inno- 
cent to two alleged violations of the 
State Industrial Relations Depart- 
ment code. He was charged with 
unlawfully employing a minor dur- 
ing a school session, and his case 
was continued until Oct. 14. 

Alex Weiner, originally charged 
with four counts of unlawfully em- 
ploying minors at the Gayety as 
candy peddlers, pleaded guilty to all 
four counts. Two of the charges 
were dropped and he was fined $10 
and costs on each of the other two. 

The chorine and three teen-age 
candy butchers were picked up at 
the theatre Sept. 26. 



ARA Sets Slate 
For Elections 



Artists Representatives Assn., 
N. Y., agent group, is slated to hold 
annual election Nov. 10 at the Astor 
hotel, N. Y. 

Nominating committee last week 
presented the following names for 
the Board of Governors: Billy Dell, 
John Dugan of Music Corp. of Amer- 
ica; William Kent, currently presi- 
dent of the organization; Nat Lef- 
kowitz, of the William Morris 
agency; Al Rickard, of the Arthur 
Fisher Agency; Harry Moss, of Wil» 
lard Alexander agency; ' Harry 
Romm, Art Weems, of General Art- 
ists Corp.; and Charlie Yates, of 
Associated Booking. Representing 
associate members are Leon New- 
man, of the Mark Leddy office, and 
Joe Flaum, of Miles Ingalls agency. 

According to the ARA constitu- 
tion, membership elects the board of 
governors, which meets later to 
select officers from elected slate. 



AGVA Has 156 Nominees for 70 
Delegates to National Convention 



With returns in this week from 
pre-convention meetings of Ameri- 
can Guild of Variety Artists held by 
the 33 branches of the talent union 
during past two weeks to nominate 
delegates for the forthcoming con- 
vention, it develops that there are 
156 nominees for the 70 delegate 
designations. List is being computed 
at national AGVA in N. Y., with all 
names to be placed upon official bal- 
lot and mailed out to the member- 
ship for final vote to elect the 70 
delegates required for the conven- 
tion. 

With number of delegates propor- 



Union Lifts Unfair Ban 
When Nitery Signs Pact 

Jefferson Park Hotel, St. Louis, 
was taken off unfair list of Amer- 
ican Guild of Variety Artists last 
week after pacting a minimum wage 
agreement for line girls. Local calls 
for $50 weekly, including wardrobe. 
Previous salary was $30 and girls 
had to supply their costumes. 

All other St. Louis spots have 
cash bonds up with union excepting 
the Riviera and Plantation. Latter 
are now closed and It is expected 
that they will be pacted when they 
reopen. 



Lanny Ross and Beatrice Kraft 
have been signed for the Roxy the- 
atre, N. Y., Christmas show. 



tioned via one for each 200 members, 
N. Y. branch will hare the greater 
number of delegates, being entitled 
to 12 because of large membership. 
However, there are 52 nominees for 
the spots. Boston is also overboard 
on nominees, listing 14 for three 
spots, while Chicago hews to line 
with seven nominees for as many 
posts. Los Angeles has named 17 for 
its seven berths. In smaller com- 
munities there has been better bal- 
ance with those entitled to from one 
to four delegates only nominating 
that number. 

Nominees of N. Y. local include: 
Murray Lane, Harry Eaton, Billy 
Lyons, Danny White, Stubby Kaye, 
Rex Weber, Irving Grossman, Marty 
Barrett, Jerry Baker, Jackie Bright, 
Bert Rose, Manny Tyler, Joe Smith, 
Charles Banks, Chick Darrow, 
George Stone, Ben Haskell, Don 
Saxon, Murray White, Lou Hand- 
man, Margie Taylor, Bond Morse, 
Bob Fitzgerald, Sol Brilliant. 

Art Lewis, Larry Ross, Shavo 
Sherman, Virginia Richmond, Rene 
Wilde, Claudia McNeil, Henry 
Dunne, Sid DeMay, Phil Foster, 
Frances Garlyle, Hazel Scott, Arthur 
Summers, Mary Norris, Jack Zero,. 
Phil Irving, Dewey Barto, Thelma 
Nevins, Willie Bryant. Helen Peter, 
Lee Rains, Rex BartOT), Cleo Hayes, 
Diane Adrian, Jimmy Lyons, Benny 
Fields, Frank Ross and Sid Stone. 

Upon completion of balloting and 
election of delegates AGVA will set 
convention date and city. 



Romm Sues BeaKalmus 
For Breach on Split Of 
Riviera, N.J., Disk Show 

Bea Kalmus, disk-jockey at the 
Riviera, Ft. Lee, N. J., is being sued 
by Irving Romm, producer of the 
show, for an accounting plus 50% of 
the show's profits. Romm claims 
that Miss Kalmus breached a con- 
tract, which called for an even split 
of the profits, shortly after she 
started at the Riviera. 

Romm says he conceived the idea 
of her working the recorded show 
from the nitery, set the deal with 
Station WHN and the Riviera, and 
after two weekly splits Miss Kalmus 
demanded her contract be revised 
with his end sliced to 25%. Romm 
refused and after 14 weeks of non- 
payment filed suit in the N. Y. 
supreme court. 



Icer Set to Preem New 
Toledo Sports Arena 

Toledo, O., Oct. 7. 

Toledo's new $450,000 Sports 
Arena, now nearing completion, will 
offer "Holiday on Ice" as its open- 
ing attraction. The revue is booked 
for an 11-day stay, beginning Thurs- 
day, Nov. 13, with matinees both 
Sundays and Saturday. 

Included in the producers of 
"Holiday on Ice" is Emory Gilbert, 
former Toledoan, whose idea for 
portable rinks led to the founding 
of the attraction. 



EDDY 




"Heifetz of the 
harmonica." 

Currently: 
PARK AVE. CLUB 

Miami Beach 



Margery Wellel at the Piano 
Mgt.: Btn Upset 



M 
A 
N 
S 
0 
N 



THE ONE AND ONLY 





Last of the Red Hot Papas 




THIRD YEAR 

(20 Concerts) 

Successfully Presented at 
CARNEGIE RECITAL HALL. New York 
Variety said: "Renault is a phenomenon of present day 
show business." 

Nov. 15th and 16th— Dec. 13th and 14th. 1947— Jan. 24th 
and 25th, 1948. Booked for 2 hour Concerts 
CURRENTLY PLAYING 
26TH WEEK AT 

CLUB 66, NEW YORK 



Available for limited Number of Personal 
Appearances. Concerts, Theatres or Cafes 



SPECIAL NOTICE — I am Francis Renault, the original 
"Slave of Fashion." Beware of the impostor appearing 
around San Francisco, using my name and attempting 
my act. 

ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS c/o Variety. 154 
West 4oth St.. New York 19 or Carnegie Hall. New York 



46 



NICiHT CXITR REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 8, 194? 



Carnival, N. Y. 

Ray Bolger, Beatrice Kraft & Co. 
(31, Kaye Ballard, Del Rios (3), 
Yvonne Adair, James Allison, Paul 
Gavett; Line (10), Showgirls (6). 
Produced by John Murray Anderson; 
dances, Richard Barstow; costumes, 
Thomas Beefier; songs l>i/ Henry Sul- 
livan & Ira Leff; Charles Blackwell 
& Morty Reid Orchs; $3.50 mm. 



New show at Nicky Blair's Carni- 
val is an almost certain bet to con- 
tinue in the same SRO groove estab- 
lished when the club first opened al- 
most two years ago. Blair's come up 
with Ray Bolger now in the dancer's 
first major N. V. nitery appearance. 
With Beatrice Kraft's East Indian 
terps. comedienne Kaye Ballard, and 
the Del Rios, acro-dancers, the show 
is sock in every department and 
looks like another long run at top 
biz. 

Bolger is standout. Whether it's 
his , eccentric terping or straight 
comedies, he demonstrates that type 
of super-salesmanship indigenous to 
other headliners who started with 
him in the old Gus Edwards revues. 
He's made the switch from legit to 
nitery with apparent ease by raising 
his comedy to equal importance with 
his dancing. Performing in a cafe, in 
fact, may prove even better for him 
than legiters, si-.ce he can make more 
of his facial expressions — one of the 
major factors in selling both his 
terping and comedy. 

Bolger wisely chooses two familiar 
numbers to tee off— the "Old Soft 
Shoe" and sand dance, both from his 




Lovely 
Lady 

of 
Song 

JANE 



JOHNSON 



Bach 

to 
Boogie 
Marimbist 



GEORGE 




recent Broadway revue, "Three to 
Make Ready." Second scot (he's got 
three separate ones in the show) is 
straight comedy — an hilarious take- 
off on a politico's campaign • bull- 
throwing. Versatile demonstration is 
continued in the closing spot, where 
lie parodies different terp steps from 
the "Charleston" up through jive 
and then throws the floor open to 
audience suggestions. On preem 
night (25), he socked across the "Sad 
Sack" routine from "Ready" to earn 
thunderous begoff. Easy stage 
presence, coupled with audience ban- 
tering, help his excellent selling job. 

Miss Kraft has an applause-grab- 
bing routine in her Balinese-jive 
combo. Attired in colorful East In- 
dian garb, she opens with a fast solo 
and comes back with her two male 
partners for a similar dance done to 
hot tom-tom rhythm. Her minx-like 
glances, while the men play it ex- 
tremely straight-faced, is a neat 
touch. All three demonstrate fine 
muscular control. 

Miss Ballard has improved con- 
siderably since her N. Y. nitery bow 
at the Blue Angel last year and proj- 
ects her unique comedies across 
niftily. Material, including parodies 
on "I've Got Rhythm," "All of a Sud- 
den My Heart Sings" and "My Man," 
is excellent. She gets full laugh- 
value from her Martha Raye-like 
mouth. Flair for comedy, plus a fine 
set of pipes, make her a sure bet 
for musical comedy. 

Wiere Bros, add to the comedy 
with their gagged-up. . violinistics, 
even though they overdo the giggly 
routining. They've added several 
good gags and their precision dance 
windup is surefire. Pel Rios have 
the one straight routine in the show 
with their adept acro-terping. Spec- 
tacular balancing, with the gal doing 
her share of the heavy work with 
the two men, garners hefty applause. 

Previous production numbers are 
retained. They're still good and 
tailored well to the present crop of 
headliners. Yvonne Adair handles 
her songs neatly, along with male 
vocalists James Allison and Paul 
Gavett. Charles Blackman orch 
backs show well and doubles' with 
Morty Reid crew for dancing. 

Stal. 



Samovar, Montreal 

Montreal, Oct. 3. 
La Verne French & Latuaune In- 
gram, Janet Gaylord, Bob & Dianne, 
Carol Grauer, Bill Sfcinner Orch, 
Marcel Dore Trio; minimum $1.50. 



Harem, N. 1 • 

Jack Cole Dancers (7), Patti 
Moore Is Ben Lessy, Pinky Lee, Paul 
Remos & Toy Boys (2), Luctlle Page, 
John Elliot, Villagers (4), Nevada 
Smith, Line (18); Costumes, Freddie 
Wittop; Score, Milton Pascal, Phil 
Charig; Arthur Roman Orch,. Fausto 
Curbello Orch; $4 minimum. ' 



GUEST 

New XnrU Rep.: EDDIE SMITH AGKSCi 
Chicago Bep.: WUI, TVKKKI.I. 



COMEDY PATTER 

For All Broaches of Theatrical* 

FUN-MASTER 

"The Show 8ii Gog File" 
Nos. 1 to 22 @ $1.00 ea. 
(22 for $18.00) 

10 PARODIES for $5.00 
"How to Be an Emcee" 
$3.00 Including 2 Gag Files 

Semi tnr list of material. imr«iH«N. 
comedy rooks, minstrel I, its — black- 
outs, skits, etc. 

NO C.O.D's 
Paula Smith, 200 W. 54th St., N.Y.C. 19 



A new colored . dance team, 
La Verne French and Lawaune In- 
gram (New Acts, Oct. 1 issue.) Even 
though they score solidly they are 
slightly overshadowed by ballerina 
Janet Gaylord, who steak the show 
with her modern ballet sketches. 
Miss Gaylord's syncopated and in- 
terpretive dancing is outstanding, 
and she commands hefty salvos after 
each number. Her best is a dance 
called "My First Cocktail Party," 
very smartly done in pantomime 
and "with some high, polished 
dancing. Miss Gaylord also registers 
in a beguine and an Afro-Cuban 
dance done on smash musical ar- 
rangements. Her costumes are smart, 
effectively adding to her okay per- 
sonality and talent. 

Bob & Dianne, he tall, she blonde 
and pretty, sing together a varied 
repertoire of old and new operetta 
and musical comedy excerpts. His 
tenor is very good and Dianne's 
soprano okay. Their best is a ver 
sion of "Anything You Can Do .1 
Can Do Better," where they include 
some comedy work. "Sweethearts.' 
"Je Vous Aime," "Symphonic' 
"Make Believe," "Desert Song" and 
a medley from "Annie Get Your 
Gun" round out the program. Bill 
Skinner's orch backs up every act 
skillfully. Marc. 




Broadway's latest nitery addition, 
the Harem, is located on the site of 
a long succession of clubs that in- 
clude the Paradise, Hurricane, Zan- 
zibar and, lastly, Vanity Fair, among 
others. With takeover of the room 
by Nat Harris, former Latin Quar- 
ter manager, and Lou Walters, who s 
associated with E. M. Loew in 
ownership of the L.Q., the spot has 
-been given a replate that obviates 
many of its former handicaps. The 
decor has some Oriental touches be- 
fitting its latest label, the stage has 
been enlarged, with a revolving plat- 
form added, and some parts of the 
room have been terraced to permit 
greater visibility. 

However, the sock that Walters 
and Harris counted on to put the 
club in the immediate hit class, is 
unfortunately dissipated by a display 
that's late in getting going. On that 
basis, the club enters into routine 
competition with the two Broadway 
large-seaters, Latin Quarter and 
Diamond Horseshoe. 

There are hefty entertainment 
values late in the show, with the 
Jack Cole dancers and the team of 
Patti Moore and Ben Lessy. Cole 
has a group that's rigidly disciplined 
and able to follow, letter-perfect, 
any mood created by Cole. The 
number that literally causes the cus- 
tomers to get out of the seats and 
cheer is the zoot ballet, wherein 
Cole paces three male dancers in a 
recital loaded with social implica- 
tions. Deadpanned movements of 
this piece give the interpretation of 
youth groping its way toward a no- 
good end. It's a showstop. His 
other number, with the group aug- 
mented by three girls, is similarly a 
top-quality display of Javanese jive, 
and gets a hearty response. 

Miss Moore and Lessy, who after 
a long incubation period on the 
Coast made a deep impress at La 
Martinique, N. Y., last year, has a 
major chance of becoming top-name 
fodder with their showcasing here. 
Duo, aside from being good singers, 
have a strong comedy flair which 
combines the better features of satire 
and comedy. Their lampoons, framed 
around parodies of pop and standard 
tunes, are interlarded with person- 
able asides, digs at the old school of 
singers and gentle satirizations of 
the oldline vaude performer. Act 
is expertly conceived and executed, 
and overcomes the difficult assign- 
ment of following Cole's top number 
to the extent that applause again hits 
showstop proportions. 

The rest of the show reveals that 
the Harem has the framework of a 
good layout. The formula that Wal- 
ters has used for so long at the 
Latin Quarter is transferred to this 
spot. There's colorful production, 
excellent costumes and a general air 
of brightness. However, a trio of 
acts that fail to get across to the 
audience creates an adverse effect. 
The opening act, Paul Remos and 
the Toy Boys, always an acceptable 
item in vaude, fails to. register. The 
air of archness, usually evident in 
the turn, doesn't get over. It may 
be that Remos elected to do the 
wrong sections of his usual turn. 
Lucille Page, former dance-partner 
of Buster West, does a pleasant acro- 
terp turn, but it's not strong enough 
for her spottings here. 

Pinky Lee, who did well at the 
Latin Quarter last year, doesn't hit 
it off here. It may be that transfer- 
ence from the battered felthat to 
tails doesn't jive with his low-style 
of comedy, but essentially his mate- 
rial isn't suitable for this show. With 
house-singer John Elliot and Nevada 
Smith as foils, the comedy is too 
familiar and too basic for audience 
acceptance here. 

Show's preem was beset by diffi- 
culties. A few hours before opening 
time. Rona Lord, the production 
singer, walked out of the show with 
the result that Marjorie Jackson, one 
of the linegirls, had to read the 
lyrics to the production tunes. Ali 
Pin Soo, a magic act, also slated for 
pn appearance in this layout had to 
be dropped because of running time. 

The dance production by Natalie 
Kamerova. encased in fetching Fred- 
die Wittop designs, plus the tuneful 
score by Milton Pascal and Phil 
Charig, are all plus factors that 
should become stronger once changes 
are made in the present layout. 

Elliot, with a powerful bary, does 
a good Job on the production tunes 
with assistance from the Villagers, a 
male quartet. Most of the linegirls 
have been previously seen around 
town, but they're given a different 
look with the multi-colored hair- 
do's by Eve Wygod, and the difficult 
show score is well cut by Arthur 
Roman. Fausto Curbello does an 
excellent job for the rhumba Pd- 
dictf. Jose. 



missus have completed their four- 
week stand they will have not only 
set a record for attendance and chit 
recaps but given the room a sock 
attraction. Spot had heretofore been 
a pushover for Phil Regan, and per- 
haps Regan alone. Judging frojtn the 
business and reception they drew 
opening night (3), the Hayes duo 
are in, and in a big way, on the 
pushover facet. 

It's an exceptionally exciting and 
vibrant act that the Hayes' have 
fashioned for their floor appear- 
ances. They make a powerhouse of 
talent. If there is a fly in the oint- 
ment, it's Hayes' tendency to over- 
sing. The solo item that socked 'em 
for a farethewell at the opening 
show was his "Punchy Callahan" 
characterization, and, strangely, 
there is but one such human etching 
in his entire repertoire. A comedian 
fancies himself in the role of Ham- 
let, and here is possibly the finest 
character etcher of the day passing 



of 



his top forte to follow an urge 
the ego. namely, that he can 
tonsilize with the best of 'em. There 
are many good mimics of vocal per- 
sonalities and characters, but there's 
but one laugh and heart-tug con- 
triver like the creator of "Punchy 
Callahan." 

That the talent is well spread over 
the family was sharply' demon- 
strated at the opening. Mary Healy, 
equally . rich in personality and 
looks as in ability for mimicry and 
vocalizing, stopped the show cold. 
It was her reward for the warmth- 
ful touches she applied to the distaff 
side of the Hildegarde-Mr. Goodpile, 
Ethel Merman-Ray Middleton and 
Gertrude Lawrence-Noel Coward 
routines. Also the teenage encore. 

Hayes' other solo assignments, ex- 
clusively vocal,. are, as ever, brittle 
in conception and down to earth in 
humor. One vocal set. "Cavalcade .of 
Singers," tees off the repertoire, 
and the other, "Typical American 
Singers," serves as the finale. The 
first, which scans over the crooner- 
personalities of the past 15 years 
and includes Ethel Waters for good 
measure, takes well with this car- 
riage trade, 'but his impressions of 
an Irish balladeer, a French singer, 
the rhythm boy of a quartet and a 
revival meeting gets an in-and-out 
reaction. It may have been due to 
too much of the same thing. 

Ray Morton's combination gives 
the Hayeses some crack instrumental 
backing, with the team's own con- 
ductor, Mischa Madear, handling the 
stick in place of Morton. 

The room has quite an added asset 
in the suave and goodlooking Morton 
and his crew of four woodwinds, 
two fiddles and rhythm section, con- 
sisting of piano, bass and drums. 
The band, which hails from Bos- 
ton, is as easy 'to take on the ear- 
drums as it is with the feet. Morton 
carries a book in which sweet music, 
swing rhythms and rhumbas are 
well mixed. He does pleasantly also 
by the vocals. Odec. 



Serf ltoom, IS, IT. 

Jean Sablon, Nat Brandwynne Ore 
Mischa Borr Ore; $2 convert. 

'Twas quite a thing getting the 
Sister Kenny benefit crowd ' out 
from a too fashionably late dinner, 
resulting in a comparatively thin sup- 
per turnout for Jean Sablon's re- 
turn , to the Waldorf-Astoria last 
Thursday (2). Not only was the 
crowd meagre— no reflection on his 
draw, because plenty of cash trade 
was turned away, but somehow the 
bookings were snafued due to the 
lingering charity dinner attendance 
—but their belated exit brought the 
French Crosby on near 1 a.m. and 
by the time he was off, around 1:40 
a.m., it was just a bit too wearying 
for the post-theatre attendance. AU 
of which may be an object lesson to 
other bonifaces — perhaps it's wiser 
to give them a check as a flat do- 
nation without complicating opera- 
tions as occurred here. 

The shift from the Wedgwood (nee 
Empire) Room into the across-ttie- 
foyer Sert Room was enough of an 
excitement. Not to mention that 
Sablon is the post-Starlight Roof 
season attraction, and his return en- 
gagements bespeak fully of his b.o. 
prowess, 

Sabion was a victim of the hold- 
overs by being too self-conscious of 
what he did at the dinner show. A 
personal memo, which he visually 
consulted seemed to be the reminder 
(Continued on page 47) 



Casino Russe, N. Y. 

Ludmila Lopato, Mischa Markoff, 
Vanya Kull, Zina Shushkevich, Sash 
Lukenovich, Lubov Hamshay, Volo- 
dia Lazarev, Kris Kay Orch; $3 
minimum. 



Casino Russe's new fall revue Is 
continuing its unique nitery opera 
tion of bringing a bit of old Russia 
to Broadway's precincts. Backing up 
on Carnegie Hall, this intimate room 
caters to the haute monde intelli- 
gentsia who want something out-of- 
the-ordinary entertainment and gus- 
tatory offerings. This cafe has got 
it in both departments. 

Toplining the bill is Ludmila Lo 
pato, a chanteuse from Parisian 
cabarets, who's playing her first en- 
gagement in New York with con- 
tinental know - how and nerve. 
Considerable entertainment quali- 
ties are also found, for those who 
prefer it in this style, in the bari- 
toning of Mischa Markoff, who has 
a full repertory of Russian love 
songs with standard self-accompani 
ment on the balalaika. 

Hectic hoofing in the Russian Cos 
sack tradition is displayed by Vo- 
lodia Lazerev, who has a dagger- 
dance and fire-eating routine that 
could pay off in regular vaude 
houses. For non-muzhiks, Lazarev's 
turn is a fantastic eye-opener with 
his flaming sword accoutrements and 
terrific terpsichore rhythms. The 
casino's dance ensemble, comprising 
Vanya Kull, Zina Shushkevich, 
Sasha Lukenovich and Lubov Ham- 
shay, also contribute some folk 
dancing and singing for solid cus- 
tomer approval. ' 

Kris Kay's orch furnishes ade 
quate American pop music for cus 
tomer hoofing with an occasional 
Latin-American number inserted 
for the rhumba students. Herm, 



PHIL FOSTER 

Nite-Life't Newest loff-Sensatlon 



Currently Appearing 

LA MARTINIQUE. N. Y. 

I'M WIDJA— I'M WIDJA 



"Fostered by" 
SOL TEPPER, RKO Btdg., New York 20 



JUDY MAGEE 

Panto-Mimicry 
HELD OVER 

SHOW BAR 

BOSTON 



Opening Oct. 13 
SAMOVAR. MONTREAL 



thc magical Mr/vrAc/srs- 1|§ 




Parodies! Special Songs! Bits! 

it Draw from aor library, one of the 
largest, most comprehensive lo 
Showbiz! 
* 1948 Catalog nu;i:: 
£ Exclusive materinl oar specialty! 

J. ft H. KLEINMAN 
25-31-K 30th Road, L. I. City 2, N. V. 
Telephone: Astoria 8-6065 



FOR SALE 

!i Birds of raradlsr (Not Simulated) 
One Natural With Henri 
One Dyed Alack 
In Family lor Jinny If ears: Never Used 
Interested in Any Reasonable Offer 
Rafter 

70i» Chestnut Are.. 'J'eaneck, N. J. 
TI5. 6-85ft»M 



LAUGHING-STOCK 

Something Mew in 

COMEDY MATERIAL 

For lW.O.'s. Vaudeville, Disc Jocks 
Series 1 and X Now Kently, $1 Each 

Sam Verry 
1050 Il'way, New Tork 19 



Mayfair Room, Chi. 

(BLACKSTONE HOTEL) 

Chicago, Oct. 3. 
Pt'ter Litid Hayes & Mary Heahj, 
Ray Morton Orch; $1 cover, $3.50 
minimum. 



The management of this swank 
rendezvous feels certain that by the 
time Poler Lind Hayes and the 




fek THE INK SPOTS 




Currently for 6 Weeks 
London Casino, London, England 



Mgr.— UNIVERSAL ATTRACTIONS 
563 Fifth Avenue, New York . 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



VAUDEVILLE 



47 



Night Club Reviews 



Continued from page 46 



Sert Room, N. Y. 

on- how he had switched routines. 
Result was nsg in that the numbers 
were too evenly paced; they were 
of teh same ballad pattern. 

There's another thing about these 
Gallic chanteurs and chantootsies 
who are so much the vogue these 
days. They must not forget they 
appeal to the same "class audience 
and while there will always be a 
moujik in the house who will vocif- 
erously insist on a bemothed fa- 
vorite, it's necessary to bypass the 
oldies— and for that matter some of 
the suddenly overpopular new ones 
—and see that the songcycles are 
kept fresh. "Petite Vin Blanc," 
"Pigalle," "La Mere" and "Wonder 
Who's Kissing Her Now" (in French) 
are examples of what all the French 
chirpers hop on because Lu 
cienne Boyer and Chevalier are 
likewise identified with these. Sablon 
wisely introduces his stuff with a 
little anecdote, or he accents the 
disk appeal of this or that number. 
It'makes for a nice touch. In addi- 



Unanimously acclaimed 
as the most humorous and 
entertaining puppet act in 
the country ... 




JOHNNY 



FAUST 



"FUN ON STRINGS" 



CLUB CAIRO 

Washington, D. C. 
Oct. 15 to 28 

Thanks to BILL VAN ALSTYNE 



Pcnonal Management 
EDDIE SMITH AGENCY 
Paramount ■Ida... N. Y. C. 



GOWNS BIT KKNESTO 




HELENE and HOWARD 

'Comedy Dance Antics' 

111-: LIU OVER 
CMJII NORMAN 
Toronto. Cmiatla. 

Dir.: Matty rosen 



The Exclusive) and Amusing 




LAURETTE and CLYMAS 

"DANCUMORISTS" 
Currently: NICOLLET HOTEL 
Minneapolis, Minn. 



tion Sablon, like Chevalier, . never 
forgets he's working to a dominantly 
American audience and his little 
spiel about the lyric content is 
■shrewd boxoffice. 

Nat Brandwynne is the main band 
backer-upper and the pianologistic 
maestro does a tiptop job in support. 
Same goes for Mischa Borr, long the 
house band at the Waldorf, and ever 
durable. Abel. 



Glass Hat, X. Y. 

(BELMONT PLAZA HOTEL) 

Russell Swann with June Sickle- 
man; Bob Dixon, June Taylor Line 
(6); Eddie Sto?ie Orch, Dacita 
Rhumba Band; $2.50 minimum. 



The Glass Hat, N. Y., makes an 
auspicious fall how with one of the 
strongest shows in some time. Pat- 
tern of layout appears to be one 
that could be followed for the re- 
mainder of season. A strong comedy 
act, a singer and a floor-filling line 
seems to be solution of room's for- 
mer difficulties. 

In Russell Swann, whose tragi- 
comedies have proven their efficacy 
at the tonier spots around town, as 
well as a previous appearance here, 
spot has an act whose sight and 
spoken values are able to get across 
even in the farmost reaches of the 
room. His good-humor in project- 
ing tricks and the hail-fellow-well- 
met line of chatter makes a strong 
impact. The guillotine finale still 
has some grisly aspects, but that's no 
drawback on audience reception. 
His comely assistant, June Sickle- 
man, dresses the turn nicely. 

June Taylor line with Bob Dixon, 
baritone, provides some picturesque 
routines. Especially good is the 
opening "Manhattan Towers" in 
which the chorus take up various 
stanzas. Terping is lively, but the 
clever lyrics of the excerpts are lost 
in the girls' delivery. 

Dixon shows a powerful vocal 
display in a good variety of pops 
and standards. Youthful bary has 
gained considerable poise and stage 
presence since his last appearance 
here, and effect on the house is 
marked. 

The Eddie Stone orch showback- 
ing is competent. In Dacita's rhum- 
ba band, the room has a Latin out- 
fit that should entice a considerable 
number of rhumba addicts. Her 
crew gets an authentic beat and her 
song deliveries are sufficiently 
strong for work as a single. Jose. 



China Doll, M. Y. 

Ming & Ling, Beatrice Fung Oye, 
Wong Sisters, Laurie Long, Lee Mor- 
timer Line (9). Hy Curbello Orch, 
Jack Prase Orch; $2.50 minimum. 



New fall layout- at the China Doll 
is a standard aggregation of .Oriental 
talent in a neat, well-paced show. 
This roomy, softly-lighted nitery, 
which features one of the city's best 
Chinese cuisines at pop prices, is a 
solid bargain for both regular cafe 
crowds and visiting firemen. Be- 
tween shows, two orchs furnish 
continuous music in various dansa- 
pation styles for customer hoofing. 

Lee Mortimer's China Dolls open 
the show with some routine terping 
that's strictly subordinate to their 
attractive gowning. Laurie Long, 
doubling as show's emcee, gives out 
with some flashy tap dancing, then 
shows off a nice set of pipes with 
his crooning of "To Each His Own." 
Beatrice Fong Oye. songstress, has 
an Ethel Mermanesque vocal style 
that's strong, brash and tuneful. 

i Among her numbers, which she sells 
with a good mike technique, are 

| "Somebody Else." "More Than You 

I Know," "Let's Do It" and "What Do 

I I Have To Do." 

Topliners are Ming and Ling, vet 
comedy team, who return to this 
boite with tlicir old act practically 
intact. Accomped by some laughable 
horseplay, Ming, the vocalist takes 
off on hillbilly tunes, Scotch airs, 
then does a series of sock carbons 
on Frank Sinatra, Crosby and the Ink 
Spots, Encore is an unusual item 
with a rendition of the Yiddish song, 
"Eli, Eli" then with another reprise 
takeoff on Al Jolson singing "April 
Showers." Have to beg o.ff. 

Line also contributed two other 
numbers, one a Chinese fantasy with 
extremely ornate oriental costuming 
for top eye-appeal and another in 
which they're rigged with bells for 
a musical-terping number. Hy Cur- 
bello's orch backs the show neatly. 

Herm. 



MAXIM 

SULLIVAN 

CURRENTLY 
LE RUBAN BLEU, New York 
RADIO: Sundays. 3-3:15 P.M., WNEW 



IVrNonul MimiifTfr 
JOKKI'H MAKSUI.AIft 
1(1(17 Kro:-)'u»y • New Tork 
Kulff »!!(> • CI. 5-403-1—6 



Direction: 
MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 



NELLIE LUTCHER SET 
FOR N. Y. PARAMOUNT 

Nellie Lutcher, singer, current at 
Cafe Society Downtown, has signed 
for her first major vaude date in the 
east. Miss Lutcher, who clicked with 
recordings before being brought east 
for the nitery date has been signed 
for the Paramount theatre, N.Y. • 

Starting date hasn't been set. 



Bonifaces Latch On to Intime Cafes 
To Circumvent High Talent Budgets 



Shanghai Not Very 
Chop-Chop in Curbing 
Yen for Jitterbugging 

By HAL P. MILLS 

Shanghai, Sept. 23.- 

Shanghailanders continue to dance 
nightly in the city's hot spots, despite 
the so-called government edict ban- 
ning the pastime as from Sept. 1. 
And the city's 4,000 professional 
musicians and some 20,000 taxi 
dancers, to say nothing of thousands 
of other dancing establishment em- 
ployees, are breathing easier. 

Nanking has not lifted the ban but 
sidestepped the edict by amending 
the order to permit married couples 
to dance with each other and other 
males to dance with their sweet- 
hearts. The result is that a man 
can dance with any hostess, and an- 
nounce that the gal is his sweetie. 
Sounds kinda silly, but this is China 
and anything can happen. 

Announcement of the ban brought 
a storm of protests from the jivemen 
and taxi dancers. 

"How will we earn our living?", 
wailed the girls. 

To which a would-be Solomon in 
the government replied: 

"We will teach you to become 
nurses and you can minister to our 
wounded soldiers. There is a war 
on, you know." 

Public dancing in Shanghai is un- 
like dancing in any other large city 
in the world. To the American jit- 
terbug and other dances the Chinese 
moderns have added their own in- 
terpretations, the outcome certainly 
being more fantastic than light. Jit- 
terbugging was introduced to Shang- 
hai by the boys of the famous Fourth 
Marine, many of whom now sleep 
quietly under white crosses in the 
Philippines. When Chinese maidens 
and youths jitterbug the sight is 
something to behold. 

It becomes a sort of cross between a 
clinch and a clutch, a good-bye'-moth- 
er-I'm-off-to-war-embrace which 
would make the Siamese twins look 
like distant relatives. Jitterbugging 
has a strong rival in the Latin dances 
however. 



New York" boites such as the 
Blue Angel and Le Ruban Bleu have 
established a type of operation 
which out-of-town boni faces are 
following in large proportions. The 
past few months have seen the 
starting of several cubicle-sized 
bistros patterned along the intimate 
lines of the N. Y. clubs. 

Recent starters include Celebrity 
Room, Philadelphia; Lindsay's, 
Cleveland; Fame roo i, Washington; 
Calvert's, Cleveland; Bali, Detroit, 
and Vogue room, Buffalo. The 
Pump room, Detroit, which opened 
last season, has found this type of 



Sister Tharpe Prefers Lush 
Concert Coin to Vauders 

Sister Rosetta Tharpe has found 
concerts to be so profitable that she's 
side-stepping vaude and nitery dates 
until late this year, if at all. Negro 
songstress who's touring with Marie 
Knight, has lined up a series of one- 
nighters in the South on deals call- 
ing for guarantees up to $2,000 as 
against 50% of the gate. 

Indicative of her takes this year 
was a date at the Ponce De Leon 
ballpark, Atlanta, Sept. 5 in which 
she grossed $4,200. On previous date 
at same spot she hit an all-time high 
of $-7,800. . 



Hunter's N. J. Nitery 

Frank Hunter, ■ vaude and bur- 
lesque comic, is taking, a fling at 
nitery operations. He's taken over a 
spot at Whippany, N. J., which he'll 
open next month as the Stage En- 
trance. 

Band and modestly budgeted 
talent will be set later. 



operation profitable, as has the Car- 
rousel, Pittsburgh. 

One of the reasons that makes 
intime boites a choice for many op- 
erators is the fact that operation 
costs are considerably less. Talent 
costs are appreciably lower because 
it's possible to use comparatively 
inexpensive performers and by giv- 
ing them smart presentation, they're 
as effective as high-priced marquee 
lures. This pattern has worked out 
at the Blue Angel and Ruban Bleu. 

Another item favoring intimeries 
is the possibility of getting frequent 
turnovers within comparatively short 
periods. With three of four acts and 
small dance unit on the bill, it's 
possible to have three shows during 
the evening with virtually a com- 
plete change of patronage. 

The Pump room, Detroit, which 
has a talent budget rarely exceeding 
$1,500, frequently grosses as much 
as $13,000 weekly. While large 
clubs with name attractions would 
take a terrific lacing with that kind 
of return, it's a boom figure for 
intime cafes. 



Copa Angling Durante 

There's - a possibility that Jimmy 
Durante may play his first N. Y. 
nitery date in several years at the 
Copacabana, around Nov. 11, fol- 
lowing Joe E. Lewis. 

Peter Lind Hayes has already been 
pacted for this spot, but if Durante 
deal is set, he'll be put back to fol- 
low Durante. 



SOPH TUCKER'S S. F. REPEAT 

Sophie Tucker has been signed for 
the Bal Tabarin, San Francisco, for 
two weeks starting Dec. 2. It's a 
return date there. 

Following Bal Tabarin date, Miss 
Tucker goes into the Bea ' iber, 
Miami Beach, for eight wt 



TEX 
BENERE 

and the 

GLENN MIUER 
ORCHESTRA 

RADIO CITY THEATM 
"* MINNEAPOLIS 
W««k o» Oc»ob«r 10lh 

Man»K« ,,,e,,t = 
DON W. HAWM» 



Booked by 

HARRY A. ROMM 

38 E 57th Si New Vo'U N Y 



Kate Murtah, of the Murtah sis- 
ters, is starting out as a single. In- 
itial date is at the State theatre, 
Baltimore, Oct. 23. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benwuy. 

Saranac Lake, N. Y., Oct. 7. 

Birthday greetings are in order to 
George Powers, Dolly Gallagher, 
George Fee, Dr. Francis Montana 
and Elda Benedict, all Rogerites. 

Andrew "Andy", Grainger, man- 
ager of the Lawler theatre, Green- 
field. Mass., checked in at the Rogers. 

Isabelle Rook back at the lodge 
after undergoing first stage of the 
thoracoplasty operation and doing 
nicely. 

Anne Rowe, recuperating from 
operation, visited by E. F. Skeens, 
Jane Lewey, Virginia Rowe and the 
G. M. Hodges. 

Lillian Curry in from N. Y. C. to 
ogle husband, Thomas (IATSE> 
Curry, who recently joined* the 
pneumo-thorax gang. 

Noel Coward, spending vacation 
in Lake Placid, took time out to visit 
the gang. 
Princess Elda Benedict, who beat 
the rap in a year, given all-clear 
papers. She will yacash at her home 
in Cornwall, Canada, before resum- 
ing work in pictures. 

Dr. Edgar Mayer, specialist and 
former NVA medical superintendent, 
in tp attend the sixth Turdeau Sym- 
posium, took time out between lec- 
tures to visit the gang. 

Edith Lamb and Loretta Munger 
motored in f/om Albany to visit 
James Wotton. 

Station WNBZ gave a biographic 
broadcast of the career of your 
'columnist on his birthday, 
j Geoi\"P Powers upped for one 
'meal a day' and pix. 
■ Write to those who are ill. 



ZARCO 



and 



BERYL 

"Exciting Castilian Dancers". 

Thank you SIDNEY PIERMONT for our 
Current Engagement at 

LOEWS STATE 

NEW YORK 



And Thanks to MYRON COHEN, 
LOUIS BASIL, His Orchestra 
and to the Personnel of 
the State Theatre for Their Wonderful Cooperation 

Represented by 
MEYER B. NORTH 
1564 Broadway, New York 19 



48 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



OBITUARIES 



SAMUEL HOFFF.NSTEIN 

Samuel Hoffenstein, 57, screen 
writer, died in his Hollywood home. 
Oct 6, of a heart attack. He had 
suffered a slight attack several 
weeks ago, then, last Sunday night 
he awoke, feeling badly and called a 
doctor, but died before the latter ar- 
rived. 

he was collaborating with Betty 
Reinhardt on the script of "Bur- 
lesque" for 20th-Fox. He had been 
under contract to that studio for last 
four years. ' His last finished script 
was for "Give My Regards to 
Broadway," not yet released. 

Hoffenstein was born in Lithuania 
and came to Wilkes-Barre. Pa., with 
his parents when he was four years 
old. He was a graduate of Lafay- 
ette Univ.; a reporter on the N. Y. 
Sun and later press representative 
for A, H. Woods. He went to 
Hollywood to script "Dr. Jekyll and 
Mr. Hyde" for Paramount and since 
then had worked at Metro, Warners 
and Universal. 

Two brothers survive. 



ler Manufacturing Co., Chicago. Be- 
fore that he was an executive of 
various motion picture theatre com- 
panies. 

Wife and two sisters survive. 



ager, died at his home in Newark, 
N. J., Oct. 2. 



Bernard Williams, Sr., 67, father 
of Bernie Williams, publicity agent, 
died in Los Angeles, Oct. 1. 



SILAS CONN LITTLE 
Silas Conn Little, 64, former treas- 
urer of Ford's theatre, Baltimore, 
died in the Union Memorial hospital 

in that city, Oct. 2, after brief ill- son of, Al Friend, of former vaude 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Meltzer, 
daughter, New York, Oct. 5. Mother 
was former concert harpist, known 
professionally as Rosamond Love- 
lace; father's a radio writer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mannie Friend, son. 
New York, Sept. 30. Child is grand- 



Variety Dills 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 8 



Numerals In connection with bills below Indicate opening da; of show 
whether full or upllt week 

Letter In p»renthese» Indicate* circuit: (I) Independent t (I.) Loewt 
(P> Paramount; (It) KKO; <W) Warner 



ness. He retired about a year ago. 
Previously, he was company man- 
ager for Henry Savage, David 
Belasco,- A. H. Woods and others. 



team of Friend & Downing, current- 
ly columnist of Uptown Observer, 
N. Y. 

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Gerry, son, 



Brother, John, manager of Ford's, Hollywood, Oct. 1. Child is the 



and two sisters survive. 

JOSEPH B. MELOY 



grandson of Louis Hyman, sales 
chief for Sol Lesser Productions. 
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Shreve, son, 



Joseph B..Meloy, 50, who with his • Hollywood. Oct. 1. Father is a film 



brother, Paul, operated two theatres 
in Shelbyville, Ind., died of a heart 
attack there, Sept. 27. He also was 
partner in the Meloy Bros, advertis- 
ing firm. 

Widow, son. another brother, and 
mother survive. 



GREGORIO MARTINEZ SIERRA 

Gregorio Martinez Sierra, 66, 
Spanish playwright and author, died 
of an intestinal tumor in • Madrid, 
Oct. 1. He had been in failing 
health for several years and had re- i 
turned to Spain a fortnight ago, af- | 
ter a voluntary 16-year exile in the 
U.S. and Argentina. 

Sierra was best known for his 
play. "Cradle Song," which Eva Le 
Gallienne produced "in her Civic 
Repertory season of 1926-27. Among 
his other works are "Navidad" (done 
in London as "Holy Night"), . King- 
dom of Kod," in which Ethel Barry- 
more starred in 1928, "Love Magic" 
"The Romantic Young Lady" and 
"Two for One," and anovel "Mama." 



EARLY M. HARRISON 

Early M. Harrison, ,.65, retired 



editor at Warners.' 

Mr. and Mrs. Al Brevak, daughter, 
Sept. 29, Pittsburgh. Father's in 
Harris circuit's publicity department. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Metcalfe, son, 
Sept. 20, Los Angeles. Father's with 
Leighton Noble band. 

Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Durney, 
daughter, Santa Monica, Oct. 1. 



minstrel show operator, died at | Mother is known professionally as 



Benton, O. Oct. 1. He had headed 
the Harrison Minstrel Shows, which 
traveled in Michigan, Ohio, New 
York and other states. 
Widow, Lena, survives. 



JAN HAMBOURG 

Jan Hambourg, 65, eldest member 
of the Hambourg Trio, died at Tours, 
France, Oct. 2, when suddenly 
stricken aboard a train after a holi- 
day in Spain, according to word 
reaching his brother, Boris Ham- 
bourg, of Toronto. 

The family came from Russia in 
1912 to Toronto, where the father, 
Prof. Michael Hambourg, established 
the Hambourg Conservatory of 
Music, with Jan taking over direct 
tion of the violin department. 

Two brothers and two sisters sur- 
vive. 



JAMES GREGORY 

James Gregory, 71, owner of the 
State Theatre, Shelby, O., for the 
last nine years, died in that city, 
Oct. 2 after art illness of four 
months. 

Widow, a son Thomas, who man- 
ages the theatre, another son and 
two daughters survive. 



Dorothy .Kingsley, screen writer at 
Metro. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Mclnich, 
Hollywood. Sept. 27. Father is a 
radio director. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bertram A. Mayers, 
daughter, New . York, Sept- 30. 
Mother is professionally Gloria 
Story; father is a theatrical attorney 
(Fitelson & Mayers).. 

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Kelsey, 
daughter, in New York, Sept. 30. 
Father is a radio writer. 



LUCIEN COEDEL 

Lucien Coedel, 42, picture actor, 
was killed recently in France. He 
apparently fell from a train on his 
way back from Switzerland to Paris. 
His mangled body was found the 
following day, run over by another 
train. Police are investigating pos- 
sible foul play. 



OLIVE BORDEN 

• Olive Bor.Ien, 45, star of silent 
films, died in the iSunset Mission, 
Los Angeles, Oct. 1, after a long ill- 
ness. Born in Baltimore and edu- 
cated in a convent school, Miss Bor- 
den started her film career as an 
extia and played a few bit parts, be- 
fore signing a contract with Fox 
Films in 1925. Her first outstanding 
role was in "Three Bad Men," which 
john Ford directed. Shifting to Col- 
umbia in 1929, she played the femme 
lead in "The Eternal Woman." Star- 
ring roles followed at RKO in "Stool 
Pigeon," "Wedding Rings," "Love in 
the Desert" and "Half Marriage." 
Her last prominent part was in "The 
Social Lion," at Paramount, in 1930. 

Mother, Mrs. Sibbie Borden, sur- 
vives. 



WILLIAM D. LYNCH 

William D. Lynch, 66, dancing 
instructor for 35 years, and former 
president of the Dancing Masters of 
America and the International 
Dancing Masters, died in Akron, 
Sept. 28. 

Widow and two sisters survive. 



Europe Radio 

Continued from page 1 



FRANK C. GOWER 

Frank C. Gower, 40, director of 
station WROL, Knoxville, died in 
a hospital there, bet. 6, of a heart 
ailment. He was formerly with sta- 
tions in Boston and New York. 

Widow survives. 



CORINNE SAYLES ' DOOLEY 

Corinne Sayles Dooley, 61, former 
vaude performer, died Sept. 30 in 
Baltimore, where she had undergone 
an operation at the John Hopkins 
hospital. Remains were brought to 
N. v . for burial. 

Partnered with her husband, J. 
Francis Dooley, in an act billed as 
Dooley & Sayles, she had been in 
show business for over 40 years. 
Team had been a featured comedy 
act for years on the Keith, Orpheum 
and other circuits. They retired in 
1930 and since operated a restaurant- 
nitery in Baldwin, L. I. 

Husband and a daughter survive. 



TOMMY WARDELL 

Thomas Francis Wardell, 50. 
known professionally as Tommy 
Wardell. died in New York, Oct. 1. 
He had been a vaude performer for 
27 year.*, appearing in a comedy 
singing act with his brother, Johnny 
Wardell. since retired, and more re- 
cently in an act with his wife, Jean 
Castro. 

Couple were rounding out a three- 
year run at Ben Harriman's Metro- 
pole. N. Y., when Wardell was 
stricken ill. 



HENRY B. PARKER 

Henry B. Parker, 56, former film 
director, died in Birmingham hos- 
pital, near Los Angeles, Oct. 3, from 
burns received when his bed caught 
fire from a lighted cigarette. He 
had been blind for seven years. 



THOMAS A. HUGHES 

Thomas A. Hughes, 82, for many 
years clarinetist with John Philip 
Sousa's band and later with Colum- 
bia Recording Co., died in Long 
Branch. N. J., Oct. 3. 



BARRETT WHITELAW 

Barrett Whilelaw, about 50. a vet- 
eran bit player and extra, died Oct. 
3 in Los Angeles of a cerebral hem- 
orrhage. 



HENRI VIGNAL 

Henri Vignal, 82, died recently in 
Paris. He was an exhibitor, and the 
president and founder of the bene- 
volent association known as Entr* 
aide du Cinema. 



the legit revues in Paris have no 
comedy, spice, although there's 
plenty of pretty faces and good 
music. The whole continent is hun- 
gry, depressed and sour, Bryson 
said, explaining the^lack of humor. 

In Germany, he reported that 
radio operations were slowly being 
passed into German hands under 
strict ' U. S. Army surveillance. Pro- 
grammers in the American occuoied 
zone are attempting to imitate U. S. 
radio styles and frequently rebroad- 
cast top U. S. shows from platters. 
Good music, however, remains the 
basic air staple. 

Commenting on political situation. 
Bryson stated tha.t there may be an 
iron curtain existing across eastern 
Europe, but the American people 
are definitely building a wall of 
fear and suspicion between them- 
selves and the rest of the world. 
Bryson scouted the imminent pos- 
sibility of war. War scare talk, 
which is rampant in America, 
sounds incredible to the Europeans, 
who are much closer to the situa- 
tion than we are. 

"There's a myth being spread 
about Russia being a tremendous 
power that isn't substantiated by the 
facts," he said, pointing out that 
| Russia's industrial potential was 
gutted by the recent war. "It will 
be 10, possibly 25, years, before the 
Russians can dare to wage war 
against the unrivalled and un- 
damaged industrial machine of 
America," he predicted. 

Following completion of his junket 
through France, Germany, Austria, 
Belgium and Switzerland, Bryson is 
currently completing a memorandum 
for UNESCO recommending steps to 
be taken in public schools around 
the world towards the cultivation 
of friendly attitudes for foreign 
peoples. 



SKW YORK OTY 
Capitol (I.) iO 

Gene Krupa Ore 
Tin 1 Vagabonds 
( 'Hrdlnl 
Ku?e Marie 

MiihIc Hull (I) » 
K Talbot-Martin 
I'aul Franlte 
I. hi He fummings 
Oorolhy Keller 
Rorkettes 
Corp.* tie Ballet 
SVIH Ore 

Paramount <!*) 9 
l>e.si Arna'/. Btl 
Marlon liuttuu 
lUldy Cardenas 
Xonelialanls 
I tuleina 

Boxy (I) 9 
Nancy Donovan 
Mill on Be lie . 
Stan Fisher 
1 ?!orm*eaiia 
The Vikings 

Stata (I.) » 
D & It Workman 
Console) K- Melbu 
Joe.y Rardin 
Wynn Murray 
Bill .Robinson 
Jim Wimp Trj)f 

Strand (IV) 16 
Blue Barron Ore 
Joey Adams 
Tony Oanzonerl 
Mark Plant 
Tari Vance 

BROOK I.VN ■ 
Matbnsh (I)' 10-1% 
Al Sehenk 
:t Arnauls 
Alma Kaye 

Jans & Mai-lell 

Alorey & Kalon 
Ql'KKNS 
■laiuairn (!) S-li 

The Klgins 

& S Arthur 
Reiss Bros 
Lew Bolyurd 
Chuck Brown 
(four to nih 
AKKON 
fnlare (1) U-IJ 
Ted Weems Ore. 
Beverly Tyler 
Herb Shriner 
l.add Lyon 

BALTIMORE 
Hippodrome (I) 10 
The Dunhills 
Tune»men 
Jack Leonard 
Franc-la Crai* 

State (I) U-ll 
The Barretts 
The Toumans 
Ralph Talent 
Joau -Brandon 

18-16 
Bobby Va n 
Danny Lewis 
LeVan & Boies 
Ed. Jack & Hetty 
HOMTOK 
Keith-, (IE) 9 
i'hil Resan 
Slate Bros 
St Leon Troupe 
Eileen Barton 
Think-Drlnk Hof'n 
('AM11KN 
ToH-em (I) 10-IS 
Francisco 
King * Harmon 
Stan & Art Catron 
Steve Murray 
Abdailah Girls 
CHICAGO 
. ChifiiKO <r> • 
Frank ia Carle Ore 
Nip Nelson 
Clark Bros 

Oriental (I) R 
Tex Williams Ore 
Joan Edwards 
(two to fill) 

CMCVBI.ANO 
Palaee (R) • 
Cab Calloway Ore 
Berry Bros 
Stump & Stumpv 
Count Lerov 



Wife of Leo Shull, editor of 
Actors Cues, died in N. Y. Sept. 30. 



W. R. (.lack) Marshall, 55, con- 
struction supervisor for years with 
Howard Hughes Productions and 
later with Nero Films, died in La 
Jolla, Cat, Sept. 27. 



BYRON B. BUCHANAN 

Byron B. Buchanan, 62, former 
exhibitor, died of a heart attack in 
Washington. Sept. 26. He was gen- 
eral manager of the theatre and 
public seating division o£ the Kroeh- 



Mrs. Olive Rlchralh, wife i : Paul 
J. Richrath. assistant eastern divi- 
sion manager of Metro, died in New 
York, Oct. 4, after several months' 
illness. 



Legit Bijou 

Continued from pa«e 7 



COM 'M HI'S 
Palace (K> » 

Jack' Haley 
Elsa # Waldo 
Si;»u^ Mt'Mann t 
Constance Moore 
Hal t,eroy 

HAKITORU 

Stale (l> 10-12 
Reatrlee Kay 
V Lombardo Ore 
The Colatona 
A I Bernie 

MIAMI 

Olvmphi (|*> S 
Catherine Harris 
Aflele Pnrrlah 
Cy Reeves 
Jewn Parker" 
WhiLaon BroH 

MINNEAPOLIS 
Kadio City (I 1 ) 9 
Tex Benehe 
<;ienn Miller Ore 
Artie Dahn 
Hank Seaman 

Attaint* ( I ) 9 

D Oilleanfe Ore 
Kiln Fitzgerald 
Arnelt Cobb Bd, 
» 'onKarooa 
Tim my RnpeVfl 
NKWIU'KUH 
Khz (P) 14 Only 
CbarHe Solvak Ore 
.Mel Tonne 
Al Bernie 
Tip Tap & Toe 

philadhlphja 

Carman (I) 9 

Torellt Circua 
Doris Faye' , 
Helehe & Rico 
Sonny Spark* 

I'ROYlIrtCNCE 

Capitol (I) ft 
Kilty Kallen 
The Dolinofls 
Roaa & Stone 
Nell Stanley 
(lonzales 2 

KK APING 

Rajah (I) 9-11 
Allen & Kent 
Roy Davis 
Gautiera Brlehl'ra 
Morris & Ryan 
Con nee Boa well 
ROCK FOR O 
Pahtre (I) 10-13 
RazKle Dastzle Rev 
Kverz & Dolores 
Donna Lane 
ftarr £ KsIcm 
Ji«T Saw .lact-Hon 
RUa & Renee 
HAN FRANCISCO 
C.olden <iatc <R> 9 
Shirley R»aa 
Helmut Dantine 
Km mmy Walah 
Clarence Naah 
Curry. Byrd & 

Keroy 
(one to flllt - 

SPRINGFIELD 
Court ttii (!) 9-12 
Melino & Hollia 
Julia Cum in : m >rn 
Harry Rose 
I*ansy the Horne 
A * J Johnston 
Cool; A. Brown 
8YRACCSK 
Keith <R) 9 . 
Sammy Kaye Ore 
OUen & Joy 
Canflelrt Smith 

UTICA 
Stanley <W> 13-13 
V T.ombardo Ore 
Phil Brito 
Cnlev Worth 
(one to nil) 

WASHINGTON 

CaWtol (I.) 9 
X, Henderson Dcra 
Mm:,'p A Kan- 
Jayne "Walton 
J R Arnaut 

Howard (I) 1ft 
Earl Hlnes Ore 
Hilly Eckstine 
Itmr»kina & Van 
B"!'y Lawrence 



ENGLAND 



which has been returned to legit, 
has been moved to the Bijou and 
extensive renovating is b«ing done. 
Maurer's aim is to keep it lighted 
via leng-run engagements of arty 
and foreign pix. 



Chevalier film, produced by^lene 
Clair under the title "Le Silence est 
, d'Or" ('Silence Is Golden), is un- 
Ben Katz, 52. stepfather of Jack usual in that, instead of having 
Briggs, Ginger Rogers' husband. \ English titles. Chevalier's voice will 
died in Cedars of Lebanon hospital. : be heard from time to time in Eng- 



Iios Angeles, Oct. 5, after a lengthy 
illness. 



Abraham Kahn, father of Irving 
Kahn, 20th-Fox radio publicity man- | French 



lish narrating the dialog and com 
menting on the action. All the char- 
acters in the picture, including 
Chevalier, however, will speak 



RKISTDI. 
Hipimdromr (I) 1 

Oanring Years 

New Theatre (I) « 

Arthur Askey' 
H»l Swain 
Rtl.lie Gray 

Swili« Sin 
Kl«ie Percival 
Nor KWl<li? 
('ullenta & I.ollla 
fleet «• Miironsy 
Hamilton 8- YhnhI 
OttKKY 
<>ranil (I) 6 
Ktanil Easy 
t* <*harlfe Chester 
Ken Morria 
Arthur Haynes 
l<en Atari en 
Ramon St flair 
Keniae Clifford 
liealie Noyex 
Rave & Maurine 
Oranadas ,V; felpr 
Molina Tyinca Co 
HAOKNKV 
Vmiiire (I) a 
Max Miller 
Frank (rm-ien 
l^*e Brooklyn 
Paul Rogers 
Korel * Culiln 
Harris & C'lirtxtlne 
Allele 



Krn^e Dillon 

I W( KNI KII 

Palaee (I) 6 

.lack Durant 

Billy RumeH 

4 Ramblers* 

Smith & Marjnfle 

Kleanor Beams 3 

Paul Wincrava 

V Harrison 

Beryl Orde 

T.ONHON 
Coliseum (I) « 

Stolla Ire Rev„e 
. .HANCHKSTKIl 
Hippodrome (1) 8 
Billy" Cotton Ore 

.lane 

l.es Silvaa 
Poster & Clarke 
.lohnson Clark 
Mary Priestnifin 
Marietta Dancers 
I 'nyle Klrt.s 

SIIKI'H'Its BFMI 
{Cmpire (I) u 

Town Roars 
Mills & Hobbie 
Tarzan & Tungo 
Downey Day • 
4 Mnole Leafs 
•lose Marie 
HaroM Childs 
Danny UrH\ 
Mavis Hill 
MrC.len & Vera 



Cabaret Bills 



NEW T0BK CITY 



H»giitelle 

Oorolhv J:<»ss 
Wrtlly (Irif.in 

Blue An^el 
Alice IVa rt't- 
Marc J.auri'nce 

KlaniPs 
(itforgp Hrjuer 
Klla l.:irl.in 2 

I.eliimiit-IMit/a 
Ullage 11 Swa tin 
Bnh Dixon 
Ta> lor i .in.; 
Itaelta Orv 
Kddir KUuip Ore 

Knbiin f*l«*it 
GeoiKe Kroislpr 
Maxirif* Sullivan 
•lean falmcr 
1'anl Villard 



Hill lHllard 
Harold llasiinca 3 
Wallv Kltutiei 

fDoH-ntu-vn) 

Stanley Praftpr 
D'trotliy .larnac 
Hoim. J.'o.ve 
Nellie liiitciier 
l>ave Alartin Ore 
fnfo Hwiel.v Vpin 
I'lictenne Bo\er 
Frank PourcVl 
Abl>ey Albert Ore 

Ctirnlwil 
Flay Holder 
H'*a(riJe Krurt 
Ka\e Hallard 
Viere Brtia 
Yvonne Adair 



I'aul Oavotlfl 
Reid Ore 1 

Chinii Ooll 

Ming- & Mng 
"WoiiK Sis 
Ijaurie 

Healriee Futiff Oye 
Jl C'urbello Ore 
laelt I'rase pre 
r»immi>;iita 

Joe 10 Lewis 
l**t MacDonald 
Mario & Floria 
Clark Dennis 
Michael Du : no Ore 
Fernando Alvarez O 

lh:il..1HI«| IlltrMfHlMtf 

Rosa & La Pierr« 
siri 

lej-man Hyde 
'i'nrner Twin* 

fJosebmlN 
lilllV Banke 
Tables Davis* 
Kenald Rudy 
■laek Mather? 
NobU SlaHle Ore 
Svd Slrana-e Or« 

Rl Clilco 
I'.nvtia R)<i!« 
Pilar dome?; 
Hanvlra *• 
Mar^arila 
I.oh 1,'hiiniulofl 

l.OM <':il<t*lli-rrts 

Kiu*i(iue Ara;;on O 

K it n- in 
.lnek Cole Dcr» 
Moore A- I.essy 
Pinky I,ee 
T.ueHle Vn ije 
Kena ,Ja>rd 
Nevada Smith 
J* *ul RemoM 
Alu Pin Soo 
Kauato Ourbello O 
Art Roman O 

Hotel Edison 
Geo Tmvne Ore 

No. I fifth 4v* 
Loutae Howard 
N.vpe & Cole 
Hazel Webster 
Downev k- PnnvUIc 

Hotel Ktltmore 

Dave Appollon 
Loiw Bannerman 
Laverne Gusl»f»on 
Siejihen Kialey O 
M ieliael Dunn 
Virginia Boyd 

Hotel l.evirijrlon 
A loman Himvhim ri»: 

flftVitnii-Mnclrifr 
Norn Mora lea Ore 
Kodriq'z & Pliyllia 
Replta Trlano 
Maximo 
SaeasaH Ore 

tie land 
Rose Hllin. 
Lynn Allison 
Tiny (Mark 
J.ou Mensebe] 
Martin Line; 
Frankle Prissaura 
Blimpy Blank Ore 

1 4i Martlniinie 
<4eoiKe Goble 
lender & Holland 
Anne l-'ianeine 
tfrvnu Kent Ore 
Maya Oreli 
Nicola Mathey Ore 

t.«M»H « r.iltllr • 

Eddie Davis 
Art Waner Ore 



Gloria Wallia 
Ruloff S 
Terry Corrican 
Catron Bros 
Robert Baxter 
Paeo * Hilda 
Shepard Line 

Mutiie rnrip 
Joel Shaw Ore 
Khumba Ore 
Ruber to 

10at»ex llouHtt 

Richard Himber O 
Hotel New %«rkt*r 

Ray MeKinley Ore 
Mat-inn Sneiman 
Arnold Shoda 
Not ena * Norrla 
Connie Conn 
Hotel lVaiuK.vltt*ulr 
Claude Thorphill O 

Hotel Pierre 
Walton & O'Rourka 
MeLerle & Bulier 
(*lta« Reader Ore 

Hotel Plfixn 
Llbernee 

.loel Jlerron Ore 
4>iitiii Ou)trl«* 

Willie Howard 

A I Kfclly 

Mazzone-Abbott D'a 

Gloria Le Roy 
Kin ile Boreo 
i'iroaUa 

Miriam Gwynnt 
;Bt<n A'lvantfj 
Vincent Travera O 

Klviera 
Martin & l^ewfa 
Tony Bavaai 
Miriam La Yell« 
Hotel M Rriclt 
Mill Shaw 
Laazla & PepHo 
Maria Morales 
Dxrline; & Jonea 
Paul Spatr Ore 
Hotel Tuft 
Vincent Lopez Ore 
rhariie Drew 

Splvy's 

Splvy 

Sbiela Barrett 
Rico Sarrojja 

» erwttiie* 
Dwigbt Flake 
Bob Grant Ore 
Panohiin f»ti 

Villus* Rum 
An 1 . Dennis 
S( fifths Ore 
I^ou Cecil 
Bet ty Percy 
Panny Below 

Vilbtxe VtHiffaard 
Chippy Hill 
.lay Marsliull 
Tom Scott 
Jimmy Shirley S 
Drm Krye 

IValilnrf-AMtnrla 
.Tenn Kabloil 
Nat Brand W ynne O 
Mlacha Bon- Ore 

Hob Lee 
Kay Cnrole 
>tr>'nne Lorey 
.lanie Scott 
Daltn.v While 

/.mniermnn'0 
Paul Smith 
.lancr.I Makuta 
7«lea Rela 
Panlens 

Dotta Haywood 
Gene Kardoa O 



CHICAGO 



Bin c It turn fc 

Sherman Hayes Or 
Vera Love 
Rob Karl 

Che* rare* 

MiUi Green 
Jackie Miles 
Marty Gould Oro 
Lander Holland 
Hobby nark 
.lack Nelson 
Don Chfesta 
Chez Adorable* (10) 
Hotel BluckMlone 
IV. er Lind Haves 
Alary Tlealy 
Itay Burton Ore 

Hotel Kiamurik 
The Talbota (2) 
Tonny DIPardo Or 
Kddle Fena Ore 
Hnilentinea (2) 
Orin >:oi*elioiiHd 
Montero & Yvonne 

HelalnjEB 
Lionel Prouting O 
Ralph Cook 
Ray -Malone 



Howard DeCoursey 
Marvin Hinimel 
Marc Jane DoriU 
Adrian Lorraine 

H Krtvewater Iteacb ' 

it llcathevtoii Ore 
Sul Graimian 
Arlhnr Nelson 
Marian 3-Vdcle 
Sonjc SlyliHis M) 
D Hild Dancra (1J) 

Hotel Sherman 
Carl Marx 
Franliie Lnine 
Krtdie ll.'bbard 
Jose Melis 
Jean Williams 

Latin Omirter 
St I've Condos 
Buddy Lester 
Lalin Lovelies 
Rwdrtv Shaw Ore 
Dick Hyde 
Roasflimios (2) 
Patli Mil I bank 

Palmer Houae 
Grin* Williams Ore 
Floreh\ejr* Desmond 
Artino * Counsuelo 



MARRIAGES 

Muriel Halpert to Al Gail, Los 
Angeles, Sept. 30. Bride is traffic 
manager and he's news editor of 
KWIK. 

Janet Midlim to Milton Stern, 
Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 28. Bride is 
principal of touring "Red Mill." 
He's stage manager of same show. 

Kaye Connor to George Britton, 
Pittsburgh, Oct. 2. Bride's in "Choc- 
olate Soldier"; he's a iinger. 

Elaine Levander to Arthur Sachs, 
Hollywood, Aug. 30. He's on David 
O. Selznick studio staff. 

Patricia Sturm to James Nush. Jr., 
New York. Sept 27. He owns the 
Rockne theatre near Pittsburgh. 

Shirleen M. Daniels to Waller H. 
Brazell, Los Angeles. Oct. 5. Bride 
is scretary for network sales at. 
ABC. 

Nan Hopkins to ■ Konald Culver, 
Santa Monica. Oct. 3. Both are 
British film thesps. 

Evelyn Hardy to Harry Loebel, 
Las Vegas, Oct. 4. He's a p.a. at 
Warner Bros. Studios, Embank. 

May Belle Spears to Charles L. 
Marsh, Los Angeled OA. 4. Both 
are vaude and legit players. 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



PfiRIETY 



IIOIJSK REVIEWS 49 



Strand, M. Y. 

Blu« Barron Orch (14) with Betty 
riarke Clyde Burke, Men Curtis & 
JSfnri Morris: Joey Adams with Mark 
Plant & Tony Canzoneri, Tari Vance; 
^"suspected" (WB) reviewed in 
Variety issue of Sept . 17. 

Tevitv keynotes the Strand's cur- 
rent layout. With comic Joey 
Adams' rapidflre gags sparking the 
fho ™ aided by Mark Plant, Tony 
Canzoneri and Blue Barron as his 
foils the customers appear satisfied. 
Although Adams' humor makes no 
pretense at sophistication, of course, 
and that's what they want at the 
Strand. 

Barron's band, comprising four 
reed five rhythm (including two 
pianos) and five brass, tees off 
agreeably, with sideman Charley 
Fisher vocaling "Smoke, Smoke. 
Smoke." No less than four of his 
men contrib warbling bits besides 
chirper Betty Clarke. 

Saxman Mert Curtis displays an 
okay tenor in crooning "Whiffen- 
poof Song," another sax player. Stan 
Morris, scores with "Chickery 
Chick" in a novel delivery that 
sounds uncomfortably like Donald 
Duck. Pianist -Clyde Burke pipes 
a brace, of which "I Wish I Didn't 
Love You so" is the better.. As an 
extra bit of largesse there's guitarist 
Allen Terry — a whistler, no less. 
Puckers out "Louise" for fair re- 
sists. 

Barging to the mike midway in 
the show, and sticking around until 
the blowoff, is Adams. His opening 
attack includes a flock of anecdotes 
dealing with Brooklyn, the Bronx 
and sundry other metropolitan 
points. Returns are so-so. Material 
sounds original but doesn't quite 
score. But when Adams goes into 
his standard stuff, he goes over. 

Introed by Adams as the "greatest 
fighter of all time," Canzoneri, ex- 
lightweight champ, is immediately 
involved in a "diction" lesson, with 
Adams as his mentor. Wrapped up 
in this old bit of business, but still 
effective, is Adams' nance imper- 
sonation, which draws chuckles 
when Canzoneri exclaims, "You 
can't be kiddin' every show!" That 
should be eliminated in a family 
house. Ex-pug mimics Edward G. 
Robinson in a reasonable facsimile 
and garners laughs when repeating 
the same Robinsonian expressions in 
a takeoff on Mme. Chiang Kai-Shek, 
a likewise old piece of biz for him. 

Plant comes in for some spirited 
heckling from Adams both onstage 
and from an aisle off the orchestra 
pit. Giant baritone gives out with 
''Old Man River" for nice response. 
Follows with the by-now standard 
"Sonny Boy," accompanied by 
Adams in their usual fol-de-rol. 

A zippy finale includes such tunes 
as "Margie" and "If You Knew 
Susie," warbled by Plant in a bur- 
lesqued interpretation. He's-" also 
socko with gag version of "I Didn't 
Care." 

Blonde Miss Clarke is solid on 
"Near You." Form-fitting black 
gown makes it evident all her 
charms aren't confined to her voice. 
Gal scores with "Mocking Bird," 
which starts out slow but winds up 
in a combined jazz and concert ver- 
sion. When the orch isn't accom- 
panying its vocalists, outfit shows 
decided sweet effects long identified 
■ with Barron's style. 

Sandwiched in the layout is the 
terping of Tari Vance. She's a tall, 
pert brunet whose gams dish out 
some fast footwork. Stepping was 
well received. 



a duet with Haley following a line 
of fast cross talk with him. 

Stagg McMann Trio lead off with 
pops and semi-classics- on v harmoni- \ 
cas to set a good tone to the show 
that follows, and the DiGitanos. 
straight terpers, go over big as al- 
ways. Larry Flint's house orch in 
the background is fine' as usual. Biz 
fairly good at opener. Elie. 



National, l/villc 

Louisuille, Oct. 3. 
Louis Prima Orch (15) with Cathy 
Allen, Jimmy Vincent, Lu & Jimmy 
Dei!, Lane Bros.; "Singapore" (U). 

Stage is jumpin' this week, with 
Louis Prima chief perpetrator of the 
zany goings on. His 15-pieee crew 
can really turn on the hot jazz when 
they are in the notion, but from the 
teeoff clowning is the principal 
motif. Prima has 'em pounding their 
palms with his hot trumpet, with 
his boys cooperating with a lot of 
screwball stuff to get things going 
at a merry clip. 

Opening specialty is Connie Stev- 
ens, curvaceous lass, who twirls 
batons. She's unusually clever with 
her manipulations and wins appre- 
ciation. 

Band's best innings come with 
"Can't Give You Anything But 
Love," given plenty of original treat- 
ment. Prima has 'em warming up 
their palms with his sly, slightly 
bluish "How Can You Tell About 
Me." Femme vocalist Cathy Allen 
gets over swell with "I Don't Want 
to Be Loved By Anyone Else," 
helped a lot by Prima's comic sup- 
port. 

Lane Bros., aero team, are a cou- 
ple of clean cut lads who have a 
smoothly routined bag of tricks. 
Their balancing and muscle stuff is 
heightened by neat comedy touches, 
all earning nice mitting. 

Several, of the Prima boys figure 
in specialties, vocal and instrumental, 
with their comedy the dominating 
note. While plenty goofy, their stuff 
registers. Drummer Jimmy Vinson 
dishes out the fast stuff on the skins, 
and makes his specialty a standout 
of the show. Hold. 



Slate, 3ST. ¥. 

Myron Cohen, Beverly Tyler, 
Hal Le Roy, Butun's Puppets, Zarco 
& Beryl, Juggling Jewels (4); Louis 
Bflsi! House Orch; "Perils of Pauline" 
(Par). 



RKO, Boston 

Boston, Oct. 3. 
• Jack Haley, Constance Moore, Elsa 
& Waldo, Stagg McMann Trio, Di 
Gitanos. Larry Flint House Orch; 
"Wyoming" (Rep). 



This is the sockest vaude bill set 
out in this spot in plenty of years, 
and it's made particularly wow by 
the debut here of a comedy dance 
duo that turns out to be one of 
those acts that comes up only once 
in a decade and seems set, from the 
outset, to hit the top. 

Act is Elsa and Waldo, a Spanish 
couple that pulls a set of parodies 
on dance teams that — despite the 
fact it has been done before — seems 
to be right out of the blue. On 
paper it doesn't seem much: they 
merely burlesque every kind of 
dancing from straight ballroom to 
toe. But in doing it they capture 
through grimace, posture, accentu- 
ation, and subtle inflection of move- 
ment, the highest comedy elements 
of the old familiar routines. And 
they pull off some of the most ac- 
complished acrobatic tricks in the 
execution of this comedy routine, a 
fact the customers hardly realize 
until it's all over, they do it with 
such consummate artistry. A very 
wow act. and unquestionably set for 
plenty bigger things. 

Jack Haley, a solid performer and 
very well liked here (it's his home 
town for one- thing, but he always 
delivers for another*, clicks with 
a shrewd line of chatter made even 
shrewder by his timing, and sings 
a couple of songs to get a solid beg 
off. Constance Moore, likewise a 
staunch performer, gets the cus- 
tomers from the outset with her 
nifty appearance and keeps them 
going with such tunes as "Almost 
Like Being in Love," "Kokomo," etc., 
warbled in solid fashion. She does 



The State bill has its off-and-on 
moments occasioned by several 
weak spots. One sock turn might 
have put the layout into the hit 
column, but unfortunately there's 
only one near approach to that in 
Myron Cohen. (New Acts) who 
while doing a smart all around job, 
is too new at theatre work to know 
his way around. 

Name value of lineup is contained 
in Beverly Tyler. Metro contract 
player, and Hal Le Roy the young- 
ish-vet tapster. Miss Tyler, recently 
at the nearby Capitol, relies on a 
well-groomed set of pipes more 
suited for musicals than vaude work, 
to get across. Numbers are well 
chosen, consisting of the waltz from 
"Sari." "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" 
and "Summertime." Unfortunately, 
she doesn't get the necessary pro- 
jection into her efforts, and con- 
sequently turn doesn't get full 
value on returns. 

Le Roy is one of the stronger acts 
on the hill displaying a knowing 
and energetic style of taps that 
builds nicely toward well-deserved 
mitting. 

Opener is Juggling Jewels (4) 
whose club and hoop work get okay 
response, with Bunin's Puppets in 
the deuce continuing in the ap- 
plause winning frame by slick doll- 
manipulation. Characterizations of 
the magician is their top effort, and 
gets its measure of appreciation. 

Zarco and Beryl contrib pictur- 
esque Castillian routines mixed with 
| acrobatics which gets a good meas- 
ure of response. 

Louis Basil's house crew opens 
the session with a colorful arrange- 
ment of Schubert's •Serenade" and 
does competent backing for the acts. 

Jose. 



and "I Want to Be Loved" but failed 
to hit due to bad phrasing and ner- 
vousness, which will probably be 
overcome on successive shows. 

Duet on drums by Red & Curley 
hits a highnote in the 90-minute 
show. Team holds the line with 
dance routines, which Hampton en- 
livens by joining in. 

Hampton and orch, far and away, 
top the show leading off with "Air- 
mail Special" featuring a solid tenor 
sax solo which moves the audience 
right into Hamps' lap. "Play Boy" 
with solos by Britt Woodman, trom- 
bone; Kenny Durham, trumpet and 
Jack Kelson, clarinet, runs a full 
eight minutes with some fine clarinet 
by Kelson. Orch handles "Tom Tom 
Specialty" and Hamp takes off on 
"That's My Desire" and "Somewhere 
There's Music" on the vibes. Stand- 
ards of Hampton's. "Flyin' Home" 
and "Hamps' Boogie" bring clown 
house and force crew into an added 
20 minutes of playing time. Free. 



New Acts 



Chicago, 4 'hi 

. Chicago, Oct. 3. 
Larry Adler. Fred & Elaine Barry, 
George Prentice, Cookie Bowers, 
Lou Breese Orch; "Song of the Thin 
Man" (M-G). 



Orpheirai, Mpls. 

Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 
Tommy Dorsey Orch (17) with 
Town Criers (4), Audrey Young, 
Stewart Foster, Emerald Sisters (2), 
Irene Ryan; "Riff-Raff" (RKO). 

Playing its first theatre engage- 
ment, this new Tommy Dorsey out- 
fit, an out-and-out swing aggrega- 
tion, sans the big fiddle section and 
pretentiousness of its predecessors, 
still impresses as stream-lined and 
will be rated as one of the very tops 
in its field. Considered strictly as a 
swing band instead of an orchestra, 
it's as good as TD has ever produced 
and there can't be much more lavish 
praise than that. And the extremely 
pleasant entertainment provided by 
it and its six singers in generous 
amounts seems sure-fire boxoffice. 

There are eight brasses, five saxes 
and three rhythms plus Dorsey on 
the trombone, a considerably smaller 
group than Dorsey formerly piloted, 
but the lineup with bang-up ar- 
rangements and a skillful choice of 
numbers, turns out music that's al- 
ways right on the beam. The lads 
give out plenty loud, brassy and hot 
most of. the time, but manage to 
keep items tuneful and listenable. 
Included in the aggregation are a 
number of standout swing musicians 
like Ziggy Elman, Charles Shavers, 
Louis Bellson and Paul Smith. 

It's needless to say that maestro's 
own tromboning and emceeing con- 
tribute much to the prece'edings, 
which maintain a lively pace 
throughout. The band gets away 
hot and loud with "Opus One." Then 
Shavers, squatty and vigorous Ne- 
gro trumpeter, grabs the mike for 
a first-rate, pepful comedy vocali- 
zation, "Fat Man." Town Criers, 
quartet of attractive girls and boys, 
deliver three sock swing arrange- 
ments — "Sunny Side of the Street," 
"Kate" and "By the Sea." 

. Amazing falls stud the comedy 
tumbling of the Emerald Sisters, 
whose offering is replete with diffi- 
cult stunts. Audrey Young sings 
coaxingly and effectively "All of 
Me," "Embraceable You" and "Try a 
Little Tenderness" to nice returns. 

Elman scores with "And the Angels 
Sing" in several tempos. Doing a 
single, Gordon Polk of the Criers 
demonstrates a quaint and original 
comedy delivery for his two song 
numbers, "I Met My Baby in 
Macy's" and "The Whistler" for 
solid salvos. Paul Smith, pianist, 
solos with "Boogie Woogie." a sort 
of jam session comprising snatches 
of popular tunes and improvisations, 
and it's terrific. 

Comedy gets in good licks from 
clever singing comedienne Irene 
Ryan of pictures and radio who, 
using Dorsey for a straight man. 
stops the show with her gags and 
unique renditions of "Nobody 
Knows. Nobody Cares" and "Feudin' 
and Fightin'." Stewart Foster, 
band's featured singer, makes his 
belated appearance after Louis Bell- 
son has gone beserk with the drums 
and Dorsey has done a bit of trom- 
bone soloing for "On the House." 
Foster, in fine voice, sings "Begin the 
Beguine," "Peg O' My Heart' and 
"Old Man River" to large applause 
returns. The stirring finale, "Free- 
dom Train," brings on all the sing- 
ers. House about half-filled for 
early Friday show. Rees. 



Capidol, Wash. 

Washington, Oct. 4. 
Lee Henderson Dancers (15), Ben- 
son & Maun, Sasha Leonaff, Ada 
Lynne, Sam Jack Kaufman House 
Orch with soloist Kay De Witt; 
"Merton of the Movies" (M-G). 



Nothing exceptional in lineup at 
Capitol this week, but the standard 
quartet of acts adds up to a pleas- 
ant hour, particularly in comedy 
spots. 

Benson & Mann, comedy team, 
take top honors with a fast, smooth 
routine. Audience registers ap- 
proval right along, even though 
material could stand a shot in the 
arm. Pair have a hep way of putting 
sparkle into a fairly stock act. 
They throw everything into the 
hopper, gags, a few songs, some 
buck and wing, and enough enthus- 
iasm for their own stuff to get it 
across to the gallery. 

Ada Lynne. pint-size comedy- 
songstress, with a pair of brassy 
pipes that make her a second team 
cross between Martha Raye and 
Betty Hutton, works hard and garn- 
ers results. Opens with a novelty 
number, "Little Miss Everything," 
and then sets out to live up to the 
title. Gets fine returns for a slap- 
stick WAC number. Does some 
imitations, and winds up with a 
novelty version of "The Man That I 
Marry." 

Sasha Leonaff makes music— and 
good— with an accordion and a piano. 
Adds some superfluous dialect pat- 
ter to his music, which is good 
enough to stand on its own. That 
old standby. "Hungarian Rhapsody 
No. 2," still clicks to be the mainstay 
of act. 

Lee Henderson Dancers open and 
close show with two colorful terp 
production numbers. Staging and 
costuming go well on Capitol's big 
platform, but, unfortunately, the 
terping is strictly second rate. Final 
number, "Slaughter on Second 
Avenue," a modern ballet version 
with an Apache flavor, gets the 
group in far too deep water for its 
limited talents, and falls flat on its 
face. Lowe. 

Million Dollar, L. A. 

Los Angeles. Oct. % 
Lionel Hampton Orch (20), with 
Witmi Brown. Roland Burton; Mara 
Kim Leonard Ban & Helen Estes, 
Red & Curley: "Gas House Kills in 
Hollywood" (EL). 

Lionel Hampton and his orchestra 
fill the house with a- solid beat go- 
ing through their lop disk numbers, 
"Airmail Special," "Flyin' Home" 
and "Hamps' Boogie." Rest ol the 
bill follows through with enough en- 
tertainment to keep the show roll- 

'"llara Kim flits about with a 
Chinese dance in jitterbug tempo for 
mild reception. 

Winni Brown holds her own with 
"Almost Like Being in Love" and 
"Bad News Baby." Hampton joiqs 
in on chorus of "Baby" with mate- 
rial which is strictly nitery stuff and 
tmsuitable for theatres. 

Eccentric dance team Leonard 
Barr and Helen Estes come on 
strong with Barr handling a "stiff 
movement" tap routine. Team does 
a slapstick dance with chatter which 
comes off well but which could/use 
new and stronger material. 

Roland Burton ballads "You Do' 



Although only in for one week 
this bill shapes up as one of the best 
in months. 

Larry Adler, top harmonicist. has 
brightened up his act, which tends 
to lean toward concert stuff, with 
comic interludes and chatter with 
the band. He opens with a composi- 
tion of his own and scores with a 
tricky adaptation of "These Foolish 
Things." Follows with "Hand-to- 
Mouth Boogie" and "Rumanian 
Rhapsody" to sew things up. 

Fred and Elaine Barry, youthful 
ballroomologists, are also solid with 
their nifty terping. Routines are 
essence of class to win hefty re- 
sponse. " 

George Prentice gets over neatly 
with Punch & Judy show. Cookie 
Bowers does nicely in comedy slot 
with satirical impressions and fun- 
stering to garner solid applaure. 

Lou Breese orch backs show ex- 
pertly. Z«be. 



Apollo, V. 

Lorry Steele's "Smart Affairs of 
1948" with Coleridge Davis Orch 
(13), June Richmond, Jimmie Smith, 
Tops & Wilda. Shoagrude Balinese 
Dancers, Hortense Allen, Le Vein 
Hvtcherson, Spider Bruce & Co., 
Brownskin Chorus (12); "Ren- 
dezvous 24" (20th1. 



Format of this unit hews fairly 
closely to the stock burlesque that 
flourished in New York over a dec- 
ade ago. There's a production num- 
ber with the line of girls, then com- 
edy, or a specialty followed by the 
gals again. Modest budgcter is gen- 
erally mediocre with the exception 
of a weird Balinese dance and the 
sock songs of June Richmond. 

Show unfolds with the line getting 
off some fast stepping followed by 
the terping of Tops & Wilda. dance 
team. Their work is not outstand- 
ing but garners fair applause. Cole- 
ridge Davis' outfit is a noisy aggre- 
gation that makes up in enthusiasm 
what it lacks in skill. Consisting of 
three rhythm, four reed and six 
brass, band contribs a so-so 
"Whistling at the Apollo." 

Introed as from "Carmen Jones" 
of several seasons ago, baritone Le 
Vern Hutcherson opens with a rous- 
ing "I Got Plenty of Nothin'" then 
does "Keep Your Hand Under the 
Plow," a number in the spiritual 
vein. His rich, expressive tones win 
him solid reception. Labeled the 
ebony samba, line is back for a pro- 
duction number. Clad in orange 
skirts and bras, their routines stand 
out in some neat lighting effects. 

Novel turn is that of Jimmie 
Smith. Tall gent in light blue top 
I hat and tails makes with the music 
by dancing on the hammers of a 
specially built xylophone. Plays a 
brace of tunes and finales with 
"Rhapsody in Blue." 

Making another costume change 
the line comes back in swirling two- 
toned gowns. This time cooch dancer 
Hortense Allen contribs strenuous 
bumps and grinds for okay recep- 
tion. 

But the epitome in bumps and 
grinds is reached by the Goodman 
Shoagrude dancers. Bony chap, 
wearing blue silk pants and turban, 
along with gal in open skirt, blue 
bra and beaded headpiece, make 
with some fantastic arm wriggling", 
head wobbling and toe squirming. 

Rounding out the layout is portly 
Miss Richmond. She pipes "I Be- 
lieve" in stentorian tones then fol- 
lows with "Man I Married." Latter 
is sold with plenty of suggestions 
in the right places. Does a bur- 
lesque version of "Old Man River," 
punctuated with a bit of dancing. 
Her "Hey Laudy Mamma" is the 
closer and registers solidly. 

Filtering through the 70-minute 
production is comic Spider Bruce, a 
Harlem institution, lie knows his 
audience and while his lines are 
banal — they get results. Emcee 
Steele is a lean, lanky chap who 
spots himself in a corny monolog 
and stale gags. Does a cute comic 
spiel— built out of song titles for a 
so-so reception. 



MYRON COHEN 

Comedy 

Z0 Mins. 

Loew's Slate, N. Y. 

Myron Cohen has. arrived as a 
recognized act with his N. Y. theatre 
bow at Loew's State. This racon- 
teur worked his way into showbusi- 
ness with varied stints as a story- 
teller in the N. Y. garment centre 
and later appearances at club dates. 
It wasn't until his numerous turns at 
guest nights that showmen perked 
to his potentialities. 

Not too long ago a salesman in 
the wearing apparel trades, Cohen 
in this respect has the same genesis 
as Harry Richman who came up 
from a similar mercantile back- 
ground. But Cohen has capitalized 
upon his background with his Yid- 
dish dialect stories which reveal an 
intimate knowledge and affection for 
his subjects. Probably because of 
his complete understanding of the 
apparel industry, the stint of dialec- 
licism is removed to the point where 
audiences can laugh with him at the 
clothing business foibles. He has 
developed an inexhaustible reper- 
toire of clean stuff suited for the 
tamily trade which coupled with his 
smooth delivery, makes his probably 
the top raconteur of his genre. 

Cohen's sole 1 drawback is minor. 
He has still to attain some show- 
manly traits to attain top levels as 
an act. As it is, he's a good bet for 
metropolitan vauders and cafes. In 
'".'■" he has an especially heavy 
draught. Jose. 

KAY THOMPSON & WILLIAMS 

BROTHERS (4) 
Songs 
25 Mins. 

Mark Hopkins Hotel, S. F. 

This act will attract superlatives 
aplenty once it gets moving full 
gear in the big time spots. Definitely 
one of the most promising attrac- 
tions to come to the supper club 
horizon in recent seasons the Kay 
Thompson troupe bears down heav- 
ily on the show hiz savvy to magnet- 
the attention and applause which it 
deservedly gets from the plate- 
rattlers. Big appeal is sophisticated 
routing which is well backed by 
smart song material and first rate 
floor appearance. Kay Thompson, 
angular but blond and trenchant, 
and in formal white pajama costume, 
shows a keen command of timing in 
putting over her song contents. 
Voice is on the left-side of terrific 
but that fades out as being unim- 
portant as she pitches with sure- 
beamed material. She moves all 
over stage, taking part in routines 
with the lour Williams Bros, who 
dovetail smartly with song stuff and 
polished hoke. 

Williams foursome are well 
groomed setup of authentic freres 
in early twenties, of almost identical 
height and weight, who backdrop 
neatly with harmony singing and 
necessary comedy framing. To- 
gether Miss Thompson and the Wil- 
liams Bros, are plushy entertain- 
ment that fits in well with hotel 
salon decor and decolette patronage. 

Starting off with an introductory 
song which shows the act off well, 
the fivesome moves into a fast paced 
special arrangement dubbed "Jubilee 
Time" which does big for applause 
and then carries on with a Noel 
Cowardly "Suzette" which also 
scores for good return. Top item of 
their wares is "Broadway," which is 
first rate showmanship and leaves 
the check-payers ah-ing up to here. 

Act shows plenty of hard work, 
good taste and know-how. and bar- 
ring over-confidence should turn on 
the lights all along the line. Ted. 



'Amber 1 

— Continued from page 5 
slated for release by 20th before the 
end of the year. "Nightmare Alley," 
which preems at the Mayfair, N. Y., 
tomorrow (Thursday) and "Daisy 
Kenyon," which follows it into the 
Mayfair about Thanksgiving, will go 
out as general releases. "Gentle- 
man's Agreement" and "Captain 
From Castile" will be handled as 
specials on selective spot bookings. 
"Agreement" opens Christmas Day 
at the Mayfair, N. Y.; the Apollo, 
Chicago; and two houses in Los An- 
geles. "Castile" goes into the Rivoli, 
N. Y., Christmas Day and is slated 
for many key city openings during 
Christmas week. 

Ad-publicity campaigns for 20lh- 
Fox's "Captain From Castile," "Gen- 
tleman's Agreement" and "Snake 
Pit" will be mapped out on the Coast 
this week in huddles among ad-pub- 
licity chief Charley Schlaifer and 
20th studio execs Joseph M. Schenck, 
Darryl F. Zanuck and studio pub- 
licity topper Harry Brand. 

Schlaifer left the homeoffice tot 
the Coast over the weekend, accom- 
panied by Christy Wilbert, adver- 
tising manager. En route fo and from 
the Coast, Schlaifer will huddle with 
20th' field personnel and exhibitors 
on the forthcoming mass roadshow 
release of "Forever Amber." He'll 
stop in Chicago, Kansas City, San 
Francisco, Denver and Salt Lake 
City. 



50 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



ANTA, Golden Support Again Seen 
For Financing Experimental Units 



Although compensation is not a* 
factor to appearances in ' non-profit 
activities like Experimental Theatre 
or Equity Library Theatre, it is the 
desire of actors that both projects 
be resumed this season. Recondi- 
tioning of several public library 
branches used last season for re- 
vivals precludes those spots being 
used, but with John Golden again 
financing the mostly younger set of 
Equityites, other places for the 
showcase showings have already 
been surveyed. 

ET is expected to again have the 
American National Theatre and 
Academy in support but faces the 
p-oblem of financing. Dramatists 
( -itd has earmarked $2,000 for ET, 
r >d Equity may follow suit. Grant 
* .is nixed by the council recently 
I uf will be reconsidered, yet more 
backing is necessary in light of the 
ji oject's showing last season, when 
there was an indicated deficit of 
$13,345. ( 
In'tial season saw five experi- 
mental plays presented at. a total 
cost of $37,595, but total receipts 
were only $21,250. It is assumed that 
ANTA paid off the red, it having 
paid out $5,125 during the period 
the plays were being prepared. Pro- 
duction and operating costs were 
$25,222, whereas money irom sub- 
scriptions or memberships (includ- 
in° the critics) was $4,000 less. 

ET will probably seek concessions 
from the stagehands, 36 of whom 
■were paid $8,831, whereas 96 actors 
got $5,090. The actors worked for 
five weeks, including rehearsals and 
appeared in five performances, for 
•which they received honoriums, 
■whereas the deckhands were paid 
throughout the "season." 

Golden has donated over $20,000 
to the library performances (actors 
appear entirely gratis and there are 
no admissions charged) to which 
he's devoted more time than to 
Broadway. A number of actor 
placements were made in regular 
engagements, and one director 
was likewise placed. He is John 
O'Snaughnessy, who directed "Com- 
mand Decision." which arrived at 
the Fulton, N. Y„ last week. 

Lineup for ET showings are: "The 
Fifth Horseman," by Abe Goldfein; 
"Lamp at Midnight," by Barrie 
Stavis; "Yes Is for a Very Young 
Man," by Gertrude Stein; "Tale 
Wags Dog." by Katharine Clugston; 
"Skipper Next to God," by Jan de 
Hartog; "The Nineteenth Hole of 
Eurooe," by Vivian Connell; "Calig- 
ula," by Albert Camus: "Galileo" 
the Bertolt Brecht play that Charles 
Laughton adapted; "The Soldier 
Tanakar,"- an adaptation by the late 
John CQlton from the German of 
Georg Kaiser; "The Caucasian Circle 
of Chalk." an adaptation by Eric 
Bentley from Eertolt Bercht, and 
two one-acters by Jean-Paul Sarte 
entitled "The Unburied Dead" and 
"The Respectable Prostitute." 

How many will be shown is not 
definite until passed upon by ET 
executive committee. 



N.Y.'s Philharmonic 
Subscription Season 
Best in Over 15 Yrs. 

The N. Y. Philharmonic-Sym- 
phony, starting its 106th season to- 
morrow (9) in Carnegie Hall, N. Y., 
is another straw in the concert wind 
to prove this will be a bullish mu- 
sic season. Subscription sale for 
'47-'48 is better than anytime in the 
past 15 years or sin e the giant days 
when Arturo Toscanini and Bruno 
Walter shared the podium. 

There is an overall jump of 6% 
over last season. Certain series, 
such as the odd Thursday nights, 
show a 10% increase and are sub- 
scribed to 90% capacity. The tw.o 
popular-priced Saturday evening 
scries are subscribed to practically 
100% capacity. Friday afternoon 
series are 85% cap'acity sold. 

This is also the 17th year that CBS 
Is carrying the Philharmonic pro- 
grams, having carried the annual 
series sustaining for 13 of them. 

The Philharmonic has also signed 
s longterm lease on Carnegie Hall 
for the first time. Heretofore leases 
ran season to season because the 
Carnegie Hall owners had contem- 
plated selling the building from year 
to year. Evidently having changed 
their minds, owners are now going 
in for longer leases. This fall the 
Philharmonic board took a lease 
until the spring of 1951. 



'MEDIUM' FOR LONDON 
WHERE ALSO FILMED 

Original cast of "The Medium," 
current Broadway legit hit, is re- 
ported set to go to London next 
spring to do both a live and film 
version of the musical play. Deal 
was set by Irving Lazar, who reps 
Gian-Carlo Menotti, . the author. 
Lazar returned from England last 
week. 

Emile Littler will produce the 
legiter in Britain. Lazar refused to 
disclose who would produce the 
film, although he stated that )t 
would be made at the Metro studios 
and a release deal has been set. Pic- 
ture will be directed by Menotti, 
who is under contract to M-G in this 
country as a director-writer. Deal 
permits him outside pictures. 

Bans on Legits, Film 
Come In for Censure 
At Show Biz Meeting 

Protests against three recent bans 
of legit plays and a film were voted 
at a midnight rally Thursday night 
(2) of theatre division of the Pro- 
gressive Citizens \ of America, at- 
tended' by an estimated ' 600 show 
business people. The meeting, at the 
International theatre. N. Y., was to 
protest the rising cost of living. 

One resolution condemned the re- 
cent action of the Albany board of 
education in denying the use of a 
local highschool auditorium for the 
presentation of the Arm'aud d'Usseau- 
James Gow" hit drama of two sea- 
sons ago, "Deep Are the- Roots." The 
play, which deals with 1 racial preju- 
dice, was reportedly banned as 
'controversial" by the Albany au- 
thorities: The motion of protest was 
offered by Arthur Miller and was 
approved by a voice vote. 

According to Miller, chairman of 
the meeting, his own prize-winning 
drama, "All My Sons," currently at 
the Coronet, N. Y., has been banned 
by the War Department for over 
seas presentation, "at least in areas 
controlled by the Army." He added, 
however, that it will be played in 
seven other countries, where the 
Army authority doesn't extend* 

On a floor motion by Philip Loeb, 
it was resolved to urge the Drama- 
tists Guild to protest the Army ban- 
ning of "Sons" and the Screen 
Writers Guild to. protest the Navy's 
recent refusal to permit the screen- 
ing of RKO's film on anti-Semitism, 
Crossfire," in situations under its 
control. This motion, too, was passed 
by unanimous voice vote. 

Another resolution, offered by Al- 
fred Drake and passed by unani- 
mous voice vote, called for President 
Truman to call a special session of 
Congress to deal with inflationary 
prices. The text of the resolution 
was to be sent to all theatrical trade 
unions and craft organizations. 

Besides Miller and Drake, speak 
ers at the meeting included Sam 
Wanamaker, who appealed for con 
tributions; Onslow Stevens, who 
urged those present to register this 
week in New York for the fall elec- 
tions, and Sidney Cohn, union at- 
torney, who explained how the Taft- 
Hartley law establishes "thought 
control" in violation of Constitu- 
tional liberties. 



Calypso Revue Due For 
Philly Opening Oct. 20 

"S.S. Calypso," an all-Negro revue 
bankrolled by Samuel L. Manning 
and Adolph Thenstead, West Indian 
performers, went • into rehearsal 
early this week. Show is booked to 
open at the Shubert, Philadelphia, 
Oct. 20, for two weeks, with Boston 
to follow for a similar date. Lyrics 
and skits have been supplied by the 
Manning-Thenstead duo, who have 
appeared in London and Paris, spe- 
cializing in calypso numbers. 

Pearl Primus and her dance outfit 
will get top billing, company in- 
cluding The Duke of Iron, Josephine 
Premice, Smith Kids, Trio Orien- 
tale, Richard Silvers and Gregory 
Felix with his calypso band. 



Longhairs So-So 
Down Under 



Despite John Charles Thomas' sen- 
sational concert tour of Australia- 
New Zealand last summer (he 
grossed $187,000 in 36 concerts), 
other U. S. artists who toured Down 
Under haven't done well, according 
to reports. Only other successful one 
was Miklos Gafni, young Hungarian 
tenor, who capitalized on his unusual 
story of having learned to sing while 
a concentration camp prisoner dur- 
ing the war in Germany. 

But of other prominent artists to 
try the Aussie market this summer, 
none made money. Violinist Isaac 
Stern fared passably because he was 
on ' a government subscription list. 
Pianists Claudio Arrau and Simon 
Barere were only fair draws, while 
Vivien della Chiesa drew poorly, as 
did Herta Glaz, who concertized in. 
New Zealand' (doing radio broadcasts 
only in Australia). , 

Reasons given for the flops are sev- 
eral. Too many artists were taken 
out, from the U.~ S. and Europe, by 
various managements, including sev- 
eral new, small concerns that mush- 
roomed during or since the war. 
Those handled by Tait & Co. and 
ABC, the long-established manage- 
ments, did best. There are oniy 
7,000,000 people in Australia, and 
their preference is for the artists 
made known to them through record- 
ings or films. The Aussie radio sys 
tem is largely based on recordings. 
This explains why only top artists 
Set the cream, as evidenced by 
Thomas this season, and by Richard 
Crooks and Lawrence Tibbett in the 
late '30's.. Latter duo each garnered 
over $100,000 in their tours. 

•Aussie managers, at the same time, 
are decrying reports that top U. S. 
artists, like Marian Anderson, may 
cancel projected tours Down Under 
due to possible freeze on salaries. In 
the first place, they claim that no 
monies are being withheld on con- 
tracts signed with them before the 
freeze regulations came into force. 
From the Jong range view, they also 
claim it's unwise for U. S. artists to 
bow out of a market due to a tempo 
rary situation, because artists from 
Europe are overly eager to take 
their place. 

If\ artists have to leave part of 
their money in Australia, managers 
say, they'll eventually get their 
money out, when the dollar pool 
situation changes. Some expect this 
change soon. 



"Music In My Heart," the Tschaikowsky-score musical known on the 
Coast as "Music Without Words," opened on Broadway last week after a 
somewhat hectic but well patronized tryout in Philadelphia. Henry Duffy 
made the presentation, delayed for some time through bankroll problems. 
The financing is reported to be by Regional Associates, Inc., a group of 
downtowners who reside in Pleasantville, N. Y., headed by-Jule Winslow 
and William G. Richardson. Miss Winslow is given . obscure program 
credit as co-producer, she signing all checks and contracts. Program also 
bills her as production assistant and sets forth that the show's ownership 
and operation is by Music In My Heart' Co., a limited partnership, 

In addition to cast changes there were frequent directional switches 
during daily rehearsals. Martha Wright of the ensemble, sat 
through all rehearsals, she also being understudy for the lead femme part. 
When it was decided to replace Florence George, Miss Wright stepped in 
and virtually stopped the' show. Marguerite Piazza was then called in 
but lasted only briefly, Miss Wright then getting the assignment regularly. 
She was lauded by'N. Y. critics, who didn't like the show, however. Pro- 
gram names 11 understudies, .also unusual billing. 

In the Daily News notice, John Chapman mentioned that the hero used 
a dummy piano and that the Tschaikowsky melodies came from the wings, 
reviewer apologizing the next day (4). Robert Carroll, who enacts the 
Russian composer in the show, is actually a pianist and did the playing. 

An announcement. was made last week that Lee and J. J. Shubert had 
formed a foundation in memory of Sam S. Shubert, older brother who was 
killed in a train wreck in 1905. Incorporation papers filed in Delaware 
in June, 1945, states the fund is: "To conduct and carry on the work of 
the foundation, not for profit but exclusively for religious, charitable, 
scientific, literary and educational purposes of the foundation." Understood 
the fund now has $500,000 in its treasury. Contributions have been made 
to religious organizations, non-sectarian groups and individuals. Officers 
are Lee, J. J., and John J. Shubert (J. J.'s son), Dora Wolf Shubert, sister 
of the brothers; William Klein and Milton Weir, Shubert attorneys, and 
John F. Waters, Shubert auditor.! Latter joined the office when the Shu- 
berts went into receivership in 1931. A number of their theatres reverted 
to first mortgage holders, but were later re-acquired, adding to the Shu- 
berts' vast realty possessions. 



Inside Stuff-Legit 



Michael Myerberg sent Bibles to N. Y. drama critics, accompanying note 
reading: "There is only one reference book for 'Dear Judas.' I- hope you 
find pleasure in the wonderful printing and easy reading of this edition." 
Manager's "Dear Judas," which started a controversy in Catholic circles 
when tried out at Ogunquit, Me., during the summer and was banned 
in Boston, opened at the Mansfield Sunday (5). Bible has nearly 1,300 
pages, and is the King James version, edited and arranged by Ernest 
Sutherland Bates. Biblical drama was adapted by Myerberg from a poem 
of same title by Robinson Jeffers, a Californian. Latter adapted "Medea" 
from the original of Euripedes, a drama that opened at Princeton last 
Friday (3) and is due on Broadway at the Empire Oct. 20. 



Sidney Phillips of Metro's N. ,Y. staff is co-producer with Kermit Bloom- 
garden of "Command Decision," one of last week's promising Broadway 
entrants, but his name does not appear in the billing. Deletion was 
made at Phillips' request because of his connection with the film outfit. 
He discovered the script and with Bloomgarden, co-signed the contract 
for its production with William Wister Haines, drama's author. Metro 
has the film rights -to "Decision," secured by a pre-production deal. It 
is Haines' first play, originally in book form. 



Paul Dullzell, executive secretary of Equity, Is a delegate to the Amer- 
ican Federation of Labor convention to be held this month in San Fran- 
Cisco. While on the Coast he will look over Equity offices in Frisco and 
Los Angeles. Ruth Richmond of Chorus Equity also will attend the con- 
vention, others from theatre unions also going there, including George 
Heller, of the American Federation of Radio Artists, and Milton Wein- 
traub of the Assn. of Theatrical Agents and Managers. 



Plays on Broadway 



4 o hi man d Decision 

Kermit Bloomgarden production ot melo- 
drama in three acts <one scene) by "WUIium 
Winter Haines. Features Paul Kelly, Jay 
KaHJieu ami Paul McUrath. Staged by John 
O'ShaughnesHr: setting, Jo Mlelzlner. 
Opened at Fulton, N. Y., Oct. 1, '-17; $4.60 
top. 

Tech. Sgt. Harold Rvans, . James Whitmore 

War CniTWp. Brockhurat Edmon Kyan 

Brig. Gen. K. C. Dennis Paul Kelly 

Culonel Ernest Haley Edward Binns 

Captain Lucius Jenks Arthur Fran?. 

Enllst'-d Armed Guard West Hooker 

MaJ. Gen. Roland G. Kane Jay Fasaett 

Brig. Gen. Clifton ('. Garnett.Paul McGrnth 

Major Homer Presoott William Layton 

Colonel Edward Martin. .Stephen Elliott 

Lt. Jakf* Golrlljerx John Randolph 

Major Desmond Lansing Lewis Martin 

Major Belding Davis..; Robert Pike 

Major Rufus DayhufC Walter Black 

Mr. Arthur Malcolm...* Paul Ford 

Mr. Oliver Sump Frank McNeills 

X. C. O. Photograt>hr;r Leonard Patrick 

Captain G. W. C. Lee James Holden 



MEETINGS SKEDDED 
FOR EQUITY REPS 

A series of monthly meetings will 
be held by Equity representatives in 
each legiter. deputies who are as- 
signed to speak for casts in matters 
arising between actors and man- 
agers. Similar sessions were ex- 
perimented with last season, the re- 
sult being that some suggestions 
made by deputies were reflected in 
the revised basic agreement with 
the League of New York Theatres. 

Expected soon to function is a 
joint committee consisting of coun- 
cillors and Equityites, objective 
being to promote more engagements 
for members. Idea was proposed at 
last month's quarterly membership 
meeting, there being indications of 
less employment during the first 
half of 1947-48, the present pace of 
production being considerably 
slower than usual during the fall. 



New 'Wilderness* Teeing 
Off Vienna Volks Season 

♦ Vienna, Sept. 26. 

Volkstheatre has opened winter 
season with Eugene O'Neill's "Ah 
Wilderness," with German language 
title of "Verwirrung der Jugend." 
Director Guenther Haenel changed 
time of action, the Vienna version 
taking place between the two world 
wars, 1919-1938, instead of 1906. 



Dallas Winter Season 

Set for Theatre '47 

Dallas. Oct. 7. 

The winter season of the Dallas 
Theatre '47 is scheduled to open 
here at the Gulf Oil Playhouse in 
Fair Park on. Nov. 3 with Ibsen's 
"The Master Builder." 

Vivian Connell's "The 19th Hole 
of Europe" will be done in coopera- 
tion with the Experimental Theatre 
of the American National Theatre 
and Academy, which holds prior 
rights. A play by George Bernard 
Shaw is also planned as well as 
three one-acters by Tennessee Wil- 
liams. 



Not often do war dramas become 
winners. This one probably will, 
though, because it seems authentic. 
However, "Decision" is to technical 
that patronage is liable so be mod- 
erately okay instead of exceptional. 

First World War had its '"What 
Price Glory," and no comparable job. 
American product of same type has 
come forth as an aftermath of the 
more recent conflict. The English 
"Journey's End" was also a stout 
scorer on Broadway. .Nearest to that 
brace is "Command Decision," which, 
like "End," has ah all-male cast and 
is a one-setter (there was only one 
femme in "Glory"). 

New play is localled in the office 
of Brig. Gen. K. C. Dennis at head- 
quarters of the 5th American heavy 
bombardment division in England. 
The time is that period of the war 
when the loss of planes used in pre- 
cision bombing stirred up criticism. 
"Casey" Dennis is aware of the grue- 
some records of the division's missing 
pilots' and navigators, but it Was his 
decision that the men were expend- 
able if the campaign to smash Nazi 
jetplane plants was to be successful. 

Casey refuses to change tactics, be- 
ing antagonistic when two Congress- 
men arrive to rubber, and towards 
the end his superior, Maj. Gen. Kane, 
reluctantly acts on advices from 
Washington in replacing Dennis with 
Brig. Gen. Garnett, who takes com- 
mand with no relish for the tough 
job. Casey is recalled but just before 
his departure new orders from Wash- 
ington send him to China. 

Accompanying Casey is his orderly 



Tech. Sgt. Evans, a character that is 
the play's lifesaver. Evans is played 
by James Whitmore, a fellow with a 
sense of humor, who's given to mak- 
ing caustic comments when he can 
get away with them, but he's a guy 
who knows the answers and is loyal 
to his commanding officer. Touches 
added by Whitmore furnish the 
meller's only light interludes. Every 
now and then statistical conversation 
engrosses the • officers, if not the 
audience. 

Paul Kelly is a standout as the 
grim-visaged Casey. He really looks 
the part. Jay Fassett is also excel- 
lent, as his superior officer who tries 
to back him up. Paul McGrath per- 
forms very well as the succeeding 
commandant. Among others who 
know their stuff are James Holden, 
Edmon' Ryan, John Randolph and 
Lewis Martin. 

"Decision" is by a former officer, 
William Wister Haines, who was on 
the scene overseas, first writing it as 
a book. It's the first directional job 
by John O'Snaughnessy, who'll 
doubtless get .more staging assign- 
nts on the basis of his "Decision" 
lbee. 



How I Wonder 

Ruth . Gordon and Gnrso» Kanin. wilh 
Victor Sumvock ami William Fields, )»•«- 
Auction ot Way in three ails by Donald 
OKdcn Stewart. stars Kavmond Masse}, 
features Kverell Kloane, Carol Oooducr. 
Directed by Kanin; settimr by Donald 
Oenslaffer. At Hudson, N. Y., Sent. SO. 
'47. Sd.ttO lop. 

J'rof, Lemuel Slevenson. .nnvmoml MaB.se? 

I .am n Mind. Kverelt Sloans 

Waller Smith Henry Jones 

('lilt Saunders lolin Marriott 

Margaret Stevensoi Carol c.oodn'er 

Christina Stevenson .Bethel Leslie 

George Drumniond Bvrnn McGralta 

I»r. HUler ......John Sweet. 

Wsa Mck Mundy 

Henr.v Harkrldei Wyrley Birch 



Donald Ogden Stewart has gnawed 
off more than he can masticate in 
his new play, "How I Wonder." 
which premiered on Broadway last 
week under the production aegis of 
Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin. 
He's made a noble try at giving man 
courage, but in terms of theatre it 
doesn t quite come off. As such its 
chances for survival are slim. 

Stewart has used an impersonation 
of man's mind, the light from an- 
other world, the discovery of a new 
star in the heavens, economic in- 
justice, racial discrimination — in fact 
(Continued on page 52) 



Wednesda y, October 8, 1 947 



P%niEff 



LEGITIMATE 



51 



Equity Chiefs Sign Ism' Nix 

All officers, members of the council and others have complied with 
Equity's requirement to sign notarized statements swearing that they 
are neither communists, fascists' nor sympathizers of such factions. 
•Some councillors who first voiced objections to signaturing the oaths 
ciid so without delay. Only missing signed statements from some of 
the 50 in that body are said 'to be councillors whose addresses may 
be faulty or those who may. be on location in the west on picture, 
assignments. ' . 

Outburst of Elliott Nugent at Equity s membership meeting last 
month is credited with having sui'p.'ise ly clarified the problem of 
alleged factionalism in actor circles. rrrticularly in Equity. , 

Flop One Season, Bit the Next— 
That's the History of The Heiress 



Hit rating of "The Heiress." which ♦ 
opened at the Biltmore, N. Y., last 
week, points up how infrequent are 
t-:e instances of a flop play tryout 
cne season turning into a hit tho 
next. Stunt hasn't been pulled eft 
'mere than four times in a decade, 
the others being the George Abbott- 
produced "Room Service." which 
Max Gordon had previously unsuc- 
cessfully tried out; John Golden's 
"Three's a Family," after a prior 
tryout by John C. Wilson, and Gor- 
don's "Years Ago" last season, done 
the year before under another name. 
' Previous "Heiress" tryout hurt its 
current production. Oscar Serlin 
tried it out a year ago as "Washing- 
ton Square." Jed Harris, who direct- 
ed current version for producer Fred 
Finklehoffe, saw show opening night 
in New Haven, and when Serlin 
closed it he took it on for a six- 
month reworking with authors 
Ruth and Augustus Goetz. Finkle- 
heffe and Harris had to fly to Lon- 
don to talk Wendy Hiller into play- 
ing lead. Basil Rathbone's agent ad- 
vised against actor taking male lead, 
due to the beard he wears in the 
P'ay. 

On account of the previous sea- 
son's flop, producer couldn't sell the 
i ual theatre parties for his show, 
although he admits he tried. Show's 
dough is reported all Finklehoffe's. 
Show opened cold in N. Y. ( with a 
week of previews, all free. It sold 
out second night, with 21 standees, 
and has had standees ever since. 
Agency inquiry is hot, with show 
claiming an $80,000 advance today. 

Show is also considered vindica- 
tion for the afternoon critics, all of 
whom praised show highly (as 
against the Times and Herald Trib- 
une thumbs-down), nixing theory 
than a show can't be sold if morning 
sheets are against it. 

Show had a trailer running for 
fcjr weeks at a neighborhood film- 
house where Miss Hiller is appearing 
in a film, with 45,000 people claimed 
to have seen ii. Show also, gets men- 
tion o,n Rathbone's- Monday night 



George Jean Nathan 
Has Sprightly New 
Theatre Book of Yr/ 

By* ABEL GREEN 

George Jean Nathan started doing 
a "Theatre Book of the Year" with 
(he 19?r.-4fl season, and the latest, 
covering— '46-'47, is sprightlier than 
ever. 

If Nathan doesn't like something, 
he just comes out and sez so wlth- 
cut mincing words. True, he has a 
c uaint wr.y of doing it sometimes. 
As for instance, that gorgeous brush- 
off to Jean-Paul Sartre, whose "No 
Exit" (nee "Huis Clos"). he feels, is 
chiefly for the "boozoisie of Montr 
parnasse." That "boozoisie" takes its 
place right up there with his beer 



Theatre-Party Sales Seen Strong 
Factor in Red-Black Margin 



PREP FRENCH 'FINIAN'S' 
WITH ELYSEES BALLET 



♦ Broadway notices usually have 
indicated the chances of new shows 
but grosses have furnished a more 
accurate gauge until the theatre 
party system became a factor. So 
many ticket-package deals of that 
type are made that regardless of a 
difference of opinion among show- 
men, also ticket agency operators, a 



Paris, Oct. 7. 
Finian's Rainbow," c u r r e n t 
I Broadway musical hit, is being pre- 
pared for Paris production by an ! majority of managers seem to feel 
American syndicate. Pierre Grim-j (hat pa , ti es provide' financial assur- 
blat, radio producer of the North I ance to new productions. Because 
American branch of French National > ot sucn f i ea ] Si however,, it is difficult 



LONDON'S DOORS OPEN 
TO /.RICHARD/ 'TELL' 



Radio, is doing the adaptation. 
Play will probably be done at the 
. Champs Elysees theatre, and use 
consum.ng pal H. L. Mencken, and. Champs m Ba] , et 

his booboisie. '! c 



Nathan's brushoff to certain sen- 
si ive members of the Dramatists 
Guild — "sperked by Miss Lillian 
iHellman, whose play. 'Another Part 
of the Forest,' failed to receive the 
London, Oct. 7. | full measure of eulogy which she 
"Richard II." presentation of the ' deemed to be its due"— falls right 
Stratford Memorial Theatre at His • with the late Jimmy Walker's 
Majesty's Oct. 2, was enthusiastically ' j advice about never arguing with a 
received. Although it has healthy . newspape man (because you always 
advance bookings, show is in for , have tne next-to-the-last word). Na- 
limited run. jthan mentions that Richard Rodgers, 

"You Never Can Tell," opening at j ° scar Hammerstein II, Victor Wolf- 
the Wyndhams' Oct. 3, also received son - Edward Chodorov, George S. 
an ovation, with every chance for | Kaufman^ Howard Lindsay. Russel 
continued success. Revival of 50- 
year-old Bernard Shaw comedy 
holds up well. 



Jelin Refuses 
To Vacate In 
Expired Lease 

Lease on the Belasco, N. Y., where 
"Burlesque" is running, expired 
Tuesday (30) of last week, but when 
Herbert Levien, attorney for the 
owners, who intend to operate the 
theatre themselves, sought to take 
over. Max J. Jelin, the lessee, re- 
fused to vacate. Dispossess action 
was filed but Jelin has beaten simi- 
lar actions before. When the case 
came up Monday (6) it was set 
back until Thursday (9). 

Jelin' surprised the owners, 
headed by Harry E. Gould, by 
clEiming through his attorney. Max- 
well Shapiro, that he nas a technical 
right to remain in possession of the 
theatre. He argues that because he 
sublet to half a dozen tenants i 
claimed to be quartered in the 
Belasco he comes within the com- 
mercial rent law and cannot be 



Sabinson In London 

Lee Sabinson, producer of "Fin- 
ian's," left early this week for Lon- 
don, to discuss details of ttie English 

production of the musical. In his ab- ! }^ ted :.^. re ..^ ,n 8 .™ ^ 
sence, however, his of) ice reports no i 
rights granted for any Continental ! 



to discern whether a show will re- 
capture its production cost, espe- 
cially if t'-e attraction drew a criti- 
cal thumbs-down. 

There are several instances among 
the new season's entrants, one being 
"How I Wonder," which was panned. 
Prior to premiere there were more 
than $100,000 in party deals con- 



Crouse, Owen Davis and Miss Hell- 
man were signatories to the Drama- 
tists Guild's fiat about critics who 
come to openings under the influ- 
ence of you-know-what. Nathan 
ft: it ca tigates the loose gram- 
matical construction of the formal 
communique, then indites a myth- 
ical rebuttal which he felt should 
have been sent — a gem of satire in 
itself. 

As for. the rest, after the critic 
evaluates the year's passing shews, 
indicts "the avarice of 1he< labor 
unions serving the theatre." etc., he 
does a blow-by-blow on the year's 
cavalcac'e. which teed off with the 
Old Vic Co.. May 6. 1946. and finaled 
with "A Young Man's Fancy," April 
29, 1947. In between the critic's com- 
mentp.Wes are too often more en- 
tertaining than the stage fare he 
reviewed. His discernment possesses 
the maturity of judgment that comes 
only with the marathons of pre- 
mieres he has witnessed, but never 
is it permitted to achieve the mono- 
tone of acidity that comes with the 
petulance of antiquity. He is. ever 
the eager adventurer in the theatre, 
the iconoclast who has his own 
opinic s— overboard as he . some- 
times is. 



Mutual „„j!„ „o " ; I ousted, although he has no legal 

Mutual rad.o program, ^Scotland ] tight J 0 have Lb-tenants. Theatres 

expressly not included in the cur- 
rent rental regulations. 



Yard," while added interest, as far 
as studio audience is concerned, will 
■ come from Rathbone's appearance 
in show with his beard and makeup 
(program goes on at 8 p.m.; show 
*t 8:45). Katherine Raht, another 
cast-member, who also appears on 
the Henry Aldrich program as Hen- 
ry's mother, helps publicity by hav- 
ing to appear at the studio in play 
costume, ,in order to make curtain 
in time. 

Finklehoffe is going ahead with 
pi ns to film the play in the east 
• himself, using stage cast. He also 
plans to have actors share in film 
receipts oh theory pic when released 
may cut into show's run on road or 
in N. Y. 



LONSDALE TO LONDON 
FOR BUCHANAN SHOW 

Frederick Lonsdale expects to sail 
Friday (10) for England to sit in on 
rehearsals of a new Jack Buchanan 
musical, for which he's supplied 
material. He's mulling several ideas 
for a new play, but may accept a 
film scripting offer from Sir Alex- 
ander Korda. 

Playwright spent most of the 
summer in England, but recently 
came to the U. S. for business-social 
reasons. 



DE CUEVAS IN U.S. 
FOR BALLET FUNDS 

Departure of the Marquis George 
de Cuevas from N. Y. for Paris yes- 
terday (Tues.), after a hurried trip 
to America, confirmed the fact that 
the present two ballet companies in 
the U. S. would have the field to 
themselves this season. The Marquis, 
j married into the Rockefeller family, 

and purchaser of the Grand Ballet 
Memphis, Oct. 7. de Monte e . r)o ]as( sprjng is be _ 

The crying need here for a new j lieved to have come home because 
theatre and concert hall — or a new | he'd run short of funds to operate 
indoor sports spot — was highlighted abroad. 

the past week when the municipally- His companv plaved a long sum . 
owned Ellis auditorium had to re- mer engagement a { the Tneatre de 
fuse a booking of the Charlotte , L Opcra in Vichv Rumors were 
Greenwood I Remember Mama \ current that he wante( j to bring the 

troupe to America for the 1947-48 



Hoop-Legit Conflict 
Cancels Memphis 'Mama' 



SEBVICE A LA CARTE 



company. 

Col. Charlie McElravy at first ten- 
tatively accepted the proffered dates, 
then discovered a college basketball 
game on the schedule for the North 
Hall on one of the nights in ques- 
tion. He had to cancel "Mama," 
which would have shown in the ' 
South Hall, because the same stage ; 
opens into both halls and it is im- i 
possible to put on a legitimate show , 
in one if there's any sort of noise 
in the other. 

McElravy was especially irked be- 
cause he had just lost "Annie Get 
Your Gun" through censorship and 
the already - scanty roadshow sea- 
son had thus shrunk to virtual non 



season, but couldn't get lined up with 
Sol Hurok on bookings and hesi- 
tated going it alone. Anyway, the 
Marquis has lined up a full season 
abroad. 

Troupe will bow in Paris at the 
Theatre Sarah Bernhardt for a 
three week stay. It will play the 
Lyric, Milan and Royal Opera, Rome, 
for two weeks each. Engagements at 
the Court, Cairo and in Alexandria 
are also set, as well a visit to Con- 
stantinople—first such to the Middle 
East. Troupe has Christmas and April 
engagements at its home, in Monaco 
(Monte Carlo), and a May stint in 
Florence. It may then go to Spain. 



production of "Finian's." other than 
the British one in prospect. 

Continuance Of 
Theatre WJpg 
Up for Bekte 

Whether the American Theatre 
Wing will continue indefinitely is 
questionable. A difference of opin- 
ion has developed a^nong the direc- 
tors in recent weeks. 

Sending shows to veterans' hos- 
pitals is conceded to be the Wing's 
most valuable function, but the re- 
fresher schools for professionals 
who were in service, are not so well 
regarded by a number on the board, 
while the status of the Wing's com- 
munity plays is not definite-, despite 
the intention of continuing that ac- 
tivity. 

Those opposed to continuance con- 
tend that the Wing was specifically 
formed during the war, for wartime 
purposes, and havin« lasted more 
than two years after the conflict has 
ended, its mission should have been 
completed. The "War Ss:rvi.-o" label, 
which was affixed to the American 
Theatre Wing hes been dropped. 
One proposal is that the organiza- 
tion liquidate within a reasonable 
period, resultant funds being turned 
over to the Actors Fund and ear- 
marked to aid those who were in 
uniform. 

Wing's treasury has approximately 
$350,000 on hand. Its only income 
comes from the "Stage Door Can- 
teen" film, which, with the radio j 
program of the same name, pro- i 
vided nearly all of the or;-;c-'ization's 
revenue. It cost around $130,000 to 
operate the organization, so that it 
could continue along present lines 
for around two years. 

Executive secretary Vera Allen, 
an actress who has been active in 
the Wing for six years. hp's resigned, 
effective Nov. 1. Miss Allen, who 
appeared in "Two Mrs. Cat-rolls," 
desires to return to the stage after 
giving all her time to the organi 
zation's affairs since the death of 
Antoinette Perry last year. Miss 
Perry had given much of her time 
to the wing. Mrs, Louise Beck 
(widow of Martin), who has been 
the Wing's treasurer, has been nom- 
inated to succeed Miss Allen as 
chairman of the board, the post o" 
treasurer being sir ted to be filled 
by Warren MunseH. who was also 
selected to be chairman of the 
finance committee, succeeding Vin- 
ton Freedley, who withdrew. 



three parties per week through the 
balance of this month and into No- 
vember, deals having been made on 
the strength of star and au'.hor 
names. "Wonc'er" is a one-setter 
with a ca t limited to eight, and it's 
possible the show will not finish in 
the red. 

. Frowned upon by first nighters, 
too, wrs "Kusic in My Heart," 
which also arrived last week, but 
there are reported to be 40 parties 
arranged for in advance. And two 
dozen are scheduled for "High But- 
ton Shoes," with around double i'iat 
number for "Allegro," both the lat- 
ter bowing in this week. All t*»rce 
are musicals which scored excellent 
grosses out of town, and there is lit- 
tle doubt that most of the deals for 
"Music" and "Shoes" were based on 
Philadelphia -grosses, while most 
prrties for "Allegro" were made 
when the show was in rehearsal. 

No perries were sought by the 
avid party rrcnts for "Command De- 
cision," which drew an excellent 
press last week, ''"bat drama star-.d 
from scratch, with no advance sale-. 
Its grosses nightly ?oomed after the 
pre'iucre. "'fie J-v-'rer," whi^h 
drew mostly favor-Ale reviews, also- 
saw immediate response at the box- 
office, md agencies reported a 
goodly demand, it also being a 
drama. Few parties were made for 
"Heiress" but many mail orders 
were received. 

Premiere cards last week and cur- 
rently total 1ft new productions, five 
opening during each seven-dry 
period. It is not indicated that as 
heavy an ; neoming flock will be 
witnessed during any fortnight for 
the balance of the fall, and none is 
carded for next week. Number of- 
new shows in rehearsal is under nor- 
mal at this period of the season, and 
there must be a managerial spurt 
if 1947-48 is to par last season. 



BERLE, SPBFRTS IN 
mfclES' HUDDLES 

Milton Berle. who starred in the 
lest edition of the "Ziegfeld Fol- 
lies,'* at the Winter Garden, N. Y., 
is a possibility for the new edition 
being contemplated by the Shuberls. 
There have been some huddles be- 
tween Berle and the producers. 

"Follies" is regarded as a must by 
the Shuberts for production by the 
end of the yeaa Otherwise, rights 
to the title revert to Billie Burke, 
widow of the late Florenz Ziegfeld, 
and - the ZieffeJd estate. 



'Bean' Rehearsing 

For Chicago Revival 



Hahimah Scores With 
'Ghosts' in Jerusalem 



Jerusalem, Oct. 1. 
Habimah theatre's first production 
of the new 1947-48 season, Ibsen's 
"Gliosis," has met with unanimous 
critical acclaim. Play, which is ad- 
| mirably suited for the talents of this 
"The Late Christopher Bearr" re- f« rou P' nas been P ut on wit h intelli- 
jvival was placed into rehearsal Mon- I ? ence and rc stramt. Habimah's last 



existence. But there was no place to 
move the basketball game, -which | Serge Lifar is no longer with the 
already held a contract. And no company, although the current 
other 'theatre in the town that's ! stagehands dispute about Lifar's 
available is suited to legit purposes. 1 presence at the Paris Opera may 
I force him out there and back, into 



Lynchburg, Va., Oct. 7. 

Barter Players,' on a swjng across 
Virginia, did a switcheroo on the 
"better mousetrap" maxim at Luray, 
cavern resort town. 

They fotfnd the newly constructed 
theatre in which they were to play 
was inaccessible because of an un- 
finished road. Town officials, learn- - 

ing of their plight, hired a bulldozer labor permit, after rehearsing the ctoteAnteWw***^* .HWfc; 
and a. road force, and graded -a high- part for a week. 
w ay in time for the scheduled per- 
formance, i substituting, 



day (6) by Michael Myerberg, 
whose "Dear Judas" opened the 
night before at the Mansfield, N. Y. , 
Comedy is claimed to have made | ■ ceason - 
as much money in stock during the 
past summer as any other play, if 



Ibsen production was "The Pillars 
of Society," staged during the war. 
Group is set to visit U. S. this 



British Nix U. S. Actor 

London, Oct. 7. 
Robert Hull. American actor who 
had been engaged to take over the 
Senator's role in "Born Yesterday" 
at the Garrick. has been refused a 



the Marquis' unwilling -hands. Lifar not being the topper in that respect. I 



Peck-Day-'Street' 



ballets, however, remain part of the 
troupe's repertoire. 

Bronisla Nijinska continues as chief 
choreographer with the company, 
which has several names familiar in 
the U. S. as chief dancers. These in- 



Presentation will be in association i Tnfr» f A nn 1W. 1 

with Gilbert Miller, who produced ! LuAm UGC - 1 

the play originally on Broadway - - : Los An Seles, Oct .7. 

with Pauline Lord and the late W;-I- Shepard Trr.ube booked his legit 
t.er Connolly. production, "Angel Street" into the 

ZaSu Pitts, Guy Kibbcc and Bertha Los Angeles Biltmore Dec. 1, fol- 
Belmore head the cast of the re- lowing stands in San Francisco, 
tower. Marjorie Tallchief, Yura I vival. Company will plane to Chi- Seattle and Portland. 
An'wnrili^Anlnr Tnhn Clifford is Skibine. Olga Adabache and Boris ; cago next week for final rehearsals, : Gregory Peck and Laraine Day 
An English actor, John Uinora, is .^.^ | opening there at the Civic Oct. 20. will co-star in the stage piece 



52 



LEGITIMATE 



PftRtETY 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



Plays on Broadway 



, Continued from page 50 



How 1 Wonder 

he touches on most of the 

problems besetting the world today. ■' , jt proved, the Russian 
That he has . stubbed his toe m his , » ■ ^musical boxorfice. 
three-dimensional exposure of one- 1 



mans honest search of his own mo- 
tives and reason for being, can be 
attributed first of all to the clinical, 
unreal, rather immature central 
character and the wordy, practically 
static action. 

He's concerned in "Wonder" with 
a college astronomer of note, who is 
in line for the presidency of an- 
other college. While watching for 
positive proof of his planet dis- 
covery, he discourses with his mind 
(a corporal personification) and has 
a lovely visitation (also corporal) in 
the feminine form that came from 
the heavens in answer to a want ad 
he had telegraphed to the same 
source. As a dramatic formula, 't 
necessitates too much talk, and in 
this instance on an embarrassing 
level. When the author tries humor 
the level drops even further. 

Stewart had a vital and important 
idea to put across in his desire to 
strike a blow against another war 
and the destruction of the earth's 
civilization by people's acceptance 
of the status quo. But the play is 
woefully lacking in emotional im- 
pact, and the mild-mannered pro- 
fessor's- mental gyrations do little 
either to offer a solution, for the 
state of things or to provide theat- 
rical excitement. 

Raymond Massey plays the lead 
role of the college prof but his in- 
terpretation doesn't make the char- 
acter real or a'ive. On the other 
hand, Everett Sloane (as his mind) 
seems to capture some impish traits 
and suggests a sympathy for Stew- 
art's mode of projection. Carol 
Goodner gives meaning to the role 
of the professor's wife. 

' Kanin's direction fails to overcome 
the script's deficiencies. Donald 
Oenslager's imaginative rooftop set- 
ting affords the bridge between the 
earth and thr ■■>' s ii'oi<«.' Hose. 



I made out of Tchaikovsky's music, 
■ . I efther. but pop lovers won't mind, 
majoi | As Freddy Martin and other archae- 

com- 

poser is musical DoxOiiice. There 
are many lovely melodies strewn 
through the show, with some of 
them— like "Stolen Kisses," "While 
\ ere's a Song to Sing" and "Love 
Song" (new titles for familiar, fine 
lunes) — likely to crash jukeboxes 
and disk shows. 

The musical, set to a lame book 
bv Patsy Ruth Miller, tslls the story 
of Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky and his 
unhappy love for the French opera 
Desiree Artot. Show is peo- 



singer, 

pled by attractive, young per"6rm 
ers who can sing; is costumed and 

bedecked charmingly, and doesn't | in S opposite Miss Courtneidge 



fessional American appearance in 
more than two decades. She remains 
at all times one of the finer British 
comediennes to come to this side. 
Miss Courtneidge has a great sense 
of timing with a line ot comedy dia- 
log, and she knows every piece of 
business with which to sock home. It 
is strictly a vaudeville routine that 
she's doing, or perhaps something 
out of her musicomcdy past, in which 
she had for so many years been 
paired as a comedy team with her 
husband, Jack Hulbert. The latter 
has directed "Counter," and this is 
the first show in many years in which 
they have not appeared together. 

If there is no mention here of other 
performances in this polyglot of 
Courtneidge calisthenics, it is utterly 
premeditated. It would be unfair to 
try and appraise anyone else's per- 
formance in the light of their ex- 
tremely secondary roles. It's difficult 
to have anything more than an ex- 
tremely secondary role while play- 



Plays Out of Town 



Music in My Heart 

Henry- Duffy production of. musical play 
In two acts (seven scenes). Staged and 
lighted by Hasaart Short. Lyrics, Formati 
Brown! book. Patsy Ruth Miller; music by 
Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky, adapted ana' con- 
ducted by Frank Stclninger; sets and cos- 
tumes, Alvin foil; choreography, Ruth 
Page; orchestrations. Hans Sphilek; choral.. 
arrangements. Clay Wnrnlrk. At Adelphi, 
N. Y,. Oct. 2, '17; $4.£0 top (fli Sat.) ($7.20 
open night). 

Stase Manager Harold Norman' 

Tatlana Kerskaya Vivienne. Segal 

Mlscha George Lambrose 

Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky Robert Carroll 

Stage Doorman Allan Lowell 

Desiree Artot Martha Wright 

Maurice Cabanne .Tan Murray 

fapt. Nicholas Charles Fredericks 

Ivan Pelrofski James Starbuck 

Natuscha Dorothy Etheridge 

Gypsy ; .-..lean Hnnd/.Iik 

Joseph fc Kobe-rt Hayden 

Princess Kntberine Delia Llnd 

l.ady in Waiting Martha Flynn 

Olga .Pauline Goddard 

Tsar's Messenger Ndward White 

stonya Jeanne Shelby 

Vera Remlsova Olga Suave?, 

Lord Chamberlain Ralph CUovor 

Prima Ballerllli : Olga Suarez 

Premier Danseur Nicholas Magatfanes 



pretend to be more subtle than it is 
It has an excellent singing chorus, a 
good dancing ensemble, and some 
fine terp soloists. The humor is 
corn, and sparsely-sown at that — 
for which one is grateful. But the 
show has spirit, and faithfully stays 
in tradition throughout. 

Show has a refreshingly unortho- 
dox opening, showing a ballet group 
in rehearsal, and a simple close, 
with ill-fated Tchaikovsky lone- 
somely pounding out his "First Piano 
Concerto" on the keyboard. In be- 
tween are some neat scenes, such 
as the "Song of the Troika" num-' 
ber and the "Beauty and the Beast" 
ballet, surprisingly handled straight, 
in simple classic style. There's too 
much book, whifch drags, and dead- 
weight humor, which bores. 

But Robert Carroll plays Tchai- 
kovsky with a great deal of dramatic 
conviction, and though not singing! 
performs at the piano with fine skill. 
xjVlai tha Wright, who was an under- 
study the week before in Philadel- 
phia, stepped into the leading femme 
role for the Broadway opening, and 
though palpably nervous at first on 
opening night after tour perform- ' 
anccs. acquitted herself admirably. 
Femme has great beauty and a 
charming voice. Delia Lind, as an- 
other femme principal, is also su- 
perior in looks and voice. Charles 
Fredericks' resounding baritone is 
the outstanding male voice, while 
Jean Handzlik's sultry contralto 
(heard, unfortunately, in only one 
number) is the femmes' tops. 

Vivicnrte Segal does handsomely 
as a ballet mistress with insufficient 
comedy material, but Jan Murray is 
slightly lost as a concert manager. 
His comedy would go over better 
i' he didn't swallow his lines and let 
them be heard. James Starbuck and 
Dorothy Etheridge fill minor acting- 
dancing roles pleasantly, while Olga 
Suarez and Nicholas Magallanes 
(latter until recently a principal of 
the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo) 
are outstanding in the big ballet 
number. Ruth Page's choreography 
throughout is grade- A stuff. 

Alvin Colt's sets are striking and 
his costumes gay and vivid. Staging 
and lighting show the expert Has- 
sard Short touch. Bron. 



Kahn. 



' Hear «lu«las 

Michael .M>erberg production of drama In 
(wo acts, from the original work of Robln- 
ion .leffors. adapted and staged by M>er- 
berg. 1'totlures Ferdl Hoffman. Margaret 
Wyciierly, Harry Irvine and Jloy Hargrave. 
Music, Johaan Sebastian Tt-irh, selected and 
arranged by I.ebnmnn Kngel. Dances and 
mimes by Kslher .lunger; costumes and 
masks, Mary Percy Scbem-k; scenery and 
lighting by ?Albpvt Johnson. Opened at 
JUansfielil, K. r.. Oct. 5. '17; $3.(10 lop 
(S7.20 opening night). 

The Carpenter Ferdl Hoffman 

.Indus Roy Hargrove 

The Woman..: Margaret Wyeberly 

l^ztxvv" Hai'ry Irvine 

The Mules- 
Peter . ..Tons' Charmoll 

Simon Richard Astor 

John Hells Lee 

Dancers: Clara Oordery, Kva Desea. Annie 
Ferris, Beatrice Seckler, Kmy St. Just, 
AUnne WiUinao, 
Priests: David Pulford, Joseph Mego. 
Roma)i Guards: Larry Buchanan, Douglas 
Huden. 

Torohhea.Pers: Jean Pugsley, Jacqueline 
. Soans, Hope Zee. • 

Singers: Karl Brock, Jane Davis, Warren 
Caljour, Louise Gerard. Morris Ged'/.e], 
Arlene Hershey. Kaye Janice. Angela 
Lappart. Dorothy Page, Helen Rice, Wal- 
ter Rinner. Cecile Sherman, Vlrki Starr, 
Peter So'/.lo. Assistant Conductor: Morris 
Gedzel. 



"Music in Mv Heart" is a little 
slow and old-fashioned, but quite 
agreeable nevertheless. A sort of 
modern-day "Blossom Time." it sets 
its sights for the mass audience, as 
the $30,000 weekly gross in Philadel- 
phia recently proved. Whether show 
will ever reach its mass audience 
in N. Y., however, is unlikely, in 
light of the critical Jacing it took 
from the nine Cleaver Boys on the 
dailies. The odds therefore are 
against its success. 

Purists won't like the hodgepodge' 



Under the Counter 

Lee F.uhralm, (in association with the 
Shilberis) production of comedy with music 
by Arthur Macrae. Stars Cicely Court- 
neidge. Staged by Jack Hulberl. Settings, 
Clifford Petnber; music. Manning Shenvin; 
lyrics, Harold Puivell. Opened at Shubert. 
K. Y., Oct. 'J, '47; If-I.SO top (58.-10 opening 
night). 

■*v» Winifred Hindle 

pet.-lnspi'ctor Uaxler. Francis Roberta 

Mike Kenderdine Ballard Berkeley 

Tint Ctarrel Then-ley Walters 

Jo l'"X Cicely Courtneidge 

Mr, Burroughs George Street 

7.W Trllton '.;... Olen Alyn 

Kitty lngrld Forrest 

Sir Alec Dunne Wilfrid Hyde While 

Ll. Cmdi. Hugo Conway John Gregory 

Mr. Apidi-yaid. Frederick Farley 



NOW IS THE TIME 
TO PUT f OUR 
"BEST FSOT FORWARD" 

The eyes of the theatrical 
profession are focussed on 
photographs by 

JO MERMEL 

Creator of lights and Shadows 

You pay no more for photo- 
graphs by America's lead- 
ing creative theatrical pho- 
tographer. 

DO IT TODAY! 

WRITE— WIRE— TELEPHONE 
FOR APPOINTMENT 

JO MERMEL 

480 Lexington Ave. at 46th St. 
New York, N. Y. 
Tel. Plaza 3-5791 



In what is the first of a series of 
London and Paris stage productions 
being imported by the Shuberts for 
Broadway, "Under the Counter" 
comes to these shores with a high 
reputation as a London smash, hit. 
VVilh Cicely Courtneidge as the star, 
that would ordinarily seem like good 
news. 

But as fine a comedienne as Miss 
Courtneidge is, there is too little sub- 
stance to "Counter" to warrant its 
click here. It is a show apparently 
tailored for the British star's talents, 
but the pity of it is that Miss Court- 



Michael Myerberg, at least, is a 
man of courage. He needed courage 
to produce "Dear Judas." It has mo- 
ments of poetic beauty, but mostly it 
is dull and inundated with heavy 
mouthings 0f the Robinson Jeffers 
poetry from which Myerberg made 
trfis adaptation. It hasn't a boxoffice 
chance.'' 

"Judas," which attempts to define 
the betrayal of Christ, in an explana- 
tion different from that already' ac- 
cepted, has a particularly excellent 
performance by Roy Hargrave as the 
betrayer. Ferdi Hoffman plays The 
Carpenter, Margaret Wycherly is 
Mary, and Harry Irvine, Lazarus. All 
except Hargrave are unable to rise 
consistently above the play itself. 
Myerberg and Jeffers have purport- 
ed to show that Judas' betrayal was 
caused because he felt that Jesus was 
getting too powerful for His own 
good. 

When "Judas" first tried out in a 
Maine strawhat last summer, there 
was a storm of protest from Cath- 
olic circles at the production. There 
should soon be no cause for further 
concern. » Kahn. 



Legit Followup 



Dark of the Moon 

(CORONET, LOS ANGELES) 

Script revisions and format 
changes in this folk-fantasy have 
resulted in a taut, absorbing pro- 
duction. Chief change brings folk- 
singer Pete Seeger in front of the 
curtains before each scene as a one- 
man ^Greek chorus, utilizing verses 
from the "Barbara Allen" ballad to 
explain what's coming. He's excel- 
lent in the ballad-singing chore. 

Robert McCahon' production un- 
der the Pelican Productions banner 
is a topnotch job paced by Paul 
Guilfoyle's nifty direction. Carol 
Stone, in the role she essayed on 
Broadway, is an excellent Barbara, 
bringing a fire and understanding to 
the role. Hurd Hatfield turns in a 
powerful characterization of the 
witchboy, and Jane Darwell does a 
solid job as Ma Allen. Will Wright, 



The Druid Circle 

New Haven, Oct. 2." 

AKred de I.iagre. Jr.,' production of drama 
In three acta (tlve yeenest by John van 
lJlUlen. Features Leo (!. c'arroll. Staged 
liy van llriifen; setting* l.y Siewsiri Chancy, 
Opened at Shubert, New Haven. Oct. -, '47; 
toil. 

Miss Dagnoil Lillian Bmnson 

Professor While Leo (1. 1,'arroll 

Professor rally Phillip* Noel Leslie 

Maddux Ho.vd Crawford 

Tobin Aldan Turner 

Tow Lioytl-Blll* : Walter Htarkey 

Jlenan Lewis. Kllcn Humphrey 

Bread! Mnddox Neva Patterson 

Mrs. White.... Klbel I'.rilTlea 

Miss Trevetyan Merle Miiddern 

Uludwcii Cherry Hardy 



For the out-of-town opening of 
"The Druid Circle" John van Druten 
has tendered a promissory note. In- 
dications are that if this note is to be 
honored in its metropolitan debut, 
it will be by its cast and staging, 
rather than the script. 

While this tale of pre-war life in 
a British smalltown university is 
moderately interesting, it is ques- 
tionable if Broadway's aisle-sitting 
faculty will pass the play itself. 
Bolstered by excellent performance 
and direction, however, the overall 
reception among class playgpers 
should be comparatively favorable. 

Theme ■ takes a leaf from the ca- 
reer of Professor White, aging in- 
structor whose philosophy has 
grown a bit moldy, especially as it 
concerns his contacts with the newer 
generation. Never having enjoyed 
sex happiness himself ta brief un- 
happy marital period having ended 
with his wife's death), he assumes 
monitorship over the morals of his 
students. His avowed disbelief in 
love, as such, prompts a cynicism 
that frowns on anything smacking 
of romance and when he encoun- 
ters a youthful pair of students who 
have gone all out in the ( ir mutual' 
affection, he forces the boy to 
read aloud in the girl's presence an 
amorous note the lad had. written 
her. 

The episode causes the girl such 
shame she disappears and the re- 
sultant fear for her personal safety 
brings on the professor's forced res- 
ignation. Eventually the girl turns 
up unharmed, but the experience 
has opened the professor's eyes to 
some of his shortcomings and cur- 
tain finds him about to seek a new 
life elsewhere. 

Discarding of original title of 
"Professor White" in favor of the 
new title is an improvement, as the 
play is actually not a biographical 
sketch of one man, but rather an 
indictment of all pedagogues who 
have gone to seed; 

As the frustrated, unyielding pro- 
fessor, Leo G. Carroll gives the role 
a thorough-going interpretation. 
Second to him only in the length of 
her role is Ethel Griffies who, as a 
sort of distaff C. Aubrey Smith, 
plays the professor's mother with 
piercing insight. Balance of fine 
cast includes Boyd Crawford and 
Neva Patterson, as a personable 
young lecturer and his actress -wife; 
Ellen Humphrey and Walter Starkey 
the youthful romanticists: Noel Les- 
lie and Aidan Turner, the old and 
new generations of instructors; Lil- 
lian Bronson, unsophisticated spin- 
ster of the faculty; Merle Maddern, 
student house mistress; Cherry 
Hardy Welsh maid. 

Author's staging has effected 
smooth flowing exposition, with only 
occasional sags that no doubt will 
be elevated with added playing. 
Producer has given the financial 
gun to set designing, result being 
an effective trio of stage portraits 
that provide excellent atmosphere. 

Bone. 



because of the notoriety, and an 
older brother is forced to leave Ox- 
fOBd because of the expense. 

While this sounds like the weight 
of the world falling atop the audi- 
ence, the play never is that heavy 
and never gets out of hand. It is 
laced. through with a gentle humor 
which lets in the fresh air continu- 
ally. In addition, the dramatic high- 
lights are nicely underplayed so that 
there is no feeling of the maudlin. 
If only it were a little less aggres- 
sively British in lines and in han- 
dling it would look better for the 
long pull on Broadway. 

The cast is polished and at least 
one of its members, 16-year-old Mi- 
chael Newell, who plays the 14-year- 
old "Winslow Boy," should interest 
Hollywood. He handles a difficult 
role with finesse and should be just 
what some studio with a bog script 
should be looking for. 

Top performance is turned in by 
Alan Webb, as Arthur Winslow, the 
father. He puts a many-faceted char- 
acter on stage; he is, by turns, tender 
to his young son. a stern family head, 
a lean John Bull fighting for the 
rights of the individual against" the 
government bureaucracy — a thor- 
oughly believable person from cur- 
tain to curtain. Strong support is 
given by Frank Allenby, as Sir Rob- 
ert Norton, the attorney who wins 
the big case and proves that under 
the icy exterior beats a heart of gold, 
and Valerie White, as the sister who 
sacrifices her happiness with the man 
she loves to uphold the cause of jus- . 
tice. 

Comedy relief is furnished by 
Owen Older, as the older brother, a 
kind of 1912-model jitterbug and 
featherbrain but who knows he has 
the British stuff when the chips are 
down. Madge Compton, as the 
mother, and Betty Sinclair, as the 
maid and housekeeper, both have fat 
roles which they handle with better- 
than-usual competence. All in all, 
it is an able cast. 

The four scenes are laid in the 
middleclass living room of Arthur 
Winslow's house. Room is done 
warmly and comfortably. Louie. 

Medea 

Princeton, N. J.. Oct. 4. 

Robert Whlleaead and Oliver Rea produc- 
tion of Kohlnaon Jeffers' adaptation of 
tragedy by Euripides, in two acts. .Stars- 
Judith Anderson. John GlelKud and Floretn e 
Reed y Staged by Gielgud; aettings, Iten 
Edwards. Opened at. McC'arter's, Princeton, 
N. J., Oct. 8, '47; $.'l top. 

The Nurse .'..."Florence Reed 

The Tutor Don McHenry 

The Children Bobby Kick, Peter Mosa 

lat Woman of Corinth * , . . .Grace Mills 

lid Woman of Corinth Kathryn Grill 

3d Woman of Corinth Leone Wilson 

Medea Judith Anderson 

Creon Albert Heeht 

Ja,son John Gielgud 

Aogeus Huirh Franklin 

A Toung Man Richard Hylton 

Attendants to Medea !?!'"'!', m S j? ldK ' 

) Martha Downs 
Soldiers: Ben Morse. Jon Dawson, Richard 
Boone, Dennla McCarthy 



neidgc is too often required to punch 

too hard in a play that obviously has , back to le S»t atter 23 yea's of film 
too liftle punch of its own. a"d radio work, gives his lines as 

Lee Ephraim is associated with the ! Preacher Haggler a strong reading, 



Shuberts in bringing over "Counter" 
I in its original production, including 
the all-English cast, and the produc- 
tion, visibly, is an attractive one. 
out. somehow, the story, which deals 
with Miss Courtneidge as a stage star 
who always manages to wangle 
anything she wants from the British 
black market, seems dated for these 
shores though the situation undoubt- 
edly reflects a current British condi- 
I tion. 

I Manning Sherwin and Harold Pur- 
• cell have written several songs for 
this comedy .with music, and one, 
I "The Moment I Saw You," is the 
j show's best plug tune. It has a neat 
I melody line, along with some good 
; lyrics. The line of girls is extremely 
! attractive, and their costumes, in the 
main, are colorful and striking, 
i though the dances are corny and sug- 
gestive of the kind of dancing one 
finds in lesser American niteries. 
This is Miss Courtneidge's first pro- 



and Henry Brandon scores as Mar- 
vin. In fact, each role has been care- 
fully cast and each is effectively 
handled. 

New and effective score has been 
written by Earl Robinson to back- 
ground production which has seven 
striking sets by Kate Drain Lawson 
from John Hubley's drawings, and 
some well-integrated choreography 
by Demetrios Vilan. Seeger is excel- 
lent in the ballad-singing chore. 

Howard Richardson - William 
Berney script still is a potent piece 
of theatre, and current production 
makes it even more powerful. 

Kap. 



The Winslow Boy 

Washington, Oct. 6. 

Atlantis Productions (in association with 
Theatre Guild. H. M. Tennrnt. Ltd., John 
C. Wilsont production of drama In two acta 
(four scenes) by Terence Ratligan. Singed 
by Glen Byatn Shaw; settings, Michael 
"Weight. At National, Wasblnglon, Ocl. 6. 
'47; $::.(I0 ton. 

Ronnie. Winslow Michael >Tewell 

Violet Kelly Sinclair 

Grace Winslow Madge Compton 

Arthur Winslow Alan Webb 

Catherine Winslow Vaierle White 

Dickie Winslow Owen Holder 

John Wallierstone Michael Kipgaley 

Desmond Curry-. George Benson 

Miss Barnes Dorothy Hamilton 

'''red Leonard Michell 

Sir Robert Morton Plank Allenby 



On the credit side of "Medea" 
there is extraordinary poetic beauty, 
portrayals of exceptional skill and 
grace, flawless direction and a set 
that for richness of color, lighting 
and general effectiveness is a memo- 
rable one. "Medea" should be a de- 
light to the literati, for it is evident 
that California's poet, Robinson Jeff- 
ers, took painstaking effort to pro-, 
vide the maximum of exquisite taste 
in his adaptation of Euripides' classic t 
tragedy. Few premieres of any re- 
cent season at McCarter's have been 
so enthusiastically acclaimed as this 
new production by Robert Whitehead 
and O'iver Rea. 

Militating against the play's long- 
run chances is the average theatre- 
goer's disinclination to accept as 
entertainment two acts of unrelieved 
morbid sorrow and protracted mental 
suffering. Characteristic of plays of 
Euripides there is an atmosphere of 
fatalistic tragedy throughout. The 
entire theme hinges upon the over- 
powering grief and vengefulness of a 
j relentless, scorned woman put aside 
(Continued on page 55) 




12 on Salt Lake Sked 

'„. Salt Lake City, Oct. 7. 
The University Theatre has an- 
nounced 12 plays for its season 
opening Oct. 29 with "Of Thee I 
Sing." 



The Theatre Guild appears to have 
struck moderate paydirt in its new 
importation, Terence Rattigan's "The 
Winslow Boy," which was a London 
smash. A good kid play is normally 
surefire, and this is a good kid play. 
It is, however, so thoroughly impreg- 
nated with British humor and Brit- 
ish approach that some of the force 
it must have had in England will be 
missing lor the American audience 
unless changes are made. 

Story deals with a 14-year-old 
youngster who is expelled JErom Os- 
born, British academy for naval ca- 
dets, on the charge of a five-shilling 
iheft. The boy insists he is innocent 
and is backed up by his family, 
which fights a stern and expensive 
two-year battle to clem- the lad's 
name. 

The case becomes a cause celebre 
in the newspapers. It gets into Par- 
liament, and finally into the courts, 
where the boy's name is cleared. In 
the course of this struggle, the fam- 
ily nearly goes broke from the ex- 
pense, his father's health breaks, his 
sister's fiance busts their engagement 



National 

i PUBLICITY 
ASSOCIATES 

DAVID UIPSKY PHILLIP BLOOM 

200 W. 41 it St., N. Y., CH 4-5185—8—7 

ELIZABETH 
TALBOT - MARTIN 

OPENING TOMORROW 
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 



BLOOD DONORS 
ARE PAID 

An appointment is unnecetsary. 
Apply in person daily 9 A.M. to 4 
P.M., Saturday 9 A.M. to 12 Noon. 
Blood Bank of NEW YORK POST 
GRADUATE HOSPITAL, 20th St. 
and 2d Ave., New York. Please 
bring this announcement with you. 



Wednesday, Octolwr 8, 1947 



LEGITIMATE 



53 



'Barn Up 3G to 17G in Chicago; 
loplitzky Scrams Fast, 'Carousel' 30G 



Chicago, Oct. 7. -t 
Legit took it on the chin last week 
with only one play not on the down- 
ward grade. Bright spot is "Born 
v»stevday," in 33d week, which reg- 
fetered a jump of $3,000 to $17,000. 
•private Lives" shuttered until Nov. 
13 with the hospitalizing of Tallulah 
fenkhead after one performance, 
^oplitzky of Notre Damg' closed 
.,.„; s iv performances. Carousel 
foes into final month with $30,000. 
Musical also dropped Sunday mat- 
ron the coming-up list is "Another 
Part of the Forest," opening at the 
Frlan°er Oct. 13; "Late Mr. Chris- 
topher Bean," into the Civic, Oct. 20; 
"*C I Mistress Mine," Selwyn, Nov. 3, 
and the following day, Mary Martin 
brings "Annie Get Your Gun" into 

th "TMs Ub Time Tomorrow," Selwyn, 
opened last night (6), and The 
Chocolate Soldier" bows in at the 
Blackstone tonight (7). 

Estimates for Last Week 
"Born Yesterday," Erlanger (33d 
week)) (1,334; $3.60). Show closes 
Oct 11 and final weeks' spurt 
brought house up to $17,000 last 

W "Carousel," Shubert (19th week) 
(2 100- $4 80). Final month of musi- 
cal and then off to subscription cen- 
ters. Last week $30,000. . 

"Private Lives," Harris (11th 
week) (1,000; $3.60). Only one per- 
formance this week, with Miss Bank- 
head's illness forcing play to close 
temporarily, $2,500 for the single-o. 

"Toplitiky of Notre Dame," 
Studebaker (2,100: 54.80). Musical 
failed to score with the critics and 
closed after six days (Oct. 3) after 
less than $8,000. 

'MOON' LOOKS SR0 
AFTER L. A. PREEM 

Los Angeles, Oct. 7. 

Pelican Productions' "Dark of the 
Moon," which opened Friday (3), 
packed the tiny Coronet to the burst- 
ing point and looks set for four SRO 
weeks on the basis of early advance 
sale. Sole other opener last week 
was "Call Me Mister," which settled 
down at the Biltmore Wednesday (1) 
with fair prospects. 

This week's entries both bowed 
last night, Kolb and Dill's "High 
Cost of Living" at the Belasco and 
Spike Jones "Musical Depreciation 
Revue" at the Philharmonic Aud. 
Estimates for Last Week 

"Biography," Las Palmas (5th wk) 
(388; $3). Tapered off to $5,400. Run 
extended to Oct. 11. 

"Blackouts of 1947," El Capitan 
(276th week) (1,142; $2.40). $17,000 
again. 

"Call Me Mister," Biltraore (4 
days) (1,636; $3.60). Built slowly 
after fair midweek opening to 
$12,500. - 

"Dark of the Moon," Coronet (2 
days) (255; $3.60). Opening night, 
with every seat $4.80. helped/ take 
soar to sensational $2,008. Both 
nights SRO. 



'Turtle' Slow $10,000 

In Repeat Week, St. L. 

St. Louis, Oct. 7. 
Legit customers are slow to warm 
up to the new season in this JbJBrg, 
and "The Voice of the Turtle," "John 
van Druten's comedy that played a 
total of five weeks in two visits 
here last season, wound up a so-so 
seven-night stand (nine perform- 
ances) Saturday (4) at the American 
theatre. The 1,700-seat house was 
scaled to $3.05 and the estimated 
gross was $10,000. Haila Stoddard, 
Sheila Bromley and Philip Faver- 
sham, in the top roles, copped praise 
from the crix. 

The perennial, "Tobacco Road," 
which has been making "farewell" 
appearances here for the last two 
seasons is back again for another 
one-week stand. With Arthur Hun- 
nicutt as Jceter, the piece opened 
Sunday (5) at the American with 
the house scaled to $2.44. 



Kolb-Dill Sour 6>/ 2 G 

In Final Frisco Week 

San Francisco, Oct. 7. 

"The High Cost of Loving," star- 
ring Kolb and Dill, which closed 
Saturday (.4) at the 1,550-seat Geary, 
hit a final and fourth week gross of 
$6,500, n.s.g. 

"Voice Of the Turtle," with Haila 
Stoddard, opens an 11-day run to- 
morrow (8) at the 1,550-seat Geary. 

Spike Jones and his "Musical De- 
preciation Revue" chalked up a 
fourth and final week Saturday (4) 
at the 1,776-seat Curran to a sock 
$25,000. "Girl of the Golden West," 
with music by Vincent Youmans, 
starring James Ellison, Victor Jory 
and Dorothy Craig, opened at the 
Curran Sunday night (5). 



'Allegro' 36G, Hub; 
Man Boff 



'Sweethearts' Mops Up In 
Baltimore at $31,000 

Baltimore. Oct. 7. 
"Sweethearts" mopped up at Ford's 
here last week, drawing a big 
$31,000. 

In currently on Theatre Guild 
American Theatre Society subscrip 
tion is "Lady Windermere's Fan' 
with good figure In the bag on 
strength of subscription and steady 
advance interest. 

Dark week next, with "The Wins 
low Boy" set for Oct. 20. 



'Annie' Omaha Opener 

Omaha, Oct. 7. 
"Annie Get Your Gun" will open 
the roadshow season here on Oct. 
28. Engagement is for five nights 
and a matinee. Top will be $4.20, 
and inquiries already presage a 
sellout. "Song of Norway" set for 
April 21, the only other legit set 
so far. 

Tristates is using the 2.800-seat 
Paramount for all road attractions 
this season. 



'DRUID CIRCLE' $7,500 
IN 4PERFS,NEWHAVEN 

New Haven, Oct. 7. 

Shubert premiere of "The Druid 
Circle" last week (2-4) got profita- 
ble, but not sock, biz; First show 
this season to play to $3 top came 
through with an estimated $7,500 on 
four performances. 

House has films this week, then 
comes back next stanza for another 
breakin. "For Love or Money" takes 
over for a last half preem, Oct. 16-18. 

Two more fall premieres due here 
are "Street Car Named Desire" and 
Bonanza Bound," dates tentative. 



'Swing Mikado' Mild 

$8,000 in Minneapolis 

Minneapolis, Oct. 7. 

Opening the legitimate roadshow 
season, "Swing Mikado," at $3.60 top 
in the 2,100-seat muchly improved 
Lyceum grossed a mild $8,000 for 
five nights and two matinees. 

Reviewers were lukewarm. 



B'way Up; 'Heiress' in Sock 20G Start, 
'Decision' Hot; Crix Nix 'Wonder,' 
'Music,' 'Counter'; 5 Preems This Wk. 



Shows in Rehearsal 

"Streetcar Named Desire" — ; Irene 
Selznick. 

"Eastward in Eden"— Nancy Stern. 

"S. S. Calypso"— Samuel L. Man- 
ning and Theodore Thenstcad. 

"Late Christopher Bean" (revival) 
—Michael Mycrberg and Gilbert 
Miller. 

"All Gaul Is Divided"— .John • F. 
Golden and J. "Michael Lambur. 

"Show Boat" i road)— Rodgers and 
Hammerstein. 

"For Love Or Money"— Barnard 
Straus. 

"Trial Honeymoon" — Harry Ro- 
sen. 



Current Road Shows 

(Period covering Oct. fi-13) 

"An Inspector Calls" — Plymouth, 
Bost. (6-18). 

"Annie Gel Your Gun"— State 
Fair, Dallas (6-18). 

"Another Part of the Forest" 
Hartman, Col., (6-8); English Indpls. 
(9-11); Erlanger, Chi. (13-18). 

"Antony and Cleopatra"— Erlan- 
ger, Buff. (8-11); Hanna, Cleve. (13- 
18). 

"Blackouts of 1947"— El Capitan 

Hollywood (6-18). 
Blackstone— Walnut. Philly (6-18) 
"Born Yesterday"— Erlanger, Chi 

(6-11). 

"Call Me Mister"— Biltmore, L. A. 
(6-18). 

"Carousel"— Shubert. Chi. (6-18). 

"Chocolate Soldier"— Blackstone 
Chi. (6-18). 

•Druid Circle" — Wilbur, Bost. 
(6-18). 

"Fatal Weakness" — Cox, Cincy; 
(6-8); Davidson, Mi). (13-18). 

"For The Love of Money"— Shu- 
bert, N. Haven (16-18). 

"Girl of the Golden West"— Cur- 
ran, Frisco (6-18). 

"Harvey"— Cass. Dot, (6-ll>; Royal 
Alex.. Toronto (13-18). 

"I Remember Mama"— Metropoli- 
tan, Seattle (6-11); Mayfair. Port. 
(13-15); Capitol, Salt Lake (17-18). 

"Lady Windermere's Fan"— Ford's 
Bnlto. (6-11); Forrest, Philly (13-18). 

"Medea" — Locust, Philly 16-18). 

"Oklahoma'." — Colonial, Bost. 
(6-18). 

"Rose Marie-Merry Widow"— Shu- 
bert, Philly (6-11); Harris, Chi. 
< 13-18). 

"Song of Norway" — And.. Salt 
Lake (6-7): Aud., Denver (9-11); 
American, St. Louis (13-18). 

"State of the vJnion"— Erie. Schen. 
(6-7); Empire. Syr. (8); Strand. Ith. 
(!»; Aud.. Roch. (10-11): Avon, Utica 
(13); Strand, Elmira (14-16); Er- 
langer, Buff. (17-18). 

"Sweethearts"— S h u b e r t , Bost. 
(6-18). 

"The Kcd Mill" — Nixon, Pitt. 
(6-18). 

"This Time Tomorrow" — Selwyn, 
Chi. (6-18). 

"Tobacco Road" — Amor.. St. Louis 
(6-11); Cox. Cincy <13-18>. 

"Voice of the Turtle" — Geary, 
Frisco c8-18). 

"Winslow Boy"— National, Wash. 
(6-18). 



'Tomorrow* $14,' 

Boston, Oct. 7. 

Teeoff last week of "Duet for Two 
Hands" failed to catch local fancy, 
but other spots were plenty solid. 
However, the San Carlo came in just 
a little too early to get the play it 
otherwise might have. Two con- 
ventions in town helped all rialto 
houses, but the legiters are ap- 
parently going to get a healthy re- 
sponse in any case, despite the gen- 
erally offish aspect of the film spots. 

Openers this week are "Sweet- 
hearts" at the Shubert, "Oklahoma" 
at the Colonial and "Druid Circle" 
at the Wilbur, all lighting last night 
(Mon.) and "An Inspector Calls" at 
the Plymouth tonight (Tues). Addi- 
tional prospects carry over well 
into November. 

Estimates for This Week 

"Allegro" Colonial (1,500; $4.80). 
Guild show wound up phenomenal 
debut run at estimated $36,000, SRO. 
Show ran to capacity from opening 
night and left town in top shape for 
Broadway. "Oklahoma!" moved in 
last night for third visit with huge 
advance. 

"Duet for Two Hands," Wilbur 
(1,241; $3.60). Caught so-so notices, 
with particular warmth for Francis 
L. Sullivan, but didn't take at the 
b.o., with only estimated $6,000. Was 
in for one frame only; "Druid Cir- 
cle" here now. 

"Man and Superman," Shubert (1- 
713; $4.20). Gained on final week to 
hit a wow estimated near-capacity 
$26,000, great for this type of offer- 
ing. "Sweethearts" here now. 

San Carlo Opera, Opera House 
(3,000; $3.60). Came in a few weeks 
too early to hit its stride, but took 
an . estimated $22,000, fine for eight 
performances. 

"This Time Tomorrow," Plymouth 
(1,461; $3.60). Guild show gained on 
second week to touch estimated $14- 
000, very good. "Inspector Calls" 
opens here tonight. 



'Windermere's Fan' In 
Sock 29G D.C. Finale 

Washington, Oct. 7. 

"Lady Windermere's Fan" wound 
up its third and last week Saturday 
(4) for a bulging $29,000. 

Theatre Guild brought in Terence 
Rattigan's London hit. "The Wins- 
low Boy," on Monday (6) for pre- 
Broadway fortnight. This will be 
succeeded by the Shubert revivals. 
"Rose Marie" and "Merry Widow," 
for a week apiece. 



'Norway' 10 ' 2 G, Salt Lake 

Sail. Lake City. Oct. 7. 

"Song Of Norway" winds up its 
three-performance run at Kingsbury 
Hall tonight (7), and if the b.o. sale 
measures up to the advance, the 
gross should hit a sock $10,500. 

Last night was a sellout, and to- 
night should repeat. Matinee this 
afternoon did about two thirds ca- 
pacity, which is {food for this town. 



Utah Symph Set 

Salt Lake City, Oct. 7. 

Artur Rubinstein and Mischa El- 
man head the list of musicians who 
will appear here during the forth- 
coming season. Rubinstein will work 
as soloist with the Utah Symphony 
Jan. 3, while Elman will be here 
Jan. 22. under the auspices of the 
Granite Arts Assn. 

The Utah Symphony begins its 
series of 10 concerts at the Taber- 
nacle, under the direction of Maurice 
Abravanel, on Nov. 8, and other 
soloists sot are Ginette Neveu, vio- 
liiiist, Dec. 13; Louis Kaufman, vio- 
linist, Jan. 17; and Druke & Shaw, 
two-piano team. Feb. 28. Leonard 
Posner. new concert master ol the 
orchestra, formerly with Radio City 
Music Hall, will also do a solo date. 
March 13. 



Toledo Books 'State* 

Toledo, Oct. 7. 

Toledo's Shubert - operated Town 
Hall, dark since February, will re- 
open this year with "State of the 
Union," starring Kay Francis, for a 
three-day stay, starting Oct. 20 and 
including a Wednesday matinee. 

Second booking for the house, 
"Tobacco Road." was announced to 
follow this, but the play is being re- 
routed and is expected to make an- 
other visit to Toledo later in the 
season. 



Broadway's legiters picked up 
smartly last week, when weather 
was cool and a holiday spirit pre- 
vailed during the World Series. 
Several holdovers doubtful of con- 
tinuance are now slated until the 
first of the year.' Matinees were off 
because of the ball games but nights 
saw big biz. 

Debuts, of five new shows also 
enlivened Times Square. Two out of 
three straight plays were oft' to | 
really promising starts but two new j 
musicals were both tabbed as doubt- 
ful. "The Heiress" and "Command 
Decision" got first night nods, "How 
I Wonder" being panned. "Music 
in My Heart" was thumbed-down 
and so was the English tuner, "Un- 
der The Counter." Five more at- 
tractions are bowing in this week, 
with first nighters' attention going 
principally to "Allegro." "Man and 
Superman" and "High Button 
Shoes." 

Estimates for Last Week 

Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), 
CD (Comedy-Drama), R (Revue), 
M (Musical), O (Operetta). 

"All My Sons," Coronet (36th 
week) (D-1,095; $4.80). Materially 
improved to around $14,500 but 
slated for the road alter another 
month. 

"Allegro," Majestic (M-1.659; $6). 
Presented by Theatre Guild; writ- 
ten and composed by Richard Rod- 
gers and Oscar Hammerstein. II; 
musical play drew capacity in Bos- 
ton; opens Friday (10). 

"Annie Get Your Gun," Imperial 
(73d week) (M-1,472; $6.60). Now 
lias some competition from new 
musicals but doubtful of being re- 
placed as gross leader; Ethel Mer- 
man out for two weeks for minor 
surgery; but nearly $45,000. 

"Born Yesterday," Lyceum (88th 
week) (C-993; $4.80). Approaching 
capacity again, and last week's 
takings over $19,000 and attendance 
was SRO during last half. 

"Brigadoon," Ziegfeld (30th week) 
(M-1,626; $6). Looks like cinch 
through new season, with capacity 
the rule and the statement showing 
better than $43,000. 

"Command Decision," Fulton ( 1st 
week) (D-968; $4.80). Accorded 90',;, 
commendable press, and takings for 
the first five performances ap- 
proached $13,000 level. 

"Call Me Mister," Plymouth (77th 
week) (M-1,075; $4.80). Moved here 
from Majestic, where it perked at 
summer's end; improved and got 
$27,500 there last week. 

"Dear Judas," Mansfield (D-1.041; 
$4.80). Presented by Michael Myrr- 
berg; adapted by him from Robin- 
son Jeffers' poem of same name; 
opened Sunday (5); skeptical press. 

"Duet For Two Hands," Booth 
(D-712; $4.80). Presented by Robert 
Reud; English meller written by 
Mary Hayley Bell; opened Tuesday 
(7). 

"Finlan's Rainbow," 46lh Street 
(39th week) (M-1,319; $6). Another 
holdover click that looks set through 
new season; with standees, takings 
around $42,000. 

"Happy Birthday," Brnadhurst 
(49th week) (C-1,160; $4.80). One 
night missed when star, Helen 
Hayes, had severe attack of in- 
digestion: business was on way up- 
ward and gross would have bettered 
$25,000. 

"Harvev." 48th St. (153d week) 
(C-920; $4.20). Hardly affected at 
matinees and takings improved, with 
crack laugh show topping $18,000. 

"High Button Shoes," Century 1 1st 
week) (M-1,670; $4.80). Presented by 
j Monte Pioser and Joseph Kipness, 
j with Shuberts associated; musical by 
| Stephen Longstrect, Jule Stync and 
Sammy Calm; fine business in Phila.; 
opens Thursday (9). 

"How I Wonder." Hudson (1st 
week) (CD-1.057; $4.80). Drew dis- 
tinctly doubtful notices but business 
i better than indicated; with one 
parly, takings approached $14,000 in 
first seven times. 

"Icetime of 1948," Center <19th 
week) (M-2.994; $2.40). Eased off 
somewhat but very good; last week s 
gross around $38,500. 

"John Loves Mary," Music Box 
(35th. week) (C-979; $4.80). Went tip 
considerably, with the gross ap- 
proaching $19,000, tickets ordered up 
to Ne\v Year's. 

"Music in Mv Heart," Adelphi (1st 
week) (C-1.434: $4.80). Got socked 
by critics and first nighters despite 
excellent showing in Phila.: opened 
Thursday (2); got $21,500 in first 
four times; $7.20 top opening night, 
$6 Friday and Saturday. 

"Oklahoma!." St. James (233d 
week) (M-1,505: $4.80). Went up 
' with field and run leader is also 
figured through season: estimated at 
i around $26,000. 

, "Our Lan'," Roynle (2d week I 
i (D-1.035: $4.80 ). After weak press j 
'| first full week's takings moderate: 

the approximate gross $9,500. 
"The Heiress," Biltmore (1st week) I 

(D-920: $4.80). First week much 

better than first indicated, and quot- I 

ed gross close to $20,000. 

•The Medium," and "The Tele- j 

phone," Barrymore (23d week) ■ 



(M- 1,064; $4.20). Musical playlets 
getting by but slated to go out soon; 
last week estimated at $11,500. 

"The Voice of the Turtle," Morosco 
(182d week) (C-939; $3.60). Picked 
up and approximated $9,000; excel- 
lent money for small-cast comedy 
with low nut. 

"Under the Counter," Shubert list 
week) (R-1,387; $4.80). Opened Fri- 
day (3); weak press for English 
musical, which was brought over 
intact. 

"Young Man's Fancy," Cort (23d 
week) (C-1,064; $3.60). Moved here 
from Plymouth, where takings were 
light; better at $7,500; intended 
through fall. 

REVIVAL 
"Man and Superman," Alvin 
(C-1.331; $4.80). George Bernard 
Shaw comedy presented and starred 
in by Maurice Evans; big in Bos- 
ton: opens tonight (8), 

"Burlesque," Belasco (41st week) 
(C-1.077; $4.80). Improved as did 
nearly all attractions last week and 
gross approximated $16,500; best 
figure in nong time here. 

REPEAT ENGAGEMENT 
"Anna Lucasta," National (1st' 
week) (D-1,164; $3.60). Third week 
current; leaving another week; 
"Medea" booked to debut here Oct. 
20; $5,500. 



'Shoes' High 33G, 
Forest' 14G, Philly 

Philadelphia, Oct. 7. 
With plenty to cheer about so far 
this still-young season, Philly is 
having plenty of trouble filling its 
legit booking chart. Last week saw 
two houses dark and one is un- 
lighted currently. However, a couple 
of last-minute bookings promise to 
(ill in some of the gaps. 

Meantime, there certainly was no 
kick on the attendance figure in the 
two houses active last week. "High 
Button Shpes," the musical tryout 
which became a near-sellout hit 
after the first five or six perform- 
ances here, did near capacity last 
week at $33,000 for its third and 
final .stanza at the Forrest. 

'Another Part of the Forest." 
Lillian Hellman drama, scored nearly 
$14,000 in its second and final week 
(drama opened on previous Wednes- 
day). 

Locust and Shubert both relighted 
last night (6) and Walnut offered a 
new attraction. Locust drew the 
first-string crix with the important 
"Medea" production, co-starring 
Judith Anderson, John Gielgud and 
Florence Reed, which is in for two 
weeks. Shubert's offering i.s "Rose 
Marie," Shubert operatic revival 
which will be followed next Monday 
by "The Merry Widow." Both 
operettas are single-week stays. The 
Walnut's current attraction is Black- 
stone. the magician, in for two 
weeks. "Medea" had a disappointing 
scat sale prior to opening but figures 
to jump; "Rose Marie" had about 
10 grand in the b.o., and Blackstone 
had a hefty advance. 

INA CLAIRE OK $8,000 
OPENS INDPLS. SEASON 

Indianapolis, Oct. 7. 
hia Claire in "Fatal Weakness" 
opened season and Guild subscrip- 
tion series "with okc $8,000 in four 
performances at $3.60 top, Oct. 2-4, 
at English here. 

Advance interest is hefty in "An- 
other Part of Forest," due Oce. 9-10 
on Guild slate, and "Song of Nor- 
way," due Oct. 21-25. 



'Choc. Soldier' a Stiff 
At $14,000 in Pittsburgh 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 7. 
'Chocolate Soldier" just couldn't 
get going at Nixon and wound up 
second week there pretty desolately 
at $14,000. 

Terrific advance sale for "Red 
Mill." which opened two-week en- 
gagement last night (6), believed to 
have hurt chances of "Chocolate 
i Soldier" considerably. 



'Harvey' 20G, Detroit; 
'What Price' Current 

Detroit. Oct. 7. 

''Harvey,'' starring Joe E. Brown, 
's in its si.xtri and final week at the 
Cass theatre after a $$20,000 fifth 
week in the 1,500- seat house, at a 
,s:i.(io top. 

Music hall opened its fall season 
las' night (Mon.) with Brian Don- 
levy. Regis Toomey and Anna Mitiot 
iu "What Price Glory." 



S4 



LITERATI 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



Literati 



Speare's Boston Victory 

Dorothy Speare and the censor- 
ship committee of the Authors 
League believe they have won at 
least a practical victory over the 
Boston Public Library in the recent 
banning of Miss Speare's "Spring 
on 52d Street." The Library still 
refuses to purchase the novel for its 
collection, but has changed its an- 
nounced reason for doing so. As a 
result, local booksellers are no long- 
er under risk of possible prosecution 
for selling the work. 

When it was first learned that the 
Library had refused to purchase 
"Spring," one of its employees ex- 
plained that it was because the 
novel was "unmoral." After the Au- 
thor's League agitation over the in- 
cident, however, Milton E. Lord, di- 
rector of the Library, announced 
that the book had not been banned, 
but that out of 1,150 recently con- 
sidered, it was one of 700 rejected 
as failing to meet "literary stand- 
ards." 



as a $5 item, contains a carload of 
things Ripley didn't know till now, 
either. Items contain 1,200 references 
some running as far back as 1897, 
with 82 of them statistical. 

As late as 1923, Beuick discovered 
the Literary Digest was asking "Is 
Radio Only a Passing Fad?" It turn- 
ed out that the Lifry Dige was. The 
next year they were discussing the 
poor radio artist who went on the 
air for publicity and got paid off in 
press notices, mostly bad. 

Another NYer Anthology 

Anthology of war yarns by edi- 
tors of the New Yorker mag is 
scheduled to be published Oct. 23 
by Reynal & Hitchcock under the 
title of "The New Yorker War 
Pieces." 

Same published is also issuing 
Edith Sulkin's new book, "Continent 
in Limbo," due Oct. 22. 



Budapest Actress Regains Firm 

Actress Frida Gombaszogi, widow 
of Hungarian journalist Andor Mik- 
los, won her suit against the Hun- 
garian government two weeks ago, 
when court gave her back Atheneum 
Publications Ltd., which was taken 
away by the government in 1939. 

After two-year-old suit, court de- 
clared that Mme. Gombaszogi was 
forced by former Minister of Justice 
Lajos Remenyi-Schneller and for- 
mer Minister of Trade Lajos Szasz 
to sign a contract which gave all 
rights over Atheneum Publications 
and printing off lce' to the Hungarian 
government of those times. 

Atheneum is the largest publica- 
tion company in Hungary. At pres- 
ent two daily papers and magazines 
are printed there. It also publishes 
books. 



Beerbohms' Villa Intact 

Sam L. Kahn, Sunday editor of 
The Memphis Commercial Appeal, 
has received word from his sister, 
actress Florence Kahn* of London, 
and her husband, Max Beerbohm, 
the caricaturist ' and essayist, that 
they finally have returned to their 
villa at Rapallo, Italy, and have 
found it in excellent state despite 
the ravages of war. 

Mrs. Beerbohm wrote that faith- 
ful servants had secreted and kept 
intact for them all their silver, 
China, linens, furniture and other 
valuables throughout the Nazi oc- 
cupation. 

The villa itself had survived the 
German conquest virtually undam 
aged. 



Stout's Stooge Spouse 

Rex Stout's latest Nero Wolfe 
story, a novelette to be serialized 
in advance of book publication, is 
located in the garment district of 
midtown Manhattan and several of 
the characters are understood to be 
taken from life. 

The author's wife, who has 
lucrative' textile designing business, 
cracks that she'll probably have to 
take to thejtulls when the yarn is 
published. 



Radio Bibliography 

Marshall Beuick's Radio Broad- 
casting Bibliography, just released 




CHATTER 

Jack Donohue completed the first 
draft of a guide book on dancing, 
titled "Why Not You?" 

Louis Zara, author and editor, 
joined Ziff-Davis Publishing Co. as 
executive editor of the book divi- 
sion.. 

Mechanix Illustrated carries by- 
lined story by Henry (Here's) Mor- 
gan on his hobby of building minia- 
ture railroads. 

Graham Baker and Teddi Sherman 
are fictionalizing their screen story, 
"The Time Has Come," for publica- 
tion in Satevepost. 

Adolphe Menjou's life story, "It 
Took Nine Tailors," written in col- 
laboration with M. M. Musselman, to 
be published by Whittlesey. 

Kay Boyle completing a novel, 
parts of which will be serialized in 
Atlantic Monthly. Whittlesey House 
will publish in the fall of 1948. 

Mrs. Wilbert J. Miller, former 
President of Theatre Club, Inc., 
Astor Hotel, new Theatre Editor of 
the Villager, Bronxville, N. Y. 

Promotion for National Dog Week, 
includes selection of Beth Brown's 
'Hotel for Dogs" as the official book 
of the year. Radio adaptation of the 
book being negotiated. 

Karl A. Bickel, retired prez of 
United Press, sailed Friday (3) for 
Europe aboard the Queen Elizabeth. 

James D. Alberse, account execu- 
tive and copy writer at Donahue & 
Coe, resigned to join promotion de- 
partment of Time-Life Internation- 
al, effective immediately. 

Dan Lang, of New Yorker staff, 
currently on two-week visit to 
White Sands, N. M., for material 
for two stories on the Army's rocket 
missile experimentation. 

Ben Hecht's first juvenile tome, 
"The Cat Jumped Out of the Story,' 
slated for Nov. 20 publication by 
John C. Winston Co. . 

American magazine bought the 
chapter on golf in Adolphe Men- 
jou book, "It Took Nine Tailors," 
for publication as a separate article. 

J. B. Priestley, whose new novel, 
"Jenny Villiers," hits the stalls Oct. 
29 under the Harper imprint, is due 
in New York about Nov. 1 en route 
to Mexico, where be'll represent 
Britain at an UNESCO meeting. 

Arthur Christiansen, editor of the 
London Express", and his wife head 
for Hollywood for 10 days, and en 
route back will stay overnight with 
a former GI in London who insisted 
they visit his home town, Plymouth, 
Wis. The Christiansens return to 
London, Nov. 1, on the Queen Eliza- 
beth. 



'Negro in American 
Theatre' a Good Book 
Albeit Slights Vaude 

' By JOE LAURIE, JR. 

Edith J. R. Isaacs' new book about 
"The Negro in the American Thea- 
tre" (Theatre Arts; $3.50) starts with 
James Hewlett, who played Richard 
III back in 1821, and brings it right 
up to date to the present hit, 
Finian's Rainbow." She traces the 
progress made by the Negro artists 
in our theatre, and does it simply 
and in an easy-to-read style. Mrs. 
Isaacs covers such greats of the race 
as Sam Lucas, Ernest Hogan, Wil- 
liams & Walker, Billy Ketfsands, 
Sissle & Blake, Ethel Waters, Flo- 
ence Mills, Cole & Johnson, Charles 
Gilpin, Paul Robeson, Josephine Ba- 
ker, William C. Handy, Avon Long, 
Katherine Dunham, Bessie Smith, 
Miller & Lyles, Abbie Mitchell, 
Richard Harrison, Bill "Bojangles" 
Robinson and many, many others. 
She tells about the early one-act 
plays, the mixed shows, and traces 
the hard road the colored artist has 
had to travel through minstrelsy, 
musical comedy and drama. She 
tells about <the great chance the 
Federal Theatre gave to the colored 
artist, and as above stated, it all 
makes interesting reading. 

Disappointed in not finding at 
least one chapter devoted to vaude- 
ville, which is surely (or was) a 
very important, part of the Ameri- 
can theatre, and where most of the 
fine, colored artists were cradled, 
and where many of them received 
their first opportunity. Such a great 
artist as Charlie Case, who was one 
of the greatest of all monologists 
(white or black), is never even 
mentioned. Neither are topliners 
like Moss & Frye, Buck & Bubbles, 
Irving Jones, Shelton Brooks, Dot- 
son, Fiddler & Shelton, John Ruck- 
er, Harry Brown, Anderson & Go- 
ines, Tabor & Green, Rastus Brown, 
Joe & Sadie Britton, and many 
others whose names are written on 
the golden scrolls of vaudeville. 
But she did do a fine job on the 
drama and musical comedy shows, 
and with a fine printing job and 
some fine photographs it's a book 
for the shelves of any student of 
the theatre. 



■!♦♦♦♦♦»+♦♦»♦♦»♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦* MM »M»»++-»j. 

SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK I 



B'way Season 

; Continued front page 1 ; 



Hinterland 

Continued from page 1 



J 



dance critic of 
THE NEW YORK TIMES 
Wonderful pictures, vivid pros*. 
The history of the Dance 
from primitive to modern time*. 
266 illustrations . . 160 page* 
$3.7$ at all bookstores. 

TUDOR PUBLISHING CO. 

121 Fourth Avenue, New Yort I 



machines to get out of the red. 

However, most of these places are 

biding time until the go sign on 

tables is given. 
Las Vegas clubs are regarded as 

the major example of what casino 
activity can do for niteries, but on 
a smaller scale, outstanding example 
is Cincinnati, which loses most of its 
nitery trade to spots in Covington 
and Newport, Ky., where top-priced 
talent can be seen because of reve- 
nue from the gaming tables. 

Presence of gambling spots in a 
town is likely to have an adverse ef- 
fect on niteries sans gaming. One 
example is seen in Pittsburgh's Wil- 
liam Penn hotel which is shopping 
around for major names. Competi- 
tion from nearby gaming rooms, 
using top performers, has been too 
tough and consequently inn is being 
forced to increase talent budget. 



your play, you were dead. Well, 
they did — and we're not dead." 

Barnes* review of "The Heiress" 
was- the show's worst, and producer 
Finklehoffe took an ad the follow- 
ing day, reproducing in entirety the 
favorable review of the N. Y. Post's 
critic Richard Watts. Jr., who 
once had Barnes' job. The ad, which 
ran opposite Barnes' review in the 
next day's early editions, was a poke 
at Barnes, running under the head- 
ing: "Thus is a review written by 
Richard Watts, Jr., for many 
years the distinguished drama critic 
of the N. Y. Herald Tribune." 
Good Followups 

Barnes Sunday (5) column fol- 
lowing discussed "Heiress" and was 
much easier on the play, admitting 
that his other colleagues thought it 
a fine show. Atkinson's Sunday fol- 
lowup piece was also on "Heiress," 
Atkinson doing the unusual by 
quoting from the good notices and 
naming the critics. 

Rose's column was fairly gentle. 
Referred to in the three-column 
extra-space ad as "American's ace 
showman," Rose, who liked "Music 
In My Heart," said he was utterly 
confused by the nine daily critics, 
who unanimously didn't. Rose said 
when he read next day's reviews, 
he got all balled up, wondering 
whether the reviewers and he had 
been to the same theatre. Is it pos- 
sible, he asked, whether critics look 
at shows out of different eyes than 
the rest of us? Can the job of seeing 
60/80 shows a year get them a little 
punchy? 

"I'd like to see the producer bind 
up his wounds and keep his stand 
open a while," Rose wrote. "I know 
I'm sticking my neck out, but I in- 
sist there's a big audience for this 
operetta, the audience that still sees 
and adores 'The Student Prince 
and 'Blossom Time.'" 

Into the more acrimonious field, 
however, were reviews by Robert 
Coleman of the Mirror and Robert 
Garland, Journal-American, of "How 
I Wonder," which had a few eye- 
brows angled. Both reviews were 
considered in some corners as vitri- 
olic, and going out of the way to 
smack the play because of the au- 
thor's (Donald Ogden Stewart) left- 
ist political stance. Garland's review 
was held by some to be a personal 



*M-»*+++»+4+++++' By Frank Scully ► ♦ ♦ ♦ mmmmmm ' 

Ham'n, R. I., Oct. 6. 

The doorbells buzzed. (What do you expect doorbells to do, bang out 
like Lucky Strikes' red bull's eyes?) 

A spry old gent with a white goatee, a batwing collar and a bowtie 
rushed past the hostess and said, "Let me answer it!" 

He opened the door with a sweep. 

"The new butler," he said. 

""^Why, Burtie!" cried the guest. She threw her arms around his well, 
tailored neck. 

"The only blonde my wife was ever jealous of," explained Burtie to the 
rest of the guests. 

The blonde was Sophie Tucker, the last of the redhot mammas (and, 
brother, how she has lasted); the new butler was Burton Holmes, the last 
of the redhot Baedekers. The young hostess who was practically swept 
out of her own domain was Mme. Scully of Bedside Manor. 

Probably With Einstein 

We hadn't seen Soph in 17 years. She didn't look a day older. How 
could she? She was 38 then; she's 38 now. 

It was in London, when she was starring in "Follow. A Star." I think 
she started out co-starring with Jack Hulbert, but certainly after the 
opening night he was all Tuckered out and trailing Soph by the length of 
the Strand. 

Jack Hulbert could hardly have meant it that way. Paul Murray was 
the producer and when he took ill in Manchester, where they worked out 
for four weeks, Hulbert started ' tearing the show apart and putting it 
together again. You may 'be able to do that with a show, but you can't 
do it with Soph. Like Gibraltar, you have to shoot around her. 

Well, the show came to London and was just one of those things, till 
they literally stopped the show and blacked out all but a small portion of 
the stage. There stood Soph, a piano and Ted Shapiro. They did 1 three 
songs, five songs, eight songs. They literally took the show away from 
the show. It was larceny in the first degree. 

Another of Lc Malre's Affaires 

Rufe Le Mair'e once told her, "You're all right as a singer, Soph, but as 
an actress you stink." But Hannen Swaffer told the world that night that 
she was "the cleverest artist of her kind in the English-speaking world." 
That said less than Swaff intended, because Tuckers come only one of a 
kind. 

We went backstage to greet the gal who had survived blackface, ragtime, 
burlesque, syncopation, coon-shouting, husbands, Albee, cabarets and even 
Warners' idea of "Honky Tonk." She gave me as good 1 a smack as Holmes 
got, but, of course, I was lots younger then and deserved it more. 
. "When was that?" one of the guests wanted to. know. 

"Sept. 30, 1930," I said. 

Another guest wanted to know, not being a copper, how I could be 
that sure of the date. 

"Well," I said, "I was 38 at one time in my life, too, and that was the 
time, and I was married that day and this is our 17th anniversary, and be 
a good schnook, Soph, and pass the lox." 

When the laughter came down off the last rafter and we all toasted to 
each other's health and long life, I asked Soph how she described her 
current mode of collecting Cadillacs. 

The reason I asked, I said 1 , was because I lost the friendship (for five 
minutes) of a lifelong friend by referring to his current mode of enter- 
tainment as "niteries." 

Not nightclubs, old boy," he corrected me, "but supper clubs. I don't 
work in nightclubs." 
"Who was that?" Soph wanted to know. 
"Carl Brisson," I said. 
"Well," said Soph, "I work in jernts." 

"Age Cannot Wither . . ." 

Who was it who first said there's no business like show business? Taka 
this trio of names, all top grossers, and look at the variety of their appeals. 
Though only 38, Soph actually has been 40 years in show business. 
Holmes started his 54th season this month and turned 800 away on his 
opening illustrated spiel at the Wilshire Ebell. That house seats 1,200. 
Ibat means he's grossing $2,000 a performance. 

He will do 180 nights across the country this season and that will start 
him on his sixth million. He has crews working in South America, and 
even in Ireland right now, shooting new color pix for 1948. He rarely 
gives them a reissue. He's a magnificent person and 1 insists he is not a 
lecturer. "I'm an entertainer," he says. "I work in theatres, not on plat- 
forms." 

He's right. He's an entertainer, a terrific entertainer. His travelogs 
are like studying geography under Charlie Chaplin. He counts the laughs, 
and he makes sure that his pictures have plenty of sex appeal. He doesn't 
work in white tie and tails any more. He has retreated to dinner jackets. 
That leaves the more formal props almost exclusively to Carl Brisson. 

The Boy Grew Older 

Though a boy, compared to Burtie and Sdph, Brisson's retreat to eat- 
eries in order to eat is even more amazing than their endurance records. 
He had retired some years ago. He had apartment houses in Europe, stor- 
age buildings in England, a beach house near Malibu. For a guy who 
started out as a middleweight champ of Europe and had worked up to 
playing "The Merry Widow" so often, he had a right to retire and collect 
rents for the rest of his days. 

But Hitler seemed to take a special delight in dropping bombs on Brisson 
properties. Instead of screaming to embassies to do something about it, 
Carl went down to that beach house near Malibu and began working out 
like a guy who hoped to come back and win the middleweight champion- 
ship again. He was 50 if a day. As weeks went by, I saw him get into 
amazing Condition. The only pot he had was in the kitchen: He became 
as brown as Jewish pumpernickel. 

"Soup And Fish," a $100 Dish 

From there to becoming the dowager's Sinatra of the Versailles is a 
sufficiently well known story not to need repeating, but that a guy in his 
fifties could look and act like 38 and gross $150,000 a year in supper clubs 
is the Cinder Eddie story of the century. You saw his ad on the back 
cover of Variktt a few weeks ago. You saw that he was booked solid all 
through 1948. What you didn't see was that under that $400 formal evening 
attire was a man of muscle and a great Dane. 

In fact, all these oldtimers are magnificent people, an inspiration to kids 
who climb too fast in pictures or radio and practically weep on receipt of 
one bad 1 notice, worrying what will happen to them if they flop because 
they don't know any other branch of show biz. 

Like Jolson and Cantor and Benny and Allen, Tucker and Holmes and 
Brisson seem as indestructible as Gibraltar. 

And for my money, though possibly not for Prudential's, they're lots 
more pleasant company for luncheon. 



diatribe. Stewart is married to an- 
other outspoken leftist, Ella Winter, 
Lincoln Steffens' widow, and Gar- 
land's review starter off with: "Men- 
tioning no name, the " Winter of 
Donald Ogden Stewart's sociologic 
discontent has seeped disastrously 
into 'How I Wonder.' " 

Coleman, calling Stewart's play "a 
boobytrap bore," referred to Stew- 
art "really going after the bad old 



warmongers" in the second act. and 
said: "To these ears it sounded like 
a 15-minute repeat of Commissar 
Vishinsky's juvenile jibe of last 
week. 

"It would be superfluous to at- 
tempt to answer their sophistry, 
Coleman added, "after Daily Mirror 
colleague Walter Winchell's magni- 
ficent job of Sunday night over the 
ABC network." 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 



CHATTER 



55 



Broadway 



Collier's profiling Decca prexy 
Jack Kapp shortly. 

Agent Ben Fisher returned to 
London on the Elizabeth' last week. 

Stage Managers Club, recently or- 
ganized, held its initial meeting last 
week. , 

The 105th anniversary exhibition 
of Dazian's on West 44th, will close 
Nov. 1. 

Lorella Val Mery back from three 
months visit to England, France and 
Belgium. 

Michael . O'Shea joined Bernard 
Simon on "A Young Man's Fancy' 
p.a. chores. 

Robby Lantz eastbound after 
huddling with Abe Lastfogel on a 
William Morris agency deal. 

Rose Bampton due back from 
South American opera and concert 
appearance, by plane, tomorrow (9). 

Thornton Wilder to address an 
open forum at the Rooftop theatre, 
111 East Houston street, tonight 
(Wed.). 

Lou Goldberg driving his wife to 
Arizona, where it's hoped the dry 
climate will speed recuperation from 
recent illness. 

Pierre d'Angelo & Vanya nixed 
Paris and other Continental dancing 
engagements, figuring the European 
winters too tough. 

Attorney Arnold Grant planed to 
the Coast Monday (6) for 10 days 
o£ confabs with clients there, par- 
ticularly Mary Pickford. 

Jerry Sevastianoff off to England 
to look into staging "Dark Eyes" 
there with Irina Baronova, Paula 
Lawrence and Uta Hagen. 

Composer-conductor S i g m u n d 
Romberg, having completed his 
chore on the film, "Up In Central 
Park," in from Hollywood. 

Jennie Tourel set for concert tour 
of Palestine next spring, for 12 ap- 
pearances between May 16 and June 
5, in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. 
> Myer Hutner, who resigned the 
Carl Erbe flackery last week, enters 
the Beth David hospital today 
(Wed.) for further surgery on his 
arm. 

Pat Wallace, former J. Arthur 
Rank story editor, accompanying 
Daphne du Maurier, due here to de- 
fend a "Rebecca" infringement 
claim. 

Lillie Messinger, Universal-Inter- 
national Coast story chief, due in 
' this week to o.o. Gotham literary 
mart. . Actress Phyllis Calvert also 
easting. 

Negro baritone Lawrence Winter, 
former principal of "Call Me Mis- 
ter," back from a West Indies con- 
cert tour, and making his Town Hall 
debut Nov. 16. 

Disclosed that Lee and J. J. Shu- 
bert have organized a Sam S. Shu- 
bert Foundation in honor of their 
brother who was killed in a railroad 
accident in 1906. 

Larry Stewart, cast member of 
"Finian's Rainbow" for only five 
weeks, assumed the lead' Thursday 
(2) replacing Donald Richards, ill 
with pharyngitis. 

Singapore restaurant reopening 
Oct. 15 with Tommy Chen, former 
chef, the new owner. Joe Howard 
and Carl Erbe still retain an inter- 
est in the eatery. 

While Jock Lawrence is huddling 
with J. Arthur Rank in London, his 
London rep. Steve Miller, is back in 
the U. S. with his British bride, the 
first time over for her. 

Eleanor Counts, Coast playwright, 
in N. Y. working on idea of a radio 
program to try out new legit scripts. 

Carlos Ramirez set for a Decem- 
ber date at the Waldorf. 

Emmet La very, SWG prez, due 
east this weekend to stay with the 
rehearsals of his "Gentleman from 
Athens" which Sam Wanamaker is 
directing for Martin Gosch. 

Marjoric and Sherman Ewing due 
to present The Hartmans on Broad- 
way in "Heaven Help the Angels" in 
which they toured the strawhats. 
New material will be inserted. 

Abe Feder to stage and light N. Y. 
Times' "Fashions of the Times" show 
Oct. 28-31. with Maria Karnilova, 
Donald Kirk. Joan Alexander, Dick 
Jannnver performing in programs. 

Oliver B. Johnston, secretary 
Walt Disney Productions, and A. C. 
W. Nightingale, g.m. of the D'Oyly 
Carte Opera Co., sailed for Britain 
Friday (3) aboard the Queen Eliza- 
beth. 

Ralph Bellamy narrated and Wil- 
liam Kendall Clarke wrote and di- 
rected a 28-minute film short, "Be- 
hind the Red Feather," plugging the 
Community Chest of Mt. Vernon. 
N. Y. 

Vaude percenters apparently going 
in heavily lor parenthood by adop- 
tion. Within the last two weeks 
Leon Newman of the Mark Lcddy 
office and Abner J. Grcshler adopted 
infant sons. 

Mike Todd, back from the- Coast 
with his wife ijoan Blondcll) and 
their three children, says he's "now 
back at work." Readying the new 
Anita Loos-Howard Dietz-Alstone 
legit musical, 

Valerie White, Madge Compton, 
Betty Sinclair and Frank Allenby. 
British cast memhers of John C. 
Wilson's "Winslow Boy," in on the 
Media' last week. Play opens at the 
Empire Oct. 29. 

Air Force Assn. to take in show 



biz fields. First general meeting 
planned soon, details being worked 
out by William Roach, member of 
law firm of O'Brien, Driscoll, Raf- 
tery & Lawler. 

Herman Yablokoff, Yiddish legit 
star, has returned from a seven- 
month tour of the displaced persons' 
camps of Germany, Austria and 
Italy in which he gave 104 perform- 
ances in 94 camps. 

Arts, Sciences & Professions divi- 
sion of Progressive Citizens of 
America holding conference on cul- 
tural freedom and civil liberties at 
Hotel Commodore Oct. 25-26, Dr. 
Harlow Shapley chairmaning. 

League of N. Y. Women Voters 
adapted the radio jingle technique 
with a scries of nine NBC spots, re- 
corded by Ginger & Lanny Grey, 
plugging the idea of "do your duty 
as a citizen and register for the 
polls." 

The Sidney (BMI) Kayes being 
kidded about their "separation" as 
result of a Times ad about a similar- 
named couple (Forest Hills resi- 
dents whereas the attorney-music- 
radio exec is a Manhattanite). Inci- 
dentally, they just bought 179 acres 
at Cornwall, Conn.- 

Lucius Beebe scripted "Four Dec- 
ades of the Plaza," for that hotel's 
excellent brochure in connection 
with the current 40th anniversary 
celebration. Prexy C. N. Hilton, of 
the controlling hotel chain, is gifting 
friends with 25-year-old Scotch, also 
as part of the festivities. 

Harry Ruby has checked in at 
Metro, on the Coast, to contribute 
■biographical data for the (the late) 
Bert Kalmar & Ruby biopic being 
planned at the studio by Arthur 
Freed, producer. Incidentally, Mrs. 
Ruby, the former Eileen Percy, 
silent screen star, recovering from 
another operation, but OK now. 

Newtown, also in Bucks county, 
Pa., is beginning to rival New Hope 
as a summer and weekend home for 
show business people. Among those 
who now own places in or nearby 
the Quaker community are Shirley 
Booth, Ezra Stone, Don Hollenbeck. 
Frazier Hunt, Charles Gussman, 
Budd Schulberg. Fayette Krum, 
Charles Irving and Arthur Hanna. 



Minneapolis 

By Lcs Rees 

James Melton at St. Paul Audi- 
torium, Oct. 14. 

Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra 
season opens Oct. 24. 

Marcella Hermann, M-G-M office 
manager secretary, married. 

•Don Cossack Choir at St. Paul Au- 
ditorium for matinee Oct. 19. 

Lyceum, legit roadshow house, has 
"Carmen," French film, for week. . 

Ralph Moffett. radio announcer, 
here on visit from Munich, Germany. 

Univ. of Minn, selling "member- 
ship cards" for new foreign film 
season. 

Charlie Winchell, assistant to prez 
of Minn. Amus. C°-, visiting So. 
Dakota situations. 

Don Stblz, director of the Old Log 
strawhatter, to operate stock com- 
pany at So. Bend. Ind. 

Ina Claire in "Fatal Weakness" 
first of Theatre Guild subscription 
season offerings at Lyceum this 
month. 

Mayor H. H. Humphrey pro- 
claimed Civic Theatre Week to boost 
North Star Drama Guild, leading lo- 
cal little theatre group. 

Harry Seed, Warner Brothers' mid- 
west district manager, visiting here. 

Norman Pyle. M-G-M exploiteer, 
to Chicago for fortnight to pinchhit. 

Al Morgan, comedian, and Lau- 
retta & Clymas. dancers, into Hotel 
Nicollet Minnesota Terrace, follow- 
ing Merry Macs, with Bert Wheeler 
&' Co., set for Oct.- 17. 



Schary 

Continued from page 1 



which would put him behind Mayer, 
but tar ahead of the rest of the field. 
His fixed salary means $197,600 an- 
nually while profits before taxes last 
year came to .$19,577,804 with the 
2U% slice hitting $485,000. Half- 
year profits before taxes this year 
were $8,067,347. somewhat short of 
the 1946 peak, but at. worst Schary 
should gainer $375,000 on his cut 
with total paychecks reaching 
$570,000. 

Against Schury's hreadwinning 
potentialities, Mayer has a $500,000 
fixed return plus 6.77'i of Metro's 
gross profits and 10'i on reissues. 
Dairy 1 F. Zanuck i20th-Fox> takes 
$260,000: William Goctz tU - I), 
j $254,000; Harry Cohn (Col). $226,- 
•900: Henry Ginsberg (Pari, $189,083; 
, and Jack L. Warner <WB>, $182,100. 
| The five-year deal which runs 
.through 1951 gives Schary screen 
| credit on all pix turned out by the 
RKO lot besides mention on all ad- 
vertising material. If the company 
moves from its Los Angeles base 
during the five years, Schary may 
terminate his contract on 90 days 
notice. Moreover, if at any time, 
RKO's board fails to reelect him 
exec vecpee. he can call it quits. 

Deal also provides that of l'< 
of Schary's fixed pay goes to the 
Motion Picture Relief Fund. 



London 



Richard Tauber in Guy's Hospital, 
London, for a minor operation. 

Late Dr. Victor Hely Hutchinson, 
musical director for the BBC, left 
around $34,000. 

Ruth Draper due in the West End 
for a month's season Nov. 10, after a 
provincial tour. 

Sam Eckman, Jr., celebrating 20 
years as head of Metro in Britain 
and 30 years with parent organiza- 
tion. 

Fred Russell, vet ventriloquist and 
leading light in the Variety Artists 
Federation, celebrated his 85th 
birthday Sept. 29. 

"Tuppence Colored," intimate re- 
vue that made a hit at the Lyric, 
Hammersmith, to transfer to the 
Globe middle of October. 

Run of Noel Coward's "Point 
Valaine," at the Embassy, has been 
extended two weeks beyond usual 
three weeks' policy of this tryout 
house. ; 

Maureen Gardner, ballerina and 
champion hurdle racer, is to marry 
Geoffrey Dyson, chief coach to the 
Amateur Athletic Assn., who was 
her trainer. 

Mary Wood, Canadian understudy 
to Betsy Drake in "Deep Are the 
Roots," took lead role when Miss 
Drake left the cast through illness 
and returned to the States. 

Francoise Rosay leaving the cast 
of "Trespass," in which she co- 
stars with Emlyn Williams. She's to 
appear in a film shortly. Her role 
taken over by Mary Hinton. 

Old Vic Co. flew to Brussels Sept. 
29 to give five performances of "The 
Taming of the- Shrew" at the The- 
atre du Pare. Trevor Howard and 
Patricia Burke headed the cast. 

James Bell, organist at Odeon, 
Leicester Square since it opened in 
1938, collapsed after finishing a 20- 
minute broadcast there and died 
later in Charing Cross Hospital. 

Val Parnell's new musical to suc- 
ceed Ivor Novello's "Perchance to 
Dream" at the Hippodrome, is titled 
"The Starlight Roof." Cast will be 
headed by Vic Oliver, Pat Kirkwood, 
Fred Emney, Jere McMahon, with 
production set for end of October. 

Tom Warden, who was Arthur 
Sinclair's understudy in "The Crime 
of Margaret Foley" at the Comedy, 
has taken over the role while Sin- 
clair starts- rehearsals for his forth- 
coming appearance in "Finian's 
Rainbow." 

Freda Jackson, who made a hit 
as the drunken harridan in "No 
Room at the Inn," is to star in 
"Deliver My Darling," a new play 
by the same author, Joan Temple, 
which comes to the Embassy for a 
tryout Oct. 14. t 

Elsie Beyer, who was general 
manager of H. M. Tennent, Ltd.. 
play producers, has resigned and 
joins the Old Vic Theatre Co. in the 
same capacity when it sails for its 
Australian and New Zealand tour 
just after Christmas. 



Mike Marlow, Rege Cordic and 
Vince Joyce. 

Ruth Puvorotto has taken a 
dancing job in "Oklahoma!" on 
Broadway and won't be returning 
to Carnegie Tech drama school. 



Philadelphia 

. By Si Shaltz 

Emil Taube, KYW engineer, had' 
appendectomy at Roxborough hos- 
pital. 

Rafael Druion, KYW violinist, re- 
signed to become coiu-ertmaster with 
the Dallas Symphony. 

Corp. Henry Patrick, former local 
bandleader and vocalist, handling 
radio section at Fort Meade. 

James Stewart and Virginia Mayo 
in town this week. Stewart appear- 
ing at Pennsylvania Week luncheon; 
Miss Mayo for "Walter Mitty" preem. 

James Stewart, a native of In- 
diana, Pa., will receive the first an- 
nual award as the Pennsylvanian 
who contributed most to his indus- 
try at a luncheon Oct. 13, given by 
the Philadelphia Chamber of Com- 
merce at the Bellcvue-Stratford 
hotel. 



Chicago 

John Harkins ill at Augustana 
hospital. 

Fred Astaire in town to give pri- 
vate dancing lessons. 

Bill Eythe visiting' his wife, Buff 
Cobb, of the "Private Lives" com- 
pany. 

Boris Morros in town for the 
premiere of "Carnegie Hall," at the 
Grand. 

' Nat Karson in town for dis- 
cussions of his forthcoming book of 
reminiscences. 

Lawrence Langner, Theatre Guild 
exec, in for confabs on the organi- 
zation's subscription series. 

Lee Cobb flew in to join company 
of "Northside 777," which is two 
days ahead of shooting schedule. 
Joanna de Bergh. Dutch actress, 
making her U. 'S. debut in the pic- 
ture. 



By Hal Cohen 

Grade Barrie into the Bachelor's 
Club for a week's engagement. 

Al and Lew Mereur in town to 
dispose of their two cafe holdings in 
Miami. 

Joe E. Brown's "liarvey" booked 
for three weeks at Nixon, beginning 
: Nov. 3. 

Milton Brauman. Film Classics 
' manager, to Atlantic City for con- 
| valesencc. 

"Late George Aplcy" will be sec- 
ond show at Playhouse, following 
"Dream Girl." 

Harold Goldstein. WLOA continu- 
ity chief, resigned to join Earl 
Both well agency. .. 

Eddie Specter, Pittsburgh Sym- 
phony manager, on the job again 
after an operation. 

Francis Robinson in town beating 
the drums for Katharine Cornell's 
"Anthony and Cleopatra." 

Norman Sic-ga) in from Coast, es- 
corting Par's player contingent here 
for "Unconcptered" preem. 

Sonny Miller, former local cafe 
owner, in from Los Angeles for a 
couple of weeks on business. 

WWSW has throe announcers at 
Pitt Univ. under GI bill of Rights: 



Plays Out of Town 



Continued from page 52 s 

Medea 

by her huband with ambitions to 
power. . 

Medea is rebellious and vindictive 
when she learns her husband Jason 
finds it in keeping with his dreams of 
acquisition to marry the daughter of 
Creon, King of Corinth. He defends 
his faithlessness as done to provide 
ultimate wealth for their children. 
When she and the two small boys are 
ordered exiled by Creon, Jason 
argues Medea's banishment is the re- 
sult of her unrestrained tongue. 
Possessed of some knowledge of heal- 
ing, powers of witchcraft also are at- 
tributed to her. In retribution she 
plans to strike where it will grieve 
the ambitious Jason most. In the 
pretense she has condoned his acts, 
she sends her children with presents 
of a crown and robe, both poisoned. 
A messenger forthwith reports the 
death of both the bride and Creon. 
Jason, approaching the palace in the 
hope of rescuing his children, is 
horrified to gaze upon their murder 
by the hand of Medea. Her revenge 
accomplished she denounces Jason 
for his perfidy and departs for 
asylum that has been promised her 
in Athens. 

The play is a complete triumph for 
Judith Anderson, who, as the ill- 
starred Medea, gives an astonishingly 
impressive portrayal. Onstage virtu- 
ally throughout, top honors are hers 
all along the line. After one pro- 
longed scene at opening night's per- 
formance she was given a full two- 
minute ovation. John Gielgud's Jason 
is played with fine repression, and 
Florence Reed as the devoted, elderly 
nurse to Medea shows deep feeling 
and understanding in a difficult as- 
signment. Supporting roles are 
adeptly handled, notably Albert 
Hecht as the stern Creon; Grace 
Mills as the First Woman of Corinth; 
Don McHenry as the tutor, and Hugh 
Franklin as Acgeus. 

Gielgud's exacting direction is evi- 
dent throughout, and the one-setter 
by Ben Edwards sets the mood of 
tragedy in compelling taste. Because 
of the morbidity of theme, costuming 
and ancient background, play's pic- 
ture desirability, of course, is un- 
likely. Kane. 



Annie tint Your (inn 

(National Co.) 

Dallas, Oct. 4. 
Texas' Mary Martin returned to 
her home state, after a 10-year 
absence, to perform brilliantly at the 
Fair Park Casino here as the little 
sharpshooter who discovered that 
she couldn't get her man with a gun. 
A first-night audience of 3,500 called 
for encore after encore wjien, at the 
final curtain, she sang the special 
lyrics to "There's No Business Like 
Show Business,"- which Irving Berlin 
had written just for the occasion. 
Theme of the new version was her 
amazement tha.t "Folks in Texas 
would pay to see Mary Martin doin' 
what comes naturally." 

Miss Martin scored '.heavily with 
such Berlin tunes as "Sun in the 
Morning.'' "Anything You Can Do" 
and ' Doin' What Comes Naturally." 
| displaying a good lusty voice when 
l the occasion demanded, or a pleasing 
j soprano when required. The audi- 
| ence found her well suited to the 
| part of the frontier maid, and en- 
cores for her numbers were prac- 
tically automatic all evening. 

Earl Covert displays a fine bari- 
tone voice and is well cast as Frank 
Butler, the man in Annie's life. 
Covert registers solidly with "Girl 
That I Marry" and "I'm a Bad, Bad 
Man." 

Donald Burr as Charlie Davenport, 
Jack Rutherford as the white- 
bearded Buffalo Bill, Zachary 
Charles as Sitting Bull and Bernard 
] Hoffman as Pawnee Bill perform 
! well throughout, as do Billic Worth 
i and Tommy Wonder. Miss Martin's 
1 daughter, mx -year-old Heller, makes 
: her debut in the production, apoear- 
. ing as Nellie. Annie's youngest sister. 
I Jo Mielziner's lighting and settings 
are exceptional, and Joshua Logan's 
direction excellent. Berg. 



Hollywood 



Truman Bradleys divorcing. 
Garry Moore in from Chicago. 
David Wark Griffiths divorcing. 
Marty Lewis in from Atlantic City. 
Jacqueline Dalya to Mexico City. 
Art Wilde joined the RKO flack- 
ery. 

Barbara Bel Geddes ill with laryn- 
gitis. 

Sammy Stein returned from Aus- 
tralia. 

N. Peter Ruthvon planed to Mexi- 
co City. 

Roddy MacDowall planed to New 
Orleans. 

Betty Hutton and Ted Briskin to 
Chicago. 

Rita Hayworth filed suit to.divorce 
Orson Welles. 

Jerry Bresler hospitalized for 
minor surgery. 

Richard Powers in from New York 
for film chores. 

Tex Williams aired to Cleveland to 
start a stage tour. 

Renie resigned after 11 years as 
designer for RKO. 

Larry Finley to Phoenix on tran- 
scription business. 

Susan Hayward filed suit to di- 
vorce Jess Barker. 

Margo Shaver, dancer, reported a 
$10,000 jewel holdup. 

Groucho Marx to San Francisco for 
hospital appearances. 

Bill Dorfman checked in. at RKO 
after a trip to Europe. 

Harold Lewis in from New York 
for RKO conferences. 

Mozelle Britton Dinehart's home 
damaged $10,000 by fire. 

Irene Dunne returned to work 
after a week out with flu. 

Lee Baron will handle talent for 
the Mitchell Gertz agency. 

Mordecai Gorelik joined the fac- 
ulty at Los Angeles University. 

Yehudi Menuhin, currently tour- 
ing Europe, was divorced in Reno. 

Charles Bennett's home burglar- 
ized for $300 and a pair of earrings. 

Archie Twitchell to Detroit to play 
in the stage version of "What Price 
Glory." ' 

Belinda Richmond to Chicago for 
a two-week stint at the Palmer 
House. 

Robert Rubin returned from Wash- 
ington huddles on the British tax 
situation. 

Harry Niemeyer succeeded Bill 
Pierce as publicity director for Ben 
Bogeaus. 

Lou Lilly to Chicago for commer- 
cial story huddles with Standard Oil 
of Indiana. 

Jeanne Stuart, British actress, in- 
jured in a taxicab accident outside 
the Warners lot. 

Sol Lesser returned to his produ- 
cer chores after four months out 
with heart trouble. 

Walter Slezak bruised when his 
car was wrecked by a jackrabbit 
near Cove Fort, Utah. 

Paula Croset east on a 23-eity p.a. 
tour for "The Exile," a Douglas Fair- 
banks, Jr., production. 

Helmut Dantine's mother and 
younger brother arrived from Vienna 
to make their home here. 



Mexico City 

Songstress Marilyn Paul opened at 
the Champagne Room of the Hotel 
Reforma. 

Josephine Baker billed to appear 
at the El Patio nightclub, shortly, 
according to owner Vincenle Mi- 
randa. 

The picture, billed here as "Honey- 
moon in Mexico," siars Shirley 
Temple, Franchot Tone and Guy 
Madison. 

Lucienne Boyer, accompanied by 
her husband Jacques Pils and man- 
ager Arthur Lesser, due in Mexico 
City in November. 

Castro Leal, head of Mexico's film 
censorship office, being criticized for 
passing scenes "unfavorable for our 
country" in RKO's "Honeymoon." 

Composer Augustin Lara opened 
with a new show at the Follies, 
starring Tona La Negra, Manolin 
and Shilinsky, Arnie Hartman and 
Senor Uranga. 

Manuel Chavez (Chavites), sold 
out his share in the Sans-Souci. 
Neguib Simon, principal stockholder, 
named Carlos Sayden to succeed 
Chavites as manager. 



By Emit W. Maass 

British handed back Buerger the- 
atre to city of Vienna. 

Composer Alexander Steinbrecher 
got job as musical adviser at Burg 
State theatre. 

Ernst Decscy, manager of Univer- 
sal Music Publishing Co., died fol- 
lowing auto accident. 

Herman Leopoldi, pianist-com- 
poser, back after many years in his 
old hangout, Simpl Cabaret. 

Ernst Deutsch back from U. S. in 
title role o£ comedy, "Professor 
Bernardi," at Renaissance theatre. 

Metro's Hans Petersen town, look- 
ing into possibilities for production 
of "Vesper in Vienna" in local stu- 
dios. 

Louis Dacquin. French film direc- 
tor, working here on concentration 
camp film, "Lcs Jours do Notre 
Mort." 

Premiere of Franz Theodor Csok- 
or's "Lost Son" in Burg theatre, 
directed by Adolph Rott, well re- 
ceived. 



56 



Wednesday, October 8, 1947 




says this famous star 



'I never neglect my daily Active-lather 
facials with Lux Soap— they really make skin 
lovelier," says lovely Rita Hayworth. "Just 
smooth the rich fragrant lather well into 
your skin. Rinse with warm water, then 
splash with cold. Pat gently with a soft 
towel to dry." 

Don't let neglect cheat you of romance. 
This beauty care Rita Hayworth recom- 
mends Will make you lovelier tonight ! 

In recent tests of Lux Toilet Soap facials 
by skin specialists, actually 3 out of 4 com- 
plexions improved in a short time. 



"As you pat with a towel to dry, skin < 
takes on new loveliness. Screen stars 
know * thing or two about complexion 
care! You'll be thrilled with the new 
beauty Lux Soap facials give your skin." 



9 out of 10 Screen Stars use Lux Toilet Soap—j^^y^ ^ Zoi^/fer/ 



STAGE 




vtRIETY 



VOL. 168 No. 6 



Publish** Weekly at 164 West <6th Street, New York 1». N. T., by Variety, Inc. Annual subscription, $t0. Stasia copies, 88 cent*. 
Entered as aecond-claus matter December 22, 1906, at the Foot Office at New York, N. Y., under the act oC March t, lITt 

COPYRIGHT, 1047, BY VARIETY, INC. ALT, RIGHTS RESERVED. 

NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1947 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



USE PIX TO WOO VOTES IN '48 

— • - MI^WU 

Of H wood Delayed to Snarl Rankin 



Stresses Hollywood Make Better 
Films to Plug U. S. in Europe 



Washington, Oct. 14. + 
The film industry was urged yes- ' 
terday (Monday) to produce pic- 
tures for overseas consumption that 
"will do for Americans what 'Mis- 
sion to Moscow' did for Russians." 
-Rep. Karl E. Mundt (R., S.D.) called 
upon the industry! to make enter- 
tainment films which will give Eu- 
ropeans a clear window to normal 
American life' and to the operation 
of democracy in this country. 

If the industry fails to do the job, 
added Mundt, he will fight for funds 
for federal production of such 
films. The congressman is just back 
from Europe where l)e headed a 
subcommittee investigating the 
needs of an expanded "Voice of 
America" program. Mundt pre- 
dicted the "Voice" will receive a 
substantial increase in its next 
budget because a much stepped-up 
foreign information program is re- 
quired to compete with the Russian 
propaganda setup. "Such a pro- 
gram," he continued, "should be the 
forerunner to planning for eco- 
nomic aid." 
"In two-thirds to three-quarters 
(Continued on page 54) 



Tim Durant Auditions 
Buenos Aires as a Film 
Prod. Base for Chaplin 

. Buenos Aires, Oct. 14. 

Charles Chaplin is reported giving 
consideration to setting up a produc- 
tion unit here to make pictures in 
English and Spanish. Tim Durant, 
for many years an aide of Chaplin's 
in his business affairs, is now here 
investigating the possibilities. 

Durant recently returned to Ar- 
gentina, following a previous trip 
which later took him back to Holly- 
wood to confer with Chaplin. Plan, 
it is understood, contemplates bring- 
i"g players and technicians down 
from the U. S. 

Among those mentioned as coming 
here to work under Hugo Fregon- 
ese's direction for the Chaplin unit 
are Victor McLaglen and George 
Sanders. Sanders worked in Buenos 
Aires years ago for the British & 
American Tobacco Co. and conse- 
quently knows Spanish. 



2 FILM COS. REPORTED 
MULLING LaG BIOPIC 

New York's late Little Flower- 
Mayor F. H. LaGuardia— may be 
immortalized in celluloid after all. 
While there were none of the usual 
indications from title registrations 
right after his death that any picture 
companies were considering films 
based on his life, it has now been I 
learned that at least two producers | 
are interested in LaGuardia yarns. 

Columbia and an indie filmmaker- 
have both been negotiating for rights ■ 
with Morris S. Novik, who repre- j 
sents Mrs. LaG. Novik was former 
head o( the New York City station. 
WNYC, and was a close friend of the 
wriner mayor. 



Boomerang 

More than a few who have 
television at home find them- 
selves losing interest in the 
standard radio programs. 

If this proves generally true 
it is going to revise some ideas 
as to which branch of the 
amusement business television 
will' eventually hurt the most. 
That is, of course, when the 
price of sets drops enough to 
make wide circulation possible. 

Up to now the theatres and 
sports have been doing the most 
worrying about tele. 



le Audition?' Sez 
Kate Smith. Nixing 
■People M.C. Role 

Kate Smith turned down the per- 
manent m. c. spot on the "We, the 
People" series because she wouldn't 
do an "audition" for the assignment. 
Financial terms for the series had 
reportedly been set. However, a 
stalemate resulted when W. R. 
Huber, advertising director of Gulf 
Oil, the sponsor, insisted on hearing 
(.Continued on page 55) 



RACIAL INNUENDO CUES 
LAMBS CLUB BALLOTING 

Lambs Club's annual election, to 
be held tomorrow (16), is being ac- 
companied by intense campaign 
feeling within the membership be- 
cause of alleged racial propaganda, 
reliably reported to have been in- 
continued on page 54) 



Margaret Truman Nixes 
Elgin Xmas Show Bid 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 
J. Walter Thompson's agency bid 
to Margaret Truman for the Elgin 
Christmas show has been turned 
down. 

The White House singer declared 
politely but firmly that she won't 
appear on commercial shows. 



HORNBLOW'S GARBO YEN 

Hollywood. Oct. 14. 

Greta Garbo may return to the 
screen under the aegis of Metro, last 
company for which she worked, if 
producer Arthur Hornblow, Jr., just 
returned from a two-months' vaca- 
tion in Europe, has his way. He has 
several story properties that he 
wants to submit to Miss Garbo. 

She also returned to the U.S.. after 
a vacation of several months in her 
native Swec'en. Her Inst picture was 
"Two-Faced Woman," released by 
Metro in 1941. 




HAVE SAME IDEA 



During the 1948 Presidential elec- 
tions, films will emerge as a focal 
point of political propaganda, chal- 
lenging for the first time such other 
mass media as the press and radio. 
First gun already has been fired by 
"The Roosevelt Story," which was 
zealously defended by FDR par- 
tisans and just as vigorously at- 
tacked by his political opponents as 
being political ammunition. Both 
sides, howeve'r, concede the pic's ef- 
fectiveness. Second move towards 
films is being taken by the Progress- 
ive Citizens of America, political 
arm of the CIO and other liberal 
groups, which is mapping extensive 
operations with films next year. 

Democratic and Republican party 
leaders, who switched over from the 
street corner stump , to radio some 
20 years ago with reluctance born 
of habit, are consequently being 
forced into the film medium by this 
flanking threat from the PCA. Al- 
though limited by funds, PCA in- 
Continued on page 48) 



Mayor O'Dwyer Likely To 
Give In and OK N.Y.C. 
Golden Jubilee Fair 

While Mayor William O'Dwyer's 
objections to plans for the Golden 
Jubilee celebration to be held next 
year in New York, may force cur- 
tailment of the elaborate program 
prepared by Grover A. Whalen, 
chairman of the Jubilee committee, 
the fete is expected to be elaborate 
enough to attract a terrific number 
of visitors to hypo New York's 
hotels, theatres, niteries, shops, etc. 

Crowds may. be thinner that those 
(Continued on page 54) 



Gamblers Anonymous 

Producer Mike Todd is going 
to start an outfit called Gam- 
blers Anonymous, as the coun- 
terpart to Alcoholics Anonymous. 
The producer, o£ course, is kid- 
ding his current financial situa- 
tion. He recently filed a petition 
in bankruptcy. 

Todd's bankruptcy, despite the 
fact that he hasn't had a flop 
show since his early producing 
days, is the result of his gam- 
bling peccadillos, he avers. 



Durocher Called 
Out by Church, 
Nixed on Airer 



Leo Durocher, set for a guest spot 
last week on "We, the People," via 
CBS, was paid, off, but not used on 
the air. The' move was at the per- 
sonal orders of W. R. Huber, adver- 
tising director of Gulf Oil, the spon- 
sor. Young & Rubicam, agency on 
the show, put up a vain battle to 
(Continued on page 55) 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

The real reason the Hollywood 
hearings of the House Un-American 
Activities Committee were post- 
poned from late September to Oct. 
20 was to prevent, the sessions from 
becoming a souhling board for John 
E. Rankin's senatorial campaign in 
Mississippi, it was revealed here to- 
day (14). At the time he' announced 
the postponement, Rep. J. Parnell 
Thomas (R., N. J.) said it was be- 
cause several members of the com- 
mittee were abroad and one was ill. 
He said he wanted all hands on deck 
for the sessions. 

Actually the committee wanted to 
jettison Rep. Rankin, who was in 
Washington during September and 
early October. Rankin has since 
gone back to Mississippi to cam- 
paign. While he said he would get 
back for the early days of . the 
hearing, committee fingers are being 
kept crossed here in the hope that 
the campaign is sufficiently hot* to 
chain him to his native heath. 

Rankin early boasted that if he 
(Continued on page 54) 



NIGHT FOOTBALL NEW 
BOXOFFICE THREAT 

Trenton, Oct. 14. 

A night football craze is sweeping 
the New Jersey plains and simul- 
taneously handing out a walloping 
to theatre boxofficcs. Parlayed to 
television broadcasts of wrestling 
and boxing bouts, the sports events 
are now figured by exhibs to hurt 
flickery receipts 20% on the frequent 
evenings when they're staged. 

The p.m. rugby is something new. 
It had a late start last year but 
didn't catch on big. This season, 
semi-pro teams have sprung up 
everywhere with their matches lo- 
cated at the dozens of high school 
fields. 



Berlin, Paley's Banknite 

Washington, Oct. 14. 

Bureau of Internal Revenue an- 
nounced income tax refunds last 
week to Irving Berlin and William 
S. Paley for overpayments. 

Composer gets back $84,188 over- 
payment on his 1945 earnings, and 
the broadcasting chieftain recovers 
$131,856 on his 1944 income. 



U.S. Concert Artists' 
Coin Snafu in Europe 
, A Cue to Other Talent 

Tipoff to what other phases of 
show business can expect in the mat- 
ter is the recent experience of U. S. 
concert artists in getting their 
money out of foreign countries. Sur- 
vey made by managers of engage- 
ments filled this summer indicates 
obstructions, if not downright ppe- 
vention; black market currency deal- 
in ?s, and a general atmosphere that 
bodes ill for future bookings. Appar- 
ently the only areas offering any in- 
continued on page 55) 



Tops of the Tops 

Top Sheet Music Seller 

"Near You" 
Top "Most Requested" Disk 
"Near You" 
Top British Sheet Seller 

"Now Is the Hour" 
(Details in Music Section) 



rfti PERFECT CHRISTMAS OFT 

9 CMfriBittiaB tools 




silent night 
'twas the night before christmas 

adeste'fidelis 
god rest ye merry. gentlemen 

carol of the bells 
hark! the herald angels sing 
oh little town of bethlehem 
i0y to the world 
the first noel 



L iL HOUR OF CHARM 

' ALL-GIRL ORCHESTRA .«a CHOIR 

Under the direc ti on of PHIL SPITALNY 

CHARM RECORDS. Inc. 
P. O. log 40. Radio City Station, New York If. N. Y. 



MISCKIJLAOT 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Film Biz Treating Television's 
Potentialities With New Respect 



Film industry's study of television, 
conducted only haphazardly until 
now, has become greatly accelerated 
as result of telecasts of the recent 
World Series. Industry biggies real- 
ize now that the time left for them 
to make up their minds about this 
new competition threat is becoming 
more and more limited. 

Still uncertain about how much 
tele was responsible for the 80% 
cut in Broadway film receipts during 
the time the Series was aired, in- 
dustry officials have finally decided, 
nonetheless, that video is here to 
stay. If tele, with a present-day 
New York audience of only 500,000, 
was responsible for the b.o. dip, as 
many of them think it was, then it's 
easy to predict how much more tele 
will hurt in 1948, when that audience 
•hould be at least tripled. Although 
they still won't commit themselves, 
spokesmen concede they've been 
given plenty of reason to stop and 
take stock of the situation. 

World Series may occur only once 
a year, It's pointed out, but there'll 
be plenty of other events televised 
in the future to keep the public 
(.Continued on page 18) 



Hungary Nixes Location 
Shots for Pabst Ritual 
Murder Pic as Whitewash 

Budapest, Oct. 7. 

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry 
has refused request for permission 
to make exteriors in Hungary for 
an Austrian racial pic. 

The Vienna Oesterreichische 
Wochenschau und Filmproduktion is 
making the film, titled "In the Name 
of Humanity," based on a notorious 
ritual murder case in Hungary. Pic's 
director is G. W. Pabst who was 
quite a Hitler collaborator. 

Foreign Ministry handed the Aus- 
trian demand for consideration to 
the Hungarian Film Trade Union 
which declared: "We are most posi- 
tively against making exteriors of 
Austrian picture, "In the Name of 
Humanity," in Hungary, because its 
only reason is to acquit Austria of 
the charge of Nazism and prove that 
already years ago there existed such 
a racial hatred in Hungary. 

"If your Foreign Ministry has the 
means to prptest against the picture's 
production'in Vienna, we are willing 
to support this protest, as must all 
foreign trade unions." 



Mady Correll Recupes 

Mady Correll, stage and film 
actress who was seriously injured in 
an auto crash which killed her actor 
husband, Warren Ashe, Sept. 19, in 
Madison, Conn., has been released 
from a hospital in New Hayen and 
is recuperating at the N. Y. home 
of her parents. . 

She hopes to be up and around in 
two or three more weeks. 

SWG Group Due East To 
Powwow Authors League 
On Rights-Leasing Plan 

Delegation from the Screen 
Writers Guild is due to come east 
during October to confer with a 
committee representing the Authors 
League of America on the proposed 
American Authors Authority plan 
for leasing literary material. How- 
ever, nothing has been heard of mat- 
ter recently by the League office 
in New York and presumably it's 
cold, at least until late fall. 

The annual SWG election of of- 
ficers and council is to be held early 
in November and, with the various 
factions campaigning more strenu- 
ously , than ever, the AAA project 
is presumably sidetracked. Last 
tangible action on it was the issu- 
ance of an unfavorable report early 
last summer by the League licens- 
ing committee, consisting of Erik 
Barnouw, Marc Connolly, Russel 
Crouse, Edna Ferber, Paul Gallico 
and Kenneth Webb. 




278th WEEK! 

KEN MURRAY'S 

- "BLACKOUTS OF 1947" 
£l Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal. 

Watch for KEN MURRAY'S new 
feature length film production "BILL 
AND COO." 

Released through Republic Pictures 



Chevalier, Pilcer, Among 
Others, Due in N.Y. Thurs. 

In an atmosphere reminding of a 
pre-war Normandie voyage, the 
French liner De Grasse is due in* 
New York tomorrow (Thursday) 
with a contingent of show biz per- 
sonalities headed by Maurice Che- 
valier. Other passengers aboard 
the recently rebuilt French Line 
vessel include Harry Pilcer, Ameri- 
can dancing partner of the late Gaby 
Deslys; Mme. Rossignol, mother of 
Charles Boyer; Joseph Rieger of 
Universal Pictures, and Ann Mor- 
row Lindbergh who's returning 
from a European writing assignment 
for Reader's Digest. 

En route to New York Chevalier 
headlined some impromptu ship- 
board entertainment with his songs 
while Pilcer emceed. Representing 
the arts' and politics among the ar- 
rivals are writer Dr. Eugene Til- 
linger and Juan Negrin, one-time 
Premier of Spain, who is traveling 
incognito. De Grasse, an 18,000- 
toryier, is the French Line's pro tern 
flagship pending reconversion of the 
lie de France. 



JUDGE SCORES DELMAR 
IN ARBITRATION CASE 

Kenny Delmar's "belated" act of 
joining the Dramatists' Guild after 
becoming involved in an arbitration 
dispute with playwright Dayton 
Allen, who claims a share of Del- 
mar's earnings via his "Senator 
Claghorn" characterization, drew 
reproach from Justice Samuel Dick- 
stein of the N. Y. Supreme Court 
last week in a decision announcing 
that the court will appoint two 
arbitrators (who will name a third) 
to settle the case. 

Justice Dickstein's decision noted 
that the Dramatists' Guild, which 
had at first refused to name arbitra 
tors because neither party to the 
dispute was a guild -member, had 
subsequently offered to handle the 
case "inasmuch as Kenny Delmar 
(the respondent) was now a mem 
ber of the Dramatists' Guild." 
• "This belated step," said the 
jurist, "was due solely to the fact 
that the respondent chose to become 
a member of the Dramatists' Guild 
after this application was made 
The 'change of heart' coming after 
one of the parties joined the Drama 
tists' Guild . . . smacks of a motive 
which might bring up the question 
of 'undue means' as defined in sec- 
tion 1462 of the Civil Practice Act 
under which the court would be 
justified in setting aside an arbitra- 
tion award." 

Allen, with whom Delmar co- 
authored a play in 1943 called "It's 
A Gift" in which Claghorn was a 
character, claims a share of Del- 
mar's profits from his radio and 
film appearances on the basis of an 
asserted agreement between them 
to split earnings realized from the 
1 play. 



Everett Crosby 
Pleads Usi 

'Bouncer' Defense 

Interesting sidelight on legit 
financing and an unusual legal de- 
fense has been disclosed through 
court records involving Everett N. 
Crosby, Henry Duffy and a couple of 
scenic construction companies. 

Duffy is producer of "Music in My 
Heart?' musical now at the Adelphi, 
N.Y. ""Crosby, brother and biz. man- 
ager of Bing Crosby, was interested 
in "Heart" because his wife, Flpr- 
ence George, originally had one .of 
the leads in the show, although she 
dropped out during its tryout last 
month in Philadelphia. 

Crosby's interest, according to 
Duffy, was only personal, Crosby 
never having put any money into 
the show, and the transactions in- 
volved having nothing whatever to 
do with the present backers of the 
show. But last May, when Duffy 
was readying his production, he 
needed some money to pay instal- 
ments due on his sets. He got two 
checks from Crosby made out to 
himself (Duffy), one for $2,067, the 
other for $5,000, both dated May 15, 
1947. The $2,067 check Duffy en- 
dorsed over to the Vail Scenic Con- 
struction Go. as part payment on a 
$7,700 bill for building sets. The 
$5,000 check was endorsed over to 
Kaj Velden Studios. 

Both checks, drawn on the Bank 
of America in Hollywood, were sub- 
(Continucd on page 18) 



Feuchtwanger's New Play 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
Lion Feuchtwanger, whose novel, 
•'Proud Destiny," is skedded as an 
Enterprise film, is polishing his legit 
script, "Same Witch Hunt," due for 
Broadway soon. 

It's his first play in several years, 
a 17tli century epic of the Massa- 
chusetts witchcraft epidemic, with 



CoL's lucasta' Dicker 
Hinges on Goddard Pact 

Columbia Pictures' current nego- 
tiations for the legit hit, "Anna Lu- 
casta," hinges on the studio's getting 
Paulette Goddard to star in the pic. 
Miss Goddard already has plans for 
doing a legit version in French in 
Paris next year, presumably as a 
preview similar to James Stewart's 
appearance in "Harvey" on Broad- 



Cotton Mather as the central figure. way during the past summer. 

"Lucasta," in Broadway and road 



CORUM'S RACETRACK V.P. 

Boston, Oct. 14. 



LAUREL-HARDY EXTEND 
EUROPEAN VAUDE TOUR 

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, 
film comics who have been touring 
Europe, have extended their con- 
tinental route with a string of thea- 
tre dates in Scandinavian countries. 
Comedians have been booked for 
appearances in Copenhagen, Stock- 
holm, Uppsala, Gothenburg, Malmo, 
Aarhus and Odense. 

L-H have already played a string 
of English dates and have made a 
few appearance in France. They'll 
return to Paris in November to play 
the Lido. 



This Week's Football 



•By Harry Wisraer- 



(Sports Director, ABC Network) 

College 

GAMES WINNERS '"POINTS 

Virginia. Tech-Army . . . , Army 40 

LSU-Boston College (Fri nlte),,,.. LSU .,. ,..[ 10 

Purdue-Boston V Purdue ., 14 

Colgate-Princeton Colgate .... 3 

Columbia-Penn ...Pena 12 

Navy-Cornell Navy 7 

Georgetown-Tulsa .-, ..Tulsa .13 

Holy Cross-Harvard Holy Cross . . ." 7 

Maryland-Duke Duke -. "., 8 

Pittsburgh-Indiana Indiana ... Ji 

Villanova-Detroit (Sunday) . . : . ? Villanova . . . 9 

Wisconsin-Yale ...... .... Wisconsin , 1 

Minnesota-Illinois . Minnesota 3 

Iowa-Ohio State Iowa $ 

Iowa State-Mich. State Mich. State 10 

Kansas-Oklahoma -. Oklahoma $ 

Kansas State-Missouri Missouri ... 7 

Nebraska-Notre Dame Notre Dame 35 

Michigan-Northwestern Michigan 40 

Georgia-Oklahoma A&M Georgia '. 10 

Tennessee-Alabama Alabama 6 

Auburn-Georgia Tech ...Georgia Tech 24 

Florida-N. Carolina State N. Carolina State 3 

Kentucky-Vanderbilt ". Kentucky , 1 

Misstssippi-Tulane Mississippi 6 

North Carolina- Wm. & Mary . , . North Carolina 19 

Texas-Arkansas Texas 20 

Baylor-Texas Tech Baylor 1 

Rlce-SMU Rice 12 

Texas A&M-Texas Christian Texas A&M ? 

Wash. State-California California 28 

Oregon State-Southern Cal. Southern Cal . 14 

Washington-Oregon . . Washington .- 13 

UCLA-Stanford UCLA 30 

St. Mary 's-Nevada (Sunday) St. Mary's .. 6 

(College games ore played Saturday afternoon, unless otherwise slated.) 



Pro Football 

NATIONAL LEAGUE 
GAMES :., WINNERS 

Boston Yanks- N. Y. Giants Giants 

Philly Eagles-Pitt Steelers Eagles 

Wash. Redskins-Green Bay Packers Redskins . 

Detroit Llons-Chi Bears Bears . . . 

Chi Cards-L. A. Rams Rams 



POINTS 

t 

10 

....... I 

7 

3 



ALL-AMERICA CONFERENCE 
GAMES WINNERS 

Buffalo Bills-Brooklyn Dodgers (Fri nitc) . . Bills 

Chi Rockets-Cleveland Browns Browns . . . 

L. A. Dons-Baltimore Colts -....Dons 



POINTS 

21 

38 

10 



(Pro games are 'played Sunday afternoon, unless otherwise stated.) 
Wins, 82; Losses, 48; Ties, 8; Pet., .631 
(Ties Don't Count) 

"Points represent predicted margin of victory, not the official odds. 



'Tale of 2 Towns' Keys 
Freedom House Awards 

"A Tale of Two Towns," a drama- 
tization of citizens' movements in 
Dunkirk, N. Y. and Norwalk, Conn, 
towards the One World theme, will 
be presented at the Freedom House 
dinner at the Hotel Commodore, 
N.Y., Sunday (19), when Secretary of 
State George C. Marshall receives 
the annual Freedom award for 1947. 
Quentin Reynolds will be narrator, 
with Helen Hayes telling Norwalk's 
story, and Howard Lindsay Dun- 
kirk's. 

Fifteen - minute dramat was 
scripted by Don Hirst, writer on the 
"You Are An Artist" WNBT, N. Y. 
video show, at Freedom House's re- 
quest. 



Vallee, Jim Hope Pacted 
For Mex City Nitery 

Mexico City, Oct. 9. 

Art Dalton Productions announces 
coming engagement of, Jim Hope 
(Bob Hope's brother) and Rudy 
Vallee in one of the major night 
clubs here. 

Dalton's array, which will also in- 
clude his Goldwyn Beauties, is to 
open at the El Patio club Nov. 15, 
on Dalton's return from Hollywood. 
Dalton also announced that he would 
appear in his show as a featured 
dancer. 



versions, has always had an all-Ne 
gro cast. Author Philip Yordan, 
Bill Corum, Hearst-syndicated however, originally wrote it around 
sportswriler and radio sportscaster, I a Polish family, so a switch could 
will be elected veepee and general 1 easily be made, 
manager of the Suffolk Downs race- | Cel. Prexy Harry Cohn took part 
track in Boston tomorrow (Wed.). in the negotiation for rights while 
New position won't conflict with in New York during the past few 
Corum's other activities because of , weeks. He returned to Hollywood starting 0«r ;>ic >'mcr. five to aix 
the limited racing season at the over the weekend Wiih Coi.producci week* reb<«iw<l srhwiiiled for the 
track. • 'Sidney Buchman, .Irving Berlm lutwIUm, 



Gene Kelly's Leg Mishap 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
Gene Kelly broke open an old 
leg fracture just below the knee 
during daw*- rehearsals Saturday 
ill) in "Easter Parade." Hobbling 
around on enriches, be. will be in- 
active for the next 'Hi days. 
The aeeident delays Metro in 



Technicians Stalk Off 
Argentine Set in Protest 
Vs. 'Enemy' Film Critic 

Montevideo, Oct. 5. 

Criticism of Argentine film pro- 
duction by press and radio review- 
ers has resulted in the boycotting of 
several of the critics by AGICA, 
the powerful film technicians union. 
Minor skirmishing between the two 
factions recently developed into 
open warfare when the presence of 
'Calki" (Calcagno), film commen- 
tator for the tabloid daily, "El Mun- 
dom," on the set of "La Caraba" at 
the Emelco studios, touched off a 
protest walkout of all technicians. 

Workers branded "Calki" as "an 
enemy of national pictures" and did 
not resume their chores until the 
critic had left the set. Technicians' 
stand against "Calki" is completely 
mystifying since he has always been 
one of the most nationalist-minded 
of the local reviewers and he could 
not possibly be accused of partiality 
toward foreign films. Some sources 
indicate that the union's attitude 
may be influenced by government 
pressure, for the studios are aloof 
from the squabble, 



James Mason Inked To 
39-Wk. Platter Series 
For Intl. Distribution 

James Mason has inked a deal 
with Harry Alan Towers, British 
transcription packager-, to platter a 
39- week dramatic scries in New 
York for international distribution. 
Towers, who planed into N. Y. 
from Toronto Saturday (11), said 
the first stanza will be cut next 
Monday (20) and will be a radio 
adaptation of the British actor's 
latest film starrer, "The Upturned 
Glass," which is scheduled for re- 
lease in the U. S. in November. 
Mason's wife, Pamela Kellino, who 
appears with him in the pic, will 
play the same role in the airer. 

Mason's waxed dramats, probably 
to be marketed under the title of 
"James Mason Playhouse," will be 
radio adaptations of films and plays 
in which he has appeared, plus 
some originals. Production wilt be 
under the label of Towers of Amer- 
ica, as an associate company of 
Towers of London, and is the first 
to be undertaken by the British 
packager in the U. S. American rep 
is Oliver Nicoll. Platters will be 
open-end. 

Towers, who recently acquired 
! world radio rights lo the Abbey 
Theatre players of Dublin, also dis- 
closed he has pacted Barry Fitz- 
gerald to emcee a plattered series 
of dramats by the players. They'll 
be cut in Dublin, starting Nov. 3, 
with Fitzgerald's commentary and 
music to be dubbed in the U. S. 



10';f ON BOTH SIDES OF POND 

Beverly Parker Paterno took out a 
talent agent's license Monday (13) in 
New York and will act as N. Y. 
representative for her father, Al 
Parker, British talent agent whose 
clients include James Mason. 

Parker, on a recent visit lo the 
U. S„ signed up Bill Sliiflrin in Hol- 
lywood as his Coast rep. 



Showfolk on Queen Bess 

Showpeople listed as passengers 
aboard the Queen Elizabeth, due to 
arrive tomorrow (Thursday) in New 
York, are comedienne Edith Piaf. 
pianists Myra Hess, Alexander 
Brailowsky and Arlur. Sehhabel, 
Miss Piaf, who opens at the Play- 
house, N. Y., Oct. 30 in a variety 
bill, is accompanied by her support- 
ing company known as ConlpagnonS 
de la Chansons. 

Also scheduled to arrive are Elsa 
Maxwell, actress Googie Withers, 
legit impresario Henry Slierek and 
Mrs. David Coplan, wife ol United 
Artists' managing director in Britain. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



PICTURES 



POISE OR POISON IN D. C. PROBE? 



UA Theatre Circuit Set To Take Over 
Golden State's 116 For $12,000,000 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

United Artists Theatre Circuit 
W ins control today (Tuesday) of the 
116 houses of the Golden State cir- 
cuit of California unless blocked by 
the Dept. of Justice. UATC, it has 
been learned here, is prepared to 
'exercise a 55-day option, expiring 
today, which it holds on the Golden 
State chain. 

Option, which gives UATC an equal 
partnership with Mike Naify, one of 
the present owners, was executed by 
Joseph M. Schenck and George 
gkouras, prez and v.p., respectively, 
of UATC. It calls for option money 
of approximately $2,000,000 against 
a total purchase price of between 
$12,000,000 and $13,000,000. 

In the meantime, counsel for Rob- 
ert Lippert, California indie circuit 
operator, and Milton Reynolds, Chi- 
cago ball-point pen millionaire, is 
trying desperately to have the Jus- 
tice Dept. declare the UATC deal 
illegal. Lippert and Reynolds— who 
a couple months ago thought they 
were so close to an agreement giv- 
ing them control of the circuit that 
a champagne party was held— 
squawked to Justice's anti-trust 
division that they were "unfairly" 
edged out. 

They made the claim that Schenck 
and Skouras ara acting only as 
fronts and that in a short time 
UATC's interest would be trans- 
ferred to one of its subsids, Skouras 
Theatres, Inc., and thus the Skouras 
brothers — Spyros, Charles and 
George— would get control. While 
UATC, not being a party to the con- 
sent decree, is under no prohibition 
against adding to its theatre hold- 
ings, Lippert claims that the Skour- 
ases are because of their tieup with 
(Continued on page 25) 

Warners to Incubate 
New Young Talent Via 
Low-Budget Pix Unit 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

New low budget setup has been 
announced by Jack Warner, exec 
veepee of Warner Bros., described 
as a "proving ground production 
program designed to develop young 
players, writers and directors." The 
number of pix to be made each 
year by the unit hasn't yet been 
determined. 

"Many great American industries," 
Warner said, "have established 
similar projects. There is certainly 
a tremendous potentiality of motion 
picture talent that will be developed 
by an undertaking of this kind." 
Entire resources of the studio will 
be available to the unit, with rank- 
ing employes helping tyros. 

Saul Eikins will head the unit 
and produce the first picture. 



NX EXHIBS PREPARE TO 
COMBAT 4% TAX MOVE 

Metropolitan Motion Picture The- 
atres Assn. . of New York is laying 
plans to fight a proposed 4% admis- 
sions tax, reportedly to be recom- 
mended by the City Planning Com- 
mission to help raise $20,162,924 
needed for new schools. 
. MMPTA legal counsel declared 
yesterday (Tuesday) that it was pre- 
mature to determine what action 
would be taken, since the proposed 
tax to date is only a recommenda- 
tion to the City Council and not a 
law. Organization feels definitely, 
however, that such a tax, if levied, 
would not be new but would be 
something piled onto the existing 
20% Federal admission tax. 

Planning commission is slated to 
hold a public hearing on the matter 
tomorrow (Thursday). 



Rathvon Back From Mex 

■ Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

RKO prexy N. Peter Rathvon is 
returning Wednesday (15) from a 
10-day biz-pleasure trip to Mexico 
City. 

«»? e spent P art of the tlme ogling 
Mystery i n Mexico" being filmed 
«t the Churbusco (RKO) studios. He 
was accompanied by his wife. 



Sousa's Niece in Pic 

Lynn Sousa, niece of the late 
bandleader John Philip Sousa, has 
been signed for a star role in a 
picture to be made in England by 
Jfthn Barton. 

Indie British producer leaves next 
week for London. 



Majors May Offer 
$12,(1,000 To 
Brit. After All 



Major company prexies have 
backed away from last Thursday's 
(9) unconditional rejection of the 
formula to guarantee $12,000,000? 
$16,000,000 annually for British pix 
proposed by Sir Alexander King, 
Scottish circuit owner, as a way of 
settling the British tax question. 
Scotsman was so told by Spyros 
Skouras, 20th-Fox prexy, in a later 
communication. He was further in- 
formed that it would be considered 
as a possible way out of the tangle 
in the series of meets of the Motion 
Picture Assn. being held in Wash- 
ington. 

King believes his suggestion is far 
from dead and that American film 
biggies decided later to give serious 
attention to the proposal despite their 
rapid-fire nix when it first came up 
last week during an MPA luncheon 
tendered to him and to Sir Sidney 
Clift and Mark Ostrer as visiting 
film execs. Reversal of decision 
followed formal release by MPA of 
the proposal and the thumbs-down 
response. 

His plan, expounded to the pix 
toppers, is as follows: 1. A repeat 
(Continued on page 20) 



MAYER, SCHARY, OTHERS 
T0G0FR0MD.C.T0N.Y. 

Metro production chief Louis B. 
Mayer, in a slight switch from his 
originally - planned itinerary, will 
stop off in Washington en route to 
N. Y. from the Coast for the first two 
days of hearings of the House Com- 
mittee on Unamerican Activities' 
probe of Hollywood. Mayer, accom- 
panied by Metro studio publicity 
chief Howard Strickling, is slated to 
arrive in Washington, Oct. 20 and 
will proceed to N. Y. two days later. 

RKO production veepee Dore 
Schary, along with a number of 
other industry execs from the Coast, 
will also attend the hearings. Mayer 
is expected to spend several weeks 
at the homeoffice in huddles with 
M-G prexy Nicholas M. Schenck and 
other company officials on future 
production plans. Strickling will 
confer with ad-publicity veepee 
Howard Dietz and the h.o. publicity 
staff. 



'Mourning' 172 Mins. 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

"M o u r n i n g Becomes Electra," 
longest film ever released by RKO, 
will go out at 172 minutes running 
time. There'll be 15,554 feet in the 
final version. 

The Dudley Nichols film is two 
minutes longer than Goldwyn's 
"Best Years of Our Lives." 



Big WB Exec Powwow- 
Harry M. Kalmine, Warner thea- 
tres prez and general manager, and 
Samuel Schneider, WB vice-prez, 
go Coastwards today (Wed.) for 
huddles with Jack L. Warner, stu- 
dio's exec producer. Studio parley 
will also Include Ben Kalmenson, 
WB general sales manager, and 
Mort Blumenstock, ad-publicity 
chief, who left for Hollywood 
earlier. 

Kalmine also will hold a series 
of conferences with Louis J. Hjlper, 
west coast theatre zone manager. 



INDUSTRY PRIMED 
FOR 'BIG SHOW 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

Washington cuts loose next Mon- 
day (20) with the roughest ride of 
the film industry since the "Holly- 
wood Colonels" hearings of early 
1942, and with considerable uncer- 
tainty in the minds of both the com- 
mittee and the picture people of just 
how the hearings will go. 

Some industry people who have 
come here have predicted a slam- 
bang, mud - throwing fortnight. 
Others claim it will be gentler than 
is generally expected and that de- 
corum and balanced justice will be 
the order of the day. Even mem- 
bers of the House Un-American Ac- 
tivities Committee, whose show it 
will be, are not quite sure of how 
the wind will blow. But these things 
can be tossed- into the scale in ad- 
vance: 

1. The industry is leaving noth- 
ing to chance. Its preparation in 
this case will be all that money and 
brains and ceaseless effort can 
achieve. It has been briefing its 
chief advocate, Paul McNutt, both 
in New York and Washington. There 
have been meeting after meeting to 
oonsider counter-moves to every 
possible move that the Congressional 
committee can devise. These ses- 
sions are still going on daily. 

2. There will apparently be some 

(Continued on page 22) 



Korda Due Over 
With 1st for 20th 



Sir Alexander Korda is due to 
arrive in New York from London 
Nov. 17 with a print of the first pic- 
ture he is delivering under his re- 
cently - consummated distribution 
pact with 20th Century-Fox. Film 
is "An Ideal Husband," made in 
Technicolor from the Oscar Wilde 
story with Paulette Goddard starred. 

Second Korda film under the 20th- 
Fox pact wound up shooting last 
week and will be shipped to the 
U. S. in December. . It is "Anna 
Karenina," directed by Julian Duvi- 
vier and with Vivien Leigh and Sir 
Ralph Richardson heading the cast. 
Original plan was to release "Hus- 
band" the third week in January and 
"Karenina" late in February. How- 
ever, this schedule may be switched 
because of tieup in getting Techni 
prints on "Husband." 

Korda will be in the U. S. about 
three weeks. He is expected, during 
his stay to make a trip to the Coast. 
His third film for Fox will be a 
Carol Reed production. , 



UA Board Okays Buy of 4 RKO Films, 
Sets Deals With 3 Producers for 5 Pix, 
Gets Optimistic Report From Sears 



Par Re-Signs Wilder 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Paramount reoptioned director Bill 
Wilder for his 12th year. 

He's currently directing "A For- 
eign Affair," Jean Arthur-John Lund 
starrer, which Charles Brackett will 
produce. Marlene Dietricrt is also 
in that film which may be retitled 
"Operation Chocolate Bar." 



Geo. Skouras Gets 
Control of St. Loo 
Chain From F&M 



St. Louis, Oct. 14. 

Control of the approximately 30 
theatres of the St. Louis Amusement 
Co. has been obtained by George 
Skouras via purchase recently of a 
large block of stock in the corpora- 
tion, it has been learned. Operation 
will pass to him in 1949, when 
Fanchon & Marco's current operating 
pact with the bondholders expires. 

Skouras has had deals on the fire 
at various time to get control of 
the circuit by buying out the F&M 
interest, but these have always 
fizzed before they were consum- 
mated. He was finally able to 
achieve his desire another way re- 
cently when a local banker here 
agreed to sell him a sufficiently 
large block of stock to give him 
control. 

Harry Arthur heads the F&M unit 
operating the houses. Associated 
with him are Marco Wolf, Fanchon, 
and Milton Arthur. 

Desire by Skouras to get the chain 
(Continued on page 20) 



♦• United Artists' situation took a 
mammoth turn yesterday (Tups.) 
from the despair which has long 
dogged it to one of considerable op- 
timism. The board of directors, in 
a four-hour session in New York: 

1. Okayed the purchase for 100% 
cash of four new pictures from RKO. 
Total cost is around $5,000,000. 

2. Okayed release deals with 
three producers for a total of five 
pictures. 

3. Heard a report from prexy 
Grad Sears in which he listed 16 
films finished and un released 
or with very few playdates as jet. 
Thus, including the RKO pictures, it 
was pointed out, UA has 20 films — 
enough to run comfortably for a 
year — with a total negative cost of 
$32,000,000. Sears emphasized that 
hardly called for crying towels. 

UA prexy also declared that, con- 
trary to reports, banks were per- 
fectly willing to advance coin to 
the company's producers if their 
credit and residuals were okay. He 
pointed out that the financial insti- 
: tutions loaned an average of 65% 
| on the films now unreleased, which 
indicated no reticence about deal- 
ing with UA producers. 

RKO pictures approved by the 
board are "Out of the Past," with 
Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer, 
finished last year; "Indian Summer," 
with Ann Sothern and Alexander 
Knox, completed last spring; "Sta- 
tions West," with Dick Powell, from 
a Satevepost story, which just fin- 
ished shooting, and "Return of the 
Bad Man," with Randolph Scott, 
which also just finished lensing. 
UA gets complete rights to the 
(Continued on page 25) 



BING PERUSING STORY 
FOR RANK PRODUCTION 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Wesley Ruggles and Buster Col- 
lier, representing J. Arthur Rank, 
are nearing the end of their huddles 
with Bing Crosby about the picture 
he will make in England. They 
brought a story by British scribes 
for Crosby's approval. 

Ruggles will direct the picture for 
Rank's Eagle Lion in London, with 
Collier functioning as associate 
producer. 



National Boxoffice Survey 

Columbus Day Crowds Up Biz — 'Foxes,' 'Passage,' 
'Unconquered,' 'Crossfire,' 'Merton' Head List 



Although arrival of Indian sum- 
mer and warmer weather hurt in 
some key cities this week, Colum- 
bus Day holiday crowds helped to 
materially swell grosses in others. 
For the most part, a strong tone 
was in evidence at the boxoffice 
over the U. S. And the big pic- 
tures continued racking up strong 
money whatever the conditions. 

With "Foxes of Harrow" (20th) 
spotted in about 12 keys, the weight 
of this business is pushing this 
overly-long picture into top posi- 
tion nationally. While only sturdy 
in some spots and average in St. 
Louis and Pittsburgh, this film is 
leading Omaha, snappy in Provi- 
dence, solid in Washington to top 
that city, nice in Cincinnati and 
fairly stout in two San Francisco 
theatres. 

Close behind is "Dark Passage." 
(WB) in nine cities. It's mostly 
solid to big where playing. Others 
in the Big Six list are, in order 
of strength, "Unconquered" (Par), 
"Crossfire" (RKO), "Merton of 
Movies" (M-G) and "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par). Top runners-up 
are "Unsuspected" (WB), "Variety 
Qid" (Par), "Fun, Fancy Free" 
(RKO) and "Desert Fury" (Par). 



Of the numerous new entries this 
session, "Song of Love" (M-G), 
"Ride Pink Horse" (U) and "Out 
of Blue" (EL) hint the greatest 
possibilities. Of course, the new re- 
lease which already is edging up 
to top position nationwide is "Un- 
conquered" although in only three 
key cities covered by Variety this 
week. In strong second week in 
Pitt, DeMille opus is reaching for 
new records in both Cincinnati and 
N. Y. 

"Monsieur Verdoux" (UA) was 
launched on the Coast during the 
week, heading for snappy $16,500 
in a fairly small Frisco house. It's 
been doing unusually well in Wash- 
ington, too. "Unsuspected" (WB), 
while stout in Philadelphia this 
frame, is not big elsewhere. "Magic 
Town" (RKO) also is no ball of 
fire on initial round in N. Y. 

"Spirit of West Point" (FC) 
shapes as lusty in K. C, fine in 
Frisco and doing well on second 
N. Y. stanza. "Variety Girl" is do- 
ing nicely on additional playdates 
this week. Same holds true for 
"Carnegie Hall" (UA) although dis- 
appointing in Detroit. 

(Complete Boxoffice Reports 
on Pages 12-14) 



STUDIO EMPLOYMENT 
DOWN 31% IN AUGUST 

Sacramento, Oct. 14. 
"Employment in the motion picture 
studios took a nosedive In August 
and registered 31% below the mark 
for the same month last year, ac- 
cording to the California Labor 
Statistics Bulletin. 

Because of higher wage scales 
there was a higher average in pay 
but there was a drop in the number 
of workers and working hours. 




Traclo Mark Registered 
FOUNDED BY SIME PILVERMAN 
Pul.llslied Weekly by VAKIETS. Inc 

8id Silrerman. President 
154 West 40th St.. New York 19, N. Y. 



SUBSCRIPTION 
Annual $10 Foreign Jll 

Slncle Copies 25 Cents 



Vol. 168 



No. 6 



INDEX 

Bills 48 

Chatter '. 54 

Concert 50 

Film Reviews 10 

Foreign 16 

George Frazier 40 

House Reviews 18 

Inside Legit 50 

Inside Music 42 

Inside Pictures 20 

Inside Radio 32 

Legitimate 49 

Literati 53 

Music : .38 

New Acts . 48 

Night Club Reviews 46 

Obituaries 55 

Orchestras ... 38 

Pictures •. .. 3 

Pre-Production News 9 

Radio .26 

Radio Reviews ,30 

Records 40 

Frank Scully 53 

Television 29 

Vaudeville 45 

DAILY VARIETY 

(Published In Hollywood ij 

Dalljr Variety. Ltd.) 
$10 • Year-IU Foreign 



Wednesday, October 15, I947 



M1ERC 

RED 

U #1 COLO* 



iTn n 



FLASH' tS s\ 



3»* 0V .r an ceA -P^e 



2nd 



. - 



r — j 




The Paramount Hit of PARAMOUNT^ 
Paramount Season 



HEDDA 

"DeMiJle really lets himself go* 
The picture is so big you wondeif 
why the screen fools around witH 
drawing rooms. It's a great 
American picture . , ♦ It's go* 
everything!" — Hedda Hopped 

V And 

LOLLY 

"Thank heaven for Cecil Bi, 
DeMille! What a wonderful two 
hours we spent looking at £Un$ 
conquered'* Keep on making 
that kind of picture. I love it.' 

—Louella Parsons 

"V And 

PITTSBURGH 
AGREE- 

"DeMille has contrived another 
film to hit the popular fancy. 
Plenty of furious action t^.high 
excitement . , * Beautifully pro-* 
duced and lavishly accoutred •-•« 
The climactic event — the siege 
of Fort Pitt— is a thriller-plus.'* 
— Pittsburgh Reviews, 

-THAT 



u 



UNCONQUERED" IS 
THE GREATEST 
OF ALL DeMILLE 
ATTRACTIONS! 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Conservative During Lush Years, 
Wall St. Sees Pix Cos. Maintaining 
Present Record Level of Dividends 



Wall Street has the picture indus-*- 
try marked to maintain its present 
record level of dividend payments 
lor at least two years to come if 
earnings don't take more than a 
moderate slide. The street expects 
no cuts from the fast pace of $29,- 
000,000 portioned out during the first 
eight months of the current stanza 
because analysis of the money men 



'NorthsiriV Back From Chi 
Location Ahead of Sked 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
"Call Northside C 777" troupe is 
back on the 20th-Fox Jot from Chi- 
cago, two weeks ahead of schedule. 
Originally set for five weeks 'of 
„ shooting in Chicago, producer Otto 
show that the majors have stuck to Lang and director Henry Hathaway 
the conservative side of the dividend , compIeted the j ob j n three. 



the conservative si 
fence when the lush returns were 
rolling in. 

Film biz will continue to pay off 
cn the dot, it's said, because '47 earn- 
ings are showing more than double 
the required figure to meet regular 
divvies. The 50% marker is fixed 
by Wall streeters as the average of 
dividends to overall net revenue of 
any business, from steel puddling to 
filmmaking, which a company can 
safely pay to its stockholders with- 
out depleting its liquid cash re- 
serves. 

"By resisting the temptation to 
boost dividends proportionately to 
increased grosses when the going 
was good, the film companies now 
can just as readily resist a slash in 
payments to their shareholders with 
the return to normalcy," one finan- 
cial exec put it. "A study of profits 
and dividends to date has given the 
Street the distinct impression that 
the division of profits won't dwindle 
away." 

Analysis 

Company-by-company analysis 
discloses that no major will have to 
cut back on the divvies unless there's 
a further drastic dive in profits, it's 
said. Columbia, for instance, first 
company to, -report for fiscal 1947 
(ended June 30), shows equivalent 
earnings of $5.33 per share on com- 
mon. That's only a little more than 
20% of the $1 per share plus 2%% 
stock dividend which Col is paying. 
Its profits of $3,707,000 for the year 
would have to dip to $1,500,000 be- 
fore the company would find it 
sound financial practice to slash the 
melon. 

Breakdown of other majors are; as 
follows:— Warner Bros. reported 
$2.60 earnings for three-quarters 
ended May 31, against $1.99 in '46. 
WB pays $1.50 yearly, or $1.12% for 
the period covered— that's 40%. 
RKO's half-year take represented 
$1.30 per share (against $1.80) last 
year), with regular divvies 60c. for 
the period, or 45%. Paramount, $1.30 
lor first quarter (against $1.54) to 
meet 50c. per quarter, obligation. 
Par's earnings last year were $5.92 
per share on a $2 obligation after a 
two-for-one split. 

Universal pays off $2 yearly; 
earned $2.12 for the first half, or a 
little more than the essential double 
count. As for 20th -Fox, its half- 
year "earnings were $2.91 per share, 
a considerable drop from last year's 
$4.33 for the half-way mark. " At 
that, 20th pays $4 yearly in regular 
dividends, keeping it within safe 
territory. 

Metro's 40-week report (as of June 
S ) shows equivalent earnings of $2.12 
per share, against $2.47 last year. 
It's committed to $1.50 annually. 
Company is narrowly straddling the 
50% demarcation. 



James Stewart, pic's star, is due 
back at the end of the week, having 
flown from Chicago to Pennsylvania 
to fill a speaking date and visit his 
parents. Richard Conte and George 
Tyne are due to plane in today 
(Tuesday) following a quick trip 
from Chicago to New York. Lee J. 
Cobb also arrived from N. Y. in his 
own plane. Lang, Hathaway and pro- 
duction crew planed in Monday (13) . 

U's Park Ave., NX, To 
Specialize - Henceforth 
In an 'Idea' Film Policy 

Park Ave. theatre, N. Y., plush 
Walter Reade house which Universal 
operates on lease, has been cancelled 
out as a regular first-run showcase 
for U's general product. Henceforth, 
unless some emergency crops up. 
Park Ave. will switch to an "idea 
house" policy playing Prestige and 
foreign-language films first-run and 
possibly revivals of old-time big 
grossers. 

Last regular Universal pic to play 
the house was "Frieda," J. Arthur 
Rank property, which wound up its 
run last week. In line with the 
new policy, "Hungry Hill," another 
Rank film, but one grooved for art 
house distribution with the Prestige 
unit label, preemed at the theatre. 
With the idea of building a par- 
ticularized patronage, Prestige Brit- 
ishers will alternate with foreign- 
lingo pix and probably classic oldies. 

With the house considerably off 
the mainstem (Park Ave. and 57th 
street) and committed to a com- 
paratively high b.o. scale, cojnpany 
has encountered some difficulty in 
keeping the de-luxer on the right 
side of the ledger. Reade, who con 
structed the theatre on a subscrip- 
tion list program, ran into other dif 
Acuities because he couldn't snare 
early runs. 

U's general Broadway release of 
both Hollywood and Rank films will 
be aimed for the Winter Garden 
and Criterion with occasional book 
ings at the Capitol and Radio City 
Music Hall. It's figured these out 
lets are ample to handle the 36 or 
so releases yearly. 

U's execs deny reports that Metro 
has moved in and taken over the 
Criterion for continuous bookings. 
Either. "Lost Moment" or "The 
Exile" will follow Metro's "Green 
Dolphin Street" into the house, it's 
said. Furthermore, U has an under- 
standing with M-G that it can use 
the Criterion or the Capitol for films 
not grooved to the Winter Garden 



Studio Eateries Observe 
Food Conservation Plan 

. , Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

President Truman's request for 
food conservation will be- observed 
to the letter by practically all the 
picture studios. Tuesdays will be 
meatless and Thursdays eggless and 
poultryless, with bread and butter 
served only on request. 

Meanwhile, Jack L. Warner has 
instructed his producers and screen 
writers to cut out all lavish banquet 
scenes, showing "wasteful" use of 
food.' • 



ISLAND COMBINE SUES 
TO ENJOIN EX-EMPLOYEE 

In an effort to halt, alleged solici- 
tation of its customers by Jules Lig- 
gett, a former employee, Island The- 
atre Circuit is seeking a temporary 
restraining injunction in N. Y. su- 
preme court. Hearing is slated for 
Oct. 23. 

Buying combine representing some 



LAKE, DE TOTH SUE 
OVER 10NA HENRY' 

Los Angeles, Oct. 14. 
Veronica Lake and Andre de 
Toth filed separate suits against 
James Cassidy and Polan Banks 
charging breach of contract involv 
ing the proposed film production, 
"There Goes Lona Henry." 

Complaint declares Miss Lake was 
to get $150,000 plus 20% of the 
profits as star and de Toth $50,000 
as director. Defendants are charged 



55 houses at one time. Island charged witn f a ;i ure to carry out the agree- 
Liggett and two other ex-employees I men t. 
with illegally taking away some 29 
of its accounts in an action brought 
several weeks ago. Suit grew out of 
Liggett's move in acquiring the Sam 



Revenue Dip 
Reported By 
Most Pix Cos. 



- Philadelphia, Oct. 14, 

Dip in gross revenues in film in- 
dustry; — both production and exhi- 
bition—is .reflected in a report re- 
leased today (Tuesday). by the Se- 
curities & Exchange Commission. 

Virtually all of the major com- 
panies showed a drop in sales dur- 
ing the second three-month period 
of 1947 as compared to the first 
three months of the year. Notable 
exceptions were- Universal, Mono- 
gram and Republic, which reported 
a slight increase in the April-May- 
June period. 

Total sales for the industry dur- 
ing the second quarter of 1947 were 
$198,687,000, a sharp decrease from 
the $217,550,000 reported for the first 
three months of the year. Sales for 
the second three months of 1946, as 
reported' by the eight major picture 
companies, were $195,705,000. 

Drop in business was even sharper 
in the report made by two large 
theatre chains, Consolidated Amus. 
Co., Ltd., and Loew's Boston The- 
atres Co. 

Following is a breakdown on the 
financial statements of the eight pro- 
duction outfits: 

Columbia Pictures: Second quar- 
ter 1947, $9,080,000; first quarter, 
$10,044,000. (Second quarter, 1946: 
$9,428,000). 

Loew's, Inc.: Second quarter, $43,- 
371,000; first quarter, $56,655,000. 
(Second quarter 1946: $45,754,000). 
The first quarter report for Loew's 
took in a 16-week period, instead of 
the customary three months. 

Monogram: Second quarter, $2,- 
241,000; first quarter, $1,917,000. 
(Second quarter 1946: $2,000,000). 

RKO: Second quarter, $31,254,000; 
first quarter, $31,632,000. (Second 
quarter 1946: $29,002,000). 

Republic: Second quarter, $7,569,- 
000; first quarter, $7,116,000. (Second 
quarter 1946: $6,671,000). 

20th-Fox: Second quarter, $46,587,- 
000; first quarter, $52,208,000. (Sec- 
ond quarter 1946: $46,921,000). 

Universal: Second quarter, $16,- 
608,000; first quarter, $13,805,000. 
(Second quarter 1946: $14,521,000): 

Warner Bros.; Second quarter, 
$41,974,000; first quarter $44,173,000. 
(Second quarter 1946: $41,408,000). 

The SEC report also disclosed that 
Columbia income from foreign sub- 
sidiaries also slumped considerably. 
Total for quarter ending March 29, 
1947, was $3,956,000; as compared 
with the previous three months of 
$4,591,000. Foreign sales for the first 
three months of 1946 were $3,956,000. 

RKO's report included earnings 
of subsidiaries, not consolidated, op- 
erating in foreign countries. These 
were $4,098,000 in second quarter of 
1947: $4,908,000 in first quarter of 
1947. Second quarter of 1946 had a 
take from this source of $4,128,000, 
Motion Picture theatre chains re- 
ported the following: 

Consolidated Amus. Co., Ltd.: 
Second quarter 1947. $1,194,000; first 
quarter 1847, $1,226,000. (Second 
quarter 1946, $1,306,000). 

Loew's Boston* Theatres: Second 
quarter 1947, $527,000; first quarter, 
$677,000. (Second quarter 1946, 
$521,000). 



S:iS.(HH) JHM) ol S. Films 1 $17SJNH)JH)() 
Gross Annual Take Goes for Taxes 



Suit Vs. Harry Warner 
Opens in L. A. Oct. 20 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Telefilm's $1,000,000 damage suit 
against Harry Warner, CoL Nathan 
Levinson and Thoroughbred Photo 
Service opens Oct. 20 in L. A. 
superior court Charging unfair 
competition, the plaintiff asks $500,- 
000 for loss of business and $500,000 
as exemplary damages. 

Telefilm, owner of Telefilm Con- 
trol, a seven-minute race-result film 
service, declares the defendants 
lured away key employes and ob- 
tained confidential information. As 
a result, it is charged Telefilm has 
lost numerous racetrack accounts, 
the majority of which are now serv- 
iced by the Warner system. 

Par's Five N.Y. Press DepL 
Letouts Ires SPG Which 
Plans Move Also Vs. 20th 

Renewing the economy wave 
which had ebbed in the- majors' 
homeoffices during the past month. 
Paramount dropped five publicity 
workers from its payroll last Friday 
(10). According to Curtis Mitchell, 
Par pub-ad chief, in his letter to the 
publicists, the layoffs were necessi- 
tated by a "departmental reorgani-. 
zation for business reasons." Pro- 
testing the action, Screen Publicists 
Guild officers held a meeting yes- 
terday (Tuesday) with Pat Scollard; 
Par labor relations consultant, and 
Mitchell, with a view to rescinding 
the dismissals. 

In Keu of notice, each of the pub- 
licists received double severance pay 
which amounts to four weeks' pay 
for the first year and two weeks for 
each additional year. Among those 
axed were Lew Pellegrine, trade 
press contact; D. John Phillips, 
short subjects publicity head; Edith 
Stone, mag contact; Bill Johnston, 
member of the exploitation staff, and 
Milt Mohr, syndicate contact. Ac- 
cording to SPG heads, any move 
by Paramount to. have remaining 
publicists assume jobs of those laid 
off would violate the union contract 
and be subject to arbitration. 

Meanwhile, SPG disclosed that it 
was about to file the case of the 
nine publicists laid off at 20th-Fox 
two months ago to arbitration. Union 
is claiming that the company has 
overloaded its publicity department 
by doubling workers with jobs that 
were allegedly eliminated when the 
nine were fired. Indications of a 
softening attitude by 20th may mean 
that a settlement of the case will be 
reached before it goes into the ar- 
bitrator's lap. 

At a joint meeting held Saturday 
between leaders of the SPG and 
Screen Office & Professional Em- 
ployees Guild, strategy for a public 
relations campaign for full employ- 
ment and higher wages in the film 
industry were mapped. Opener of 
the drive will be an ad in the N. Y. 
Herald Tribune which will appear 
shortly. 



Stiefel buying combine for himself, 
instead of for Island, which the com- 
plaint slates he was supposed to 
have done. 



Virginia's New Fields 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Virginia Field will freelance when 
the first three years of her Para- 
mount contract ends Dec. 1. Cur- 
rent chore ' "Connecticut Yankee," 
will be her last at the studio. 

Pfating is reported amicable. 



col.'s $i.oey 4 divvy 

Columbia Pictures' board has de- 

RKO's Warden Lawes Film $ c l ared 8 q ar ly dividend 01 



' Hollywood, Oct. 14; 

"Story of Warden .Lawes." based 
on the life of the late penologist, 
will be 'made by RKO as one of the 
studio's top projects of the year. 
Property has been handed to Sid 
Rogell to produce and will be 
scripted by Martin Rackin, who 
leaves later this week to confab 
with Lawes' widow and family, on 
the story line. 

Rogell, now in Mexico City, will 
fly to New York. 



06'/* per share on its $4.25 cumu 
lative preferred slock. 

Divvy will be doled out Nov. 15 to 
stockholders of record Oct. 31. 



N. Y. to Europe 

Phyllis Calvert 
Jascha Heifelz 
Robert Lantz 
E. R. (Ted) Lewis 
Peter Murray-Hill 
Adrien Rematige 
Irvin Shapiro 
Dorothy Wagner 



Europe to New York 

Alexander Brailowsky 

Maurice Chevalier 

Mrs. David Coplan . 

Myra Hess 

Elsa Maxwell 

Sandra Michael 

Anne Morrow Lindbergh 

Edith Piaf 

Harry Pilcer 

Joseph Rieger 

Mme, Rossignol 

Artur Schnabel 

Henry Sherek 

Eugene Tellinger 

Googie Withers 

N. Y. to L. A. 

James Allen 
Ray Bloch 
Mort Blumenstock 
Sidney Buchman 
Harry Conn 
Helen Colton 
Lee Fast man 
Martin Field 
Benny Goodman 
Sir Ceriric Hardwicke 
Percy Helton 
Harry M. Kalmine 
Danny Kaye 



♦ American pictures portray the 
U. S. as a prosperous civilization and 
a place where it's possible to get 
somewhere if the indiviual goes out 
and does something, Paul Raibourn, 
-Paramount veepee in charge of plan, 
ning, told the N. Y. Security 
Analysts Assn. at its meeting in Wall 
Street last (Thurs.) week. That's 
why the American screen fare is not 
liked in Russia and why it's viewed 
in "an unfavorable light in other 
overseas countries, he pointed out. 

In fact, anybody who portrays a 
prosperous situation is not likely to 
viewed as harmonious with Britain's 
austerity program, according to Rai- 
bourn. -Asked if he felt that was 
why Great Britain was clamping 
down on U. S. product, he replied 
that "the English probably are the 
fairest people in the world" but that 
they rate U. S. .films as not as im- 
portant as theirs. 

Raibourn said that Europeans 
make motion pictures in which good 
folks ar,e kicked around; they con- 
sider this realism but it turns out on 
the screen as rather dismal to digest. 
The U. S. screen vehicle is forward 
looking, portraying America as the 
land where there's a future and 
showing why this country is a leader 
in the world. 

Despite all this, he cited, the film 
industry is the most taxed of any 
major business. Raibourn told the 
analysts that first, there is a 20-25% 
normal income tax on gross business; 
secondly, there is a 20% excise tax 
on admissions at all film theatres; 
then there are taxes on negative raw 
stock and also photographic material 
Of the $175,000,000 gross income of 
the industry, $35,000,000 goes to the 
Government in the form of taxes. 
OK For Uncle Sam 
The American film business was 
pointed up as an attractive paying 
proposition for the Government tax- 
wise and, in depicting America as a 
progressive country in all foreign 
lands wht . U. S. pictures are shown 
extensively Because of this dual 
role of not o.ily supplying the Gov- 
ernment with plenty of income but 
also selling America and its products 
via the U". S. films. Raibourn told the 
security experts there, was growing 
belief in the film industry that it 
should get a little support from the 
Government. He was not specific as 
to whether this support was most 
needed in the form of tax relief or 
in getting a better deal in the foreign 
market,* namely Britain. 

Covering the stock situation and 
business as viewed by the film in- 
dustry, Raibourn cited that the pic- 
ture business was not inflated like 
other industries, in that admissions 
have not gone up since last April. 
Where other businesses have raised 
their selling prices, the film indus- 
try has not inflated in comparable 
manner. 

"Oh, yes, we are having our 
troubles," Raibourn concluded, 
"sooner than other lines of business, 
especially in foreign lands. But we 
are getting ready for these changed 
conditions. And in not having in- 
flated conditions, we feel that we are 
in a better position than other busi- 
nesses. Other business likely will 
feel the European tax load or re- 
strictions later on." 



Sir Alexander 
Daniel O'Shea 
Mark Ostrer 
Adrian Snmixh 
E. L. Scanlon 
Jules C. Stein 
Jimmy Stewart 
Ted TctzJuff 



king 



L. A. to N..Y. 

David O. Alber 
Cecil Barker 
Compton Bennett 
Rene Clair 
Marty Dubow 
Charles K. Feldman 
George Heller 
Nat Holt 
Russ Johnston 
MacKinlay Kantor 
Patricia Knight 
Abe Lastfogel 
Charles LeMaire 
Louis B. Mayer 
James K. McGuinness 
Milada Miladova 
Donald Nelson 
William Orr 
Michael O'Shea 
Joy Ann Page 
Walter Reilly 
Jack Sayers 
Gradwell Sears 
R. G. Springsteen 
Milburn Stone 
Howard Strickling 
Hunt Stromberg 
Joan Tetzel 
Gene Tierney 
Cornel Wilde 
Arthur Willi 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



PICTURES 7 



WANGER PACT MAKES U-EL PARDS 



Film Peace Outlook Dim on Eve 
Of AFL Meet; Both Sides Adamant 



By BILL BROGDON 

San. Francisco, Oct. 14. 

Lines have been drawn by both 
factions in the Hollywood jurisdic- 
tional fight in preparation for the 
moment when it will hit the floor 
of the American Federation of 
Lf-bpr convention here this week, 
Outlook lor a settlement is seen as 
dim, especially if leaders of both 
factions' stick to their guns. 

In a preliminary skirmish Mon- 
day (13), Richard F. Walsh, prexy 
of the International Alliance of 
Theatrical Stage Employees, was the 
winner over William Hutcheson, 
carpenters union chief. Walsh was 
successful in delaying a vote that 
would have seen the adoption of a 
plan to set up a special executive 
council committee to handle all 
jurisdictional disputes within union 
ranks. He proposed an amendment 
that would include the report of 
the exec council's efforts to bring 
about a settlement of the current 
dispute, a report that's still before 
the resolutions committee for action. 
Until this report comes down to the 
floor there will be no action on the 
studio trouble and it is not expected 
before late today (Tuesday) or to- 
morrow (Wednesday). 

Meanwhile, lobbying of interested 
parties is playing a major role be- 
hind the scenes. That the IATSE 
cloakroom talks are having an 
effect is seen in the preliminary test 
voting. Also, it is reported that a 
number o£ international leaders are 
not too fond of Hutcheson. There 
may be enough of these to swing any 
convention vote on the jurisdictional 
matter to the side of Walsh. 

Looks Even Tougher 

In event the decision should go 
against the IA, labor-troubled Holly- 
wood will find itself in an even 
tougher position than it's been for 
the past 12 months. Walsh has gone 
on record a number of times that 
his union will never accept the 
August, 1946 clarification of the 
(Continued on page 20) 

Flock of Pix-Radio 
Stars Wax Yule Show 
For O'seas, Hospitals 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
A group of 27 entertainers is wax- 
ing the Hollywood Coordinating 
Committee's sixth annual Christmas 
show at the Vine Street Playhouse 
Tuesday (21). Records will be sent to 
hospitalized vets and servicemen 
overseas. Waxing sessions will be 
attended by a number of hospitalized 
vets. 

Stars who will appear include Kay 
Kyser. Jack Benny, Dinah Shore, 
Croucho Marx, Jimmy Durante, 
Frances Langford, Frank Morgan, 
Red Skelton, Jack Carson, Lionel 
Bairymore, Danny Thomas, Andrews 
Sisters, Esther Williams, Linda Dar- 
nell, Una Romay, Mills Bros., Mar- 
guerite Chapman, Ken Carpenter, 
Herb Jefferies, Norma Jean Nilsson, 
Howard Petrie and Audrey Totter. 

200 Help Dismissed At 
London Alliance Films 

London, Oct. 14. 
Alliance Film Studios, which con 
wpls Twickenham, Southall and 
Riverside studios, gave fortnight's 
notice to 200 employes, as no further 
Productive work is scheduled for the 
Present. 

Company controlled by Shipman & 
K-ing. owners of a large cinema cir- 
cuit, who have invested $8,000,000 in 
production and are waiting to see 
What their return will be. Indepen- 
dent circuits, with loss of American 
Product, face a rather difficult future 



ORNSTEIN'S ROME SPOT 

George Ornstein, former aide to 
i«rad Sears, United Artists president, 
sailed from New York last week to 
become special homeoffice repre- 
sentative in Rome. 

1,1 addition to assisting Sears, 
u. nstein worked in the U.A. foreign 
aopattnient. He is married to niece 
^ Maiy Pickford, one of UA's own- 



Monkey Business 

Sol Lesser is having chimp 
trouble. He sent two of . the 
Simians,- which he recently 
bought in the U. S., to Mexico 
when he was shooting "Tarzan 
arid the Mermaids" there. Now 
American customs officials won't 
let them reenter without Lesser 
paying duty on them. 

Result is much scampering 
about by the producer's staff on 
both coasts trying to get "birth 
certificates, date of birth and 
proof of parentage," etc., of the 
pair of trained anthropoids. 



Middle-Bracket 
Player-Scripter 
Costs Down 50% 

The middle-bracket players and 
scripters are now among the first to 
have revised their figures downward 
as result of the overseas crisis. Jules 
C. Stein, board chairman of Music 
Corp. of America, and Arthur Krim, 
prexy of Eagle Lion, both attest to 
that. 

"The player who asked Eagle Lion 
for $75,000-$100,000 per picture just 
a year ago is now, In many instances, 
willing to do the work for $25,000- 
$35,000," Krim declared.; "Moreover, 
where it wasn't so easy to sign them 
last year, there are plenty available 
now." 

"It doesn't hold true with top stars. 
Their salary demands are just as 
high as ever,"°Krim continued. "And 
the slump hasn't hit all middle- 
bracket actors or writers but • it 
shows every sign of ultimately doing 
so." Whether the sharp decline will 
bring down the production cost of 
pix compared with last year is diffi- 
cult to say, Krim added, since other 
expenditures have risen during the 
same period. 

Speaking from the agency side, 
the MCA topper stated that the free- 
lance player who was up to $50,000 
per pic last year is back to $20,000: 
"Talent cost for top marquee names 
(Continued on page 48) 



EL GETS CUT OF 
PROQ.'S 0 FILMS 

Eagle Lion has moved into virtual 
partnership with Universal on 
Walter Wanger's "Taproots," "Can- 
yon Passage" and "Smash-up," as a 
peculiar effect of its tieup with the 
producer. EL divides with U all 
first-round revenues on "Taproots," 
plus rentals still to come in for un- 
played bookings of the other two 
pix, because it acquired outright all 
stock of Walter Wanger Pictures 
which owned 13 films, including the 
three now being distributed by U. 

Prime consideration for the block 
of stock which it turned over to 
Wanger was the rights to these films, 
according to Arthur Krim, EL's 
prexy. In addition, Wanger is being 
bankrolled by EL for four more 
productions, first of which will be 
lensed probably in January. Wanger 
starts filmmaking for EL as soon as 
he completes "Joan," Ingrid Berg- 
man starrer, which Is the only 
Wanger property EL hasn't taken 
over. 

"Taproots," Technicolor film which 
Wanger only recently wrapped up, 
is to be released next year by U. 
Other films included in the inven- 
tory acquired by EL are such top- 
grossers of bygone years as "Stage- 
coach," "Blockade" and "Foreign 
Correspondent." Company plans to.j 
reissue a number of them over the 
next few selling seasons. 

Negotiations currently on be- 
tween EL and Hunt Stromberg, in- 
die producer, contemplate partial 
bankrolling of Stromberg's produc- 
tion activities in return for a piece 
of any film released through EL, 
(Continued on page 20) 



ACADEMY MULLS PLAN 
TO PRESERVE OLD PIX 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
Governing board of the Academy 
of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is 
mulling a pitch made by Howard 
Walls, formerly curator of films for 
the Library of Congress, to take over 
the project of preserving old films. 
The task, started by the Library, was 
dropped when the last Congress 
failed to make an apropriation for 
the job. 

Film collection, dating from 1894 
to 1912, is printed on rolls of paper. 
Prior to 1912, no copyright law pro- 
tected films so producers made nega- 
tives on paper, photographed them, 
the copyrighted photos under the 
law covering same. This legal quirk 
has resulted in the preservation of 
3,000,000 feet of film which would 
otherwise have been lost. Paper has 
held up whereas, if printed on' the 
type of film used today, it would be 
dust by now due to brittleness of 
films. 

Walls discovered photos when he 
started a research project into early 
days of the film biz. Advised of ex- 
istence of pix, it, still took him sev- 
eral weeks before he located them 
in the Library of Congress back in 
1938. He was then put on the pay- 
roll by Archibald MacLeish, then 
librarian. Eventually, he was made 
curator. 

Pix all have been cataloged. Much 
of the collection has considerable 
historical interest. There are 125 
subjects on the Spanish-American 
war. demonstrating the newsreel 
type of coverage of those times. Also, 
a number of liokey con' Hies and 
melodramas turned out the i\ News- 
(Continued on page 25) 



RKO's Sensitive Pic, 
'Crossfire,' Looks Well 
Over the Sales Hump 

With returns on early south and 
midwest dates on "Crossfire" com- 
ing in, RKO execs feel they're 
across the hump on marketing the 
picture. Totals in Oklahoma City, 
Memphis and a group of smaller 
towns were highly impressive, with 
the result that RKO is finding b.o.'s 
comparable to films on which it has 
grossed $2,000,000-$2,250,000. Pic cost 
about $650,000 to make. 

"Crossfire's" frankness in dealing 
with anti-Semitism has had RKO's 
distribution department fearful of 
response outside metropolitan cen- 
ters. There was never any doubt 
about New York, Philadelphia, Chi- 
cago, etc., but there were plenty of 
misgivings — now pretty well allayed 
—on the hinterlands. RKO sales 
force has met the situation by sell- 
ing the film entirely as a taut melo- 
drama and not mentioning the Jew- 
ish angle at all. 

Playdating the pic hasn't been 
without opposition, however. One 
indie (non-Jewish) refused to book 
it, with the declaration: "We never 
have had any racial troubles in this 
town and I don't want to put any- 
thing before the people that might 
put ideas into their heads.- There's 
no use breeding trouble where none 
exists." 

RKO has adopted the policy of 
playing the picture off slowly, mov- 
ing from one block of towns to an- 
other nearby. . Salesmen are thus 
enabled to counter exhib opposition 
by showing excellent returns on the 
film in closeby towns. 

Distrib execs are handing Robert 
Mitchum, the star, some of the 
credit for the satisfactory boxoffice. 
He's said to have developed consid- 
erable draw. 



Mpls. Gets 'Carmen' 

Minneapolis, Oct. 14. 

With completion of the Lyceum's 
$100,000 modernization program, 
house has reopened with "Carmen'' 
for an extended run under an art 
film policy. Vivian Romance starrer 
teed off last week. 

Pre-selling campaign for the pic- 
ture was mapped out by Bernard 
Jacon, general sales manager of 
Superfilm Distributing Corp.. "Car- 
men's" releasing company, and Leo 
R. Murray, general manager of the 
Lyceum. 



Cinecolor Acquires Film Classics 
100%; No Cash, But 750€ Stock 



Split Between Alperson, Bernhard 



No Worry 

One British exhib who wants 
to make sure he'll make money 
next year even without Ameri- 
can pix is Harry Buxton, oper- 
ator of the 23-theatre Buxton 
circuit in England. Buxton is 
over here arranging to exhibit 
Adolf Hitler's yacht in the U. S. 
in 1948. * 

Britisher bought the yacht in 
good condition, he said — com- 
plete with Tussaud Waxworks' 
reproductions of Der Fuehrer 
and his girl friend, Eva Braun. 



Mail-Order Film 
Selling Results 
In Salesmen Cuts 

Time-honored practice of major 
company sales staffers calling on ex- 
hibs to sign licensing contracts is 
definitely heading for discard. In- 
stead, small town and solo theatre 
operators are going to be serviced 
by mail almost to the exclusion of 
the personal visit by trekking sales- 
men. Postal technique has been de- 
cided on by Paramount, with Metro 
also indicating a switch as a cash- 
saving device. Selznick Releasing 
Org. has . already started postal sell- 
ing for "Duel in the Sun." Other 
majors intimate they'll follow suit 
shortly. 

Par's decision resulted from a sur- 
vey of proportion of rentals gar- 
nered from small situations and the 
cost of bankrolling traveling sales- 
men. The study, made several 
months ago, turned up the fact that 
small town exhibs were turning in 
a ■ surprisingly low fraction of total 
revenues. Figuring costs of frequent 
visits by salesmen against these re- 
turns left next to . nothing for the 
company. 

Large-scale switching to mailing 
of contracts has sparked drastic cuts 
in sales personnel in a number of 
companies. With exchange person- 
nel down to the bone, and branch 
managers, district and division heads 
inking circuits and important first- 
runs, salesmen are no longer con- 
sidered in the same keystone spot 
as heretofore. 

Par for instance, has dropped 
some 40 pix peddlers since economy 
became the order of the day, it's 
understood. Metro has also dropped 
or switched a considerable number 
of staffers as has Universal and 
several other companies. 



■f Cinecolor Corp. has acquired 100% 
ownership of Film Classics via an 
exchange of stock between the two 
companies, it was disclosed yester- 
day (Tuesday). No cash was in- 
volved, with Joseph Bernhard and 
Edward A. Alperson, equal partners 
in the ownership of FC; splitting 
between them approximately $750,- 
000 in Cinecolor stock. 

Alperson, one of the founders of 
FC in 1942, is by this move divorcing 
himself completely from affairs of 
the company to concentrate on his 
activities as an indie producer for 
20th-Fox. Bernhard, former Warner 
Bros, theatre head, %\io bought into 
the reissue outfit early this year and 
has been actively engaged since then 
in building it into a first-line dis- 
tribution company, remains as prexy 
and a member of the board of FC 
as well as stepping into vice-presi- 
dency and directorship of Cinecolor. 

Bernhard will have no contract as 
FC prexy, in keeping with a Cine- 
color no-pact policy for any of its 
execs, it was said in New York yes- 
terday. Deal, however, gives him an 
approximately $125,000 profit on his 
FC holdings in less than a year. He 
paid $250,000 for his interest and is 
now receiving around $375,000, rep- 
resented by about 40,000 shares of 
Cine stock, which yesterday was 
selling over the counter at $9.25. 

Deal will be sealed today (Wednes- 
day) in Los Angeles with final ink- 
ing of the papers by Alperson and 
William T. Crespinel, Cine prexy. 
Same Officers in Control 
' While operating exec personnel of 
F( remains status quo, with the 
company functioning as heretofore 
(Continued on page 22) 



20TH'S HEAT ON 'AMBER/ 
THEN COMES 'CAPTAIN' 

December 10 has been set by 20th- 
Fox as its deadline for completion 
by "Forever Amber" of every im- 
portant playdate in the United 
States and Canada. Pic preems 
Oct. 22, with 475 prints in work. 

Idea of the speed, aside from 
hurrying the. return of the heavy 
investment in the Technicolor epic, 
is to clear the decks for the next 
one, "Captain from Castile." Plans 
for the latter are still in the making, 
with it uncertain as yet whether the 
same speeded-up release policy will 
be used or whether a more leisurely 
pace will be adopted. 

Also not certain yet is whether 
20th will push "Castile" as its 
Christmas special on a wide front, 
or merely at the Roxy, N; Y. 



Sam Eckman, Jr., CBE 

Sam Eckman. Jr., Metro managing 
director in England, has been named 
a Commander of the British Empire, 
highest decoration that can be given 
to a non-British subject. 

Eckman has headed up Metro in- 
terests in England for the last 20 
years. > He's also a board member of 
Loew's International. 



Supreme Ct. Asked To 
Fix Actual Damages In 
Jackson Park Trust Suit 

Washington, Oct. 14. 

The Supreme Court was asked 
last Friday (10) to determine the 
actual damages suffered by the 
Jackson Park theatre of Chicago, 
which has won its suit against the 
majors. A petition, asking that the 
High Court take jurisdiction in the 
case and hear an appeal from the 
decision of the 7th Circuit Court, 
was filed by RKO, Loew's, 20th- 
Fox, Paramount, and Warners, plus 
the Balaban & Katz Theatres and 
Warner Theatres. 

It will be a minimum of seven to 
eight weeks before the Supreme 
Court either steps in or turns 
thumbs down, because there are 
several intermediate steps (includ- 
ing a month for the other side to 
reply) before the court even consid- 
ers the petition. 

The original Jackson Park suit for 
treble damages was filed in July* 
1942, and went to trial in Feb., 1944, 
resulting in a complete victory for 
the owners of the Jackson Park the- 
atre — Florence B. Bigelow, Marion 
B. Koerber, John E. Bloom and 
William C. Bloom. On appeal, the 
circuit court said there had been a 
violation of the Sherman Act by the 
"Chicago method" of distributing 
pictures — i.e. clearances, etc., but 
that no specific damages had been 
proven. Jackson Park then appealed 
to the Supreme Court, which found 
for Jackson Park. 



Hal Home Set to Market 
His 'Sing-a-Tina' Toy 

Hal Home is about to open of- 
fices in New York for sales and pro- 
motion of the Sing-a-Tina, plastic 
kazoo-like toy to which he has long 
owned the patents. He had started 
to promote the devices with great 
success at the start of the war, but 
hostilities prevented his getting ma- 
terials for their manufacture. 

Home is former pub-ad chief of 
20th Century-Fox and was last as- 
sociated with Armand Deutsch in a 
filmmaking unit, Story Productions, 
Inc. 



PARAMOUNT NEWS 

is now presenting ^ 



EXCLUSIVELY^ 

the most amazing new ad- 
vance in the photographing 
of screen news since the 
advent of sound . .. Jrt 

THE Z OOMAR L ENS 

See it first in Issue # 13! You 
can't believe your eyes 



! 



*® jerry Palrbonki Infc 



NOW THERE'S A MAGIC EYE 




Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



P^mErir 



iwkjpkomjctioiv 9 



FLATS GROW WITH CHECKING CURB 



Present Market for Special Video 
films Can Only Recoup 70% to Prod. 



Preliminary soundings of the cur-- ' 
ren t television market for films, 
made specially for video discloses 
that a producer can immediately re- 
coup some 70% of the cost of his 
film Conclusion was reached by 
jerry Fairbanks, indie producer, 
who's east to survey the market fol- 
lowing completion of his first bnefie 
made for airway consumption. 

Fairbanks is still mulling whether 
the time is ripe to sell three series 
of tele shorts which he'll makfe 
within the year regardless of imme- 
diate returns. "The real purpose of 
niy trip is to find out whether I 
should hop on the bandwagon now 
or continue making the shorts and 
sell next year," he said. "Once I 
make the deal I'll have to deliver 
even though I can't get a 100% re- 
turn at the present time." 

One advantage that pix producers 
for tele have, he noted, was the fact 
they could sell to the dozen or so 
stations now on a non-exclusive basis, 
then shelve the pix for the expected 
influx of new stations. He "has no 
doubt that his series will turn in a 
profit on a long-term basis. 

Fairbanks turns out the "Speaking 
of' Animals," "Unusual Occupations'' 
and "Popular Science" series for 
Paramount besides making tele and 
commercial pix. 

HUSTON'S OWN INDIE, 
APART FROM S.P. EAGLE 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

New independent production 
company, separate and apart 
from his commitment to make two 
pictures with S. P. Eagle after his 
current pact with Warners ends, is 
being set up by John Huston. Direc- 
tor is now preparing to direct Max- 
well Anderson's "Key Largo" as his 
last for Warners. 

He'll start his pictures with Eagle 
after his pact winds in April next 
year. Second picture with Eagle 
won't start till his new indie deal 
gets rolling. 



Prod. Bank Nite Too 

RKO-Palhe execs have found 
another lure to offer Hollywood 
producers in trying, to sell use 
of their New York studios. 
That's the fact, that they can do 
location work practically across 
the street from the studio. 

Crew now doing preliminary 
work on "RKO's "Window," 
which will be lensed entirely 
in N. Y., now reports in at the 
studio at 8 a.m. and then goes 
across the street to begin its 
day work. Seems that the pic- 
ture is centered about a jiive 
delinquent from a tenement 
neighborhood and the Pathe 
studios, located in the Porto 
Rican neighborhood of Harlem, 
offer exactly the right atmos- 
phere for the film. 



More Moves To 
Woo Prod. East 



Bob Gillham, Hall Smith 
Developing Fla. Resort 

A Florida spring, some 70 miles 
from St. Petersburg, recently ac- 
quired by Robert Gillham, eastern 
publicity rep for David O. Selzrrick, 
and Hollywood writer Hall Smith, 
is designed to become the under- 
water capital of the world. An am- 
bitious construction program is now 
in progress and upon its completion 
the partners expect to be racking up 
a $300,000 to $440,000 annual gross. 

Located on Route No. 19, main 
longitudinal highway on Florida's 
west coast, the Gillham-Smith oasis, 
when tully ready for the tourist 
trade, will bristle with a circus, 
rodeo, water ballet and zoo (both 
aquatic and land). Permanent struct 
tures will comprise an auto court, 
restaurants, shops, etc. Spring is 
owned as a potential water supply 
source by the city of St. Petersburg 
and the municipality will receive a 
Percentage on the project's gross. 



Rice on 'Heaven,' 1st 
Pic Chore in 14 Years 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
Elmer Rice returns to film writing 
for the first time in 14 years to 
screenplay "Earth and High Hea- 
ven" for Samuel Goldwyn. His last 
previous screen chore was on "Coun- 
sellor at Law," his own legit play, in 
1933. 

Goldwyn. just back from a vaca- 
tion in Sun Valley, announced that 
Production will start in March. 



Final step in Mayor O'Dwyer's 
newly-born campaign to attract 
more major film production back to 
New York is expeut ed to be taken 
in the near future, when Judge Ed- 
ward C. Maguire, special coordina- 
tor of the campaign, presents the 
mayor with a full report of his ac- 
tivities. Corporation Counsel's office 
of the city is now working on re- 
visions suggested to Maguire by film 
industry representatives during a 
series of recent huddles. Maguire 
will then incorporate the suggested 
revisions into his report, which the 
mayor is expected to turn over to 
the City Council for adoption. 

During the interim period, the co- 
ordinator's office is continuing to 
cooperate with all producers as much' 
as possible, according to Maguire. 
Most of the unnecessary red tape 
that has heretofore heckled produ- 
cers in from the Coast has already 
been eliminated, he pointed out, and 
only in a limited number of situa- 
tions is it now necessary for a pro- 
ducer to obtain a city permit to shoot 
within city limits. Before the co- 
ordinator's office was set up, a pro- j 
ducer was required to get permits 
from almost every department in the 
city. 

For example, Maguire pointed out. 
RKO had two full crews out lensing 
in the streets last Friday (10), and 
permission was granted them simply 
through a phone call to the coordi- 
nator's office. One crew, under the 
supervision of Fred Fleck, is'shoot- 
ing exteriors for "Mr. Blandings 
Builds His Dream House." Other 
crew, under the direction of Teddy 
Tetzlaff. was seeking exteriors for 
"The Window^" 

Latter film will be produced en- 
tirely in N Y. as the first production 
effort of Frederic Ullman. Jr., who 
resigned recently as prexy of RKO- 
Pathe to join the roster of RKO pro- 
ducers. Tetzlaff returned to the 
Coast Friday, and Ullman is due in 
N. Y. from Hollywood in two weeks 
to begin actual shooting. Interiors 
will be lensed at the RKO-Pathe 
studios in N. Y. 



ECONOMY CUES 
% DEAL CUTS 

Exhibitors, who've . squawked 
about almost every cost-saving move 
instituted by the distribs, may find 
one distribution economy measure 
to their liking. That's a drastic re- 
duction in the number of situations 
checked, which has already been 
seized upon by the majors as one of 
the chief factors in their current 
economy drive. 

Majors figure that it now costs 
each of them about $500,000-$750,000 
annually for checking purposes. In 
many situations, it's been found that 
the cost of checking doesn't make up 
for the difference in earnings be- 
tween selling a picture on percent- 
age and letting the exhib have it on 
a flat rental basis. Elimination of 
checking in such situations, conse- 
quently, would be one of the best 
methods yet derived to save money. 

Despite the number of suits filed 
recently against "cheating" exhibs, 
the, majors still figure that exhibs 
get away with more than $15,000,000 
annually by falsifing their reports. 
So, instead of taking a chance on 
losing this money by continuing to 
sell on percentage terms in un- 
checked situations, the majors plan 
to boost the number of flat rental 
sales. Plan will be put into effect 
in any situation where it's found 
that checking doesn't pay, with the 
rentals to be based on the highest 
percentage earned by a picture of 
similar drawing power under similar 
conditions in each house. 

If a top A film, sold at 40% pre- 
viously, feturned $500 to the distrib, 
the exhibitor would get all such pic- 
(Continued on page 20) 



More Realistic U. S. Film Stance On 
75% Tax May Now Get Some Results 



London's Dimouts 

London, Oct. 14. 

Following huddles with the 
Fuel Ministry, the Cinemato- 
graph Exhibitors Assn. has noti- 
fied film theatres that interior 
and exterior lighting will be 
dimmed from Oct. 20 through 
March 31. 

If the coming winter proves as 
severe as that of last year ex- 
hibs' opening hours may be 
limited. However, these restric- 
tions, if imposed, will be ordered 
on a national basis. 



Kosiner to Boost Italo 
Sales of Small's Films 

Effort to hypo sales of Edward 
Small films in Rome will be made by 
Harry Kosiner, Small's eastern rep, 
who planed for Italy, Sunday (12) . 
Small's aim is to further build up 
the supply of lire blocked to his ac- 
count, with the possibility of making 
a second picture in Rome if enough 
credits can be acquired. Producer is 
now making "Cagliostro" there. 

Small has a number of films in 
distribution in Italy and has several 
more available. Kosiner will be 
abroad until Oct. 30, stopping in 
Paris on his way back. 

Claud Morris, recently named flack 
chief for Small, starts on a tour of 
exchanges next Sunday (19) to pro- 
mote "T-Men," which the producer 
made for Eagle Lion. 



U.S. Prod, in Italy 
To the Forefront 



Major distribs are viewing the 
current Italian production efforts of 
Edward Small and Gregor Rabino- 
vitch as "pilot productions" and re- 
sults of the duo's efforts will be 
studiously weighed to determine 
whether it's practical to use blocked 
lire for filmmaking in Italy. With 
remittances 100% frozen in that 
country, RKO through its European 
manager Wladimir Lissim, has al- 
ready indicated it will produce in 
Italy in the near future, but mean- 
while is exercising a policy of 
watchful waiting. 

Small's "Cagliostro" has been 
earmarked as a $2,000,090 production 
and half this? sum constitutes frozen 
lira. Nancy Guild has the femme 
lead and film is now rolling at the 
Scalera studios. Rabinovitch has 
already made "La Traviata" in Italy 
and is starting "The Eternal Melody" 
with Marta Eggerth and Jan Kie- 
pura starred. Both are slated for 
Columbia release. 

Also planning use of Italian 
studios is Filippo del Giudice, for- 
mer chieftain of Rank's Two Cities 
films, but now head of his own 
Pilgrim Pictures. On his schedule 
are 10 films. Mdflw, too, is sending 
a unit to Rome to shoot native ac- 
tion for "Vespers in Vienna." Best 
facilities for shooting reportedly, are 
available at the Scalera studios. An- 
other large lot is that of the Cine- 
citta studio but this plant has been 
used exclusively to house refugees 
since the war's end and it's unknown 
just when it will resume filmmaking. 
Turin, in northern Italy, also has a 
few studios. 



Briefs From the Lots 



Par Tees Off 2 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
( Paramount has gunned two pix, 
Sainted Sisters" and "The Long 
Gray Line." with the latter resum- 
/ ijJS after a 10-day location stay at 
West Point. "Sisters" has Veronica 
Lake. Joan Caulfield, Barry Fitz- 
gerald. George Reeves, William 
Uemarest and Eei'lah Bondi. Wii- 
»am Russell directs. 
Alan Ladd and Donna Reed top 
Line" cast. John Farrow directs. 



Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
George Reeves stepped into the 
role in "The Sainted Sisters," vacat- 
ed by Sterling Hayden, who is now 
I on Paramount's suspension quota .... 
I John Beck aired in from Detroit, 
! where he conferred with Mary 
j Chase, author of "Harvey," which 
| Beck will produce on the screen for 
Universal-Iuternational. . . . Inde- 
; pendent Artists acquired rights to 



2 Pix in From Location 
Ups WB Shooting to 6 

Hollywood. Oct.- 14. 

Two pictures, in from location at 
Warners, will bring the total of films 
shooting on the lot up to six. Record 
seasonal high of 11 stars and 22 fea- 
tured players also on tap this week. 

Included are Bette Drvis, Errol 
Flynn, Jane Wymah, Jack Carson. 
Ann Sothern, Lew Ayrcs and Dennis 
Morgan. Viveca Lindfors, Alexis 
Smith. Bruce Barnett. Robert Alda. 
Agnes Moorhead and S. Z. Sakall. 

Films back from location are 
"Johnny Belinda," "Adventures of 
Don Juan." "Winter Meeting." "To 
the Victor." "April Showers" and 
"Christopher Blake." 



insert a sequence from Ibsen's 
"Hedda Gabler" into the film pro- 
duction. "The Velvet Touch," star- 
ring Rosalind Russell . . . Don 
Hartman checked in at RKO to hud- 
dle with executives about his first 
producer assignment on that lot. 

Marshall Thompson joined the 
"Homecoming" oast at Metro. . . . 
S. Z. Sakall signed for a featured 
part in "Forever and Always" at 
Warners. . . . Cecil Kellaway check- 
jed in at Warners for a role in "Chri.s- 
! topher Blake" . . . Harry Meyer, 
' veteran of the Guam campaign, was 
assigned as technical adviser on Pa- 
: cific sequences in "B .F.'s Daughter" 
at Metro. . . . Republic bought 
Norman Hall's original, "Singapore 
' Sal," for production by Stephen 
Auer . . . Mel Tucker will produce 
, "Colorado Thoroughbreds." authored 
I by William Lively, at Republic. • 
| Hurd Hatfield is bicycling between 
i the RKO picture "Joan," and the 
I legit production, "Dark of the Moon." 
at the Coronet theatre. . . . Kirk 
i Douglas, on loanout from Hal Wallis, 
| will play one of the top roles in "The 



Walls of Jericho" at 20th-Fox. . . . 
Fred Clark draws a killer role in 
"The Ballad of Furnace Creek" at 
20th-Fox . . . Tom Pedi, legit thesp, 
signed by Universal-International 
for a featured role in "Up in Central 
Park" . . . Irving Brecher, origina- 
tor of the radio program, "The Life 
of Riley," is turning it into a screen- 
play for Universal-International, 
with William Bendlx penciled in for 
the title role. 

Republic bought "Fugitive From 
Devil's Island," written by John 
Martin, as one of the four cliffhang- 
ers to be produced next year by 
Mike Frankovich . . . Falcon Produc- 
tions will film "The Unwritten Law," 
starring John Calvert, for release 
through Film Classics ... Carl 
Krueger, currently producing "The 
Last Nazi" on the Enterprise lot, 
picked "The Long Flight." an avia- 
tion yarn, as his second venture, 
starting Nov. 10 . . . Ralph Oberg is 
new chief of Republic's art depart- 
ment, succeeding Russ Kimball who 
resigned. 

Charles Middleton will play Abra- 
harh Lincoln in "Christopher Blake" 
. . . Hilary Brooke plays opposite 
Red Skclton in "The Fuller Brush 
Man" . . , Archie Mayo checked in 
at Motion Picture Center to ready 
the Edward Small production, "The 
Life of Rudolph Valentino," slated 
to start in six weeks . . . Arpi Pro- 
ductions bought "Ambush" as its 
second picture for Film Classics re- 
lease . 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

Joint meeting here of heads 
of member companies of the 
Motion Picture Assn. and Society 
of Independent Motion Picture 
Producers, to reach a united 
front on the British tax question 
will be recommended to the two 
orgs by Eric Johnston and 
Donald M. Nelson. Decision was 
reached today (Tues.) following 
a meeting between the duo, also 
attended by Joyce O'Hara, 
Johnston's assistant. 

If okayed, full-dress huddles 
will be held within a week. Nel- 
son will talk to his people in 
New York, for which he left to- 
night. 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

After a number of false starts, the 
film industry in the past few days 
has finally begun to give the im- 
pression it is out to get something 
accomplished in finding a substitute - 
for the 75% British ad valorem tax. 
Contributing to the start on the new 
tack . was the severe pessimism 
voiced in reports to industry biggies 
assembled at a meeting here with 
Eric Johnston and British Ambassa- 
dor Lewis Douglas last week. „ 

The tentative moves, the phoney 
coyness, the impression in some 
quarters that the British were stag- 
continued on page 22) 



WURTZEL'S '48 SKED 
BASED ON EXHIB POLL 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
His 1948 production schedule 
based on an exhibitor and exchange i 
manager poll conducted on a recent 
20,000 mile cross-country trek, has 
been announced by Sol M. Wurtzel 
for his new 20th-Fox releasing deal. 
Film roster will accent comedy and 
drama. 

First film, "Half Past Midnight," a 
Los Angeles-localed comedy drama 
with Kent Taylor and Peggy Knud- 
sen starred, rolls Nov. 7. Others are 
"Arthur Takes Over," from an un- 
produced Mauri Grashin play; 
"Tucson," a modern western; 'Tick- 
et to Nowhere," and an untitled 
OSS yarn by Robert G. North, for- 
mer OSS man in the Pacific. 



James Allen, Ex-WB 
Newsreel, Back on Coast 

Following his checkout from his 
post as a Warner Bros, vice-prexy, 
James Allen left for the Coast Sun- 
day (12) to line up a deal with an- 
other studio. Allen, former special 
assistant to Charles Einfeld when 
latter headed the WB studio pub- 
licity department, was originally 
named head of the new Warners 
Newsreel last May. 

With the WB purchase of the 
RKO-Pathe newsreel setup, however, 
Allen was made a vice-prexy with- 
out portfolio. He's expected back, 
in New York shortly to pick up his 
family. 



20th Gives Earner 

Clearance in Cincy 

Cincinnati, Oct. 14. 

Extending its policy recently in- 
augurated *n Cleveland, 20th-Fox 
will offer earlier availabilities to 14 
nabes in Greater Cincy starting with 
the release on "Mother Wore Tights." 
The plan eliminates an exclusive sec- 
ond-run privilege long enjoyed here 
by the Paramount., one of the RKO 
Theatres chain, which dominates the 
downtown houses. 

Set up by Andrew W. Smith, Jr., 
general sales manager, the changed 
schedule, to be effective 28 days 
after its first run, finds houses 
participating in it along with the 
Paramount, to be the Covedale, West- 
wood, Emery, Hollywood. Liberty or 
Madison. Park, Esquire, Forest, 
Bond, Monte Vista. Mariemont, 20th 
Century or Ambassador, all in Cincy, 
and the Metropolitan, Newport, Ky., 
across the Ohio river. 

This moveup of availabilities 
soothes one of the gripes raised for 
years by local indies. 



10 



FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Forever Amber 

(COLOR) 

2©tti-0entury-Foic release of Darryl F. Za- 
nuck (Wm. Perlberg) production. Stars 
Linda Darnell. Cornel Wilde. Richard 
Greene, Ceo. .Sanders; features Glenn I.an- 
gnn, Richard Haydn, Jessica Tandy, Anne 
Revere. Directed by Olto Premlnger. 
Screenplay, Philip Dunne. King Larrtner, 
Jr., adapted' by ' Jerome Cudy front Kath- 
leen Winsor's novel. Score, David Rnkslrj, 
conducted by Alfred Newman; arrange- 
ments, Maurice tie Paekh, Herbert Silencer; 
camera (Technicolor). J.eon Shamroy; spe- 
cial effects, Fred Serseri: editor, Louis 
I^oeffler. : Tradeshown- N. v., Oct. lli, ''17. 
Running time, 110 SUN'S. 

Amber Linda Darnell 

Bruce Carlton Cornel Wilde 

Lord Almabury Rlch.lrtl Greene 

King Charles IT George Sanders 

Capt. Rex Morgan tilenn Lahgan 

Karl of Madeline Richard Haydn 

Nan Brittnn Jessica Tandy 

Mother Red Cap Anne Revere 

Black Jack Mallard lohn Russell 

Corinna ■ Jane Ball 

Kir Thomas Dudley ..Robert Coole 

Matt GoodRroome l.eo (!. Carroll 

Countess of Castelmalne. . . .Natalie Draper 

Mrs. Spars'. .... .Margaret Wyeherly 

lady Redmond.... '....Alma Kruirer 

T.,ord Redmond Bdmond Hreon 

Landale Alan Napier 



Miniature Reviews 

"Forever Amber" (Color) 
(20th). How can it miss? 

"Nightmare Alley" (20th). 
Tough drama about tough car- 
nival people needs all its cast 
draw. 

-The Exile" (Fairbanks-tT). 
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.'s first in- 
die assured good grosses through 
star names and romantic action. 

"Invisible Wall" (20th). Gang- 
ster meller, lacking any marquee 
names, for the dualers. 

"The Lost Moment" (Wanger- 
U). Robert Cummings and Susan 
Hay ward romantic meller, 
should do business. 

"Bowery JBuckaroos" (Mono). 
Bowery Boys in a satire on 
westerns. Should draw well in 
nabes. 

"Furia" (Italian ). Powerful 
film surefire for art houses. 



"Forever Amber," the 17th cen- 
tury British road company of French 
postcards, was a lurid bestseller, and 
in Technicolor, it should likewise 
sell strongly. Can't miss boxoffice- 
wise. 

A picture property with an ad- 
vance campaign such as Kathleen 
Winsor's novel, which has been the 
subject of gags and the butt of wits 
in . every form of colloquial com- 
munication, chiefly by comics over 
the air and on cafe floors, naturally 
becomes endowed with a buildup 
that's the pressagent's dream. 
Rarely does it kick back. . That goes 
even for the Jane Russell and "Duel 
In the Sun" type of films. 

And so with "Amber" which, de- 
spite its sundry shortcomings, is a 
surefire wicket-spinner. The exhib- 
itor can hang up the shingle and 
get out of the way of the customers. 

Here <s a $4,000,000 (and claimed 
to be more) picture that looks its 
cost. That goes even for the lost 
footage through mishap with Peggy 
Cummins, the original candidate un- 
til Linda Darnell replaced. And' she 
does quite well— in fact, the sum 
total compels an intra-trade salute 
to the Zanuck factory for so suc- 
cessfully shadow-boxing with exist- 
ing tabus and regulations, and com- 
ing up so satisfactorily with the fin- 
ished product. * 

The lusty yarn, is" treated for what 
it is. Miss Darnell runs the gamut 
.< from romantic opportunist to prison 
degradation and up again to being 
the king's favorite and finally a dis- 
carded mistress, grateful that the 
royal equerry invites her to supper 
after Charles II gives her the brush- 
off. 

In between there's a wealth of 
derring-do, 17th century knavery 
and debauchery, the love of a good 
woman (Jane Ball), and the rest of a 
depraved court's atmosphere. It's 
solid escapology, particularly pat 
commercial stuff in this day and 
age of postwar world problems. 

Cornel. Wilde is the No. 1 juve, 
although Glenn Langan suggests he 
might have made an excellent choice 
for that role instead of a secondary 
swain. Richard Haydn plays his a.k. 
role well as the arrogant earl who 
Amber premeditatedly weds in order 
to gain a title. John Russell is con 
vincirig as the highwayman; Anne 
Revere is sufficiently despicable as a 
keeper of a thieves' den; Jessica 
Tandy does all right as Amber's 
maid; George Sanders turns a neat 
character when chiding Amber for 
thinking he could be played for a 
sucker in a supposedly compromising 
rendezvous with Miss Ball; and 
Richard Greene makes an effec- 
tive pal for Wilde as a swashbuck- 
ling privateer in the king's service. 

Miss Darnell manages her chame- 
leon Amber character very well. Her 
blonde beauty shows off well in 
Technicolor, and she is equally con- 
vincing when' she is thrown in a 
pauper's gaol. 

Whfte some of the color Is In 
minor key, creating a too dim per- 
spective, by and large the lensing 
expertly captures all the shadings of 
regal splendor, the devastating fire 
oh London town following the bu- 
bonic plague, etc. 

By attacking the story for what it 
is, without pandering to the sensi- 
tivities, the result is at least mod- 
erately convincing. There is no 
double-talk about the illegitimacy of 
Amber's lovechild; there are, in fact, 
two childbirth scenes, with reason- 
ably well-cut closeups. The lechery 
and debauchery are effectively pro- 
jected because they've given a quasi- 
historical delineation in the reign of 
Charles II, whose grants to pri- 
vateers (slang for ' pirates who 
shared their «ioot with the crown) 
are no less virtuous than the illicit 
atmosphere generally pervading his 
court. 

• Certainly, 20th-Fox's bossman, 
Darryl Zanuck. didn't spare the 
flosses, and producer Bill Perlberg 
•ndowed the sum total with a wealth 
of props that must have exhausted 
the resources of the combined West- 
ern, Eaves and Brooks Costume Cos. 
It's that kind of a flash splash. 

Abel. 



Nightmare Alley 

Hollywood, Oct. 8. 

20th-Fox release of George Jessel produc- 
tion. Stars Tyrone Power; features Joari 
Blondetl, Coleen Gray, Helen Walker. Di- 
rected by Edmund Gouldlng. Screenplay 
by Jules. Furthmnn. based on novel by Wil- 
liam Lindsay Greshnm: camera, l.eo 
Garmes; eilitor. Barbara McLean. Trade- 
shown Oct. T. *47. Running time, 110 MINS. 

Stan Carlisle Tyrone Power 

Zeei.a ...... . Joan Blondell 

Molly Coleen Gray 

Lilith Helen Walker 

Grtndle. Taylor Holmes 

Bruno .' — Mike Mazurki 

Pete Ian Keith 

Mrs. Peabody Julia Dean 

Hoatley.. James Flavin 

McGraw ....Roy Roberts 

Town Marshall James Burke 



with Fairbanks and Miss Montez In 
her introductory role, an opportunity 
of which she acquits herself most 
adequately. Miss Croset garners as 
much interest as the male star, de- 
livering a sock performance. She's 
a cinch for popularity. 

She plays a young Dutch innkeeper 
and farm owner, on whose place the 
exile is in hiding. Plot concerns 
mostly efforts of Cromwell's Round- 
heads to catch up with exiled king 
and do away with him. Story would 
have benefited had ' they caught up 
with him sooner, rather than lot of 
more or less inconsequential action 
in the first half of the feature. Ro- 
mantic spirit is achieved, however, 
by ; Fairbanks in his role and action 
points up this flavor. 

Filmed in sepia, this gives the pic- 
ture soft tones and fits in perfectly 
with the subject. It assays high in 
production values and, with Frafik 
Planer handling the cameras, it's a 
beautifully executed piece of work. 
Production designing by Howard Bay 
and art direction by Bernard Herz- 
brun and Hilyard reach a high level 
of perfection, calculated to appeal to 
the eye. Max Opuls gave the film 
rugged direction, but at times was 
hampered by the screenplay written 
by Fairbanks. The star's producer 
efforts far overshadow his scripting. 

While Fairbanks performs strong- 
ly in his role of the exiled King 
Charles, Miss Montez; though getting 
co-star credit, is in only one long 
sequence, and is not always under- 
standable. Standouts in support are 
Nigel Bruce, as the king's chancellor; 
Henry Daniell, as the Roundhead 
sent by Cromwell to kill the king; 
Robert Coote, as an actor who mas- 
querades as the fleeing king. Top 
talent completes the cast. Whit. 



"Nightmare Alley" is a harsh, 
brutal story told with the sharp 
clarity of an etching. There isn't a 
really sympathetic or inspiring char- 
acter in the show, but acting, direc- 
tion and production values lift the 
piece to the plane of gripping drama. 
In spots it approaches the dignity of 
authentic tragedy. The picture will 
satisfy no demands for light enter- 
tainment, hence the— boxpf fice is" 
problematical and largely condi- 
tioned on the femme draw of Tyrone 
Power in the lead. 

The film deals with the roughest 
and most sordid phases of carnival 
life and showmanship. Despite the 
grim realism of its treatment, it has 
all the shuddery effect of a horror 
yarn. *- 

Power's talent hits a new high in 
his .depiction of Stan Carlisle, re- 
form school graduate, who works' his 
way from carney roustabout to big- 
time mentalist and finally to im- 
portant ' swindling in the spook 
racket. Ruthless and unscrupulous, 
he uses the women in his life to 
further his advancement, stepping 
on them as he climbs. 

Mos.t vivid of these is Joan Blon- 
dell as the girl he works for the 
secrets of the mind-reading act. 
Coleen Gray is sympathetic and con- 
vincing as his steadfast wife and 
partner in his act and Helen Walker 
comes through successfully as the 
calculating femme who topples 
Power from the heights of fortune 
back to degradation as the geek in 
the carney. Ian Keith is outstanding 
as Blondell's drunken husband, and 
the balance of the supporting cast 
works hard and effectively. 

The Jules Furthman screenplay 
keeps all the strength of a tough 
story and Edmund Goulding's di- 
rection points the drama to inspire 
pity for its unpalatable characters. 

Fisk. 



Invisible Wall • 

20th-Fox release of Sol M. Wurtzel pro- 
duction. Features Don Castle, Virginia 
Christine, Richard Gaines. Directed by 
Eugene Ford. Screenplay by Arnold Bel- 
gjird; based on story by Howard J. Green, 
Paul Frank;. camera, Benjamin Kline; edi- 
tor, William Claxton. Tradeshown N, Y. 
Oct. », '47. Running time, MINS. 

Harry Lane. Don Castle 

Mildred Elswoith Virginia Christine 

Richard Elsworth Richard Gaines 

Hanford Arthur Space 

Marty Floyd Edward Keane 

Al Conway ....Jeff CharfOler 

Hamilton Harry Cheshire 

Mrs. Bledsoe . . . r Mary Gordon 

Detective Captain Harry Shannon 

Alice Jamison . . ; ' Rita Duncan 



The Exile 

Hollywood, Oct. 13 

Universal release of Fairbanks (Douglas 
Fairbanks, Jr.) production, stars Douglas 
Fairbanks. Jr., Maria Montez, Paule Croset; 
features Henry Daniell, Nisei Bruce. Di- 
rected by Max Opuls. Written by Douglas 
Fairbanks, Jr.; camera. Frank, Planer; rnu- 
sle, Frank Skinner; editor, Ted J. Kent; 
arrangements, David Tamkln; asst. direc- 
tor, Ben Chapman: ' special effects, David 
Horsley. Previewed Oct. 13, '47. Running 
time, 94 MINS. 

The Countess .Marin -Montez 

Katie Paule Croset 

flol. Ingram ..Henry Daniell 

Sir Edward Hyde , Nigel Bruce 

Pinner Robert Coote 

Jan otto Waldls 

Seymour Kldon Gorst 

Wilcox Milton A. Owen 

Capt. Bristol Colin Keith-Johnston 

Milbanke ..Ben II. Wright 

Ross Colin Kenny 

Hlgson ; Peter Shaw 

Tucket Will Stanton 

Cavalier Official.... C. S. Ramsey-Hill 

Cavalier Guard Gordon ('lark 

Roundhead Gen I.umsden Hare 

Uobhlns Lester Matthews 

Jasper ....Thomas P. Dillon 

Footman... William Trenk 

Coach Fred C'avens 

Marie Alia Dunn 

Sea Captain Torben Meyer 

First Court Lady....; Gruyoe Hampton 

Second Court I^tdy Mary Forbes 

Painter. .-. .Charles . Stevens 

Charles Stuart Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 



Gangster meller, with uneven pace, 
is fairly entertaining despite? absence 
of any name players to brighten the 
marquee. "Invisible Wall," which 
manages to become exciting towards 
the end, will have to be sold heavily 
as a gangland melodrama to amount 
to much. It will fit best into lower, 
half of twin bills, and there only as 
a mild entry. 

Yarn involves Don Castle, an ex- 
GI, who retutns to handling payoffs 
for a west coast bookmaker when he 
gets back from the war. His yen for 
gambling leads him to squander half 
of the $20,000 which has been en- 
trusted to him by his boss' book- 
maker. He'd been sent to the Fla- 
mingo hotel, Las Vegas, to pay off a 
racing b'et, but $5,000 of this is in- 
vested, so Castle thought, in a sure- 
thing mining proposition. Complica- 
tions follow. 

Whole story is done via flashbacks 
which makes for a neat surprise end- 
ing that's done too sketchily. Film 
telegraphs its irregular direction by 
Eugene Ford but, one suspects, he 
struggled with too many story angles 
before this finally came out of the 
cutting room. Picture would have 
been lots better if held to 55 minutes. 

Castle is outstanding and should be 
heard from in the future via more 
satisfactory stories. Virginia Chris 
tine is competent as the wife of the 
former con who later weds Castle 
Gaines makes a smooth heavy while 
Edward Keane is excellent as the 
bookmaking king. Support is headed 
by Jeff Chandler and Arthur Space. 

Wear. 



Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.'s first indie 
production, with himself starred, is 
of heroic measure in its approach to 
a romantic period in history when 
Charles II was in exile from Eng- 
land. Film is highly exploitable, par- 
ticularly since it follows the type of 
costume action-drama the elder Fair- 
banks once was noted for. Response 
at boxoffice is assured by star names 
of Fairbanks and Maria Montez. • 

Too much time is consumed, how- 
ever, in reaching its exciting stages, 
with a script which sometimes leans 
toward antiquated proportions. In- 
teresting especially is a blonde new- 
comer, Paule Croset, who co-stars 



The Lost Moment 

X'niversul release of Walter Wanger pro- 
duction. Stars Robert Cummings, Susan 
Hoywnrd; features Agnes .Moorehead. Joan 
Lorrlng, Eduardo. Clannelll, John Archer. 
Directed by Martin Gabel. Screenplay by 
I,eonardo Bercovlci; from novel, "The As- 
pern Papers," by Henry James; camera, 
Hal Mohr; music. Daniele AmfUheatrof; 
orchestrations, David Tamkin; editor, Mil- 
ton Cnrruth. Tradeshown N. If., Oct. 1), 
•47. Running time, 80 MINS. 

Lewis Robert Cummings 

Tina Susan Hay ward 

Juliana ..Agnes Moorehead 

Amelia Joan Lorring 

Father Rlnoldo Eduardo Clannelll 

Charles John Archer 

Pletro Frank Puglla 

Marin M inerva Ureca 1 

Vlttorio William Edmunds 

A romantic . melodrama with a 
Venetian locale and a schizophrenic 
heroine, "The Lost Moment" is a 
heavy but reasonably absorbing pic- 
ture. It should draw moderately 
well, chiefly through word-of-mouth, 
since it lacks marquee strength. 

Based on the Henry James novel. 
"The Aspern Papers," story is essen- 
tially a study of emotional malad- 
justment and a consequent retreat 
into the unreality of the past. As 
adapted by ex-radio writer Leon- 
ardo Bercovici and directed by ex- 
radio actor-director Martin Gabel, 
the emphasis is on romance and, as 
an obvious boxoffice element, the 
therapeutic value of love. Thus, the 
picture doesn't attempt a clear ex- 
planation of why the heroine's child- 
hood in the grim old Venetian man- 
sion unbalanced her emotional- 
mental makeup, but concentrates on 
the romantic aspects of her reaction 



■ Hungry Hill 

"Hungry Hill" (Universal- 
Prestige release of Two Cities 
Production) made its U. S. bow 
Friday (10) at the Park Avenue, 
N. Y. Reviewed by Variety: from 
London, Jan. 15, '47 issue, the 
notice stated: "Based upon the 
Daphne du Maurier novel of the 
same name, picture stars Mat- 
garet Lockwood, Dennis Price 
and Cecil Parker. Trio of stars 
should draw in Britain but it 
will be hard going in America.' 

"Costing at least $1,500,000, 
this adaptation of Miss du 
Maurier's bestselling is a somber 
heavyweight created with care, 
but falling with a sad crash 
through absence of humanity 
and real feeling. Story, begin- 
ning in 1840 and covering a 
period of 40 years, tells of the 
bitter feud between the Brod- 
ricks and the Donovans over the 
sinking of . a copper mine on 
Hungry Hill by John Brodrick, 
owner of Clonmere Castle." 

Margaret Lockwood's role is 
the "story of a woman who loses 
everything she loves." Variety's 
Cane felt this should have been 
touching, "but somewhere in the 
writing and direction the senti- 
ment has been eliminated, and 
Miss Lockwood can*' do little 
with, the puppet she plays. Den- 
nis Price is the only one who is 
entirely credible." 



to the unprecedented presence of a 
real-life young man. 

The atmosphere of the centuries- 
old house, the 105-year-old blind 
woman and the lurid subject matter 
of the story, give the picture a 
sombre tone. This is partly relieved 
by a cafe scene of music, gayety and 
violence, and by a couple of meet- 
ings -between the young American 
publisher and the Venetian priest 
Who maintains a worried watch over 
the household. But the finale scenes, 
despite a seemingly contrived at- 
tempted murder and a fatal fire, are 
pleasanter. 

Apparently due to the editing, the 
picture is cryptic in several places. 
For instance, the centenarian aunt's 
blindness is indicated by little more 
than a suggestion, and there are 
various undeveloped references in 
the story, such as the spot in the 
garden, where nothing will grow, 
apparently because the murdered 
poet was buried there (and the sur- 
face there is clay rather than top- 
soil). The direction has good tempo 
and builds suspense properly, but 
the occasional use of stream-of-con- 
sciousness speeches by the hero, 
possibly a vestigial device from 
radio, mars illusion. 

As the U. S. publisher who seeks 
the long-dead poet's legendary love 
letters to the once-beautiful aunt, 
Robert Cummings is direct and be- 
lievable. Susan Hayward, . who 
played another psychotic character 
in ''Crackup," also for Walter Wan- 
ger, is effective in both facets of 
the present part, but the contrast' 
between them occasionally seems 
abrupt. Agnes Moorehead, with a 
major assist from the makeup man, 
has a character actor's splurge with 
the role of the guileful, ex-belle, and 
Joan Lorring, Eduardo Ciannelli and 
John Archer are satisfactory -in 
principal supporting parts. Hobe. 

Bowery Buekaroos 

Monogram release of Jan Grippo produc- 
tion. Features Bowery Boys. Directed, by 
William Beaudine. Screenplay, Tim Ryan 
and Edmond Seward; camera. Marcel 
LePlqird. At New York, N. Y., week Oct. 
8, '41. Running time, 6B MINS. 

S 1'P Leo Gorcey 

Saoh Huntz Hall 

Bobby Bobby Jordan 

Gab ■fi Gabriel Dell 

W'hlley Billy Benedict 

Chuck David Gorcey 

Carolyn Briggs .Tulle Brlggs 

Louie Bernard Gorcey 

Blackjack Jack Norman 

Kale Barlow .Minerva Creeal 

Luke Barlow Kussell Simpson 



Lampooning the oaters, this low- 
budgeter hands the Bowery Boys 
free rein to lead their hosses from 
New. York's east side water holes to 
the wild and wooly west. In changing 
their stamping grounds from the 
metropolis to the mesa, the boys dish 
out plenty of zanyisms charged with 
uninhibited corn, but the less dis- 
criminating filmgoer will find plenty 
of laughs in their antics. • Picture 
should do well in the nabes — es- 
pecially with the juve trade. 

Plot is an inconsequential one of 
those things. But who cares when 
Leo Gorcey is getting off such gems 
of idiom as, "I'm goin' out and prose- 
cute for gold." Scripters Tim Ryan 
and Edmond Seward pitched plenty 
of grist into the gag mill. Even an 
Indian comes up with incongruous 
lingo, e.g. his analysis of a peculiar 
situation, "This don't look kosher to 
l me!" Otherwise the yarn concerns 
itself with the efforts of Gorcey, 
Huntz Hall, et al.. to see that right is 
done by Julie Briggs who's been 
rooked of her share of a gold mine. 

Bowery Boys register in their 
comic roles. Jack Norman, as Black- 
jack, is a credible heavy. Blonde 
Miss Briggs* chassis decorates the 
footage nicely and she displays a 
passable voice in warbling one tune 
Minerva Urecal and Russell Simpson 
contrib okay bits as the U. S. marshal 
and deputy, respectively. William 
Beaudine directed at a swift pace in 
this Jan 'Grippo production. Marcel 
LePicard's lensing is satisfactory. 



Vuria 

{ITALIAN-MADE) 

Film Classics release of Franchlnl-AGln 
production. Stars lea Pola, Ro'ssann 
Brazzi: features Glno Gervl, Adrimri p.. 
net!, Umberto Spadaro. Directed by i> 0 <" 
redo Aleseandrlni. Screenplay, Alessan 
drinl; editor and English titles by Herman 
Weinberg.. Previewed In N. Y„ Oct « 
'47. Running time, SO MINH. ' 

C 111 ™'. •• Isa Pola 

Antonio Rossano ftmvvt 

Oreste Glno c r~! 

Marietta Adrlnnu Bennett! 

Rocco Umberto Spadaro 

Prieot Camilla pn„ u „ 

Priest's Sister Bella Sturm* Salnatl 

(In Italian; English Titles) 

Italian film producers, who've 
been plying the V. S. market with a 
parade of art house clicks such as 
"The Open City," "Shoe Shine" and 
"The King's Jester," have come up 
with . another winner in "Furia." 

Basically, its appeal stems from 
the candor with which the elemental 
drives of love, jealousy, hate and 
double-distilled lust are handled. 
The whole film is drenched in an 
aura of sexual craving that definitely 
removes it from the family-feature 
category and makes its chances in 
Boston seem a bit dubious. Several 
sequences are virtual shockers not 
only in their unprecedented cleavage 
exposure but for a voluptuous sug- 
gestiveness that'll make heating sys- 
tems superfluous. Over-exploitation 
of this theme, however, is liable to 
do more damage than good it it 
rouses the bluenoses into action. 

The film can get by, moreover, on 
its merits as. a straight melodrama. 
Unfortunately, the second half of the 
pic fails to fulfill the promise of the 
opening reels. After a smashing 
midway climax, the film goes slightly 
astray in maze of plot complications 
that aren't fully clarified. These de- 
fects, however, are minimized by a 
superlative group of players arid an 
overall .solid production dress. 

Center of the film is Isa Pola who 
plays the role of a blowzy, bored, 
slightly-aging and libidinous mate 
of a well-to-do horse breeder. Sur- 
rounding her are Rossano Brazzi, a 
stud-keeper with whom she engages 
in extra-curricular romancing; Gino 
Gervi, her husband, who suspects 
the worst; Adriani Benetti, the lat- 
ter's beauteous young daughter by 
another wife; and Umberto Spadaro, 
a half-idiot stable hand with a 
furious yen for the mistress of the 
house. 

The, surging undercurrent of pas- 
sion, the suspicions and the rivalry 
of .the two women for Brazzi are 
manipulated for a terrific explosion 
as the husband schemes to uncover 
the clandestine lovers. He lays his 
traps but, at the decisive moment, 
the daughter substitutes herself for 
the wife in Brazzi's room in self- 
sacrifice tb her father's happiness. 
After this confrontation, the story 
weakens. Brazzi marries the girl 
whom he loves but since his flesh is 
weak, he still carries on with the 
older woman. After many futile 
pledges of abstention, the habit is 
Anally broken when the idiot 
strangles Miss Pola in a frenzy of 
desire. 

Each of the principals does a 
standout job. Especially striking are 
Miss Pola for her remarkably modu- 
lated range of sensuality, and Brazzi 
[who is being brought to Hollywood 
by Eddie Small]. Spadaro, as the 
half-wit, also registers with a power- 
ful impact in his recounting of the 
murder scene. Herm. 



Woman Without Face 

("Kvinna L'tan Ansikte") 
(SWEDISH-MADE) 

Stockholm, Sept. 25. 
Svensk Fllmindustri production and re- 
lease. Stars Alt KJellin, Gunn Wullgren. 
Stlg Olin. Ella Undblom: features Anita 
Bjork. Marianne I/Ofgren, Georg Funktivut, 
Ake Gronberg\ Siv Ruud, Gun Artier. Olof 
Wtnnerstrand. Directed by Guslat Mo- 
lander. Roreenplay. Ingntar Belgtnan; 
camera. Ake Dahlqvist. At Rndti Kvnrn. 
Stockholm. Running time, lift SUNS. 

Ruth Gunn Wnllgren 

Martin Alf Kjellin 

Ragnar ..Slig Olln 

Marie Ella Llndlilera 

Frlda Anita Work 

Charlotte Marianne Lofgren 

Victor ' Georg FuiiKflVist 

Sam Ake Gtonberg 

Mogda Siv "mid 

Girl in Shop A,,,e '' 

Mai-tin's Father Olof Wlnrierftrnnd 



A psychological study that emerges 
as a topdrawer artistic film, "Woman 
Without Face" looks as fine a Swedish 
talking picture as was ever made 
and should make an indelible im- 
pression upon the world market. As 
a further guarantee, this Scandi- 
navian entry has Alf Kjellin, now a 
Selznick contract player, for a 
marquee iure. 

Youth's life and problems are 
deftly analyzed in this yarn, wnicti 
principally is the story of Ruth, an 
artist whose emotional existence has 
been destroyed. Her companions 
comprise her close friend, Martin; 
the latter's chum, Ragnar. a P r0 J"* 
ising author; Ragnar's gal friend, Ma- 
rie,' while Victor is the devil per- 
sonified. These characters are re- 
alistically etched in the brilliant 
screenplay of Ingmar Bergman. 

Power of evil and its hold on tne 
masses is ably brought out iri_t ne 
footage by fine delineations of Kjel- 
lin and Gun Wallgren as Martin ana; 
Ruth, respectively. Ella Lindblom 
also shines in the role of Marie, urn 
chief praise goes to scripter Berg- 
man, who, incidentally, script*" 
"Torment," an earlier Kjellin • star- 
rer which made its mark on tne 
foreign market. Gustav Molitncler? 
direction is firstrate; likewise AK« 



Dahlqvist's lensing. 



Winq. 



Wedaeflday, October IS, 1947 



11 




Intimate In Character 
International in Scope 
Independent In Thought 





I 



The Daily Newspaper 
Of Motion Pictures 
Twenty-Nine Years Old 



DAILY 




VOL 92. NO. 72 



NEW YORK, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1947 



TEN CENTS 




REVIEWS Of DEW FILfllS 



Forever Amber' 



CENTURY-FOX 



with Linda Darnell, Cornel Wilde, Richard Greene, George Sanders 
20th Century-Fox 140 Mini. 

MONUMENTAL PRODUCTION BRILLIANTLY PRODUCED, DIRECTED AND ACTED 
GIVES A SOUND HONEST RETURN FOR EVERY CENT SPENT OR ASKED. 

Darryl Zanuck hat done splendidly by "Amber." In the two hours and 20 minutes 
that it takes to tell the story there is created a motion picture of monumental stature. 
It is BIG in every interpretation of the word. Its potentialities in terms of the box office 
dollar should prove a staggering problem for the showman's consideration. And in terms 
of value to the ultimate ticket-buying spectator it gives sound, honest return for every 
cent. 

If "Amber" is to be the forerunner of a new collection of productions dealing with 
warmblooded females lurking on the British historical scene, as has been the case in 
the literary world, then any future contribution to the genre will be measured and 
estimated by the towering aspect found here. 

The Technicolored tapestry that is the story has many values, optical as well as 
dramatic, comical at times and vividly thrilling, too. Complementing the story is William 
Perlberg's production that brings to lusty life the settings and period — England of the 

1 17th Century, under the reign of Charles II. It is one of the finest examples of mounting 

: a plot and translates the Kathleen Winsor novel into what might be termed the best 
example of Technicolor handling by Hollywood in recent times. 

Thore are patterns in that tapestry that vary the basic plot to give full range to 
striking segments of action and narrative developments which contribute considerably 
to the telling. Otto Preminger's direction is evident in a flowing, fluid continuity which 
aptly captures the essence of the novel. In this respect the multitude that read and 
rc-read the book, then discussed it, then drooled at announcement that it was to be 

t filmed, won't be disappointed. 

Selection of the cast was masterful. Linda Darnell in the title role is a vivid "Amber" 
and her beauty in Technicolor has breathtaking Quality. Among the men in her life 
it is good to see Richard Greene once again; Wilde as her big moment in a torrent 
of lovers shows himself a player of sound understanding of what is required. But among 

: the male element it is George Sanders, as Charles II, who stands out, makes his mummery 

i register in a fine display of artistry. 

In translating the story such proven audience lures as the great fire which partially 

' destroys London, a duel at dawn, the plague, skullduggery purveyed by a gang of rascally 

' cutthroats and cutpurses, revenge and kindred morsels of diversion are blended into 
the whole. 

Through all the pageantry /'Forever Amber" Is the story of a woman in love who 
vainly soucht hapoiness with the man the loves but loses. 
As "Amber" Linda Darnell is shown as a foundling who is brought up by Puritanr. 

! In a small village. Reaching womanhood, plans are made for her to marry. This is not 
to her taste. She encounters Wi'de in a tavern where he is resting en route to London ' 
' *tor she follows and their passion is born and assuaged. But Charles II does not hold 
W^de in favor at the moment but when an old affair with Natalie Draper shows sien* 
of beine rekindled he gives in to a privateering venture Wilde has up his sleeve. Wilde 
leaves Miss Darnell suddenly and she falls afoul of connivers who soon land her in 
Newgate Prison. She is pregnant but in time escapes with John Russell, a highwayman 
known as "Black Jack Mallard." Her son is born. She becomes a "bait" and RussetIV 
*,lrh«"w. Via tMs Him of events she meets Glenn Langan, an officer in HM's army 
Russell is killed. She becomes Langan's ft brier I. He obtains a place in the Rova' 
Theater for her. She's there for a year attracting other men and comes to the attention 

!«f Charles II— Sanders. But Wi'do returns and she runs off with him for a few davs. 
♦hows him his son. They are discovered in a compromising situation by Langan. Hi» 
honor is threatened so Wild* kills him in the ensuing duel. WiM« in disgust leaves Mi<' 
Darnell. She then marries Richard Haydn, a senile nobleman. Wilde returns again. H' f 
stricken with the plague. Miss Darnell sees him through his illness, running o'f from 
H ivdn. W'th W : 'de on his feet Havdn anpears and causes him to pack off to Virginia 
Her life with Haydn is a stanza of despairing severity— until they go to London, attenr" 
a roval ball. Charles II casts an eye on Miss Darnell and Haydn becomes H.M.'s roya' 
in itinrrf. 

Never quite fitting into the picture as a Puritan maid who set her cao for the br 
time, Miss Darnell desired marriage with Wi'de at the outset but he indicated she wV' 
below him in life's station. She vowed to rise even higher than be. She d<d it, too 
oa« ; n<! from man to man until she wound un in the arms of the king, and with a title 

Wi'de returns from Virginia with a young wife who Mhs Darnell brings to the attention 
of Smders. An intimate tuoper is arranged. Mi« Darnell feigns illness, leaves Sander* 
*nd Jane Ball together. She hurries to inform Wi'de of the situation hoping to retain 
her former s»>ot in h»< life. The kin? suspects, so does Miss Ball and the plan misfires 
Underestimating Sanders. Miss Darnell has let herself out. H»r son is taken off to 
Virginia by" Wilde. The dav she is moved she is orooosii'ioned by the king's equerrv — 
and »he accept*. Through it »H Richard Greene, friend to Wi'de. is the kindly bystander 
adding here. Iving occ»inna"v and vjinlv trying to dissuade Miss Darnell to no avail. 

"Forever Amber" could be the biggest thing this year. 

CAST: t'ndo Darnell, Corn»l W ; ld«, RicMM G*"»ie, Onrgj Sanders, Glenn tonqon, Richard 
. Hflwrtn, J»'«Vo Tandy. Anne R»ver». Jane Roll, Rn*»rt Cvtt; tco G. Carroll, Notolit Draper, 
. Margoret Wycherly, Alma Krugcr, Edmund Brton, Alan Kapler. 

I CREDITS: Prnducer. W'H'om P»rlbe.ro: D'r»'»or, Otto Pr*mino<>r: SereenMay, Philip Dunne, 
Ring Lordlier, Jr.; Ador'nt'on, i»rnme Cody; Fmm the novel fiv Kathleen Wintor; Photography, 
I eon Shammy; M««u, DovM Rak<ln; Cn»<)"rtei| b« At*»«4 Newman; Orch««tfol arrang»m°nts, 
Mn.-rtet de Pn'lih, M<7b<>rt <n»n'»r: .. Art dimetion, fyte Wheeler; Set decorations, Thomas tittle, 
Wol»»r M. Snott; F'lm • eWv. Chn-Uj W«Ur; Wardrobe, Charles U Moire; Costumes, Irene 
Brook; Makeup, 8cn Nye; Sound, Alfred Bruzlin, Horry M. Leonard. 

DIRECTION, Excellent. PHOTOGRAPHY Splendid. 



12 



PICTURE CROSSES 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Columbus Day Crowds Up N.Y.; 'Song' 
Tuneful 145G, 'Unconquered' Huge 88G, 
'Horse' Rides to Wow 42G, Town' 29G 



Columbus Day holiday observance 
last Monday (13) coming on heels 
of nice weekend is giving Broadway 
firstrun showcases a healthy upturn 
in current week. Launching of seven 
new pictures in the past eight days 
naturally is bringing higher grosses 
ell along the line, with overall total 
running far ahead of preceding 
stanza. The large football crowds 
in Times Square Saturday (11) also 
helped. 

However. Saturday business was 
on spotty side, grid visitors appar- 
ently being choosey in picking their 
fare. Oddly enough, there was no 
big hike in attendance at Victoria 
lor "Spirit of West Point," although 
Army held Illinois to a tie Saturday. 
But there was a nice lift at nearly 
all houses on Sunday (12), day be- 
ing ahead of recent Sundays on 
Broadway. Big boost in trade, how- 
ever, came on Monday (13), receipts 
being swelled by fact that high holi- 
day scale was in force. 

Foremost among the newcomers 
are "Song of Love," at Music Hall; 
"Unconquered," at Rivoli; and "Hide 
Pink Horse," at . Winter Garden. 
Backed by new stageshow, "Love" 
is giving the Hall a sock $145,000 on 
initial week ending today (Wed.). 
Although panned by two crix, film 
drew some favorable reviews, house 
having long lines late Saturday, and 
on Sunday and Monday. 

"Unconquered" is heading for a 
colossal $88,000 at Riv on teeoff 
•week ending tomorrow (Thurs.). 
This would beat the former high 
at this house established by "Two 
Years Before Mast" just about a 
year ago. Upped prices with $1.80 
top naturally is helping to land this 
figure. 

"Pink Horse" looks to strike great 
$42,000 in its first week at the Gar- 
den, biggest at this spot in months. 
High crix praise is a factor. 

"Magic Town," which started the 
parade of new films on Tuesday, 
(7), at Palace, is managing to land 
a nice $29,000 despite stern com- 
petition. "Nightmare Alley," which 
is only passably good $35,000 or un- 
der at Mayfair, is running far be- 
hind first week of "Kiss of Death," 
only other picture to play this house 
under present firstrun policy. De- 
spite being mauled by many crix, 
"Hungry Hill" looks to get a neat 
$10,000 or thereabouts on preem 
week at Park Avenue. Strong week- 
end was a big help. 

Holiday biz and presence of Bill 
Robinson topping vaude is helping 
firstrun "Living in a Big Way" to 
strong $35,000 at State this week. 

This holiday spending enabled 
several theatres to better previous 
week's take. "Walter Mitty," in 
ninth round at Astor, rose to $32,000 
to beat preceding week by about 
$4,000. "Foxes of Harrow," with 
Milton Berle on stage, climbed to 
$118,000 or $3,000 ahead of second 
session at Roxy. "Fun, Fancy Free" 
lifted nearly the same amount to get 
$30,000 in third week at Globe. 
"Life With Father" is doing around 
$31,000 in ninth frame at Warner, 
about same as eighth. 

"Variety Girl," with Charles 
Spivak band, Al Bernie and Mel 
Torme heading stegebill, opens today 
(Wed.) at Paramount. "Green Dol- 
phin Street" also starts today at the 
Criterion after six weeks and four 
days of "Gone With Wind," and i 
highly profitable run. 

Capitol brings in "Swordsman 1 
and Hal Mclntyre band, Gertrude 
Niesen, Betty Bruce and Jackie 
Gleason tomorrow (Thurs.). "Adven 
ture Island" opens at the Gotham 
next Saturday (18). 

Opening of "Man About Town,' 
latest Maurice Chevalier starrer 
has been moved up one day to re 
open the Bijou as a picture house. 
Tees off next Tuesday (21), with 
Chevalier scheduled to make p.a. at 
preem. 

"Forever Amber," with Veloz & 
Yolanda, Sid Caesar, H. Leopold 
Spitalny choral ensemble, opens at 
Roxy on Oct. 22. 

Estimates for This Week 

Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 80-$1.80 
—"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (9th wk). 
With World Series out of way, this 
is back in stride with fancy $32,000, 
beating the $28,000 done in eighth 
week. Stays on. Really jammed 'em 
In here last Sunday and Monday. 

Broadway (UA) (1,895; 70-$1.50)— 
"Outlaw" (UA) (5th wk). Near 
trim $36,000 or close following fancy 
$38,000 for fourth. Continues. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 70-$1.50) 
— "Desire Me" (M-G) with Gene 
Kmpa orch, Rose Marie topping 
•tagebill (3d-final wk). This has 
been no great shakes from start, and 
blowoff will find combo down to 
moderate $52,000 after $60,000 for 
«econd, below expectancy. "Swords- 
man" (Col) with Hal Mclntyre orch, 
Gertrude Niesen, Betty Bruee, 
Jackie Gleason on stage, opens to- 
morrow (Thurs.). 

Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; 60-$1.25) 
—•Green Dolphin Street" (M-G). 
Opens today <wed.). Last week, 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 



Mercury Up, Biz Down In 
St. Loo; 'Merlon' $21,' 



(7th wk-4 days), fine $16,000 or near 
because of holiday trade last Sun- 
day-Monday; sixth week was $24,000. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.20)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) (3d wk). 
New Walt Disney epic still plenty 
okay, picking up to $30,000 after stout 
$27,000 for second. Stays around for 
several more weeks at this pace. 
Gotham (Brandt) (900; 70-$1.40)— 
Each Dawn I Die" (WB) and "Bad 
Men of Missouri" (WB) (reissues) 
(4th-final wk). Off to neat $8,500 in 
nal after $10,500 for third. "Ad- 
enture Island" (Par) is due in next 
Saturday (18). 
Little Carnegie (Indie) (460; 95- 
.20)— "Tawny Pipit" (U) (6th wk). 
Okay at $6,000 or near after $5,500 
for fifth. Staying on. 
Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 70-$1.50) 
"Nightmare Alley" (20th). In first 
week ending today (Wed.) on disap- 
pointing side at only fairly good $35,- 
000 or less. Crix did not like it much. 
Only second film here since house 
went firstrun, this is not up to "Kiss 
of Death" (20th) initial week by 
about $12,000. Last week, "Kiss" hit 
$15,500 in final 8 days of sixth week. 

Palace (RKO) (1,700; 60-$1.20)— 
Magic Town" (RKO ). Feeling strong 
competition from new pictures along 
street but still nice at $29,000 in first 
stanza ended last Monday (13). Nat- 
urally stays over. Third week of 
'Long Night" (RKO) okay $14,000. 

Paramount (Par) (3,664; 55-$1.50) 
—"Variety Girl" (Par), and Charlie 
Spivak orch, Al Bernie, Tip, Tap & 
Toe, Mel Torme on stage. Opens to- 
day (Wed.). Third week of "Desert 
Fyry" (Par) and Desi Arnaz orch, 
Marion Hutton on stage, held nicely 
at good $62,000 after okay $71,000 for 
second. 

Park Avenue (U) (583; $1.20-$2.40) 
"Hungry Hill" (U). In first session 
concluding tomorrow (Thurs.) is do- 
ing neat $10,000, with crix panning 
no help. Eighth week of "Frieda" 
(U) comparatively better at $5,000 in 
8 days. 

Radio City Music Hall (Rockefel- 
lers) (5,945; 70-$2.40) — "Song of 
Love" (M-G) and stageshow. Perked 
up strongly over weekend, continu- 
ing big on Monday (13). Heading for 
sock $145,000 in first round ending 
today (Wed.). Fourth frame of 
"Down to Earth" (Col), modest 
$102,000. 

Rialto (Mayer) (594; 35-85) — 
Blonde Savage" (EL) (2d wk). 
Landing good $6,500 in initial hold- 
over stanza after big $9,000 in first. 
Crimson Key" (20th) opens next 
Friday (17). 

Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60-$1.80) 
— "Unconquered" (Par). With upped 
scale and aid of holiday, this is soar- 
ing to colossal $88,000 or' near in 
first week ending tomorrow 
(Thurs.). Has a chance of hitting 
this figure or better. This would 
mean new high for house, beating 
previous record of "Two Years Be- 
fore Mast" (Par) of $87,000 estab- 
lished in October last year. Last 
week, "Crossfire" (RKO), hit $21,000 
in final 9 days of 11th week. 
Roxy (20th) (5,886; 80-$1.50) — 
Foxes of Harrow" (20th) with Mil. 
ton Berle revue on stage (4th-final 
wk). Football crowds last Saturday 
plus holiday uptake giving this 
real shot in arm. Looks to top sec- 
ond week's figure at rousing $118,- 
000; second was big $115,000. "For- 
ever Amber" (20th) plus Veloz & 
Yolanda, Sid Caesar, H. Leopold 
Spitalny choral ensemble opens 
next Wednesday (22). 

State (Loew's) (3,450; 43-$1.10)— 
"Living in Big Way" (M-G) (1st 
run) and vaude headed by Bill Rob- 
inson and Kay Vernon. Bojangles 
helping this along "to strong $35,000 
with first-run film not aiding much 
Last week, "Perils Pauline" (Par) 
(2d run) and Myron Cohen, Hal Le 
Roy topping vaude, $29,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,756; 75-$1.50) — 
"Unsuspected" (WB) and Blue Bar- 
ron orch, Joey Adams, Tony Can- 
zoneri topping stageshow (2d wk) 
Down to $48,000, just okay, after 
good $56,000 opening week, which 
was below hopes. 

Sutton (Rugoff -Becker) (561; 70 
$1.25)— "Know Where I'm Goings 
(U) (9th wk). Eighth stanza ended 
last Monday (13) picked up to $10. 
000 after $9,500 for 7th frame. Stays 
on indefinitely at such coin-getting 
pace. 

Victoria (City lpv.1 (720: 70-$1.20) 
—"Spirit of West Point" (FC) (2d 
wk). Davis & Blanchard football 
film continues in solid fashion at 
$17,000 after big $22,500 in first. 
Stays on. Fact that Army played 
"Illinois in N. Y. last Saturday was 
favorable factor, but oddly failed to 
help as much Saturday as the fol- 
lowing two days. Stays a third. 

Warner (WB) (1.499; 90-$1.50)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (9th wk). 
Continues robust with nearly $31,000 
likely this session; eighth was about 
same. Goes on indef. 

Winter Garden (UA) (1.312; 60- 
$1.20)— "Ride Pink . Horse" (U) (2d 
wk). In initial week ended last 
(Tues.) night hitting fancy clip to 



St. Louis, Oct. 14. 
Mercury is rising and grosses are 
dipping at the firstruns this stanza. 
Standout is "Merton of Movies," at 
Loew's. Runnerup is "Foxes of Har- 
row," at the Ambassador, where only 
average. 

Estimates for This Week 
Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-75) 
—"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Aver- 
age. $19,000. Last week, "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par) (2d wk), $14,000. 

Art (S'Renco) (115; 85)— "They 
Were Sisters" (U) (3d wk). Okay 
$600 after fair $710 second session. 

Fox (F&M) (5,000; 50-75)— "Slave 
Girl" (U) and "Invisible Wall" 
(20th). Mild $17,000. Last week, 
"Kiss of Death" (20th) and "High 
Conquest" (Mono), $16,000. 

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G ) and "Mr. 
District Attorney" (Col). Nice $21,- 
000. Last week, "Desire Me" (M-G), 
$?nooo. - 

Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-75)— 
"Woman on Beach" (RKO) (2d wk) 
and "Crossfire" (RKO) (2d run). 
Good $9,000. Last week, with "Born 
to Kill" (RKO), $10,000. 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 50-75)— 
"Desire Me" (M-G) (m.o.). Fair $8,- 
000. Last week, "Unfinished Dance" 
(M-G) and "Arnelo Affair" (M-G) 
(m.o.), $9,000. 

St. Louis (F&M) (4,000; 50-75)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Kilroy 
Was Here" (Mono) (2d wk). Only 
$7,500 after mild $10,000 initial ses- 
sion. 



Holiday Helps Chi; Variety -Carle 
Hot 68G, 'Harvest' 25G, Tury' 23G, 2d 



Grosses Are Net 

Film gross estimates, as re- 
ported herewith from the vari- 
ous key cities, are net, i.e., with- 
out the 20% tax. Distributors 
share on net take, when playing 
percentage, hence the estimated 
figur.es are net income. 

The parenthetic admission 
prices, however, as indicated, in- 
clude the U.S. amusement tax. 



'Unsuspected' OK 
$35,000 in Philly 

Philadelphia, Oct. 14. 
"Unsuspected" looks outstanding 
this session here at Mastbaum. Philly 
film row is swamped with holdovers. 
Only one other film is bowing in this 
week, "Singapore," at Earle. It's only 
moderately good. Other houses are 
doing sturdy to thin biz. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aldine (WB) (1,303; 50-94) — 
Crossfire" (RKO) (7th wk). Okay 
$10,500 after $12,000 last week. 

Arcadia (Sablosky) (700; 50-94)— 
'Desert Fury" (Par) (2d run). Mild 
$5,500 or near. Last week, "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par) (2d run) (2d wk), 
fine $6,300. 

Boyd (WB) (2,350; 50-94) — "Her 
Husband's Affairs" (Col) (2d wk). 
Fair $16,000 after nice $20,000 last 
frame. 

Earle (WB) (2,760; 50-94)— "Sin- 
gapore" (U). Average $21,000. Last 
week, "Dark Passage" (WB) (3d 
wk), down to $16,500. 

Fox (20th) _(2,250; 50-94)— "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). Sturdy 
$24,000 after big $33,000 opener. 
Goldman (Goldman) (1,300; 50-94) 
• "Variety Girl" (Par) (5th wk). 
Fair $14,000 after $17,500 last week. 

Karlton (Goldman) (1,000 ; 50-94) 
"Song Thin Man" (M-G) (2d wk). 
Okay $13,000 after big $17,000 
opener. 

Keith's (Goldman) (1,300; 50-94) 
—"Kiss of Death" (20th) (2d wk) 
(2d run). Pale $4,500. Last week, 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(2d run), trim $6,500. 

Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-94) — 
"Unsuspected" (WB). Hot $35,000. 
Last week, "Down to Earth" (Col) 
(3d wk), fair $17,000. 

Fix (Cummins) (500; 50-94) 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(2d wk). Good $13,000 after about 
same last week, 

Stanley (WB) (2,950; 50-94) 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) (3d wk). Thin 
$15,000 after neat $21,500 last week. 

Stanton (WB) (1,475; 50-94) -» 
"Bad Men Missouri" (WB) and 
"Each Dawn I Die" (WB) (reissues) 
(2d wk). Slim $11,000 after big 
$18,000 opener. 



D.C. Mild Albeit 
'Foxes' Solid 22G 



Washington, Oct. 14. 
Biz continues in the same mild 
register of recent weeks. Main ex- 
ception is "Foxes of Harrow" at 
Loew's Palace which, though no 
record-breaker, is running well 
above average for this house. War- 
ner's continues to reap results of its 
recently lowered price policy with 
current run of "Down to Earth," 
which is sturdy. 

Estimates for This Week 
Capitol. (Loew's) (2,434; 44-80)— 
'Lured" (UA) plus vaude. Below 
average $20,000. Last week, "Mer- 
ton of Movies" (M-G) with vaude, 
$22,000. 

Columbia (Loew's) (1,263; 44-70) 
— "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) (2d 
run). Satisfactory $7,000. Last week, 
"Vigilantes Return" (Mono), $6,000. 
Keith's (RKO) (1,838; 44-80)— 
Long Night" (RKO). Slim $9,000. 
Last week, "Singapore" (U) (2d wk), 
$8,000. 

Metropolitan (WB) (1,153; 44-70) 
"Out of Blue" (EL). Oke $8,000. 
Last week, "Red Stallion" (EL), 
$7,500. 

Palace (Loew's) (2,370; 44-74)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" 120th). Town's 
champ with solid $22,000 or near. 
Last week, "Desire Me" (M-G), nice 
$19,000. 

Fix (Lewis) (500; 44-74)— "Mon- 
sieur Verdoux" (UA) (3d wk). 
Rugged $8,000 for second week in 
succession, and surprise to all. Holds 
again. 

Warner (WB) (2,154; 44-74) 
"Down to Earth" (Col). Sturdy 
$20,000. Last week, "Dark Passage" 
(WB), strong $23,000 in 9 days. 



'Stranger' Lusty 27!/ 2 G 
For 2 Portland Spots 

Portland, Ore., Oct. 14. 

"Welcome Stranger," helped by 
nice ballyo is smash at the Para- 
mount and Oriental. "Dark Passage" 
also is stout at the Orpheum. "Brute 
Force" at the Broadway and "The 
Magic Bow" at the Guild are the 
best holdovers. 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 40-80) 
—"Brute Force" (U) and "Spring- 
time Sierras" (Rep) (2d wk). Fair 
$7,500. Last week, sock $14,000 

Guild (Parker) (427; 65-$1.00)— 
"Magic Bow" (U) (2d wk). Good 
$2,200. Last week, excellent $3,500. 

Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 40-80) — 
"Green Was Valley" (20th) and 
"Swamp Water" (20th) (reissues) (6 
days). Disappointing $3,600. Last 
week, "Arizona" (Col) and "Texas" 
(Col) (reissues), neat $6,250. 

Music Box (H-E) (1,000; 40-80)— 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and 
(Continued on page 22) 



reach great $42,000, biggest here in 
many months. Being boosted by uni- 
formly fine reviews. Last week, 
"Singapore" (U) (3d wk), $16,000 in 
last 8 days. 



'Unconquered' Colossal 
35G, Cincy; 'Hall' Socko 
15G, Tun' Lusty 13G 

Cincinnati, Oct. 14. 
Downtown houses are hitting the 
Jackpot this week, total trade prac 
tically doubling last week's. Five 
new bills, a deluge here and each 
one doing okay to smash biz, are the 
reason. "Unconquered" is topping 
the parade with a likely new high 
for the Capitol and Cincy's biggest 
mark in months. "Carnegie Hall," 
which like the DeMille pic, was 
sparked via sock campaigning, has 
Keith's in clover. "Foxes of Har- 
row" is nice, "Dark Passage" looks 
velvety and "Fun and Fancy Free" 
is socko. 

Estimates for This Week 
Albee (RKO) (3,100; 50-75)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Nice 
$16,500. Last week, "Kiss of Death" 
(20th), moderate $13,000. 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 75-$1.19)— 
"Unconquered" (Par). Sensational 
$35,000 and new house record in 
prospect. Campaign, one of best 
locally in years, was hypoed by two- 
day visit of Cecil B. DeMille. Holds. 
Last week, "Welcome Stranger" 
(Par) (m.o.) (2d wk), pleasing $7,500 
at regular 50-75c scale. 

Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-75)— 
"Fun. Fancy Free" (RKO). Sock 
$13,000 or near. Last week, "Each 
Dawn I Die" (WB) and "Bad Men of 
Missouri" (WB) (reissues), solid 
$10,000. 

Keith's (CI) (1.542; 50-75)— "Car- 
negie Hall" (UA). Promotions on 
high-notes scale in this famed musi- 
cal burg landing $15,000, a bellringer. 
Supported by carriage trade and, 
surprisingly, by a large number of 
teenagers. Last week, "Something 
in Wind" (U) (2d wk), $4,500. 

Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 50-75)— "Wel- 
come Stranger" (Par). Fourth down- 
town sesh. Good $6,000. Last week 
"Wyoming" (Rep) and "Hit Parade 
of 1947" I Rep), $4,000. " 

Palace (RKO) (2.600; 50-75)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB). Swell $15,- 
500. Last week, "Wild Harvest' 
(Par), $14,000. 

Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 50-75)- 
$4,500. Last week, "Crossfire' 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) (m.o.). Slow 
(RKO) (m.o.), $5,500. 



Chicago, Oct. 14. 
While there was little change at 
firstruns here this week, the Colum- 
bus day holiday and Indian summer 
weather brought large crowds to 
Loop houses. "Variety Girl," at the 
Chicago, has a prime $68,000 with 
Frankie Carle band on stage. The 
Oriental brought in "Fun on Week- 
end" and Tex Williams band with 
Joan Edwards on stage but looks 
only fair $45,000. "Wild Harvest" at 
the State-Lake looks trim $25,000. 

Big surprise of week is the take 
of "Desert Fury" at Roosevelt 
Although press was not enthusiastic 
second week looks fancy $23 00O* 
"Carnegie Hall" at the Grand, also 
in second frame, likely will equal 
the first week with a fine $23,000. 

'Walter Mitty," at the Woods is 
completing a highly successful 11- 
week run with $15,000, with "Magic 
Town" opening Oct. 20. "Welcome 
stranger," at the Apollo, also on 
11th week, spurted to solid $13,000 
this session. 

Estimates for This Week 
Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 95)— "Wel- 
come Stranger" (Par) (11th wk). 
Neat $13,000. Last week, $10,000. 

Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 95)— 
"Variety Girl'' (Par) with Frankie 
Carle orch on stage. Staunch $68,- 
000. Last week, "Song Thin Man" 
(M-G) with Larry Adler in person, 
heading stageshow just above aver- 
age $50,000, but below hopes. 

Garrick (B&K) (900; 95)— "Kiss 
of Death" (20th) (3d wk). Moderate 
$12,000. Last week, $14,000. 

Grand (RKO) (1,500; 95)— "Car- 
negie Hall (UA) (2d wk). Nifty 
$23,000. Last week, about same. 

Oriental (Essaness) (3,400; 95)— 
'Fun on Weekend" (UA), with Tex 
Williams orch and Joan Edwards on 
stage. Just fair at $45,000. Last 
week, "Lured" (UA), with Beatrice 
Kay and Joe E. Howard on stage 
(2d wk), moderate $38,000 and be- 
low expectancy. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 95)— "Singa- 
pore" (U) and "It's a Joke Son" 
(EL) ,2d wk). Weak $15,000. Last 
week, $17,000. 

Rialto (Indie) (1,700; 95)— "If I'm 
Lucky" (20th) (reissue) and "Strange 
Journey" (20th). Meek $10,000. 
Last week, "Outlaw" (UA) (15th 
wk), good $9,600. 

Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 95)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (2d wk). Fancy 
$23,000. Last week, $33,000. 

State-Lake (B&K) (2,700: 95)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par). Trim $25,000. 
Last week, "Life With Father" (WB) 
(7th wk), at $1.25 top, fine $19,000. 
.. United Artists (B&K) (1,700; 95) 
i-"Unflnished Dance" (M-G) (3d 
wk). Okay -$12,000. Last week, 
$14,000. 

Woods (Essaness) (1,073: 95)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (11th wk). 
Not bad at $15,000. Last week, 
$17,000. 

World (Indie) (587; 75)— "Chil- 
dren of Paradise (Indie) (2d wk). 
Sock $4,000. Last week, $4,400. 



K.C. Spotty But 'Foxes' 
Fast 18iG in 3 Spots; 
'Dance' 16iG, Tury' 14G 

Kansas City, Oct. 14. 

Business at the deluxers here is 
spotty this session. "Foxes of Har- 
row," day-date at Tower-Uptown- 
Fairway threesome, looks to get top 
coin. "Unfinished Dance," dualed 
with "Arnelo Affair" at the Midland, 
is sturdy. "Life With Father" holds 
at the Orpheum for a third and last 
stanza. Liberty, former grind house, 
changes name to Roxy this week and 
makes bow as a first-run with "Re- 
peat Performance." 

Estimates for This Week 

Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 
65)— "Spirit West Point" (FC) and 
"Pretender" (Rep). Lusty $7,000. 
Last week, "Singapore" (U) (m.o.) 
and "Yankee Fakir" (Rep), $4,500. 

Klmo (Dickinson) (550; 65)— "Bar- 
ber Seville" (Indie) (2d wk). Okay 
$1,100 after tuneful $1,600 first 
round. 

Midland (Loew's) (3,500: 45-65)— 
"Unfinished Dance" (M-G) and 
"Arnelo Affair" (M-G). Staunch 
$16,500. Last week, "Desire Me 
(M-G), $15,500. 

Orpheum (RKO) (1,900; 90-$1.25) 
— "Life With Father" (WB) (3d wk). 
Nifty $10,000 after lively $12,500 
second frame. 

Paramount (Par) (1,900; 45-65)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par). Fiery $14,000. 
Last week, "Deep Valley" (WB), 
$8,500. 

Roxy (Dur'wood) (1.000: 45-65)— 
"Repeat Performance" (ED. Fair 
$4,500. Roxy is the former Liberty, 
downtown grind house, now a first- 
run. Last week, subsequent-run. 

Tower-Uptown-Fairway ( Fox Mid- 
west) (2,100, 2,043. 700; 45-65)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Fat $18-- 
500. Last week, "Kiss of De.ith 
(20th), $14,000. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



13 




14 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



New Pix Up LA; 'Foxes Fat $77,500 
In 5 Spots, 'Passage Okay W/iQ, 3; 
'Crossfire Big 57G, 2; Ifariety' 41G, 2 



Los Angeles, Oct. 14. - 1 
Firstruns are continuing to register 
more strongly, with five newcomers 
all making boxoffices work overtime 
currently. "Foxes of Harrow" is 
leading the town with a sturdy $77,- 
500 in five theatres. "Crossfire" looks 
wham $57,000 in two. - 

"Dark Passage" shapes for okay 
$50,500 in three houses, while "Black 
Gold" is rated great $43,200 in five 
situations. "Variety Girl" is shaping 
ior pleasing $41,000 in two Para- 
mount theatres. Among the hold- 
overs, "Merton of Movies" looks best 
although slutting off to moderate 
$27 000 for second week in three 
spots. "Wistful Widow" looks dour 
$22,000 in second frame for five 
houses. "Heaven Only Knows" skid- 
ded to $15,000 in repeat session at 
four locations. 

Estimates for This Week 

Belmont (FWC) (1,532; 50-$ll— 
"Black Gold" (Mono) and "High 
Conquest" (Mono). Solid $6,000. Last 
week, "Long Night" (RKO) and 
"Banjo" (RKO) (2d wk), only $2,600. 

Beverly. Hills Music Hall (G&S- 
Blumenfeld) (826; 65-$l )— "Heaven 
Only Knows" (UA) (2d wk). Mild 
$2,500. Last week, fair $4,200. 

Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 50-$l 
—"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Great 
$10,500. Last week, "Magic Town" 
(RKO) (2d wk), $5,100 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 50- 
$l)_"Foxes Harrow" (20th). Big 
$17,500. Last week, "Magic Town" 
(RKO) (2d wk), $8,400. ' 

Culver (FWC) (1,145; 60-$l)— 
"Black Gold"» (Mono) and' "High 
Conquest" (Mono). Rich $6,000. Last 
week, "Wistful Widow" (U) and 
"Knockout" (Mono) (6 days), $5,000. 

Downtown (WB) (1,800; 50-$D— 
"Dark Passage" (WB). Oke $18,500. 
Last week, "Life With Father" (WB) 
(4th wk), closed at $16,900 on ad- 
vanced prices. 

Downtown Music Hall (Blurnen- 
feld) (872; 50-$l )— "Heaven Only 
Knows" (UA) (2d wk). Down to 
$6,500. Last week, weak $9,600. 

Egyptian (FWC) (1,538; 50-$D— 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Keeper of Bees" (Col) (2d wk). 
Mild $7,5fi0. Last week, good $12,000. 

El Rey (FWC) (861; 50-$l )— "Black 
Gold" (Mono) and "High Conquest" 
(Mono) Lush $5,500. Last week. 
"Long Night" (RKO) and "Banjo" 
(RKO) (2d wk), $3,800. 

Esquire (Rosener) (685; 85)— 
"Cage of Nightingales" (Indie) <3d 
•wk) and "Un Carnet De Bal" (Indie) 
(2d wk). Fair $1,800. Last week, 
$2,000. 

Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 50-$D— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(9th wk). Just $3,300. Last week, 
neat $3,700. 

Guild (FWC) (968; 50-$D— "Wist- 
ful Widow"' (U) and "Knockout" 
(Mono) (2d wk). Thin $2,300. Last 
week, $5,100. 

Hawaii (G&S-Blumenfeld) (956; 
50-$l )— "Heaven Only Knows" (UA) 
(2d wk). Off to $3,500. Last week, 
mild $4,100. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 50-$l)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB). Nice $16,000. 
Last week, "Life With Father" (WB) 
(4th wk), finished with $13,500 at 
advanced admissions. 

Hollywood Music Hall (Blumen- 
feld) (475; 50-85)— "Heaven Only 
Knows" (UA) (2d wk). Only $2,500. 
Last week, slow $3,900. 

Iris (FWC) (828; 50-85)— "Wistful 
Widow" (U) and "Knockout" (Mono) 
(2d wk). Thin $2,500. Last week, 
$5,000. 

Laurel (Rosener) (890; 85)— 
"Things to Come" (FC) and "Man 
Work Miracles" (FCJ (reissues) (3d 
•wk). Big $4,500. Last week, $6,000. 

Loew State (Loew-WC) (2,404; 50- 
$1)— "Foxes Harrow" (20th) and 
"Invisible Wall" (20th). Great $27,000. 
Last week, "Magic Town" (RKO) 
and "Under Tonto Rim" (RKO) (2d 
wk), $14,600. 

Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097: 
E0-$1 )— "Merton of .Movies" (M-G) 
and "Keeper of Bees" (Col) (2d wk). 
Moderate $12,000. Last week, okav 
$22,200. 

Loyola (FWC) (1,248; 50-S1 ) — 
• "Poxes Harrow" (20th). Swell $10.- 
600. Last week, "Magic Town" 
(RKO) (2d wk), $6,300. 

Marcal (G&S) (50-$l )— "Seventh 
Veil" (U). Good $5,000. Last week. 
"Best Years" (RKO) (8th wk), good 
$3,600 at advanced scale. 

Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2,210: 50- 
$1)— "Black Gold" (Mono) and "High 
Conquest" (Mono). Big $20,000. 
. Last week. "Long Night" (RKO) and 
' "Banjo" (RKO) (2d wk), slight 
$10,800. 

Million Dollar (D'town) (2,122: 55- 
88)— "King of Bandits" (Mono) with 
Leo Carrillo and Carlos Molinas orch 
on Blase. Only $17,300. Last week. 
"Gas House Kids" (PRC), with 
Lionel Hampton orch on stage, hot 
$25,400. 

Pantages (Pan) (2,812: 50-$D — 
"Crossfire" (RKO). Sock $28,000. 
Last week. "Down to Earth" (Col) 
(3d wk), disappointing $10,100. 

Paramount (F&M) (3.398; 50-$D— 
"Variety Girl" (Par) and "Cover Big 
Town" (Par). Fine $23,000. L«st 



Broadway Grosses 



Estimated Total Gross 
This Week $858,000 

(Based on 21 theatres) 

Last Tear $688,000 

(Based on 18 theatres) 



litty' Enlivens 
Pitt, Sock $16,000 

Pittsburgh. Oct. 14. 
Only one new film in town this 
week, "Secret Life of Walter Mitty" 
at Fulton. It's going strong enough 
to stick around for a month or so. 
Elsewhere, it's strictly holdover. 
"Unconquered" is slipping off after 
a fast start induced by the world 
preem ballyhood "at -the Penn. 
Estimates for This Week 
Fultoni (Shea) (1,700; -40-70)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO). Danny Kaye 
picture has field all to itself, and 
cashing in heavily. Should top great 
$16,000 and at this house sounds like 
possibly three additional weeks. 
Last week, "Something in Wind" 
(U), thin $8,000 in 10 days. 

Harris (Harris) (2,200; 40-70)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). 
Slowed down after brisk getaway 
(Continued on page 22) 



'Foxes' Leads Pack In 
Omaha, Sturdy $12,000 

Omaha, Oct. 14. 

"Foxes of Harrow" is way out 
ahead with a strong session at Para- 
mount this week playing solo. Next 
best is "The Web" and "Vigilantes 
Return" at the Orpheum, rather 
thin. The Brandeis with anniver- 
sary week and "Fun and Fancy 
Free" plus "Corpse Came C-O.D." 
shapes up great. 

Estimates for This Week 

Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) and 
"Corpse Came C.O.D." (Col). Great 
$9,000. Last week, "Each Dawn I 
Die" (WB) and "Bad Men of 
Missouri" (WB), $8,600, big for re- 
issues 

Omaha (Instates) (2,100; 16-65)— 
"Ivy" (U) and "Boston Blackie Law 
(Col). Not bad $9,000. Last week, 
"Slave Girl" (U) and "Affairs of 
Geraldine" (Rep), stout $10,000. 

Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 16-65) 
—"The Web" (U) and "Vigilantes 
Return" (U). Rugged $11,000. Last 
week, "Living Big Way" (M-G) and 
"Adventures Don v Coyote" (UA), 
$11,500. 

Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 
650— "Foxes of Harrow" (20th). 
Nice $12,000, to pace city. Last week, 
"Cry Wolf" (WB), pale $9,800, slip- 
ping final three days. 

State (Goldberg) (865; 16-65)— 
"Fiesta" (M-G). Big $5,000. Last 
week, "Western Union" (20th) and 
"Les Miserables" (Indie) (reissues). 
Nice $2,200 in 4 days, split with 
"Hucksters" (M-G ), $2,500 in 4 days. 

Indpls. Sags But 
'Slave Oby 12G 



H.O. s Bop Hub But 'Passage Robust 
$32,000; 'Crossfire Rapid $26,000, 2d 



Key City Grosses 

Estimated Total Grosfr 
This Week $3,220,000 

(Based on 22 cities 226 thea- 
tres, chiefly first runs, including 
N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Week 

Last Tear i $3,160,000 

(Based on 23 cities 203 theatres) 



Buff. Off; 'Passage' Tall 
17G, 'Crossfire' Ditto 

Buffalo, Oct. 14. 
Biz is on moderate side this week. 
Top entries are "Dark Passage" and 
"Crossfire," latter being especially 
solid. Both are strong. 

Estimates for This Week 
Buffalo (Shea) (3,500: 40-70) — 
"The Unsuspected" (WB) and "Kil- 
roy Was Here" (Mono).' Modest 
$12,000. Last week, "Desire Me" 
(M-G) and "The Pretender" (Rep), 
$17,500. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 40-70) 
—"Dark Passage" (WB). Strong 
$17,000 or better. Last week, "Wel- 
come Stranger" (Par) (2d wk), big 
$18,000. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 40-70)— "Wel- 
come Stranger" (Par) (m.o.). Sock 
$10,000 or over. Last week, "Wild 
Harvest" (Par) and "Yankee Fakir" 
(Rep) (m.o.), $6,500. 

Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70) — 
"Singapore" (U) and "Gas House 
Kids Hollywood" (EL). Fairish $12,- 
000. Last week, "Her Husband's Af- 
fairs" (Col) and "Last Round-Up" 
(Col), $13,000. 

Teck (Shea) (1,400; 40-70)— "De- 
sire Me" (M-G) and "The Pretend- 
er" (Rep) (m.o.). Near $3,500. Last 
week, "Destry Rides Again" (U) and 
"When Dalton Rode" (U) (reissues), 
good $4,000. 

«0th Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 
40-70) — "Crossfire" (RKO) and 
"Magnificent Rogue" (Mono). Climb 
ing to fancy $17,000 or better. Last 
week, "Brack Gold" (Mono) and 
"News Hounds" (Mono), $12,500 



Indianapqjis, Oct. 14. 

Ideal fall outdoor weather is cut- 
ting into firstrun biz here this stanza, 
resulting in generally disappointing 
grosses. "Slave Girl" at Circle and 
"Merton of Movies" at Loew's aie 
fair, but "Something in Wind" at 
Indiana is way off. 

Estimates for This Week 

Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 40- 
60)— "Slave Girl" (U) and "Pacific 
Adventure" (Col). Oke $12,000. Last 
week, "Kiss of Death" (20th) and 
"Trespasser" (Rep), slow $9,000. 

Indiana (Gamble-Dolle) (3,300; 40- 
60)— "Something in Wind" (U) and 
"Philo Vance Returns" (EL). Slug- 
gish $9,000. Last week, "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par) (2d wk), strong 
$12,500. 

Keith's (Gamble-Dolle) (1,300; 40- 
60) — "Welcome Stranger" (Par) 
(m.o.). Oke $5,000 third week down- 
town. Last week, "Marked Woman" 
(WB) and "Dust My Destiny" (WB) 
(reissues), nice $7,000. 

Loew's (Loew) (2,450; 40-60)— 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Boom Town" (M-G) (reissue). Fair 
$11,000. Last week, "Desire Me" 
(M-G), $10,500. 

Lyric -(Gamble-Dolle) (1,600; 40- 
60)— "Great Expectations" (U) and 
Thunder Mountain" (RKO). Aver- 
age $6,000. Last week, "New Orleans" 
(UA) and "Fun On Week End" 
(UA), $5,500. 



Toms Fancy 33G 
Frisco Standout 

San Francisco, Oct. 14. 

"Monsieur Verdoux," on West 
Coast preem at small-seater United 
Artists, is shaping for a snappy 
session. But the real standout this 
week is "Foxes of Harrow," day- 
dating in two houses. It's stout at 
the large-seater Fox and big at the 
bandbox United Nations. "Fun and 
Fancy Free" is strong at the Gate 
with an assist from vaude headed by 
Shirley Ross and Helmut Dantine. 
"Unsuspected" looks pleasing at the 
Paramount while "Life With Father" 
shapes sock in second week at the 
St. Francis. 

Estimates for This Week 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 65-$l) 
— "Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) plus 
vaude headed by Shirley Ross and 
Helmut Dantine. Strong $30,000. 
Last week, "Crossfire" (RKO) (3d 
wk) plus vaude headed by Chaz 
Chase, oke $16,000. 

Fox (FWC) (4,651; 60-95 )— "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th). Stout $27,000. 
Last week, "Song Thin Man" (M-G), 
$17,500. 

Warfield (FWC) (2,656; 60-85)— 
"Tobacco Road" (20th) and "Grapes 
of Wrath" (20th) (reissues). Mild 
$15,000. Last week, "Dark Passage" 
(WB) (m.o.) (3d wk), strong $13,500. 

Paramount (Par) (2,646; 60-85)— 
"Unsuspected" (WB). Pleasing $20,- 
000 or close: Last week, "Wild Har- 
(Continued on page 22) 



week, "Trouble With Women" (Par) 
and "Adventure Island" (Par) (2d 
wk-6 days), $10,300. 

Paramount Hollywood (F&M) (1 
451; 50-$D— "Variety Girl" (Par). 
Strong $18,000. Last week, "Trouble 
With Women" (Par) and "Adventure 
Island" (Par) (2d wk), slow $7,900. 

RKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890; 50 
80)— "Crossfire" (RKO). Great $29, 
000. Last week, "Down to Earth 
(Col) (3d wk), light $11,000. 

Ritz (FWC) ( 1,370; 50-$D— "Wist 
ful Widow" (U) and "Knockout' 
i Mono) (2d wk). Faint $3,300. Last 
week, $6,500. 

Studio City (FWC) (880; 50-$D— 
"Wistful Widow" (U) and "Knock- 
out" (Mono) (2d wk). Slow $3,500. 
Last week, okay $5,300. 

United Artists (UA) (2,100; 50-$l) 
—"Wistful Widow" (U) and "Knock- 
out" (Mono) (2d wk). Down to $10,- 
500. Last week, good $17,400. 

Uptown (FWC) (1,719-, 50-$D— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) and "In- 
visible Wall" (20th). Hot $12,000. 
Last week, "Magic Town" (RKO) 
and "Under Tonto, Rim" (RKO) (2d 
wk), fair $6,500. 

Vogrue (FWC) (885: 50.-$l.)— "Black 
Gold" (Mono) and "High Conquest" 
(Mono). Very good $6,000. Last 
week, "Long Night" (RKO) and 
"Banjo" (RKO) (2d wk). $3,800. 

Wilshire (FWC) (2.296; 50-$l)— 
"Merton Movies" (M-G ) and "Keeper 
Bees" (Col) (2d wk). Off to $7,500. 
Last week, just okay at $10,600. 

Wiltern (WB) (2.300: 50-$D— 
"Dark Passage" (WBi. OL.iy $15,500. 
Last week. "Life With Father" (WB) 
<41h wk), $14,600 at advanced prices. 



'STRANGER' BIGGEST 
PROV. ENTRY, $19,000 

Providence, Oct. 14. 
"Welcome Stranger" at Strand is 
the biggest thing around and still is 
great as second week starts. Doing 
a little better than average are Ma- 
jestic's "Foxes of Harrow," RKO 
A) bees second week of "Crossfire" 
and Loew's State's "Merton of the 
Movies." 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO) and "Winter 
Wonderland" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Fairly good $14,500. First sesh was 
nice $18,500. 

Cariton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-65) 
—"Mark of Zorro" (20th) and 
"Drums Along Mohawk" (20th) (re 
issues). Steady. $5,500, Last week, 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Tres- 
passer" (WB) (2d run), good $5,000 

Fay's (Fay) '(1,400; 44-65)— "Bells 
St. Mary's" (RKO) (reissue) and 
vaude on stage. Nice $7,500. Last 
week, "Saddle Pals" (Rep) and 
vaude on stage, $7,000. 

Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 44-65)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Single 
bill helping turnover to snappy 
$18,000. Last week. "Deep Valley" 
(WB) and "Killer Dill" (SG), fair- 
ish $15,000. 

Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 65) 
—"Red Stallion" (EL) and Kitty 
Kallen on stage for full week. 
Healthy $14,000. Last week, "South 
of Monterey" (Mono) and Ray 
Eberle orch on stage Ior one-day 
Sunday stand, good $2,000. 
■ State (Loew) (3.200; 44-65)— "Mor- 
ton of Movies" (M-G) and "Boom 
Town" (M-G) (reissue). Steady 
$17,000. Last week, "Desire Me" 
(M-G), nice $22,000. 

Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) 
— "Welcome Stranger" (par) (2d 
wk). Started Monday (13). First 
sesh was strong $19,000. Last week, 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (2d wk), thin 
$8,500. 



Det. Slower But 'Earth' 
Wham $38,000, 'Merton' 
Sweet 12G; 'Heaven 1HG 

Detroit, Oct. 14. 
"Down to Earth" is the lone film 
doing real business this week, this 
one keeping the lines forming at the 
Michigan. "Merton of Movies" looks 
trim at Downtown. Business co 
tinues to drop at downtown houses 
although holding up well in the 
nabes. City is suffering from too 
many holdovers and longruns with 
trend to nabes hinting resistance to 
higher downtown scales. 

Estimates for This Week 
Downtown (Balaban) (2.683; 70 
95)— "Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Arnelo Affair" (M-G). 'Sweet $12,- 
00O. Last week, "Black Gold" (Al- 
lied Artists) and "Kilroy Was Here' 
(Mono), $10,000. 

Broadway - Capitol (United De- 
troit) (3,309: 70-95)— "Lured" (UA) 
and "The Pretender" (Rep). Mild 
$10,000. Last week. "Wild Harvest 
(Par) and "Jungle Flight" (Par) (2d 
wk), tall $15,000. 

Adams (Balaban) (1.740: 70-95) 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(5th wk). Down to $8,000. Last 
week, okay $9,000. 

Cinema (Marten) (250; 60-90) 
"Captive Heart" (Indie). Good 
$2,200. Last week, "Well-Digger's 
Daughter" (Indie), sweet $1.,800. 

Madison (United Detroit) (1.866 
50-60)— "Variety Girl" (Par) and 
"Brasher Doubloon" (20th). Strong 
$2,500 in 3 days. Last week. "Repeat 
Performance" (EL) and "Dishonored 
Lady" (UA), $2,100 in 3 days. 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,039; 
70-95)— "Down to Earth" (Col). 
Smash $38,000. Last week, "Dark 
Passage" (WB) and "Keeper Bees" 
(Col) (2d wk), $18,000. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5.100: 70-95) 
—"Kiss of Death" (20th) (2d wk). 
Good $21,000. Last week, trim 
$28,000. 

Palms - Stale (United Detroit) 
(2,976; 70 - 95) — "Heaven Only 
Knows" (UA) and "Philo Vance's 
Secret Mission" (EL). Okay $11,500. 
Last week, "Other Love" <UA) and 
"Adventures of Don Coyote" (UA), 
$17,000. 

United Artists (United Detroit) 
(1.951; 70-95) — "Carnegie Hall" 
(UA). Disappointing $15,000. Last 
week, "Life With Father" (WB) (4th 
wk), strong $14,000. 



Boston, Oct. 14. 
Town's mainly on holdover this 
stanza with "Crossfire" in second 
week at Memorial still a "big favorite. 
"Dark Passage" at the Met shapes 
as great while "Wild Harvest" in 
second frame at Paramount and 
Fenway looks solid. RKO Boston is 
pff with "Slave Girl" plus stage 
show, and others are generally 
mild. 

Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$1.10) 

"Slave Girl" (UI) plus Phil Regan 
Slate Brothers, Think-a-Drink Hoff- 
man, others on stage. Modest $24 - 
000. Last week, "Wyoming" (RKO) 
plus Jack Haley, Constance Moore 
others, on stage, $25,000. 

Esquire (M-P) (700; 75-$1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (7th wk). 
Holding well at $3,500, same as last. 

Exeter (Indie) (1,000: 45-65)— 
"That Hamilton Woman" (UA) (re- 
issue). Okay $4,000. Last week, 
"Captive Heart" (U) and "Cynthia" 
(M-G) (2d wk), $3,500. 

Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 40-80)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) and "Killer 
Dill" (SG) (2d wk). .Nice $6,000 
after $6,800, first. 

Kenmore (Indie) (700; 45-65) — 
Brief Encounter" (U) and "Know 
Where I'm Going" (U). Doing okay 
in 'this class nabe house at $3,500. 
Last week, subsequent run. 

Memorial (RKO) (2,985; 40-80)— 
'Crossfire" (RKO) and "Knockout" 
(Indie) (2d wk). Big at $26,000 
after huge $33,000 for first stanza. 

Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 40-80) 
—"Dark Passage" (WB) and "When 
Girl's Beautiful" (Col). Big $32,000. 
Last week, "Welcome Stranger" 
(Par) (2d wk), $26,000. 
Old South (Siritzky) (700: 45-65) 
"King's Jester" (Indie). Nice $3,- 
000. Last week, "Pique Dame" (In- 
die) and "Pageant Russia" (Indie), 
$2,600. 

Orpheum (Loew) (3,030: 40-80)— 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Women" (M-G) (reissue). Opened 
on Sat. (11). Last week. "Desire 
Me" (M-G). floppo $20,000. In 
ahead, "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) 
and "Arnelo Affair" (M-G), $25,000 
in 9 days. 
Paramount (M-P) (1,700: 40-80)— 
Wild Harvest" (Par) and "Killer 
Dill" (SG) (2d wk). Great $16,000 
after big $17,000, first. 

State (Loew) (3,500: 40-80)— 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
'Women" (M-G) (reissue). Opened 
on Sat. (11). Last week, "Desire 
Me" (M-G). No go at $9,000. In 
ahead. "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) 
and "Arnelo Affair" (M-G), $12,- 
000 in 9 days. 

Translux (Translux) (900; 30-74) 
—"Son of Fury" (WB) and "Pris- 
oner Shark Island" (WB) (reissues). 
Okay $4,000. Last week. "Scarf ace" 
(WB) and "Hell's Angels" (UA) 
(reissues), $5,200. 



Rain Slows Up Denver; 
'Unsuspected' $13,800 

Denver. Oct. 14. 
Biz is only fair this stanza. Indian 
summer temperatures holding down 
grosses. Heavy rain last Saturday 
(11) cut into trade that important 
night. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 35-74) — 
"Slave Girl" (U) and "Philo Vance 
Returns" (EL), after week at Den- 
ver, Webber. Fair $3,500. Last week, 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Adven- 
tures Don Coyote" (UA) (m.o), 
$4,000. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,750: 35-70) 
—"Variety Girl" (Par) (3d wk). Oke 
$10,500. Last week, good $12,000. 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 35-74) — 
"Carnegie Hall" (UA), day-dale with 
Esquire. Fair $13,000. Last week, 
"Slave Girl" (U) and "Philo Vance 
Returns" (EL), fine $17,000. 

Esquire (Fox) (742; 35-74)— "Car- 
negie Hall" (UA), also Denver. Good 
$2,500. Last week. "Deep Valley' 
(WB) and "Joe Palooka Knockout' 
(Mono), same. • 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 35-74) — 
"Long Night" (RKO) and "Singin' 
in Corn" (Col). Modest $14,000. Last 
week, "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) 
and "Pacific Adventure" (Co) ). $12,- 
500. 

Paramount (Fox) (2,200; 35-74) — 
"The Unsuspected" (WB) and 
"Blondie in Dough" (Col), day-date 
with Webber. Good $11,000. Last 
week, "Deep Valley" (WB) and "Joe 
Palooka Knockout" (Mono), good 
$11,000. 

Riaito (Fox) (878; 35-74)— "Dark 
Passage" (WB) and "Adventures 
Don Coyote" (UA), after week at 
Denver, Esquire, Aladdin. Fine 
$4,000. Last week, "Mother Wore 
Tights" (20th) . and "Blackmail" 
(Rep) (m.o.), good $3,000. 

Tabor (Fox) (1,967; 35-74)— "Jol- 
son Story" (Col) and "Case of Baby 
Sitter" (SG). Trim $9,000. Last week, 
"New Orleans" (UA) and "Hat Box 
Mystery" (SG), $8,000. 

Webber (Fox) (760; 35-74)— "Un- 
suspected" (WB) and "Blondie in 
Dough" (Col), also Paramount. Okay 
$2,800. Last week, "Slave Girl" 'U) 
and "Philo Vance Returns" (EL), 
$3,000. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



PfimETY 



15 



WARNER BROS.' 

ERROL 




TRADE SHOWINGS OF 

ELEANOR IDA 



FLYNN PARKER • LUPINO 



in 



"ESCAPE ME NEVER" 



wHh GIG YOUNG 



Directed by 

PETER GODFREY 



Screen Play by THAMES. WILLIAMSON 
Based on the Novel and Play by Margaret Kennedy 
Music by ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD 



Produced by 

HENRY BLANKE 



MONDAY, OCT. 27th, 1947 



CITY 



Albany 

Atlanta 

Boston 

Buffalo 

Charlotte 

Chicago 

Cincinnati 

Cleveland 

Dallas 

Denver 

Des Moines 

Detroit 

Indianapolis 

Kansas City 

Los Angeles 

Memphis 

Milwaukee 

Minneapolis 

New Haven 

New Orleans 

New York 

Oklahoma 

Omaha 

Philadelphia 

Pittsburgh 

Portland 

Salt Lake 

San Francisco 

Seattle 

St. Louis 

Washington 



PLACE OF SHOWING 



Warner Screening Room 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 

Uptown Thea. 
Paramount Sc. Room 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Warner Screening Room 
RKO Screening Room 
Warner Screening Room 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Paramount Sc. Room 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Film Exchange Bldg. 
Paramount Sc. Room 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Warner Screening Room 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Warner Th. Sc. Rm. 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Warner Th. Proj. Rm. 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Home Office 

20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Warner Screening Room 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Jewel Box Sc. Room 
20th Century-Fox Sc. Rm. 
Republic Sc. Room 
Jewel Box Sc. Room 
S'renco Sc. Room 
Earle Th. Bldg. 



ADDRESS 



79 N. Pearl St. 
197 Walton St. N.W. 
Huntington Ave. 
464 Franklin Street 
308 S. Church St. 
1307 So. Wabash Ave. 
Palace Th. Bldg. E. 6th 
2300 Payne Ave. 
1803 Wood St. 
2100 Stout St. 
1300 High St. 
2310 Cass Ave. 
116 W. Michigan St. 
1720 Wyandotte St. 
2025 S. Vermont Ave. 
151 Vance Ave. 
212 W. Wisconsin Ave. 
1015 Currie Ave. N. 
70 College St. 
200 S. Liberty St. 
321 W. 44th St. 
10 North Lee St. 
1502 Davenport St. 
230 No. 13th St. 
1715 Blvd. of Allies 
1947 N.W. Kearney St, 
216 East 1st South 
221 Golden Gate Ave. 
2318 Second Ave. 
3143 Olive St. 
13th 8C E Sts. N.W. 



TIME 



12:30 P.M. 

2:30 P.M. 
10:30 A.M. 

2:00 P.M. 

10:00 A.M. 

1:30 P.M. 

2:00 P.M. 

2:00 P.M. 

10:00 A.M. 

2:00 P.M. 
12:45 P.M. 

2:00 P.M. 

1:00 P.M. 

1:30 P.M. 

2:00 P.M. 
10:00 A.M. 

2:00 P.M. 

2:00 P.M. 

2:00 P.M. 

1:30 P.M. 

2:30 P.M. 

1:30 P.M; 

1:00 P.M. 

2:30 P.M. 

1:30 P.M. 

2:00 R.M. 

2:00 P.M. 

1:30 P.M. 
10:30 A.M. 

1:00 P.M. 
10:30A.M. 



16 



INTERNATIONAL 



•VAR1 
• Bt. 



r LONDON omc» 
mux, Stable** SWUM 



Rank Seen likely to Dominate Dane 
Film Market in Light of Big 8 Exit 



Copenhagen, Oct. 4. ♦ 
Withdrawal by the Big Eight— the 
Danish branches of the leading Hol- 
lywood companies — of all their pix 
from the Danish market has caused 
consternation here. The blow was 
so unexpected, that several cinemas 
in the provinces could not get any 
Alms to replace the U." S. pix ami 
had to close till prints of film of 
other nationalities could be for- 
warded. 

There are still U. S. pix being 
shown here, namely, those having 
been bought for a fixed price as 
against percentage. Old farces with 
Laurel and Hardy and Joe E. Brown 
predominate, but there are also 
about a dozen newer pix like 
'•Strange Woman," "Young Widow,'' 
"Turnabout," "Crystal Ball," Knick- 
erbocker Holiday," mostly made by 
producers who preferred selling 
them for a fixed price here. Whether 
the deal with Constantin Films for 
the two Chaplin pix, "Dictator" and 
"Monsieur Verdoux," holds up un- 
der the new valuta circumstances, 
is not yet clear. 

An extra blow came the day after 
the Big Eight's withdrawal, when 
Swedish producers withdrew all 
their pix, sold on a percentage basis. 
Exhibs doubt whether Danish, Brit- 
ish and French pix, and the few re- 
maining Hollywood films, will be 
able to cover the Danish market. 

Hollywood, the last two years, 
has dominated the Danish market 
completely. Only the independent 
lilm renters, whose oldest pix are 
going the rounds now, are happy 
over this unexpected turn in the 
film situation. 

Sums allotted by the valuta au- 
thorities for the five months' period 
beginning Oct. 1, were so low that 
the local branches of the Big Eight 
got orders from their head offices to 
nix the signing of the new film pact. 
Metro got the largest sum, about 
$30,000 gross . income . for the five 
months, and United Artists got the 
smallest, about $6,000. The biggest 
»nm for independent ' film renters, 
who buy for a fixed price, was Con- 
stantin Film, which received about 
$1 6.000; The smallest companies got 
$1,500. All the independent buyers 
signed the new pact. 

J. Arthur Rank, whose Eagle Lion 
Co. got about $14,000, told his Danish 
branch to go ahead and play all hi.i 
British pix . in Denmark, he being 
willing to accept the sum. This firm 
has the biggest new v hits, among 
them "A. Matter of Life and Death" 
(Grand) "The Wicked Lady" (Carl- 
ton) and "The Man in Grey" (Scala- 
Bio), and will probably, together 
with the Danish companies, domi- 
nate the local film market in the 
coming months. At the World, "La 
Symphonic Pastorale" (International 
Pictures) is a big success. 

The two big cinem&s, Palladium 
and Palads. are both playing Danish 
pix, whose run probably will be 
tripled after the Big Eight's with- 
drawal. 

After March, 1948, no one will be 
allowed to buy foreign pix on a per- 
centage basis, say the authorities. 



Two UA- Argentine Mades 
Now in B.A. Production 

Mexico City, Oct. 9. 
Two of the five films which Ar- 
gentina is producing for United 
Artists worldwide release are cur- 
rently in work in Buenos Aires un- 
der the aegis of Pena Rodriguez, ac- 
cording to Osmar Bromberg, UA 
supervisor for Latin-America, who 
concluded the deal. They are 
"Mirad Los Liros Del Camp" and 
"Coneierte Para Mano Izquierda," 
both of which are being titled in 
French and English. 

Co-producer with Bodriquez is 
Joaquim Lauterat, who heads the 
largest theatre chain in South 
America, controlling 164 houses. 



French Halt Dub 
Of Foreign Fix 

Paris, Oct. 7. 
- Dubbing of - foreign pix in France 
has been halted for two months on 
orders issued by Michel Fourre Cor- 
meray, head of the French Cinema 
Administration. Reason given is 
shortage of raw stock. 

Most American exchanges here get 
their own raw stock sent direct to 
them from America, where the par- 
ent company pays for it in dollars, 
thus avoiding need of France to ex- 
port dollars for payment and thus 
make her own exchange balance 
worse. 

Unless order is promptly re- 
scinded., it will result in American 
exchanges slipping behind in their 
dubbing : schedule, and possibly find- 
ing it hard to fill some of their dis- 
tributing contracts besides having to 
lay off personnel. 

Frank MacCarthy, MPA rep here, 
first took matter up with the French 
authorities, and failing to get Cor- 
meray to rescind the order, has gone 
to the U. S. Embassy, on grounds 
that ukase is a direct breach of the 
Blum-Byrnes agreement. It's under- 
stood issuance of dubbing permits 
will be resumed very shortly, but 
Whether raw stock will be available 
for dubbing work is something else 
again. . 



New Import Firm Set 

Foremost Film Corp., new import- 
ing firm, has been organized with 
David Kay as prexy, B. L. Garner, 
French theatre operator, veepee, and 
Irwin I. Lubowe, treasurer. Pub- 
licist Noel Meadow is secretary. 

Vog Film Co., operated by Gar- 
ner, Meadow and A. D. Aubry, will 
handle distribution in the western, 
hemisphere for Foremost. New out- 
fit's initial release is a French pic, 
"Quai des Orfevres" ("Prisoner's 
Wharf"), a mystery drama starring 
Louis' Jouvet 



French Pix Pushing U. S. in Swede 
Market; rib Biz Looking Rosy 



Union Balks Arg. 
Studios Merger 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 7. 
Because of AGICA (Union of 
Argentine Film Workers) opposition 
to merger by Emelco with Lumiton 
and EFA studios, it now looks as 
though Lumiton will continue 
operating as an independent unit, 
but will acquire much needed capi- 
tal by a share issue, with EMELCO 
stockholders buying in largely into 
the concern. While relieving Lumi- 
ton's straightened financial situa- 
tion, this will satisfy the AGICA de- 
mands that these mergers must not 
be allowed to create a monopoly 
which is detrimental to workers' in- 
terests. 

EmelCo's merger deal with EFA 
studios is also hanging fire, but in 
this case there is less opposition in 
union circles, and EFA staff is urg- 
ing that deal should be allowed to 
go through so that it can collect long 
arrears of back pay coming to them. 

AGICA has also been adopting a 
ticklish attitude against film com- 
mentators who dared to criticise the 
union's reCent policies in urging 
studio workers into "go slow" move- 
ments at major studios' as a protest 
against working conditions. Com- 
mentator Charles de Cruz of Radio 
Belgrano and Valentina of King of 
Mundo were warned that if they 
continued to slam AGICA methods, 
work would stop at any studio they 
dared to visit. The AGICA policies 
have not been getting much sympa- 
thy in labor circles and as a conse- 
quence the "go slow" movement has 
been falling off, with work proceed- 
ing normally in most studios. 



CHURCH TO BE FINAL 
CENSOR ON SPANISH PIX 

Madrid, Oct. 12. 

Generalissimo Franco's govern- 
ment has turned over all film cen- 
sorship here to the Catholic Church, 
giving church authorities complete 
veto power and setting up secret 
meetings of the censorship board. 

Ruling established a Higher Com- 
mittee of Cinematographic Orienta- 
tion, comprising a director-general, 
secretary-general, nine other mem- 
bers picked by the Education Min- 
istry and one church authority. Any 
four may constitute a quorum but 
no decision is to be valid unless the 
church member concurs. Board is 
empowered to check a picture at any 
time to make certain it's been cut as 
ordered. 

Church representative, according 
to the decree, "may of his own ac- 
•ovd Impose his veto on matters of 
morals or dogma as he may judge 
Mcwwry." Films not approved by 
the beard cannot be shown in Spain, 
either publicly or in private. Na- 
tive product cannot be shipped 
•breed without a special export ap- 
proval of the board, even though 
the film might have been okayed 
for showing within Spain. 



CENSOR BOLOGNESI 
GETS HEAVE-HO IN B.A. 

Montevideo, Oct. 5. 

Argentina's entertainment indus- 
try was startled last week by news 
of resignation of. hitherto all-power- 
ful entertainment czar, Alfredo 
Bolognesi, formerly script writer for 
Eva Peron. 

Bolognesi strongly opposed exhi- 
bition of anti-Nazi pix during the 
recent war. In fact, it was only dur- 
ing a period when he was out of 
office that "The Dictator" and "For 
Whom (he Bell Tolls" finally got 
the green light. 

Resignation is belived due to a 
falling out with Senora Peron. Play- 
wright Claudio Martinez Paiva, cur 
rently director of the National Com 
edy Theatre, has taken the post, fol 
lowing a prolonged confab with 
Senora Peron. 



MANILA PRICE CEILING 
EDICT IS HELD UP 

Manila, Oct. 14. 
Enforcement of. ceiling prices on 
theatre admissions, which was 
scheduled to go into effect Oct. 16, 
was suspended over the weekend 
(12) by the government board to 
give theatre owners a chance to 
show why the new rates should not 
go into effect. Board has given the 
owners until the end of October to 
submit financial statements to sup 
port claims that they will be unable 
to meet their operating expenses if 
the new schedule is put into opera- 
tion. 

After the government board an- 
nounced its decision last week, the 
Manila Theatre Assn. ' protested vig- 
orously the inclusion of theatres as 
a business dealing in "luxuries." As- 
sociation subsequently . submitted a 
memorandum to the board outlining 
its position. Proposed slash would 
cut prices a maximum of 30c. 



Paris 'News of Day* May 
Lose Film Board Seat 

Paris, Oct. 7. • 
"News of the Day," long repre- 
sented here by M. M. Baudet, is like- 
ly to find itself without a seat on the 
Film Press board, made up of reps 
of all newsreels. ' Some time back, 
Mike Cloffie wrote Baudet that no 
retrenchment was anticipated in 
the Paris office, consisting of him- 
self and Leonec. 

Latter took a trip to U.S. and came 
back to tell his boss that, on orders 
from the N.Y. office, he was to take 
his place, Baudet being let out cold. 
Leonec then advised the board that 
he was to take Baudct's place at the 
meetings, but the members, resent- 
ing the way Baudet has been treated 
fey the homeoffice, are against ac- 
cepting Leonec as a substitute. 



Talk Merger Of 2 
Top Mex Studios 

Mexico City, Oct. 9. 

Reports have been circulating 
here, for some time that Mexico's 
two largest studios, the Churubusco 
and Tepeyac, are about to consoli- 
date interests. Recently the owners 
of both studios, which are valued 
at $5,000,000 (U. S.) each, merged 
operations of their theatre circuits. 

Key man in .deal is Emilie Az- 
carraga who, with RKO, owns the 
Churubusco setup. Following recent 
confabs with RKO execs 1 in the 
U.-'S., he's expected to make the 
merger announcement shortly. Theo- 
dore Gildred owns the Tepeyac 
studios, which were ready to go into 
operation at the beginning of this 
year but had its operations delayed 
when three stage roofs caved in. 
Reconstruction is near completion 
and the studios will be in produc- 
tion within three months. 

Howard Randall, builder of Te- 
peyac, who was formerly an associ- 
ate of Gildred, has indicated that 
he'll be out of the new setup com- 
pletely. Randall originally entered 
the Mexican film business as a sound 
expert and RCA representative. 



Stockholm, Oct. 8. 

While some 229 pictures were im- 
ported into. Sweden In 1946, an even 
higher figure is anticipated for this 
year, Coupled with increasing 
Swedish production, total number of 
film preems are expected to reach 
an all-time peak. U. S. films pro- 
vide the bulk of picture imports but 
France is again coming Into the fore 
as an American competitor followed 
by Britain which has displaced Ger- 
many in point of films exhibited. 

In prewar days some 50 to 60 
French films were shown here an- 
nually and the number of German 
imports averaged about 20 to 25. 
Making a good comeback the French 
industry's exports to Sweden this 
year will run around 30 or more pix. 
Britain is expected to send in about 
same amount of films. On the other 
hand, despite a recent Swedish- 
Russian trade agreement, Russian 
film imports have dropped from a 
crest of 12 in 1944 down to an esti- 
mated six or seven this year. 

Other countries finding Sweden a 
lucrative market are Denmark, Italy 
and Finland. Eagle Lion is handling 
distribution here of Australian prod- 
uct and both "The Overlanders" and 
"40,000 Riders" will do very well. 
German product did not hit Swedish 
screens for two years bul recently 
there was one import from Germany 
as well as a lone Austrian picture. 
Product of Norway, Hungary and 
Mexico is negligible in this mart. 

Domestic films are doing well 
overseas. An especial top-grosser 
is Svensk Filmindustri's "Torment" 
which won critical acclaim both in 
Britain and the U. S. Swedish pix 
have had playing time in Holland, 
France, Spain, Hungary, Czecho- 
slovakia, Belgium, Argentina and 
Egypt while the Scandinavian coun- 
tries of Denmark, Norway and Fin- 
land have long been a stronghold 
for Swede producers. Recent Rus- 
sian trade agreement is also figured 
to build up distribution in the 
Soviet. On the whole the situation 
is fairly rosy. ' 



De Basil, Corners Paris 
Ballet in Lifar Snarl 

Paris, Oct. 9. 

Col. Wassily de Basil's Original 
Ballet Russe opened an engagement 
at the Palais de Chaillot last night 
'8) to ah excellent house. With Olga 
Morosova as star, company present- 
ed "Paganini," "Bal des Cadets" and 
"Oiseau de Feu." 

De Basil has the ballet field all to 
'himself right now, since trouble at 
the Opera between stagehands and 
management over Serge Lifar's pres- 
ence lias nixed all ballet nights since 
the season began. Stagehands, al- 
leging Lifar was a collaborationist, 
walked out twice, refusing to work 
with him. Money was refunded cus- 
tomers both times. 

Lifar, Opera prewar ballet master, 
was given his old job back by man- 
ager Georges Hirsch when a court 
cleared him of taint. The stage- 
hands, led by Charles Rieussac, 
chief upholsterer, don't agree. 



Current London Shows 

• Figure shows weeks 0/ run) 
London, Oct.. 14. 
"Annie Get Gun," Col'sm (19). 
"Bless the Bride," Adelphia (25). 
"»orn Yesterday," Garrick (38). 
"Chiltern .Hundreds," Vaude (7). 
"Crime of Foley," Comedy .(14). 
"Deep Are Roots," Criter'n (14). 
"Dr. Angelus," Phoenix (11). 
"Du Barry," Princes (1). 
"Edward My Son," Lyric (20). 
"Ever Since Paradise," New (19). 
"Fly Away Peter," Fort (10). 
"Girl Quite," St Martin's (8). 
"Here There," Palladium (28). 
"Life Wit* Father," Savoy (19). 
"Linden Tree," Duchess (9). 
"Man in Street," St. Jas (1). 
"Noose," Saville (17). 
"Off Record," Piccadilly (20). 
"Oklahoma," Drury Lane (24). 
"One, Two, Three," Yorks (5). 
"Peace in Our Time," Aldw'h (10). 
"Piccadilly Hayride," Wales (31), 
"Present Laughter." Haym'kt (26). 
"Separate Rooms," Strand (8). 
"Sweetest Lowest," Ambass. (76). 
"Together Again," Vic Palace (20). 
"Trespass," Apollo (13). 
"Worms View," Whitehall (24). 



MEX TALENT TAKE 30% 
CUT TO AVERT CLOSINGS 

Mexico City, Oct. 9. 

A threatened closing of all thea- 
tres in this capital was averted Wed- 
nesday (8) when producers and the 
actors union agreed on a 30% 
blanket decrease in wages of all 
theatre personnel. 

Amarico Manchini, producers' or- 
ganization chief, demanded a 50% 
decrease in all stars' wages. How- 
ever, in a special conciliatory meet- 
ing held here one day before the 
scheduled forced closing, an agree- 
ment was reached. 

Under the new agreement, all per- 
formers and other employees will 
take the wage reduction. Hardest 
hit will be the chorus sirls who re- 
ceive only $3 nightly. Such stars 
as Augustin Lara, Rosita Fornes and 
other top . performers presently ap- 
pearing are affected by the new 
cut. 

Producers claimed continual losses 
though their houses were packed. 
They blamed this on high salaries 
ranging, for the stars, up to $100 
nightly. Immediate reaction from 
the stars was a non-committal atti- 
tude as all theatres opened regularly 
tonight (9). 

Raising of admission prices is im- 
possible due to government ceiling 
prices. 



RAM'S CINEGUILD ADDS 
2 NEW BOARD MEMBERS 

London, Oct. 14. 

Moving to up its production slate 
from a current two pix annually to 
four* or five, J. Arthur Rank's Cine- 
guild production unit has added 
Stanley Haynes and Eric Ambler to 
its board of directors. Haynes will 
produce the next picture which' 
David Lean will direct. For the past 
six months lie's been working with 
Lean on "Oliver Twist." 

Ambler is nearing completion of 
his -first film, "October Man." He's 
also engaged on the screen adapta- 
tion of H. G. Wells' "The Passionate 
Friends," which he'll co-produce 
with Ronald Neame. Latter is di- 
recting. 



MINEVITCH, GIL LAMB 
VAUDE HITS IN LONDON 

London, Oct. 14. 

Bovrah Minevitcli's Harmonica 
Rascals scored heavily at the Casino 
in yesterday's (13) new bill. 

Gil Lamb also did nicely on open- 
ing but did much better at the sec- 
ond hou.«c after changing material. 



Teenagers Barred From 
Legit in Buenos Aires 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 5. 

Recent court ruling here forbids 
anyone under 18 working in Argen- 
tine legit Rule is directed in par- 
ticular against the Luisa Vehil Ar- 
gentine Comedy Co., which has been 
playing to crowded houses for more 
than five months at the tiny Empire 
theatre in the heart of Buenos Aires. 

"The Blue Rose," by A. Cunill 
Cabanellas, has an important part 
for a teen ager, played successfully 
by Susana Canalcs. After playing in 
"Rose" for more than 250 perform- 
ances, she's been replaced by Mari 
Carmen Momplet. 

Luisa Vehil was formerly leading 
actress of the National Comedy The- 
atre and resigned when its manage- 
ment was handed over to political 
appointees selected by Eva Peron. 
Which may explain the new ruling. 



Paris To Get Voice 

Paris, Oct. 7. 

"The Voice Of The Turtle" will be 
produced in Paris next season. Also 
a dramatization of Mary Webb's 
novel, "Down to Earth" ('La Rc- 
narde"), possibly with Lisc Topart; 
and a Barrie play wi'.'> Pierre 
Blanchar. 

Carne's French discovery. Anouk 
Aimee, has gone to England for a 
.six-month-stay to learn English. She 
is managed by Betty Stern in Paris, 
who sold actor Jacques Francois to 
U-I. 



WORLD PREMIERE 

^CRITERION 

BROADWAY AND GREEN DOLPHIN (45th) STREET 

NEW YORK CITY 

NOW! 



18 



HOIJ$fi REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Music nail, N..Y. 

Music Holl Symph Orch conducted 
by Alexander Smallens {Jules Silver 
and Anion Coppola, associate con- 
ductors), Betttna Dearborn, Joan 
Lyons, Rabana Hasburgh, Leila 
Crabtree, Almerinda Drago, Corps 
de Ballet, Paul Franke, Gfee Club, 
Dorothy Keller, Elizabeth Talbot- 
Martin, Lucile Cummtngs, Rocfcetles; 
''Song of Love" (.M-G). 



This is one of those standard Music 
Hall stageshows — opulent and beauti- 
fully staged, yet with nothing that 
one could recall especially on the 
\v;iy out of the theatre. 

Current production, as usual, is a 
riot of color and heavily peopled. 
But not a thing of sock proportions. 

Top-billed is Elizabeth Talbot- 
Martin, and to have a talking act at 
tL>3 tremendous Music Hall is strictly 
from centerfield. For one thing, 
there is hardly a talking act around 
that can go over in a sprawling the- 
atre such as the Hall, and certainly 
Miss Talbot-Martin with her mim- 
iciies, is not strong enough to hold 
up her end of the layout at a spot 
such as this, even though there is an 
attempt to impart intimacy with the 
audience by having her work on the 
runway fronting the stage apron. 
You've got to see the gal's facial 
contortions for the act to have any 
effect, and the mezz is ceriterfield. 

Otherwise, there is the cute Dor- 
othy Keller, with her taps, neatly 
pacing a football production number 
utilizing the glee clubbers in grid 
attire. A few of the boys look husky 
enough, in fact, to help the Fordham 
team (as if anything could ). 

A "Rio Rita" production number 
preceding the finale effectively util- 
izes the,yoice of Lucile Cummings. 
The Rockettes, with their usual pre- 
cision terping, are the inevitable 
clinchers. Kahn. 



RKO, Boston 

Boston, Oct. 10. 
Phil Regan, Slate Bros., Eileen 
Barton, Tkink-a-Drink Hoffman, St. 
Leon troupe, Larry Flint House 
Orch; "Slave Girl" (U-I). 



sews things up in closing spot with 
"Summertime and a brace of spirit- 
uals. Breckenbridge has previously 
played house solo. Choir has been 
culled from naighboring churches. 

Edba. 



Chicago, < hi 

Chicago, Oct. 10. 



State, IV. Y. 

Bill Robinson, Wynn Murray, Con- 
solo & Melba, Joey Rardin, Jim Wong 
Troupe (5), Dave & Dorothy Work- 
man; "Living in a Big Way" (M-G), 
review in Variety, June 4, '47. 

While the current State program 
isn't one of its prime exhibits, it's 
nevertheless good entertainment 



Frankie Carle Orch, toitd Gregg \ that has a large degree of variety 



JL.a«?rence, flfarjorie Hughes, Nip 
Nelson, Clark Bros.; "Varietu Giri'" 
(Par). 



Another vaude setup and okay but 
not quite sock enough to draw biz 
Into this band house. 

Letds off with the St. Leon troupe, 
five men and a youngster, who do 
plenty skilled tricks with the teeter- 
board and get a warm reception for 
their variations on an old one. Slate 
brothers. "Winged Victory"' trio, back 
anaui with their usual sharp collec- 
tion of running gags and antics and 
assisted this time by Fay Carroll, 
whose singing act the brothers try 
to break up. It goes very big 

Tiiink-a-Drink Hoffman, not seen 
here in some time, wows as usual 
with his baffling drink pouring rou- 
tine, which remains one of the neat- 
est sleislit-of-hand gags in the busi- 
ness. Served 'em out to plenty of 
customers down front, all out of the 
same pitcher. Eileen Barton, a 
looker, gets the call from the outset 
with such tunes as "Nis*ht and Day " 
"I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues'," 
Honeysuckle Hose" and 'The Tree 
That Grows in Brooklyn." 

In the ace spot Phil Regan, with a 
rice following hereabouts, Irish ten- 
ors such items as "Sonjj Comin' On " 
"Sentimental Reasons." "Irish Lul- 
laby," "Peg o' My Heart" and "Done- 
gal," ringing in the customers on a 
medley of old-timers to boot. He 
works hard and personably, and 
wins a beg off. Elie. 

Apollo. X. V. 

Lucky Milfioder Orch (13), An- 
va:Aeen Allen, Dynamite Jefferson 
Steeplechasers <3), Jiiaiiita Pitts' 
Harris & Lillefie. Paul Brecken- 
bridge & Choir U0); "The Unknown" 
(Col). 



If the pace and mood of this week's 
stage proceedings could be reduced 
to a graph, the curve would show 
anything but jagged ups and downs. 
Everything is pleasant and relatively 
quiet and "on such an even keel that 
a sock bit could be considered as an 
intrusion. What happens during the 
45 minutes doesn't raise a whirlwind 
of enthusiasm, but the customers 
warm up more than just politely to 
each of the acts and send em off 
with plenty, of applause. 

Frankie Carle's style, naturally, 
sets the mood for the runoff. It's his 
stage throughout. Carle opens with 
a sweet medley and it stays in that 
groove as far as he and his band are 
concerned down until the very fade- 
out when he cuts loose with his 
"Carle Boogie," an item that has be- 
come as standard with his act as that 
acrobatic payoff moment — strum- 
ming the keyboard with his hands 
behind him. 

Carle has accumulated lots of poise 
and suave touches of showmanship 
with the passing years, and that add- 
ed to his command of undoubtedly 
the most commercial piano in the 
business has set him off as an at- 
traction which can play a spot to 
worthy returns as periodically as the 
four seasons. Theatre men, as well 
as dance operators, don't have to 
speculate on what he will or can do 
for them. It's a consistency that 
gibes with the sale of his records, 
which is now around the 7,000,000- 
mark. a 

That narrow margin of expectancy 
even extends to the repertoiring of 
his act. He gives 'em with but an 
exception or two the things they are 
familiar with from his records, and 
the light of recognition not only 
makes selling so much easier but 
accounts for the frequent bursts of 
applause as he moves from number 
to number in a medley. These med- 
leys have become Carle's stock in 
trade in a substantial way and ho 
uses 'em as sandwiching for the 
band's versions of "Glow Worm" and 
the vocal takes of Gregg Lawrence 
and Marjorie Hughes. 

Lawrence rates among the finest 
band balladeers currently on. tap 
from the viewpoint of tonal quality 
and lyric diction, but the boy seems 
somewhat short on warmth and sales 
personality. ' With the girl it's just 
the opposite. She's a natural trouper 
and she proves it with the way they 
react to her handling of the act's 
standby novelty. "I Lost. Me Heart to 
the Boy at the Keys." Time and ex- 
perience have given her an individ- 
ual piquancy and poise. The plus 
sign can also be applied to her at- 
tractiveness. 

Nip Nelson, a young fellow with 
much above average talent in his 
field, gives 'em plenty to chuckle 
about as he skips over his gallery of 
impressions. On the whole it's deftly 
contrived mimicry. He's at his weak- 
est with the crooners and at his best 
with the screen personalities, but 
withal it's sound entertaining mate- 
rial and a good item for any type of 
vaude or nitery bill. 

In the terpsichal department the 
designees are the Clark Bros, and 
from them comes eight minutes of 
fast and rhythmic buck and wing- 
ing. Most of the tapping is on the 
stock side, but they sell well, espe- 
cially that quick eccentric bit they 
shuffle off as an encore. Odec. 



name value and punch in the right 
place with the Bill Robinson stint. 
There are some variations in the 
usual type of routining on this bill. 
The Jim Wong aero troupe, ordi- 
narily a sock opener, arc spotted 
in at the finale. Otherwise, any other 
act on this layout that would have 
to follow Robinson would constitute 
a waste of time. 

The ageless Robinson still taps 
out an applause-winning turn. The 
Negro dancer, these days, is relying 
slightly more on his ability as a 
story-teller, but there's no stinting 
in his dance-sessions which still ra- 
diate his warm and winning per- 
sonality for the strongest returns on 
the bill. 

After the first day's showing* 
Wynn Murray dropped nut of the 
bill because of illness. This musi- 
comedy singer, who came up from 
"Babes in Arms," is a very much 
slimmer edition of her former self 
and who knows her delivery. How- 
ever, her tunes are over-arranged, 
which takes away the accent from 
her good vocal qualities and puts 
unnecessarily increased values on 
the pit-orch. At show J caught she 
did two numbers, and an encore and 
could have done more. Kay Vernon 
substituted the following day. 

Comedy slot is allotted to Joey 
Rardin, a hard-working chap who 
does best in his impressions, al- 
though some of his stories click as 
well. He does well enough in this 
layout, but has made a deeper im- 
press in this house on previous 
visits. 

Opener is by Dave and Dorothy 
Workman, who get nice musical ef- 
fects from wine-glasses, cowbells 
and a contraption with rubber tub- 
ing and a horn. Novelty of the act 
gets over nicely. 

Consolo and Melba offer some pic- 
turesque routines interspersed with 
neat lifts and spins. Pair work 
smoothly, make full use of the stage 
and vary numbers to get maximum 
variety. However, there are some 
sections of the turn where execu- 
tions appear • dated. Curiously 
enough, the oldtime numbers done 
to "Turkey in the Straw" and their 
polka seem fresher than the rest 
of their routine. 

The Wongs provide a punchy cur- 
tain with the supple contortion 
work, pyramids and tumbling. 

Jose. 



that gives the string section its first 
real chance to scintillate and finds 
drummerman Sperling in a frenzied, 
show-stopping outburst. It's the kind 
of finale that sends out the enthusi- 
astic customers raving. House more 
than half-filled for the noon opening 
clay show, one of five scheduled. 

Rees. 



Olyuipin, Miami 

Miami, Oct. 10. 
Jerrn Parker, Cy Reeves, Whitson 
Bros.. Adele Parrish, Catherine Har- 
rix, Les Rhode House Orch; "Deep 
Valley" (WB). 

Pleasant fare on tap here this 
week, with Jean Parker, former 
Hollywood filmer turned legit click 
on Broadway, adding necessary 
marquee lure for good houses, 

Miss Parker, playing this engage- 
ment under an old contract which 
Broadway engagement in "Burles- 
que" last year prevented fulfilling, 
shows an assured, warm personality 
which reflects smooth influence of 
her legit work. There's none' of the 
Hollywood personal appearance in- 
adequacies in her turn. Though act 
is essentially the same she utilized 
here two years ago, this time she 
gets full values from the comedy 
lyrics about screenland and its types. 
•Generally tongue-in-check approach 
to the material, which is carried into 
her can-can terp that climaxes, 
earns her solid salvos. 

Emcee Cy Reeves adds an easy, 
effective pace to the proceedings 
with his off-hand, albeit neatly un- 
derscored introes. In his own spot 
he offers a mixture of familiar and 
fresh gags that rate a full measure 
of laughs. Scores with comedy take- 
off of a Russian baritone for topper. 

Whitson brothers round out the 
heavy mitt earners in the hour-long 
session with their gasp bringing 
balancing feats. Interlining of com- 
edy is effective, to add to generally 
sock of turn. 

Pace setter is tapstress Catherine 
Harris, Novelty of tappings on toes 
begins to wear off after too repetiti- 
ous a series of : routines utilizing 
miniature staircase. Could rack up 
more solid results with some new 
tricks. 

Adele Parrish does well with her 
comedy songs and violining. 

Les Rhode and house orch back- 
ground in top style. Lary. 



Oriental, Chi 

Chicago, Oct. 9. 
Tex Williams, Joan Edwards, Ross 
Wyse, Jr., with Peggy Womack: the 
Sensationalists, Carl Sands .Orch; 
"Fun on a Week End" (UA). 



Lucky Millinder and orch sparks 
fastry-paced sepia revue at the 
Apollo currently and if opening day 
(10) attendance can be taken as a 
criterion, Harlem vauder should be 
in for another boff week. Always a 
i'ave at this stand. Millinder and 
crew, comprising three rhythm, live 
sax, three trumpets and Ihree trom- 
bones, lean toward bouncy, loud ar- 
rangements that pre always potent 
with this audience. 

Band tees off with sizzler, "Ber- 
serk Boogie" for lively opener and 
prelude to Bullmoosc Johnson's 
vocal and sax workout on "Bow- 
legged Woman" to set 'em jumpin'. 
Sax section also gets inning on 
Oriental Fantasy" that's equally 
socko. Millinder fronts energetically, 
clowns through specialties and main- 
tains zingy pace throughout. 

Dynamite Jefferson, male tapster, 
scores with slick hoofery while 
balancing chair and table bv teeth 
grip, which hits both on novelty and 
ability. Juanita Pitts follows with 
more hoofing, prefaced by vocal of 
"Good Night Kiss" for good recep- 
tion. 

Harris & Lillrtte, mixed team, get 
over solidly with clownantics and 
pianoing. Annasteen Allen contribs 
sultry versions of "Let It Roll" and 
'It's a Lie" for satisfactory returns. 
The Steeplechasers, male trio, incor- 
porate knockabout comedies in their 
hoofing stanza to practically knock 
themselves out, but reap heavy ap- 
plause returns. 

Paul Bvft'kr'ibridge, baritone, 
flanked by mixed choir, practically 



Radio City, Mpls. 

Minneapolis. Oct. 11. 
Tex Beneke Orch (3D with 
Moonlight SerenaAers" . (4) and 
Gurry Stevens, Hank Sieman, Artie 
Dann; "Out of the Blues" (E-L). 

Tex Beneke and crew, still billed 
as the Glenn Miller orchestra can 
claim distinction of being the biggest 
and most pretentious as well as one 
of the best of current stage bands It 
has no less than 12 strings, a French 
horn, five saxes, including Beneke 
and four rhythm or a total of 31. and 
its talented personnel comprises 
among others, such outstanding mu- 
sicians as Pete Canclolini, Esquire 
trumpet award winner, and Jack 
Sperling, ace drummer. 

On this occasion, with the show 
including two extra acts, cut down to 
50 minutes to permit five rlailv per- 
formances, the band really doesn't 
have a chance to show off its string 
section in near-symohonic or flashier 
stuff, which seems a shame. It limits 
itself to only three straight band and 
two vocal numbers and of these but 
one. "Meadowlands." provides real 
musical fireworks. But the other old 
standby pop numbers are sure-fire 
applause grabbers that bear repe- 
tition and stand out because of the 
original, dressy arrangements. In 
short, while the band contributions 
may be short in quantity they're very 
long on quality and Beneke himself 
with his vjocalizing and saxophoning' 
gives ihem added lustre. 

"Hallelujah" is a lively onenrr The 
various band sections and some of the 
individuals solo during the 'swiftly 
paced "Stormy Weather" which is 
embellished by novel twists. The 
"Moonlight Serenadcrs" of the band 
three men and a girl, join Beneke 
lor an effective, but restrained, vocal- 
izing of "Feudin' and Fightin.' " The 
same group also scores with "Chata- 
nooga Choo Choo." 

While Hank Sieman's patter is 
often dull and not too funny he 
demonstrates exceptional skill in his 
ventre act and with the aid of two 
audience members carries on a four 
way conversation for novelty and 
later uses the pair as live dummies 
Garry Stevens, the baud's male 
singer, reveals a fine voice and lands 
Tunesmen next, local instrumental solidly with "Naughty AngHine" and 
trio which has gone far since preem , "Long as I'm Dreaming." 



' Hippodrome, llalto. 

Baltimore. Oct. 11. 
Jack Leonard, Dunhills (3). The 
Tunesmen (3). Francis Craig mith 
Bob Lamb, Jo Lombard) House Orch 
"(12); "Out of the Blue" (E-L). 

Good stage layout, is smartly paced 
by Jack Leonard, comedy emcee 
with plenty of know-how and good 
material. Keeps things going at a 
swift pace aud contributes socky 
interlude on his own for maximum 
returns. Gets matters under way 
sharply with The Dunhills, trio of 
male hoofers who shake legit taps 
and throw in some aero for a .sock 
getaway. Set good spot for Francis 
Craig, "Near You" recorder (New 
Acts) who holds momentum easily 
and segues to extended spot of 
Leonard's. 

Rotund comic is quick with a gag 
and times for maximum returns. 
Parodies, comic impression and a 
closing spot of soft-shoe hoofery is 
good for a begoff. Brings on The 



The four items on this bill not only 
jell nicely but represent wider cull- 
ing than customary from the various 
facets of the entertainment field. One 
of the acts just recently spring- 
boarded from obscurity by .a phono- 
graph record, another hails from 
radio and the remaining two turns 
rate as standard vaude material. 

Tex Williams and his troupe of 
western instrumentalists (New Acts) 
live up to their top billing by gar- 
nering top applause as well as giving 
slick performance. Theirs is solid 
earthy music and their collection of 
hillbilly, novelty and jive numbers 
makes a good show. It's all smartly 
produced. There's no let up in pace, 
the group stuff and specialty bits 
rolling to a sock payoff and that's 
"Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!", the com- 
position which made Williams a 
darling of the jukebox addicts. 

Williams has several qualities 
which seemed to settle well with the 
Oriental's customers. He comports 
himself at the mike as anything but 
the vocal star and the boss, but 
rather as an integrated member of 
the gang. In addition there's good 
looks and a smooth baritone which 
packs a smile. All of them assets 
that ease the path on p.a.'s. ' In- 
cluded in the act's routine is a com- 
edy interlude which breaks things 
up here. Smokey Rogers and Duce 
Springers are the perpetrators and 
they do it with their zany assault on 
"Temptation" and "Chattanooga 
Choo Choo." 

Joan Edwards, making her first 
appearance in Chicago, uncorks a 
repertoire that's in the modern 
groove and shows off her talent at 
its. best. She looks good from garb 
to hair-do and her savvy as a per- 
former shines through at all times. 
She's at her suavest with "The Lady 
From 29 Park Avenue," but the 
number that lifts her to an upper 
niche and sells 'em solidly is the 
Gus Edwards medley. The polish is 
there in strong proportion. All she 
needs is a little more warmth. 

Ross Wyse, Jr. and Peggy Wo- 
mack find it easy collecting laughs 
with their knockabout antics. It's 
right up the alley of this particular 
clientele. 

The roller-skating acrobatics of 
the Sensationalists make exciting 
teeoff fare. Odec. 



Film Biz Treating I 

Continued from page 2 J 

home by their video sets. Although 
it's hardly likely that the Rose Bowl 
game next .New Year's Day can be 
transmitted from coast to coast, na- 
tionwide airing of the gridiron 
classic is almost a certainty for the 
following year. Novelty of watching 
the initial sessions of the Republi- 
can National Convention in Phila- 
delphia next June will probably 
keep many people glued to a tele 
set. And, of course, there are al- 
ways such things as major boxing 
events being staged periodically. 

(Sports promoters continue to be 
wary of tele. Jamaica Arena, 
Queens, this week decided to test 
video's effects on its gate via a five- 
week tele hiatus. See Pg. 29). 

Indecision Light Now 

Survey of film officials reveals the 
chief reason for their continued non- 
committal attitude is indecision over 
the use they can make of video. Sit- 
uation currently shapes- up as a toss- 
up between a fight to the finish of 
full cooperation with tele for the 
mutual benefit of both. Majors pay 
lip service to tele by working on de- 
velopment of theatre video on the 
one hand, while at the same time 
they refuse steadfastly to book their 
old product for tele transmission. 
Even Paramount, only one of the 
majors to operate its own station, 
refuses to allow its product to be 
aired via video. » 

How far this cooperation with tele 
will go. consequently, is a matter of 
conjecture. Of the majors, Metro 
is the only one that remains a com- 
plete holdout. M-G, according to 
veepee-treasurer Charles C. Mosko- 
witz, plans to "do nothing" as far as 
tele is concerned. Besides Para- 
mount, 20th-Fox and Warners are 
working with RCA on theatre tele 
and RKO has its RKO television for 
the production of shorts for video. 
Universal-International is still on 
the outside looking in but. accord- 
ing to veepee Matty Fox, is "care- 
fully studying the situation." 

Most of the majors believe their 
best bet lies in theatre tele but re- 
fuse to discuss what they will do 
with it until all the technical kinks 
are- ironed out. Spokesman for 20lh 
likened the conflict between tele and 
films to the competition existing be- 
tween early radio and newspapers. 
Press was deathly afraid of radio, 
refusing to -cooperate with broad- 
casters and fighting them at every 
turn. Yet, as radio progressed and 
grew, it was discovered that there 
was sufficient audience to keep both 
media happy, and in fact radio 
stimulated some of the top names 
for pix, theatres, niteries, etc, (viz 
Hope. Benny, Crosby, Cantor, Allen, 
et si.). "Tele and the film industry 
will realize ultimately that they 
won't infringe on one another," he 
predicted. 



here a yesr ago. Combo of piano, j 
drums and clarinet backs up o»'n 
vocalizing of special arrangements 
and it's a punchy layout from the 
teeoff. Herbie Zampini's virtuoso 
clarinet soloing of '•Come B;<ck to 
Sorento" is a highlight as is Danny 
Bridges' hectic session on the ^kiris 
in the closing version of the Ru>s.nri 
C'nvrlry Song. 
Biz £Qod. Bid-in. 



ing. 

Artie Dann, who capitalizes on his 
long iio.-e. impresses as a real new- 
comer comedy find with an original 
style. At lea&t, Ihk is his first ap- 
peal fence here and he's Mieko with 
his ftmny income lax and other 
salliM. clowning and i-oinedv bii.si- 
rif-.'s, H« Un<< good material and 
makes most i,f it 



Everett Crosby 



Continued from page 2 



Ray Dorey's Vauder 

Ray Dorey, former vocalist with 
t£e Benny Goodman orch. Who 
since has been waxing for Majestic 
label, will go into the RKO theatre, 
Boston, week of Oct. 23. 

It's his ', first theatre date since 
working with Goodman. Dorey has 



sequently returned marked "Not 
Sufficient Funds." Goldstone & 
Wolff, attorneys for both Vail and 
Velden. took the matter to court. Be- 
cause the Vail check was under $3,- 
000, that matter was settled in N.Y. 
city court, when full judgment 
against Crosby was granted in July 
by Judge Louis Kahn. Larger Wi- 
den check matter is adjourned in 
N.Y. supreme court until October. 

Defense made by Crosby in city 
court on the Vail $2,067 check, 
among other allegations, was that 
the check represented a loan to 
Duffy, made at the rate o£ 10'; for 
60 days. Because of the rate of 
interest, defense said, this was a 
usurious loan, and consequently a 
void instrument. 

Sidney A. Wolff, Vail's lawyer, 
claiming this' defense was a sham, 
pointed out in return that the de- 
fense of usury can't be set up by the 
defendent, the lender, but can only 
be set up by a borrower. Judge 
Kahn. upholding Wolff, agreed that 
the defense of usury wasn't avail- 
able to one who alleged he was the 
usurer in the case, commenting that 
it was a novel position to maintain. 

Duffy, meantime, has paid the two 
amounts himself, but the judgment 
against Crosby still stands, since lie 
still owes about $50 in fees, until 
these costs are met. 



The bi-nd m ;,t H« be ,1 handling the I working Boston radio stations 

knockout dumber "MraoWhiliils" for the past few years. 



HEPBURN'S 'STATE' 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
Katharine Hepburn has checked 
into Metro for work in "The Stale 
of the Union." 

j This marks the first time the en- 
l tire cast has worked together. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



19 










% 


m 




IBBRH 







* 

... j ;• I j ilSi ■' ; l" t • 




of four of 
o series of 
a4vertt$em©f»t$ 
to appear tn 65 
n atiortai mag a?i ne s 
wh tcH will reach 
a total of more than 
5i0,O{MJ,0O0 rea d e rs f 




20 



PICTITI1ES 



pmssff 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Anti-Binford Fight Marks Industry 
D-Day Against All Political Censors 



Memphis, Oct, 14. 

There's a lot more than meets the 
eye, in the motion picture Industry's 
ell-out court assault the past week 
on censorship in Memphis. 

Finally aroused to the dangers of 
censoring without recourse, the films 
are striking back, and hard, not just 
at the Hon. Lloyd T. Binford of 
Memphis, but at the whole legal 
foundation of all that for which he 
stands. This is it — the payoff battle 
for freedom of the screen which is 
why United Artists is carrying the 
ball. 

If the UA-Hal Roach battery of 
attorneys carries the fight all the 
way to the United States Supreme 
Court, as was promised here last 
Tuesday (7), the day their suit was 
filed in chancery court, the complete 
structure of political censorship can, 
and perhaps will, topple. 

The UA-Roach lawyers aren't seek- 
ing mere relief from Binford's ban- 
ning of the little Negro boy in the 
feature, "Curley." That sort of suit 
has been filed time and again, some- 
times won, sometimes lost. Last time 
one was aimed at Binford (by 
David Loew for "The Southerner"), 
Binford backed down the morning it 
•was supposed to come to trial. But 
this time he can't quit. Even if he 
reneges on "Curley,'"~that's only a 
small part of the complaint. He'll 
still have to serve as a guinea pig 
for the industry's attempt at legal 
operation on the constitutionality of 
governmental interference with free- 
dom of expression in the cinema. 

The plea,, filed by two of the 
South's outstanding firms— Taylor & 
Quick, Canale, Glarikler, Loch & 
Little— and Edward C. Raftery, gen- 
eral counsel for UA, bristles with 
adjectives like "whimsical," "capri- 
cious," "arbitrary," "unconstitution- 
al," "illegal", and "discriminatory." 
It seeks action on eight points: 

(1) . A writ of- certiorari bringing 
Binford and the other Memphis cen- 
sors, Hodges H. Honnoll and Mrs. 
Sid Law, into court. (This Chancel- 
lor Lois D. Bejach has granted.) 

(2) . Requirement that the censors 
file a transcript. of proceedings con- 
nected with the "Curley" censoring. 
(Film Row chuckled over this one, 
the "proceedings" usually being such 
as Binford carries around in his 
hat.) 

(3) -. Review of the censor actions 
on "Curley," exhibition to the court 
of the picture, and submission of 
proof of its admissibility for exhibi- 
tion. 

C4). Quashing of the censor decree 
against "Curley," permission for it 
to show, and a permanent injunction 
against censor interference against 
it. 

(5). Decree that the method* of 
the Memphis board are illegal arid 



1st Industry Filmplug 

Devoted to Actors 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
First of' a series of nin« films, 
sponsored by tha Academy of Mo- 
tion Picture Arts and Sciences to 
plug the industry .will be devoted to 
actors, with Mary C. McCall, Jr., as- 
signed as scripter. Short subject 
will show thesps as "*ubstantial, 
hard working people in a vital in- 
dustry." 

Eight other documentaries will 
show the evolution of a picture from 
the time it enters the writing mill 
until it is screened In a neighbor- 
hood theatre. 

Rank's $4,000,000 
Likely His Year 

Should the American film com- 
panies negotiate a formula with the 
British government which would 
include a guarantee of $12,000,000 or 
more in remittances to British pro- 
ducers from the American market, 
they would have to take steps to ap- 
proximately triple current returns. 
That's on the basis of performances 
so far scored this year by British 
films with mass distribution through 
Universal. 

Quartet of Britishers, released in 
1947, have played off sufficient book- 
ings to fairly indicate their final 
grosses. - They're "Wicked Lady," 
"Stairway to Heaven," "Odd Man 
Out" and "Great Expectations." 
Another two, "Black Narcissus" and 
"Frieda," have so far hit compara- 
tively few screens so that coin- 
gathering potential is problematical. 

Take of the four Anglo pix now 
looks like . $5,250,000. "Lady," first 
release of the year, will do $1,000,000. 
"Stairway"- and -'Expectations" are 
good for $1,500,000 apiece, while 
"Odd Man Out" should ring up $1,- 
250,000. • 



I U. e Con 



King Plan 

Continued from page J 



on an offer by the American com- 
panies (and heretofore rejected by 
the British government) to play 30- 
40 Anglo pix annually with guaran- 
teed revenues of $12,000,000 or pos- 
sibly $16,000,000. 2. Investment of 
one-third total Yank pix revenues 
from Britain (approximately $16,- 
000,000) in film production there or 
in any other manner agreed. 3. Re- 
mittances of the balance with no 
strings tied. 

Describing the luncheon, King 
said the response of Barney Bala- 
ban, Paramount's prez, had been fa- 
vorable but that be (Balaban) nev- 
ertheless had gone along with Skou- 
ras in fairness to a united stand. 
Latter reconsidered later and decid- 
ed to hold the proposition open for 
further discussions. 

If the tax tangle isn't straightened 
he would be forced to shutter his 
theatres within 12 months. King 
flatly declared. "I could keep open 
with American pictures now in Brit- 
tain and whatever British pictures 
I could get, plus reissues for one 
year," he said. "Then I would have 
to close down." 

"That's not only my condition, but 
that of exhibitors generally," King 
continued. "It's the general opinion 
in the Conference of Exhibitor As- 
sociations that theatres would be 
forced to close their doors." 

Need 208 Films 
"The maximum that British stu- 
dios can turn out are 50 top fea- 
tures," he added. "They would have 
to step up their production consider- 
ably to help. J. Arthur Rank has a 
plan to make B pictures. But all 
this is insufficient. My, circuit, like 
many others, needs 208 films yearly 
to keep operating. 1 ' 

"Skouras is mistaken in attacking 
British exhibitors for their failure 
to fight newspaper critics' barrage 
against Yank imports," King assert- 
ed. "Only a few writers and not the 
policy-makers of the papers — and a 
handful of newspapers at that — were 
hitting Arrierican films," he said. 
"Lord Rothermere's Daily Mail was 
one of them, and Rothermere is a 
director of* Fox Movietone News. 
Why didn't he (Skouras) take it up 
with him?" 

In his talk, King "exhorted com- 
pany heads: "Don't sit over here 



Inside Stuff-Pictures 

Dore Schary, RKO's exec vice-prexy in charge of production, has hit 
back at the small minority of critics who have contended that the han- 
dling of the anti-Semitic theme in "Crossfire" was wide of the mark. 
Writing in the current issue of the mag, Commentary, sponsored by the 
American Jewish Committee, Schary, replying to the editor, Eliot Cohen, 
states that the basic aim of the picture was to move slightly anti-Semitic 
people into the liberal camp and was not intended at readjusting the 
hardened bigot. 

Cohen, expressing his personal opinion and not that of the AJC, had 
speculated in a previous issue of the mag that the final effect of picture 
might be potentially harmful to the strongly anti-Semitic filmgoer. He 
pointed to the film's underlying note of violence, its allegedly stereotyped: 
conception of the Jewish victim, the alleged unreality of the film's story, 
and the audience's irritation at being fed propaganda material instead of 
entertainment. 

Schary's rebuttal points to the practically unanimous praise which the 
film has received from critics and "the remarkably good business it's 
doing to very appreciative audiences all through America." Discussing 
general mail and preview reaction, Schary disclosed that out of 2.20u 
individual opinions, 93% were enthusiastic and approving, 5% were cau- 
tious, and only the remaining 2% were anti-Semitic in character. Judging 
from the results, Schary said he thinks "Crossfire" will do the job of 
insulating people against "violent and virulent anti-Semitism." 

Discussing the function of the. cinema, Schary reiterated his credo that 
"good art is stimulated by provocative ideas and by a challenge, and 
audiences are demanding this kind of motion picture. If the cinema 
reverts to only the sedative function," he rejoined to Cohen, "that you 
wish if to perform, it will stagnate." 

Retorting to Cohen's charge that "motion pictures have never accepted 
any responsibility to anything except the boxoffice," Schary named "The 
Best Years of Our Lives," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "Confessions 
of a Nazi Spy," "Grapes of Wrath," "I Am a Fugitive From a Chain 
Gang," "Hallelujah," "The Crowd" and "Joe Smith, America" as samples 
of films made with social responsibility by film producers. 

In conclusion, Schary states: "You sum up your indictment of Hollywood 
progress by insulting terms of 'half-baked,' 'pious' and 'catchpenny'. 
We've been called a great variety of bad names, and go about our business 
of trying to make better pictures hoping that in time our harsh critics 
will stop writing open letters that often are ill-considered and injudicious." 
Then a "final crack: "Hollywood is no longer in the nickelodeon stage- 
only some of its critics." 



Paramount's preem of "The Unconquered" in Pittsburgh two weeks ago 
is believed to be one of the costliest of such shindigs ever undertaken 
in the industry. Tab is said to have amounted to $82,000 for transporting, 
housing and entertaining a flock of newsmen and Par execs, decorating 
streets, staging a parade and a myriad of other details. 

Warner Bros.' "Life With Father" opening in Skowhegan, Me., during the 
summer, to which many writers were transported by special train for 
three days, cost $33,000. Preem of Enterprise's "Ramrod" (UA) in' Salt 
Lake City last spring ran to $40,000. 

Preem left a lot of ruffled feelings. Seems that the most ruffled of the 
lot were members of City Council, whom somebody neglected to invite 
to the big civic banquet the night before the picture's opening. It was 
the council that cooperated all the way on okaying street decorations and 
banners, the mammoth parade and lot of other stuff. Par representatives 
say it was purely an oversight. Many other people who contributed 
either directly or indirectly to the big shindig, including even a couple of 
newspapermen, were overlooked, too, in the invitation-list, and they haven't 
stopped yelping about it yet. 



Bracketed as medium-grossers, 
distribution and advertising expen- merely talking about the position 



ditures come to 50%, leaving $2,500. 

000 in dollars to the credit of J. 
Arthur Rank, producer of these 
films. In addition, there'll be some 
$300,000 going to Rank from Prestige 
unit of U which is duttosg some nine 
pix through art houses. 

Releasing pace of Rank's films, 
however, is being pushed up for bal- 
ance of year so that an overall figure 
of $4,000,000 in remittances is likely. 
U plans to release one-per -month 
for the next four months with "The 

1 Upturned Glass," James Mason 
[ starrer, and "Jassy" as the next two. 

Total will be helped somewhat by 



unauthorized by law or otherwise. 1 returns from Eagle Lion, which han- 



(This is a blow at the whole star 
chsmber procedure pursued by the 
board without right of appeal.) 

(6) . Declaration that all the vari- 
ous statutes, both state, county and 
municipal, involving establishment 
of the Memphis board are in viola- 
tion of the "due process" clause of 
the 14th Amendment of the Consti- 
tution of the United States, the Civil 
Rights Statutes enacted to enforce 
the "due process" clause, and the 
"law of the land" clause in Section 8, 
Article One, of the Tennessee state 
constitution. 

(7) . Ruling that the right to pro- 
duce, exhibit and distribute motion 
pictures enjoys the same right to 
freedom as all other' mediums of 
free speech and dissemination of in- 
formation and that any abridgment 
thereof is unconstitutional and void. 
•• (8). Such further relief as may be 
necessary. 



dies some Rank films. 



Flats Grow 

Continued from page 9 



Geo, Skouras 

Continued from page 3 ; 



is thought as much tied up with sen- 
timent as with business, as it was 
here the Skourases got their start 
in theatres. When in coming on bad 
«days they lost their holdings here, 
their pride was a considerable fac- 
tor and it is believed that that is at 
least one of the important angles in 
George Skouras' drive to get back. 

By owning the stock interest, 
Skouras will be able to call in the 
outsanding bonds when they mature 
in 1949. He'll thus take control-away 
from the bondholders and prevent 
the renewal of Arthur's agreement.. 

Skouras is president of Skouras 
Theatres, N. Y., and v. p. of United 
Artists Theatre Circuit. 



tures in the same category for a flat 
$500 rental. Figure would be upped, 
of course, on holiday or weekend 
dates. In addition, each house will 
still be checked periodically to as- 
certain whether biz in general is. 
on the upgrade or downbeat. Majors 
emphasize, too, that they won't 
eliminate checking if its elimination 
means any sacrifice in the amount of 
rentals. 

To date, the majors figure it costs 
them an average of $50 to check 
each engagement and they check 
about 1,000 situations for each film. 
Checking cost for each picture thus 
runs, close to $50,000. At an average 
of 10-15 pix a year that must be 
checked, the majors figure they 
spend that $5O0,O0O-$7O0,OOO yearly 
for checking purposes. 

Exhibitors, ' who've complained 
bitterly until now about demands fer 
higher rentals and for a greater out- 
lay of cash for cooperative advertis- 
ing, are expected to welcome elim- 
ination of checking as the end to 
one of their chief headaches— use of 
local checkers by Confidential Re- 
ports, Inc. Latter outfit, represent- 
ing 11 different companies, including 
all the majors except Metro, has 
concentrated on local checkers as 
one way to save costs through cut- 
ling down on a checker's living ex- 
penses. Metro remains as the only 
company to maintain its own check- 
ing service. In addition to a num- 
ber of field men and six district au- 
ditors., it also employs the Willmark 
Agency to check in many situations. 



Do something." He suggested that 
Eric Johnston "go right over to Eng- 
land immediately and negotiate" in 
the company of Skouras, Balaban, 
Nicholas Schenck, Metro's prexy, 
Ned Depinet, RKO's exec veepee, 
"and, if desired, one or two others 
I could mention." 

He and Ostrer headed for the 
Coast yesterday (Tues.) for a 10- 
day stopover. Duo sail for England 
Nov. 26. 

EWanger Pact I 
Continued from page 7 * 'I 

Krim said. It's understood from other 
sources that Stromberg has a non- 
exclusive contract with United Art- 
ists which would permit him to 
make pix for other outlets. 

'The Money man," costume yarn 
of Thomas B. Costain purchased 
this week by Producing Artists (Ar- 
thur Lyons), will also be released 
by EL under a two-picture pact 
made with that outfit. There, too, 
EL has committed itself to partial 
financing and takes back an interest 
in the films. 

Purchase price paid for "Money- 
man" was $300,000 for the high-sell- 
ing novel which was tapped by both 
the Book of the Month Club and the 
Literary Guild. Feature, co-star- 
ring Ida Lupino and Louis Hayward, 
goes on the floor immediately fol- 
lowing "Prelude to Night," first of 
the two films slated for EL distribu- 
tion. 

$8,500,M0 Bankroll 

With . an $8,500,000 bank loan 
available, EL doesn't intend taking 
on any outside producers unless it 
can take back a piece of the profits 
over and above distribution fees, 
Krim declared. Hence, future- deals 
will all provide for some form of 
bankrolling either by way of money 
advances or that of equipment. 

Krim disclosed that another "very 
important deal" is currently being 
pushed with an indie producer. 
Aside from these, EL now has 30 or 
more completed films on the selves, 
"enough to carry us through next 
June without cranking out another 
film in that time," he said. Five 
more homemade productions will be 
started before the year is up 

EL prexy, here in New York for 
the past week, returns to the Coast 
early next week. 



For- the second time within a year, Metro will have three films in a row 
playing Radio City Music Hall, N. Y. M-G producer Arthur Freed, at the 
same time, will have one of his features playing during the Christmas- 
New Year's holiday season for the second successive year at the nation's 
top showcase. ■ 

"Song of Love" opened at the MH last Thursday (9). It's to be followed 
sometime in November with "Cass Timberlane," screen adaptation of 
Sinclair Lewis' bestseller starring Spencer Tracy and Lana Turner. Freed's 
production of "Good News," a Technicolor musical starring June Allys:on 
and Peter Lawford, goes in next as the holiday attraction. 

Freed's "Till the Clouds Roll By," biofilm of the late Jerome Kern, 
played the MH last year during Christmas and New Year's. It was fol- 
lowed by "Yearling," which in turn was followed by "Sea of Grass." 
RKO's "I Remember Mama," originally to have been selected by MH 
manager Gus Eyssell for this year's holiday feature, is now booked to 
follow "Good News." - 



Republic, week before last, had the biggest seven-day period in its his- 
tory, with profits at a peak high as the result of a heavy upswing in rentals 
balanced against decreased costs "brought on by economies. Rental re- 
ceipts are understood to have exceeded $450,000. On the other hand, with 
prexy Herbert J. Yates definitely committed to forego making the ex- 
travaganzas on which he was trying to build Rep's class, production costs 
showed a neat dip. 

Stockholders, as a result, may look for a favorable report for the second 
quarter, which winds up Oct. 26. This will be in contrast to the initial 
quarter, ending July 26, which found Rep's net at $233,000 against $445,000 
for the same 13 weeks last year. 



Labor Peace Outlook Dim 



Continued from page 7 



original December, 1945 jurisdictional 
directive handed down by the 
"three wise men" appointed by the 
exec council to solve the studio 
trouble. If he continues in that 
stand, he can be expected to pull 
out of the AFL if the convention 
vote goes against him. 

Hutcheson, whose carpenters were 
favored by the clarification, al- 
though the original directive had 
taken away set erection jurisdiction 
from his group, is equally adamant 
in his stand that his union will not 
accept any directive that doesn't in- 
clude the clarification. In face of 
the strong stands taken by both fac- 
tions, there is little likelihood of la- 
bor peace for Hollywood coming out 
of the 66th AFL convention. 

At an exec council meeting last 
Thursday (9), it was decided to ask 
the convention to approve the coun- 
cil's efforts so far to bring about 
peace and to authorize continued 
efforts to get the principals to com- 
ply. Council voted approval of both 
the directive and the subsequent 
clarification. At this session last 
week, it is reported that the Walsh 



faction won a step in its fight when | ing against. 



a proposal made by John L. Lewis, 
and supported by Hutcheson, to ask 
convention to give council power to 
suspend either* party if the directive 
and clarification was not complied 
with, was defeated. It's unde'rstood 
vote was two for punitive power and 
12 against. 

Council's report now is that the 
resolutions committee lacks the 
teeth necessary to force a settlement 
without bringing matter before the 
convention again. Unless resolutions 
committee adds the necessary power, 
it means the exec council must seek 
a settlement, and failing in that, 
again go before the convention for 
authority to discipline any non- 
complier. 

This week offers a deadline in 
bringing matter to a solution within 
ranks of organized labor. Next 
Monday <20)i Rep. Carroll Kearns 
has a meeting of international 
presidents and studio chiefs sched- 
uled for Los Angeles. If a solu- 
tion is arrived at in L. A., credit 
for peace will largely go to Con- 
gress, a possibility that the ma- 
jority of labor leaders are fight- 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 P ^RWfr 21 



The PRIZE Surprise Picture of the Year! 



" ★ ★ ★ w ★ The Picture Is INSPIRATIONAL- • • 

HIGHLY ENTERTAINING-- -" Say* KATE CAMERON, N. Y. Daily New* 

"THRILLS PACK 'SPIRIT of WEST POINT' WITH 
ACTION AND WONDERFULLY COLORFUL SCENES" 

JSays LEE MORTIMER, N. Y. Dally Mirror 

FILM DAILY says: "SOCK STUFF! ALERT 

SHOWMEN Will Cash In With It" 



to*- 



VARIETY (DAILY) Says: "Film is not only a natural for football 
season release, but packs enough general human interest to give 
the femmes a thrill. Picture has strong exploit possibilities and 
should be good for any man's box office!" 



SPORT MAGAZINE says: "PICTURE OF THE MONTH" 



SCREEN ROMANCES says: "PRIZE PICTURE OF THE YEAR" 




f^RfSff PICTUBE <.KOSSI>; Wednesday, October 8, 1947 

Series Nips B way But 'West Point* 
Big 24^G 



Outstanding showing is being made by 
"Spirit of West Point," new football 
opus starring Davis and Blanchard, 
Army's touchdown twins. Helped by 
strong weekend while grid enthusiasts 
were in town, this new picture is giving 
the Victoria a great $24;500 or better, 
big for this small -seater and especially 
fine in view of series* competition. 
Elaborate, colorful house front is letting 
the street know that the two former 
West Point football stars ar« in this 
opus. 






Harry Jo» BROWN and John W. ROGERS 

present 

PIRITof 




Robert Shayne • Anne Nagel 
Alan Hale, Jr • Tanis Chandler 
Margaret Wells • Franklin Parker 



Sosr* cas'e'i 
BILL STERN • HARRY WISMER 



AWutu:/ thru FILM CI ./SSICS, IXC. 



22 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October IS, 




PITTSBURGH 

(Continued from page 14) 
but still near $11,000 okay. Last 
week, solid $16,000. but below hopes. 

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300: 75-SL20) 
—"Unconquered" (Par) (2d wk). 
Lot of complaints about advanced 
scale on this with resulting dip after 
hoopla of world preem. Looks strong 
$25,000, and may hold again. Open- 
ing week was a smash $43,000, not 
quite up to hopes. 

Ritz (Loews) (800; 40-70)— 
"Borneo" (Indie) and "Congarilla' 
(Indie) (reissues). Sturdy $3,500. 
Last week, "Wild Harvest" (Par) 
(m.o.), $2,500. 

Senator i Harris) (1.750: 40-70)— 
'•Western Union" (20th > and "Swamp 
Water" <20th) (reissues). Husky 
$5,000. Last week. "Fun on Week- 
•end" (UA) and "Stork Bites Man' 
(UA) pulled after 4 days at sad 
$1,500. 

Stanley fWB) (3.800; 40-70)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) <2d wk ). Get- 
ting by at $11,000 or near. Last 
week, sturdy $18,000. 

Warner (WB) (2,000: 40-70)— 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(3d wk). Winding up at okay $8,500, 
with "The Long Night" (RKO) com- 
ing in Wednesday (15). "Bachelor" 
has been house's best since it latched 
onto a string of RKO first-run pix. 
Last week, robust $11,500. 



'Out of Blue'-Vaude Fat 
$19,000, Balto;'WoIf 16G 

Baltimore, Oct. 14-. 

Unexciting pace along the entire 
downtown sector here this week 
with no particular standouts. Best 
action is reported for "Out of the 
Blue," at the combo Hippodrome 
with the stageshow headed bv Fran- 
cis Craig, current recording favorite. 
Fairish response also is indicated for 
"Cry Wolf" at Stanley. 

Estimates for This Week 

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 20- 
«0) — "Unfinished Dance" (M-G). 
Nicely received by crix but not quite 
up to hopes at $14,000. Last week, 
"Desire Me" (M-G), fair $13,600. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 
20-70)— "Out of Blue' r (EL) plus 
vaude, headed by Francis Craig. 
Sturdy $19,000. Last week, "Long 
Night" (RKO) plus vaude, mild 
$14,500. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; 20- 
60) — "Unconquered" (Par). Opens 
today (Tues.) after strong advance 
lally featuring p.a. of Cecil B. De- 
"Mille at press reception. Last week, 
northodox Balto booking of double 
bill, "Each His Own" (Par) and 
"Lost Weekend" (Par) (reissues), 
"ell down at $6,500. In ahead, "Slave 
Girl" (U), mild $11,500. 

Mayfalr (Hicks) (980; 35-55) — 
'Meet John Doe" (Col) (reissue). 
Mild $5,500. Last week, "Driftwood" 
(Rep), $5,700. 

New (Mechanic) (1.800; 20-60) — 
"Foxes Harrow" (20th) (3d wk). 
Marking time for entry of "Forever 
Amber" (20th) and holding on well 
enough at $9,000 after a nice second 
sesh at $11,000. 

Stanley (WB) (3.280; 25-75)— "Cry 
Woll" (WB). Good $16,000. Last 
week, second of "Life With Father" 
(WB) at upped scale of $1.25 top 
didn't hold up as expected at $14,200. 

Town (Rappaport) (1.600: 35-65)— 
"Her Husband's Affairs" (Col) (2d 
wk). Holding modestly at $9,500 
after- okay preem at $13,300. 

PORTLAND, ORE. 



Beneke Boosts 'Blue' To 
Huge 36G, Mpls.; 'Kiss' 
Hep 12G, Tun Fancy 9G 

Minneapolis, Oct. 14. 
Tex Beneke and his Glenn Miller 
band is boosting "Out of Blue" to 
huge session this week at Radio 
City. Combo is pointing to a near- 
record gross. "Kiss of Death" leads 
the new straight film offerings at 
the State with "Fun. and Fancy 
Free," also solid at the smaller 
HKO-Pan. It's the fourth downtown 
week for "Dear Ruth" and third for 
"Life With Father" at upped scale. 
Weekend was helped by folks here 
for Minnesota-Northwestern grid 
game, whicfi drew a crowd of 61,000. 
Estimates for This Week 
Century (Par) (1,600: 90-$1.25) — 
"Life With Father" (WB). (3d wk). 
Giving a good account of itself, but 
this looks like final canto. Profitable 
$10,000 looms after good $13,000 sec- 
ond week. 

Lyceum (Murray) (50-70)— "Car- 
men" (Indie). Modest $5,500 in 10 
days. Will bow out to make room 
for roadshow attraction; 3 days past 
initial week. <• " 

Radio City (Par) (4,400; 50-70)— 
"Out of Blue" (EL) and Tex Beneke 
band, heading stageshow. Beneke 
and his crew a sock magnet here 
and credited for huge $36,000. Last 
week. "Other Love" (UA), thin 
$12,000. - 

RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (2,800; 50- 
70)— "Gunfighters" (Col). Tall $12,- 
500 or near. Last week, "Riff-Raff" 
(RKO) and Tommy Dorsey orch on 
stage (50-85), tremendous $32,500. 

RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO). Disney 
film well-liked and will cop solid 
$9,000 or over. Last week, "Singa- 
pore" (U) (2d Wk), good $7,000.- 

State (Par) (2,300; 50-70)— "Kiss 
of Death" (20th). Hitting fast $12,- 
000. Last week, "Ghost Mrs. Muir" 
(20th), $9,000. 

Uptown (Par) (1,000; 50-55) 
— "Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" 
(RKO)-. First nabe showing. Big 
$5,500. Last week, "Variety Girl" 
(Par), $4,000. 

'Earth' Rousing $15,000 
In Sluggish Seattle 



Indies Want U. S. Aid 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Robert J. Rubin, tax expert 
and counsel for the Society of 
Independent Motion Picture Pro- 
ducers, proposed last night 
(Monday) at a meeting of the 
Independent Motion Picture Pro- 
ducers Assn., that the Govern- 
ment, either through the. State 
or Commerce Departments, 
negotiate with Britain on the 
75% tax, instead of the industry 
doing its own dickering. 

Rubin said he would submit 
such-a proposal to the Govern- 
ment 0:1 behalf of SIMPP mem- 
bers. This is in line with the 
attitude consistently taken by 
the indies and is one of their 
major points of difference with 
the majors on the tax matter. 
Majors prefer to have Eric 
Johnston, Motion Picture Assn. 
prexy, and other of their own 
reps do the negotiating. Govern- 
ment departments have tried in 
every way to avoid participating 
in the situation on behalf of the 
industry. 



D. C. Probe 

Continued from page 3 



FC Plans to Distrib 
Cuban-Made Indie Pic 

In line with its new policy of 
handling distribution of indie prod- 
uct, Film Classics is expected to 
close a deal today (Wed.) with Cen- 
tury Productions for release of its 
musical, "Sarumba." Made in Ha- 
vana last spring, film was directed 
by Marion Gering and features Doris 
Dowling and Michael Whalen. 

Century, according to company 
topper George Quigley, plans a sec- 
ond picture with a Cuban locale. 
Film will deal with the sugar indus- 
try there and is anticipated to roll 
after the first of the year when the 
cane mills hit their peak production. 
Prior to its "Sarumba" pic. Century 
was chiefly identified with produc- 
tion of industrial pix. 



Realistic Stance 



Continued from pace 7 



(Continued from page 12) 
'That's My Man" (Rep) (2d wk) 
(m.o.). After two weeks at Orpheum 
and one at Oriental. So-so $3,600 in 
6 days. Last week, good $5,700. 

Oriental (H-E) (2,000 ; 40-80)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par), day-date 
with Paramount. Hefty $10,500. Last, 
week, "Long Night" (RKO) and 
"Under Tonto Rim" (RKO) (5 days), 
also Orpheum, fair $3,700. 

Orpheum (H-E) (1,750; 40-80) — 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Kilroy 
Was Here" (Mono). Stout $10,500. 
Last week, "Long Night" (RKO) 
and "Under Tonto Rim" (RKO) (5 
days), mild $5,800. 

Paramount (H-E) (3,400; 40-80)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par), also 
Oriental. Lush $17,000 or near. Last 
week. "Woman on Beach" (RKO) 
and "Dragnet" (SG), light $8,200. 

Playhouse (H-E) (1.200: 40-80)— 
"Wild Geese Calling" (201h) and 
"Crash Dive" (20th) (reissues). So- 
so $2,300. Last week, "Desert Fury" 
(Par) and "Little Miss Broadway" 
(Col), satisfactory $2,000. 

United Artists (Parker) (895; 40- 
80)— "Gone With Wind!' (M-G) (re- 
issue) (3d wk). Okay $6,000 in 5 
days. Last week, solid $9,250. 

Rhonda Fleming Loanout 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

David O. Selznick is lending 
Rhonda Fleming to Paramount for 
the frrnme lead opposite Bing Crosby 
in "Connecticut Yankee." 

The deal with Selznick gives Par 
the right to the actress' services 
for other pix. ' 



Seattle, Oct. 14. 
Rainy weather and deleted out- 
door competition are helping show 
biz but takings are not too exciting 
this session. Standout is "Down to 
Earth," at Paramount. "Crossfire" 
looks good at the Music Hall. 
Estimates for This Week 
Blue Mouse (H-E) (800; 45-80)— 
"Crash Dive" (20th) and "Call of 
Wild" (WB) (reissues). Fair $3,000 
in 6 day?. Last week, "Slave Girl" 
(U) and "Time on Mind" (U), good 
$5,000 in 8 days. 

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80) 
—"Unfinished Dance" (M-G). Okay 
$8,500. Last week, "Great Expecta- 
tions" (U), slow $7,200. > 

Liberty (J&vH) (1,650; 45-80)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (3d wk). 
Fancy $14,000. Last week, giant 
$16,000. 

Music Box (H-E) (850: 45-80)— 
"Deep Valley" (WB) and "Second 
Chance"-(20th) (m.o.). Oke at $4,000. 
Last week, "Shanghai Gesture" (In- 
die) (reissue) and "Dakota" (Rep), 
thin $2,500 in 6 days. 

Music Half (H-E) (2,200: 45-80)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO) and "That's My 
Girl" (Rep). Good $10,000 or over. 
Last week, "Deep Valley" (WB) and 
"Second Chance" (20th), $7,000. 

Orpheum (H-E) (2.600; 45-80)-- 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (2d wk), Nice 
$8,000. Last week, big $14,500. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 45-80)— 
"Wyoming" (Rep) and "Bringing Up 
Father" (Mono). Trim $6,000 or over. 
Last week, "Lured" (UA). $7,800. 

Paramount (H-E) (3,039; 45-80)— 
"Down to Earth" (Col). Strong 
$15,000. Last week. "Something in 
Wind" (U) and "Bulldog Druin- 
mond" (Col), slow $5,800 in 6 days. 

Roosevelt (Sterling) (850; 45-80)— 
"Lured" (UA) (2d wk). Fair $3,500. 
Last week. "Magnificent Obsession" 
(U) and "100 Men, Girl" (reissues), 
vejry good $4,300. 



rough riding on the part of industry 
figures. For instance, the Washing- 
ton chapter of the National Law- 
yers' Guild has announced a rally to 
protest the Un-American Activities 
Committee for the night of Oct. 20, 
first day of the hearings. Among 
those listed as speakers will be 
Larry Parks, Ring Lardner, Jr., 
Lewis Milestone and Edward Dmy- 
tryk. All four have' been subpoenaed. 
The result may be to anger such 
members of the committee who 
would otherwise not be too un- 
friendly. 

Thomas 'Surprise' Witnesses 

3. Rep. J. Parnell Thomas (R., 
N. J.) has disclosed that not all of 
those subpoenaed will be called to 
testify and that there will be some 
"surprise" witnesses. Thomas has 
also declared that he will not per- 
mit the hearings to turn into "an- 
other Howard Hughes fiasco." Every 
effort will be made to kep the ses- 
sions under control. 

4. Although it is known that the 
committee has in its files the names 
of 30 or more films which it consid- 
ers "un-American'* tainted, the com- 
mittee has been closely guarding the 
names of these pictures and there is 
no indication which ones — and how 
many — will be mentioned during the 
course of the hearings. 

5. The attitude of the committee 
generally has been that the big com- 
panies generally are not to blame. 
It is felt that the writers, some ac- 
tors and directors are in a pinko 
way and that if pro-Communist an- 
gles or lines have been placed in 
pictures, they have been slid in by 
this minority of industry workers. 

6. Thomas will try to run through 
the hearings in two weeks. He will 
try to complete from four to five 
witnesses per day. 

7. It now looks as though only 
four or five of the nine-man commit- 
tee will be in the show. Probably 
missing will be Reps. Karl E. Mundt 
(R., S. D.), Richard M. Nixon (R., 
Calif.), J. Hardin Peterson (D., Fla.) 
and John E. Rankin (D., Miss.). 
There's no indication whether Rep. 
Herbert C. Bonner (D., N. C.) will 
show up. Rankin is busy on his 
Senatorial quest. 

Come what may, there hearings 
are expected to draw the biggest 
audience this town has seen at a 
committee session in some time, 
probably exceeding the crowds who 
turned out for Hughes' hectic hours. 
The largest hearing room on Capitol 
Hill will be used, but it will be 
crowded to overflowing. 



SAN FRANCISCO 

(Continued from page 14) 

vest" (Par) (2d wk), sturdy $15,500. 

St. Francis (Par) (1.400: 90-$ 1.25) 
—"Lite With Father" (WB) (2d wk). 
Sock $24,500. Last week, $34,000. 

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,448: 55- 
85)— "Her Husband's Affairs" (Col) 
(2d wkT. Mild $10,000. Last week, 
smooth $16,500. 

United Artists (Blumenfeld) (1,- 
207; 55-85)— "Monsieur Vcrdoux" 
(UA). Snappy $16,500. Last week, 
"Lured" (UA) (2d wk), fair $7,500. 

State (Loew) (2,133; 60-85)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) (m.o.). Okay 
$8,500 Last week, "Congorilla" and 
"Borneo" (FC) (reissues), tat $14,500. 

Esquire (Blumenfeld) (952; 55-85) 
—"Spirit of West Point" (FC) (2d 



RKO Has 8 Lensing 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Start of "The Arizona Ranger" at 
RKO makes a total of eight pictures 
in production, the highest number 
for that company in several months. 

Eight in work include "Mystery 
in Mexico," on the Churubusco lot, 
"Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream 
House," "The Velvet Touch," "I 
Remember Mama," "Stations West," 
"Good Sam," "Rachel" and "Berlin 
Express." 



Last 



wk). Nice $6,500 in 4 days, 
week, husky $12,000. 

United Nations (FWC) (1,149; 60- 
85)— "Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Big 
$6,000. Last week, "Endearing 
Charms" (RKO) and "Forever a 
Day" (RKO) (reissues), $850 in 5 
days. 



ing a crisis solely to annoy Holly- 
wood, have given way to a more 
reasonable spirit which is expected 
to hatch results. There is even 
hope that the difficult impasse be- 
tween this country's majors and in- 
dependents may be succeeded by a 
temporary working partnership that 
appears necessary to get over the 
hurdle. These are the developments: 
1. At the meeting of the Motion 
Picture Assn. executive committee 
last Thursday (9), it was decided to 
meet the British more than half- 
way and "to consider accepting a 
very informal invitation to go to 
London. Heretofore the attitude has 
been that any invitations to talking 
the thing over with the British 
as a distributing outlet for 'indie 
producers and reissues, switch has 
been made to give Cinecolor con- 
trol of the company's board. A. 
Pam Blumenthal, a director of 
Cinecolor, becomes board chairman 
of FC. Likewise, Karl Herzog, treas- 
urer of Cine and former v.p. and 
treasurer of Robert R. Young's 
Pathe Industries, steps onto the 
board. Also Kenneth Baxter, ex- 
ecutor of the Donner estate of 
Philadelphia, largest individual 
stockholder in Cine, and Joseph 
Rathert, St. Louis security dealer, 
who handled a large share of Cine 
stock offerings. 

On the FC side of the board are 
Bernhard and Sinclair Hatch, of 
FC's counsel, Hatch, Root & Barrett. 
Herzog becomes v.p. and treasurer 
of FC, while. Eugene Arnstein re- 
mains with FC as assistant treas- 
urer. Other FC execs retaining their 
status are Sam Wheeler, salesman- 
ager; Jules K. Chapman, assistant 
salesmanager; Al Zimbalist. pub- 
licity-advertising director, and Jo- 
seph Ende, cpntroller. 

Cine Coin to FCC 

Blumenthal said that Cine is plan- 
ning to put a substantial amount of 
new working capital into FC, al- 
though it is now a very profitable 
operating concern. Part of the coin 
will be used, he said, for acquiring 
the seven or eight exchanges still 
in the hands of franchise-holders 
and give FC a wholly-owned 31-city 
branch setup. 

Advantages to Bernhard seen in 
the merger by Blumenthal are: (1) 
He gets assistance in management of 
the exec setup Cine has developed; 
(2) he gets financing; (3) he gets 
Cine commitments he can offer to 
producers in his effort to switch FC 
from wholly a reissue outfit to a 
new-picture distrib, and (4) he can 
offer producers financing of labora- 
tory and print costs under arrange- 
ment for a Cinecolor Finance Corp. 
announced Monday. 

On Cinecolor's side, Blumenthal 
said he thought the move advan- 
tageous for the company to have a 
distributing outlet. In addition, he 
declared, with color the coming di- 
mension on the screen, FC will be 
very valuable because it will be the 
company with almost all its new 
pictures in color. Also, Blumenthal 
stated. Cine feels that the reissue 
rights that FC holds to product of 
such producers as Goldwyn, Sebv 
nick, Korda, Hal Roach and Uni- 
versal, will be worth, a fortune in 
years to come, since present econ- 
omies are causing a cut in the pro- 
duction values that these films rep- 
resent. ' 

Cinecolor Finance Corp., an- 
nounced a day previous to the 
merger, is a wholly-owned subsid of 
Cine. It will finance lab charges 
during production and release prints 
for distribs. It will attract produ- 
cers and distribs to using Cine, as 
well as relieve them of putting up 
coin that might otherwise be used in 
additional production. 



Mich. Allied In 
Rap at Higher 
Admish Prices 

Detroit, Oct. 14. 
Advance in admission scales asked 
by producers appears due for a rnili. 
tant lacing during the two-day con- 
vention here of the Michigan Allied 
Theatres which opened at Hotel 
Statler this afternoon (Tuesday). 
Same is expected at Allied's national 
convention. . 

Impression gained from talks with 
members both of the state and na- 
tional boards is that the admission 
price issue transcends even ASCAP's 
proposed tilt in seat taxes, and that 
exhibitors must take a strong stand 
if for no other reason than to pre- 
vent Federal and local legislators 
from taking this as a cue to increase , 
amusement taxes. 

Particularly vehement In his de- 
nunciation was Ray Branch, chair- 
man of the Michigan board and 
member of the national board, who 
said that producers could not have 
picked a worse time for their move. 
He challenged producers' arguments 
about decreased revenue from the 
European market, pointing out they 
didn't have this market during the 
war and they still garnered huge 
earnings. 

Branch said he and other exhibi- 
tors could not justifiably maintain 
their legislative resistence to higher 
amusement taxes when in the midst 
of the current inflationary alarm the 
producers take it on themselves to 
"soak the public $1.25 for eight or 
10 pictures a year." Branch said 
that while he was against the indus- 
try washing its linen in public, he 
would be willing to urge exhibitors 
to take the issue of increased prices 
to screen and newspaper ads. 



Cinecolor-FC 

; Continued from page 9 55; 

treasury people would have to be 
engraved and be personally carried 
to the MPA by the king himself. 
Some of this* sweet reasonableness 
may have been dfle to the talk given 
the company biggies by Douglas, 
who assuved the picture people that 
things were really rocky with the 
British. 

2. On Friday (10), Eric Johnston 
cabled an invitation to B. T. Davis, 
president of the Cinematograph Ex- 
hibitors' Assn. of England, and its 
general secretary, W. R. Fuller, to 
come over any time during the 
period of Oct. 25-30. The two had 
previously wired MPA saying they 
would like to come to work out a 
plan together. MPA had been duck- 
ing the exhibitors on the ground 
that it was dealing with nothing less 
than His Majesty's government. 

3. Johnston lunched Saturday with 
Sir Alexander King and Sir Sidney 
Clift,. prominent British exhibs; 
Mark Ostrer of Gaumont-British, 
and Murray Silverstone,. 20th-Fox 
International prexy. 

Nelson-Johnston Meet 

4. Donald M. Nelson prez of the 
Society of Independent Motion Pic- 
ture Producers, staged another meet- 
ing with Johnston yesterday (Tues.) 
and also met Government official- 0 . 
This is in line with the purpose of 
the- two-weeks' adjournment of last 
Thursday's MPA conclave. It was 
.decided there that a united front 
must be offered by the majors and 
indies and Johnston was instructed 
to try to arrive at an agreement 
with Nelson. 

Sharp divergence between (he two 
groups is primarily over the majors' 
willingness to accept a substantial 
freeze in compromise, while the 
indies seek something entirely dif- 
ferent. They complain that with 
their limited financing, a freeze 
would be just as disastrous as a tax. 
They are aiming at achieving a 
spreading of the English market 
loss over the entire U. S. economy, 
rather than have it hit one industry. 

Present at the meeting were 
Johnston, Gerald M. Mayer and 
George Borthwick of MPA: Barney 
Balaban, Paramount; Nate J. Blum- 
berg, Universal-International: Jack 
Cohn, Columbia; J. Cheever Cowdin, 
U-I; Ned Depinet, RKO; James E. 
Perkin, Par's managing director 
in Great Britain; Nicholas M. 
'Schenck, Losw's; Sam Schneider. 
Warners, and Spyros Skouras, 20th- 
Fox. 



f Wednesday, October 18, 1947 gg gjgff 23 




QOOQ PICTURES KNOW WO SEASON J 

Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer, they can depend on SCREEN GUILD Productions 
(or variety product to solve their booking problems. 

4k„ 




LHotne Offi<e: 316 So. la Brea 4»e. Hollywood, C alii. -Foreign Oep I: 7 23 7> h A»? New Yarn 0i». -Cable iiuiidfilmi 



24 



1 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 




CVKNVS 




or your 

BOX OFF/CE 






§ i 




JS 








I : 



You can crack the shell . . . and get at 
those CLAMS . . , the exfra MAZUMA . • . 
those elusive SIMOLEONS ... if you 
Uq into the vast and diversified Adver 

lillit m«N3RTrr?4b^ 
your BOX OFFICE . . , and IAg|them 
. in swelling numbers . . and 












§111 


wBSm 







_^*r<— *" 

I> all there ... on BALLYHOO BEACH 
. . . where Newspapers, Radio, Billpost* 
lag. Heralds, TRAILERS, ACCESSO- 
RIES, and all trie other fine advertising 
media ... are the peoibie^^ihat form 
tie beach .. . that dishes up those ? 
CLAMS... that give you a CLAMBAKE t 
of Profits.,, a£. your Box Office ... ij 




|lls greater \ 

l0iits iOT mmm..Qcieen sehvici 




you 

smmm 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



PICTURES 



25 



District Theatres Spreading Negro 
Houses Into Midwest; Exchange Briefs 



ffi "and Washington, D. C, catering 
inclusively to Negro trade, is spread- 



, . Washington. 
District Theatres Corp.., which 
ates 26 houses in Virginia, Mary- 



exCl its operations 'into the midwest. 
The cham . has purchase^ j SAte^in 



1P8 



Altvon for a new 1,000-seat theatre 
(or Negroes. 

New Honse at Flsk, Mo, 

St. Louis. 

Mrs. G. Shelby has lighted her new 
State 200-seater at Fisk. Mo. 

lesse Jessel and Rex Corgas have 
„, Phased the City, 200-seater in 
BSSdCtt* IM.. fro'm D B. stout, of 
the Stout circuit, with headquarters 

'"fS Amus. Co., Springfield, 111., 
has purchased the 40th Street theatre 
2nd sites for two other houses in E. 
St Louis. K now operates the Es- 
au'lre and Roxy there. _ 

Justin Garard has opened the War- 
saw a quonset type house in War- 
saw HI He also owns and operates 
the Royal, 300-seater there. 

Harry Pace, owner of the Sumner, 
400-seater, Sumner, la., will erect a 
new 500-seater there. 

Ben Dyer and Walter Kahler have 
opened the New Butler, 600-seater, 
Butler Mo 

Eagle, new 400-seater, Eagleville, 
Mo., has been lighted by Glenn Wy- 
Ant 

Dwight Crust has sold the Dixie. 
200-seater. Lenneus, Mo., to Florence 
Hudson and Genevieve Drake of the 
same town. Crust has retired. 

Family 285-seater, Kirksville. Mo., 
has been purchased by W. E. Kors- 
meyer from Everett Elsea. 

Eddie Kugel is planning a hew 
500-seater to. replace the State, his 
SOO-seatcr in Holstein, la. 

Leonard Miller has sold his 250- 
seat Gem, Melville, la., to Gerald 
Pyle Pipestone, Minn. 

Earl Kerr, a theatre circuit opera- 
tor, Des Moines, la., has purchased 
the 200-seat Lake, Lake View, la., 
from George Thacker. 

Col.'s 1st of 3 Meets 

First of a series pf three sectional 
sales meets, Columbia Pictures' 
home office execs and top sales per- 
sonnel opened a five-day convention 
at the Hotel Warwick, N. Y., yester- 
day (Tuesday) for discussion of 
forthcoming product and distribu- 
tion plans. Following the N. Y. con- 
vention, additional meets will be 
held In New Orleans, Oct. 28-31, and 
in San Francisco, Nov. 4-8. 

Jack Cohn, A. Montague and A. 

fchneider are heading the New 
ork sessions at which about 90 
delegates are present. At the other 
conventions, division managers in 
charge of the respective territories 
will preside. 

J. B. Rosen Shift to Cincy 
Joseph B. Rosen, heretofore 20th- 
Fox branch manager in Albany, 
named manager of Cincinnati 
branch by sales chief Andy W. 
Smith. Jr. H* succeeds Leavitt J, 
Btigie.. resigned. Daniel R. Houlihan, 
salesman in Albany exchange, pro- 
moted to branch manager. 



manager at Monogram, promoted to 
salesman, succeeding Hymie Wheel- 
er, who shifted to Film Classics. 

Guy Peterson, Paramount sales- 
man here for more than 20 years, 
resigned. 

Allan Treuhaft has resigned as lo- 
cal salesman for Eagle Lion after 
a few weeks on the job. 

Henry Russell named office man- 
ager at National Theatre Supply Co., 
succeeding Don Van Kirk. 



Daniel Houlihan Heads 20th, Albany 

Albany. 

Daniel R. Houlihan has been 
named Albany branch manager of 
20th-Fox, succeeding Joseph B. 
Rosen, who becomes manager of the 
Cincinnati office. Michael Mazzola, 
recently a salesman in New Haven, 
succeeds Houlihan on the local sales 
force. 



Report Kaycee Liberty as Roxy 

Kansas City. 
After facelifting. 1,000-seat Liberty, 
for years a downtown grind house, 
reopened as Roxy, flrstrun. Built and 
operated for years by Harding broth- 
ers. Liberty now is operated by Dur- 
wood Theatres, fnc. 



UA Theatres 

: Continued from page 3 ssz 

20th Century-Fox. Spyros is prez of 
20th and Charles is in -charge of its 
National Theatres operations. 

George Skouras was here most of 
last week in connection with the in- 
vestigation being made by the Jus- 
tice Dept. of Lippert's charges. He 
maintained to the anti-trust probers 
that he was operating solely in his 
capacity as an officer of UATC. 
Arguing similarly on behalf of 
Schenck was Charles Carr, former 
U. S. attorney in Southern Califor- 
nia and now president of the Del 
Monte track near Lps Angeles. 
Trust Busting; Counsel 
Lippert's and Reynolds' attorney, 
incidentally, is Reynolds' son-in-law, 
Julian Levi, himself a former coun- 
sel in the Justice Dept.'s anti-trust 
division and a protege of ex-trUst- 
buster Thurman Arnold. 

In addition to his other charges, 
Levi has maintained that even if 
Schenck and George Skouras were 
acting purely for UATC, acquisition 
of additional theatres by that out- 
fit would be contrary to the decree 
inasmuch as the Skourases are so 
tied up in the UA circuit. Charles 
Skouras in the past month has pur- 
chased about 10,000 shares of UATC 
stock. George and various members 
of the family together already owned 
18.000 shares. The combination 



Film Classics In Memphis 

Memphis. I 
Film Classics has acquired an ex- 
change site on film row and Buster makes the family fourth largest 
Hammond has resigned as United stockholders in the corporation, ex 



Artists salesman to manage the new 
office. 

Frank Heard, salesman, has left 
Metro, with Jim Ronsieck, of Kan- 
sas City, replacing. 

Lloyd Katz Heads EL Frisco 

Lloyd Katz promoted to manage 
Eagle Lion's San Francisco branch. 
He replaces Earl A. Stein, recently 
(Continued on page 48) 



U. S; Films Draw Double in Berlin 
Ahd Outgross All Others in Czecho 



Morrow Gets Cambridge, N.T. Spot 

Cambridge, N. Y. 
Robert Morrow, projectionist for 
the last two years, has been named 
manager of the Cambridge theatre, 
succeeding Leon Gibbons, resigned. 

Sammy Speranza, WB % Booker, Pill 

Pittsburgh. 
Sammy' Speranza succeeded Jules 
, Green as local booker for Warners. 
Green resigned to join James Saph- 
ier agency in Hollywood. David 
Wald. from shorts, succeeds Spe- 
ranza. and is replaced by Bernie 
Elinoff from publicity department. 
Leo Wayne, booker and office 



TOA's 1st Board Meet 

First board meeting of the Theatre 
Owners of America will be held 
Nov. 7-8 at the Stevens hotel. Chi- 
cago. Up for decision is whether 
TOA will proceed with settlement 
negotiations on the proposed hike in 
theatre rates by the American So- 
ciety of Composers, Authors & 
Publishers. 

Also on the agenda are mulling of 
advanced admissions: distrib-exhlb 
relations and other industry prob- 
lems. 



films 
Price 




UA Board 

Continued from page 3 as 

with no strings attached, 
is said to represent RKO's 
negative cost, plus overhead. UA 
refused to disclose the bank which 
financed the deal for it, but it has 
been negotiating with the Irving 
Trust Co.. N. Y., which is believed 
to have put up at least part of the 
coin. 

Release deals were okayed with: 
Robert Hakim for a Technicolor 
production of "Mayerling," starring 
Joan Fontaine and directed by Wil- 
liam Dieterle, Henry Koster or 
John Cromwell. Budget is to be 
$2,500,000 with shooting to start 
Dec. 13. UA participates in both 
financing and profits. 

Jack Goldberg for three films in- 
cluding "Melody Man," "I Live on 
Gallows Hill" and a pic to be made 
in Mexico with a Brazilian back- 
ground. The first pic shoots in 
April. 

James Nasser for "My Dear Sec- 
retary," starring William Powell. It 
is to be made at General Service 
Studios starting Feb. "J, 

Aside from the new product, films 
Sears listed as completed or editing 
include , "Arch of Triumph" and 
"Body and Soul" from Enterprise. 
"Christmas Eve" and "Miracle Can 
Happen" from Bogeaus; "Red River" 
(Howard Hawks), "Intrigue" (Bis- 
choff). "Sleep My Love" (Mary 
Pickford - Buddy Rogers - Ralph 
Cohn), "The Time of Your Life" 
(William Cagney), "Atlantis" 
(Nebenzal), "Vendetta" (Howard 
Hughes), a combo pair of short 
features from Hal Roach, "Lured" 
(Hunt Stromberg), "Heaven Only 
Knows" (Nebenzal) and "Roosevelt 
Story" (Tola). 

In addition, ' there are Charles 
Chaplin's "Monsieur Verdoux" and 
Hughes' "Mad Wednesday," both of 
which are going out again after be- 
ing pulled from release after a few 
dates last spring. Also, now shoot- 
ing, is Stanley Kramer's "So This Is 
New York." going out under the En- 
terprise label. 



ceeded only by Schenck, Lee Shu 
belt aiid William Phillips, former 
general manager. 

TJATC's Setup 
UATC is not an operating com- 
pany, but a holding company and 
the Skouras brothers have interests 
all the way through it, Justice Dept. 
investigators are .said to have 
learned via perusal of its records. 
Metropolitan Playhouses, a UATC 
operating subsid, is owned 30% by 
the three Skouras brothers, 20% by 
RKO and 50% by UATC. This was 
the division set up by the court in 
bankruptcy proceedings some years 
ago. 

Skouras Theatres, Inc., which in 
turn is an operating subsid of Metro- 
politan Playhouses, is 50% owned by 
the Skouras brothers and 50% by 
UATC. George Skouras is president 
of Skouras Theatres, but despite this 
Interest did not serve as an officer 
or director of the parent company. 
UATC, until about three months 
ago. 

There has long been feeling be- 
tween Lippert and the Skourases. 
since he is in competition with the 
Fox-West Coast circuit, which is 
controlled by 20th Century-Fox, of 
which Spyros is prez and Charles 
the theatre operating head, Lippert 
has taken some leases away from 
them and otherwise expanded 
against them. His acquisition of 
Golden Slate, which is second only 
to FWC in importance on the Coast, 
would threaten their supremacy. 

When Lippert and Reynolds made 
their offer about two months ago, 
it is understood, two of Golden 
State's three owners, Eugene H. Em- 
mick and Robert A. McNeil, agreed 
to accept it and it was thought the 
deal was so in the bag that the cham- 
pagne party was held to celebrate 
Hie sale. The third owner, Naify, re- 
fused to go along, however. Emmick 
and McNeil, exercising contractual 
rights, thereupon gave Naify the 
choice of buying them out or being 
bought out by them. A personal 
friend of the Skourases, Naify is 
said to have called them in to pre- 
empt the sale to Lippert ahd have 
1he"m put up the $2,000,000 to obtain 
the 55-day option. 

Lippert has charged to the Jus- 
stice Dept. that the option money 
was originally put up by ' 20th- 
Fox's National Theatres, but when 
the anti-trust division nixed that. 
Schenck and George Skouras stepped 
in to do the same thing as heads of 
UATC. 



Berlin. Oct. 14. 
American films released in the 
U. S. sector of Berlin average 
nearly double the attendance at- 
tracted by British, French and 
Russian pictures in their respective 
zenes, according to records com- 
piled by Dr.. R. F. Goldschmidt, 
manager of the Motion Picture Ex- 
port Assn. here. His report covered 
boxoff ice biz on pictures shown in 
all sectors of the German capital 
since the start of postwar occupa- 
tion, showing that an average of 
450,000 Berlin residents attended 
showings on each U. S. film as com- 
pared with 280,000 average for each 
British and French picture. Russ 
pictures drew under 200,000 on 
average. 

Goldschmidt's, survey shows that 
there are 64 theatres in the Amer- 
ican zone, which has a population 
of 983.000, as compared with 43 
houses in the British zone with a 
population of 615,00, and 32 in. the 
French district with about 434,000 
people to draw from. In the Russian 
sector there are 1.183,000 from 
•'which to attract patrons and 88 
film houses in which tc spot prod- 
uct. 

Hollywood product in Czechoslo- 
vakia, in e a n w h i 1 e, drew bigger 
grosses during the last year than 
films of all other foreign countries 
combined, and in many instances 
outdrew Czechoslovakia's native 
product, according to a report issued 
this week by the MPEA. Occa- 
sion is the first anni of the MPEA's 
operation in ■• Czechoslovakia. 

MPEA teed off Czech distribution 
with 20th-Fox's "Wilson." Since 
then, some 65 additional features 
and the same number of shorts have 
played in that country. Distrib 
agreement with the Czech Film 
Monopoly was the first made by 
MPEA with a stale-controlled 
agency under a system where all 
phases of the film industry are na- 
tionalized. MPEA product during 
the last year played to more than 
30.000.000 Czechs, and has frequently 



played in as many as nine Prague 
flrstrun houses simultaneously. 

Operation is supervised by Louis 
Kanturck, with ad-publicity work 
conducted by brother Joe Kanturek. 



Seattle's 353 Houses, 
185,696 Seats; Omaha's 
432 Hold 166,106 Seats 

In its third weekly installment of 
directories covering theatre condi- 
tions in the nation's 31 exchange 
areas. Motion Picture Assn. has cov- 
ered the Omaha and Seattle ter- 
ritories. Omaha survey reveals 432 
theatres in operation with a seating 
capacity of 166,106 and 12 closed 
theatres with 2.862 seats. Of the 
total number of houses. 87 are cir- 
cuit-operated, with 357 owned by 
indies. 

In the Seattle area there are 353 
theatres in operation, with seating 
capacity of 185.696 and 9 shuttered 
theatres with 3,806 seats. Circuit- 
operated houses account for 160, 
with remaining 202 theatres non- 
circuit controlled. 



Minn. Aclmish Taxes 

Show- Sept. Increase 

Minneapolis, Oct. 14. 
For the first time in months, ad- 
missions taxes in Minnesota, in Sep- 
tember, showed an increase over the 
corresponding month a year ago, ac- 
cording to the collector of internal 
revenues' report. This is taken to 
indicate by the film trade here that 
theatre grosses in Minnesota have 
turned upward again and are hitting 
new all-time highs. The admission 
tax collections rose from $582,000 
last year to $617,000 for this Sep- 
tember. 

At the same time, nightclub busi- 
ness apparently continues its down- 
ward trend, as compared to a year 
ago. 



Academy Mulls 

Continued from page 7 es 

reels with much of the footage 
snapped by Thomas A. Edison him- 
self, includes the 1904 film of the 
Jack Johnson— Ed Flynn fight at 
Las Vegas. 

Walls claims to have developed a 
process for reprinting the photos 
back on film. He proposes the 
Academy take over the job, make 
copies of the most important film for 
preservation. He claims the job 
would take three years. Job of con- 
verting merely important footage 
would run about $50,000. 



New York Theatres 



pr*S«nt 



w 

XlFE WITH 
FATHER 



, POWELL- DUNNE 

J^N ELIZABETH TAYLOR 
EDMUND GWENN'ZASU PITTS 



WARNER 



THEATRE ■ BWAY Sis: 

OPEN IC 30 AM ■ l' ' "i** 



LATE MIDNIGHT FI1M • CONTINUOUS 



PALACE 



I James Sumkt- Jane WiWAN 

.ROBERT RISKIN'S 

MAGIC TOWN 

I mmiUM>.KUIWirm*ldhn • t^mik, «K0 mom noise »t 



"Disney at hii bell!"— Hirror 



Utah's „S^Srf« 



COLOR BY , 

TrciiNicoLOffA>tt4M3JU 

Distributed by fIKO Rattle Picture! 



RADIO CITY MUSIC HAU 

P.ocHelt'ller Centei 

"Katharine Paul Robart 

I HEPBURN • HENREID • WALKER 
in M-Ci-M's 4 

"SONG OF LOVE" 2 

SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION , 



"—The 

Foxes of! ^SJfc?^ 
Harrow! mjuom 



MX MAUtCIN 



HARRISON O'fiARA; BERLE 



"THE UNSUSPECTED" 

In Warner Bros. Picture Starring 
Jomii Cmilflehl • CIihmI© Kultm 
Amlrry Totter • Constance Ileimett 
■ ■■ml HatReld 
Introducing;: Michael North . 
Directed by Michael Ctirtll 
A Michael Curtii Preduetien 

III Pcrton BLUE BARRON 

ami HIS OHCBTesTR*. 
and JOEY ADAMS 

Mark PLANT • Tony CANZONEBI 

BROADWAY 'VVSV*.?,* 
AT 47TH STREET STRAND 




MPITOLt-sj 
larry (w) parks 

The SWORDSMAN 

(and the LADY) 
W TJOMKOiOl ft-cww nam 

tcSjeoBj CEDTRUDC NKKN 
IM er -renew aw IMC** 
Mi MOTTlf IN tttliirtt 



fAKAMOUHrs 




/ SAMUEL GOIDWYM preterite V 

J DANNY KAYE • VIRGINIA MAYO J 

ana) Mm CoUw yn Gi'r/l In 



V TfCHNICOLOK 



jtaj^ ON SCREEN ^ 


IN PERSON 




JOAN ROBERTS 


d CHARLIE 


PAUL HAAKON 


iff CHAPLIN 




If 'MONSIEUR 


Extra! 


mm VERDOUX' 


BUCK* BUBBLES 


HajJ» (The Modern 


Pins OTHERS 


Bluebeard) 





/f.*.r A lot'. &l 



COOPER GCDlhR: 



Wednesday, October IS, 1947 



Luckenbf s T-Zone Gets Fogged/ 
In Battle of Credits Vs. Studios; 
Stars 'Sec Me In' for Screen Guilder 



By JACK BELLMAN 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

It was a good old college try by 
Esty's .Tom Luckenbill and even 
though [it failed of its mission, it did 
keep the picture studios in a state of 
dither for a few days. It was an 
eld gripe that Luckenbill sank his 
molars into, that of loading a Holly- 
wood show with star and picture 
credits. What made it all the more 
unpleasant to Luckenbill was that 
Screen Guild Players, which is the 
industry's own show for sweet char- 
ity, should scatter plugs for any and 
all with wide abandon. 

That it has been the practice with 
other sponsors for the many years 
to condone the credits in view of the 
fact that neither player nor studio 
get one red copper didn't seem to 
soften Luckenbill's gripe. He was 
in there fighting for the firm's client, 
Gamel cigarets, and his only tenable 
prop seemed to be that a half hour 
show shouldn't be saddled with too 
much cinema comeon. To his credit 
let it be recorded that he nearly 
got away with it and the Screen 
Guild opener made no commercial 
mention of either Bing Crosby's or 
Ingrid Bergman's latest or imminent 
release. Only the producing studio 
drew a credit because, according to 
Luckenbill, "it's harder to get ma- 
terial than stars." . 

Enter the Heavies 

That's the way Luckenbill wanted 
it and that's the way it would be if 
he had his way but he reckoned 
without the studio radio contracts, 
whose main job is to get picture 
plugs in return for guest shots. A 
storm was brewing and Lucken- 
bill knew it but he's not one to stand 
idly while the big guns are rolled 
into position. First he won over- 
Jean Hersholt, prexy of Motion Pic- 
ture Relief Fund, to his way of 
thinking but it didn't seem enough. 
Came the dire threat, "the studios 
(Continued on page 36) 



MBS Wouldn't Mind a Bit 
If Johns-Manville Moved 

Mutual can be expected, if it 
hasn't already, to make a pitch to 
Johns-Manville to switch its Bill 
Henry news strip to MBS next July. 
It's regarded around Mutual as a 
happy coincidence that the net 
opened up a 8:55-9 p.m. cross-the- 
board spot for Billy Rose just about 
the time CBS decided to axe the 
same time period, which newsgabber 
Henry occupies, comes the expira- 
tion of the J-M contract next June. 
Why not, the reasoning naturally 
goes at MBS, offer Rose a different 
spot starting next summer, and toss 
the 8:55 strip to J-H? 

Strong selling point would be, of 
course, that the deal would permit 
Henry to continue his stint, possibly 
without even a week's break, in a 
time slot in which listeners have be- 
come accustomed to dialing him in. 
Acquisition of Henry would give 
Mutual a big news hypo and consid- 
erably enhance its stock in the gab- 
ber field, where the net has been 
long on opinionated commentators 
and short on topnotch straight news 
reporters. 



Generoso Pope's 
Yankee Net Bid 




FULL TIME TO PUBLIC SERVICE 

MACK SWITZER 

Top honors among regional net- 
work affiliates went to KLZ recently 
for Its Public Service programming 
in The Billboard's annual survey. 
One reason: The full time and atten- 
tion of staffer Mack Swltzer is 
devoted to this phase of KLZ prq- 
gramming. 

KLZ, DENVER. 



P&G's 'Beulah' 
Will Be Sepian 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
Procter & Gamble's long shopping 
safari for a replacement of "Mystery 
of the Week" has ended and "Beulah" 
won the nod for the five-a-week 
quarter hour strip on CBS. But the 
colored housekeeper won't be por- 
trayed by Bob Corley, who was 
brought out of the south by Ken 
Dolan. Soapmaker has decreed that 
Beulah be a woman and a colored 
one at that. Heading the candidates 
so far tested are Ruby Dandridge 
and Lillian Randolph, the field being 
narrowed to radio people as those 
with picture commitments were ob- 
viously bypassed. 

Adrian Samish of Dancer, Sample 
tt Fitzgerald barged into town to 
make the final selection. Widow of 
Marlin Hurt receives a royalty check 
every week from Dolan because it 
was Hurt who popularized the char- 
acter. Coast repeat of the strip goes 
to Don Lee as CBS couldn't clear 
time. 



Reports that Generoso Pope, own- 
er of WHOM, the Italian language 
station in New York, and publisher 
of II Progresso, has started dickering 
for purchase of the Yankee Network 
in New England, circulated the trade 
last week, with the parties con- 
cerned being tight-lipped about the 
matter. 

Since his acquisition of WHOM a 
couple years back, Pope has been 
bent on projecting himself more 
prominently into the broadcasting 
picture. 

Reports have it that Pope has been 
huddling with William O'Neil, presi- 
dent of the Yankee Network and 
General Tire factotum. Tire com 
pany bought out the New England 
web about two years ago, with John 
Shepard, 3d, staying on as gen. mgr. 
and board chairman. In recent 
months there has been talk that 
Shepard would like to retire from 
radio. 



Nets, Scribes 
Near Peace 
Pact Terms 



The Radio Writers Guild and the 
networks are reported nearing the 
conclusion of nine months of fairly 
constant negotiations for a collective 
bargaining agreement setting up 
basic conditions for freelancers. 
There have been two and three 
meetings a week lately. 

Both sides are maintaining a news 
blackout until the contract is in 
shape but information filtering 
through the rank and file of the 
Guild indicates that a series of com- 
promise formulae is being worked 
out. Writers will end up with a lot 
more guaranteed privileges than 
heretofore, but the. networks will get 
various protections they've demand- 
ed for their business hazards. 

Negotiations began last winter in 
an atmosphere of tension with a 
strike vote strategy by the "Guild. 
Since then much of the steam has 
gone down on both sides of the table. 



SEALTEST TAKES COAST 
RIDE FOR FIRST TIME 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Sealtest Village Store will peddle 
Its wares along the Coast on 18 NBC 
stations after being confined to the 
local KFI since its inception. Rea- 
son for the "slight" was that Sealtest 
is not marketed along these sun- 
bathed slopes but Kraft, also a Na- 
tional Dairies subsid, is and gets the 
product plug. 

Sealtest has been given the step- 
child treatment on KFI, being re- 
corded for rebroadcast late Satur- 
day night after its Thursday airing 
for the east. Starting Nov. 6 KFI 
will be in the Thursday night Coast 
lineup of stations. 



The Rating Is the Payoff 

The Hooper Sweepstakes are on. And here's how many of the 
top-budgeted shows fared. The highly-touted "Ford Theatre," aired 
in the 8-6 Sunday afternoon slot on NBC formerly occupied by th<J 
NBC Symphony Orchestra, came off with a 1.9 rating for its initial 
airer. (Factor, of course, in the poor initial tally was the fact that 
it was competing with the World Series game on Mutual.) 

Al Jolson and his "Kraft Music! Hall" crashed through with an 18.8, 
one of the highest initial ratings ever racked up by a new show and 
believed only topped by Frank Sinatra's 20.1 when he preemed his Vims 
show about four years ago. 

Jack Benny's in the leadoff spot, on the basis of new ratings thus 
far compiled, with a 20.6. 

Fred Allen grabbed himself a 16.9; Bing Crosby topped the Wednes- 
day night ABC parade with a J5.5, with Henry Morgan getting 8.7 
and Jack Paar a 7.5. "Duffy's Tavern" hit a 13.6, Eddie Cantor an 
even 12.0, and the new Spike Jones-Coca-Cola show a 9.2. 



Kaiser-Frazer's $1,200,000 MBS Deal; 
Hale, Stowe Bow Off in Reshuffle 



CBS: Simply Divine 

There was quite a to-do in 
Studio 3 at CBS hdqs. in N. Y. 
last Thursday (9) as the net- 
work" played around with a new 
programming idea— specifically, 
the auditioning of a Madame 
Florence, of Bergen County, 
N. J., who calls herself a psycho- 
metrist. (Winston dictionary de- 
fines it as "the alleged art of 
divination"). 

Ad agency and talent agency 
reps were on hand as guests of 
the network, while Madame 
Florence went through her 
hands-on-her-temples routine, 
with the aid of assorted stooges. 

Network now frankly asks, 
"where do we go from here?" 
in terms of translating psycho- 
metry for radio. As yet no- 
body's got the answer. 



ED EAST (EX-DUMKE) 
SETTLING IN H'WOOD 

Ed East has established himself in 
Hollywood after some 15 years in 
New York and is doing a chore for 
the Columbia Pacific Network, em- 
ceeing the participation stanza, 
"Meet the Missus." He did the same 
sort of work in recent years on NBC 
and WJZ, New York, locally. For- 
merly was teamed with Ralph 
Dumke,' in vaudeville and radio as 
"Sisters of the Skillet," 

Separately East has opened a 
package specialty office in Holly- 
wood under the title "Creative 
Recorded Spots" and is writing, per- 
forming and producing dramatized 
musical blurbs for regional sponsor- 
ship. 



BLUE BOOK STATION 
TRIMS ITS SAILS 

Washington, Oct. 14. 

The so-called blue book station, 
WQQW, which made headlines with 
news of its "distress sale" this sum- 
mer, has had an injection of new 
capital and has decided to continue 
on the air under same ownership 
but with new management. 

Station will continue to feature 
music but will shave down heavy 
symphonic load, try for more local, 
live stints and adopt commercial 
standards in line with the NAB code. 

New manager is M. Robert Rogers, 
former editor of Click mag and one- 
time Life editorial assistant. Perry 
Walders, former sales manager of 
WPIK, Alexandria, will handle sales. 
WQQW President Morris Rodman 
said enthusiastic response of listen- 
ers and offers of financial aid to con- 
tinue station resulted in stockholders 
decision not to sell. 



Eversharp Cuts Out 
Canadian Outlet 



Eversharp is fed up with the Ca- 
nadian market and is cancelling out 
its "Take It or Leave It" show on 
the CBC network. Last Canadian 
broadcast will be Nov. 2. 

Pen outfit, via Milton Biow agen- 
cy, bought the Canadian web about 
a year ago for a pickup of its Sun- 
day night program, but, due to Ca- 
nadian regulations forbidding men- 
tioning of prices, it was necessary to 
write separate commercials for the 
across-the-border audiences. 

Eversharp now believes, with *the 
current stress on 50-80% drop in its 
pen prices, the whole impact of the 
commercial rests in the bargain- 
counter rate. And if you can't men- 
tion that, company figures, what's 
the use? 

Eversharp-Schick's Henry Mor- 
gan show, carried on a delayed basis 
by CKEY in Toronto is also being 
dropped, effective Nov. 7. 



OTTO'S NEW CINCY POST 

Cincinnati, Oct. 14. 
Bob Otto becomes news director 
of WCPO Oct. 20, moving from 
WKRC after a four-year hitch of 
forenoon newscasting. At WKRC he 
worked -.with Tom McCarthy, who 
jumped to that station from WCPO. 



Wynn Father-Son Show 
Set at NBC; Web Has It 
On High Priority List 

That widely-heralded and high- 
budgeted Ed and Keerian Wyrin 
package was finally auditioned for 
NBC last week, with web prexy Niles 
Trammell reported considerably ex- 
cited over its potentialities. 

Network wants the package as one 
of its choice "reserve" items to dan- 
gle before its bankrollers as a re- 
placement for a current weak airer. 
(Web is presently sold out.) 



SANDRA MICHAEL DUE BACK 

Sandra Michael, co-author of 
"Lon* Journey," "Against the Storm" 
and other shows, is due back Oct. 27 
from a two-month visit to her native 
Denmark. 

With her mother, Mrs. Catherine 
Mickelson, she's arriving on the 
Grlpsholm. 



Four-Network Breakdown on Billings for August 

(Estimated) 

Weekdays, Sunday Sunday 

Mornings Afternoons Evening Total 

NBC ..: $845,632 $302,186 $2,971,938 $4,119,756 

ABC 2,082,794 198,148 1,104,431 3,385,373 

CBS 1,643,760 159,270 2,680,030 4,483,060 

MBS 420,923 194,740 886,093 1,481,756 

$13,469,945 

For First Eight Months 

(Estimated) 

NBC $14,397,690 $2,122,387 $26,185,579 $42,705 656 

ABC 15,184,140 1,412,303 11,105,441 27,701,884 

CBS 11,823,752 1,760,962 25,169,113 38,753 827 

MBS 4,760,517 1,840,682 7,863,221 14,464,420 

$123,625,787 



Mutual's news accent, long heavily 
weighted on the crisis-crying com- 
mentator side, is in for a splurge 
of "humanizing." Major step in this 
direction developed late last week 
with the inking of a $1,200,000 time 
deal with Kaiser-Frazer autos for a 
four-times-weekly evening news 
show from Hollywood. In the re- 
sulting network programming ' re- 
shuffle newsgabber Arthur Hale, 
whose twice-weekly Richfield Oil 
sponsorship ran out at the end of 
September, is being dropped and it's 
understood his web contract is not 
being renewed. 

Also doing a web bowout tonight 
(Wed.) in a revision of program 
slant is liberal commentator Le- 
land Stowe, sponsored 15 minutes 
weekly for the past 26 weeks by the 
United Electrical Workers (CIO). 
In. his place, Mutual newsman Ar- 
thur Gaeth will take over next week 
with a stint in which he'll tour the 
country with wire-recorded inter- 
viewing news personalities and John 
Public, latter to get his reactions to 
headline events. Gaeth is being 
taken off the Mutual staff for the 
duration of this chore. 

UE spokesmen claim no dissatis- 
faction with Stowe or urging from 
the net to shift shows, saying it was 
the union's plan all along to try a 
different type stanza during the 
second half of the year. 

Kaiser-Frazeft making its net- 
work debut, will bankroll a "News- 
cope" sequence featuring Wendell 
Noble as narrator and William M. 
Greene as editor, in a "human and 
understanding" handling of the 
news. Noble and Greene are both 
Coast newsmen. Show will be aired 
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays 
7:30-7:45 p.m. and Sundays 8:45-9 
p.m„ starting Nov. 4, over 425 or 
more MBS outlets. Swaney, Drake 
& Bement ad agency, Chicago, 
placed the order for K-F. 

New K-F show gets the Sunday 
spot of Danton Walker's and Hy 
Gardner's "Twin Views of the News," 
which will be shifted Nov. 8 to 
Saturdays 7:45-8 p.m. "What's the 
Name of That Song?" will be pushed 
back Nov. 13 from Saturdays 7:30- 
8 to same night 9:30-10. Tiny Ruff- 
ner's "Better .Half," now in the 
latter slot, will be axed. 

"Newscope" is a Jack Rourke 
Productions package. 



Pilot Radio to Sponsor 
fonim' in Key Markets 

Deal was being set yesterday 
(Tues.) for Pilot Radio Corp. to tak« 
on sponsorship of Mutual's "Ameri- 
can Forum of the Air" in 15 to 20 
key cities of the country starting 
immediately. It'll be Pilot's first 
venture in network radio. Sponsor 
will plug its Pilotuner gadget which 
converts AM receivers for FM re- 
ception. 

Negotiations are being handled for 
"Forum" by Nick Keesely, who re- 
signed from Mutual's sales staff six 
weeks ago to join producer Ted 
Granick in promoting sponsorship of 
the stanza. Nineteen-year-old "Fo- 
rum" is the oldest public discussion 
show on the air' and never before 
has been sponsored. 

Plan is to offer the airer for co-op 
sponsorship in cities not covered by 
the Pilot deal. Latter is being placed 
via the Grey Advertising agency. 



CARLSON'S NBC CHECKOUT 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Emmons C. Carlson, who leaves 
Oct. 16 to vacation in Guatemala, 
will retire as NBC's central division 
manager of advertising and promo- 
tion on Nov. 10. Carlson has worked 
for RCA and NBC since 1923. 

His successor is still to be named. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



IIAIHO 



27 



FCCS DIM, DENNY-LESS FUTURE 



ACCENT ON YOUTH 

Moveover of FCC chairman Charles R. Denny to an executive 
post at NBC as general counsel for the network effective Nov. 15 
highlights the entire industry-wide "accent on youth" trend. 
It's been particularly pronounced in recent months at NBC, with 
its sweeping realignment of executive posts designed to bring 
more youthful elements into policy discussion and formulation, 
a move which generally has been greeted with wide acceptance. 

However, it's something that transcends NBC thinking alone. 
A canvass of all the webs, stations, agencies and the various in- 
dustry segments would reveal that the postwar formats of 
operation are being spearheaded by men still in their 30's and 
frequently in their 20's. To say that the men over 40 are being 
cast aside is to stretch a point. But the fact remains that, as 
techniques and patterns change, as the more competitive era 
closes in, as the Awareness grows within the industry that to 
cope with the swift-changing events there is need for a display 
of courage that will be more readily found among the younger 
men, radio has been fast to embrace the new thinking. 

When, a couple of years back, CBS named its then 37-year-old 
Frank Stanton to the presidency, it may have been considered 
startling at the time. But actually its was the forerunner of a 
new pattern which found radio in general shaking the cobwebs 
out of its top-story. Mutual's Bob Swezey, who emerged with con- 
siderable added stature from his contributions on setting up the 
new industry code; the key operational role being played by such 
men as ABC's Bob Kintner, again offer evidence of how a com- 
paratively younger-bracketed element is projecting itself into 
masterminding industry policy. 

Stodginess today has little place in the scheme of things. And 
thus within the past two weeks NBC, in championing a more 
realistic approach to public relations to offset waves of criticism, 
turned to its 38-year-old director of publicity, Syd Eiges, naming 
him a veepee to dignify properly what they now consider an 
important job. Similarly through the whole NBC operation— the 
emergence of Jim Gaines into m & o station operations; the 
added stature given Harry Kopf, George Fry, Charles Hammond, - 
etc., reflect the hew "accent on youth" trend. At 35, Denny, 
heading for an important role in network operation, once again 
emphasizes the new direction. 



Ex-Sen. James Mead in LeaM Spot 
As Denny Successor— If He Wants It 



Washington, Oct. 14. 
The industry is already humming 
with speculation cm President Tru- 
man's choice for a new FCC chair- 
man, following Charles R. Denny's 
formal resignation here last Thurs- 
day (9> to take over as veepee and 
general counsel of NBC, beginning 
Nov. 15. 

Denny resigned in an exchange of 
letters with President Truman, who 
said he . "regretted exceedingly" to 
see the youthful FCC Chairman 
leave his government post. Denny 
wrote that it was no longer • finan- 
cially possible for him to remain 
with the government. He is expected 
to quadruple his $10,000 government 
salary at NBC. His resignation has 
been rumored for the past four 
months, when it was speculated he 
would not return to FCC after his 
No. 1 job of chairmaning three in- 
ternational radio conferences at At- 
lantic City this summer. 

Former N. Y. Senator James Mead 
heads the list of names being men- 
tioned as Denny's successor. It is 
(Continued on page 36) 

MILENA MILLER OUT 
OFKRAH-JOLSONSPOT 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Milena Miller drops out of AI Jol- 
son's Kraft show as a regular, but 
Is retained at full salary to stand by 
for occasional duty. She's been a 
featured femrae singer but due to 
stronger elements on show, as de- 
creed by John U. Reber, radio head 
of. J. Walter Thompson, that full 
play should be given the talents of 
Jolson. Oscar Levant, Lou Bring's 
orchestra and such guests as Thurs- 
day's caller, Bing Crosby. 

Reber said he's willing to accept 
trade criticism of having an all- 
rnale show in the interests of strong- 
est representation possible for the 
sponsor. 

Reber returns east later this week. 



Joan Davis Show Switch 

Doris Singleton has replaced Flor- 
ence Halop as a character stooge on 
the Joan Davis co-op series Satur- 
day nights on CBS, effective this 
week (18). . 

Show, originating in" Hollywood, 
preemed last Saturday (11). 



MORALE SEEM 
AT LOWEST EBB 

• ^Washington, Oct 14. 
Resignation of Charles R. Denny, 
Jr., from the No. 1 post on FCC, 
comes at a time when the FCC staff 
is at an all-time low in morale and 
organization. The commissioners 
themselves share the staffers' belief 
that there's no telling now which 
way the agency will move or what 
personalities and policies will pre- 
vail. 

Some observers here believe 
President Truman will have trouble 
getting a top level man to head FCC 
at the low $10,000 annual figure, 
fixed by law. Same salary limita- 
tions have seen the exodus of over 
25 lawyers and engineers from FCC 
in the past year. Result is that apart 
from the assistant general counsels 
and assistant chief engineers,, there 
are few seasoned staffers to do the 
spadework for a rapidly changing 
FCC bench. 

General instability of the FCC 
picture is highlighted in speculation 
that President Truman will try to 
nominate a strong Democrat to the 
No. 1 post. He is expected to look 
for a "liberal" with a radio back- 
ground. Some observers argue that 
few tcjdrawer men would be will- 
ing to accept the chairmanship now 
with a highly debatable election 
coming up in 1948. If the CO J. 
takes over, Mr. Truman's man would 
be demoted to a mere commission- 
ership and would probably quit the 
government. All of which adds to 
the gloomy picture at FCC. 

Jett, Webster Leaves Hurl 

Absence of two commissioners — 
both tops in the field— from Wash- 
ington in the next few months will 
not help the situation. Commission- 
er E. K. Jett may take off for a 
six-month stay in Geneva some time 
in January. He had planned to take 
leave from the Commission to head 
the U. S. delegation on the Provis- 
ional Frequency Board, which will 
open shop in Switzerland on Jan. 15. 
However, Commissioner Jett is now 
(Continued on page 34) ,. 



Biow Finds Ignorant' Is Bliss In 
Blowup of Dinah Shore-James Comb 



Changing Tunes 

When, about a year ago, CBS 
came up with its Arthur God- 
frey "Talent Scout" show and 
presented it to the Milton Biow 
abency for potential sponsor- 
ship, with a $7,000 a week price 
tag attached, agency did a lot of 
headshaking, finally turning it 
down as too much coin for a du- 
bious idea. 

Today the agency has a simi- 
larly-formated show, "The Big 
Break," with its Adam Hats 
client bankrolling. And it has a 
$10,000 weekly nut. 



Report Wismer 
Resigning ABC; 
Uridge Exits WJR 

Harry Wismer end ABC are re- 
ported parting company at the end 
of the year. Decision followed a re- 
ported tiff between Wismer, sports 
director of the network, and prexy 
Mark Woods, over the switching of 
Frank Leahy from co-op to tran- 
scriptions. 



Phil Cohen as Luckman 
Aide or Food Campaign 

Phil Cohert, radio director of the 
Sullivan, Stauffer, Colwell & Baytes 
agency, has been borrowed by 
Charles Luckman to handle the radio 
phase of the publicity camprign for 
food conservation. He's currently in 
Washington. 

As a former member of the Ruth- 
rauff & Ryan _ radio department. 
Cohen handled ' Lever Bros, pro- 
grams and became acquainted with 
the soap company president. He was 
also radio head of the Office of War 
Information for a time and is thus 
experienced in Government pub- 
licity. 



Admiral Radios J-Hr. Show 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Admiral Radio is considering a 
list of time availabilities submitted 
by the various networks. It will be 
a nighttime half hour. Cruttenden 
& Egar is the agency. 

Admiirl. which also manufactures 
refrigerators, was formerly on CBS. 



Detroit. Oct. 14. 
Nineteen-year association of Owen 
Uridge with WJR, G. A. Richards' 
50kw CBS outlet here, of which he 
was veepee and general manager, 
was terminated with unexpected 
suddenness last Wednesday f&) 
when Uridge walked out in. "dis- 
agreement with ownership" over the 
station's operating policies. 

The breach, which evidently had 
been brewing quietly for some time, 
left Harry Wismer. assistant to 
Richards, in immediate control of 
the CBS affiliate. Implication in 
Uriclge's announced reason for de- 
parture is that he could not see eye- 
lo-eye with Wismer. who has been 
directing WJR's policies for several 
months now. 

Wismer said a number of candi- 
dates for the v.p.-g.m. post w>re un- 
der consideration, but up to today 
(Tues.) no successor to Uridge had 
been named. 

Monday 113 1 Tom Harker, who re- 
signed as WJR's sales manager a 
fortnight ago. was named national 
sales manager for George Storrer's 
Fort Industry stations. Arch Shawd. 
former exec veepee of WTOL To- 
ledo, has succeeded Harker at WJR. 



Talent Safaris 
Taking On Size 

Only trend that has projected it- 
self in radio in a full season — the 
spotlighting of "unknown" profes- 
sionals — is assuming such full-blown 
proportions that the various produ- 
cers of such shows are now bemoan- 
ing the lack of sufficient acts. Rival- 
ry for talent is reported to have 
reached its peak, with the net re- 
sult that talent that under ordinary 
circumstances would be bypassed is 
getting showcasing on the coast-to- 
coast kilocycles. 

It started about a year ago when 
Irving Mansfield, of CBS, presented 
to the web programming dept. the 
idea which eventually emerged as 
Arthur Godfrey's "Talent Scouts." 
Subsequently there emergcu the 
Adam Hat "Big Break" NBC Sunday 
night show. Now Horace Heidt is 
going to do one for Philip Morris. 

Leonard Sillman has one on tap. a 
radio version of his "New Faces" 
musical legirer. John J. Anthony has 
also auditioned his "Opportunity 
Hour - ' show based on the same idea. 
I Paul Whiteman recentty preemed 
I "On Stage. America." another talent 
finding show on ABC. under Nation- 
al Guard sponsorship auspices, and 
| WMCA, the New York indie, has a 
cross-the- board local show, with en- 
gagements at Loew's State vaude 
house on Broadway as the payoff. 



A lot of unpleasantness has devel- 
oped over the scheduled replace- 
ment of "It Pays to Be Ignorant" 
with the Dinah Shore-Harry James- 
Art Lund "Call for Music" combo. 
And at the moment it looks like it 
will even take precedence over 
AFRA's "Show of the Year" as the 
most elusive so-near-and-yet-so-far 
airer of the embryonic season. 

Actually no contracts have yet 
been signed, despite the fact that 
CBS, which originated the "Call for 
Music" idea to fit in with the Philip 
Morris bid for the youthful ciggie 
market, took a few premature bows. 

For one thing Harry James is re- 
ported out of the picture completely. 
It's said that he didn't like the idea 
of that second-billing rating to Miss 
Shore. And if the show goes on at 
all. it won't be until the first 
of the year, although "Igno- . 
rant" got notice that it was through 
Oct. 24. What band will go in is stiU 
undecided, though it'll probably be 
Miss Shore's show with a non-head- 
line musical aggregation. 

As for "Ignorant," which has 
achieved the distinction of being the 
most kicked around on-again-off- 
again show in radio, don't be sur- 
prised, goes the talk, if it stays on 
for good. That it'll get an extension 
beyond Oct. 24 is now a certainty, 
and the fact that it's been given a 
IS-week extension clinches the- 
argument that, if the "Call for 
Music" show hits the air at all, it 
won't be before Jan. I. (Miss Shore 
expects her child in mid-December.) 

Milton Biow, whose agency han- 
dles the Philip Morris accotmt. is re- 
portedly plenty burned over the 
whole engineering of the musical 
show as replacement for "Ignorant." 
It's not the first time he's rescued it 
from oblivion. The fact that Al 
Lyons, head of Philip Morris, is 
anxious to tie. up the Dinah Shore 
show apparently isn't the be-all-and- 
end-all on PM programming deci- 
sions. 

Fact, too, that CBS, as incubator 
of the "Music" idea, has been set 
to name its own producer, in this itt- 
■v . (Continued on page 34) 



Gordon Cates to L&M 

Gordon Cates, until recently a 
vice-president and contact super- 
visor at Young & Rubicam. has 
joined the Lennen & Mitchell agency. 
He has a vice-presidency, with a 
stock ownership in the firm. 



F-C-B's MOOD American Tobacco 
Billings Eyed by Other Agencies 



Several of the major ad agencies 
are shooting at the American To- 
bacco Co. account, now held almost 
entirely by Foote. Cone & Belding. 
While the various agencies are un- 
derstandably demure about their ef- 
forts to cop the business, it's under- 
stood that Sullivan. Stauffer. Col- 
well & Bayles; Young & Rubicam; 
Compton: and Ruthrauff & Ryan are 
making, or readying, pitches. 

Indication that the account, long 
the major source of F. C. & B. billing 
(dating back to when the firm was 
Lord, Thomas & Logan i, might be 
subject to shift to some other agency 
recently when S. S. C. & B. almost 
landed the Pall Mall account on the 
strength of its proposed "Show of 
the Year" program. That sparked 
the other agencies to angle for the 
bu.-iness. 

All of the firms named have con- 
nections with American Tobacco. 
S. S. C. & B. has an obvious in 
through Don Stauffer. who is cred- 
ited with selling the company the 
Jack Benny series lor Lucky Strike 



sponsorship. He had previously 
dealt with the account as radio di- 
rector of Ruthrauff & Ryan, at the 
time it had the Pall Mall business. 

Young & Rubicam. which for one 
short interval had the Pall Mall ac- 
count, has an in with the tobacco 
outfit through Pat Weaver. The lat- 
ter recently resigned as advertising 
director of American Tobacco to be- 
come vice-president and raoio di- 
rector of Y & R. Compton's in U 
also through Pall Mall, which it for- 
merly had. N. W. Ayer has the 
American Tobacco television busi- 
ness. 

The American Tobacco advertising 
budget is understood to' be about 
$10,000,000 a year for all media. The 
loss of the account would drop F.. 
C, & B. from about $45,000,000 to 
$35,000,000 nationally and from $18.- 
000.000 to $10,000,000 in the New 
York office. The sponsor's current 
radio shows, in addition to Benny, 
include the Hit Parade and Jack 
Paar, both for Luckies, and "Big 
Story" for Pall Mall. 



ABC's WIS Buy in 
$411,(1 Snag 

Chicago. Oct.. 14. 
Negotiations for the purchase of 
WLS, Chicago, by ABC has run into 
a snag. There had been a meeting 
of the minds on the price, $4,000,000, 
but Burridge D. Butler, owner ot 
I the Prairie Farmer outlet, doesn't 
! like the conditions that have been 
attached to the offer. He has so told 
Mark Woods, ABC prez. 
Indications are that the deal is 
I anything but off and that consum- 
mation is just a matter of compro- 
mising on the set of conditions. But- 
ler has told ABC that he doesn't 
want to have anything to do with 
the provisos. ABC had figured that 
it could line up final terms so that 
papers would be signatured by Jan. 
1. Butler's recoil from the condi- 
tions may extend this somewhat. 

WLS and WENR (which ABC 
owns locally) have a time sharing 
arrangement that has existed since 
the formation of what was then 
known as the Blue Network. 



S-S-C-B WITHDRAWS 
FROM 'SHOW OF YEAR' 

; Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

\ Participation in sale of the AFRA- 
backed "Show of the Week" has 
, been withdrawn by Sullivan, Stauf- 
I for. Colwell & Bayles agency, 
. which had been conducting negotia- 
! tior.s. with American Tobacco Co. for 
.Pail Mall. 

| Don Stauffer, who engineered the 
American deal, released show to 

I AFRA so that other clients could be 

i contacted. 

Show, in which top air stars will 

i reprise their best programs of sea- 
son, is now sole property of radio 
actors union, with MCA acting as 

' selling agents. 



88 



1© 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Supreme Court Nixes Mester Bros,' 
On WOV; Henschel in Surprise Pullout 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

The Supreme Court yesterday (13) 
affirmed a lower court decision, 
which denied Murray and Meyer 
Mester the right to buy WOV, New 
York City, on the ground they are 
not qualified to become station li- 
censees. The high court refused to 
hear arguments or take jurisdiction 
In the case. 

Pointing to its own previous de- 
cision on WOKO, Albany, the Su- 
preme Court upheld FCC's refusal 
to relicense a station where the 
principals had concealed and mis- 
represented facts to the commission. 

FCC had turned down the Mesters 
because of allegedly false statements 
made to other government agencies 
in the operation of their salad oil 
business. The U. S. District Court for 
the eastern district of N. Y. up- 
held the FCC, but the Mesters had 
hoped to get a Supreme Court hear- 
ing. 

Meanwhile, in a surprise move, 
Harry Henschel, brother-in-law of 
Arde Bulova, watch king and prin 1 - 
cipal owner of WOV,- withdrew his 
bid to buy the station last Friday. 
However, it now appears that he'll 
re-file, in view of Mester ruling. 

The Henschel bid to buy WOV 
for $400,000 plus cash in the till had 
gone through the AVCO procedure 
with no competing bids received to 
match this sales ticket. Attorneys for 
Bulova and Henschel said only that 
the bid was withdrawn in view of 
FCC Inaction and pending litigation 
by the Mester Bros, last reason 
evaporated into thin air with Su- 
preme Court ruling yesterday, leav- 
ing door open for immediate trans- 
fer of the station. . 

In any event, Bulova will have to 
sell WOV in order to comply with 
FCC's ban on single ownership of 
two stations in the same town. The 
WOV-WNEW, New York City sit- 
uation, is the last case of dual own- 
ership on FCC's books. 



WOV Heads for $1,000,000 
Billings in 1947; Program 
Mill Runs 20 Hours a Day 

In the battle for billings among 
N. Y.'s metropolitan area indie sta- 
tions, the competition's getting stif- 
fer but there's plenty of bankroller 
coin around to hike the balance 
books. It's a case of going after the 
sponsor moola with all-around pro- 
motion. Case In point is Arde 
Bulova's WOV, which has hypoed 
its operations in all directions in 
recent months and is riding high 
fcillingswise. Ralph N. Weil, station 
manager, reports business is up 29% 
for the first nine months, with every 
prospect that it will pass the $1,- 
000,000 mark by the year's end. 
That'll be a new high for WOV. 

Indie has sewn up new biz via 
multiple devices. Since early this 
year, the station has enlarged its 
sales promotion and statistical staff 
to develop "audited audiences" 
studies based on listener-habits info 
gleaned from 30,000 "membership" 
cards sent in by followers of WOV's 
"1280 Club." Similar surveys were 
made of four other shows. Jumbo 
presentations of the "5 Audited 
Audiences" were drafted and the Al 
Paul Lefton ad agency was siglied 
to place ad copy accenting these 
studies. Ad campaign was staggered 
throughout this year in trade and 
fan mags and newspapers. 

Quietly, the indie also extended 
its programming to 20 hours diiily 
(including Sundays), adding nearly 
three hours a day to its previous 
sked. Now a round-the-clock sched- 
ule is under consideration. 

Trade talk has had both Barry 
Gray and Eddie Newman, ex-WOR 
(N.Y.) all-night disk jockeys, slated 
for WOV's 1-5 a.m. stint. Actually, 
neither is set. Station has talked 
, deals with both of them, but de- 
cided to let the all-night stanza wait 
awhile, pending development of a 
new program idea for the night- 
owler. 



Those Shore Gripes 

Washington, Oct. 14. 

NAB prexy Justin Miller ad- 
dressed letters to all Association 
members last week inviting 
them to file with him all gripes 
at Atlantic City hotels for fail- 
ure to honor reservations made 
for the NAB convention there 
last month. 

Miller said the NAB would 
undertake to take action against 
the hotels in question. The new 
NAB Board of Directors, at a 
post-convention meeting at the 
shore, directed the NAB head to 
"take strong action" against the 
hotels in question. 



AFRA Girding 
For Hot Elections 



Partial slate of candidates for 
members of the New York local 
board of the American Federation 
of Radio Artists has been named by 
the Independents faction. It in- 
cludes the proposed representatives 
of the actors and announcers. Can- 
didates to represent the singers are 
being selected this week. 

Slate to represent the actor con- 
tingent includes Les .Damon, Carl 
Eastman, John Gibson, James Mc- 
Callion, Ted OsbOrn, Virginia Payne, 
Anne Seymour, Carl Swenson and 
Lucille Wall. Candidates to repre- 
sent the announcers are Nelson Case, 
Ben Grauer, George A. Putnam, 
Dan Seymour, Richard Stark and, 
for the local independent stations, 
Joe O'Brien. 

The Artists Committee, the con- 
servation faction which was re- 
cently brought partly into the open, 
has not. yet announced its slate of 
candidates for the local board, al- 
though the election is to take place 
next month. However, the group is 
actively preparing for the campaign 
and may reveal its nominees shortly, 
although it has never done so in the 
past. 

Meanwhile, the group controlling 
the Artists Committee has arranged 
the coverage of the recent local 
membership meeting, at which the 
faction was attacked by various un- 
affiliated members, in the forth- 
ing issue of Stand By, the chapter's 
official publication. That is possi- 
ble because the AC controls the in- 
cumbent local board and the 
Stand By editorial committee. The 
treatment is to favor the AC. 

After a strenuous battle, in which 
local president Clayton Collyer, the 
official head of the AC, participated 
as an ex-officio committee member, 
a delegation representing the In- 
dependents exacted a promise from 
the editorial committee that the re- 
cently adopted declaration of policy* 
of the Independents would be 
printed in full in the next issue of 
the magazine. However, the edi- 
torial committee, on instructions 
from the AC's ruling clique, includ- 
ing Collyer, Ned Wever, Alan 
Bunce and William Adams, has 
since worked out the coverage of 
the membership meeting. 



C & 0's Info' Ride 

Chesapeake & Ohio is apparently 
sold on its acquisition of the Mutual 
co-oped "Information Please" and 
has extended its sponsorship from 
four to seven markets. 

C ft O, via Kenyon & Eckhardt 
agency, started with New York. Chi- 
cago, Washington and Cleveland 
areas. It has now bought in on Bos- 
ton, Detroit and Philadelphia. 



We Wuz Robbed, Cries 
JWT, Demanding Rebate 
For Murder Trial Cut-in 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Hottest news in Los Angeles and 
vicinity last week was the jury's 
verdict in the Overell murder trial, 
but it wasn't worth four minutes of 
Standard Brands' time to the Thomp- 
son agency so a demand for rebate 
has been made on NBC. Net's local 
outlet, Earle C. Anthony-owned 
KFI, cut in for a minute on the 
Charlie McCarthy show to tell of the 
jury's return to the courtroom with 
the verdict, and later on the Fred 
Allen program the verdict was given 
and controls switched to Santa Ann 
for a running commentary by Jimmy 
Vandiveer. 

Both inserts added up to four min- 
utes and the Thompson agency 
wants a kickback for the loss of 
broadcast time. An ironic touch, 
perfectly timed, was the appearance 
of Jay Jostyn (Mr. D. A.) in the 
guest spot with Allen just as KFI 
rejoined the network. His opening 
remark was, "a person is innocent 
until proven guilty." Both defend- 
ants had been cleared of the murder 
rap. 




From the Production Centres 



EVALYN TYNER 

If you're not up on the peregrina- 
tions of royalty — 

Evalyn Tyner, "First Lady of the 
Piano," has left the nation's Capi- 
tol and is holding court, in the 
Maisonette Room of New York's 
Hotel St. Regis. 

During her New York stay the 
Titian Queen will transcribe for 
Lang-Worth's BOO affiliates. 
LANG-WORTH, INC., NEW YORK 



Station Reps 
Squabbling On 
Blair's Blast 



All is not harmony within the new 
National Assn. of Radio Station 
Representatives, it became evident 
last weak. Stations were known to 
be squawking to the' reps over the' 
NARSR's endorsement of the pro- 
posed NAB code. It appeared many 
of the reps were suddenly in the 
awkward position of having to ex- 
plain away their code kudo to soothe 
ruffled clients. 

Cat was let out of the association's 
bag when one of the major partici- 
pating reps, John Blair, dispatched a 
letter to all stations his outfit repre- 
sents disavowing both the associa- 
tion's code endorsement and its peti- 
tioning of the FCC and U. S. Attor- 
ney General to curb CBS Radio 
Sales' "inroads" on the rep business. 
Blair said his N. Y. manager, Rich- 
ard Buckley, voted against both of 
the actions. Another major rep — 
others sources said there were two, 
George Boiling and Lewis Avery — 
also refused to sign the petition to 
the FCC, Blair reported. 

"It is our opinion that if a spot- 
selling organization of a network can 
do a better job than the established 
representatives," Blair stated, "and if 
the station considering their ap- 
pointment is willing to place the re- 
sponsibility for all their sales efforts, 
other than local, in the hands of the 
network, they should be free to do 
so. We do not think it is the Com- 
mission's business to all you who 
you can or cannot appoint as a na- 
tional representatives." 

As for the code endorsement, Blair 
said his firm felt "it is each station's 
own prerogative to vote on such mat- 
ters—not that, we are not willing to 
advise with you (the station ad- 
dressed) and any of our stations 
concerning the various strengths and 
weaknesses of the code as we see 
them." 

Red Herring? 

Close on the heels of Blair's blast 
came trade gossip that the reps in- 
deed did not "get together on this 
basis," but rather for the primary 
purpose of making war on CBS or 
iny other net toying with the reps' 
Having overwhelming, if not 



/ ♦ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦ MM ♦♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦♦»«♦♦♦♦♦♦«« ♦♦♦♦ »♦♦♦ ♦ ♦♦ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ 4 

IN NEW YORK CITY ... 

A. N. Halverstadt, advertising media director of Procter & Gamble, 
in Atlantic City last week to attend the Assn. of National Advertisers 
convention, contracted pneumonia and is hospitalized there. Reported 
making satisfactory progress, .. .Adrian Samish, radio production head 
of Dancer, Fitzgerald & Sample, left Thursday (9) for the Coast 
to be gone about three weeks. .. .William M. Ramsey, P & G radio direc- 
tor, will take a two-week vacation in the Caribbean, sailing from 
New York in mid-November . .. .David B. Howard, co-author with How- 
ard Breslin on the "Lawyer Tucker" series, has completed a new play 

for Broadway Dick Pack, WNEW flack, going to Cleveland Oct. 23 

to talk to Radio Council of Greater Cleveland oh "Public Service Use 
of Spot Announcements." 

Richard McDonagh, NBC writing chief, back from month's rest Rocco 

Tito, CBS assistant director, on duty after five-week motor tour to Cali- 
fornia Following resignation of Lou Frankel as radio editor, The Nation 

is relying on occasional pieces from Charles Seipmann— his latest, "New 

Wine In Old Bottles" Larry Menkin installed at Frederick Ziv., Inc., 

as script editor. 

BMB prexy Hugh Feltis billed as chief speaker for the annual Pulse 
luncheon Oct. 29.. Radio writer-playwright Harry Granick's unusual tome, 
"Underneath New York," about Gotham's sub-surface fixtures, is just off 
Rinehart's presses Ned Midgley, CBS sales service mgr., up to Wor- 
cester, Mass., last Wednesday (8) to address the ad club under WTAG's 

auspices Robert M. Reuschle, recently chief time buyer for Sullivan, 

Stauffer, Colwell & Bayles agency, has joined Headley-Reed radio rep out. 

fit in N. Y. as solicitor George Gallup and Sam Northcross on Radio 

Execs club bill for tomorrow (16) Marx Loeb, producer of "Greatest 

Story Ever Told," married Sat. (4) to Rita Murphy. Quiet ceremony 

Bill Todman and Mark Goodson, producer-director of "Winner Take All," 
readying a nighttime half-hour version of the airer cued for single- 
sponsor bankrolling. . . .Michael Carr, of Larry Hammond's office, into 
Doctors hosp for operation. .. .Amzie Strickland, Cathleen Cordell, Barry 

Doig and Ivor Francis new quartet in "Young Widder Brown" Abby 

Lewis into "Rose of My Dreams" cast Joe Boland added to "Katie's 

Daughter" players With next Saturday's (18) edition, Gary Stevens 

takes over as producer of Mutual's "Twenty Questions." He also directs 

the "Luncheon at Sardi's" strip WOR sending a jeep around to N. Y. 

area schools to demonstrate "Superman's" new giveaway gadget, the gy- 

rocket "The Tenth Man," new series of 15-minute dramats on health, 

with Ralph Bellamy as narrator, put out as public service by National 
Mental Health Foundation, to preem on WNEW in couple of weeks ... 
Lannie Harper, formerly production manager of "County Fair." made 
assistant to WNEW program director Ted Cott, replacing Kim Carillot, 
who is going to Coast. 

Edward P. Ehrich, ABC "coordinator" of the Paul Whiteman show, to 
wed Barbara Ellis of Manitowoc, Wis., tomorrow (Thurs.) in N. Y. Su- 
preme Court Justice Dennis O'Leary Cohalan's chdmbers. . . .Allan Steven- 
son into the cast of "Young Widder Brown" "Theatre Guild" originates 

next Sunday's (19) "Lady In the Dark" from Boston Radio actor . 

Michael Everett rehearsing in the legiter, "All Gaul Is Divided" Singer 

Michael Bartlett, recently out of the Marines after three years, hobbled 
up on crutches to do his first postwar air stint last Saturday (11) on 
WINS' "Your Town and Mine." Chopping wood at his country home, 
Bartlett missed aim and axed his foot. .. .ABC's femme gabber Pauline 
Frederick down to Spartanburg, S. C, to interview Jimmy Byrnes. 

IN HOLLYWOOD . . . 

Booking of Bing Crosby for the guest spot with Al Jolson this week, 
and on a Hooper night, has the Thompson crowd predicting that it will 
move him into contention with the leaders. In the washup of his Kraft 
deal, the Groaner was debited to the Music Hall for a pair of calls ... 
Scrappy Lambert moved over from MCA to Nat Goldstone' agency was 
head 1 of the radio department. Bernard Tabakin came in from New York 

to fill the MCA vacancy Zane Grey Show is being moved to New 

York with airing of Oct. 21 Plymouth is holding off on all deals until 

it has heard the record of Mickey Rooney's "Boys Town.". .. .Ralph 
Edwards has long been a believer that there's a story In everyman's 
life so he set about doing something about it. His record of "This Is 
Your Life" will soon be making the rounds. He called in 19 persons from 
all parts of the country to make the best selection for the sample 

disk Richard Aurandt went on staff at CBS as organist and drew 16 

shows the first week Don Stauffer says if he can line up three hold- 
out sponsors the deal with American Tobacco for "Show of the Year" 
is as good as in ...Walter Lurie, Mutual's executive producer, has heard 
so much praise about Fred Haney's aireporting of the local coast league 

games that he'll recommend him to Gillette for next year's world series 

More than 20 top names pitched in to give the GI's overseas a real Holly- 
wood Christmas treat via Armed Forces Radio Service. Platters will be 
flown around the world for spinning at bases and hospitals on Yule 

Day Jack Paar added Bill Jacobson and Alan Woods to his writing 

staff and dropped Hal Kantor. .'. .Andrew Hickox Productions sold its 
transcribed scries, "The Smiths of Hollywood," to Imperial Tobacco Co. 

for airing over a Canadian chain of 48 stations Ed Gardner hit on a 

new lack to warm up the studio sitters by playing the record of last 

week's show and each character mugging with his turn Art Gilmore 

took over the, announcing chore on Amos 'n' Andy Tiffany Thayer. 

copy writer for Standard Brands shows in the Thompson agency, around 
for two weeks. J 



IN CHICAGO 



biz. 

unanimously, decided in favor of 
this campaign, they agreed, accord- 
ing to reliable sources, that it "might 
be a good idea" to toss in some other 
actions so the war-on-webs move 
wouldn't appear a solitary reason for 
the organization. Hence, it's said, 
the NARSR's request to the FCC for 
extension of the two-year network- 
station contract limit, a move cal- 
culated to please the reps' clients, 
and the code endorsement, which i 
the reps apparently failed to see as 
a likely boomerang. 

Blair's letter to his clients, a copy 
of which was released to the trade 
press, also brought angry resent- 
ments from other members of the 
association. They accused Blair of 
making a grandstand play to his sta- 
tions and of violating an association 
agreement not to release private 
statements about the actions of the 
group. 



Bill Dooley leaves WBBM sales staff to take over as central division 
manager for Homer Griffith, station reps. .. ..Tack Scher, ex-newspaperman 
turned journalism prof, is news commentating on WEAW.. ..Ed Bon off 
off to New York on biz this week. .. .Jerry Ellis battling the flu.... Col. 
Robert R. McCormick heads speakers at WGNB panel discussion Oct. 15 
... .New Quiz Kids essay contest will offer eight two-year college scholar- 
ships. .. .Geraldine Kay gets title role in "Diana of the Crossways" on 
four "Great Novel" shows. .. .Morgan Perron; NBC flack, vacationing.... 
Ralph Edwards' "Truth Or Consequences" will originate from Chi on 
Nov. 1 and 8.... Sam Maxwell, formerly with the Risley Soap Co.. has 
.loined WBBM as sales service manager. .. .Alex Drcier speechmaking 
before Chamber of Commerce and Executives club in Kaycee. . . .Hal 
Miller vacationing in New York.... Maurice Copeland into "Terry and 
the Pirates" in the role of mustache twirling villain. .. .Ralph Hatcher, 
CBS mgr. of co-op sales, calling at WBBM the past week. .. .Bennett 
Orfield has joined WLS news staff ... .Frank Chizzini to New York as 
newest addition to NBC's sales staff there. .. .Disk jock Dave Garroway 
and columnist Irv Ktipcinet will co-m,c. the Harvest Moon Festival at 
the Chi Stadium Nov. 22.... "Vox Pop" originates from here Oct. 22.... 
John Barclay, Mary Afflick and Lee Bennett off to New York for Chi 
Tnb Fashion Show at Ritz Carlton Oct. 17. .. .Don McNeill named vice- 
chairman of National Safety Council's motion picture and radio commit- 
tee Bob Atcher ballading on WGN with Sterling Insurance Co. picking 
up the tab. 

Bill Carper, formerly employed at WBBM transmitter, joins the sched- 
uling dept.. .Don McNeill's son, Tommy, received fi.OOO letters during 
recent hospital stay ... Warren Jaynes exits from WLS to operate a 
hunting and fishing lodge on Brule river in Wisconsin. .. .Mort Jacobson 
auditioning narrators for new series, "This Is the Story". .. .Ruthie Duskin 
will be the quizmiss on WJJD's "Quiz Down." Her book, "Chemi, the 
Magician, hits the stand in Nov 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



TELEVISION 



29 



NBC'S GOT A VIDE O NETWORK 

! - 

— — — * i . — ■ ; • — ■ 

Jamaica Arena Tests Tele's Effect 
On Gate Via 5-Week Du M. 'Hiatus 



FM Enters fight for Tele's No. 1 
Channel; Stresses Need for Relays 



Washington, Oct, 14. -f 

Video broadcasters will have to 
do battle with the FM'ers as well 
as a dozen non-broadcast radio serv- 
ices (taxi, bus, police, etc.) if tele is 
to retain its No. 1 channel. The FM 
broadcasters moved into the picture 
here last Thursday (9), just as FCC 
postponed until Nov. 17 an oral ar- 
gument on the proposal to nip off 
the No. 1 video channel and relieve 
tele men of sharing any but the No. 
7 and 8 slots with other services. 
Argument was originally scheduled 
■ to open here yesterday (13). 

The FM'ers entry into the tele 
fight was brought to a head in a 
brief filed by Maj. Edwin Armstrong, 
FM inventor, and a statement from 
Leonard Marks, counsel for the FM 
Assn., both urging assignment of 
the 44-50 mc band (now tele's No. 1 
channel) for FM relays. FMA brief 
said prexy Everett Dillard will testi- 
fy at the tele argument on impor- 
tance of relays to FM networks and 
the need to bulwark FM web serv- 
ice if FM is to develop rapidly. 

Dillard, using his own Continental 
Network as a prime illustration, will 
point up (1) impracticability of pres- 
ent A. T. & T. facilities for FM net- 
works, and (2) unavailability of 
telephone circuits of 15,000 kc, 
needed for high-fidelity FM network 
transmissions. The telephone com- 
pany now has only 8,000 kc lines to 
lease to FM users on the Continental 
web. Dillard will boost relays as 
essential to successful web operation. 

Armstrong used his brief to issue 
a new blast at FCC and the networks 
for allegedly blocking development 
of FM before the war. The FM in- 
ventor said FCC erred after the war 
by pushing FM upstairs in the radio 
spectrum, adding that the Commis- 
sion, "in making piecemeal decisions 
affecting FM, has not always appre- 
ciated that some of the interests ap- 
pearing before it were anxious to 
prevent or slow down the develop- 
ment of FM, and were using the ma- 
chinery of the Commission for that 
purpose." He concluded: "There is 
even today an organized attempt to 
block FM development." 

Despite all these obstacles, Arm- 
strong said the Continental Network 
"is furnishing music of far better 
quality than any of the AM net- 
works. ... it is demonstrating an 
ability to operate more economical- 
ly within the region that it serves 
than an AM network, and it is grow- 
ing rapidly." 



][ Television Reviews :: 

7 » ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«««♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 



Newspaper-Tele Reps 
Huddle in Chi on Films 
For Video Programming 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Plans to supply films for video 
programming were unwrapped at 
closed sessions attended by news- 
paper-tele representatives in Chi- 
cago on Oct. 8, 9. Meeting was 
called by Jack Chertok, prexy on the 
Apex Film Corp., but United Press 
also got into the act. 

Apex plan would provide stations 
with three hours of 16m. film weekly 
in 10, 15 and 30-minute segs for a 
yearly total of 156 hours. Pix would 
deal with assorted subjects, ranging 
from comedy to femmc styles. An- 
nual cost, to be prorated among sta- 
tions that come in, would amount 
to about $1,500,000. 

United Press plan was outlined 
by Leroy Keller, UP business mgr.; 
Phil Newson, UP radio news mgr., 
and Mead Monroe, NEA sales mgr. 
Service would consist of newsreels 
and daily telephoto news stills at a 
flat cost of $250 for each per week. 
The packages would be put together 
in Washington. 

The meetings disbanded in what 
was termed "full accord." with the 
newspaper-tele representatives re- 
turning home to present the plans 
to stations owners. Private senti- 
ment of most was that both the 
Apex and UP video services were 
overpriced for an immature industry 
operating on a short budget. 



SEVEN ARTS QUIZ 
With Bill Slater, Robert Sylvester, 
Russell Malonev, Charles Payne, 
Gwenn Lux 
Producer: Wes McKee 
Director: Fred Coe 
35 Minn.; Thurs., 8 p.m. 
GENERAL FOODS 
WNBT, NBC, N.**. 

(Young & Hubtcam) 
"Seven Arts ., Quiz%, represents 
probablyj the closestTany "television 
quiz show has comeTy^'t to emulating 
the sparkle and verve of radio's "In- 
formation Please." Its success hinges 
on the same factor that first socked 
"Info" across — use of a group of so- 
called "experts" who are erudite 
enough to handle a difficult question, 
now and then but who possess, in 
addition, a quick and subtle sense of 
humor. 

About the only point at which 
"Seven Arts" suffers in comparison 
with "Info" — and it's impossible not 
to compare the two— is in the choice 
of emcees. Bill Slater, while a pleas- 
ant enough personality, didn't dem- 
onstrate the all-important knack of 
bantering with his contestants on 
the preem performance last Thurs- 
day (9) night that's usually evi- 
denced by Clitton Fadiman. Show 
could have been paced much more 
rapidly with a better assist from 
him. He's been taken out of his 
usual sportscaster role to handle this 
show, though, and might improve 
with more studio experience. 

Program is based on a book re- 
cently published by Jo Ranson and 
Dick Pack, publicity chiefs of WHN 
and WNEW, both N. Y. indies, re- 
(Continued on page 34) 





PhiDy's Tele Bait 
On Dems' Conclave 



Philadelphia, Oct. 14. 

Phijly is making a strong tele 
pitch for the Democratic national 
convention in 1948, using this argu- 
ment on the basis that it was a 
strong factor in bringing the Repub- 
lican national conclave here. 

Roger W. Clipp, general manager 
of WFIL, has been named chairman 
of the radio-television committee of 
the All Philadelphia Citizens Com- 
mittee, which is bidding hard to 
line up the Dems for Philly's Con- 
vention Hall. 

Clipp held a similar post on the 
committee that went to Kansas 
City, and swung the Republican con- 
vention here. In this connection, it 
was pointed out the GOP's choice of 
Philly was influenced greatly by this 
city's television potential. 

The Philadelphians argued suc- 
cessfully that only a Philly conven- 
tion could be televised on a network 
hookup covering 13 eastern states, 
with 163 electoral votes. It was fur- 
ther pointed out to the GOP men 
that while Convention Hall can ac- 
commodate 10,000 persons, the ad- 
jacent Commercial Museum can ac- 
commodate 25,000 more — who could 
see and hear proceedings through 
television. 

Clipp and his associates will also 
tell the Democrats most tele re- 
ceivers are in the large eastern 
cities. 



T 

ON 'PEED' BASIS 



Pointing up NBC's increased em- 
phasis on television networking, 
scanning of the programs now aired 
by WNBT, the web's N.Y. outlet, re- 
veals the entire 18% hours' weekly 
output is fed to at least one other 
station, with several shows piped to 
three other stations simultaneously. 
For NBC, consequently, the long- 
mentioned video network is an 
actuality. 

Stations already linked to the NBC 
web include WNBW, owned and op- 
erated in Washington; WPTZ, Philco 
station in Philadelphia, and WRGB, 
General Electric outlet in Schenec- 
tady. In addition, both WWJ-TV 
(Detroit) and KSD-TV (St. Louis) 
are nominal affiliates. Lack of net- 
working facilities from N.Y. to the 
west precludes their receiving any- 
thing from NBC except two editions 
weekly of a filmed newsreel, which 
is shipped to them by air express. 

Because the nework is still in a 
basic, formative stage, NBC toppers 
decline to divulge the financing op- 
eration on shows fed to affiliates. It's 
believed, however, that unlike radio, 
sponsors buy time on the affiliates 
at the latters' standard rates, instead 
of paying the entire billing to a net- 
work for the net to feed out to the 
affiliates. With the A.T.&T. still 
permitting free use of its coaxial 
cable between N.Y- and Washington, 
the sponsor of course has no line* 
charges to pay. 

Of WNBT's 18% hours of pro- 
gramming, nine-and-a-half hours 
represent sponsored time. This is 
available to both WNBW. and WPTZ 
but not to' WRGB, which has not yet 
received a commercial license. With 
very little programming of its own, 
WNBW takes the entire NBC output, 
except for Monday nights when it's 
off the air. WPTZ takes nine hours 
from NBC, seven hours of which is 
sponsored. Both stations are fed the 
shows over the A.T.&T. cable. 
WRGB,' with nine hours of sustain- 
ing time available, accepts an aver- 
age of six hours weekly, which is 
fed to it over the new GE micro- 
wave relay.' 

Indicative of the sponsored shows 
fed to affiliate stations are Monday 
and Friday night boxing, both bank- 
rolled by Gillette; "In the Kelvina- 
tor Kitchen" sponsored by Kelvina- 
I tor; Lou Little's "Campus Hoopla," 
i sponsored by U.S. RubbefY and the 
j Sunday afternoon pro football 
j games, sponsored by Pabst Brewing 
Co. In addition. WNBW gets the 
"Kraft Television Theatre" and 
"Swift Home Service Club" but, un- 
I der present arrangements, does not 
pay for them. 

Other two N.Y. stations, WABD 
(DuMont) and WCBS-TV (CBS), 
also have networks in the making 
but on a smaller scale. WABD feeds 
much of its programming to WTTG, 
owned and operated station in Wash- 
ington, and also receives several 
hours of WTTG-originated shows 
weekly. WCBS-TV gets a feed for 
its Thursday night newsreel show 
from WMAI-TV (Washington Even- 
ing Star) and also airings of three 
college football games during the 
season. 



CBS' Black, White, Gray 

Final proof that CBS has defi- 
nitely abandoned its pitch for 
color television has come to 
light. 

Web's stationery, on which it 
sends out its press releases, was 
formerly topped by a camera 
superimposed over a block of 
colors depicting the full chro- 
matic scale of the spectrum. New 
stationery has the words "tele- 
vision news from CBS" on a dull 
gray background. 

Apparently not a web to go 
down without a last fling, 
though, CBS has kept the single 
word "television" in bright red. 



GF Preps Bigtime 
Tele Comeback 



General Foods is expected to be 
the first top-spending advertiser 
among those that recently re- 
trenched in television sponsorship to 
come back with a fullblown splurge. 

Results of the comprehensive 
viewer survey being conducted 
jointly for G-F by Benton & Bowles 
and Young & Rubicam are now due 
in Nov. 15. Extent of the firm's 
splurge into tele will be based on 
those results but, since they're al- 
most certain to be in video's favor, 
it's expected that G-F will hypo its 
tele spending several times above its 
present schedule. That belief is 
predicated on the fact that a total of 
75,000 sets in the metropolitan New 
York area, furnishing an estimated 
audience of more than 500,000, has 
raised tele to the status of a full- 
scale advertising medium. 

Survey is reportedly the most all- 
embracing yet ' attempted for tele 
and will furnish the two agencies 
and G-F with practically everything 



Final proof of whether television 
actually cuts into gate receipts of 
various sports events may be fur- 
nished by an experiment at Jamaica 
Arena, in Queens, L. I. 

Arena management, at the in- 
sistence of fight promoter Bill John- 
ston that video cameras be thrown 
out entirely, has called a five-week 
hiatus in DuMont tele's coverage of 
Wednesday fights staged there. 
Grosses for the next five weeks will 
be compared to the boxoffice take 
for the fiye" preceding weeks, when 
tele was in. If it's found that the 
gate has fallen too much, then the 
medium will be permanently out- 
lawed on all future Wednesday 
nights. 

Gate receipts, according to John- 
ston, have been cut as much as "5% 
j since his fights first went on the 
air. Average gross before the fights 
were televised was $4,500, he said. 
Last Wednesday (8), however, he 
took in only $1,600, despite the fact, 
Johnston said, that he staged a "good 
show." Promoter said he gets $300 
a night from DuMont and American 
Shops, which sponsors telecasts of 
the bouts. He demanded that tele- 
vision in the future buy a ticket for 
every empty seat in the house for 
the privilege of airing the fights. 

DuMont, on the other hand, in- 
sisted that tele will help build box- 
ing audiences, if promoters "show 
fights that the people want... to see." 
Whole problem, they claim, lies in 
the popularity of the fighters on the 
card. DuMont spokesmen pointed 
out that they televise amateur box- 
ing from Jamaica on Monday nights 
and pro wrestling on Friday nights 
but have had no complaints from 
promoters who stage those events. 

Johnston, according to DuMont, 
has been overloading his fight cards 
with colorless boxers who have no 
boxoffice lure. Now that the gate 
is falling off, he has put the blame 
on tele. "If good fighters are 
shown," they claim, "the audience 
will be hanging from the rafters." 
Belief is the same as that expressed 



that can be learned about tele in its I by Gen. John Reed Kilpatrick. Madi- 



Parish in Tele Bid To Kids 
To Keep 'Em Away From 
Those Swinging Doors 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

General Electric and the Catholic 
Youth Organization in Chicago have 
worked out a deal to install tele- 
vision sets in parish halls. Idea is 
to have each parish or its religious 
groups buy a set and pay for it by 
charging admission to see Notre 
Dame grid games and other sport 
events beamed via WBKB. 

Prelates hope the parish sets will 
keep youths from getting their vi- 
deo in taverns. Plan is voluntary 
but should pay off well since it car- 
ries the approval of Bishop Sheil. 
There are 244 Catholic parishes in 
Chi. 



present stage of development. Ques- 
tionnaires were sent out to viewers 
for their day-by-day reaction to all 
shows on the air. They'll also fur- 
nish information on their choice of 
shows, number and composition of 
the home audience, etc. These are 
to be followed by interviews in the 
field. 

G-F started its tele sponsorship 
several months ago with a full hour 
on WNBT (NBC, N. Y.). This was 
broken down into two half-hour 
shows, one produced by Y. & R. and 
one by B. & B. Recently the firm 
cut down to a single half-hour, split- 
ting the account between the two 
agencies on four-week schedules 
each. Y. & R. currently has the 
time with its "Seven Arts Quiz," 
plugging Jell-O. B. & B. comes 
back Nov. 6 with a new show to plug 
Maxwell House Coffee. 



TBA DROPS RATES IN 
BIG MEMBERSHIP BID 

Television Broadcasters Assn., in a 
drive to line up every station opera- 
tor and construction permit holder 
in the country, has reduced its mem- 
bership rates as much as $600 in 
j some instances. TBA board at the 
I same time admitted three new mem- 
1 bers to the organization, including 
j Havens & Martin, c. p. holders for 
\ WTVR in Richmond; Maison Blanche 
Co., holders of a c. p. for a station in 
; New Orleans, and Stromberg - Carl- 
son Co., video receiver manufac- 
turers. 

Under the new duos structure, ap- 
plicants or station operators in mar- 
ket areas of less than 1,000,000 are 
eligible for membership on a gradu- 
ated scale ranging from $100 to $400 
per year. Scale is based on the 
status of ihc station's construction 
.or operation work. Stations serving 
' over 1,000,000 can now become ac- 
' five members on a scale ranging 
1 from $200 tc $800. 



CBS PREPS ROBT. Q. 
FOR SERIES ON TELE 



son Square Garden prexy, who has 
long maintained that television will t 
benefit boxing immeasurably by cre- 
ating new fans, the same as radio. 

With sports promoters throughout 
the country beginning- to hedge on 
television, it's believed that results 
of the Jamaica experiment will have 
far-reaching consequences. It may 
set the pattern for most sports events 
for the future in trie rest of the 
country. 



Chi Now Makes Pitch 
As Tele Program Centre 
Via South Bend Relay 



Chicago, Oct. 14. 
Opening of WBKB's relay link be- 
tween Chicago and South Bend, Ind., 
on Oct 25 has zoomed in significance 
with the information that the sta- 
tion also plans to televise shows 
from its South Bend transmitter. 
.The relay link was completed this 
CBS comedian Robert Q. Lewis I summer ostensibly to feed Notre 
may soon star in his own television 'Dame grid games in Ghi. Latest de- 
show over WCBS-TV, the web's tele ! velopment raises the question of 
outlet. Under exclusive contract to I whether the "link" might not be the 
CBS for all radio and tele work, ! fi rs t branch of a potential tele net- 
Lewis is now huddling on possible j work radiating from Chi. 
format of the video show with Tony j Conceivably, WBKB could extend 
Miner, the web's national tele direc- , its link to pick up other remotes— 
tor - jfor example, bouts in Madison 

Present plans call for a zany j Square Garden or premieres in 
'news of the week" in review, ten- .Hollywood. The fact that shows 
latively titled "Dizzy Digest." Show i were beamed at relay terminals and 
will be done mostly on film. wilh:f,- om re i ay jumps along the way 
the possibility that. Lewis himself couW b e speciously explained as in- 
will be lenscd by film cameras for eidenlal to the primary purpose of 
part . of t he program. I picking up remotes. A transmitter 

in South Bend will give WBKB cov- 

Knox Bankrolls Col. Games ™&%^Z b %S**" a 

Knox Hats has signed to sponsor Capt. Bill Eddy, director of 
the remaining Columbia Univ. foot- WBKB, considers the Chi station to 
ball games over WCBS-TV (CBS, j be bounded on the west by the 
N. Y.). Sponsor Iced off its bank- i Pacific and on the east by the Allan- 
rolling activities last Saturday ill) 'tie. He expects other tele stations 
with the Columbia-Yale game. ; to sprout relay links like branches 
Agency is Geyer, Newell & Ganger, j from a tree trunk, and that, chill'un, 

Commercials are done live from 1 is how networks are born. 
Baker Field, where models display Other new development at WBKB 
men's and women's fashions. Knox 'is the launching of its FM arm, 
missed the first Columbia home which will be in operation within « 



game against Rutgers Sept. 28. 



I month. 



80 



RADIO REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



HEW WORLD A- COMING 

With Will Hare, Arnold Robertson, 

Joseph Roland, Scqtt Tennyson, 
. Wendell Holmes, Joan Tompkins; 

William Taylor, conductor; Ernie 

Stone, announcer 
Writer: Sol Fanitz 
Script Editor: Michael Sklar 
Director: Joseph Gottlieb 
SO Alius.; Tues., 9:30 p.m. 
Sustaining 
WMCA, New York 

Back for its fourth season, "New 
World A-Coming" is now heard 
Tuesday nights in the tough 9:30-10 
spot, dominated by "Fibber McGee 
8c Molly" on WNBC locally in New 
York. As heard on its seasonal pre- 
miere last week, the hard-hitting 
WMCA documentary was timely, di- 
rect and stining. 

Subtitled "Triple K." the stanza 
was written by Sol Panitz arid, as 
usual, was based on actual fact, using 
real names, places and incidents 
throughout. This, of course, gave 
it additional conviction, but limited 
it dramatically. The script, using 
straight dramatization and stream- 
of-consciousness, told of a returned 
vet who joined the Klan in his 
hometown, Atlanta, in order to ex- 
pose its activities. Discovered, he 
was beaten almost to death, but at 
the sign-off he and his wife swore 
not to take refuge up north, but to 
stay and join other decent southern- 
erns in fighting the evil there. 

Since a series such as this has no 
commercial prospects, but is frankly 
propaganda, it may fairly be judged 
on- that basis. Unquestionably, 
"Triple K" and similar straight 
melodramas perform! a valuable 
service, since they clarify in the 
simplest of terms the evil of bigotry 
and its inevitably murderous logical 
conclusion. But. in a sense, all such 
stark propaganda falls short of its 
primary objective because it appeals 
chiefly to those already convinced. 
Worse, it may even leave uncon- 
scious bigots personally untouched 
and thus reinforce their ignorant 
self-righteousness. 

The weakness of programs like 
"Triple K" is that they're inevitably 
about someone else, not the -listener 
himself. They don't dramatize the 
evil in self-identifiable terms for the 
listener. So the unconscious bigot, 
who is the prime object of the mes- 
sage, fails to recognize it personally, 
fie is swayed vicariously, sym- 
pathizes with the hero, dislikes the 
villain, condemns the evil — and 
learns nothing. • 

There are no conscious villains or 
bigots. So,-~to be most successful, 
propaganda on this subject must 
trick the listener into self-recogni- 
tion. It should not always present 
the bigot as an obnoxious person 
and the victim as a saint. Bigotry 
is no less stupid if the bigot is re- 
spectable, or even personally pleas- 
ant. And it is no less evil if its 
victim happens not to be a returned 
war hero, but just an ordinary mor- 
tal' with human failings. Members of 
minority groups, too, are entitled to 
their share of unattractive qualities. 

Despite their undeniable value, 
programs like. "Triple K" accom- 
plish only a fraction of their ter- 
ribly urgent purpose. They're good, 
but they and their like should be 
much better. Hobe. 



WHITE OWL SPORTS SMOKER 
With Mel Allen * Ross Hodges 
Producer: Harry Herrmann 
Writers: Allen-Hodges 
15 Mins.; Fri., 7:3» pju. 
GENERAL CIGAR CORP. 
WNBC, N. Y. 

(J. Walter Thompson) 

Vet sports announcer Mel Allen 
and Russ Hodges are batting out a 
pleasant, listenable and hep program 
for sports fans in their White Owl 
roundup. Program is an informal 
chat between the two on current 
sports events, inside stuff, personali- 
ties and the like, with anecdotes, 
biography to brighten it up. 

Friday's (10) opener had the pair 
gabbing about the recent World 
Series and what each player would 
get in coin; some football predictions, 
and some interesting sidelights on 
Levi Jackson, Yale's great Negro 
halfback. For tricky and effective 
comeon, duo added the slant of a 
prominent sports luminary appear- 
ing as guest, to be queried on his 
exploits, with the listening audience 
to guess from the confab who the 
guest was. First one to guess cor- 
rectly and phone in to the studio, 
while the show was still on, won 
several prizes. 

Stunt worked very well Friday, 
with phone ringing quickly, a 
Dodger fan from Brooklyn identify- 
ing the guest as George Stirnweiss 
of the Yankees, and Stirnweiss en- 
gaging him in brief conversation 
heard over the airwaves. 

Duo were own announcers, doing 
the commercials for White Owl 
cigars without overdoing it. But 
they did drag out the- explanatory 
matter about the guest-guessing sys- 
tem too long. Bro'n. 



SKULL PRACTICE 
With Mai Wyman, John Mooney, 
guests 

Producer-director: Craig Rogers 
30 Mins.; Fri., 6:30 p.m. 
Sustaining 

KALL, Salt Lake City 

"Skull Practice" is a sports "In- 
formation Please," slated to run 
through the football and basketball 
seasons, with listeners sending in 
questions to be answered by the ex- 
perts. Right how, they're hittins: at 
football, and missed questions bring 
free tickets for Univ. of Utah games. 

Mai Wyman, local sportscaster, is 
the emcee, and John Mooney, sports 
editor of the Salt Lake Telegram ap-- 
pears on each session. Guest ex- 
perts round out the panel of four, 
set up to answer the questions. 

Initial session on Oct. 3 was 
a brisk half hour, with good listen- 
ing for football fans. Wyman does 
a sock job, keeps the show on a 
strictly informal basis, and doesn't 
let any dead air kick around while 
one of the board is groping for an 
answer. He also has the knack of 
tossing in personal recollections, 
without sounding like an encyclo- 
pedia, and quips without sounding 
like a disappointed comic. 

Mooney should work into a good 
standby member of the cast, once he 
gets over his reticence about talking 
up. When he gets started he's co- 
herent and interesting. Guests 
Friday were Phil MeLeese, sports 
editor of the Tribune, who will al- 
ternate with Jimmy Htodgson, his as- 
sociate; Ike Armstrong, coach of the 
Utah teams; and Tommy Kauluku- 
kui, coach of the visiting teams. 
None of the guests was particularly 
outstanding as a mike personality, 
but they did come up with some 
pretty hot answers to tough ques- 
tions. 

Aside from a prepared open and 
close, the show is strictly ad lib, 
with Wyman doing a slick job from 
start to finish. Production was a 
fliltle shaky on the foreem, but 
Should straighten out after a few- 
sessions are under the belt. Berl. 



THROUGH THE TEARS 

With EjUeen Farrell, Rosalind Mar- 
quis, William Pickett, Ken Meeker, 
Bob Ftoarnoy, Barry Bins ham, 
Hubert Hulsell's Orch, WHAS 
Chorus 

Producer-director: Peter Disney 
6* Mins.; Tues., 8:3ft p.m. 
Sustaining 
WHAS, Louisville 

Louisville's 50,000 - watter cele- 
brated its silver jubilee (1922-1947) 
with a full week of events at Me- 
morial Auditorium, this anniversary 
airing marshalling the full staff 
complement to give its friends and 
listening audience a full-hour's show 
which evidenced a world of earnest 
preparation, and came off as a real 
success. 

Robert Hutsell's augmented orch 
(34) teed off with "Say It With Mu- 
sic." and was heard during the 
stanza in smooth renditions of "Ja- 
lousie," "Claire de Lune." "Hora 
Stoccata." Eileen Farrell. dramatic 
soprano, down from CBS to assist 
WHAS in celebrating the anniver- 
sary, gave the local listeners a real 
treat with her full-bodied singing 
of "Pace Pace" from "La Forza del 
Destino" by Verdi, returning later 
for "Danny Boy," "Come to the 
Fair." and a gracious gesture to 
Clifford Shaw, local composer, with 
a sensitive treatment of "If Thou 
Wouldst Sing to Me." 

Bob Reid. who * jumped from 
WHAS to his own spot on the CBS 
net, was on . for one tune "Blue 
Skies." He has developed an ease 
in his chirping which has brought 
out his vocal capabilities. Bill 
Pickett showed to excellent advan- 
tage vocally with his warbling of 
"If I Loved /You" backed by the 
mixed chorus, and teamed with Miss 
Farrell in the duet "Bess, You Is 
My Woman" from "Porgy and Bess" 
to close the show. 

' WHAS staff vocalist. Rosalind 
Marquis, made her usual good im- 
pression with a neat throaty voiced 
warbling of "Boy Next Door." Mixed 
chorus, trained and directed by Ed 
Barrett, had opportunity with a 
medley "Dancing in the Dark" and 
"Let's Face the Music," and voices 
were well blended and flexible, 
comparing favorably with network 
vocal groups. 

Barry Bingham, whose father 
Judge Robert W. Bingham founded 
the station 25 y«airs ago. made a brief 
talk outlining the ideals which 
prompted the entry into the broad- 
cast field, and promised the same 
adherence to those ideals and aims 
in the quarter century now starting. 

Bob Flournoy and Ken Meeker 
were personable and concise m.c.'s 
and swell production and directorial 
job was to the credit of Peter Dis- 
nev. station's production chief. 
' Show was a fitting tribute to the 
station, which occupies a high uo- 
sition in the industry for its pio- 
neering and devotion to high ideals 
of public service. Hold. 



[Follow-up foment ! 

r * 

» ♦♦ • ♦♦■»♦♦« « » 

Walter Winehell quotes historical 
milestones to support his present at- 
titude against "warmongering" and 
history will also prove the commen- 
tator's justification— or otherwise— 
in his present attacks on the Soviet 
menace. For it's no longer a gag that 
"Winehell has declared war on Rus- 
sia"; this past Sunday was his third 
successive non-chitchat newscast, 
bearing down on the presently 
strained Russo-U.S. diplomatic rela- 
tions. 

Winchell's sponsor's courage is to 
be admired as much as his own for 
giving the commentator the latitude 
he enjoys these Sunday nights. It's 
also noteworthy that in this day and 
age of studiously impartial commen- 
tation, Winehell is perhaps the lone 
remaining interpretative or "angled" 
news commentator. 

"Big Sister" and "Ma Perkins" are 
carrying some wacky commercials 
these days. For instance, on ,? Big Sis- 
ter," the copy declares that Ivory soap 
is "sudsier." Not "sudsier than," just 
"sudsier." That presumably means the 
same amount of soap makes more 
suds than other brands do. But does 
it? If so, the Federal Trade Com- 
mission would permit P & G to say 
so specifically. But the copy doesn't 
say so, suggesting that no such state- 
ment would be valid. Or does "sud- 
sier" mean that Ivory makes suds 
more quickly than other soaps? If 
so, would the FTC permit that spe- 
cific claim? Or is "sudsier" merely 
one of those intentionally meaning- 
less comparative adjectives of the 
advertising vocabulary. In other 
words, does "sudsier" mean only that 
Ivory soap makes more suds faster 
than, say, cobblestones? As for the 
Oxydol commercials on "Ma Per- 
kins." they're notable chiefly because 
of the attention-getting product iden- 
tification, in which a femme voice 
cries, "That new. new NEW sparkle 
Oxydol," all with a rapidly rising in- 
flection and with the third "NEW" 
uttered in a moppet-like squeal. M 
P & G isn't careful; Lucky Strike 
will be suing for artistic (a euphem- 
ism) piracy. 

"Lam *n' Abner," the indestructible 
hayseed hokum comedy series from 
Hollywood, has moved from the ABC 
network to CBS and is now heard 
Mondays-through-Fridays at 5:45-6 
pjn., ET. for Miles Laboratories. It's 
still the same show, of course, which 
means it's a "must" for its own loyal, 
if limited, audience. It's the radio 
counterpart of the old rube act of 
vaudeville, based upon cartoon char- 
acters, labored illiteracies, ripe puns, 
a kind of genial simple-mindedness 
and an undercurrent of unobtrusive 
native shrewdness. There probably 
never has been and never will be an 
unkind or suggestive word spoken 
on the series. The principals con- 
tinue to be Lum Edwards (Chet 
Lauck) and Abner Peabody (Norris 
Goff) and the locale is their clut- 
tered Jot-'Em-Down general store in 
Pine Ridge, Ark. There's an organ 
musical background, and the com- 
mercial copy for Alka-Seltzer and 
One-a-Day vitamins has all the 
brevity and subtlety of a patent- 
medicine man. 



INSIDE NEW YORK 

With Jay Latimer 

15 Mins.; Mon. thru Sat., 12:15 p.m. 

Sustaining 

WINS, N. Y. 

If Jay Latimer can sustain this 
reportorial stint on the human in- 
terest level of his initial show, 
"Inside New York" will build a 
healthy following among early p.m. 
dialers. Latimer has a congenial 
air personality, a simple style and 
a good nose for novel angles with 
which to cover his New York 
metropolitan beat. 

Kickoff stanza (13) was filled with 
Latimer's recital of an interview he 
had with a real-life private detec- 
tive who made some sour comments 
concerning the authenticity of his 
sleuthing counterparts in films and 
radio. It was good feature coverage. 
Latimer also engaged in some film 



"Crime Photographer" (Anchor 
Ho.:king) is occasionally gabby in 
plot exposition by contrast with 
some of the trick whodunits on the 
air today, but the author, Alonzo 
Deen Cole, plants his elements care- 
fully and this pays off in a story 
that is easier to believe and follow. 
Another valuable variation from 
current norm is the underplaying, 
fuller-bodied characterizations, both 
unusual in a bang-bang stanza. John 
Dietz directs this show, a CBS pro- 
gram department package. Couple 
weeks ago story opened with an in- 
nocent man released from the pen 
after serving 10 years for the mur- 
der of his wife who is still alive and 
now rich. That was a provocative 
premise and got conflict values es- 
tablished which ofTest the routine 
expectation of a real homicide. 



"Echoes of the Big Time." nightly 
recorded series on WMCA. New 
York, suffers from clumsily preten- 
tious continuity. The old records, 
supplied by Joe Franklin, including 
many ot the top numbers of the all- 
time greats of the last 40-odd years, 
arc sock entertainment as well as a 
unique education in show business 
history. But that grandiloquent 
script, attempting to create the il- 
lusion of a performance at the old 
Palace, on Broadway, is illusion- 
shattering. A directly opposite ap- 
proach would be preferable. Thus, 
introducing an old Cantor number, 
the announcer might simply offer a 
few data about the star and. if pos- 
sible, his connection with the song. 
The facts of Cantor's career, par- 
ticularly if pointed with some refer- 
ence to the particular number, would 
be vastly more interesting (and illu- 
sion-creating) than a patchwork of 
corny "glamor" adjectives. Same 
would naturally be true of Jolson, 
Belle Baker. Jones & Hare. etc. 



criticism, handing out a thumbs 
down verdict on the new British en- 
try, "Hungry Hill." Session has a 
pleasant, chatty air that should fit 
the bill. Herm. 



CHICAGO THEATRE OP THE AIR 
With Morton Bowe, Brendas Lewis, 
Graciela Rivera, Ruby Mercer, 
William Conroy- and chorus (18); 
Henry Weber, conductor 
Producer: Marion Claire 
Writer-Director: Jack LaFrandrc 
60 Mins.; Sat. 9 p.m., CT 
Sustaining 

Mutual, from Chicago 

It would be hard to find elements 
more incompatible than those 
thrown together on the season's 
opener (11) of "Chicago Theatre 
of the Air." The elements were the 
atom bomb and "Die Fledermaus" 
— doomsday and piffle. 

CoL Robert R. McCormick, editor 
and publisher of the Chicago Trib- 
une, led off the macabre session 
with a 14-minute discourse on the 
A-bomb shelter that, will occupy a 
sub-cellar of Trib-owned Station 
WGN. The colonel, who was intro- 
duced as "the man responsible for 
this entire broadcast series," de- 
scribed the shelter right down to its 
Geiger counters and cans of pine- 
apple juice which, he explained, is 
useful in treating radium burns. 
Danger of a tidal wave from an A- 
bomb exploding in Lake Michigan 
was ruled out on the theory that 
buildings between the lake and the 
Trib shelter would break the force 
of the wave. 

Turning to "Chi Theatre of the 
Air," Co!. McCormick said it was 
started seven years ago as an jit- 
tempt to make opera and operettas 
intelligible to Americans. Back at 
that time, according to him, 'the 
mere mention of opera and light 
opera meant something boring _to 
the average American listener. He 
indicated that the Americanization 
program had won out — "Our re- 
sponse from American families has 
been tremendous." 

After the Colonel's intro, ( the 
lightbearted posturing of "Die 
Fledermaus" had the tang of. flat 
champagne. The numbed audience 
stirred feebly several times but 
Strauss' chitchat of 1874 hadnt a 
chance with A-bomb horrors of 1947. 
Singing and music were uniformly 
good. The dialog, which according 
to the Colonel was '.'rewritten to 
make sense," reached its high m 
"you're a human boobytrap and Its 
low in the repeated "I seeitall now. 
The carpentry required to cut the 
operetta to 40 minutes was on the 
whole successful, but as a job ot 
streamlining it added up to putting 
chrome bumpers on a buggy. 

"Chicago Theatre" originated as a 
showcase for Marion Claire, who re- 
tired as prima donna last year, and 
her husband Henry Weber, who con- 
tinues as conductor. WGN budgets 
the show at $7,500. which makes it 
one of the most expensive packages 
out of Chi. It and the annual Tnb- 
promoted "Chicagoland Music Festi- 
val" are regarded as the special pets 
of Col. McCormick. 

For this occasion "Die Fleder- 
maus" could well have been sub- 
titled, "Bat Out of Hell." Baxt. 



WOMAN'S WORLD 

With Clover Holly, Vern Hansen 

Producer: Harold Azine 

30 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 4:30 pan. 

Participating 

WTOP-CBS, Washington, D. C. 

This half-hour of iridescent chit- 
chat covering -everything from the 
cream of the news to human in- 
terest items of fact and fancy, beauty 
hints, interviews with femme celeb- 
rities, etc. should go over well with 
that segment of the daytime audi- 
ence which is already suffering from 
over-exposure to the weep-as-you- 
sweep dramas earlier in the day. 
Stint should also appeal to those 
femmes who don't come near their 
radios till the soapers have signed 
off for the afternoon. Show, which 
preemed Sept. 4. stacks up best as 
switcheroo. to bridge the gap be- 
tween daytime and nighttime listen- 
ing and is geared to appeal to wide 
range of femme audiences. 

Format has duo of Clover Holly 
and Vern Hansen tee off with 
flashbacks on important birthdays 
and historical events identified with 
the particular date; skim through 
human interest items in the news 
(i.e., two-and-a-half million less 
spinsters now than a decade ago, 
the stork that escaped from tie 
Chicago zoo. etc.); pick up the local 
angle by recounting activities of 
prominent femmes in town: review 
local film houses and other enter- 
tainment features; retell an old 
fable or relying on some scientific 
pronunciamento, puncture a popular 
misconception or old wives' tale. 

Side by side with this variegated 
diet. Holly and Hansen throw in 
beauty or charm school hints or 
change the pace of their dialog by 
interviewing a local bigwig from the 
distaff side of the diplomatic corps, 
etc. Show winds up with the usual 
briefer on the day's news which 
pleasantly enough, is not distilled 
down for femme consumption. 

WTOP undoubtedly picked a good 
man and woman team for this job 
but even their radiogenic voices 
need some break after the first 15 
minutes. Show would not lose m 
quality either by being shaved down 
or by introducing a couple of musical 
numbers or a transcribed dramatic 
skit of some ldnd. The Holly-Han- 
sen team move along at a fast ef- 
fervescent pace but probably pack 
in, as a result, more interesting 
trivia than the average listener 
wants within a single show. A 
change of pace would improve the 
stanza. l/oif. 



HERE COMES TOMORROW 
WV"i Janiee Kingslow, Wez-Lin Til- 
den, Jack Gibson, Oscar Brown, 
Harris Gaines 
Writer-Producer: Richard Durham 
Director: Allen Harris 
15 Mins.; Mon., Wed, Fri, 1* ajn. 
METROPOLITAN MUTUAL AS- 
SURANCE CO. 
WJJD, Chisago 

(Dauis, Youna &iPou;e!l) 
"Here Comes Tomorrow" is the 
first soaper in Chicago, if not 
America, to be completely Negro in 
all details, including the sponsor and 
agency. Billed as the "first authen- 
tic serial of an American Negro 
family," it doesn't carry out the full 
implications of that statement. For 
one thing, it bypasses the economic 
facts of Negro life through the 
simple device of dealing with a 
moderately prosperous doctor's fam- 
ily. 

Even so, for a soaper, "Here 
Comes Tomorrow" has enough di- 
rectness to give Ma Perkins an at- 
tack of the tizzies. In a flashback on 
a recent stanza, a Negro vet of the 
AAF, who had downed several Nazi 
planes, bitterly remarked "I thought 
I could shoot down Jim Crow in the 
same way." Script also took overt 
punches at bigotry and the denial of 
democratic rights. 

Basic situation stems from a stern, 
domineering father, Dr. Redmond, 
who is a stuffed shirt. His kids are 
squirming under the paternal thumb, 
despite conciliatory efforts of the 
mother, who is long suffering but 
loyal. One son has returned from 
the war stricken by amnesia. Among 
the things he's forgotten is. the fact 
that he had .committed a murder. 
His sweetheart remembers this and 
a lot more, since he's now apathetic 
when he onca burned. 

The scripting is skillful, although 
some" scenes tend to develop too fast, 
with the characters making split 
second shifts in emotions. One actor 
was badly off mike and several fades 
were too abrupt. All in all though, 
it added up to a quarter hour of 
sustained interest, in some respects 
more valid than sister serials on the 
networks. 

The commercials were dignified 
and effective, sounding the com- 
munity service and family security 
note. There'll be lather for the spon- 
sor from this soaper. Baxt. 



THE AUTHOR SPEAKS HIS PIECE 

With Walter White 

Producer: Dick Pack 

30 Mins.; Mon. (13), 10 p.m. 

Sustaining 

WNEW, N Y. 

Fairly novel idea here— brought to 
the N. Y. indie by its new publicity 
chief, Dick Pack — is to select signifi- 
cant, current pieces of writing and 
have them read over the air by 
their authors. Series will be aired 
on an irregular basis. Stanzas are 
plattered: 

For the teeoff, Walter White, exec 
secretary of the National Assn. for 
the Advancement of Colored Peo- 
ple, gave a compelling recitation of 
his "Why I Remain a Negro," the 
lead article in the current Saturday 
Review of Literature. Ordinarily a 
half-hour would seem a palling 
length for a straight reading, but 
such was the challenging nature of 
this piece, sprinkled as it was with 
pointed anecdotes, and such was 
White's clear, restrained enunciation 
of it. that it gripped the listener's 
attention. 

Actually, of course, the listener 
would not know he was listening to 
a magazine article, rather than a 
straight talk, unless he were told. 
However, the fact that the "talk" is 
an article which has appeared in a 
national publication of standing 
gives it a stamp of authenticity and 
serves to give the airer listener-pull 
beyond that of a straight talk. 

Professional writers aren't neces- 
sarily gocd speakers or readers. 
Success of succeeding sequences will 
depend to some extent on how well 
the authors of the selected material 
can "read back" their copy. Doan. 



Transcription Review 



THE FOG LIFTS 

Willi Les Tremayne, William Sears, 
Jee De Santis', John Griggs, Bob 
Quigley, Ray Morgan; Bernard 
Lenpow, announcer 

Writer: William Sears 

Producer-Director: Sylvan Tapllngcr 

15 minutes 

BAHAI WORLD FAITH 

This series of 13 platters have 
enough of a novel twist, for religious 
airers to garner some interest for 
the Bahai World Faith.- a creed 
stressing internationalism and broth- 
erly love. Dramats openly prose- 
lytize for this new religion but the 
message is encased in the up-to- 
the-minute format of a typical air 
meller. They have an echo of 
crime shows without .losing sight of 
their central serious theme. 

One session is an amusing satire 
on the likely fate of a new Messiah 
in the modern world. In one corner, 
an oatmeal manufacturer tries to get 
an endorsement of his product, and 
in another, some bookies try to 
snare him to foretell horse- racing 
results for their syndicate. Moral 
being that if a saviour did appear, 
he'd never be recognized in his true 
purpose. Cast, headed by Les Tre- 
mayne, turn in good performances 
in a neat overall production. Herm. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



RADIO REVIEWS 



81 



PITCHING HORSESHOES 

With Billy R«se. Frank Waldecber, 

announcer 
Producer-director: Joe Brattain 
Writer: Rose 

K Mlns.; Mon.-thru-Fri, 8:55 p.m. 

KREML-MUSTEROLE 

MBS, from New York 

" (Erwin Wasey) 

Billy Rose, the Pooh-Bah of Show 
Biz, has now taken on another chore, 
that of radio commentator. His pro- 
gram title "Pitching Horseshoes" is 
admittedly aimed to be like his 
newspaper column of the same 
name and the opening airer Mon- 
day (13) sounded a good deal like 
his introductory column in the pa- 
pers. 

Monday's program was introduc- 
tory laying the framework for fu- 
ture airers with some background 
about himself and his subject-mat- 
ter In a sense, therefore, it's dif- 
ficult to judge the program until a 
couple more are heard. But based 
on the intro, the program sounds 
promising. Rose's distinct person- 
ality came over the air successfully. 

He's a good speaker, with good 
diction and enunciation, and a hep 
language. His simple, slangy ap- 
proach is open and easy, and quite 
listenable. The breezy style, the 
brash, uninhibited manner carries 
authority as well as appeal. And 
the program promises to be' original 
and distinctive as a survey of the 
Broadway scene as viewed by an 
authority from the inside. 

The Kreml opening and closing 
commercials (Musterole will share 
sponsorship on the five-day-a-week 
airer) seemed overlong, so that Rose 
seemed sandwiched in too tightly, 
and a little overshadowed. But he 
did hit his stride right off, informal- 
ly discussing what his series (of 26 
weeks) would be like. His wife, 
Eleanor, he said, had told him that 
if he was to do a program he'd 
better do it before tele came in. 

"What's my show to be like?" he 
asked. "The street I live in — Broad- 
way, with occasionally a dip into 
the Deep Think department. Why 
is he doing the column, with a thea- 
tre and nightclub to run, and a daily 
newspaper column to write? "Be- 
cause I'm a ham." He wasn't too 
sure of his voice; "Gabriel Heatter 
hasn't a thing to worry about." His 
self-styled "popcorn and palaver" 
program will definitely do, based on 
such stuff. Bron. , 



SOUNDING BOARD 
With Ben C. Hllliard, Jr. 
Producer: Shelden W. Peterson 
30 Mins.; Thurs., 9:30-10 p.m. 
Sustaining 
KLZ, Denver ■ 

To tackle 'political and civic hot 
potatoes in the Colorado state and 
area, local CBS affiliate has opened 
up a peak listening hour for a stand- 
ard round'table. Moderator is a 
prominent Denver attorney, new to 
radio, but an old hand at court-room 
suavity and wit. 

i Program is aired from auditorium 
of the Ley den Chiles Wickersham 
Post No. 1 of the American Legion, 
second largest legion outfit in the 
country. Organization gets billing as 
co-operator, and handles leg work 
of lining up speakers, building au- 
diences and promotion. 

Session of Oct. 9 pro-conned a bill 
pending in the state legislature to 
legalize pari-mutuel betting. De- 
fenders were Col. Thomas Dameron 
and Bert Keating, civic boosters, 
eager to give tourists another reason 
for summering in the Pikes Peak 
country. Opponents were state con- 
gressmen Ben Bezoff and Laurence 
Henry, both apparently up for re- 
election and working the old routine 
of protecting the home from the 
evils of gambling. Politics won, and 
banker's logic for the bill was lost 
behind the verbal pyrotechnics of 
the opposition. 

Only three weeks on the air, show 
is not yet as slam-bang as vox-pop 
shows Can be. 

Only show of its kind in the re- 
gion, it can build into powerful mar- 
ket place for ideas. Legion post, with 
over 10,000 members, politically 
strong enough to summon anybody 
from Governor, up or down, for 
questioning, which was smart tie-in 
by station. 



LORETTE TRIO 

Tues. thru Sat., 7:15 & 11:30 p.m. 
WROW, Albany 

WROW's first remote brings back 
to Albany listeners the origination 

fof live music from Schine's \Ten 
yck Hotel. The trio, featuring 
orette at the Hammond organ in 
the Rose Lounge, is airing two early- 
evening blocks and three late ones, 
weekly. On Friday, Johnny Costas' 
Quintet, from the Empire Room, 
broadcasts. 

Lorette, recently at the Hotel 
Pierre in New York, probably ranks 
as the finest organist presented here 
in some time. She plays with skill, 
Pace and dash, mixing ballads with 
rhumbas and rags. Her colleagues, 
George and Joe, are pretty much 
along for the accompaniment ride, 
on drums and guitar. They get a 
little more chance on the themer. 

Absence of a vocalist is noticeable 
on the 25-minute blocks, at 11:30. 
Lee Stewart announces nicely. 

Jaco. 



POINT SUBLIME 

With Cliff Arquette, Mel Blanc, 

Verna Fe.llon, Lou Merrill, EarJe 

Ross, Jane Morgan; Charles Seal; 

Charles Dant, music director 
Writer-Director: Robert L. Redd 
30 Mins.; Mon., 5 and g p.m. 
JOHN HANCOCK INSURANCE 
ABC from Hollywood 

(McCann-Erickson) 

After a three-year layoff because 
of Producer-Writer-Packager Bob 
Redd's occupation with other shows, 
"Point Sublime" is back in the run- 
ning on a trial ride through Cali- 
fornia and Texas. John Hancock 
Insurance is taking up the tab and 
if the hoped-for results materialize 
after the first 13, the small town 
serio-comic series will spread to 
other outlets .and eventually the 
full network. 

Cliff Arquette, who came out of 
a year's retirement, plays the friend- 
ly, philosophical storekeeper as he 
did for four years under Union Oil 
sponsorship on the Coast and then 
rated the most popular airpiece on 
far western sets. With Mel Blanc, 
the stuttering, clucking helper, he 
shares star billing and the pair 
perfectly foil each other with a 
shading of warmly human drama 
and trickling comedy. 

Redd was fortunate in assembling 
his old cast down to the lowest 
AFRAN. Verna Felton's bit proved 
an hilarious interlude and the others 
were glove-fitted to their roles. For 
easy, armchair listening, "The Point" 
has a mellow friendliness that is 
bound to catch on and recapture its 
old audience. It has the added ad- 
vantage of working in well with the 
insurance commercials, soothingly 
intoned by Vincent Pelletier. 

Script and direction flowed easily 
from the talents of Redd, and Charles 
Dant flavored the music with small 
town atmosphere. Judging by the 
opener. Hancock has made a smart 
buy and will doubtless keep it going 
over a bigger segment of the ABC 
skein than the first quarterly hook- 
up calls for. Helm. 

NORTHERN ELECTRIC HOUR 
With Paul Scherman and Concert 
Orch; guest stars; Alan McFee, 
announcer; John Drainie, narrator 
Writers: H. Ernest Foster, Sydney S. 
Brown 

Producer: Gordon Forsyth 
30 Mins.; Mon., 8 p.m. 
NORTHERN ELECTRIC CO. 
CBC Trans-Canada 

(Harry E. Foster) 
Without any noticeable change of 
format, the tried-and-true Northern 
Electric Hour is baok for its third 
season, switching this year from the 
Dominion network of the CBC to 
the Trans-Canada web for a total of 
34 stations. This series remains one 
of the most cultural on the Canadian 
airwaves and high musical produc- 
tion quality of past has been main- 
tained. 

Paul Scherman, newly-appointed 
assistant conductor of tile Toronto 
Symphony, is using 43 men this sea- 
son, and Howard Cable has been 
called in for the arranging to sup- 
plement Godfrey Ridout of last sea- 
son. Audience-show emanates from 
CBC Concert Studio, Toronto. 

Teeoff was a top performance, 
with orchestra and Charles Jordon, 
guest baritone, outstanding; but 
more enthusiasm is needed in the 
announcement breaks for the cohe- 
sion of speed and drive so evident 
in the orchestral numbers. This is a 
top-budget series but its inherent 
merits demand greater exploitation 
— during the program's progress. 
The whole setup is politness person- 
ified but a little hypo treatment of 
the listeners would have them look- 
ing forward with some anticipation 
to the following week's program. 

First half had a splendid Howard 
Cable arrangement tagged "Western 
Medley," with concert orchestra giv- 
ing this a rousing treatment; fol- 
lowed by Jordan's "The Song Is 
You." After "Forward With Canada" 
inserted narration, orchestra was 
back from Brahms' "First Hungarian 
Dance" and Strauss' "Vienna Life," 
with Charles Jordan in for a second 
vocal, "Stella By Starlight." 

"Forward With Canada" deals 
with inspirational narratives in 
Canadian history, teeoff dealing 
with development of steamships on 
the Atlantic seaboard. Writing is 
o.k., plus dramatic delivery of John 
Drainie; but, again, production 
would point up the narration. Mu- 
sical background was a bit obtrusive; 
and the narrator's statement that 
'Troars of applause rose from the 
banks of the river" would be more 
dramatically heightened by the 
actual use of roars." This is too 
fine a series to be allowed to suffer 
for want of a few additional dol- 
lars for background-voice effects. 

McStay. 



CANADIAN CAVALCADE 
With Mart Kenmey's orch, Norma 
Locke, Roy Roberts, the Borden- 
aires; Cy Mack and Herb May, an- 
nouncer-interviewersi 
Wtirers: Ernie Edge, Kay Edge 
Producer-director: Rai Purdy 
30 Mins.: Tues., 8:30 p.m. 
BORDEN 

CBC Trans-Canada 

(Young & RiibicanO 
With a new streamlined format, 
Canada's top variety show got away 
to a brilliant start with fifth season 
teeoff setting a high standard for 
this high-budgeted scries. Emanat- 
| ing from CBL, Toronto. I' 1 " audi- 
ence-show will be carrir I by 32 j 
j (Continued on page 3(i> i 



MAYOR OF THE TOWN 

With Lionel Barrymore, Agnes 
Moorehead, Conrad Binyon; Ber- 
nard Katz, conductor; Frank Mar- 

. tin, announcer 

Writers: Charles Tazewell, Leonard 

St. Clair 
Producer: Harold Weeding 
30 Mins.; Wed., 8 p.m., EST 
NOXZEMA CHEMICAL CO. 
ABC, from Hollvwood 
(S.S.C.&B.) 

At the opening of the seasonal 
premiere broadcast, Lionel Barry- 
more stepped slightly out of char- 
acter to express his pride at bein» 
associated with Noxzema again He 
added that he had been a devoted 
Noxzema user for many years before 
he became Mayor of the Town. The 
broadcast that followed had some- 
what the same aura of subsidized 
earnestness. • 

"Mayor of the Town" is a program 
for unsophisticated listeners, even 
by radio standards. Having estab- 
lished the Mayor and his despotic 
housekeeper as whimsically lovable 
eccentrics, it snubordinates story to 
folksy atmosphere and the uninhib- 
ited performances of Barrymore and 
Agnes Moorehead. Thus, in a way, 
it is almost a satire of commercial 
situation comedy, with emphasis on 
commercial. 

.The opening show last Wednesday 
<8) was mostly a series of affec- 
tionate spats between the Mayor 
(apparently his own household 
doesnt know his name), his young 
fellow-conspirator against female 
tyranny, and the crotchety old scold, 
Marilly, with the latter's pet cat a 
persistent intrusion via an animal- 
noise AFRA member. It all suggests 
that everyone concerned is doing a 
conscious bread-and-butter job. It's 
competent, probably commercial, but 
uninspired. . ; 

The commercial copy and deliv- 
ery are relatively painless. Noxzema 
is plugged as a health and beauty 
aid to the skin, with one announce- 
ment a femme testimonial. Hobe. 

NAME YOUR POISON 

With Raymond Edward Johnson, 
Bill Berns, Israel Weinstein, Jer- 
ome Trichter, Joan Tompkins, 
Charles Carroll, Frank Thomas, 
Eunice. Howard, Joseph Boland; 
Sylvan Levin, music 

Writer: Howard Merrill 

Director: Roger Bower 

Supervisors: Dave Driscoll, Edyth 
Meserand 

3* Mins.; Sun. (12), 9 p.m. 

Sustaining 

WOR, N. Y. 

Announced as the first of a series 
of documentaries on community af- 
fairs, this airer dealt with sanitary 
conditions in N. Y. restaurants. It 
reported that these conditions are 
in such an insanitary state, partly 
because the city has "only" 110 
health agents to inspect its 100,000 
eating places, that 2,500 cases of 
food poisoning are admitted an- 
nually to Goffiam's hospitals. The 
stanza presented wire recordings 
made by reporter Bill Berns, who 
accompanied an inspector in his 
visits to several eateries. Mother of 
a food poisoning victim was inter- 
viewed; also a family doctor, also 
Commissioner of Health Israel 
Weinstein, and others. 

What should the public do about 
the alleged sad state of cafe condi- 
tions? "Watch for insanitary condi- 
tions and report them," the program 
advised in its windup. Since it had 
been clearly pointed out earlier 
that eaters couldn't tell much about 
a cafe's kitchen and handling of food 
from "the exterior," net effect of the 
whole show was to cast suspicion 
upon every eatery in the city and 
give every eater-out a nervous 
stomach, without proposing any 
really sincere, constructive measures 
for remedying the asserted condi- 
tions. 

It's inconceivable that the pro- 
ducers of this program had a genuine 
desire to do a public service. It's 
obvious that only the city health 
authorities are in a position to de- 
termine sanitary conditions and cor- 
rect violations of standards. If the 
health department is inadequately 
staffed or isn't doing its job, that's 
something else — which should be 
emphatically exposed and coupled 
with a call to public arms to demand 
that the mayor and city fathers do 
something about if. That would be 
a public service on a station's part. 

Aside from failing on this score, 
the stanza in question seemed badly 
timed, inasmuch as Manhattan's 
newspapers waged, and wound up, 
a campaign on restaurant conditions 
about four months ago, with an ap- 
parently resultant elimination of 
flagrant cases. Just why WOR chose 
this topic, at a time when a truly 
penetrating and comprehensive doc- 
umentary on the current food-saving 
program would be so pertinent, is 
hard to understand. 

The approach was the tipoff. The 
production was in crime-story tech- 
nique, calculated to shock listeners. 
This striving for sensational effect, 
which in this case is evidenced even 
in" the title of the piece, hints 
strongly of hopped-up radio journal- \ 
ism in the name of public service, i 

Since WOR documentary efforts \ 
err and offend so consistently in ' 
this direction, the only conclusion 
possible is that the combo master- 
minding this phase of progrr ling 
needs to turn over a new ly !'. 

Duait. I 



FIBBER McGEE & MOLLY 

With Jim and Marian Jordan, Bill 

Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, the 

King's Men, Billy Mills orch (20); 

Harlow Wilcox, announcer 
Writers: Don Quinn, Phil Leslie 
Producer: Frank Pittman 
30 Mins.; Tues., 9:30 p.m. 
JOHNSON'S WAX 
NBC, from Hollywood 

(Needham, Louis & Brorby) 

A critique on the return of the 
McGees tor their 13th season could 
be the peg on which to hang a 
diatribe anent the awful sameness 
of radio tare, etc. But what's the 
use? Or, what's the point? Indeed, 
it could very well be argued as an 
answer that a certain amount of this 
much maligned sameness is a virtue, 
much desired on the public's part. 
Certain fictional characters, in the 
comics and films and magazines as 
well as radio, become as old friends 
and are welcome fixtures of Ameri- 
can life which relieve the tedium of 
daily cares. 

Such old friends are the McGees. 
It is actually possible not to have 
sat in on the antics at 79 Wistful 
Vista in five years and to return and 
find that life is absolutely unchanged 
there, save that one or two of the 
McGees' friends or acquaintances 
(such as Gildersleeve) have dis- 
appeared from the scene and some 
new ones appeared. Old Timer (Bill 
Thompson, who also plays Wallace 
Wimple) would seem to be at least 
101 by now. Fibber and Molly (Jim 
and Marian Jordan) are equally 
ageless. Little Girl (Marian Jordan) 
is an arrested moppet. Still, who 
would have it otherwise? 

Cinching argument, of course, is 
that the Jordans and those who 
guide them have an act that's in 
Hooper's top rating payoff, month 
in and out. Until somebody builds 
a better listener trap, more power 
to the McGees! 

Season's getaway last week (7) 
was in the time-tried format, intro- 
i.ng a "situation" in the opening 
scene on which to thread a standard 
series of character skits. In this 
case. Fibber had a "surprise" for 
Molly to commemorate a faintly im- 
portant event of their school days. 
Surprise, as Molly might have ex- 
pected, was that Fibber had had 
enough coal "laid in" to last all win- 
ter — unaware that Molly had just 
had their furnace converted to oil. 

Stanza packed its usual quota of 
gently amusing lines, relying heav- 
ily on puns and switches, and Fib- 
ber's tall tales and boisterous be- 
havior were par for the course. Pro- 
duction was a little rough, cast 
stumbling over a line here and 
there, but such is to be expected 
after a summer's layoff. Otherwise 
the 1 show was well in its particular 
groove. King's Men contributed a 
zingy version of "Freedom Train" 
and Billy Mills' crew did tuneful 
justice to "The Lady From 29 
Palms." 

Harlow Wilcox's middle commer- 
cial found its way deftly into the 
proceedings with s guileless "here 
comes the pitch," but the windup 
plug for Johnson's Glo-Coat relied 
a bit too heavily on the old compara- 
tive. The stuff, the copy said, "gives 
you nearly twice as much shine as 
before." As before when? And 
why not fully twice as much instead 
of just nearly? Doan. 



LIBERTY ROAD 

With Guy Repp, Hester Sonder- 
gaard; Bern Bennett, announcer 

Writers: Vincent McConnor, Joseph 
L. Marx 

Director: Albert Ward 

Producer: Leon Levine 

30 Mins.; Mon., 5 p.m.. ' 

Sustaining 

CBS, from New York 

First in the series of five con- 
current programs offered by CBS' 
blue-ribbon "American School of the 
Air" during the 1947-48 season, 
"Liberty Road" is a timely study of 
human rights in operation. One of 
the most ambitious projects essayed 
by the "School," this series is sched- 
uled to give a completely docu- 
mented comparative survey of the 
concept of freedom as understood 
and practiced in various countries of 
the world. It's serious, heavy stuff 
but these educational airers are be- 
ing handled with enough showman- 
ship to hold the teen-age students 
for whom they are essentially de- 
signed. 

Opening stanza (6) was in the order 
of a grand overture in which themes 
of subsequent programs were tied 
into a single dramat. Through the 
eyes of an immigrant to the U. S., 
the basic freedoms of speech, press, 
assembly, trial by jury, etc., which 
are carelessly taken for granted by 
most Americans, were brought into 
clear focus. The immigrant's expe- 
riences in such countries as Spain, 
Brazil, Germany and Japan were de- 
signed to show how valuable and 
how fragile, the democratic heritage 
really is. 

The point was well made but the 
program was slightly disappointing 
in its uncritical approach to this 
country. Except for one veiled re- 
mark about the lot of Negroes in 
the U. S., (veiled because many 
southern stations carry the 
"School"), the program presented a 
completely roseate picture of de- 
mocracy's operation here. This ought 
to be corrected because only by a 
scrupulous admission of our own de- 
fects will this series be able to 
hfJV'itly evaluate the condition of 
freedom in other lands. Herm. 



JOAN DAVIS SHOW 

With Lionel Stander, Jean Vander 
Pyl; Florence Halop, Danny Thom- 
as guest; Choralires choir; an- 
nouncer, Ben Gage 

Writers: Abe Burrows, Artie Sland- 
er, Larry Marks 

Producer: Dick Mack 

30 Mins.; Sat., 9 p.m., EST 

CO-OP 

CBS, from Hollywood 

Co-op programming, radio's up- 
and-coming sales baby, was given a 
sizeable hypo last Saturday (11) 
when the new Joan Davis comedy 
show preemed on CBS in the 9-9:30 
p.m. segment for years occupied by 
Lucky Strike's "Hit Parade," which 
now rides the NBC kilocycles as op- 
position to Miss Davis. Like Mutual's 
"Information Please" and ABC's Ab- 
bott & Costello shows before it, the 
CBS bigtime entry into the co-op 
field, weighed strictly on its merits 
as a sales commodity, shouldn't en- 
counter any difficulty paying off the 
advertiser on a local level. 

For CBS has grabbed itself a neat 
bundle of show business in this new- 
est co-op showcasing. Not that there 
could have been any doubts about 
Miss Davis' ability to deliver the 
goods. When she was riding the 
Sealtest colors over on NBC .she was 
radio's top comedienne in the Hoo- 
per sweepstakes (although Lever 
Bros, in more recent years was to 
be sadly disillusioned in weighing- 
her $17,500 package on CBS against 
its Swan Soap sales charts and sub- 
sequently cancelled her out). Which 
in no way, however, minimizes her 
comedic talents. 

In reconverting her into co-op 
programming, CBS has remedied 
one of the major flaws in the Davis 
shows of recent vintage — that of 
giving her a proper scripting as- 
sist. The fact that Abe Burrows 
now heads up a three-way writing 
team is the best thing that could 
have happened to the comedienne. 
It was certainly reflected in the 
premiere broadcast. (Which, inci- 
dentally, gives Burrows a man's size 
stranglehold on CBS' Saturday night 
programming, for in addition to his 
proxy contrib to the Davis show, 
he's still dishing out 15 minutes of 
his own choice entertainment in the 
10:30-10:45 period.) 

Not that it was Grade A Burrows 
on the Davis getaway show. But 
there were sufficient refreshing, un- 
hackeneyed interludes to indicate 
that the show has been lifted out 
of its last season's mediocrity. Simi- 
larly fortunate is the continued Dick 
Mack signature on the production 
credits. The Mack-Davis association 
has long since paid off in proper 
balancing, tempo and correctness. 
Teamed with Miss Davis are Lionel 
Stander and Florence Halop, latter 
doing a sort of femme Hubert Up- 
dike stooge routine. Both know their 
way with a comedy script. 

Danny Thomas was the first of a 
series of guestars on the show (he's 
stetted in for another time around 
this Saturday) and it was perhaps 
here that the Burrows writing as- 
sist was at its low ebb, for basically 
Thomas is a comedian of rare tal- 
ents. Too often last Saturday they 
remained hidden. 

As in the case of the A&C show 
on ABC, the Petrillo musician ban 
on co-ops necessitates use of a choir 
for the assorted musical bridges, 
etc., with the Choralires choir stand- 
ing by on the Davis show for the 
a capella fillins. It isn't the same. 
They may be perfectionists in their 
own field, but it can't be denied that 
the body and substance and overall 
general effect from a full-bodied or- 
chestral contrib is lacking. 

White Rose Tea sponsors the show 
on WCBS, the New York outlet. 

Rose. 



THE PEPSI-COLA HOUR 

With Al Clauser and the Oklahoma 

Outlaws, George Irwing 
30 Mins.; Tues., 7 p.m. 
Pepsi-Cola Co. 
KABC-TSN. San Antonio 
(Neuiell-Emmett) 
From KFJZ. Fort Worth, key sta- 
tion of the Texas State Network, 
comes this half-hour opus which is 
being heard over a network of 18 
stations throughout the state . It's 
been quite a spell since a hillbilly 
program has made its debut on the 
Texas airlanes. Time was when, 
there was" nothing else on the air 
but hillbilly music and the twang of 
a guitar accompanying some would- 
be cowboy. Radio has grown up, 
but somehow Tcxans still have a 
warm spot in their hearts for this 
type of music. 

This opus should have them ■ lis- 
tening in each week, for it has some- 
thing different to offer besides the 
ordinary brand of cowboy and hill- 
billy music. First; it plays and dedi- 
cates the tunes that the listeners 
write in and ask for. Then there is 
a "poem of the week" and a "hymn 
of the week," all done very well to 
appropriate background. 

On opus caught the program was 
made up of music and songs which 
were well played and smartly- 
paced. Variety is added by the songs 
of Al Clausner, Carl Hooper and 
"Slim," done as solo and trio. 

Clauser is m.c. of the stanza and 
keeps the show moving along nicely. 
He is heard as solo:st. George 
Irwing does a smart job of com- 
mercial copy. Of course, the Pepsi- 
Cola jingle is used as signature frr 
opening and closing, and center 
commercial is done in the Clair 
style. Andy. 



82 



ItYDIO 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Inside Staff-Radio 

Presence of Martha Stewart as vocalist on the Jack Paar program for 
Lucky Strike recalls a number of such instances of the sponsor dropping 
rising young singers and subsequently having to pay many times the for- 
mer money to get them back. Miss Stewart, now getting major fees, was 
released from the same sponsor's "All-Time Hit Parade" after several 
Bp )earances at relatively low coin. 

Same firm also dropped Dinah Shore as vocalist on its Ben Bernie show 
some years ago, and last summer paid her a reputed $5,000 an appearance 
for six'weeks on the "Hit Parade," with Andy Russell. Another case was 
Margaret Whiting, who was bounced from the "Hit Parade" in 1940 and 
lias been back for several dates recently at fancy coin. 

Of course, an outstanding example is Frank Sinatra, current "Hit 
Parade" star at $7,500, but who was released by Luckies four years ago 
when he had only recently bounced into major prominence and was get- 
ting $2,700, having been upped from $750. 



Joseph A. Moran, Young & Rubicam vice-president, who got into the 
advertising business a dozen years ago on his ability to win prize contests, 
played a revival last week at the Assn. of National Advertisers' convention 
at Atlantic City. After staging the entertainment for the meeting (and 
• -incidentally resuming his acting career briefly by playing four parts), he 
•won a box of Paris suspenders, a supply of L.ibby's tomato juice and then 
copped a Stromberg-Carlson radio-phonograph combo. 

During his actor days, Moran virtually made a career of winning prize 
contests. Finally, after the New Yorker mag published 1 an article about 
it, Chester La Roche, at that time president of Y. & R., offered him a job 
writing commercial announcements, the first such assignment in radio. 
Previously, announcers had simpfy read printed copy. Moran subsequently 
built and headed the Y&R commercial department and originated many 
of the standard techniques of commercial writing, including gag, inte- 
grated and other types of announcements: 

Incidentally, Moran won the only Vakiety Showmanship award ever 
given for commercial writing. 



Cloud appears still to be hanging over the packagers of weatherman 
jingles, who got the cancellation jitters recently when the U. S. Weather 
Bureau issued a circular letter frowning upon barometer ballads. Harry 
S. Goodman, whose weather forecast jingles, won a City College of N. Y. 
"award of merit" last year, contends his product "does not in any way 
violate any official Government Weather Bureau Code, for we are neither 
knowingly issuing counterfeit weather forecasts nor ara we representing 
at any time that our forecasts have been issued or published 1 by the 
United States Government Weather- Bureau or any branch thereof." 
Goodman's jingles, which have been aired, he says, in 303 cities, are duet 
ditties in which a femme sings, "Oh, Mr. Weatherman, what is the weather 
today?", and a male voice pipes the forecast. Goodman package has 66 
spots covering various weather conditions. 

Despite fact that the Goodman jin gles appear technically not to violate 

=4 



SOUTH'* 






Pf 1 ^ WDSUbroatlcasts *fc<X> watts 
' front the. French Quarter to 
the Gulf and South toimiam listeners. 

From daily association with rime-honored 
New Orleans imitations WDSU has 
developed ft high quality of integrity. 
WDSU devote* pngritm time regularly 
and exclusively to the Sc. Louis Cathedral, 
the International House, Mot&ant Inter* 
national Airport; Tulanc University, 
Union Station, the Municipal Auditorium^ 
Symphonies and Operas; 

WDSlTs dominate Hoop* 
erasing proves that hon- 
oring local institutions 
creates high listener 
loyalty. 



NEW 
ORLEANS 

1280 kc 



WDSU 



ABC 
Affiliate 
5000 
W.W. 



JOHN BLAIR ft CO.. Re»ce>enl»tiv« 



'Romance' Checking In 
Again at CBS, in Another 
OihAgain-Off-Again Ride 

CBS' on-again, off-again dramatic 
standby, "Romance," is back again. 
This time the series goes on Satur- 
day night 7:30-8, just behind "Hawk 
Larrabee" and just ahead of "First 
Nighter." As "Romance" and as 
"Theatre of Romance," CBS has pre- 
sented the program at various times, 
sustaining and commercial. 

It was a Colgate show for over 
two years and has been presented in 
regular 25 and 30., minute versions. 
Marx- Loeb . at first, more recently 
Albert Ward has directed and 
Charles S. Monroe, an associate 
script editor in the CBS Division of 
Program Writing, has handled the 
literary side throughout. 

First offering in the new reincar 
nation of "Romance" will be F. Scot 
Fitzgerald's "The Rich Boy," Sat- 
urday (18). 



tho government rule against "counterfeiting" forecasts, disapproval of the 
spots by the Weather Bureau was reiterated in a wire from the bureau's 
acting chief to J. D. Starr, head of Starr Radio Productions, which pack- 
ages "Temperature" spots giving mercury readings. Bureau, said the 
acting chief, "does not object to broadcast of transcribed' radio jingles 
which give only the exact official temperature of the moment, and in no 
way mention weather forecasts, provided such jingles do not convey Im- 
pression the weather bureau endorses or sponsors the advertiser or 
product," 

Weather Bureau avowedly isn't out to "incur the ill will of broadcast- 
ing stations," but apparently can be expected to hop all over the weather 
jingles if it catches stations airing any which fail closely to follow official 
forecasts. 



Novel refutation of the claim that new talent gets no hearing in big- 
time radio — involving in this instance an FM station's "find" being picked 
up by a network flagship at a listener's suggestion — will come to pass 
tonight (Wed.) at 6:30 when WNBC, N. Y., "sneaks" a one-shot tryout of 
a prominent Manhattan attorney in the role of a children's story teller. 
Barrister is Godfrey P. Schmidt, counsel for Cardinal Spellman of the 
Catholic Church. 

Tonight's airer was set up as result of a N. Y. housewife calling Tony 
Provost, WNBC program chief, to tell him she and her friends who had 
FM sets every week heard a moppet yarn-spinner on Fordham Univ,'s 
station WFUV (N.Y.), who was "so good; we think it's a shame he isn't 
on one of the big stations." Provost investigated and found out the man 
was Schmidt, who told kids' stories so well as a hobby that Cardinal 
Spellman had induced him to do a stint for Fordham's FM. Provost got 
the lawyer to come in and cut an audition platter, with organ back- 
grounding by George Wright; result so impressed the flagship programmer 
that he decided to give the stanza an air tryout. 

Schmidt, who probably will not be identified on the air, uses stories 
mostly from public domain, but of lesser known type, such as Oscar 
Wilde's fairy tales. Tonight's yarn: "The Selfish Giant." 



Washington chapter of Sigma Delta Chi, national journalistic fraternity, 
lias voted 1 to oppose resolution adopted last spring by a fraternity com- 
mittee opposing *he State Department's "Voice of America" broadcasts. 
Committee was headed by AP's Kent Cooper and Hugh Bailie of UP, who 
released Sigma Delta Chi statement condemning the government's over- 
seas information program. Washington group claimed committee was not 
unanimous in its opposition and no policy statement should have been 
issued without polling the membership of working newspapermen and 
college scribes. 



Radio and films relationship may not be all it could be, but Harry Maiz- 
lish, gjn. of Warners KFWB m Hollywood, has found a means of com- 
bining the twain for a sales pitch that is unusual. 

In pitching to prospective sponsors and agencies on the California 
Junior Symphony, kid band, as a likely musical program, Maizlish is using 
two copies of the shorts series on the same crew produced by the home 
studio to showcase. 

Last week th« station also permitted the airing of a new show idea, 
"The Joe McDoakes Show," adapted from a Warner shorts series, on its 
new showcase program, "Preview Theatre." For a warmup, the studio 
audience was shown a "Joe McDoakes" short. 



When a daily newspaper stands sponsorship of a national program on 
a paying basis that's news, especially out in Los Angeles where there's 
no great love between the two media. Daily News, liberal tabloid, made 
this rare piece of copy when it contracted to take up the tab for "Meet 
the Press," Mutual's co-op. News and Times have been on the air with 
their own programs but they were purely local on a trading basis. Sheet 
may take the view that in sponsoring the show it- eliminates one more 
potential time buyer. 



Race-News Competition Forces D.C. 
Station to Seek Clear FCC Ruling 



Chas. Henry Back at Y&R; 
To Produce 'House Party* 

Charles Henry, who's been on a 
leave of absence from Young & 
Rubicam since last June, has re- 
joined the radio staff and will be 
the agency producer on "House 
Party" when General Electric re- 
sumes sponsorship Dec. 1. He's cur- 
rently in New York for client and 
policy huddles, but will return to 
the Coast in two weeks. 



JOHN' 



Washington, Oct. 14. 
Local station WWDC yesterday 
(13) called on FCC to rule whether 
broadcast of horse-racing results, in- 
cluding prices paid at the tracks, 
would jeopardize its -license. WWDC 
said it wanted to air the stanzas 
only so long as similar shows are 
being carried by local stations WOL- 
Mutual; WGAY, Silver Spring, 
Md., and WFAM, Arlington, Va. 
Station requested a declamatory 
ruling from the Commission. 

Last week the Federal Trade 
Commission, acting on petition from 
WWDC, refused to take jurisdiction 
over station's broadcasting programs 
classed as "unfair competition" and 
tossed the ball back to FCC. 
WWDC's grievance hinges on fact 
that FCC in a proposed finding on 
WWDC's bid for an FM outlet here 
first denied the FM permit. 

In the denial, FCC mentioned the 
fact that WWDC was broadcasting 
prices paid at the track in. a daily 
three-hour sports show, claiming 
this information could be used il- 
legally by bookies and numbers 
racketeers who got quickest results 
from broadcasts. WWDC dropped 
the broadcast of prices and won an 
FM permit. 

Since that time, however, three 
other local stations have started to 
air prices. WWDC, in line with its 
commitment to FCC in the FM 
hearing, has not done so. 

FCC In By Accident 
The WWDC petition declared: 
"The Commission has tacitly, and 
it is believed without intent, con- 
tributed to the existence of a situa- 
tion wherein petitioner cannot use 
methods of programming employed 
by its competitors without danger of 
jeopardizing the very authority by 
which it operates its broadcast sta- 
tions." . . . "FCC should not deny 
to WWDC types of programming 
available to its competitors." 

WWDC mentioned that WOL-Mu- 
Uial reported to FCC earlier that it 
had dropped broadcast of prices paid 
at the track. However, the Mutual 
station resumed such broadcasts 
July 7, '47. At one time WWDC 
was only station broadcasting these 



stints. WWDC did not deny that 
bookies and numbers operators 
could use the race broadcasts in 
their gambling operations. 

However, station concluded that 
bulk of the listeners are those in the 
general public "interested in all 
news of sporting events, Including 
race results." Largest proportion of 
listeners do not use the broadcasts 
for gambling purposes. 

WWDC told FCC it did not want 
a general ruling to decide whether 
such broadcasts are in the public 
interest. It merely wants the right 
to compete with other stations on 
an equal footing for audience. Sta- 
tion said it had suffered some loss 
of audience and financial return by 
giving up the earlier racing show, 
now aired on three other local sta- 
tions. 



WRITERS GUILD SETS 
FALL SCRIPT SESSIONS 

Radio Writers' Guild fall lecture- 
discussion series on radio writing 
will get under way Thursday, Oct. 
23, at 8 p.m. at Holland House, N. Y., 
according to William Todman, CBS 
staff scripter and chairman of the 
Guild Bureau's seminar department. 
Nora Stirling will conduct the initial 
session, dealing in daytime serials, 
with scripters Elaine Carrington and 
Robert Shaw, and Harry Ackerman 
of Young & Rubicam participating. 

Fourteen sessions will be held, on 
a fortnightly basis, with confabs 
scheduled on children's shows, audi- 
ence participation, suspense and 
murder, comedy, documentary and 
public service, drama, women's 
shows, news, variety, television, 
shortwave - overseas programming, 
musicals, etc. Sessions will be open 
only to members of RWG and other 
guilds associated with the Authors' 
League. 

Seminar department is one of four 
sections of RWG's recently estab- 
lished Guild Bureau, of which Wil* 
liam Morwood, freelancer, is head. 
Other departments, which have not 
yet announced their programs, are 
the Guild Forum, also headed by 
Morwood; Guild Publicattions Dept., 
chairmaned by Ira Marion, ABC 
staffer, and a Guild Speakers Bu- 
reau, yet to be oragnized. 

Guild Bureau , was set up to take 
over and broaden the functions of . 
the Guild Workshop Committee, 
whose eight workshop sessions last 
winter and spring brought an unex- 
pectedly enthusiastic response from 
both Guild members and the public. 




? FOR SALE 

T ABC's Newest Smash Hit 



f 
t 



// 



Candid Microphone 

Featured in this week's 



LIFE 



For exciting details about this great new ABC show (Monday* 
at 9:00 p.m. EST) , see pages 77 , 78 , 81 and 82 in the October 
13th issue of LIFE Magazine. For complete details, call ABCb 
Program Department (better do it today!): CI 7-5700. 



T 
f 



f American Broadcasting Company ! 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



PffiUETY 



RADIO 



53 



WINS' Block Programming Formula 
In Station Revamp to Meet Competish 



A formula of programming io 
meet the tough competition of the 
networks and other New York in- 
dies has finally been set by WINS, 
Cfosley-owned N. Y. indie. Setup 
is result of surveys and much plan- 
ning by G. M. - Schroeder, former 
general manager, and Jerry Danzig, 
program director, which started 
over a year ago. Duo studied sched- 
ules of other indies, with Danzig 
making trips to Boston, Philadelphia 
and elsewhere. Decision to stream- 
line WINS' schedule was made last; 
summer, with first phase of the re- 
make completed last week. 

Station has been regarded in trade 
the past year as a question mark, 
feeling having been that it didn't 
take full advantage of opportunities 
furnished it through its 50,000 wat- 
tage. 

Station's new appeal will be based 
cn block programming, personali- 
ties, habit and simplicity. In its sur- 
vey to decide what WINS was to be, 
where it was to go, or what the for- 
mula for a successful N. Y. indie 
was, the station, according to Dan- 
zig, came to several conclusions. 
First, block programming for an in- 
die pays oft. This applies to a Mon- 
day - through - Saturday operation, 
and laterally, too, up-and-down on 
a day's schedule. Second, it found 
that habit was a tremendous factor, 
with a program in the same slot and 
day over a period paying off sharp- 
ly. It didn't pay to break programs 
ior any reason. 

Third, personalities for an indie 
are important, more so even than 
merchandising or promotion. 
Fourth, mood changes have to be 
ironed out eliminating constant 
hopping around of news to music to 
quiz show to sports to kid show, etc. 
' Formula isn't new, other stations 
having earlier struck on such con- 
clusions through similar surveys. 
But concrete steps now being taken 
to give WINS a format on character 
of its own, are encouraging as much 
to the trade as to the indie. 

Station, therefore, has set up a 
block programming schedule •illus- 
trated by the 4 to 8 a.m. "Going to 
Town" show of John Clarke, 8:30- 
9:30. "Morning Matinee," 9:30-10 
"Three Corner Club," 10 to 12 noon 
Jack Lacey disk show, 2 to 5 p.m. 
Mel Allen disk show— all on Mon- 
days -through Saturdays. It feels 
this steady block setup will attract 
and hold listeners. Evening sked of 
disk packages is also set to sustain 
mood scheme, sliding from one to 
the other. 



WNBC SETS NEW SHOWS 
IN AUTONOMY PUSH 

In an extension of its autonomous 
programming, WNBC, N.Y., flagship 
of NBC, is reclaiming two and a half 
hours weekly from the web in a 
programming shift involving the 
dropping of the net's five-a-week 
half-hour strip, "Honeymoon in New 
York," in favor of a quarter-hour of 
news followed a 15-minute boss-and- 
secretary stanza featuring John K. 
M. McCaffery and Eloise McElhone. 
News strip, at 9-9:15 a.m., will be 
handled by Peter Roberts, former 
Philadelphia newsman. Both shows 
tee off next Monday (20). 

McCaffery -McElhone sequence, 
titled "Room 416," is packaged by 
Martin Stone, producer of "Author 
Meets the Critics," of which McCaf- 
fery is moderator. Miss McElhone, 
a regular on the "Leave It To The 
Girls" panel has been a guest critic 
on Stone's "Author" airers. In the 
"Room 416" stint, McCaffery will 
do a mail-opening, letter-dictating, 
visitor-receiving routine in which 
he'll give out with observations on 
life, literature and affairs. Miss 
McElhone will play his Girl Friday. 



$1,000,000 Lustre Cream 
Acch to L&M Agency 

The Lustre Cream shampoo ac- 
count is being shifted this week 
from the Hill Blackett agency, Chi- 
cago, to Lennen & Mitchell, New 
York. Billings on the account are 
understood to be nearly $1,000,000 
a year. Lustre Cream was recently 
purchased by Colgate-Palmolive- 
Peet. 

Remainder of the C-P-P adver- 
tising billings will probably con- 
tinue the present distribution be- 
tween the Bates. Esty and Sherman 
& Marquette agencies. 



Don't look Now, But 
'Sound Off Moves Again 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
One of the most-kicked around 
shows on the networks, the Army's 
"Sound Off," got another boot when 
CBS moved it out of its early Satur- 
day evening half-hour spot for a 
quaxter-hour niche later that eve- 
ning. 

The musical show batoned by 
Mark Warnow rides on free network 
time to aid the recruiting drive but 
Col. Mason Wright is now negotiat- 
ing with ABC execs for a move to 
that chain on Thursday night. 

On the air for a year and a half, 
"Sound Off" has already been on 
Mutual, CBS and has been moved to 
nearly every day in the week. Un- 
derstood CBS moved show because 
"First Nighter" was displeased at 
following the Army show. 



ABC WILL GIVE JOCKS 
RUN WITH 11P.M. SHOW 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

ABC's midwest programmers are 
building a new 60-minute musical 
variety show for Monday-Wednes- 
day-Friday airing at 11 p.m. Phi- 
losophy behind the show, according 
to program manager Harold Stokes, 
is that live talent will cut into the 
audiences of local disk jocks not 
only in Chicago but in other cities 
with ABC outlets. Show won't affect 
several of the top jocks here, since 
they sign on at midnight. 

Rex Maupin will baton the new 
sustainer, which will be offered to 
90 affiliates. 



Louisville — Peter Disney is newly 
appointed program director of 
WHAS. 



SALVATION ARMY SERIES SET 

Play agent Raymond Lehrer is 
readying a dramatic series in behalf 
of the Salvation Army to tee off on 
WNYC, Manhattan's municipal sta- 
tion, Sunday (19) at 4:30 p.m. Series 
will highlight the work of some 60 
social service departments of the 
SA, using a guestar and speaker on 
each segment. 

Initial airer will feature actress 
Edith Atwater and child authority 
Judge Justine Wise Polier, and deal 
with the Foster Homes Service. 



WOR Gets Confidential With Help; 
Skeds Survey to Bolster Morale 



Unparalleled move on the part of 
WOR's iN. Y.) management to at- 
tempt to rectify the station's inter- 
nal troubles which are said to have 
contributed largely to exodus of a 
number of ranking staffers lately 
will get under way today (Wed.) 
with the launching of an intensive 
"employees' opinion" survey. 

Seriousness which the key Mu- 
tual outlet, which claims to have 
the biggest audience of any station 
in the world, is attaching to the self- 
examination, is underscored by 
prexy Ted Streibert's announcement 
that an outside organization, Houser 
Associates, which specializes in such 
surveys, has been engaged to con- 
duct the inquiry. 

Memo announcing the survey was 
distributed throughout the station 
last Friday (10) and struck staffers 
as a millennium - may - be - near 
shocker. "This is a sincere effort," 
the memo said, "to give you a 
chance to tell what you really think 
about WOR policies and practices 
without revealing your identity." 

Streibert's memo explained that 
all staffers from department heads 
and supervisors on down would be 



given confidential questionnaires to 
fill out. In addition, group meetings 
of workers will be conducted for 
three days starting today (Wed.). 

Insistent reports of unrest in the 
WOR staff over station practices, 
with blame pointed at the front 
office, cropped up on heels of the 
resignation last month of Rod Erick- 
son as program director. Latter's 
exit was swiftly followed by bow- 
outs by Dick Pack, publicity direc- 
tor, and Gene King, manager of pro- 
gram operations, and a number of 
secretarial and office workers. 

Only one of the three ranking va- 
cancies had been filled up to yester- 
day (Tues.). Robert Blake, assistant 
director of publicity, was appointed 
by Streibert Friday to succeed Pack. 

In appointing Blake to head up 
publicity, Streibert also ordered a 
shift in departmental authority, 
transferring the flack office from 
veepee Pete Maddux's jurisdiction 
to that of Dave Driscoll, director of 
news and special events. Effect is to 
place Driscoll in a three-way posi- 
tion corresponding to Abe Schech- 
ter's job at Mutual, but without a 
veepee title. 



Sponsored byt 




EKtrn points are important 



Yes, it's the extra points that make the difference ... in a football game 
or a radio broadcast . . . and we believe that WGN's 1947 football cover- 
age has the extras that count: a nationally known sportscaster, Jack 
Brickhouse, and a schedule that is completely middkwestern, where the 
best football is played. 

In Chicago you can be sure your radio advertising regularly covers the 
extra points in the middlewest by placing it on WGN. 





A Clear Ciiannel Station . . . 
Serving the Middle West 



Chicago 11 
Illinois 

50,000 Watts 

720 

On Your Dial 




MBS 



Eastern Sales Office: 220 East 42nd Street, New York 17, N. Y. 
West Coast RepreaentatiTes: Keenan and Eickelbent 
235 Montgomery St., San Francisco 4 • 411 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles U 



S4 



Wednesday, October IS, 1947 



FCC Skeds 2-Wk. Wmdnp of Gears 
Inquiry; See Reprise of '38 Inaction 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

FCC has earmarked two weeks of 
hearings to wind up the final round 
ot its investigation of clear-channel 
broadcasting service. First session 
opens next Monday (20). Meanwhile, 
there is growing feeling here that 
FCC may repeat what happened in 
1938 and conclude the hearings 
■without making any drastic recom- 
mendations on clear-channel opera- 
tion. - 

Complexion of the U. S. demands 
for channels and station power in 
the next North American Regional 
Broadcasting Agreement are expecl- 
•ed to determine what action is taken 
to alter our present clear-channel 
structure. 

Meanwhile, here are other devel- 
opments: 

1. FCC last week gave notice that 
testimony on the area and popula- 
tion which would receive satisfac- 
tory signals from FM stations in the 
near future was not "relevant" to its 
decision in the clear-channel hear- 
ings. This admission was wrung 
out of FCC by the Clear Channel 
Broadcasting Service, which was 
prepared to knock down FM on sev- 
eral fronts if FCC proposed to hinge 
Its decision on the progress of FM 
broadcasting. 

2. Clear-channel spokesmen said 
they were prepared to offer a full 
plan of U. S. operation with power 
up to 750 kilowatts for some 20 big- 
time stations. They said they will 
gear their recommendations to fit 
U. S. policy as expressed in ouv 
treaty proposals for the next 
NARBA. 

3. Land-grant colleges and other 
schools operating daytime radio sta- 
tions will make another appearance 
here next week to ask for fulltime 
hours of operation. C. Maurice Wie- 
ting. director of information for the 
National Council of Farmer Coop- 
eratives, will make a pitch to get 
one channel reserved for stations 
doing a primary job of rural pro- 
gramming. , 

4. There is plenty of speculation" 
here on the treatment of BMB sta- 
tion-coverage surveys will get at 
the hands of the clears, if Paul 
Spearman, attorney for the regional 
stations, attempts to use them to 
bulwark his claim that the clear- 
channel stations already blanket the 
country. Some of the BMB studies 
show coverage far beyond that 
chalked up in engineering charts. 
The clears have promised to lambast 
MB if such studies are accepted in 
evidence. 

5. FCC has no plan of its own to 



advance on clear-channel operation. 
Ball will be carried principally by 
Vic Sholis, CCBS director, and Jack 
DeWitt. engineering consultant for 
the clears. NBC and CBS will tes- 
tify on duplication of net shows on 
m.-and-o. and affiliated stations. 

6. Only state governor skedded 
to make an.apperance is "Big Jim" 
Folsom. governor of Alabama, who 
will urge assignment of a clear 
channel to his state. 



Coast RWG Asks ABC For 
$50 Newsroom Pay Hike 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Radio- Writers Guild holds a gen- 
eral membership meeting here to- 
morrow (Wednesday) for a report 
on the present national negotiations 
for freelance writers. At the same 
time the Guild will probably set up 
nominating machinery for its regular 
November election of officers. 

Guild also this week opened nego- 
tiations with ABC . for wage hikes 
for newsroom men, asking a boost in 
starting salaries from $271 to $325 
monthly, and from $325 to $375 
monthly for those employed for more 
than a year, figures closely parallel- 
ing CBS and NBC. 



Coast R»G to Elect 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
General membership meeting of 
the Radio Directors Guild in Hol- 
lywood will' be held next week to set 
up nominations for now overdue 
elections. Present officers want out, 
it's reported, the feeling being that 
they have long enough carried the 
load of organizing the chapter and 
its initial ajet negotiations headaches. 

WIP'S EX-GI'S CLUB 

Philadelphia, Oct. 14. 
WIP staffers have formed an ex- 
GI club- now that their last vet has 
been mustered out of the service. He 
is ex-Lieut. Commander' Wilson 
Sigafoos of the engineering staff. 
Club prexy is Murray Arnold, pro- 
gram chief. 



Tele Reviews 

Continued from page 29 



spectively. As the name suggests, 
questions were based on the seven 
lively arts. Questions were given 
sufficient visual backgroundings, 
such as the use of live dancers to 
demonstrate music and ballet, "to 
make them acceptable for video. 
Contestants, including Russell Ma- 
loney (who's to be a permanent 
member of the cast), Robert Syl- 
vester, Charles Payne and Gwenn 
Lux, handled themselves well be- 
fore the cameras. 

Unlike "Info," no mention was 
made of who originated the ques- 
tions. Audience was brought into 
the show, however, through a ques- 
tion directed to them, for which a 
prize is to be awarded the winner. 
Another step in General Foods' ex- 
perimentation with different types 
of programs, the show plugged Jello 
adequately and unobtrusively. 

Stal. 



Biow Finds 

Continued from page 27 , 




Mjt.: LOU CLAYTON 
UNITED RBXAI.l. DKUO CO 
Wecliicmln.v. NBC. 10:30 P.M., K.S.T. 
M-G-M— "On the found With You" 
"THIS TIME FOR KEEPS" 



stance Larry Berns, thus bypassing 
agency production, reportedly has 
Biow plenty miffed. 

At the moment it's anybody's guess 
what eventually happens to the Fri- 
day night CBS "Ignorant" slot. 



THE GAT COED 

With Sandra Bark in, Gary Mcllugb. 
Bernie Barrow, Evelyn Bennett, 
Melvin Nadell, Chuck Tranum, 
others 

Producer: Marvin Pakula 
Director: Florence Monroe 
Tech. director: Frank Bunetta 
25 Mins.; Friday (3), 7:3* p.m. 
Sustaining 

WABD— DuMont, N. T. 

Preem performance of "Gay Coed" 
on WABD last Friday <3) night 
rates at least an "E" for effort for 
producer Marvin Pakula. An ex- 
GI, his production experience had 
been confined heretofore to staging 
several shows for hospitalized vets 
during his Army stint. First video 
attempt indicates he might have the 
stuff, given an opportunity to learn 
more about the medium. 

Musical comedy revolving about 
the good old college days in the 20's, 
"Coed" missed much of the period 
atmosphere but captured a sparkling 
youthful spirit to put the show 
across. Scripting job, turned out 
jointly by Pakula and director Flor- 
ence Monroe, was negligible. Over- 
all production job, plus a competent 
cast, was responsible largely for the 
show's good points. 

Sandra Barkin was appealing 
in the ingenue lead, despite her 
tendency to over-emoting. Gary 
HcHugh was offkey too often in his 
singing chores but made out okay as 
the male lead. Bernie Barrow was 
a convincing football star and 
Evelyn Bennett served capably as 
his vis-a-vis. Others of the cast 
handled their assignments com- 
petently. Pakula, aided by camera 
director Frank Bunetta, lined up 
several novel camera stunts to lend 
atmosphere where it was needed. 

"Coed," with a little polish, would 
be a- good followup to DuMont's 
"Small Fry Club," hitting the teen- 
agers much the same as "Small Fry" 
hits the moppets. It might be a 
natural, too, for a teen-age fashion 
sponsor. Stal. 



KFI Editorializes 
Against Exclusion 
From Murder Trial 

Hollywood, Oct, 14. 

KFI took to editorializing on the 
air in its own behalf this week. Sta- 
tion's unusual step was prompted by 
the- refusal of the Santa Ana court 
and KVOE there to permit the 50,- 
000-watter to broadcast on-the- 
scene final dramatics of the nation- 
ally headlined Overell-Gollum case. 

The station protested its exclusion, 
airing the complaints at the point in 
the regular news broadcasts where 
the trial entered, stating it wanted 
to bring the scene into the homes of 
listeners but was not permitted to 
do so due to the court granting an 
'exclusive" to the local indie—' 
which, incidently, shared the "live" 
handling with KFI's rival, KMPC 
here. 

Bill Ryan, KFI g.m., appealed to 
the court but was referred to KVOE 
which refused. KMPC's Clete Rob- 
erts stole a march/ on KFI by pre- 
viously making suitable arrange- 
ments with KVOE, and despite 
KFI's protests the decision stuck to 
the finish. 

Two stations that covered, inciden- 
tally, also. set something of a prece- 
dent in what is believed to be the 
first time that a criminal trial of 
such import was given "life" han- 
dling in radio. Over a five day pe- 
riod KMPC gave it five hours and 
21 minutes on 17 broadcasts, con- 
cluding with a complete 45-minute 
rehash. 



FCC 



Snag in Heidt Show, Too 
Horace Heidt show for Philip 
Morris has run into a snag and it 
looks now that if and when it goes 
on it may not replace the Milton 
Berle show on NBC. 

Difficulty apparently stems from 
NBC's refusal to permit a tran- 
scribed repeat of the^ show. Heidt 
doesn't like the idea of doing two 
live shows a night, which would in- 
volve two sets of contestants for the 
amateur buildup stanza, whereas 
] NBC takes the view that to let 
down the bars on Heidt would invite 
a snowballing of such requests. 



55 



"OriTTrlRGEl 



i MEANS INTELLIGENT AND PROMPT SERVICE TO 

{ THE WORLD'S LARGEST ADVERTISING AGENCIES 

« ' 

J Year after year we read into our record for 

J consistently satisfactory service words like 

1 these from America's leading agencies . . . 

2 ... . we have always enjoyed your intelligent 
J and prompt service ... it is a pleasure to work 
I with Weed . . . this is the kind of "rep" rela- 
J tionship we like . . . 

j The harmonious relationship that exists between 

I Weed men and agency contacts is the measure 

I of success for a radio representative. 
» 



<§> 



f ED 

arm company 




RADIO STATION REPRESENTATIVES 



IMPORTANCE OF BEING EAR- 
NEST 

With Leonard Valenta, Norris Smith, 
Harry Osman, Barbara Lees, 
Bettey Devereaux 

Producer: Ernest Walling 

Camera: Clarence Thoman 

60 Mins.; Tues. (30), 8 p.m. 

Sustaining 

WPTZ (Philco), Phllly 

This is the first attempt by a local 
video outlet to televise the efforts of 
a little theatre group. Idea is sound 
and provides a little diversion from 
the usual type of video entertain- 
ment in these parts. 

Play was televised direct from the 
Germantown Theatre Guild, one of 
the leading "little" drama groups in 
Philly. Actors went through their 
paces, ostensibly unmindful of the 
fact that they were "on the air." 
Production was under the aegis of 
Ernie Walling, production chief of 
the Philco outlet. Play was Oscar 
Wilde's classic, "Importance of Be- 
ing Earnest," which is light enough 
in content to hold the viewers' in- 
terest. Camera work was exceptional 
with twist on opening. Camera ap- 
proaches the picturesque building in 
Germantown, a door is opened and 
the camera literally "walks" right 
up to the stage as the curtain parts 
and the play begins. 

A nice job. Shal. 



Florence Parry to Air 
Drama Reviews in Pitt. 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 14. 

Florence Fisher Parry, "I Dare 
Say" columnist of the. Pittsburgh 
Press and one-time leading lady on 
the Stage, has been signed for 
weekly series of five-minute capsule 
reviews of legit shows at Nixon the- 
atre over WCAE. It'll be heard 
Monday nights at 11:30 following 
Florence Sando's backstage inter- 
views with members of the cast over 
same station. 

Program, dreamed up by Bob 
Post, indie radio producer, will be 
bankrolled by Colonial Art Furni- 
ture Co. Mrs. Parry used to be 
Press' dramatic critic, but pulled out 
of regular reviewing some years ago 
to concentrate on her column of 
general interest. 



Continued from page 27 — 

considering remaining with FCC to 
devote full time to conferences 
scheduled to discuss the next North 
American Regional Broadcasting 
Agreement. First of these opens 
next month in Havana and a second 
is scheduled for Canada in 1948. In 
either case, he'll have little time for 
domestic broadcast problems. 

Commissioner Edward M. Webster 
also has a* tentative assignment to 
head a U. S. delegation to a confer- 
ence on radio safety in London. 
Sessions were due to open next 
month, but may be postponed. In 
any event, Webster will be out of 
the country at least five weeks -and 
will spend several weeks in prepa- 
ration for the parley. 

Plans of Commissioner Clifford J. 
Durr, who has always played a 
major role in shaping Commission 
policy, are also in question. There's 
strong feeling that President Tru- 



Too Few to Split 

Washington, Oct. 14. 

Situation which 'finds .FCC 
without a chairman and in pros- 
pect of losing services of two 
other commissioners temporarily 
means that the remaining four 
commissioners will probably 
continue to sit "en banc" on all 
radio matters. It means an in- 
definite postponement, if not a 
complete abandonment, of the 
earlier plan to divide the FCC 
bench into three autonomous di- 
visions handling broadcast, com- 
mon carrier and non-broadcast 
radio matters. 

FCC Chairman Charles R. 
Denny, Jr.. committed the FCC 
to some sort of a division system 
in his testimony before the Sen- 
ate Interstate Commerce Radio 
Sub - Committee last June. The 
new chairman, however, may 
have other ideas. Meantime, too, 
Commissioner Robert F. Jones 
has been sworn in to replace 
Ray C. Wakefield. Commissioner 
Clifford J. Durr is known to op- 
pose the division system. There- 
fore, a poll of the new Commis- 
sion may favor action by the en- 
tire FCC on all broadcast mat- 
ters. 



man may not want to renominate 
Durr when his seven-year term ex- 
pires next June 30. Although Durr 
says he has no present plan to quit 
the Commission, he may accept the 
right kind of job when it comes 
along. 

New lineup on FCC may mean 
new policy shifts, since Denny, Jett 
and Webster frequently voted as a 
bloc, with Durr, rival Hyde and 
often Paul Walker lined up against 
them. Now the last three may have 
more say in policy matters but they 
may also steer clear of any decisive 
action until a new chairman is 
named or Webster and Jett are back 
in the country. 



Gimme Games 
Find Tougher 
Going Lately 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Inflation has hit radio contests. 
Listeners who' used to grab pen and 
paper for a try at an electric broiler 
aren't jotting it down any more for 
less than an air-conditioned mink 
yacht. Gone are the days when a 
pair of nylons launched a thousand 
entry slips. > 

Hardest hit are contests geared to 
a steady flow of modest prizes rather 
than the big splurge once or twice a 
year. One veteran box -top counter 
who used to pull in tons of card- 
board via audience participation 
shows reports his summer and fall 
mail is only half of what it was last 
year. His return from the hinter- 
lands is off 25%, while in some 
metropolitan areas it has sagged 
65%. 

This slump is partly due to the sea- 
sonal decline of sets in use, but main 
reason for the dip seems to be in tha 
nature of the prizes. During the war 
electrical gadgets and other scares 
household items had added desir- 
ability not only for mine-run con- 
testants, but also for thousands of 
hungry consumers who weren't able 
to buy them on the open market. 
Reconversion has changed this, but 
some box-top counters haven't re- 
converted their prizes. 

Contest riggers who have shelled 
out more cash or switched, to prizes 
still in the shortage brackets haven't 
noticed any letdown in mail volume. 
Lifetime offers of $100 a month are 
packed with prize appeal, and so are 
cars, houses and lots. 

The overall situation hasn't been 
helped by the current rash of con- 
tests and box-top offers. No less 
than. 15 major contests kicked off in 
September. Networks are bristling 
with box-top comeons, ranging from 
flower bulbs for the ladies to the 
slyly named Gold Detector Ring for 
kids. The pie is being cut in smaller 
pieces. 



AFRA's Indpls. Pact 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Ray Jones, executive secretary of 
AFRA's Chicago local, has negoti- 
ated the first radio contract in the 
Midwest since passage of the Taft- 
Hartley Bill. 

Pact, covering. 12 at WFBM, In- 
dianapolis outlet of CBS, calls for 
base pay of $85 per week, with ex- 
tras for commercials. Union shop is 
in abeyance, pending an election. 



A House on a 
River in Westport 

Built in 1947 on 2 wooded 
acres on the trout-filled 
Saugatuck River. Beamed 
ceilings and picture windows 
overlooking riverside terrace. 
3 fireplaces, 3 baths, oil 
burner-hot water heat. 1 
hour from New York. Will 
sell furnishings. Slick, beauti- 
ful, unique. Priced for im- 
mediate occupancy at $27,- 
500. Call broker at Westport 
2-413 or owner at Westport 
2-5703. 



THE MIGHTYJORDAN 
ROLLS ON! 

AND HIS TYMPANY FIVE. W7 IS. 

FLASH 



Direc'ic- - SE'iERi 1 . i' T ■*: CC" 



RADIO PRODUCER — director; 
agency and network experience; 
excellent editor. Successful di- 
rectorial background in Broadway 
theatre. Seeks connection. Box 
910. Variety. 154 W. 46th St., New 
York 19. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



IOTERKATIONAI. RADIO 



35 



French Taping Shows a la Crosby s; 
Nazis Pushed 'Em Into It, Lewin Says 



Completing the trend only re- 
cently begun in the U. S., radio pro- 
ducers in France are currently pre- 
recording more than 75% of all dra- 
matic and variety shows before air- 
ing. According, to Charles Lewin, 
former assistant to Norman Corwin, 
who recently wound up a year's 
stint in Paris as program consultant 
for Radio Diffusion Fraricaise, the 
quality and range of French radio is 
unequalled in its servicing of all na- 
tional and intellectual elements 
Within the country. 

Paradoxically, France's superiority 
in the pre-recording field was 
foisted upon them by their technical 
backwardness resulting from the 
Nazis' destruction of radio facilities 
during the occupation. Lack of stu- 
dio space, production equipment and 
manpower have been partially sur- 
mounted through the technique of 
turning out three or four shows over 
« short period of time through tape 
recordings. 

The Germans, although plunder 
ing and destroying everything in 
sight, left behind in Paris a super 
lative recording device that's proved 
a boon, to ' French radio, Lewin 
said; Called the Magnetophone, the 
device utilizes a cellulose acetate 
magnetized tape which reproduces 



WAAT 




^FIRST*1N A AM 

¥ FIRST* IN COMMER- 
CIAL FM 

(J SOON FIRST IN 
w - FACSIMILE 

if SOON FIRST IN 
™ TELEVISION 



Vw JitmV* 1' Nation 

WMT 

NEWARK-NEW JERSEY 



sound with absolute fidelity and 
permits culling out a bar of music 
in a simplified editing setup. (Same 
machines and tape are now being 
used, to record Bing Crosby's show 
in the U. S.). 

Mostly 'Inspirational' 

Lewin, who was hired by French 
radio to introduce American tech- 
niques there, reports that the lack 
of equipment overseas extends even 
to such essentials as stop-watches. 
As a result, French producers 
haven't paid much attention to the 
split-second timing demanded by 
U. S. radio. French radio, he said, 
is more "inspirational" than "scien- 
tific" but a switchover to the latter' 
method is taking place. As a sample 
of the informal manner in which 
the French operate, Lewin said that 
every time someone strolls into a 
studio, work comes to a dead stop in 
order to permit a round of hand 
shakes. Lewin regretfully had to 
put a stop to this practice. 

Lewin, during his stay abroad, also 
was put in charge of English 
language programming of the French 
North American Service, which is 
currently airing exchange programs 
over more than 200 U. S. stations.' 
Robert Lange, director of the serv- 
ice, is set to make another trip to 
this country to look for new open- 
ings for French, programs here. 
With the departure of Lewin, Ed 
Gruskin, originator of the Nick Car- 
ter series and other mystery pro- 
grams, was appointed by Lange to 
program directorship of the NAS. 

Lange's trip to the U. S. is im- 
portant at this time since the French 
are climbing down from their posU 
tive refusal of commercials and are 
using publicity to bolster their ra- 
dio appropriations. NAS, which has a 
yearly allotment of about $100,000, 
needs twice that figure to function 
properly. Reorganization of the 
shortwave section has put Ben Smith 
in the editor-in-chief post for the 
English language and Jeanne Billard 
for the French language. 

Impact of Radio Luxembourg is 
also being felt in France, with Paris 
dailies running front-page ads plug- 
ging a weekly broadcast with Mau- 
rice Chevalier under the title, "My 
Way and My Songs." Hair tonic 
company sponsors the airer. 



CANADA'S $1,500,000 
EXPANSION BUDGET 

Toronto, Oct. 14. 

Construction of four new high- 
power transmitters, further develop- 
ment on existing FM stations in 
Toronto and Montreal, plus the in- 
auguration of FM programs in Van- 
couver, are included in an immedi- 
ate $1,500,000 expenditure for greater 
national coverage in this country, ac- 
cording to week-end statement of 
Dr. Augustin Frigon, general man- 
ager, Canadian Broadcasting Corp. 

New 50-kilowatt transmitters are 
scheduled for Ontario, Alberta, 
Manitoba and New Brunswick. On 
frequency modulation, Frigon said 
that existing experimental stations 
of y<-kilowatt p o w e r in Toronto 
and Montreal will be replaced by 
3-kilowatt units. 



D&M Spurs 



Trade in South Africa; . 
Inking Int'l Sponsors 

Johannesburg, Sept. 30. 

Davenport & Meyer, local firm 
which took over management early 
this year for the English and Afri- 
kaans programs of Radio Mazam- 
bique, Portuguese East Africa com- 
mercial station, to develop trade in 
the non - commercial British South 
Africa area, has already lined up a 
sizable list of sponsors. 

Current international advertisers 
include Carters, Colgate. Baby's Own 
Tat i, Decca records, Elasto, Klim, 
Listerine, Longines, Lux, Lyon's 
tea, Nestle's, Ovaltine, Phillips and 
Sunlight. Among South African 
products advertised from Mozam- 
bique are Nutrine, Trotter's jellies 
and DDT Grenade. In addition, op- 
tions on Sunday and weekday times 
are held by numerous other adver- 
tisers. 

D&M recently completed a survey 
in the Union of South Africa for 
potential coverage by Mazambique. 
Potential aude in the Union is 422.- 
599 radio homes, with 21.600 more in 
the Rhodesias. D&M made a survey 
in May of 1,000 homes in the Trans- 
vaal, where 42.5% of the total li- 
cense holders in the Union are 
found. It learned that on Sunday 
22.8 r/ r> listened to Mazambique, with 
a further 18.1% listening weekdays. 
By this survey, D&M estimated that 
in the Union and Rhodesias, 120,000 
homes were listening to Mazambique 
on Sundays. 

Station's time rates are now £12 
i $48) a quarter hour and £20 <$80) 
a half-hour Sunday mornings and 
evenings, and £18.15 a^quarter hour 
and £31.5 a half-hour for the peak 
Sunday afternoon periods. Week- 
day rates are £10 a quarter-hour, 
£19 a hall-hour. Rates are for time 
only, based on 52 broadcasts. 



BONIFACE BUYS MEX STATION 

Mexico City, Oct. 14. 

Francisco Aguirre, owner of Rio 
Rosa nitery, has bought radio sta- 
tion XEFO here. 

Station long was mouthpiece of 
the Party of Revolutionary Institu- 
tions (PRI). 



Jap Workshop 
Hits Stride; 
Corwin Helps 

Tokyo, Oct. 7. 
Experimental radio in Japan, 
which didn't meet with overwhelm- 
ing" acceptance at first, anymore 
than it did in the U. S., has begun 
to catch the Jap listener's fancy. 
Survey of activities this year of the 
Japanese Radio Workshop, recently 
completed by General Headquarters 
Far East Command public informa- 
tion office, shows some interesting 
results. 

Norman. Corwin. who visted Japan 
last year as "One World" award 
winner, gave permission for Jap 
adaptation of a series of his plays 
on Workshop broadcasts. One, "The 
Odyssey of Runyon Jones," has 
already been performed. Another is 
set for December. 

Jap Workshop, patterned after 
Columbia Workshop of CBS, uncov- 
ered seven new writers this year, 
some of them radio listeners who 
mailed in scripts. Most notable in 
content of this season's writing was 
the introduction of the psychological 
drama, brought to Japan through the 
Workshop with an original Jap 
twist. Hiokozo Sato's "The Big- 
Eyed Horsefly" symbolized the un- 
conscious struggle of man against 
the insect world. Ippei Hayashi's 
"On the Steamer"' had stream of 
consciousness narration throughout. 
Fantasies have aroused the most en- 
thusiastic reception, however. 

-Another Workshop program, "Folk 
Tales Go West." concerned influ- 
ence of Jap folksongs on western 
music, with particular emphasis on 
how Puccini's compositions were af- 
fected by Jap music. 



CARTER'S LIVER PILLS 
BUYS RADIO LUX SHOW 

Carter Products has signed as first 
U. S. commercial commodity sponsor 
(Carter's Liver Pills) for an English- 
speaking program on Radio Luxem- 
bourg, as direct result of the recent 
favorable change in attitude towards 
Lux in England. Lutherans Lay- 
men's League is already sponsoring 
an English show on Lux. 

Carter, which has time in French 
on Lux as well, inked for a 15-min- 
ute airer. Deal was set up in N. Y. 
direct by Guy Bolam, Lux's Ameri- 
can rep and Harry Hoyt, Carter prez, 
although J. W. Thompson. Carter 
agency, is cut in. Hoyt, incidentally, 
pioneered in English broadcast on 
the Luxembourg station in 1933. 



French Mull Method Of 
Bringing Commercials 
Back, To Aid Programs 

Paris, Oct. 7. 

The French are currently trying 
lo find a way to reintroduce com- 
mercials in their state-controlled 
radio, finding it next to impossible 
to charge all appropriation's to pub- 
lic funds without any commercial 
income permitting them to obtain 
good programs. 

What the government is mostly 
trying lo avoid is the return of the 
indie broadcasters, which is claimed 
by many radio fans as the only pos- 
sible way to give satisfaction. 
Though the principle of using com- 
mercials has been practically ac- 
cepted by the government, there has 
been no decision taken as yet as to 
the way to do it. 



Fight for Arg. Air Hits Crucial Stage; 
Eva Peron Side Looks to Take Over 



Montevideo, Oct. 7. 

Struggle for domination of Ar- 
gentine radio has reached what is 
perhaps its most critical stage, and 
the next few weeks will show Ar- 
gentina's broadcasters which way 
the wind is to blow. 

In the few weeks since Eva 
Peron's return from a European 
junket, the overall radio picture has 
undergone a complete switcheroo. 
Army circles, which had gone all out 
to reorganize the country's radio 
system in a reallocation of wave- 
lengths and networks for defense 
setup in case of war, seems to have 
retired to a back seat. On the other 
hand, the political factions sur- 
rounding Senora Peron have again 
come to the fore and are boosting a 
setup which would give them com- 
plete domination of all radio outlets. 

First inkling of the switch came 
Sept. 15, when Radio Argentina, a 
Buenos Aires city outlet, and three 
provincial outlets, were all reopened 
for business under the Radio Bel- 
grano wing. They had been shut- 
tered over a month when the inves- 
tigation into Jaime Yankelevich's 
Radio Belgrano unveiled the fact 
that Yankelevich was actually op- 
erating these outlets without a fran- 
chise. As the probe into the Bel- 
grano web's deals had uncovered 
some dubious dickers, word got 
around that Yankelevich would for- 
feit his franchise and was out of Ar- 
gentine radio for keeps. 

Since the reopening of Radio Ar- 
gentina, however, Yankelevich seems 
to' be back in the r^idio picture and 



:now has another deal brewing which 
j would give him Juan Duarte i.Mme, 
i Peron's brother) as a partner, with 
{the new owner investing $1,500,000 
I in the web. Coincident with his 
j deal, and as a part of it, Yankele- 
| vich would transfer Radio Argen- 
tina to National Deputy Eduardo 
Colom, publisher of the officially 
sponsored, Peron propagandazing 
daily "La Epocha." 

In exchange for this transfer the 
Belgrano web would be guaranteed 
a safe-conduct as one of the three 
commercial networks to be author- 
ized under the new radio legisla- 
tion to be passed by Congress; Radio 
Argentina would be the second big 
network, with allocation of Radio 
El Mundo's present chain of 13 out- 
lets in key provincial cities. Under 
this deal Mundo would be left out 
in the cold and would probably be 
subject to expropiation. 

If the Yankelevich deal with 
Deputy Colom goes through and 
Duarte actually buys into Radio Bel- 
grano, presumably these outlets 
would absorb two of the three com- 
mercial wavelengths allowed under 
the reorganization. This would leave 
Mundo and Splendid out on a limb 
and struggling to get the remaining 
concession. It would also give the 
Peron party a double outlet for elec- 
toral propaganda. 



St. Louis— David Pasternak, pro- 
motion manager ef KSD copped the 
St. Louis Advertising Club's service 
award for 1947. The award was a 
silver loving cup. 




"Triple-Threat Star 



Running . . . punting . . . passing. The player 
who's best at all three is key man of the team. 
AM . ... FM . . . TELEVISION". The station 
that's first in all three is key station of the. 
city. IN DETROIT, it's WWJ— The Detroit 
News, with its record of consistent aggressive- 
ness and constant "firsts'' in every phase of 
radio broadcasting. WWJ . . . first AM 
station in the nation in 1920. WWJ— FM . . . 
pioneer in Michigan in 1940. And now 
WWJ— TV ... the only television station 
in Detroit today . . . broadcasting regularly 
scheduled commercial and sustaining pro- 
grams to a fast-increasing audience. It's little 
wonder that WWJ are the most familiar 
letters of the alphabet to Detroiters . . . and 
best source of results for both national and 
local advertisers. 




Sos/c NSC AHUht* 
Aitociot* FM Station WWJ-fM 
UUvhkn Station WWJ-1V 



950 KILOCYCLES 
/i000 WATTS 



FIRST IN DETROIT. .. Owntd and Optrattd b V THE DETROIT NEWS 

Hdhnat *^«i.nlo//v«: IHt GtOSGt P. HOUINGBMY COMPANY 



86 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Net Pressure Limits AM-FM Dupes 
Although Only 20% Have Specific Nix 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

Over half of the AM-FM stations 
•with major web affiliations report that 
their network will not permit them 
to duplicate AM musical shows on 
FM, but only 20% of these stations 
have specific network agreements 
forbidding such duplication. These 
facts were turned up in a nationwide 
survey of FM broadcasters, con- 
ducted by the FM Assn. and released 
here Sunday (12) by J. N. ("Bill") 
Bailey, FMA executive director. 

The FMA survey shows that 53% 
of the AM-FM operators are not 
permitted to duplicate by their net- 
work, but 43% of this group explain 
that their web contracts do not for- 
bid duplication. Many said they had 
verbal instructions from the webs 
not to duplicate musical shows. 

In spite of these restrictions, the 
FMA survey shows that 37% of the 
network-affiliated FM'ers are du- 
plicating full network service. 

This is considered a high percent- 
age but undoubtedly has been cut 
since John Shephard, 3d, has ac- 
ceded to Mutual's request to cease 
duplicating MBS on Yankee Net- 
work FM stations. Other stations, 
who were duplicating on the q.t., 
have stopped since Petrillo's recent 
pronouncements on simultaneous 
airings of AM-FM music shows. At 
the same time, only 16% of the sta- 
tions confessed to carrying network 
musical shows on a question directed 
specifically to this point. 

Bailey pointed out: "That the net- 
work affiliate contracts as written, 
do not preclude duplication of cer- 
tain programs appears evident in 
the fact that 55% of the FM broad- 
casters reported they are carrying 
network programs except those with 
music. . ." 

The FMA questionnaire was an- 
swered by 236 FM'ers operating in 
40 states and the District of Colum- 
bia. Forty-four of the respondents 
have independent FM outlets-, with- 
out AM or network affiliations. 

Duplication Would Help 

A whopping 9D% of all FM sta- 
tions reporting believed duplication 
of popular network shows on FM 
would stimulate listening on FM sta- 
tions. Forty of the 44 indies shared 
this view. 

Some of the respondents, accord- 



ing to Bailey, placed responsibility 
for failure to give the public popu- 
lar net shows on FM on the net- 
works themselves, while others 
blamed Petrillo. 

Some of the other facts brought 
out in the FM survey: 

1. A formidable 86% of the FM 
stations reporting are operating at 
a loss; 8% are making a profit and 
6% just breaking even. Gross bill- 
ings have gone up on 25% of the 
stations, but another 70% reported 
no increase. 

2. Most of the FM stations employ 
no live musicians. However, 24 sta- 
tions employ a total of 121 union 
musicians. 

3. Only 10% of the FM'ers be- 
lieved FM should be programmed 
entirely independent of AM and the 
networks. 



Luckenbill 

Continued from page 26 



will get their plugs or Camel won't 
get our stars." 

Feeling the need of a big studio 
exec to run interference for himself 
and Hersholt, Luckenbill put the bee 
on Metro's Louis K. Sidney and then 
there were three. Malcontents were 
soothed for the time being and 
Screen Guild Players took to the 
air without the usual glob of credits. 
Feeling that his work had been done, 
and a rewarding job at that, Lucken- 
bill packed for ht>me. No sooner 
didihis plane get off the ground than 
a meeting was called of Radio sub 
committee of Producers Association 
to hear the beefs^ of the studio con- 
tact men. 

Lux Does Everything 
Hersholt made a fervent plea to 
hold the line, but there were early 
signs of cracking. Studio men stuck 
to their guns and insisted that the 
credits must remain. Donald Nel- 
son's Society of Independent Pro- 
ducers put in with an early recom- 
mendation that credits be retained 
but "held to a minimum." This had 
a ring of plausibility so the discus* 
sion took up from there. Les Peter 
son of Metro reasoned that it could 
be done like Lux— run on the stars 
for an interview after the dramatics 
are out of the way and thread in 
their picture credits. It was sec 
onded and carried but with the pro- 
vision that not more than two stars 
at any time would have their pic- 
tures plugged. 

Arch Reeve of Producers Associa 
tion made it all contingent on ap- 
proval by the studios, Relief Fund 
and the sponsor. It's two-thirds in 
but the big bolt is expected from 
Esty and Camel. Sponsors lose more 
bolts that way. 




PHIILY'S FEMME ANNOUNCER 

Philadelphia, Oct. 14 
A radio "first" in this area was 
chalked up last week when a female 
announcer handled the commercials 
for the Tommy Dorsey transcribed 
show over WPEN. 

Femme is Carole Reed, who goes 
by the name of "Jill" on the pro- 
gram, which is sponsored by a men's 
clothing store, on the theory a 
woman can sell men's clothes per- 
haps better than a man. 



I Radio Reviews 

I' Continued from page 31 = 

stations on CBC's Trans-Canada net- 
work. . , , . 

Rai Purdy's professional drive is 
evident throughout, thanks to a 
loosening of the purse strings, and 
a far cry from that "We, the People 
carbon on which the Borden show- 
has heretofore been mainly based. 
Instead of three or four spot-news 
interviews journalistically jazzed- 
up for human interest sobs or 
chuckles, this segment of the pro- 
gram has been replaced by a maga- 
zine treatment of the news, with 
musical embellishments, that will 
use not only current top headliners 
but also present the story behind the 
news. Some of the biggest names in 
international politics, science and 
the arts are scheduled for talk-ses- 
sions in forthcoming programs. 

Apart from this new and informa- 
tive angle of the Borden show in 
Canada, there's a high budget— for 
this country— for guest appearances. 
(The teeoff included Evelyn Mac- 
Gregor, Judith Evelyn, and Sir 
Ernest MacMillan, conductor of the 
Toronto Symphony.) Sponsor was 
also fortunate in signing up Mart 
Kenney and his orchestra for the 
first time. With his vocalists, Norma 
Locke and Roy Roberts, plus the 
Bordenaires chorus, Kenney gave a 
rousing and at times spine-tingling 
lift to a half-hour of jet speed and 
production values. 

Orch banged right into "Beyond 
the Blue Horizon" and kept up the 
pace till the finale, with vocalists' 
chores ably handled. As a comedian, 
Sir Ernest MacMillan surprised with 
his showmanly clowning as he took 
the interview away from Cy Mack, 
introduced Judith Evelyn for her 
chat on theatre matters, and then 
assumed a Scottish burr in present- 
ing the MacGregor. All 'this baton- 
wielder needs is the hat, a 'cigar and 
a bouncing cane and he'll be in New 
Acts. 

Whole topflight affair, on talent 
and production, shows what can be 
done when a Canaidan sponsor 
spends some money. McStny. 

'Hint Hunt' Is Set For 
Revamps as Part Show 
Hookup Goes to Coast 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 
"Hint Hunt," matinee audience 
participationer on CBS, is faced 
with the task of revamping its. for- 
mat somewhat because one part of 
the 25-minute show will have its 
hookup extended to the Coast Nov. 
17, and another part won't. It's a 
case of what can happen when the 
billings on a show is split between 
two divisions of the same sponsor- 
ing company, which with "Hint 
Hunt" is Armour. 

The meat division, which pays for 
the program's first 15 minutes, is 
the one that's expanding its station 
lineup to the Coast. The soap divi- 
sion, whose Chiffon Flakes brand is 
attached to the remaining 10 minutes, 
will go on broadcasting only as far 
west as Denver. . 

The advent of two differently- 
sized hookups will entail not only 
devising a special cutoff for the 
program at the 14:30 point but the 
revision of the contestant 'setup 
within the show's format. The pay- 
off for a major stunt that's planted 
at the opening of the program 
doesn't come until toward the end 
of the 25 minutes. "Hint Hunt" 
must now discard such ruii-of-the- 
program devices since listeners 
west of Denver would be left in 
the dark on the payoffs. 



HARVESTER TO SPLASH 
IN CENTENNIAL SHOWS 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 
International Harvester will cele- 
brate its centennial with the big- 
gest airwave splash in recent .Chi- 
cago radio history. Two-week birth- 
day campaign, Oct. 18-Nov. 2, will 
include spots on all local stations 
and 16 half-hour shows on the CBS 
o-and-o, WBBM. The IH "Harvest 
of Stars" will be expanded to an 
hour on NBC Oct. 19, with Chi air- 
ings by WMAQ, WBBM, WJJD and 
WGN. 

Programs will originate in a tent 
near Soldier Field. Vaude shows will 
be staged twice daily, with WBBM 
staffer John Harrington as m.c. 
Four exhibits will be under adjacent 
canvas. 



Mead-FCC 

Continued from page 27 



3 



known that Mead can have the job 
if he wants it, since President Tru- 
man is under some obligation to his 
former associates on the Senate 
War Investigating Committee. Mead 
wanted the Postmaster Generalship 
after, his defeat at the polls in the 
New York gubernatorial race, but 
was never offered the job. If he is 
willing to go to work for the low 
stipend of $10,000 a year, Mead 
would probably have no trouble in 
winning Senate confirmation to the 
FCC. 

Name of Brig. General Telford 
Taylor, now prosecutor of the 



NBC-Denny Poser 

Washington, Oct. 14. 
NBC will probably keep its 
newest veepee Charles R. Denny, 
Jr., officially away from Con- 
gress and even the FCC for the 
next few months. For one thing, 
it may be embarrassing for the 
network if and when the Senate 
Interstate Commerce Committee 
reopens hearings in January on 
Senator Wallace White's (R., 
Me.) proposed new radio bill. 
NBC is on record as favoring 
the NAB's draft of "new radio" 
legislation which spells death to 
the kind of FCC Denny has been 
running for the past several 
years. 

And it is believed Denny, 
himself, will wait a "decent 
period" before pleading cases 
before the FCC, since as chair - 
rhan he was intimately con- 
cerned with all phases of radio 
and common carrier operation, 
much of it still under wraps 
and due to come out later in 
public hearings, etc. 



'50-Sccond Rule' on Spots 
Suggested by WHEC'sYP. 
As Code Controversy Out 

Rochester, N. Y. 

Editor, Variety: 

Time buyers, spot advertisers and 
stations, doing, business with them 
are properly concerned over the fact 
that the "three-minute- rule" in the 
new code will drastically cut down 
announcement availabilities. Ted 
Streibert of WOR, N. Y., expressed 
the problem clearly at the code ses- 
sion at Atlantic City when he ob- 
served that under this rule we would 
no longer be able to run three one- 
minute transcribed announcements 
in a 14-minute, 30-second participa- 
tion program and then follow it with 
a station break. 

This is a problem that affects af- 
filiates and independents alike. We 
have a solution to offer. If Paul 
Raymer's proposed National Spot 
organization were a going concern, 
we could submit the solution to 
them. 

Reduce so called "one-minute an- 
nouncements" to 50 seconds. We 
maintain that by the judicious use 
of words, any product that can be 
sold in one minute can be sold in 
50 seconds. For that matter, the 
necessity for keeping within 50 sec- 
onds might even result in elimi- 
nating some of the sound effects that 
are the - real cause of listener an- 
noyance with commercials. So, cut 
one-minute transcribed announce- 
ments to 50 seconds and live copy 
to 100 words which can be read in 
50 seconds. 

The result would be that we could 
run three such announcements in 
14Vi minutes and still put on a sta- 
tion break following. If agencies, 
advertisers, national reps and tran- 
scription companies are concerned 
over loss of availabilities, here is a 
way for them to help themselves — 
by adopting a "50-second rule" so 
they can live under the "three-min- 
ute rule." 

Clarence Wheeler, 
Vice-President, WHEC. 




BARD GETS 'CLAUDIA' 
AFTER ALL THE FUSS 

Casting problem for lead role of 
Coca - Cola's cross - the - board 
"Claudia" show has finally been 
solved— but only after an auditioning 
marathon that involved practically 
every girl AFRA ever heard of. 
There was a time when even Rose 
Franken, who will script the show, 
was considering going inlo the role 
herself. 

Much - sought - for spot goes to 
Katherine Bard, who is the daughter 
of the ex-Secretary of the Navy. 
Payoff is that Miss Bard was orig- 
inally chosen for the part, even be- 
fore the hectic auditioning got under 
way. 



"Hlyuh Coach! I'm the little shrimp you kept on the bench 
last season. I've been eating Wheatlest" 



Hancock Sells WMID Share 

Atlantic City. Oct. 14. 
Paul Hancock, who has been vee- 
pee and general manager of the 
Mid-Atlantic Broadcasting Co., own- 
ers of WMID here, since shortly 
after it hit the resort airwaves last 
May 30, has disposed of his share 
of the station. Hancock returns to 
Mutual in New York in the station 
relations department. 



Nurembutg war trials, is also men- 
tioned. Taylor was FCC general 
counsel before the war and in that 
job was Denny's boss for a short 
time. Report is that in return for 
remaining in Germany to wind up 
the war crime trials, Taylor has been 
promised a top government job in 
Washington. There is no indication 
whether or not he would be inter 
ested in the low-paying FCC post. 

(In New York, it was reported 
that the War Dept. had cabled Ger- 
many inquiring how soon Gen. Tay 
lor could be relieved of his present 
duties. It was also reliably reported 
that both Denny and ex-FCC Chair- 
man Paul Porter are supporting 
Taylor for the FCC post and that 
President Truman has promised to 
give the general serious considera- 
tion. Some observers felt appoint 
ment of Taylor would be a smart 
political move, inasmuch as he's a 
war hero and is understood to be a 
liberal Democrat. It's understood 
however, that Truman is in no rush 
to name Denny's successor and may 
delay the matter as long as two 
months.) 

Commissioner E. K. Jett has also 
been mentioned as a candidate for 
the chairmanship. Jett, however, is 
a political independent and it is be 
lieved President Truman will pick 
an out-and-out Democrat for the 
post. He is expected to find the new 
chairman outside the FCC and to 
designate his man to the No. 1 job 
after the Senate confirms the ap- 
pointment. 

When 35-year-old Denny quits 
FCC Oct. 31, he will have completed 
almost five-and-a-half years' con- 
tinuous service with the agency. He 
moved over from the Justice Dept. 
to FCC in Feb., 1942, and became 
general counsel a few months later. 
He was named acting FCC Chairman 
in Feb.. 1946, and was given the job 
officially Dec, 1946, by Mr. Truman. 



Ernest Anderson presents 
FRED ROBBINS' 

ONE-NITE STAND 

*A <tMidiu$iilkriety Concert 

WfMt fraw 3 rtMrd braakiaf 
. Caatart* ta Canute Had 



THE ORIGIN Al 

CALYPSO 
CARNIVAL 



faatarim fig traat Catya n a te a t 



WILMOTH HOUDINI 



^pTaKMSJcaJiH 
A Nathra Catypia Orckastra with a 
Um af tomfr Mayan fattmtd ay 



MAX KAMINSKY & COZY COLE 



Eleven-Thirty Saturday Night ' 



OCT. 18th 



tit TOWN HALL 



Sat., Oct. 25 - ILLINOIS JACOUET 



NOV. 15-Carnegie Hall 
LOUIS 

ARMSTRONG 

and His Conctrt Group 
Faaturlng JACK TE AGAR DEN 



THE MIGHTYaJOROAN 
ROLLS ON! 

AND HIS TYMPANY FIVE, THAT IS. 
FLASH 



Mgt. BERLE ADAMS 
Direction — GENERAL ARTISTS CORP. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



RADIO 



NAB Appoints 11 Indie Reps as Code 
Group to Hypo Reaction to Ruling} 



Washington, Oct. 14. 

National Association of Broad- 
casters is making rip bones about 
the fact it is disappointed in the 
small volume of mail received here 
pro and con on the new industry- 
code. To speed things up and mobil- 
ize reaction well in advance of the 
board of directors meeting skedded 
for mid-November to take final ac- 
tion on the code, NAB veepee A. D. 
(Jess) Willard last week issued in- 
vites to 11 independent station men 
to meet at NAB headquarters Oct. 
' 23. The 11 indie reps were selected 
to .form a special code committee to 
speak for the non-network stations. 

Invitations went out Thursday t.9) 
to the following broadcasters: Frank 
Blair, WSCR, Scranton; Ted Cott, 
WNEW, New York; Wayne Coy, 
WINX, Washington; Arthur Harre, 
WJJD, ' Chicago; Edward ' Lamb,' 
WTOD, Toledo; Elliott Sanger, 
WQXR, New York; Harold B. Shaw, 
WOAY, Oak Hill, W. Va.; Calvin J. 
- Smith, KFAC, Los Angeles; Ben 
Strouse, WWDC, Washington; Eu- 
gene Weil, WLAQ, Rome Ga., and 
Ralph Weil, WOV, New York. 

The indie reps were selected to 
give cross-section opinion of stations 
by geographical location and size. 
A chairman will be elected among 
the 11 at the Oct. 23 meeting. 
Code will also come up for discus- 
sion by the NAB-FM executive com- 
mittee here the following day, Oct. 
24. Committee Chairman Leonard 
Asch, operator of independent FM 
outlet WBCA, Schenectady, will 
head this parley. 

Next code session on NAB's 
agenda is skedded for Nov. 3-4 
when the screening committee is 
due to study mail reaction to the 
new standards as reported by NAB's 
17 district directors and in letters 
sent directly to the NAB headquar- 
ters. So far only 20 letters have 
reached Washington directly, though 
directors have received well over 
that number in the field. However, 
only two NAB district directors have 
reported to NAB headquarters to 
date and NAB has issued a "hurry" 




IVe Got 'Em! 



"The Texas Rangers" transcrip- 
tions of western tunes are tops in 
quality of content. The price is 
reasonable — scaled to the size of 
the station and market. Available, 
too, at cost is an attractive song 
book for give-away or self-liqui- 
dating offer. 

Whit or Wire for Complete Details 

The Texas Rangers 

AN ARTHUR ». CHURCH PRODUCTION 
Ceo. f. Halley, Mgr. Syndicofctf Ftalvrei 

PICKWICK HOTfl, KANSAS CITY 6, MO. 



call to the other 15 to get the info 
from the broadcasters in their dis- 
tricts and to forward it to Washing- 
ton pronto. 

So far, NAB says gripes on the 
code fall into three categories. Some 
stations go for the three-minute 
limit on plugs in a quarter- hour 
segment, but want no rules laid 
down on how the commercial copy 
should be distributed. Another 
grpup of stations is plugging for a 
three-minute-30-second limit in 15- 
minute periods, rather than three 
minutes flat. And still others want 
some "outs" left for shopping guide 
shows, musical clocks and disk 
jockey stints. 

NAB also reports that a lot of sta- 
tions are already readjusting their 
schedules to jibe with the new 
standards and that sentiment in fa- 
vor. of the code is way ahead of the 
Opposition. 



Chi Sounds Off 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

The proposed NAB code, specific- 
ally its restrictions on commercials, 
was beaten into crumpled paper at 
the last (8) meeting of the Chicago 
Radio Management Club. Indie 
spokesmen led the assault, with time 
buyers and other agency members 
nodding in full agreement. 

Jump-off point for the attack was 
a letter written by Jerome Sill, v.p. 
of WMLO, Milwaukee, to Charles 
Caley, v.p. of WMBD, Peoria. Sill 
assailed the code limitations on com- 
mercials and threatened to with- 
draw from NAB if these provisions 
are adopted. (.Copies of Sill's let- 
ter have been widely circulated 
among indies,) 

Reading of Sill's missive set off a 
"me, too" coffeeklatch in which some 
sections of the code were denounced 
as impractical and likened to the 
worst features of Prohibition. Indie 
execs argued that shorter commer- 
cials would hit hard at small mer- 
chants retailing lesser known prod- 
ucts. It's one thing to refer to a 
standard brand in code time, so the 
indies said, and quite another thing 
to describe a suite of furniture with- 
in the allotted minutes. 

Main point scored was that a spon- 
sor would be foolish t| bankroll an 
hour show when he could get more 
commercial time under the pro- 
posed code by taking four 15-minute 
programs interspaced by other shows 
or divided among other stations. 

Compliance with code time would 
result in increased costs to the spon- 
sor, said indie spokesmen, and per- 
haps divert radio income into news- 
paper coffers. 



IOWA EDS BACK MILLER 
ON MAYFLOWER STAND 

Des Moines. Oct. 14. 

Iowa Assn. of Radio News Editors, 
meeting here 53-strong, lined up be- 
hind NAB.prexy Justin Miller in op- 
posing the, free speech curb implied 
in the Mayflower Decision. Editors 
voted unanimously for a resolution 
urging the FCC to review and re- 
verse the no-editorializing rule. 

Action followed a panel in which 
several editors declared they dis- 
regarded the Mayflower ban, con- 
tending that constitutional guaran- 
tees of free speech would override 
contrary FCC decisions if the Com- 
mission should try to force a show- 
down. 

Richard Hull of WOI. Ames, and 
Dick Burris of KSO, Des Moines, 
were reelected prexy and vice-prez 
of the group. Jim Bermann of 
WMT, Cedar Rapids, was named 
secretary-treasurer. 



Philly's WFIL to Sponsor 
Basketball Clinic; Bids Out 
To 670 High School Coaches 

Philadelphia, Oct. 14. 

Invitations have been sent by 
WFIL to 670 coaches and captains 
of basketball teams in high schools 
throughout this area for a free bas- 
ketball clinic to be held at the Arena, 
Oct. 30, by the station. 

Clinic instructors will include Ed- 
die Gottlieb, coach of the Warriors; 
Bob Davies, of the Royals; Bill Fer- 
guson, of St. Joseph's; Bill Anderson, 
of Lafayette, and Don Kellett, WFIL 
sports adviser, and coach at the 
Univ. of Pennsylvania. 

Plays will be demonstrated by 
such cage stalwarts as Joe Fulks, 
Howard Dallmar, George Senesky 
and Chink Crossin, of the Warriors; 
Eddie O'Halleran and Jack Ramsey, 
of St. Joseph's; Mary Zipple, Lafay- 
ette, and Penn's Stan Novak, Bob 
Carlson and Phil Harman. 

Station will also hold its first free 
ice skating clinic for junior, high 
and vocational-technical school stu- 
dents Thursday (16) at the Arena, 
with demonstrations by the cast of 
Ice Capades, "how current at the 
46th and Market street sports and 
entertainment palace. WFIL-TV will 
televise the clinic. 



Customers Calling for New Type 
Of Radio; Too Much Comedy, Whimsy 



Trend on the part of listeners to 
become thoroughly satiated with a 
number of old toprated comedy 
shows that continue to offer the 
same comedy year after year with- 
out change, is becoming very marked, 
according to a comprehensive survey 
of comedy shows just taken by the 
Ernest M. Walker, organization. An- 
other trend showing up in the sur- 
vey is leaning towards comedy that 
is whimsical in nature and that leans 
to a broad smart style. 

Survey found that comedy pro- 
grams which the listeners prefer are 
built around four major ingredients: 
characterization, situation, gag lines 
and personality appeal. If it were 
possible to build two programs in 
which the first three ingredients 
were equal, one program would still 
be better than the other, the survey 
showed, due to the variation in the 
last ingredient: personal magnetism. 

The listener's reactions, according 
to Walker, indicate that- strong char- 
acterization is a prerequisitie to 
strong interest value. The listener 
also prefers comedy in which the 
characters have specific characteri- 
zation as opposed to general char- 
acterization. Walker also found that 
the listener prefers comedy in which 
the principal characters and stooges 
are ^permanent part of the show— 
this preference amounting to from 
30% to 50%. 

Programs which make use of these 
recognized devices for establishing 
characterization— by what the come- 
dian says, by what the comedian 
does, and by what others in the pro- 
gram say about the comedian — have 
the best audience acceptance, Walker 
learned. In realistic situation type 
comedy, the listener demands that 
adequate time between gags be de- 
voted to the development of strong 
suspense. In gag type comedy, lis- 
tener demands a gag every 10 to 14 
seconds with such time as is allotted 
to situation being devoted to creating 
strong illusion. The listener also pre- 
fers gag lines that relate to some 
character factor of either the come- 
dian or one of the stooges. 

In a gag type comedy show, Walker 



learned, the comedy lines have to be 
good enough to cause from 70% to 
80% of the studio audience to laugh 
if they are to be acceptable to the 
listener. In the entire study of 1.500 
programs, no gag type programs was 
found to have an acceptable audi- 
ence rating where the average re- 
sponse by the studio audience didn't 
amount to an average volume of be- 
tween 70% and 80% per gag line. 

In a gag type comedy show, sur- 
vey also showed, the comedy lines 
must be good enough to cause the 
studio audience to laUgh for an aver- 
age of 3.1 seconds per laugh before 
the listener will accept it as good 
comedy. The listener also demands 
comedy in which the lines are clean 
and understandable. He is favorably 
influenced by one type of "sight" 
comedy — the type wherein a come- 
dian plays his character intensely 
throughout for complete association 
as against the type arising from 
mugging at the end of a gag line. 

Survey also showed that the lis- 
tener doesn't want too much of any 
one program. Records indicate that 
every comedian has, at some point or 
other, a saturation point in the num- 
ber of lines which he can effectively 
handle. In programs where a come- 
dian handles lines beyond his satur- 
ation point, the overall acceptance to 
the show invariably' drops. This sat- 
uration point varies in every case 
with the comedian. 



KAYCEE'S THIRD FM 
STATION (KSBS) PREEMS 

Kansas City, Oct. 14. 

Kansas City area gained its third 
FM radio station this week when 
KSBS, on a frequency of 105.9 mega- 
cycles, hit'the air with regular daily 
programs after extensive prelimi- 
naries. New FM-er is located in 
Kansas City, Kas., while the other 
two, KOZY and KMBC-FM are in 
Kansas City, Mo. 

Officers of the new station are 
Harry Butler, president; Harry 
Scherzer, vice-president, and Mrs. 
Gladys Butler, treasurer. 



Tiajuana Back on Air 

Mexico City, Oct. 14. 

Tiajuana, border hotspot, again 
has its own radio station in service 
after being off the air for nearly 
seven months, due to a strike of its 
announcers. 

Announcers won a 35% wage hike. 



CIRCLING THE KILOCYCLES 




Buffalo — Les Barnett, former ar- 
ranger and pianist with Rudy Val- 
lee, has been appointed to similar 
post in the Churchill Tabernacle. 
Barnett will also act in a nominal 
advisory capacity in connection with 
the Tabernacle broadcasting over its 
station WKBW. 



Seattle — Johnny Forrest's old 
"Rhyming Times" is back on the air 
here over KOL, now tabbed 
"Johnny's Jingle Journal." Airs at 
3:15 for quarter hour, sponsored by 
Wedgewood Park. Forrest is also 
writing and producing new audience 
participation show, "Country Store," 
half-hour program on KOL, Fridays 
at 7:30 p.m. 



' Pittsburgh — Joe Tucker, veteran 
WWSW sportscaster, has just been 
named sports director for the sta- 
tion. Tucker joined indie outfit in 
1936 and it was chiefly due to his 
outstanding job of sports reporting 
three years later that WWSW won 
Variety plaque for sports coverage. 
Tucker's also going to do play-by- 
play accounts of Hornets hockey 
games over KQV for a beer account. 
Carl Betz, recent graduate of Car- 
negie Tech drama school and newest 
announcer at WCAE, has just landed 
his first commercial there — the Ted 
Lewis recorded show. 



casting Corp. president James D. 
Shouse, works through WLW's Spe- 
cial Broadcast Services division, 
headed by Katherine Fox. 



Hollywood — Harold D. Weber has 
been appointed general manager of 
the proposed multi-station FM op- 
erations of the Pacific Broadcasting 
Co.. of San Francisco. 

He was formerly g.m. of the Oak- 
land Chamber of Commerce and is 
new to radio. 




St. Louis — The Griesedieck Bros. 
Brewing Corp. will bankroll all 
hockey games played by the St. 
Louis Flyers at the Arena. Harry 
Caray, who did the baseball play-by- 
play for the suds makers, will repeat 

j with the ice games. WTMV will 

I broadcast. 



Cincinnati — Depletion of Amer- 
ica's natural resources forms the 
impetus for a new series WLW 
will start, some time after the New 
Year, with Brenton Grant as co- 
ordinator. Grant, a business execu- 
tive and former commentator on 
WSAL, Cincinnati, was hired for the 
writing and coordinating job of 
"Generation on Trial.'' which will be 
aired 7-7:30 p.m. 

■ The series, idea of Croslcy Broad- 



Dallas — George Stevens has been 
named as the "Texaco Star Report- 
er," replacing Harry Harber who has 
resigned. Program is aired from the 
studios of WFAA-820 for a quarter- 
hour Monday through Friday and 
carried by stations of the Texas 
Quality Network and supplementary 
outlets KGNC. Amarillo, KRGW, 
Weslaco and KROD, El Paso. 



Fort Wayne — E. E. Ferrey has 
been named director of public re- 
lations for Farnsworth Television 
and Radio Corp.. succeeding Paul J. 
Boxell, who has joined Hill and 
Knowlton. public relations firm, in 
Cincinnati. 



-Detroit — Samuel J. Benavie has 
resigned as music director of WJR 
(CBS) to devote his full time to 
supervision of music )or the Jam 
Handy Organization, with which he 
has been associated since 1936. 



WHAT A FUTURE 



this husky infant is going to have! Its proud 
parent is the Newark News — far and away 
New Jersey's greatest newspaper. 

Its birthplace is rich North Jersey with V/ 2 
million population and an income of 4 l / 2 bil- 
lion. (That's BILLIONS of dollars, sir.) 

WNJR is due about the middle of Novem- 
ber*— a PROGRAM station, with a program 
to fit your product available right now. 

*Opening date will be. announced in Vabietv 

5,000 Watts 1430 Kilocycles 



MArket 3-2700 



91-93 HALSEY i T . 
NEWARK 2, N. J. 



I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
1 
i 
I 
I 
I 
I 




38 RECORDS— DISK JOCKEYS 



■ v 

PftRiEff 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 ' 



0) 

e 



a 
s 

s 

3 

fa 



XSDAV- "osifM U3H 



xflrua— paqna WO 



.2 

» 
a 

c _ 

< 

I* 

.2 



ovrs.— mo »»a 



HOXH— «3U3nH qsna 



MABIH-^PimqaS 1»M 



a 



J! 
2 



aa,u— uBtujox iiaia 



QI3IH — uunm ujAian! 



10H— sqi!H!-iO Ilia 



IUHHM — nopjoo IHfl 



E 
« 



iaa/tt— *»n»a «w»hs 



MSAV.W— HBH«a 14V 



dOXAl— -"aHS'l^O »!PP3 



Off Ai— «oni!S »!«->a 



qkim— p«qqnH »!PP3 



>■ 
z 



o m 





w *■ o w K 

l»l IS e 
•2, * .« a o .2 

filial 

° a- 1 * h e- & 

0 « W ^ 

*> a % « ° £ 

£ 8 c c £ 

1 - -2 § e Z 

►? '5 5 *- A 

(J< C V O Qi 

g « ,5 <* 3 

25-- ■85*' 
& £§ s ?^ 



* * 



< 



O > 



»n | co i- i— oc 



0 

g 

c 

3 



4 ca 

v u (o ce i- u 

»-t w H H H 



ft 

a ^ 



IH iH IM C> « N CV C! ^. c< C> C-l ft 



< a o 

N « w 
M Ct N 



< ca o 

CO M CO 
« C\l w 



a 



K 



a < ca o «! m w <? 

cOTi<^*^*irt*rt»rtw 



U 



-3 



.1 



... , P 

F > 



Wednesday, October IS, 1947 



OBCHKSTIIAS-MUSIC 



89 



AFM ADAMANT ON DISK DEAL 



British Biz No Better 

According to. British bandsmen now in the U. S., the condition of 
the band field in England is no better than it is at the moment in the 
U. S. It's asserted that English batoneers are finding equally slow 
b.o. reaction in London theatres and locations, and there's the same 
general lack of interest in so-called name music. 

Agency men in this, country, made aware of what's going on in 
Britain,, have thus taken heart. They feel that the coincidence of 
lack of interest in bands on both sides of the big pond at least makes 
it clear that the lethargic reaction of U. S. fans is caused more by 
troubled times than a mounting aversion to their music. 



Voceo Quits as Contact Union 
In Protest Vs. Pelham Heath Nix 



+— ■ 





E 





T 




California Intends to Collect Back 
Taxes from Maeslroes in Form B Exit 



Hocco Vocco, one of the owners of-" 
Bregman, Vocco & Conn and vice- 
president of the Music Publishers 
Contact Employees union, last week 
resigned as the union v.p. as an in- 
direct aftermath to the MPCE's ac- 
tion o£ last week in placing Herman 
Schubert's Pelham Heath Inn, N. Y., 
out of bounds for contactmen. Vocco 
took the stance that the move 
against Schubert's place and, indi- 
rectly, against Henry Jerome, whose 
.band is current there, was too seri- 
ous a rap to have been made on 
what he terms the flimsy evidence 
presented at MPCE council meetings. 

Vocco assertedly found that two 
members of the council had tele- 
phoned Jerome immediately after 
the meeting at which Pelham Heath 
was nixed, to advise the maestro of 
the ban. This was before official no- 
tice of the move was dispatched by 
the MPCE. Vocco took these calls 
to mean that the MPCE members 
involved sought to get off the hook 
with Jerome; that the action against 
the leader was not their fault, etc. 
Vocco blew up at this, pointed out 
to Bob Miller, MPCE president, that 
before a move such as that made 
against Schubert is "calendared the 
MPCE and the music business should 
concentrate on cleaning its own 
house. 

Repeating what Jack Rosenberg, 
late president of N. Y. local 802 of 
the American Federation of Musi- 
cians, once said to him. Rocco pointed 
out that there would be no need for 
punitive action against any location 
owner or bandleader if in all cases 
MPCE men kept within the MPCE 
rules and regulations against payo- 
las. 

Meanwhile, the MPCE continues 
with plans to take the same action 
as that leveled against Pelham 
Heath regarding other outlying N. Y. 
spots, and some within the city itself. 
It's asserted there have been many 
complaints by publisher employees 
against bandleaders working these 
jobs, and in some cases against own- 
ers. 

Joe Santly, of Lombardo Music, 
incidentally, was tendered and ac- 
cepted the v.p. post Vocco quit. 



Gray, Mercury Part 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Glen Gray's orchestra secured a 
release from Mercury Records last 
week with nine months still to go 
on a two-year deal. Gray, who 
signed with the label through Berle 
Adams, who's no • longer with the 
outfit, asked for the release. 

Gray is currently on a one-nighter 
trip in the east, and is due into the 
Click, Philadelphia nitery, Nov. 21. 



MUS-ART TO 

NEW CLINTON BAND 

Larry Clinton has completed ar- 
rangement's whereby his new or- 



TD Offered 17^ 
Weekly for Month 
In Buenos Aires 



Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
Tommy Dorsey has been pitched 
an offer to jmake a one-month r.tand 
in Buenos Aires, at "any time be- 
tween November and next May, at 
$17,500 weekly, plus air transporta- 
tion both ways, for the entire Dorsey 
entourage: Music Corporation of 
America dug up the date- and told 
Dorsey very few details as to what 
spot he will play, if he decides to 
go, as agency is afraid a rival book- 
ery will learn details and attempt to 
muscle one of its attractions in, if 
TD turns down bid. Currently, 
Dorsey is booked solidly into Feb- 
ruary. 

Among the few details made 
known to bandleader is fact he will 
be expected to do one show daily 
and make one radio program daily 
during preferred engagement. Ba- 
toneer has not nixed the deal, but 
has totd MCA that he wants entire 
month's salary deposited in this 
country before he ventures out. 



Chicago, Oct. 14. 
James C. Petrillo asserted yester- 
day (Monday), just before entering 
the Blackstone hotel here for a 
meeting of the American Federation 
of Musicians international executive 
board, that under no circumstances 
has the AFM changed its mind about 
recording. AFM prez stated that 
unless an alternate decision is ar- 
rived at during the board meet over 
the royalty to the AFM per record 
sold by disk manufacturers, that the 
disk companies will be advised im- 
mediately of a work-stoppage by 
members as of Dec. 31, when the 
current contract between the two 
factions expires. 

Petrillo pointed out that he told 
last June's AFM convention that re- 
cordings would be halted due to the 
Taft-Hartley act's ban against the 
type of deal the union has with disk 
manufacturers; he told Congressmen 
the same thing during the- investiga- 
tion of him during the summer, and 
he reiterated the AFM's stand at the 
recent American Federation of La- 
bor convention. He says that the 
AFM's plans haven't changed and 
that by Thursday night (16), when 
the board meet ends, the recording 
companies will be advised of a 
breaking-ofT of relations as of Dec. 
31— unless an alternate plan arises. 

There is much speculation here as 
to what (hat alternate plan might be. 
Some of the disk companies have 
tried to develop an alternate plan, 
but what course that might take is 
unknown. Outside the board meet- 
ing rooms here Monday there was 
some discussion about the AFM 
making its own recordings. They 



They'll Sign 



Infringement suits were brought 
last week in New York federal court 
against a pair of upstate New York 
roadhouses by a quartet of music 
publishers. The Penguin, operated 
by Victor J. Costanzi, near Port 
Ewen. N. Y.. was sued by Shapiro- 
Bernstein, Famous and Bourne, for 



♦ State of California Department of 
I Employment startled band-business 
accountants last week by advising 
I them that it does not intend follow- 
ing the U. S. Internal Revenue Bu- 
reau's lead in forgiving bandleaders 
for unemployment tax sums that 
might be returned to band-buyers 
as a result of the elimination of the 
American Federation of Musicians' 



alleged public performance of copy 
righted songs during last July, with- | F <»" m B contract by the U. S. Su- 
out proper license. | preme Court. Braunstcin & Cher- 

Songs illegally used by the Pen- > n j n> ' accountants for many name 
guin. according to the complaint j band wflo ' , the ., d 

.were "Exactly Like You, "When . ' 

We're Alone" and "Careless." An I in recent wecks to determine 
injunction and damages of not less • the status of bands relative 
than $250 for each -violation is . to unemployment taxes, was ad- 



sought. 

Slapped with a similar action by j 



Feist and Santly-Joy was the Stock 
wood hotel, Harriman, N. Y. Spot 
is charged with infringing upon 1he 
publishers' "My Blue Heaven" and 
"Honeysuckle Rose." Injunction and 
usual damages are asked. 



Pluggers Face 
Test Action In 
Denying Card 



Music Publishers Contact Em- 
ployees union, which recently 
closed its rolls to prospective card- 
holders to ease, unemployment al- 
would. be done through the AFM I ready in its ranks, is faced with a 



1949. ASCAPers involved with the 
negotiating for new terms assert 
. there's a good possibility the situa- 
chestra will be bandied by the Mus- | tjon wj „ be amicably settled. Stymie- 
Art agency. Latter will pick up , g ick seU)ement is the ploblem 
booking^ the combo following its | o£ whether , he networks or individ . 
close at the Meadowbrook, Cedar , ^ , ■ 



ASCAP, Radio-ites 
In New Huddles 

American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers goes into 
meeting again tomorrow (Thursday ) 
with representatives of the radio in- 
dustry's- music committee over ex- 
tension of the current contract be- j In a goodly number of cases albums 
tween them, which expires Dec. 31, j are being tin ned, along with indi- 



supervising the making of masters 
for resale to the manufacturers at a 
flat fee plus royalties. That seems 
wild, it's averred, but in this dispute 
anything can happen. 

Diskmen and agency heads can't 
see such an arrangement. At least 
not in the immediate future. They 
cannot see how Petrillo can get 
away with disturbing long-term con- 
tracts individual bandleaders now 
have with diskmakers. He'd be 
liable to a hot court fight if he tried, 
they say. Too, n.ime singers such as 
Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Bing 
Crosby, et a)., are wot members of 
the union (some may be, but it's not 
necessary). And since they, and not 
bandleaders, are the major record- 
sellers at the moment, it's felt that 
the AFM wouldn't be able to make 
such an arrangement stick. 

Board meeting adjourned for one 
day yesterday, incidentally, .to at- 
tend the Milwaukee funeral of Jo- 
seph Padway, attorney for the AFL 
and AFM. 

Step Up Disking 
Major recording companies with 
studios ( in New York. Chicago and 
Hollywood have already begun to 
step up the pace of disking. While 
the majors had not actually been 
stashing masters away against a pos- 
sible strike, most are now planning 
and executing dates with top names 



' test action. 

MPCE several weeks back re- 
fused a membership card to Don 
Wallmark. whom Sammy Kaye want- 
ed to install as representative of" his 
Republic Music in Hollywood. Wall- 
mark was formerly in Kaye's or- 
chestra. 

Kaye put his attorney, Lee East- 
man, to work on the problem. East- 
man has appealed the MPCE's de- 
cision to bar Wallmark from mem- 
bership, and has asked for arbitra- 
tion. He points out that the con- 
tract between the MPCE and music 
publishers allows for arbitration on 
such problems and also Is con- 
vinced that the MPCE cannot bar a 
prospective member who has a job 
awaiting the securing of a card. 

In the past it's been accepted 
among music publishers, and by the 
MPCE, that if a new member has a 
job awaiting him the issuance of a 
membership is virtually automatic. 



Grove, N. J.. Dec. 21. Clinton opens 



network sustainers aired locally by 



for Dailey Nov. 11 for six weeks. , amliat ., as rommi °rcials 

Meanwhile, the bookings Clinton »«™ ia, * s a * cc 
has set for the band, beginning 
Oct. 28 in New England, and the 
Meadowbrook date itself, have all 
been engineered by him without 
agency help. Most of the major 
booking outfits had been and still 
are seeking a deal to handle him, 
but he has been avoiding such ties. 



Some ASCAPers feel that there 
will be no need for arbitration to 
settle the question, a possibility ad- 
mitted several weeks ago by others. 
At any rate, whether or not there is 
arbitration in the offing, relations be- 
tween radio and ASCAP are at a 



vidual sides. And. as time goes on, 
the pace of recording will quicken. 

Secondary labels, of course, arc 
working Caster than the majors. 
Without the backlog of the big com 
panies. which 

stave oft a long strike, the medium , r . „ (o a few hundred thousand 



ASCAP Looks To 
Record Melon 

American Society of Composers. 
Authors and Publishers third-in- 
come, covering the July 1 to Sept. 30 
period, normally the slowest of the 
year, was only about 4 1 ":, under the 
second-quarter figures, which indi- 
cates that ASCAP's full-year distri- 
butable melon will this year be the 



vised last week by California tax- 
men that the state intends collecting 
from bandleaders all back unem- 
ployment taxes now that Form B is 
out. 

California tax bureau asserted that 
j it intends to hold name maestros re- 
1 sponsible for unemployment taxes 
| for all musicians they used between 
Jan. J, 1944, and Oct. J, 1947— pro- 
vided a bandleader is recognized as 
originating in California. What will 
determine this is unknown. II may 
be residence; it may be the main- 
taining of an office there or it may 
be simply that a leader spends most 
of his time in the state or, more 
simply, if he spent enough lime 
within California borders to become 
subject to the tax. 

It's made clear in the California 
communique that the dunning for 
tax sums will be made only for the 
period prior U> Oct. 1 last aiid back 
to 1944. For the time subsequent to 
last Oct. 1, of course, it's expected 
that leaders will voluntarily pay un- 
employment taxes since Form B no 
longer is in existence. Only last 
week the U. S. Internal Revenue 
Bureau issued a directive to branch 
offices' clarifying that bandleaders 
are employers of their musicians, 
this subsequent to a- Supreme Court 
ruling to that effect. 

It's estimated by accountants that, 
under the- unemployment tax laws, 
which demand a 2.7c. slice of each 
dollar paid musicians up to $3,000 a 
year, top name bandleaders can be 
clipped for as high as $G,000 in back 
taxes if California proves that n 
bandleader is responsible to that 
state for all his taxes. 

This stance by California's tax 
bureau is completely the reverse of 
the Government's in so far as back- 
tax disputes, set up by the AFM's 
use of Form B, are concerned. In- 
ternal Revenue last week advised 
leaders that while the Bureau will 
refund lax sums paid in thciv behalf 
by buyers of their bands during 
Form B's tenure; the taxes thus re- 
turned will not be demanded of the 
leaders. They simply must pick up 
where the buyers left o(f. California 
intends refunding the unemployment 
tax sums to buyers, but- wants the 
leaders to replace the coin. 



will help the latter ; highest in history. Second - quarter 
rose 
short 



of $2,000,000, and with the 



companies must pile up material. 

Anticipating action by the'Ameri , 
can Federation of Musicians against third quarter slightly under that, the 
the recording companies, which ; Society this year lias earned more 



would halt the making of records 
after Dec. 31, major music publish- 
ers are working far ahead of them- 
j selves, particularly those affiliated 
•.with film companies and have scores 



Cugat Marries 

Xavier Cugat gets married tomor- 
row (Thursday) in Philadelphia. 
Muesfro's. intended is Lorraine Allen, 
former filmile. Mauie Sachs, head 
of Columbia Records artists and rep- 
ertoire division, will be best man, 

Cugat is currently working with 
his band at the Click Club, Philadel- 
phia. 



.to worry about. 

peak of amicability. While there rs | , (|oj s() (Wse bs are not 
disagreement between the network ^ „„ , hc , ( , nt , s 

men and the mdie station represen- ^ a * pJat . jl)f , a „ .. jf amJ %vhe , r 

curb on thorn. They have advised 

coin. Administration costs, foreign 
ed. payments, etc.. are deducted. Coin 
. | the iiilormation will be passed on lo dispensed to members this year. 
Its hoped that the problem wilt | lhR f | i>kp) . s po .,,jb)y with a release however, is being increased by the 



tatives over who should hear thf 

extra coin to ASCAP for the makers lha( as ' 50nn as thp ro 

in question, both sides agree that > ^ ^ „ f a „,„, determined 
ASCAP is entitled to the compensa 
tion 



coin every month so far than com- 
parable periods of last year, which 
in itself set a new earning record. 

Al the Society's semi-annual meet- 
ing last week in New York, it was 
pointed out that for the firsl nine 
months of '4»7 income was approxi- 
mately $9,000,000. not all of it. of 
course, representing distributable 



JOHNSTONE MUSIC IN; 
0STFELD COAST REP 

Jack Johnstone's new Broadcast 
Music-backed Johnstone Music. Inc., 
went into action this week with 
Jack Ostfeld. himself at the helm of 
a BMI publishing (inn, going to the 
west coast to represent Johnstone. 
OstfeUVs Stevens Music, in which he 
was partnered with Charlie Spivak, 
goes into a state of suspension. 
Whether it will eventually be re- 
vived depends upon Ostfeld's health. 
He has been in ill health for a yetn;. 

Oslfeld's connect ion"\ with John- 
stone led to reports in N. Y. last 
week that the latter had bought out 
Stevt lis: and merged it with his own 
, new firm. 



be settled at tomorrows meet. 



Randy Brooks into Paramount the- 
atre. New York, Nov. 12 or 19 with 
King Colt Trio. 



po.*.- 

date for tiie disks. 



Four Vagabonds start six-week 
(and at Somerset House, Riverside. 
I Calil., Nov. 1. 



1 fact that the Society's operating Alex North's "Little Indian Drum" 
costs are being steadily lowered. At : is .-.lated to be introduced to concert 
the moment, some of 20" o of income audiences by the New York Philhar- 
is allocated for operations, said 'to monic during a Young People's con- 
be the lowest ever. . cert at Carnegie Hall, N.Y., Oct. 18. 



40 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



RCA as Music Pub Flattened Fast 
As Industry Raises Hue and Cry 



Possibility that RCA- Victor would| 
at last go into music publishing, in 
partnership with someone now in 
business in that field, was knocked 
flat last week after, the report of its- 
dickering. Victor executives dropped 
the idea like a hot potato after the 
story appeared in Variety, and es- 
tablished publishers who didn't like 
the idea of Victor joining their ranks, 
even as a partner, began sounding off 
against it. 

Gist of most publisher objections 
is said to have been the old line — 
"we're not attempting to get into the 
record biz, why should you want to 
get into the publishing field"? At the 
same time, however, publishers have 
never voiced any strong opinions 
against Decca being in the publish- 
ing field. They have objected indi- 
vidually during idle conversation, 
but it never had any appreciable e"- 
feet. Decca has its own Sun Music 
and is in partnership with Shapiro- 
Bernstein in Mood Music, along with 
Columbia Pictures, and is an owner 
■of the new Supreme Music with 
Bregman, Vocco & Conn. It also 
owns three other wholly owned mu- 
sic publishing companies. 



Jocks' 'Stirrup Boys' 

WHN (N. Y.) flack Jo Ranson 
has come up with a new tag for 
the lads who caddy the platters 
for the disk jockeys. 

He calls them "stirrup boys." 



Ernie Hoist Was to Have 
Opened at the Plaza, NXj "JfS 



Disk Jockey Reviews 

YAWN CLUB 

With Jimmie Milne 

55 MIns.; Mon.-thru-Sat., 7:05 ».m. 

Participating 

WNHC, New Haven 

Jimmie Milne's "Yawn Club" is 
one of those dawn-busting programs 
which capitalize on the period when 
the housewife is whipping up scram- 
bled eggs and the old man is whisk- 
ing off his chin spinach. In either 
case, they listen subconsciously so 
it doesn't matter too much what 
comes out of the receiver in the way 
of gab. 

Routine is a typical mixture of 
weather reports and ad lib com- 
ments sandwiched between platters, 
with participating plugs (heavy on 
"Hire's") claiming a fair share of the 
fleeting moments. 

who, incidentally, is man- 
ager of this Elm City station, seems 
to have worked up a following 



Fox to Audit 
Coast Disk Cos. 

Harry Fox, who oversees the col- 
lection of mechanical royalties for 
music publishers, is planning to 
double-check Coast indies' royalty 
statements. And he's sending his 
own auditors from New York to do 
the job. Two men from the Martin 
Fenton firm, which does all his 
accounting 5 work in N. ' Y.,. will 
leave for the Hollywood area next 
week to go over the books of all of 
the smaller labels. 

While Fox himself has several 
times checked into royalty state- 
ments of the dozens of outfits lo- 
cated on the Coast, during visijs 
there, each check was a perfunctory 
one. 

This sort of a check is not un- 
usual. It's done periodically on the 
books of even the major firms, 
which, incidentally, are rarely 
more than a few dollars off. Some- 
times they overpay. 



The sudden death, from a heart at- . . 
tack suffered in a taxicab Friday ^JOVj^Jl* 5£SS? 
(10) afternoon, in New York, cur- 



tained Ernie Hoist's comeback plans 
at the Hotel Plaza's soon-due Ren- 
dezvous Room, which is primed as 
the town's classiest nitery, with 
formal dress obligatory, etc. Hoist, 
w.k. in the country's smartest dance 
spots for many years, was of the 
Stork Club type of maestro — where, 
in actuality, he long worked — and 
was counted on by Col. Serge Obo- 
lensky, the Plaza's promotion direc- 
tor, to put that hostelry's class boite 
over in fast manner. 

In the show-must-go-on tradition, 
Hoist's fiancee, Mary Jane Walsh, 
continued in "Annie Get Your Gun" 
that night — and since. Miss Walsh is 
understudy to Ethel Merman, and for 
a second time assumed the title role, 
once last summer and now for a 
third successive week in view of 
Miss Merman's minor surgery still 
keeping her bedded. 



primarily via mail. There's no set 
type of music specialized in, the list 
hitting wide extremes. 

Program is one of three daily jock 
shows on this station. Bone. 



THE PLATTER PLAYBOY 

With Mike Rich 

60 Mins.; 12 Mid.; Mon.-Sat. 

.Sustaining 

WTRY, Troy 

Running for more than a year un- 
der Mike Rich's guidance, this show 
has built a large audience. Listener 
participation, through the playing of 
request numbers and the making of 
dedications, plus the intimate,, in- 
formal style used by Rich, are re- 
sponsible. Mention of names on the 
air has a surefire appeal in smaller 
communities, and Troy is no ex- 
ception. 

Perhaps the fact that first names 
only are announced on many "dedi- 
cations" gives dialers the buoying 
sense of using a public medium for 
the conveyance of private senti- 
ments. Rich conducts the show- 



Jocks, Jukes and Disks 

By George Frazier ' " ■ 



Jimmie Selph— If you've never 
heard of him, please remain seated. 
We never heard of him before this 
week either. But, fasten your safe- 
ty belts. Because the man is sheer 
murder. He is out with two Ma- 
jestic sides that may very well 
bring back Confederate money. 
They are "Easy to Please" and "The 
Little Boy's Letter to Santa Claus," 
both hillbilly. There's little to say 
about "Easy" beyond that it's the 
boast of a man in love with a really 
ugly girl. Selph's humor and 
bounciness, however, make it sound 
engaging. 

It is on the reverse that Selph 
gets down on both knees. This one 
will bring back Davey Lee. It con- 
cerns a little boy who writes Santa 



Best Bets 



which runs for two hours on Satur 

\X ~tth^Z i,;tv, m;™ w,ich day— as a family affair, and the regu- 
In view of their faith Miss Walsh , Jar ' s like u R J ich . s informalit y ex- 



was waiting church dispensation to 
marry the late maestro, who had 
been divorced. A solemn high re- 
quiem was sung for him Monday 
(13) morning at St. Patrick's Cathe- 
dral, N. Y. 

Several years ago, Hoist left band- 
leading to go into the agency busi- 
ness. He joined the cocktail dept. 
of General Artists Corp. for a short 
time before resuming in the band 
business. 



Lee Eastman, attorney, hops from 
New York to Coast Friday (17) for 
a week's stay on music business 
problems. 



tends to taking phone calls while he 
is on the air.- However, Rich's an- 
nouncements of procedure and format 
are repetitiously tiresome. He might 
give concern, also, to breath control 
and diction. "Intake" is too notice- 
able, mayhap he crowds the mike. 
Diction runs to over-thickness, 
though he possesses a deep, pleasant- 
toned voice. 
Show is sustaining. Jaco. 



James J. Metcalfe, author of "Por- 
traits," column daily in the Dallas 
News, has written in collaboration 
with Joe Cancelmo of New Jersey, a 
new song, "I Love My Texas." Ly- 
rics are by Metcalfe. 



Ballad— "I Still Get Jealous" 
(Gordon MacRae ), "Julie" 
(Tony Martin), "I Still Get 
Jealous" (The Three Suns), and 
"As Sweet As You" (Art Lund). 

Dance— "So Far" (Jack Eina), 
"I Still Get Jealous" (Harry 
James), "Civilization" (Sy Oli- 
ver), and "The Old Ferris 
Wheel" (Larry Green). 

Hillbilly— "Easy to Please" 
and "The Little Boy's Letter to 
Santa Claus" (Jimmie Selph) 
and "Canned Heat" (Chet At- 
kins). 

' Novelty— "The Gentleman Is 
a Dope" (Dinah Shore) and 
"Red Wing" and "The Whistler" 
(Sam Donahue). 

Blues— "Share Croppin' Blues" 
(Kay Starr). 

Hot— "Jeep's Blues" (Johnny 
Hodges) and "Bix and Tram" 
album. 



Claus that he doesn't want any toys 
for Christmas. He just wants his 
daddy back. Now, we have no dis- 
position to quarrel with this lyrical 
sentiment, so we were all ears, fig- 
uring that maybe dear old dad was 
playing left guard for Groton or 
taking the cure or in the clink. - But 
no. Selph is strictly an individual- 
ist. He's off with some dame. If 
the jukes and jocks don't spin this 
one, they're passing up something 
really ouslay. It's so bad it's great. 



H'WOOD DISK JOCKS 
TO SET NADJ LOCAL 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 
Local disk jockey's are meeting 
tonight (Tuesday) in a second at- 
tempt to organize, this time into a 
local chapter of the recently estab- 
lished National Assn. of Disk 
Jockeys. 

Bill Leyden, secretary of the na- 
tional group, and KMPC platter 
prince, will preside, having called 
the meeting on suggestion of the 
group's headquarters in the east. 
Indications are that the new attempt 
at grouping the local jockey flock 
will be more successful than last 
time. Virtually every jockey ,of 
note has promised to attend along 
with all the small fry. 



Dick Gilbert Disks Album 
Of Caesar's 'Safety Songs' 

Phoenix, Oct. 14. 

Dick Gilbert, KRUX disk jockey, 
recorded an album of Irving Cae- 
sar's "Songs of Safety" for Adven- 
ture Record Company. Designed for 
pre-Xmas trade, two-record album 
was waxed during Gilbert's recent 
stay in New York. Disks are viny- 
lite platters with 10 numbers on 
four sides. 

In addition to Gilbert's vocalizing, 
records feature the Bluebirds, 
femme harmony trio, with Ray 
Carter doubling between arranging 
music and conducting small back- 
ground combo. 

Gilbert had previously turned out 
albums for Liberty, waxing sides 
with Merle Pitt's orchestra, and 
teamed with Xavier Cugat crew in 
waxing a number of platters for 
Columbia label. He also made five 
sides on his own label (Dix), using 
about a dozen of Cugat's men for 
these recording sessions. 



» 10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines * 



„ ._ , f Francis Craig Bullet 

1. NEAR YOU (5) (Supreme) \ Andrews Sisters Decca 

2. I WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER NOW (5) (Marks) Perry Como Victor 

.3. I HAVE BUT ONE HEART (6) (Barton) { ^TsZra \ \ \ '. ! '. '. 

4. WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16 (13) (Shapiro-B) } ^6^° .V.'. V. '.'.'.'. '.'.'.Decca" 

5. YOU DO (2) (BVC) . 

6. LADY FROM 29 PALMS (6) (Martin). 



(Dinah Shore Columbia 4 

\ Margaret Whiting Capitol 

J Freddy Martin Victor 

\ Andrews Sisters Decca 

(Tex Williams Capitol 

XPhil Harris Victor 

PEG O' MY HEART (19) (Bobbins) S Harmonicats ....Vitacoustic 

' ' * ' \Three Suns Victor 



7. SMOKE, SMOKE, SMOKE (10) (American). 



]; 9. THAT'S MY DESIRE (25) (Mills) 



" 10. FEUDIN' AND FIGHTIN' (10) (Chappell) . 



Coming Up 



$ Frankie Laine Mercury 

X Sammy Kaye Victor 

(Dorothy Shay Columbia 

XTex Beneke . . •• Victor 



Pearl Bailey has been set for the 
Blue Angel, N. Y., starting Nov. 6. 



;. KATE 



APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING (Shapiro-B) 



I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU (Paramount) 



J Beffy Hutton Caj>itol 

X Vaughn Monroe . . . > . Victor 



Harry Prime is a singer you'll be 
hearing about. He does an excellent 
job— virile and warm— with the vo- 
cal on Jack Fina's M-G-M of "So 
Far;" As we recall, Prime gave up 
his job as a mailman to sing with 
the Chesterfield show a few years 
ago. All in all, this would appear 
to have been a smart move. He 
should make out quite all right. Fina 
band, by the way, performs this 
Allegro" number very danceably. 
They don't do much, however, with 
"Golden Earrings," which is on the 
other side. 

Dinah Shore doesn't have much 
success with "Earrings" either, but 
she acquits herself admirably on 
the backing, "The Gentleman Is a 
Dope" from "Allegro." She and 
Sonny Burke interpret the tune with 
what semes to be great insight. Sales 
should be pretty, good. 

Gordon MacRae, who made an im- 
pressive debut on Capitol a few 
weeks ago, is back this semester 
with two more faces which won't 
hurt his reputation. One of them is 
I Understand." It's nice enough, 
but hardly a wow. The other, 
though, has vast possibilities. It's "I 
Still Get Jealous" from the Sammy 
Cahn-Jule Styne score for "High 
Button Shoes." It's a swell number 
and MacRae invests it with the 
proper lilt. 

Harry James (Columbia) and The 
Three Suns (Victor) also made "Still 
Get Jealous." Both versions have 
their points. James' is fine dance 
music, with the added attraction of 
the leader's buoyant trumpeting. We 
cannot say as much for its backside, 
"Sentimental Souvenirs." Three Suns 
exercise their prerogative to give "I 
Still Get Jealous" the old schmaltz. 
We think it'll sell better. Backing 
it. up, The Suns do another number 
from "High Button Shoes"— "Papa, 
Won't .You Dance With Me?" Vocal 
is by The Sun Maids and Artie 
Dunn. For Mr. Dunn we will hold 
still, but those Sun Maids. Now that 
the Suns have permitted females in 
the locker room, we'll never again 
feel at ease in the Piccadilly baths. 

Sy Oliver's "Civilization" and 
"You Can't Tell the Depth of the 
Well" (M-G-M) are two extremely 
capable performances. A good deal 
of their charm derives from the re- 
laxed way the band works and Oli- 
ver sings. If "Civilization" hadn't 
already come out in other versions, 
we'd pick Oliver's as a coin-machine 



Suggested Program 

"King Porter Stomp"— Benny 
Goodman (Victor). 

"Johny" — Marlene Dietrich 
(Vox). 

"A Fellow Needs a Girl"— 
Gordon MacRae (Capitol). 

"The House Detective Reg- 
isters" — Alec Wilder Octet 
(Columbia). 

"Glad to Be Unhappy"— Lena 
Home (Black and White). 

"Easy to Please" — Jimmie 
Selph (Majestic). 

"So Far" — Jack Fina 
(M-G-M). 



KOKOMO, IND. (BVC) 



CIVILIZATION (Morris) 



ON THE AVENUE 



(Berlin) J Tommy Dorsey Victor 

" " I Eddy Howard Majestic 

S Buddy Clark Columbia 

X Sammy Kaye Victor 

S Bing Crosby. ... Decca 

I Dinah Shore . ... Columbia 

HOW SOON (Supreme) jack Owens Tower 

WHIFFENPOOF SONG (Miller-Schirmer) Bing Crosby ...Decca 

NAUGHTY ANGELINE (Simon) J Dick Haymes ' Decca 

X Art Lund , M-G-M 

S Louis Prima Victor 

\Jack Smith Capitol 

(Leeds) .. i Andrews-Cavallaro Decca 

'"'"*" ' [Eddy Howard Majestic 

SUGAR BLUES (Williams) Johnny Mercer Capitol 

BLACK AND BLUE (Mills) Frankie Laine ..Mercury 

X ECHO SAID NO (Lombardo) S Elliot Lawrence Columbia 1 

«, (Sammy Kaye .: Victor 

CUMANA (Martin) Freddy Martin Victor 

ALMOST LIKE BEING LOVE (Fox) [Frank Sinatra Columbia |[ 

I Jo Stafford Capitol .. 

BALLERINA (Jefferson) \ Jimmy Dorsey ..M-G-M 

[Vaughn Monroe ..Victor 

J PEGGY O'NEILL (Feist) Harmonicats ...Vitacoustic 

SERENADE OF THE BELLS (Morris) Sammy Kaye Victor J [ 

[Figures in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top 10.) 
****************** ****** * **** ****** * t MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM ♦♦♦ ♦ »♦ 



natural. As it is, however, we lean 
toward "You Can't Tell," 

Sam Donahue may well have got 
himself his first real juke smash 
when he chose "Red Wing" and 
"The Whistler" for his latest Capi- 
tol coupling. "Red Wing" is a fine 
nostalgic thing and there have been 
far too few available recordings of 
it. Shirley Lloyd and chorus do the 
vocal in a style which, if unconven- 
tionally gusty, is nevertheless highly 
acceptable. "Whistler" is based on 
the eerie movie whistle which sig- 
nifies impending doom. Although it 
would scarcely seem a suitable take- 
off for a popular song, it turns out 
to be an unusually imaginative one. 
This bracketing should prove to be 
Sam Donahue's biggest seller to date. 

Irving Berlin's "The Freedom 
Train" has already been discussed 
glowingly in this space, but bend 
attention to the Capitol of it by 
Johnny Mercer, Benny Goodman, 
Peggy Lee. Margaret Whiting, the 
Pied Pipers, and Paul Weston's 
band. It's excellent. On the other 
side, Miss Whiting sings "God Bless 
America" — and very well she sings 
it too. 



Mercury Records pacted Snooky 
Lansome, WSM crooner, and Libby 
Holman, who did two sides. Nego- 
tiations are going on with Hazel 
Scott, jazz pianist. 



Wcdneaday, October 15, 1947 



Wr 



0N€MESTKA$-*iU3iC 



41 



See AFM Issuing New Contract Form 
WithinNextWk. to Settle 'B'Wrangling 



Band agencies expect the Amer--* 
lean Federation of Musicians to issue 
within the next week or so a fresh- 
ly-designed contract blank, once and 
for all relegating the long-disputed 
Form B blank to the discard. Now 
that the U. S. Internal Revenue De- 
partment has issued a directive out- 
lining the course to be taken by all 
bandleaders with, regard to the de- 
duction of withholding and social 
security taxes from the salaries of 
their musicians, the agencies want 
to get rid of Form B as quickly as 
possible. They've had too many 
headaches as a result of it and are 
jtfll having some despite the fact 
that the U. S. Supreme Court out- 
lawed it a couple months ago in 
deciding a case started in Iowa by 
Roy Bartels, ballroom owner, 
against the Government coinmen for 
recovery of taxes he paid for musi- 
cians. 

Though the Supreme Court killed 
Form B, the AFM heads have been 
clinging to the use of the blank un- 
til the Treasury has advised them 
how their members should act in the 
payment of taxes. At the same time, 
band players have refused to sign 
Form B blanks carrying the tax 
ter/ns. This has forced agency per- 
sonnel into adding riders to each 
contract eliminating the tax clauses 
and caused much extra work. Sev- 
eral weeks ago, agency heads at- 
tended an AFM executive board 
meet in Chicago to ask for a new 
blank but were told none would be 
forthcoming until the taxmen issued 
their directive. It was sent out last 
week. 

Meanwhile, the AFM last week 
circulated among agencies copies of 
a new management" blank it de- 
signed. This blank carries the new 
rules promulgated during the 
union's annual convention of last 
June, lowering the length of time 
a band can be tied to one agency 
from seven years to five, et al. 



Golsen Eyes Piano-Sales 
Tie as Sheet-Music Hypo 

Mickey Golsen, head of Criterion 
and Capitol Music companies and 
several subsidiary firms, is nego- 
tiating with the National Piano 
Manuf acturers Assn. to take a crack 
at bettering cooperation between 
music publishing and piano sales. 

On the premise that a certain 
percentage of piano buyers are po- 
tential music customers, Golsen in- 
tends to devote space on every copy 
of music disbursed by one of his 
companies to advertising and pro- 
moting pianos. 



Fmley-MCA Suit 
Settled for 45G 



Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Settlement of $45,000 has been 
made in the Larry Finley vs Music 
Corp. of America monopoly litiga- 
tion. This was confirmed by William 
Christiansen, attorney, who said 
that terms had been reached last 
July, but kept quiet. 

Finley had been awarded $55,000 
damages the first time his suit went 
to trial but settled for less rather 
than undertake possible expense of 
continuing case if MCA appealed 
decision. In settling, Finley also 
withdrew a second action in which 
he sought added damages for period 
from March 15. 1946 to closing of 
his Mission Beach dancery, San 
Diego, last Fall. 

Original action was tried under 
Sherman Act and charged MCA 
with monopolistic practices in giv- 
ing the rival Pacific Square ball- 
room preference over Finley's ball- 
room in the booking of name bands. 



Vocal Group Sues Over 
Unfulfilled Disk Pact 

With the filing of answers and 
counterclaims in New York supreme 
court last week a $22,000 damage 
suit brought by James Redwood and 
the Chromatic Tones against Alvin 
Music Corp, and Monty Siegel cams 
to light. Charging breach of con- 
tract, plaintiffs claim that under an 
agreement made Dec. 17, 1946, the 
Chromatic Tones, a vocal group, 
were to have cut .,12 platters for the 
defendants in six recording sessions. 

Pact called for an advance of $1,- 
000 plus royalties. However, plain- 
tiffs claim that no recordings were 
made and in addition since the ticket 
was an exclusive employment deal 
they sustained loss of other work 
they might have had. In the coun- 
terclaims of Alvin and Siegel, 
George Goodwin, the Tones' man- 
ager, was brought in as a third party 
defendant. 

Defendant Siegel charges in Ins 
answers that he was induced to sign 
the contract due to false and fraudu- 
lent representations by Goodwin 
and Redwood. He was new to the 
trade^ he stated, and he took them 
at their word that the Tones group 
was top b.o. Siegel alleges the big 
buildup of the Tones handed him by 
Goodwin and Redwood wasn't true. 
Describing the agreement as vague 
and indefinite, he asks return of the 
$1,000 advance he made plus $308 
he shelled out in expenses. 



N. Y. Strand, Cap, Par Theatres 
Refuse to Pay for Standby Bands 



£. R. Lewis Back Home 

E. R. <Ted) Lewis, British Decca 
prexy, in town for several weeks 
huddling with Jack Kapp, head of 
American Decca, returned to Brit- 
ain Saturday til) aboard the Queen 
Mary. 

Other passengers were Phyllis 
Calvert and Jascha Heifetz. 



Songs With Largest Radio Audience f 

The top 33 songs of the week, based on the copyrighted Audience 
Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over Radio 
Nehoorks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John G. 
', ', Peatman, Director. 

Survey Week of October 3-D, 1947 

J Ain'tcha Ever Comin' Back Sinatra 

All My Love . Harms 

; ; All Of Me , Bourne 

. Almost Like Being In Love— *"Brigadoon'' Sam Fox 

; ; An Apple Blossom Wedding Shapiro-B 

— And Mimi Shapiro-B 

As Long As I'm Dreaming — f'Weleome Stranger" Burke-VH 

Cecilia ABC 

Come To the Mardi Gras Southern 

Don't Tell Me— t'The Hucksters" Robbins 

Feudin' And Fightin' Chappell 

For Once In Your Life Dreyer 

Freedom Train Berlin 

Fun And Fancy Free— f'Fun And Fancy Free" Santly-Joy 

I Have But One Heart Barton 

I Wish I Didn't Love You So— f'Perils Pauline" Paramount 

I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now Marks 

Just An Old Love Of Mine C-P 

Just Plain Love Morris 

Kate Berlin 

Lady From 29 Palms ■ • Martin 

My Heart Is a Hobo— f'Weleome Stranger" Burke-VH 

Naughty Angeline Simon 

Near You Supreme 

On the Old Spanish Trail Maurice 

Pe<? O* My Heart Robbins 

Sipping Cider By the Zuyder Zee Bloom 

So Far— ♦"Allegro" Williamson 

! ; Stanley Steamer r. .... .... • Warren 

Tallahassee .Famous 

i That's My Desire .Mills 

) ; When You Were Sweet Sixteen Shapiro-B 

You Do— f'Mother Wore Tights" BVC 



Eatery Wouldn't 
Serve Tin, Negro 
Jazzers File Suit 



Norman Granz, promoter of the 
"Jazz at the Philharmonic" unit, who 
refuses to book his • jazz group 
into auditoriums that practice 
segregation, began an action last 
week, along with some of his musi- 
cians, against a Jackson, Mich., 
restaurant owner? Suits by Granz 
and five Negro members of his 
troupe— Howard McGhee, J. C. 
Heard, Helen Humes, Hank Jones 
and Joe "Flip" Phillips — were started 
because the restaurateur refused to 
serve them. Name of the eatery was 
the Regent. 

Granz and his troupe did a concert 
at the Jackson Aud last Tuesday (7). 
Before going onstage, they sought 
dinner. They waited from 6:30 until 
8:30 p.m. to ho served without suc- 
cess. Finally. Granz left the restau- 
rant, went to the Aud and explained 
the delay to patrons and offered re- 
funds. He went back to the eatery 
with Jackson's police chief and 
waited until 9:30 for service, again 
unsuccessfully. Troupe fulfilled its 
schedule at the Aud without 
dinner. Launching of the actions, 
which will be done separately, fol- 
lowed immediately. Granz was ad- 
vised he could start criminal action 
against the restaurant, but this 
would demand the presence of the 
complainants, and they had other 
bookings to fulfill. 

Weeks ago Granz yanked all of 
his jazz disks out of a Dayton disk 
store when the owner suggested he 
bring only white members of his 
troupe to a scheduled autograph 
shindig at the place. Many times he 
has cancelled bookings of his jazz 
unit when he discovered the spots he 
was to play segregated audiences. 



Review of the standby situation 
betwocn New York Local 802, 
American Federation of Musicians, 
and the major Broadway bandfilm 
theatres— -Strand, Capitol and Para- 
mount — wound up last week with 
the theatre operators flatly refusing 
to continue paying standbys. 

Theatremen, firstly, told the 802 
representatives that each had been 
advised by the national office of the 
AFM in N. Y. not to pay standby 
salaries. This, plus the Taft-Hartley 
act, which forbids featherbedding, 
was the basis of the theatremen's 
stand. However, there is another 
meeting scheduled for Friday (17) 
between the two groups. 
• Local f!02 bases its demand for the 
continuation of standby payments 
from the Paramount, Cap and Strand 
Charlie Spivak and the late Glenn I 0 n the contracts that exist between 
Miller's estate last week settled a j 802 and the State. Roxy and Music 
drawn-out dispute over Spivak's in- | Hall, which actually use pits bands 
come for the year 1944, during whereas the other three use name 
which time Miller was a part owner | bands, pitying standbys only when 
of Spivak's band'. Spivak paid . a "travelling" orchestra is booked. 
Miller's heirs an undisclosed sum Local's contract with the latter trio 
(said to be somewhere between runs until September, 1948, and, 



Spivak, Miller 
Estate Settle Up 



$8,000 and $10,000) to dispense with 
the dispute, which had been threat- 
ening to go into court. 

When Spivak set up his band in 
the early 40's, he did so with finan- 
cial assistance from Miller, who re- 
tained a 25'-« slice of Spivak's in- 
come It's asserted that in 1944 
Spivak's accountants turned over to 
Miller a statement which reported 
Miller's slice of the trumpeter's 
profits as $800. Miller disagreed 
with the statement and the dispute 
began and was settled only last 
week. 

Argument involved only that 
year. Subsequent to that period, 
Miller's deal with Spivak was 
changed due to the fact that he and 
Sy Shribman, co-owner with Miller 
in the latter's band and all allied 
interests such as Spivak, made a 
deal with the William Morris 
agency. This arrangement turned 
over to Morris the booking rights to 
Miller's orchestra as well as those 
of Spivak, Claude Thornhill and Hal 
Mclntyre, in all of which Miller 
and Shribman were interested fi- 
nancially. Miller and Shribman 
were to get a certain percentage off 
the top of the earnings of the entire 
group. 

This deal was made at about the 
time Miller entered Army service. 
He never lived, of course, to fulfill 
his part of the deal. 



while there is no signed agreement 
with the Par, et al, the local takes 
the stance that this contract applies 
to them also. Arid since the T-H 
act allows any contracts contrary to 
its terms to run until expiration, 802 
feels it is due the- standby sums from 
the houses using name bands until 
the expiration of the agreement with 
the houses using pit bands. 

When advised that the AFM itself 
had told the theatres not to continue 
paying standbys, 802 executives were 
confused. They retired from last 
week's meeting apparently to check 
this angle-i (AFM itself has always 
frowned upon standbys, which is a 
local problem, because it is then left 
open to featherbedding charges). 

Theatres more than likely will 
continue to refuse paying standbys, 
no matter what 802 might devise. 
While biz was good during the war, 
they didn't mind too much. Now 
that biz is back to normal, or less, 
they assert they cannot alford the 
coin. 



Freddy Martin's Pic 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Metro has signed Freddy Martin 
and his orch to feature in the first 
of the new Martin Block shorts 
being produced by Herbert Moultan. 

First one rolls Oct. 24 with disk 
jockey Block in an emcee role. 



Bands at Hotel. B.O.'s 



The remaining 18 songs of the week, bosed on l he copyrighted •• 
■ • Audience Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over [ [ 
] ; Radio Networks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John 
G. Peatman, Director 

; ; Ask Anyone Who Knows • Witmark 

. . Christmas Dreaming Leeds 

Civilization • ■ • Morris 

', ; Dardanella . ... Fisher 

•• Don't You Love Me Anymore Oxford 

Echo Said "No" Lombardo 

. : Golden Earrings Paramount 

• • I Wonder, I JWonder, I Wonder Robbins 

H It's True Mills 

Kokomo, Ind.— f'Mother Wore Tights" BVC 

] " Love For Love Witmark 

My, How Time Goes By Chappell 

On the Avenue Leeds 

I! There'll Be Some Changes Made Marks 

•- Turntable Song— ^'Something In the Wind'..... Miller 

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve Famous 

Whiffenpoof Song Mil,er 

You're Not So Easy To Forget Feist 

"tFilmustcal. 'Legit Musical. 

MM ♦♦ M «««»« M «» ,M »M ♦♦«♦♦«♦♦♦♦ «♦♦++♦+♦++♦ 



Kami Hotel 

Nat Brandwynne*. Waldorf (400; $2) 1 

Claude Thornhill . Pennsylvania (500; $1-$1.50) 5 

Ray McKinley* . . .New Yorker (400; $1-$1.50) 3 

Johnny Pineapple Lexington (300; $1-$1.50) 48 

Orrin Tucker Roosevelt (400; $1-$1.50) 6 

Vaughn Monroe. . Commodore (400; $1-$1.50) 1 



Granz Promotes King- Cole 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Norman Granz has bought the 
King Cole Trio for a series of six 
jazz concerts in as many key cities. 
First stand was last night (Mon.) in 
Toronto, with Montreal and Boston 
bashes following on successive eve- 
nings and Richmond, Va., Oct. 19; 
Philadelphia, 21; and the Academy 
of Music, Brooklyn, N. Y., 24. Granz 
may use the combo on other dates. 

Cole threesome gets a $1,750 
guarantee against 50% of gate on 
each date, with group paying its 
own transportation. Granz under- 
writes costs of hall renting, plus 
advertising. 



Covers Total 

Week* I'ust Covers 

riiijeil Week On Unto 

2,325 3.425 

1,625 10,175 

1.450 5,750 

1,000 44.450 

1,825 11,250 

2,125 3,525 



* Jean, Sablon at Waldorf, Ice Sliow at New Yorker. 

Chicago 

Ray Heatherton (Marine Room, Edgewater Beach; 700; $1.50-$2.50 min.). 
Young college crowd helped to neat 4,900. 

.lose Melis (College Inn, Sherman; 700; $2-$3.50 min.). Frankie Laine 
rolls into third week with smash 5,700. 

Ray Morton (Mayfair Room; Blackstone: 300; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Peter 
Lind Hayes and wife, Mary Healy, put up the ropes. Boff 2,800. 

Benny Strong (Boulevard Room, Stevens: 650: $3.50 min.-$l cover). Na- 
tional Safety Congress housed here held final week of Strong to fancy 
3,400. 

Griff Williams (Empire Room, Palmer; 550; $3.50 min. -$1 cover). Second 1 
week of new revue nifty 4,300. 



Los Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Socko 2.600 covers. 
.Tan Gstrber (Biltmore; 900; $1-$1.50). Opened Thurs. (9); first week 
looks like excellent 2,200. 



Xraas Nightmare? 

Hollywood, Oct. 14. 

Leeds Music is doing its 
Christmas-gifting a little early 
this year to tout its tune, 
"Christmas Dreaming." Radio 
and recording performers here 
are being given baseball bat- 
lenglh salami's gaily frilled in 
the traditional Yule colors. 

Probably Lou Levy figures if 
a recipient of the bologna wishes 
to stash tiic gift until the holi- 
days, it'll keep. 



Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

i Chicago) 

Tommy Carlyn (Trianon; $1-$1.25 adm.). Third stanza, better than sec- 
ond: brisk 16,000. 

Marly Gould (Chez Paree; 550; $3.50 min.'. After weak start, this spot 
picked up with conventioneers. Mitzi Green and Jackie Miles equalled 
pert 4,900. 

Sherman Hayes (Blackhawk; 500; $2.50 min.). Off a bit to moderate 
3,000. 

Buddy Moreno lAragon; $1-$1.25 adm.). Local boy doing fine in second 
week; 16,000. 

Buddy Shaw (Latin Quarter; 700; $2.50 min.). Slipped to wrong side of 
ledger witb weak 2,700 on final week. 



i Los Angeles) 

Harry Ota ens and IUI Derwin (Aragon, B. Ocean Park, 2d wk.). Okay 
5.000 admishts. 

i Frankie Masters (Casino Gardens, B, Ocean Park. 7th wk.). Fine 6,100 



payees. 

Alvino Key and Joe Lagging (Meadow-brook. B. Culver. City. 1st wk.). 
Miserable 2,000 or fewer admishes. No ballyhoo attended opening. 

Harry James (Palladium, B, Hollywood, 1st wk. ). Smashing 19,000 or 
thereabouts, more stub buyers than site has shared in long, long time. 



42 



ORCHESTItAS-MITSIC 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



ASCAP MEMBER MEET 
JUST LIKE A PINK TEA 

American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers went through 
a rather mild semi-annual member- 
ship meeting last Thursday (9) at 
the Ritz-Carlton hotel, New York. 
Meet consisted mostly of reading of 
reports by the chairmen of various 
c ommittees, and a few brief, but ex- 
plosive talks by Herman Pincus, 
et al. Latter disagreed with the 
methods used by the board of direc- 
tors in replacing men who quit 
board positions before the expiration 
of their terms. 

Other than that, the meet was as 
quiet as the recent annual get-to- 
gether by ASCAP heads with mem- 
bers of the Coast contingent. 



Armstrong Concerts At 
Carnegie, N Y., Nov. 15 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Louis Armstrong orch, currently 
at the Rag Doll bistro here, is the 
latest jazz combo to hit the, concert 
circuit, winding up at Carnegie Hall, 
New York, Nov. 15. After a week 
at Tune-Town Ballroom, St. Louis, 
Armstrong does his first concert date 
in Kansas City, Oct. 27, followed by 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Oct. 28; Rock- 
ford, 111., Oct. 29; Davenport, Iowa, 
Oct. 30; Ft. Wayne, Ind., Oct. 31; 
Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 1; Indianapolis, 
Nov. 2; Milwaukee, Nov. 4; Chicago, 
Nov. 8; Cleveland, Nov. 9> 

Armstrong returns to Billy Berg's 
Hollywood, for eight weeks begin- 
ning Dec. 24. 



Brenner Points the Way 
For WAAT Promotion 

Paul Brenner, WAAT, Newark, 
disk jockey, has a new gimmick to 
follow a recent one which included 
giving away 600 records a week to 
listeners. In this one, he's made a 
tieup with the makers of Walco, 
long-lasting sapphire phono needles, 
via which that company will give 
away $1,500 worth of them weekly 
(at retail prices). 

Brenner will use an obscure re- 
cording on his show daily and listen- 
ers will be asked to identify artists; 
100 winners daily will get the 
needles, along with an extra one 
going for free to the retail store- 
keeper to whom the fan goes to pick 
up his or her prize. 




The New Johnstone Music, Inc. 

Presents Two Great Songs 

★ 

A BED OF ROSES 

A beautiful ballad 
to be introduced by 

SAMMY KAYE 

on his "SUNDAY SERENADE" Oct. 19th 
WJZ and ABC Network, 1:30 P.M., EST 

★ 

WHY DOES IT HAVE 
TO RAIN ON SUNDAY 



We thank 



PERRY COMO 

for introducing this great rhythm song 
on his "CHESTERFIELD SUPPER CLUB" 
last Friday, Oct. 10th. 

* 

JOHNSTONE MUSIC, INC. 

JACK JOHNSTONE, Pres. 

Ml 9 Broadway, New York 19, N. Y. 
Equitable Bldg., Hollywood and Vino, Hollywood 



hside Orchestras-Music 

There have been many stories told of the methodical approach to va- 
rious phases of the orchestra business by Guy Lombardo's orchestra 
which opened at the Roosevelt hotel, New York, Monday (13) on its 17th 
consecutive seasonal run there, but few that equal the band's methods on 
one-nighters. 

Ray Hartenstein, operator of Sunnybrook Ballroom, Pottstown, Pa. 
timed the band's entrance and exit at his spot Saturday (11). Lombardo 
and his men were due to begin work at 8:30 p.m. They showed up at 
8:17, set up and were performing by 8:30. When the night was finished, 
it took the bandsmen exactly four minutes to "knock down" stands, pack 
music, etc., and get out of the- building. He claims that in Ave minutes 
they were rolling away from the spot in a bus. That's quite a difference 
from the average name swing band, whose prima donna members leave 
all setting up and knocking down to band boys. Few even carry their 
instruments. Each of Lombardo's men takes care of his own horn, music 
etc. . 



General Artists' one-night booker, Howard Sinnott, has dropped 1 all 
plans for a "National Dance Week," which he has been promoting for 
the past two weeks among agencies and band buyers in an effort to stimu- 
late interest in big-band music. Music Corp. of America refused to par- 
ticipate in the idea and most other agencies and personalities involved 
became discouraged at MCA's refusal to join and so passed it up. They 
felt that MCA, being the largest agency in the field, would have to be in 
on the deal before it could go far. 



Arturp Toscanini, Leopold Stokowski, Jascha Heifetz, Artur Rubinstein, 
Kirsten Flagstad and Lily Pons, among others, come in for some frank 
characterizations in "The Other Side of the Record" (Knopf), written by 
Charles O'Connell, Victor classical recording director for a score of years. 
Author resigned from Victor in 1944 and later Joined Columbia as classical 
recording chief. He's also authored the "Victor Book of the Symphony" 
and edited the "Victor Book of the Opera." 



Woody Herman, who will one-nite with his re-formed orchestra through 
Pacific Northwest first two weeks of November, will be trudging through 
territory as yet untapped by him. Oddly, though a topflight name bato'neer 
for nearly a decade, he never has trouped north of California state line 
and, in trekking through Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Idaho 
will be covering what is for him virgin country. 



Jacques Frase's band supplies the show accompaniment at the China 
Doll, N. Y. nitery, not Hy Curbelo, as stated in last week's Variety; 
Curbelo plays the rhumba dance music. 

4 . ' 



On the Upbeat 



New York 

King Guion orchestra, which has 
created much talk around New York 
due to its two bass, two guitar, two 
drum-set rhythm section, began its 
first date in the area last night 
(Tuesday) at Rustic Cabin, Engle- 
wood Cliffs, N. J... George Moffet 
out as personal manager of Joe 
Mooney group, now at Warwick 
hotel, N. Y... Victor cut "High But- 
ton Shoes" cast all day Sunday (12) 
and will do "Allegro" cast, both for 
albums, next Sunday (19). . .Victor 
and Erskine Hawkins mark 12th 
year of relationship this week... 
Jack Carroll, former Les Brown 
singer, shifted from National label 
to Vita-Coustic. . .Chuck Foster band 
into Roosevelt hotel, New Orleans, 
Oct. 22. . 



Chicago 



Victor Lombardo orchestra into a 
month's stay at the Roosevelt hotel, 
New Orleans, Nov. 19 . . . Ray Mc- 
Kinley band due Nov. 7 at the U. of 
Iowa . . . Dave Dryer in town for 
conferences with ■ Armand Baum, 
Words & Music rep ... Mitchell 
Ayres in town to cut Columbia dates 
. . . Harry James one-nights in Kan- 
sas City and St. Louis, Oct. 20 and 
21 . v . Phil Levant back into the 
Blackhawk, Nov. 20 . . . Tex Beneke 
fills week of Nov. 14 at the Orpheum, 
Omaha . . . Johnny Bothwell gets a 
week at Tune Town Ballroom; St. 
Louis, Nov. 14 . ,• . U. of Michigan 
bought Tony Pastor for a dance Nov: 
8 . . . Charlie Fiske band into the 
Deschler-Wallick hotel, Cleveland, 
for six weeks, Oct. 27 . . . Nick 
Stewart plays the Casa Loma dan- 
eery, Nov. 21 . . . Boby Meeker 're- 
turns to the Music Box, Nov. 25. for 
two weeks . . . Grant Adams, Chi 
flack, joins Keynote Records to han- 
dle special promotion ... Illinois 
Jacquet and Ella Fitzgerald head the 
vaud bill at the Regal week of Nov. 
21 . ,:, Ronnie Eastman joins Johnny 
"Scat" Davis' band as male chanter. 




BOURNE. Inc. 

799 SEVENTH AVE STW YORK 13 N 



Hollywood 



Carol Scott, new chirp with 
Jimmy Dorsey, replacing Dee Park- 
er, who will single . . . Harry Baba- 
sin formed a seven-piece combo 
and starts a stand at Red Feather 
nitery Oct. 21 . . . Desi Arnaz inked 
for week of Jan. 20 at Million Dol- 
lar theatre. Band, with three acts 
added, will get half the gross after 
house deduction of $2,500 . . . Red 
Ingle combo starts three weeks at 
Plantation, Dallas, Oct. 21 . . . Corky 
Corcoran back in tenor chair for 
Harry James, who has dropped 
trumpeter Chuck Peterson and re- 
placed him with Pinky Savitt . . . 
Calvin Jackson, who recently quit 
music department at Metro, has 
formed seven-piece aggregation for 
disking for Meltone Records. 



H COMING SACK ■ 
BIGGER 

THAN EV£R 



WHY SHOULD 

I CRY 
OVER YOU? 



m 



Wed; and M t s c by 
Ned MiUer and Chpite- Conn 



161* Iroodway • Hew York, N. Y. 
HARRY liNJC,G«n. Prof. Mgr. 
Cf ORGE DAUNfProl.Mgr. 



Mgt BERLE ADAMS 
Direction -GENERAL ARTISTS CORP. 



Wedn esday* October 15, 19 47 



* SCRAMBLE IS ON FROM COAST-TO-COASTl 




45 



LOVES HAVE 






TWO LOVES HAVE I 

U'AI DEUX AMOURS) 



k 



;f ranch'. 'iyrici fry Gto. Kroger end H, Vprno , • tngliih Version by J. t. Murray and Jo/ry Trtv«M 

A4o<ic by Vincent Scotto 



Slowly fflrf 





All my life I yearned for love and searched for hap • pi - ness, 




And I dreamed of some one ] could wor-shiy and ca-ress; Then one day#ove said to me: 




am yours? But I learned that when it rains, it 
Refrain, Slowly with tenderness 



pours. 



y 

i 

i 




1 



flame. - 



Two Loves Have I,. 



but they're not the same When I 'm id a 




fay mood, _'tis then my light love I crave;_Then a-gain attimes,myoth-er love can make me a 




. both of them are_ you I 



Two loves have you! . 




Copyright 1930 by Francis Salabert, Paris, franc© 
Copyright 1931 Miller Music Corporation, 1619 Broadway, New York, fl. V, 
Copyright 1947 Miller Music Corporation, 1619 Broadway, New YorV, N. V, 



s 



r 



•3 * - 

Topping most played lists on record* and radio! 



/IV 



WmmSm 



(Baa! Baa! Baa!) 

By M*ad» Mitmigfcdt, George $ Pomeroy and Tod B. CoHowoy ♦ Revisi«/» by »»»<fy Votfw 

iillllltiili^ 

Off To A Sensafional Start, A Great Rhythm Revival/ 



•»**,• 



I 



lytic ty A/ t<?vWi » Musk by Howard Simon 




lliiillli 



Mil ILL CIS MiyiSIIC t©ISPOratA1Tli©M • 1619 Broadway, N. Y. 19 • NORMAN FOLEY, Gen. Prof. Mgr 



44 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



5 Aides Exit MCA; 
TysonaGIaserVP 

Disagreements between Music 
Corp. of America band department 
heads and various salesmen, which 
began last year with the resignation 
of Russ Faechine and continued 
through the walkouts of Jack 
Whittemore, Al Gazeley, et al. goes 
on unabated. Last week, Jim Ty- 
son, head of the New York office's 
one-night department, resigned, and 
George Walker, location and cock- 
tail unit salesman, walked out, along 
with Mike Falk, who operated in 
Detroit under D'Arve Barton, head 
of MCA's Cleveland office. In addi- 
tion, Bay Light, in the act depart- 
ment of the Chicago office, and Og- 
den Knapp, of N. Y. radio division, 
are out. 

Tyson tossed in the towel after 
completing a deal with Joe Glaser 
to move over to the latter's Asso- 
ciated Booking Corp. He's been 
given a vice presidency in that out- 
fit, in which MCA at one time had a 
50% interest. Tyson will work as 
assistant to Glaser himself, handling 
all the latter's white band properties 
for locations, one-nighters, etc. He 
comes hVnext Monday (20). 

Walker, when he walked out, took 
several acts with him and expects 
to set up a booking agency of his 
own. One of the turns that went 
with him — the Three Suns, a valu- 
able property on the basis of their 
reeent location and one-nighter tour 
— is said to be aiding in the financing 
of Walker's new office. Walker also 
took the Jones Bros., it's asserted, 
and there may be more talent mov- 
ing over to him in the near future. 

MCA is bringing in new men to 
replace those leaving, as well as 
culling college graduates of last June 
for likely candidates, a policy once 
followed by Bill Goodheart, former 
head of its band division. 



ELLIOT SHAPIRO 

SUGGESTS FOR YOUR FRGGRAM 

EXACTLY 
LIKE 
YOU 

Music by . . . 
JIMMY McHUGH 

SHAPIRO-BERNSTEIN 



If it's True 

Johnny Desmoml-Pnir'e favaiuuigh Trh 
(Victor S0-281'J) 
Cuutir IVUIklmx (Majestic 1163) 
MlUf> ISros, (Dercu «5-:84) 
• 

Tonight You 
Belong to Me 

l.ro Ittamnnir* Mm monies lilt 
(VHacougHc 1115) 
• 

Black ami Blue 

Frankie Eajno (Mercury N o. 10;«) 

MILLS MUSIC, Inc. 
HI 9 Broadway New York I* 



15 Best Sheet Sellers 



{Week EudiHo, Oct. 11) 
Title Writers Publisher 

NEAR YOU (Francis Craig-KermU Goell) Supreme 

YOU DO (Joe Myrow-Mack Gordon) ...... BVC 

I WISH I DIDNT LOVE YOU . . (Frank Loesser) < paramount 

APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING . . (Not Simon-Jimmy Kennedy) Shapiro-B 

FEUBIN' AND FIGHTIN' . (Burton I.(we-AI Dubin) . Chappell 

WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER (Will M. Hough-Frank Adams-Joseph E. Howard) Marks 

WHIFFENPOOF SONG (Meade Minngerode-George Pomeroy-Tod Galloway) . Miller-Schlrmer 

LADY FROM 89 PALMS (AHie Wrubel) Martin 

I WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16. .(James Thornton) Shapliro-B 

PEG O' MY HEART... .(Alfred Bryan-Fred Fisher)....,. Bobbins 

I HAVE BUT ONE HEART (Johnny Farrow-Marty Symes) Barton 

KATE (Irving Berlin) Berlin 

KOKOMO, IND (Joe Myrow-Mack Gordon) BVC 

ON THE AVENUE (Harold Rome-Fred Freed) Leeds 

THAT'S MY DESIRE '. (Carroll Loveday-Helmy Kresa) Mills 



RoMrins Shifts loves' To 
Feist for 'Amber' Score 

Bobbins Music, which two weeks 
ago planned to take over the revival 
of "Two Loves Have I" on lease from 
Feist, an affiliated company, last 
week was forced to lateral the tune 
back to Feist. Robbins instead will 
handle the score of "Forever Am- 
ber." soon to be released by 20th- 
Fox. 

Johnny Mercer is putting lyrics to 
a portion of the background music 
for the film, written by David 
Baksin. 



N.Y. Hotel Commodore 
Pushes Policy of Tieup 
Of Bands, Name Diskers 

Commodore hotel, New York, 
which actually began the idea of 
using name disk artists with bands 
as b.o. lure some six months 
ago, when it played RCA-Victor's 
Johnny Desmond along with Louis 
Prima's orchestra, is going further 
into that policy. Hotel has bought 
both Vic Damone and Mel'Torme for 
use in its Century Room with me- 
dium-leVel orchestras. These singers 
are among the hottest newcomers. 

Damone opens first. He follows 
the current six-week run of Vaughn 
Monroe for 11 days, Nov. 13-23, with 
a band not yet named but which 
may be Buddy Rich's combination. 
Torme is due in Dec. 23 for 2^k or 
three weeks, depending on how far 
back Eddy Howard's Jan. 2 opening 
can be pushed. Band with him is 
also" undecided, although it may be 
Randy Brooks. 

Stan Kenton "s orchestra is sched- 
uled for the Commodore's refur- 
bished room between Damone. and 
Torme. He opens Nov. 25 for four 
weeks, shifts to Frank Dailey's Mea- 
dowbrook. Cedar Grove. N. J., Dec. 
22 to 30, and on the 31st opens at the 
Paramount theatre. N. Y. Dates are 
Kenton's first in the east with his 
reorganized orchestra. 

Idea of using disk-name singers, 
incidentally, has also been found to , meetmgi tne d i recto ,s broke prece 
answer the name-band b.o lull by ; dent . Prioi . to tne move the on , 
Da.ley. He opened his Meadowbrcok j „^ mbers of the Society, aside from 

paid' executives, to draw cash for 
attending meetings were the direc- 
tors themselves. This practice, of 




To Appeals Bd. 

Board of directors of the Ameri- 
can Society of Composers, Authors 
and Publishers authorized two 
changes in the bylaws last week — 
one granting a salary to members 
of the Society's appeals board and 
the other upping the per-meeting 

l pay of the directors themselves 
from $10 to $25. 

In authorizing a $25 per-meeting 
compensation to the six men who sit 
on the appeals board whenever there 

[are appeals enough to warrant a 



Yellen-Fain Heartbreak 
Tune Used to 



last August with Perry Como and [ 
Sam Donahue's orchestra, followed 
with Torme and Ray McKinley. and 

currently is using Desmond with 
Skitch Henderson. 



THE MIGHTYJORDAN 
ROLLS ON! 

AND HIS TYMPANY FIVE, THAT IS 



Mgt BERLE iOAMS 
Dnecion — GENERAL ART;?** CORP. 



LA. PHIL AUD STILL 
WON'T GO FOR JAZZ 

Los Angeles, Oct. 14. 

The Philharmonic auditorium, the 
local version ot Carnegie Hall, is 
still proving the antithesis o£ its 
N. Y. counterpart in that the local 
longhair emporium remains ada- 
mant against jazz concerts. Ban on 
jazz bashes has been on for nearly 
two years and last week KFWB disk 
jockey Gene Norman, who has been 
having success promoting jam settos 
in Pasadena, went to the mat with 
the - Phil and lost in straight falls. 

Norman wanted to put on a con- 
cert with Stan Kenton's band Oct. 20 
and offered to increase regular 
rental of $300 per night to $500. 
He promised that the word "jazz" 
would not be used in exploitation, 
but, rather "artistry in rhythm con- 
cert." Norman figured he had a 
chance because the 'Phil last week 
played Spike Jones' revue. 

Phil's distaste lor jam started in 
January, 1946, when the board of 
directors of the site cited by-laws 
against accommodating such events 
because several fist fights flurried 
during a concert and patrons were 
accused of being unruly and of re- 
fusing to obey house edict against 
smoking. 



Mel Allen as WINS Jock 

WINS, Now York, which launched 
sportscaster Mel Allen as a disk 
jockey Monday (131 afternoon, is 
hoping to draw extra attention to 
the new show through the daily 
spinning and spotlighting of two 
new songs, one written by Jack 
Yellen and Sammy Fain. 

One of the new tunes, at least, is 
expected to become a controversial 
item. It's called, "Refugee's Lulla- 
by," a heartbreaking lyric and 
melody built around the" picture of 
a mother bewailing the hunger of 
her children. Reverse tune is an item 
called "The Jews Have Got Their 
Irish Up." written by Gus Van (&, 
Schenck). 

Allen. WINS station heads, Music 
Corp. of America execs (who handle 
Allen) and Charles Ross, partner 
with Yellen and Fain in their new 
publishing venture, huddled last 
week trying to decide whether to 
dare put the tune on the air. Once 
it was decided to do so. WINS laid 
plans to call attention to the disk. 
One of the ideas was to plant teaser 
ads in N. Y. dailies, which wasn't 
done Monday and Tuesday (yester- 
day) because cuts were not ready 
in time. They're due to appear today 
(Wednesday). In addition. Allen, on 
his first show, exhorted listeners to 
stay tuned until 4 p.m. today (his 
show runs from 2 to 5 p.m. daily) 
to hear the disk. 

Publishing the songs themselves, 
Yellen, Foin and Ross cut the first 
disks, with Mary Small doing the 
"Refugee" melody and Van the 
reverse. They used the recording 
facilities of Joe Davis to cut them 
and created a new label— Songbird— 
to market them. 



BAND LEADERS 

The recent Supreme Court decision on the Form B Coatract requires 
that the Leader pay the Social Security Taxes and be responsible far 
the withholding foxes. 

BOB OIAMENT'S OFFICi (formerly Cngatl It especially equipped to 

handle year payroll problem: from New York or Hollywood. 



ROBERT DIAMENT 



1*1* Broadway 



Circle 4-7*52 



New York 



course, is an accepted one in large 
organizations, but the news that 
ASCAP directors drew a token for 
their efforts surprised many. 

AH told, there are 24 directors — 
12 writers and 12 publishers. Three 
on each side, are "standard" men 
and the others pop men. 

■»-♦-»♦♦»♦♦»♦♦»»♦»»»»♦»♦»»♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦■» ♦ »♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 

Best British Sheet Sellers 

(Week Ending Oct. 9) 

London, Oct. 10. 

Now Is the Hour Keith-P 

Sorrento Ricordi 

Chi-Ba-Ba i Sun 

Guilty F. D. & H. 

Little Old Mill Dash . 

I Believe Morris 

Old Spanish Trail Maurice 

Mam'selle F. D. & H. 

Danger Ahead '.' Yale 

Donegal , . ," Leeds 

First Love Last Love Dash 

Garden In the Rain ..Connelly 

Second 12 

People Will Say Williamson 

Souvenirs L. Wright 

Sun In the Morning Berlin 

•; Heartaches Connelly 

Au Revoir Chappell 

Anniversary Song Connelly 

Lovely World and You Cinephonic 

They Say It's Wonderful Berlin 

Gal in Calico Feldman 

I'll Make Up For Everything Maurice 

What a Beautiful Morning Williamson 

Try Little Tenderness ..." Connelly 



Agitation Builds 
For CM. of ASCAP 

There is increasing agitation 
among certain major publisher mem- 
bers of the American Society of 
Composers, Authors and Publishers 
board for a general manager to re- 
place the late John G. Paine. De- 
spite this attitude by a handful of 
men who wield considerable ASCAP 
power, it's held unlikely that the 
organization will ever be returned 
to the style of operation prevalent 
under Paine. 

It's pointed out by some that what 
the Society lacks most under the 
current method of deploying respon- 
sibility among four so-called co-gen- 
eral managers (Richard Murray, 
Herman Greenberg, George Hoffman 
and Herman Finklestein) is a front 
man, one conversant with Washing- 
ton officials and other groups, gov- 
ernment and otherwise, with whom 
ASCAP must maintain good rela- 
tions. One who con handle speech- 
making at various functions to which 
ASCAP is invited, and otherwise 
further good relations with sub- 
scriber groups and others. 

ASCAP board men, while they ad- 
mit a general manager is needed 
only for the purposes above, assert 
that any one who is handed the as- 
signment will not have free reign 
such as that given Paine. All opera- 
tion and policy problems will be 
controlled and settled by the board 
itself, with the replacement being 
concerned only with good will rela- 
tions. 



Richardson Heads 

Harry Moss Agency 

"Doc" Richardson, former per- 
sonal manager of Ray McKinley's 
orchestra, has taken over from Jack 
Kearney as head of Harry Moss' 
agency in New York. Kearney, moves 
in with the new Busch & Petersen 
office. 

Moss himself recently moved 
from his own agency into an ar- 
rangement with Willard Alexander. 



TRULY A STANDARD ! 

TRUE 

By WALTER G. SAMUELS 
and LEONARD WHITCUP 



SANTLY-JOY. INC. 
1619 Broadway. New York 

TOMMY VALANDO, Gen. fro. Mgr. 



Everyone Is Waiting to Hear 

WHAT ARE 
Y00 DOING 
NEW YEAR'S EVE 



Shiels' Coast Shift 

Tommy Shiels. who handles the 
Modernaires, Johnny Bothwell's or- 
chestra, Virginia Maxey, et al., and 
has been eastern representative of 
Don Haynes, manager of Tex 
Bencke's orchestra, has moved his 
offices to Hollywood. 

Move leaves Haynes without an 
eastern rep (he shifted his offices 
and family to Hollywood last April), 
a condition likely to be remedied by 
Haynes 



SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 

(That Cigarette) 
AMERICAN MUSIC. INC. 

9100 Sunwt Blvd., Garrt Komero 
Hollywood 46, Cat. SB IV. 42 St., N.V.C. 



I'M A LONELY LITTLE PETUNIA 

(IN AN ONION PATCH) 

TWO-TON" BAKER— Mercery LAWRENCE WELK — Decco 
TOMMY TUCKER — Colombia THE HAPPY GANG— Victor 

LAWRENCE WELK— Standard TOMMY TUCKER — Lang-Worth 

RYTVOC, INC., 1585 B'way, New York 19 

Tee Meeee of "CHOO CHOO CHUOOCtf" feme 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



PftRIETY 



VAUDEVILLE 



Cafes May Renew No-Minny Policies 
As Lure for Modestly Budgeted Shows 



The no-cover-no-minimum policyt- 
which last season went into effect in 
some N. Y. cafes and later died out, 
js due for a comeback. Some boni- 
faces are seriously considering start- 
jng the no-floor-on-spending plan as 
pne method of reviving business. 
Several midwest cafes are mull- 
ing similar policy. 

Thinking behind the considered re- 
vival of the spend-what-you-wish 
plan is the fact that it might be one 
means of filling up the club. In some 
spots, business has been extremely 
bad, and it's thought that they have 
nothing to lose via no minny policy. 

It's believed that under the no- 
minny policy bonifaces will be able 
to shave talent budgets. One Chicago 
cafe is spending around $7,500 week- 
ly for talent, yet one night last week 
for the midnight show there were 
only 40 people in the room. Under a 
different setup, the spot could install 
a 13,000 show, and it's possible that 
the room would- be filled. 

The no-mini-no-cover idea had 
quite a vogue last season when the 
Florida cafes at the end of the reg- 
ular season picked up a considerable 
amount of business on that basis. 
The Vanity Fair, N. Y., now defunct, 
picked it up, but talent nut running 
well over $10,000 precluded any pos- 
sibilities of them coming out ahead 
on a proposition like that. La Mar- 
tinique,, similarly tried the idea for 
a time, but running expenses were 
also too high for profitable operation. 

However, with the probable revival 
this year, it's believed that chances 
for successs are considerably greater. 
The nitery spending public has 
dwindled greatly because of high 
living costs, add prospective patron- 
age does a great amount of checking 
before deciding on a spot. 

There are possibilities that the no- 
minimum plan will expand in towns 
away from N. Y. metropolitan area. 
Gotham biz is still big, but many 
cafes elsewhere are in bad shape. At 
any rate, some bonifaces will give 
that policy a fling before giving up 
completely. 



More Shifts in AGVA 

Branch Office Heads 

Several shifts in branch office per- 
sonnel of American Guild of Variety 
Artists were made last week by Matt 
Shelvey, national head of AGVA, 
prior to departure for Chicago on 
union matters. 

James Phillips, formerly on staff 
of Hollywood branch, has been pro- 
moted to head the Houston branch. 
Fred Nerrett, who had been in 
charge of Kansas City, has been 
transferred to the Omaha branch, 
with Emil Casper succeeding in K.C. 
Jim Hope, who had been in charge 
of Denver, goes to Portland, Ore., to 
take over for Van Sheldon, who died. 
Al Westbrook succeeds him in 
Denver. 



Dick Buckley Cited 
Unfair by AGVA For 
Failing to Pay Agent 

Dick Buckley, vaude and nitery 
comedian, was cited unfair for "con- 
duct unbecoming a member" by 
American Guild of Variety Artists 
this week. Action was taken, ac- 
cording to union, because of Buck- 
ley's failure to pay off claim of 
$2,900 to J. J. Levin, head of Mutual 
Booking Corp., in settlement for an 
out on exclusive representation con- 
tract. 

Controversy stems back to last 
April, when at a hearing held at 
AGVA, Buckley is alleged to have 
agreed to pay amount involved for 
release from contract with Levin. 
Latter claimed at time that money 
due was partly for overdue commis- 
sions and money loaned Buckley. Ac- 
cording to reports, Levin had agreed 
to release him providing he would 
pay off claim at rate of $100 week- 
ly. When no payments had been 
made during the interim, Levin 
petitioned AGVA to do something 
about it and the unfair listing re- 
sulted. 



Plan Tour for 'Lightly,' 
New Slapsie Maxie Show 

Los Angeles, Oct. 14. 

New show at Slapsy Maxie's, 
"Once Over Lightly," will be sent on 
the road as vaude unit at the close 
of its local stand which, opens Oct. 
16. Show cost about $50,000, includ- 
ing costumes and special music by 
Allan Roberts and Lester Lee. 

Ella Logan is the star, with Dean 
Murphy and Fred and Elaine Barry 
featured. Others in the cast are 
Isabelita, Ruth Brady, Mitchell 
Brothers, Mary Mullen, Joel Friend 
and Trudy Stevens, who sings with 
Dick Stabile's orchestra. 



Plan Ice Shows 
Under Canvas 



"Holiday on Ice" and "Ice Vogues" 
may be the first major ice shows to 
go under canvas, George D. Tyson, 
executive director of these shows, is 
currently shopping around for a 
4,000 seat tent so that his shows can 
play towns that haven't large 
enough arenas or auditoriums to 
house these displays. 

According to Tyson, there are 
many towns that would constitute 
profitable stands for the layouts, but 
lacking suitable structures for the 
shows, the icers lose considerable 
playing time. With purchase of the 
tent, both displays would be able 
to get more playing time and extend 
the regular season. 

Tyson declares that the blades 
shows could be played under canvas 
even in extreme heat. He cited the 
fact that during summer, tanks 
housed In buildings are difficult to 
freeze because the heat stays in. 
With tank housed under canvas, it's 
possible to lift the sides so that the 
air circulates and freezing is much 
easier. 

Tyson cited that "Holiday on Ice" 
played the outdoor Nacional stadium 
in Mexico City, under terrific heat 
without any trouble. The same show 
also played an outdoor date 1 in 
Charlotte when the temperature 
was 95 degrees without any strain 
on the refrigeration plant. 



Opposition Group Seeks to Void 19 
Delegates Slated for AGVA Meet 



Ken Maynard, Sunbrock 
In 250G Damage Suit 

Washington, Oct. 14. 

A $250,000 damage was filed in 
Federal District Court here last 
week against Ken Maynard and the 
Larry Sunbrock Rodeo which stars 
Maynard. 

John Weese, who operates a sad- 
dle horse stable outside of Washing- 
ton and is a former western rider, 
filed the action. He claims that a 
photograph of himself, on his horse, 
Bob White, has been used to adver- 
tise the show in the United States 
and Canada. Weese charged that the 
picture always carries the name of 
Maynard or Joe Evans, also with 
the show, as the rider. In addition 
to damages, Weese wants the show 
enjoined from using the picture. 



+ Drive to void the recent series of 
nomination meetings to elect dele- 
gates to the American Guild of Va- 
riety Artists convention, to be held 
some time in. December, has been 
started by several groups within the 
union. [Convention city not. set yet 
but may be Chicago or Cincinnati], 
Two groups are preparing petitions 
to the Associated Actors & Artistes 
of America, parent union ot AGVA, 
asking that the nomination meetings 
in 19 cities be voided on the ground 
that the nomination meetings in 
those towns are actually elections 
inasmuch as the number of nomi- 
nees coincides with the number of 
delegates to be elected. 

Leaders of both groups declare 
that such a condition could not have 
come about unless the nomination 
situation was tightly controlled from 
the union's top leaders. Conse- 
quently, the results indicate that 
union leaders violated the A AAA 
resolution passed the past summer 
forbidding any paid employee of the 
AAAA to campaign among the mem- 
bership. 

Major point of the factions op- 
posing Matt Shelvey, AGVA na- 
tional administrator, is the fact that 
Chicago's nomination meeting pro- 
duced only seven nominees for the 
seven posts to be filled. They de- 
clare it to be inconceivable that a 
city of that size, with a permanent 
membership of at least 1,400, should 
fail to produce more nominations. 

In contrast, the situation in New 
York is cited, with 50 nominations 
for 12 delegates. That meeting, the 
opposition claim, was run demo- 
cratically, allegedly because of the 
presence of an AAAA observer. It's 
pointed out that early in the meet- 
ing, an attempt was made to close 
nominations, but this was howled 
down, and members had their fill 
of nominees. 

26 Out of 10 Pledged? 

In the 19 cities where there arc 
no contests, it's claimed that Shel- 
vey starts out with 26 out of the 70 



Hildegarde s Miami Date 
At 8G, Plus 2G Expenses, 
New High for Off-Season 

Hildegarde will play her first 
Miami Beach cafe date at the Copa- 
cabana starting Oct. 30. Chantoosey 
will get $8,000 as well as all ex- 
penses, including transportation, 
food, rooms, car and chauffeur, which 
will cost an additional $2,000 weekly. 

Length of engagement will be 7 
or 10 days depending upon whether 
Hildegarde will be able to make a 
Nov. 14 date at Ciro's Hollywood. 
Since she doesn't relish planing out 
to the Coast, Murray Weinger, 
Copa's boniface, will attempt to 
line fast train connections to permit 
her to stay the maximum under the 
contract. 

Pact is considered unusual inas- 
much as it's the highest price ever 
paid a performer in Miami Beach 
during the off-season. Weinger 
figures that with Hildegarde as the 
lure, there'll be many customers 
flying in from all parts of Florida, 
as well as many from Sea Isle, and delegates already pledged to his pro 
I Savannah, Ga. I (Continued on page 46) 



19 i 1 



JUST CONCLUDED 



Vert* « ols . 



£11* WW" 

large „ wn VlKfUNS ol 5 



'.•peg 0'. * y 



THE 
FEELINS' 




5 WEEKS -R0XY THEATRE 

NEW YORK 

SAM MUCH PAUL ASH 
6AE FOSTER and the entire 
Roxy Theatre Staff 

NOW ON TOUR CONCERT DATES 
Thru Michigan 

OPENING 

OCT. 16 [2 Weeks] 

RIVERSIDE 
MILWAUKEE 

UNIVERSA? RECORDS 

Latest Release 
I LOVE YOU" "MY GAL SAL" 



i MUTUAL ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY, 203 NORTH WABASH AVE., CHICAGO 



46 



VAUDEVILLE 



P^RIETTt 



Wednesday, October IS, 1947 



Night Club Reviews 



Hotel Si. Regis, X. Y. 

(MAISONETTE) 

Eveiyn Tyner, Beryl Davis, Mill 
SJintt' Orch (7), Laszlo & Pe'pilo; 
$1.50 and $2.50 cover. 



Beryl Davis couldn't want a better 
showcase than the Maisonette Room 
of the Hotel St. Regis. It has charm, 
class and color— a Tiffany setting 
for any songstress. Perhaps that's 
what got her, or her management, 
because she's suddenly gone British 
in a strange way. What made Miss 
Davis click as a U. S. potential— 
and the very thing which Willard 
Alexander recognized when first 
bringing her to America — was her 
quick grasp of the Yank idiom. Dur- 
ing the war years she chirped with 
the late Glenn Miller's band and 
was thus, fortuitously, projected as 
hep English songstress who can 
thrush with the best of 'em. As 
she debuted at the Maisonette, how- 
ever she sounded like that recent 
Life spread must have gone to her 
agent. She was full of that hark- 
back to Britain; fortunately not in 
the Mayfair sense, but even by ac- 
centing the cockney idiom it's be- 
laboring a point. 

An attractive, lissome girl, who 
looks sartorially and pulchritudi- 
nously appealing, her vocalistics are 
big league. If she did the Hempstead 
Way or Lambeth or other native 
idiomatic songs as thro waway stuff 
instead of punching it, and by bear- 
ing down on the contemporaneous 
pops, which she has done so well 
since coming to America, Miss Davis 
would impress better. Instead, she's 
trying too much for some sort of a 
nebulous style or distinction, which 
is a needless pretentiousness. She 
could still get in her Victor record 
plugs (always good showmanship), 



and she could mix up that sorla 
thing with "If It Were So Easy To 
Do," "Is It Good Or Is It Bad?", and 
the like. In fact, until she proves 
herself in this new medium of the 
intimate class nitery. Miss Davis 
should insure herself with a good 
crop of not overly familiar pops, 
relying on her nice delivery to cre- 
ate the proper impact. In short, she 
iias plenty for the Yank nitery, pic- 
ture house, disk and radio market, 
but she should re-routine it so as to 
produce a greater acceleration for 
best personal impact. Incidentally, 
being the biggish girl she is, that 
conceit of wearing gloves with her 
attractive frock might be retained 
throughout the rep'ertoire, instead of 
dispensing with them as she does. 

Evelyn Tyner is the entr'acte, 
rather extravagantly billed as "the 
first lady of the piano." A person- 
able titian. she should train down 
a bit. but there's nothing awry with 
her pianology as she does Gershwin, 

Tabu," her own adaptation of Jack 
Fina's arrangement of "The Bee," 
etc. She also plugs her MGM rec- 
ords. She errs in doing too much, 
as in the instance of Miss Davis, but 
certainly between the two femmes 
there's a nice touch of s.a. to this 
grillroom which is planned this sea- 
son to catch the late dancing bunch 
when the Iridium Room upstairs 
calls it a night by midnight, the 
accent there being on the dinner 
trade rather than the after-theatre 
crowd. Per usual, August is at the 

tape and the Maisonette remains 
one of the nicest- hotel spots' in town 
with Milt. Shaw's combo alternating 

with the pianology of Laszlo & Pe- 

pito for the dansapation sets. ; 

Abe! 



■Hue Angel, N. V. 

Alice Pearce & Marc Laiorence, 
Amanda Lane, Phil Cordon, 3 
Flames, Ellis Larfcin 3, George 
Bauer; $3.50 minimum. 



JUDY WOE 

Panto-Mimicry 
CURRENTLY 

SAMOVAR 

MONTREAL 



Old Roumanian, X. Y. 

Sadie Banks, Lou Seiler, Bella 
Smaro, Nicolas Alexander, Althea 
Joey Dean, Line (8), showgirls (4). 
Joe La Porte Orch (5), D'Aquila's 
Rhumba Band (4); $2 minimum. 



PHIL FOSTER 

Nite-Llfo't Newest laif-Sentation 



KKTI'KN OF THE COMICAL SON 
TO CH1CAOO • 

LATIN QUARTER 

Opening October 17th 



"Fostered by" 
SOL TEPPER, RKO Bldg., New York 20 



GOWNS BY ERNESTO 




HELENE and HOWARD 

'Comedy Done* Antic*' 

Dir.: MATTY ROSEN 



Located in the heart of New 
York's east side, the Old Roumanian 
restaurant's new fall layout is on a 
par with any uptown popular-priced 
nitery. In addition, this cafe has 
been facelifting over the summer 
into a stylish-looking boite. 

Sadie Banks, perennial standby 
here, returns for her 15th consecu 
tive season, still in the same lusty 
groove that's established her firmly 
in customer favor in the past. Be 
sides handling the emcee chore, this 
Second avenue version of a red-hot 
mama delivers a trio of patter num 
bers with plenty of sock and laughs 
Her voice couldn't exactly be de 
scribed as lyrical, but she's packed 
full with a vitality and toothy per- 
sonality that can't miss selling in 
this familiar spot. 

Another highspot on the bill is 
Lou Seiler, young comedian, who 
has a stock of original and quite 
funny routines. He drags some of 
them out too long, such as his take- 
off on a Parisian chanteuse, but he 
manages to grab a full quota of 
laughs. His cowoby mimicry is okay, 
although some of his gags are in 
questionable taste. Customer opin- 
ion, however, is gauged by the 
heavy mitting which he consistently 
earns. 

Remainder of the layout features 
Nicolas Alexander, Russian bari- 
tone, in a medley of Russe ballads 
which he handles with a strong and 
sensitive set of pipes. Femme vo- 
calist, going under monicker of 
Althea also does nicely on several 
pop numbers, showing off a good 
voice but inclined to too much mug- 
ging while she works through her 
numbers. 

Terps department is handled by 
Bella Smara in an exotic gypsy rou- 
tine that's okay for color and pace. 
Diminutive Joey Dean also furnish- 
i es some smooth acro-terping in 
opening spot. Line of eight dancers 
and four showgirls perform three 
neat ensemble routines in attractive 
garb. 

Joe La Porte's orch backs show 
in competent style, .with D'Aquila's 
rhumba combo standing in for cus- 
tomer hoofing. Herm. 



Alice Pearce, ably abetted by 
piano accompanist Marc Lawrence, 
who also collaborates on their ma- 
terial, already has been eyed for 
legit musicals. She's one of the 
freshest comediennes to come to the 
ore in recent months and already 
he has the eye of Irving Berlin if 
le ever does that "Music Box Re- 
vue," and she'd be a natural for 
Arthur Schwartz's "Inside USA." 
She has a madcap yet tongue-in- 
heek sense of comedy values as she 
parlays "Short'nin' Bread" with a 
Russian bublichki influence; satirizes 
Dial Tone Nelly"; does "Constanti- 
nople" forwards, backwards and 
sideways; hokes the French song 
cycle, and the rest of it. In the latter 
she utilizes Yank pops in their Gal- 
ic translations, which are further 
fortified by not being too broad but 
lent legitimacy by authentic French 
ranslations and pronunciations. In 
between. Miss Pearce displays a 
screwball array of props and en- 
;ages in quickie "scenes" from 
Best Years," "Lbst Weekend," etc. 
Herbert Jacoby and Max Gordon 
have a standard of quality which in- 
variably clicks, and they evidence 
that again with Amanda Lane and 
Phil Gordon, both New Acts. The 
3 Flames won their "BA" by ma- 
triculating at Gordon's downtown 
Village Vanguard. The male sepia 
trio is best in closeup, especially in 
an intime nitery of this calibre, as 
they uncork "Salted Peanuts," "So- 
fronia" and their other Columbia 
disk specialties. 

The dusky Ellis Larkih Trio plug 
the waits well and George Bauer is 
adept as relief accompanist. Jacoby, 
per usual, emcees suavely and biz 
is on the slightly sensational side 
with turnaways. New policy calls for 
earlier teeoil and a longer spread 
into the a.m., resulting in not as 
accelerated a tempo of talent as 
heretofore. It's a question whether 
it's as effective in practice as in 
theory because, while doubtlessly 
permitting for more leisurely drink 
tog between acts, it also creates a 
somewhat delayed pause which, in 
turn, retards the tempo of a sue 
cession of acts which has been a 
characteristic appeal of this type 
policy. 

Incidentally, Jacoby too is flirting 
with the Monseignor (Paris) policy 
— beaucoup fiddles, etc. — and was 
virtually set to take over the Em- 
bassy ' on East 57th but that deal 
suddenly fell through. Abel. 



ern tour bl theatres and one- 

nighters. 

He's built an enviable reputation, 
by his long local stand, his pull be- 
ing based solidly on knowing what 
Grove patrons want and giving it to 
them. Those attracted regularly to 
this spot come for good music and' 
quiet, tasteful surroundings — not to 
be seen and heard. The Martin 
music and the room, itself, are not 
showoft'y but on the class side and 
appealing to that type of tab-picker- 
upper. 

Martin is a working bandleader 
and doesn't miss a set during a long 
evening. That's one thing that 
keeps the dance floor full and the 
music pleasing the customer. Varied 
talents of featured orch members are 
spotlighted throughout. There's no 
femme canary (Martin's never used 
one), but vocals of Stuart Wade, the 
Martin Men quintet and beautifully 
pitched whistling of Gene Conklin 
are all that anyone could ask. 

Conklin's work on "Hora Stacato" 
and "Nola" are high spots of an eve 
ning. Martin Men are an easy blend 
oi smooth vocal harmonies whether 
on novelty or ballad and seem to 
have found working together even 
easier since the road tour. Quintet 
is made up of Stuart Wade, also fea- 
tured vocalist with orch; Conkliq. 
Clyde Rogers, Glenn Hughes and 
Charlie Probert. 

Class piano work of Barclay Allen 
is . a feature of the Martin band. 
Particularly fine is his "Cumana 
and "Beginner's Boogie." The ar 
rangements by Bob Ballard point up 
interest in piano and violin section 
also is emphasized. "Clare de Lune" 
is an outstanding Martin presenta 
tion. Among others caressing the 
ear or making the foot tap are "Tal- 
lahassee," "When I Write My Song," 
"Come to the Mardi Gras," "Near 
You," "Too Marvelous for Words," 
"Kokomo," and "The Lady From 29 
Palms." 

Martin's due to desert the west 
coast again next summer for another 
eastern tour and has a booking 'at 
the New York Strand for next 
August. Brog. 



Greenwich V. Inn, N. Y. 

' Collette Lyons, Jackie Phillips, Joe 
Crosby Girls (7) with Susan Doll, 
Ned Harvey Orch, Sonny Roberts 
Rhumba Band; $3.50 minimum. 



Minn. Terraee, Mpls. 

(HOTEL NICOLLET) 

Minneapolis, Oct. 8. 
Merry Macs (4), Daryle Harpa 
Band (12); $2.50-$3 min. 



AGVA Delegates 

BS Continued from page 45 T tmn, ■, ! 

gram. With that kind of start, it's 
pointed out, he's bound to pick up 
at least 10 more for a clear majority 
from cities where there are only tw<> 
nominees for one post, and three 
from Philadelphia where, they 
;laim, the major part of the mem- 
bership is . disenfranchised becausa 
of the Shelvey-Diok Jones fracas 
which still is to be decided by the 
courts of that city. Opposition says 
that no representation has been 
made for the Jones group. 

Under the present setup, dissidents 
claim that Shelvey will come to the 
convention with a two-thirds ma- 
jority, which will enable him to 
overide some of the changes made 
in the projected AGVA constitution 
by the AAAA. Among them are the 
amendments 'calling for monthly 
board meetings instead of the semi- 
annual meets proposed by Shelvey. 
Another is Shelvey's right to hire 
and Are at will as against the checks 
set up by the parent union. 

Petitions will be presented to 
AAAA execs as soon as the officials 
return from the San Francisco con- 
vention of the American Federation 
of Labor. 



LAUGHING— STOCK 

Something New in Comedy Material 
Written by Professional Gag Man! 

COMEDY COMBINATIONS 
(Series 1 to 10), $1 each; 
MASTER MONOLOGUES, $2 
each; RAPID-FIRE ROUTINES 
(Double), $2 each; HITS AND 
BITS, $1 each. 

SAM PERRY 

1650 Broadway. New York 19 




*70f. Si+UfUiif. 2.u&iUt 



THE INK SPOTS 




t) 




Lou Taylor has done a neat job of 
refurbishing his Greenwich Village 
Inn, right through the house from 
the kitchen to the costumes on the 
chorines. With a great name to trade 
on in attracting the yokel trade that 
comes to the Village for the sights, 
Taylor is currently giving them a 
presentable bill, although not one to 
live up to expectations if they figure 
downtown Manhattan for a road 
company Place Pigalle. 

Inn had stepped as low as dating 
B. S. Pulley last season, but this year 
it's all on the sapolioed side. Collette 
Lyons, coming in fresh from a vaude 
tour, following pic appearance in 
"Dolly Sisters and legit in "Show 
Boat," hammers over ditties in the 
Merman tradition. She gets all there 
is out of each one, but unfortunately 
there isn't enough, material-wise. 
The specialty songs need strength- 
ening to get them a bit smarter and 
out of the high school, monolog class. 

Apparently recognizing the short- 
comings of her materia], Miss Lyons 
sometimes endeavors to compensate 
by working too hard. Solidly on her 
wde are her good looks and pleasant 
personality. 

Jackie Phillips suffers from a con- 
siderable handicap as an m.c— he 
lisps. Oh some people it might be 
cute. On him it isn't, especially with 
his overworked making like a swish. 

Joe Crosby has done a good job 
with the line of seven gals. Femmes 
are all fairish lookers, routines are 
adequate, costumes are fresh, and the 
gals show a reasonable interest in 
their work. Soloing with them is 
Susan Doll. 

Ned Harvey's six-man crew is tops 
for terping for the Inn's type of audi- 
ence. He's spelled by Sonny Roberts' 
rhumba outfit. Incidentally, a la Jack 
Eigen from the Copaeabana. Johnny 
Kane, of the New York Enquirer, 
preems a disc spinning stint via 
WOV, N. Y., fromthe Inn next week. 

Herb. 



In this class spot, the Merry .Macs 
are their usual smash success. At 
the show caught, on a Saturday mid 
night, with the room packed, they 
had to beg off after a half-dozen 
ooff numbers, every one greeted 
with enthusiasm. Offerings included 
"Mr. Beebee," "Pass the Biscuits, 
Miranda," "Pappa, Don't Preach to 
Me" and "Standin' in Need of 
Prayer," all perfectly suited to their 
original harmonizing or comedy 
style that have helped to make them 
tops in their field. 

Coming out of the far west, the 
Harpa band, with its three rhythm, 
three brass, two violins and three 
saxes, impresses as a slick Latin- 
American outfit, hep for entertain- 
ment and for customer-dancing. It 
has an intruiguing, eye-filling singer 
in Margo Pierce, Dacito on the 
bongoes and marracos and Eduardo 
Dimond as featured pianist — all of 
of them skilled performers who con- 
tribute much to guest-enjoyment. 

The band scintillates with South 
American rhumba numbers partic- 
ularly, but also is plenty at home 
with standard American tunes. Out 
standing, however, are "Rhumba 
Rhapsody," "Tmbaito," "Misorlou" 
and Harpa's own compositions, 
"Mamarita" and "Mi Cocorezon." 

Rees. 



COMEDY PATTER 

For All Branches of Theatricals 

FUN-MASTER 

"The Show Bit Gag File" 
Nos. 1 to 22 @ $1.00 ea. 
(22 for $18.00) 

10 PARODIES for $5.00 

"How to Bo an Emcee" 

$3.00 Including 2 Gag Files 

Send for Hat of material, parodies, 
comedy Bongo, minstrel bits— black- 
outs, skits, etc. 

NO t'.O.D'e 

PAULA SMITH 

200 W. 51(1. St., New York 19 



Currently for 6 Wooks 
London Casino, tondon, England 



M»t.— MNIViRSAt ATTRACTIONS 
MS fifth Ammo, New York 



Persian Itooiii. N. Y. 

(HOTEL PLAZA) 

Marge & Goioer Champion, Liber- 
ace, Joel Herron Orch (12), Mark 
Monte's Continentals (4); $1.50 and 
$2 (Sat.) coyer. 



Conrad N. Hilton, Serge Obolen- 
sky, Dorothy Wentworth King, et al., 
have been doing a tiptop promotion 
job on behalf o£ the Hotel Plaza's 
40th anniversary, accenting nostalgia 
and the era o£ good living with to- 
(Continued on page 47) 



PUBLICITY PROMOTION 
MAKES A STAR! 
TWELVE FULL WEEKS FOR 
ONLY $100 

Colnnin Itreliks e Breaks e VluKS 
Feature!* e Interviews e Radio Slioly 

Items e MnvazlueH 
Complete ('overuse from New York 

to Hollywood 
Yon may be oh great an tlie oilier guy. 
but you are NOT known— I'C'BUCIZIC 
Twelve Villi Weeks for Only $100! 

Write— Phone— Wire 

EXPLOITATION ASSOCIATES 
424 Madison Ave.. New York 17 

guile no; TfMza 8-1153 



Parodies! Special Songs! Bits! 

tr Draw from onr library, one of the 
largest, most comprehensive in 
Showbiz! 

* 1018 Catalog KltKK! 

* Bullish o material oar specialty! 

J. ft H. KLEINMAN 

25-31 -K 30th Road, L. I. City 2, N. Y. 
Telephone: Astoria 8-0003 



Curry, Byrd «■ Le Roy 

"BEDLAM IN THE BALLROOM" 



Mrretlea MATT* KOSEN 



ON TOUR 



CMW-DATES BARKY GKBKN 



f'oeoanut Grove. I.. A. 

(AMBASSADOR HOTEL) 

Los Angeles, Oct. 6. 
Freddy Martin Orch (18), toitli 
Stuart Wade, Gene Conklin, Barclay 
Allen, the Martin Men (5); $1 couer 
weekdays; $2 Saturdays. 

Return of Freddy Martin and his 
orchestra to this class hotel location 
this week signals the start of his 
•eighth season in the Grove. Fall, 
winter and spring seasons will see a 
high cover count and pleased dancing 
patrons as the Martin regulars take 
up where they left off last July 
when maestro started 13- week east- 




Sings His Original 
HELD OVER 



"LYRICS SATIRIC 
I2TH WEEK 



LE RUBAN BLEU, New York 

Management — H ERBERT MARKS TALENT AGENCY 
New York Miami 



THE W0RKMANS 

Currently LOEWS STATE. New York 
Thanks, SID PIEKMONT 

Dir.: mil. OFFIN, Bra SbMui 



Wednesday, October 



15, 



1947 



Miami Bistro Op 
Gives Club to Sons 

Miami Beach, Oct. 14. 

The last of the old guard among 
Miami area cafe figures bowed out 
"of the picture today when "Mother" 
Kelly transferred all interests in his 
famed spot on the Beach to his three 
sons, Stan, Gerald and Bob. 

An institution for 25 years with 
show biz and sports figures, the 
room had seen a declining clientele 
as the oldsters who frequented the 
spot began to spend recent winters 
in other resorts or passed away. 

At the height of his career as a 
cafe operator, .Kelly was interested 
in similiar ventures in Saratoga 
Springs, N. Y.,*and on Broadway. 



Dunninger Vice Ilona 

Bona Massey's N. Y. cafe preem, 
originally slated for the Versailles, 
Nov. 11, has been postponed until 
Dec. 19 because of picture assign- 
ments. 

The Nov. 11 spot will now have 
Dunninger, the mentalist. 



From Hollywood! 




BOB 
BROMLEY 



7th 

Month 

Oscar 

Theatre, 

Stockholm 

Swtdon 




EDDY 



"Heifeti of the 
harmonic*." 

Currently: 
PARK AVE. CLUB 

Miami Beach 



M 
A 
N 

S 
0 

Margery Welles at the Piano M 
Mgr.: Ian Lipser " 



Gowns by 

ERNESTO 

fxcfunVo Theatrical Creation* 
254 W. 4«th St. 
New York, N. Y. 
Assisted by NELLY de FREITAS 




VAUDEVIIXE 



47 



Nitery Reviews 

2 Continued from page 46 ; 



Persian Room, X. Y. 

day's standards, and cashing in right 
well by the entire thing. The nine- 
day gala started two weeks ago when 
Hildegarde was brought east espe-. 
cially to tee off the Persian Room's 
series of special nights, climaxed 
with a number of charity fetes, and 
the like. The Persian Room is now 
back to normal and so is maitre d' 
Fred and his staff, but business con- 
tinues above par with the new talent 
lineup, which is slated for a month- 
ly change. 

Marge & Gower Champion (New 
Acts) and Liberace, the talkative 
concert pianist — marking a return 
engagement here — are the attractions 
and more than satisfy. Liberace is 
quite a pianistic virtuoso, eschewing 
the disk symph accomp idea of be- 
fore but erring a bit in being too 
verbose now. He should trim his 
stuff, although the overly generous 
repertoire is unquestionably well re- 
ceived. He's an expert showman, do- 
ing middlebrow stuff like his open- 
ing "Warsaw Concerto" and permit- 
ting the Mozart - Chopin - Bach - 
Strauss influences in his routine 
with "Mairzy Doats" to show off his 
classical predilections. He does a 
request medley, which runs over- 
board, as does "Cement Mixer," 
finaling -with boogie-woogie and 
double-time boogie, i.e., 32-to-the- 
bar. There's also a touch of "White 
Xmas" and some other stuff, withal 
making for a fulsome routine. 
Liberace, who reminds of WB's 
Robert -Alda, might capitalize on 
the "Rhapsody in Blue" suggestion 
with a touch of Gershwin, inciden- 
tally making for a change of pace. 
On the whole, however, Liberace is 
a good showman who blends his 
Steinwayistics with a nice sense of 
comedy and a generally light touch 
for the class saloon trade where 
he's standard. 

For the rest, Joel Herron's main 
band does a fine musical accomp 
for the show and on its own. The 
maestro presides chiefly at the 
ivories. Mark Monte's relief combo, 
per usual, is likewise on the beam 
with the Latin dansapation. Abel. 



Empire Room. Chi 

(PALMER HOUSE) . . 

Chicaf/o, Oct. 8. 
Florence Desmond, Howard de 
Courcy, Artini & Consueio, Ray 
Malone, Griff Williams Orch (13) 
with Carrollaires Quartet; $3.50 min- 
imum, $1 couer. 

Producer Merriel Abbott has put 
together a neat fall package that 
should wear well until snow flies. 
•The Abbott girls, almost a fixture 
in this room, are away on tour but 
only reminiscing regulars will note 
their absence. 

Ray Malone's precision tapstering 
gives a solid base for the bill. 
Garners good applause with spec- 
tacular spins and overall boyish 
styling. Howard de Courcy, magician, 
recently imported from" Europe, im- 
presses with an engaging routine of 
card manipulations, hoop catching, 
and the Indian basket trick. Major 
illusion has a canary entering a 
locked cage for good response. 

Artini & Consueio unfold their 
"Tea Time Terpsichore" with cus- 
tomary finesse. Pair win heavy mitt 
in samba, waltz and other routines, 
scoring best with an earthy polka. 

Florence Desmond clicks with slick 
impressions of Tallulah Bankhead, 
Katharine Hepburn and other famil- 
iars. Using shawl and hairnet as her 
only props, she gives vivid facial 
glimpses of Ciaudette Colbert and 
Marlene Dietrich. Tops with her 
Hildegarde takeoff for solid returns. 

Baxt. 



House of Harris, S. F. 

San Francisco, Oct. 10. " 
Harry Richmon, Al Wallace's Orch 
(7); no co«er, $1.50 minimum. 



Drawing on his large repertoire of 
songs, Harry Richman, to a big wel- 
coming hand, pours out 50 minutes of 
song selling for top returns. Teeing 
off with breezy "Any State in 48," he 
follows with "Peg O' My Heart." 

With audience loosened up Rich- 
man confidently moves in with his 
old reliables including "Vagabond 
Song," "AH Depends on You," 
"Sunnyside of the Street," and "Birth 
of the Blues" for additional salvos. 
Two comedy parodies. "The Funda- 
mental Things" and "As Time Goes 
By," also get over, as does "Putting 
on the Ritz" and "Show Business." 
Off to socko applause. Ted. 



MAXINE 

SULLIVAN 

CURRENTLY 
LE RUBAN BLEU, New York 
RADIO: Sundays. 3-3:15 P.M.. WNEW 

ivrMiimi MimaKer Direction: 
16J)7 Mroaiiwny • New Tork MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 

Suite 0O6 • CI. B-40'M— S 



Nitery Acts' Town Hall 
Recital at $3 No Sellout 

Operating on the theory that the 
average man can't affor.d the bite 
prevalent at the better intime 
Gotham niteries, Ted Zittel in con- 
junction with People's Songs brought 
Maxine Sullivan, the Three Flames, 
Paul Villard and Brownie McGhee to 
the Town Hall, N. Y., Saturday (11) 
for a two-hour show tagged "Fun 
with Music." That the venture was 
not quite a financial success at $3 
top, said promoter Zittel, may be 
ascribed to the fact that advertising 
had not been inserted in the press 
until five days before the preem. 

Zittel, who's been experimenting 
with such shows strictly as commer- 
cial ventures, originated "Fun with 
Music" idea several years ago by 
presenting top nitery talent of the 
smaller bistros at Town Hall, Car- 
negie Hall and sundry other audi- 
torial 

Informality marks the program, 
each act holding forth on the bare 
stage for about a half hour. Paul 
Villard, current at Le Ruban Bleu, 
N. Y., teed off with his nautical bal- 
lads. His salty ditties are pungent 
pictures of foreign ports. 

Three Flames, who double from 
the Blue Angel, N. Y., are a class 
Negro instrumental trio comprising 
piano, bass and electric guitar. Blues 
singer Brownie McGhee hasnt much 
originality and lacks the verve found 
in others in this category. Of no 
especial help was the emceeing of 
Johnny Faulk, an earlybird WOV, 
N. Y., platter jockey. While pro- 
claiming he comes from Texas, his 
bucolic, unctuous accent is too ex- 
aggerated. 

Maxine Sullivan, also current at 
Le Ruban Bleu, who's been war- 
bling her Scotch and other ballads 
nigh onto a decade now, contribbed 
a half dozen tunes, all in the crisp 
idiom with which she's long been 
identified. Customers, who filled 
perhaps 60% of the house, were 
vociferous in their applause. 



FISCHER REVUE MAY CUE 
MORE 2-A-DAY VARIETIES 

Clifford C. Fischer who's producing 
a vaude-type legit show at the Play- 
house, N. Y. starting Oct. 30, with 
Edith Piaf and the Campagoons de 
la Chansons topping, will offer the 
first completely Continental variety 
show in many years. 

Cast will comprise George Dor- 
mande, comedy bicycle act; George 
Andre Martin, novelty turn; Lyda 
and Yanni, Greek dancers; Marvel- 
1 is, magicians, and Les Canovas, 
aero turn. 

The Fischer show may be the 
start of a cycle of two-a-day shows. 
Arthur Lesser is also contemplating 
a concert varieties revue starring 
Lucienne Boyer. Opening date is 
not yet set. ' .' 



Conveniioners Spark 

Biz in Atlantic City 

Atlantic City, Oct. 14. 

Conventions continue to provide 
upbeat in amusement business here. 
Vacationists also are taking advan- 
tage of Indian Summer weather and 
checking into hotels. 

Life guards were on duty last 
week as the sometimes high 80 de- 
gree temperatures made the ocean 
inviting. i 

Biggest convention was the 
American Public Health Assn. with 
its 4,000 delegates. Altogether con- 
ventions brought approximately 
15,000 to the resort during the week, 
counting delegates and families. 



Tishman Ankles CB Agcy. 

Max Tishman has resigned from 
the Continental Booking office to go 
on his own. 

Prior to joining Continental, Tish- 
man was with the theatre dept. of 
General Artist Corp. for three years. 



Rocco, Shaver Signed 

For London Casino 

Bookings of American talent in 
England continue with Maurice 
Rocco and Buster Shaver and Olive 
and George having signed to open 
at the Casino theatre. Rocco opens 
in April, while Shaver's act goes in 
Nov. 10. 

Negotiations are on for Olsen & 
Johnson to play Britain, but no deal 
has yet been set. . 

Bookings were handled by Harold 
Dobrow of the William Morris 
agency and the Foster agency in 
London. 



Booze Testers Out To 
Snag Watered Stocks 

Columbus, O., Oct. 14. 

Following complaints of patrons 
in nightclubs and taverns, three 
two-man squads of liquor inspectors 
have been touring Ohio bars for a 
month to find license-holders selling 
diluted whisky. 

Inspectors use a portable testing 
kit to determine alcoholic content 
and proof of whisky by specific 
gravity, taking random bottles from 
shelves in the presence of the 
permit-holder. This is the first check 
of liquor after it reaches the retailer 
in more than four years. Citations 
will be asked by the state liquor 
board against any permit-holder 
found wilfully watering whisky. 



TOLEDO NITERY LOOTED 

Toledo, O., Oct. 14. 
Edward Kelly, operator of the 
Bomb Shelter night club, Toledo, 
told detectives he discovered his 
safe looted of $1,210 and a metal 
box containing $290 in cash missing 
last Tuesday (7). 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 

- Saranac Lake, N. Y., Oct. 14. 

William Chase (&LaTour) old- 
time performer shot in from Chicago 
for observation and checkup. 

Sydney Cohen now rates all priv- 
ileges including mild exercise, while 
Kitty Bernard (Stapleton Sister) 
also upped for exercise, expects an 
all-clear soon. 

Walter Romanik upped him for 
one meal and pictures. 

Seni Okun, author, back to the 
Will Rogers after four weeks of ob- 
servation in the French hospital, 
N. Y. C. 

i Christine and Elaine Mandracchia 
of N .Y. C. in for a vacation and 
visiting' Tom Curry. 

Sam Letko back to work in the 
Philadelphia office of RKO reports 
that he is feeling above par. 

George Latham, announcer for 
local station WNBZ off for a vaca- 
tion in the Berkshire hills. 

Betty Blessing elated over - the 
surprise visit from Dr. Edgar Mayer 
of N. Y. C. She was his secretary 
before recent breakdown.- 

Yvonne Michalski, after six 
months of vacationing here left for , 
Boston. ,j 

Frank Scheedel' has been pro- . 
moled to relief switchboard operator ' 
at the Rogers. 

■ Marie and Anne Miller shot in to 
oyle Richard (Dickie) Moore who is 
doing nicely via the rest routine. 
(Wr'te to those who are ill.) 



No Time for Benefits 

Morey Amsterdam will be one 
of the busiest guys in showbusiness 
when he opens at the Strand theatre, 
N. Y., Oct. 24. - In addition to his 
theatre stint, Amsterdam will have 
his two radio shows, one over WHN 
and the other at WOR. WHN stint 
will go on from Amsterdam's dress- 
ing room. 

Amsterdam will' also continue as 
stellar attraction at the Playgoers 
club where he's part owner, and will 
take interest in his 57th street steak- 
house. 3 



Lewis' Philly Date 

Joe E. Lewis is booked for the 
Latin Casino, Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 
following his run at the Copacabana, 
N. Y. 

Lewis' spot at the N.Y. cafe will be 
assumed by Peter Lind Hayes. 



Gambling Lid On 
For Chi Bistros 



Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Gambling in Chicago bistros ended 
Monday (13) with sudden police 
warnings to stop all games of chance 
in the city. Order had been issued 
by Mayor Kennelly last month, but 
police had been slow in complying. 
Monday's gaming shuttering followed 
internal trouble in the police dept. 

Operators of most niteries lose a 
hefty amount of coin with enforce- 
ment of the no gaming edict from 
modified dice games openly operated 
in lobbies and bars. Games are usu- 
ally leased on a concession basis 
which normally pays a healthy part 
of the operating expenses. 



Mack .With Fredericks 

"toy Mack, who handled bookings 
for USO-Camp Shows for four years, 
will head act department of Fred- 
erick Bros. Hollywood agency. 

His chore will be to supply talent 
to theatres, nightclubs and film lots. 

I JIMMY 
DOBSEY 

:-| and jj 

I HIS ORCHESTRA J 
I • 1 

H Cnrrtntty 
i< MILLION DOLLAR 
THEATRE 
Los Angeles 



Booked by 

HARRY A. ROMM 

38 E 57th St New York N Y 



The Exclusive and Amusing 




LAURETTE and CLYMAS 

"DANCUMORISfS" 
Currently: NICOLLET HOTEL 
Minneapolis, Minn. 



ATTENTION PERFORMERS 

I am limiting my writing to paro- 
dies only. Pop und standard tunex. 
All funny and different situations. It 
Interested send for lists of over 165 
parodies. 

MANNY GORDON 

819 W. North Ave., Mlltraukco S, WIk. 




48 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Variety Bills 

WEEK OF OCTOBER 15 

Numerals In coiinei'tlon tvltli bills below judicata opening day of «how 
whether lull or unlit week 

Leller in narentueses indicates circuit: (I) Independent; (L) Loewi 
(P) Paramount; (R) BKO; (H) Warner 



Use Pix for Votes 



Continued Irom page 1 



KKW VORK t'lTV 
(ttpltol (i.) 17 

Hal Mciniyie Ore 
Uertctivle Niesen 
"Jackie illeason ■ 
Betty Bruoe 

Music Hall (1) 16 
K TalbotrMattln 
IHuT Franke 
iJuctH' Oumittinga 
Uorotltv Keller 
RocKettes 
Corns ile Bullet 
Smi. Ore 

]*nru mount (!•) IS 

Charlie Spivtik Ore 
Al Hernie 
Tip Tap * Toe 
Mel To'rttre 

Ko<> (I) 1.1 

Kam-v Uonnvan 
Milu.n Kerle 
2*'. -in Fialier 
4 Morrorrails 
Tilt* Vikinjss 
Slate (I.) 16 

<;ra>s 
AnKle Bond 3 
Ben Berl 
Joan Roberts 
linek * Bubbles 
rii'nl Hahlfon 

Strand (WJ 11 
Tllue Barron Ore 
Joey Adaina 
Ton,* Canzoneri 
Mark I'lant 
Tali Vance 

ltRONX 
Windsor (I) 17-19 
■Al SehehiJ 
3 Arnnula 



Wmler Sis (21 
i'ir! Smii.Ik Ore 
(two to till) 
(I.KVIXANO 
l'alnce (R) 1« 
.Tack Haley 
Hlsa. & WaUlo 
Stags: SIcMann 3 
('(instance Moore 
Util heroy 

rOMHBIS 
Palace (R) SO-** 
[toaenblocmi A Buer 

V laonharilo Ore 
Floria Vestoff 
Martin & Kloren/. 

HARTKORir 
State (I) 17-lB 

Buddy (Mark 
Unse-Marie 

1ND1AS.V1-01 rs . 
Circle (I) 1« 
Ted Weenis Ore 
lleverls Tyler 
Herb Sbviner 
I. add byon 

MIAMI 

Olynspla (I') 15 

V & ii Ilaydoik 
Senor Francisco 
Smiley Burnctte 
Steve Murray 
Hoist A Milady 

NKWARK 
Adams (I) IB 
Deal Arnaz Ore 
.The Nonebalarils 
lludy Cardenas 
r»ulcina 

OMAHA 
Orpuenm <P) 17 
Tex ■Williams Bd 




St Clair 
Ka i i I'm 
WOOD CiRKKN 
Empire (I) JS 

Turner l.ayton 
Max Bacon 



I Beryl Orde 

Silver & Kay 

4 Atlas 

in starlets 
1 llarrv Sliiela 

Foster * Clarke 



tends carrying its 16m film program 
into trade unions, consumer coopera- 
tives, neighborhood councils and 
other community groups. As a pre- 
liminary step, they've issued a 20- 
page catalog titled "Films for Prog- 
ress" which lists all available docu- 
mentaries and shorts suitable for 
their ideological purposes. 

On the other side of the political 
fence, the National Assn. of Manu- 
facturers got sold on films about 
two years ago. Through a well-oiled 
16m campaign, the NAM has carried 
its 



NEW YORK CITY 



3 RAYS 

Returning Soon 
From Europo 

Mr!.: WIl.I.Y CRIiEDON 
Kir.: KUD1K SMITH AGENCY 
lisfll Broadway, New York 



Mary T.nTtoehe 
Jans & Martell 
Mercy A Katon 
BROOKLYN 
I'lalbusb (I) 17-19 
Leon Fields 
. I. A. Bernard 
\ }*arks ', 

Ada l.ynn 
Ducal it Kaey 
QIIRKNS 
Juutaiea (1) 15-1* 

(tntiKalea 2 
Buddy Walker 
I'-all? Benson Co 
.Turfy Manners 
lteta Sells 
Ijeigli 3 
(three to nm 
AKRON 
" Valuce (t) 16-111 
Kammv Kaye Ore 
Cantletd Smith 
Olson & .loy * 

BAl.TIMORK 
Hippodrome (I) 17 
Belly Jane Smith 
81 an Tr\vin 
Joe K Howard 
Co'inee Iloswell 

Stale (I) 10- IK 
Flordellna 
Al Raskin 
t\ illie Solar 
Col Colleano 3 

19-*:! 
■Ionian '& Parvls 
Clem Fans! 
Rick l.ane 
Large & Morener 
BOSTON 
Keith's (R) 1« 
- Francis Craig 
Tlie shyiettos 
Senor Wences 



Marion Button 
Colstons 
Colov Wort h 
I'lllt VIM I I IIH 

(anna ii (I) 14 

Meil Stanley 
Wilfred Mae S 
B ft-M Ciales 
Kaiar 

I'ROVIBb'NCK 
Capitol (I) 15 
Gordon "MacCcae 
Burns 2 & Evelyn 

KlKins 
Steve Kuans 
Pat Hill 

16 only 
Or Neff 

17-19 ' 
$gr Chile Robinson 

kkauim; 

Rajah (1> lli-IH 

Baer .& Rosenboom 
Sonny Dunham Ore 
Martin & Florenz 
Floria Vestoff ■ 
KOCBFORD 
Vateee (I) 17-19 
Stepping Out Hev 
Nicholas Rc Haley- 
Jay Arnold 
Peters Bros 
.3 BddiRgtons 
Dick Burns 
Bady Frances 
SAN KRANCISCtl 
(iolden Gate (It) 15 
Shirley Ross 
Helmut Dantine 
Sammy Walsh 
Burd & Ijeroy 
Stone & Barton 
Pnramonnt (l>) 
Andy Russell 
Martha Tilton 



I 



TWO BRIANTS 

On Tour with 
HAMIO-MOKTON SHRINK CIRCU8 
Currently: 
GARDEN ARENA, BOSTON 
Direction: MAX TISHMAN 
1674- Broadway, New York 



Kiln Kiizsff-aWI . 
l.in-iennc X- Asliour 

camih<:n 

TowniH <l) 17-19 

Merlin & Morris 
VUM Chtrk 
Ma«ii-a- Arnolds 

The Duiihtlt.x 
vnu \\<;o 
( UU«S« (I") 17 

funkie CniU' Ore 
Ni 1 ' Nelnun 
Ct:Mk Kins 

<iri*Mi(>i1 (I) 15 

F rankle Lai"* 



Rick WeaKon 
Qua Arnheim 
Will Alant in 3 

sritJN<.i ikij» 

<!«urt St[ (1> 1«-1!> 

Y \ onno Alorny 
Moss Stone 
Tlio CJlenna 
Thk Drink Hoffm'n 
3'erry & ClftrisHe 
(one to fill » 

WASHINGTON 

f'mtitoi (i,) io 

Oene Kruim Ore 
.loey Itanlin 
Folie Miller 



ICilj;:it<llt? 

Dorothy \U>** 

Hlue .Angel 
Ali.e I'eaJve . 
Mart - t.awreuo 
A mamlH I. una 
:t Flame* 
Heorge Bauer 
Kiii.s LarUln 3 

Betmont-riaxa 
ItusMpll yu'ann 
Unh Dixon 
Taylor I'jiue 
naiita Ore 
Kddie Siono Ore 
Kuban Hlen 
Ccors** Kieisler 
Maxin> Sullivan 
.lea n I'shuer 
Paul Villartl 
Kill DUInid 
HaroHl Ha»tiiiKa 3 
Wally Blacker 
<*ute Society 
(I^owntoivn) 
Stanley I'ra«er 
L>orothy .larnac 
Hope Fpye 
i Nellie T.utcher 
l>HVe Manin Ore 
Oife S*M-lety I. ptn 
) ui-ienne Boyer 
l*'ranlc Poun-el 
> Abbey Aibert Ore 
Cur nival 
Ray Bulger 
Iteatri(M» Kraft 
Kave Ballard 
Wiere Bros 
Yvonne Adair 
Paul lia-votle 
Reid Ore 

China Ooll 
Mioti &r Ling 
Wong 1 Sis 
Laurie. I-Ong 
Baatrk'tt Fung Oye 
(l t'urbello Ore 
.lack I'raae. Ore 
(iopaenbuna 
.li»e K Lewis 
J el Alai-Oonaldr 
Marit» & Kloria 
.Michael. Durso Ore 
Fernando Alvarez O 
IMamomf Homctahoe 
Ros« & La Pierre 
Sir! 

Herman Hyde 
Turitt-r Twins 
KoMebudn 
Billy Banks 
Tahiti* J>nvia 
H"t»ald itr Rudy 
■lack Mathers 
Noble Sisfjle Ore 
Syrt Sirange Ore 

Kl Chito 
Ro^ila Itioa 
Tilar t.oniez 
Barreira & 

Margarita 
Los Sha mulos 
Li*h (.^abelleros 
l'jmique Aragon O 
Greenwich VII. Inn 
lac-ki,- Phillips 
i*'olletie Lyons 
Shirley Allen 
Ned Uary-ey Ore 
Sonny Roberts O' 

Harem 
•Ta- k Cole Drrs 
Moore A- Lesay 
Pinky t.ee 
Lucille Page 
Life Baitel 
NH\ad; ( Smith 
fa ni lioinns 
F«u»(« Furbello O 
Air Roman O 

Holel KdiNon 
Hay Clarldge 

No 1 Fifth Ave 
Louise How.oid 
Nype * 1'oIp 
Hazel Webster 
Downey A- P'onvMh? 
Highlights 

Hotel Uiltmnre 
Lanny Ross 
Pal Whitney 
Mark David 
Sonny AVeldun O 
Steobon ICislny O 
Hotel l.pxingloo 
Abulias Hnwallnnf 

Ifavanu-^lndrkl 
Norn Mor.-iles Ore 
Rndrio/z * Phj Ilia 
Retdtn Triano 

Maxtnio 
sar-asnM On* 

Ireland 

Hose Ellin 
Lynn Allison 



15 



ENGLAND 



(Mark 
Loll Meiisfhid 
Martin .Line 

ankie Frissaura 
Blimpy Blank Ore 

La Martinique 
tleorge CJoble 
Franklin Twins 
l.oa Barrancos 
Anne Franclne 
Krm'lh Kent Ore 
Mava Oiv 

Nli-ola Mai hey Ore 

l.i-oii & Kdtlfe'a 
Kddi,' Davis 
Art Wa«er Ore 
lilorta AVallis 
Ruloff .3 
IVrry t'ttrrigan 
Can on Bros 
Robert Baxter 
Par.. .& Hilda 
Shepard Line 

Monte Carlo 
Joel Shaw Ore 
Rhumha Ore 
Roberto 
Old Roumanian 
Sadie Banks 
Lou Seiler 
Althea 
Joey Dean 
Joe La Porte Ore 
D^Aquila- Ore 

Kwsev II oust* 
Rii liard Himber O 
Hot el New * A'orter 
Kay McKinlcy Ore 
Marion Spelinun 
Arnold Slioda 
Narena & Norri 
Connie Conn 
Hotel Pennsylvania 
Claudf Tbornhlll O 

Hotel Pierre 
Walton O'Rourke 
MrLerle & Butler 
has Reader Ore 
Van Smith On- 
Hot el Plana 
L(berai-e 
oel Herron Ore 
Hotel Roosevelt 
Guv l.ombardo O 

Hotel St Morltz 
Rd Subich Ore 

Latin i|uaHer 
Willie Howard 
Al Kelly 

M azzone- Abbot t D'« 
ntoHa Le Boy 
Kmile Boreo 
Piioska 

Miriam Owynne 
Bon Vivants 
Vini-ent Ti a vers O 

■Riviera 
Martin & Lewis 
Manor * Mignon 
Tony Bavaar 
Miriam l.a Wile 
Hotel St Regis 
Beryl Da\is 
Miit Shaw 
l.usxla ,v- Pepllo 
Maria Morales 
DarllUfg & Jt.nes 
Paul Sparc Ore 
Hotel In ft 
V*iii»enl T-npez Ore 
Charlie Drew 
Splvy*8 

Splvy 

siiiela Barrett 
Rico Sarroga 

Versailles 
It Wight Fiske 
Bob Orant Ore 

Panohilo Ore 
Village Barn 

Ann Dennis 
Lou Cecil 
Belty Percy 
Pappy Below 

V 1 1 lage Vang ua rd 
Chippy Hill 
Jay Marshall 
Jerry Reed 
Jimmy Shirley 3 
Don Frye 

Waldorf-Astoria 
Jean Sablon 
Nat Rrandwynne O 
Misha Bon- Ore 

Wive! 
Boh Lee 
Kay Carole 
Brynne Lorey 
J&tiie Scott 
Dannv WllHfl 

Zimmerman's 
Paul Smith 
Jain-zi Mali'ila 
Zaiga Bela 
Pa nlens 

Doria Haywood 

Cone KardoM O 



New Acts 



point of view to the country 
through gratis distribution of its 
features to schools, libraries and 
special meetings organized by local 
groups. Although these films have 
a broad educational perspective 
going beyond strict party-line bally- 
hoo, NAM leaders, who know what 
films can do, are also bigwigs in the 
two major parties, and they're urg- 
ing adoption of films as a compelling 
medium for mass influence. 

Major party leaders, who concede 
the effectiveness of films in selling 
ideas, are also taking their cue from 
the boom in commercial films dur- 
ing the past couple of years, the 
Army's widespread use of pictures 
for educational and indoctrination 
purposes; and the growth of the 16m 
industry. Up to now, they've lacked 
the technical facilities and know-, 
how to exploit the celluloid medium 
even if they wanted to, especially 
with Hollywood's strict neutrality 
policy towards partisan politics. But 
the growth of the narrow-gauge 
field with development of a new 
crop of commercial filmmakers has 
radically changed the situation. Any- 
body with coin to pay can now get 
a professionally polished pic slanted 
to order. 

Pix, for example, built around the 
btogs of the Presidential nominees 
could be released through political 
organizational channels extending 
through every town of the U. S. 
Despite the fact that "The Roose- 
velt Story" had the advantage of 
commercial distribution through 
regular theatre channels, politicos 
predict that special films screened 
before political assemblages can 
have the same impact. 

Boxoffice interest shown in "The 
Roosevelt Story," compiled from 
newsreel clips around FDR's career, 
shocked politicos of all shades into 
realizing the potency of such fare if 
harnessed into a vote-getting appar- 
atus. In Hitler Germany and Fas- 
cist Italy, before the war, and in 
present-day Russia, political exploi- 
tation of films was and is taken for 
granted. 

Possibility, earlier bruited, that 
television, instead of films, would be 
in position to furnish the visual im- 
pact of the nominees to the elec- 
torate in 1948 now appears dim. 
Most optimistic calculations estimate 
a total of 35,000 sets in use by that 
time with little likelihood that the 
projected cross-country network 
will be completed by them. 



TEX WILLIAMS A ORCHESTRA 
Instrumental, Songs 
25 Mins. 

Oriental, Chicago 

Even though but recently catapult- 
ed into national attention by their 
recording of "Smoke! SrnokeL 
Smoke!" (Capitol), Tex Williams and 
his orchestra have all the makings 
of a solid theatre act. There's, show- 
manship in the way it's routined, 
the musicianship is good, the rep- 
ertoire has enough of a mixing of 
hillbilly, novelty and jive to cover 
individual tastes, the act is brightly 
dressed and the personality, both 
vocal and manner, of Williams him- 
self is strongly on the ingratiating 
side. 

This western musical package has 
a refreshing quality of its own. It 
should appeal to the hep as well as 
the novelty clan. The instrumenta- 
tion of three violins, two guitars, 
string bass, accordion, piano and 
harp allows for ' wide variance of 
tempo, mood and idiom. It's en- 
tertaining and exciting music 
whether the topic is "Smoke! Smoke! 
Smoke!," "That's What I Like About 
the West," or "One O'clock Jump" 
and "Three-Way Boogie." 

Besides Williams on the vocal spe- 
cialty side, the act sports a corking 
pair of performers in Smokey 
Rogers and Duce Springgers. They 
make a howl out of their treatment 
of "Temptation" and "Chattanooga 
Choo-Choo." Rogers also shines in 
a banjo solo. 

Before setting out with his own 
outfit about « year and a half ago. 
Williams handled the vocals for 
Spade Cooley. It was fairly nip 
and tuck stuff until Williams' version 
of "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!" became 
a jukebox sensation. The number 
to date has sold over 750,000 plat- 
tf-s and seems headed for tV"~ '"il- 
lion-mark. Odec. 



AMANDA LANE 

Songs 

13 Mins. 

Blue Angel, N. Y. 

Amanda Lane is a talented and 
intelligent performer. Fortified by 
personality and poise, she's a cinch 
for the class cafes, and doubly so in 
chichi boites like the Blue Angel. 
Hailing from the Coast, Miss Lane 
comes on with tongue-in-cheek atti- 
tude that she's supposed to be a 
chantoosey, and then starts to chan- 
toose. But despite the throwaway 
attitude she packs authority with 
her special material or little known 
musicomedy excerpts which, by 
their unfamiliarity, sound like the 
lyrics were exclusively tailored for 
her. 

"Wish I Were In Love Again," "I 
Believe," "Too Good For the Aver- 
age Man"' and "To Keep My Love 
Alive" are in that idiom. She drapes 
herself at the Steinway, sings in re- 
laxed drawing room manner, ond 
withal socks 'em. Abe!. 



FRANCIS CRAIG 
With Bob Lamb 
Piano with Vocals 
12 Mins. 

Hippsdreme, Baltimore 

Francis Craig is the dance band 
maestro from WSM, Nashville, who 
zoomed to top rating with his sock 
Bullet recording of "Near You." Gets 
a knowing reception on his entrance 
in p.a. here and holds up his end 
at the ivories in good style. Pianistic 
style is a peculiar combo of hillbilly 
and Caval3rro and registers well. 

At the piano on . opening he does 
his own "Red Rose" after which he 
brings on Bob' Lamb for a bit of 
trumpeting ("Star Dust") and then 
the announced original vocal of 
"Near You." Singer is blind, but 
manages, to get on and off as set up 
here without any indication of hand- 
icap. His end of the stint is capa- 
bly handled. .Craig closes with an- 
other announced original, "Beg 
Your Pardon," and earns solid re- 
sponse. Is proving some draught 
here and should help anywhere on 
strength of current popularity and 
actual performance. Burm. 



CHICAGO 



r.\Kimr 

Now 'limit re (I) IS 

ViM-a Lynn 
I> * .1 o'tinrmaii 
Jfi*r»pltpl Hi*nlt»re 
J«h):h &r WHHama 
(Jmlffe.v & Kerl» 
Iiii.ltoy'a MMbpIs 
3 t!,irctaH 

rtllSWK'K 

Kiimlre (II 13 
roiithienlate 
liwU R...V 
AmliM * Day 
Au»i|.» * Silvio 
6 Hipi'iH 
B.-i B-ii :< 
I'liarl.'s Hte'fih'Mi 
Hull*. Uli-arrto 
ltKKKV 

t.i.mil (I) 13 
liav.' Mtirria 
O'Hi-ii'ri &■ Urookl'n 
AII»H! I \Vh"!nn 
Fl>K«l 

Karl? A. ltabetle 
Ail»le 

lt.uria A flli-ixtillfi 
D tirav * Hill 
H.U'KVKV 
Kflipin* <l) 13 

43:):, il KvailH 

Ki>rman Kvans 
V & J Ctiistonlafi 



4 Pomci's 

X Shades 
KariclllTp fi Roy 
Jackie Trevor 
Swim & LoiRlt 
Marion 

'/.Io Angela fit 

liKlf BSTKK 
Opera limine (I) 13 

Itebet'ea 

r«4ar« (I) 13 

Nat JaeUley 
t!i>orjse l.ary 
.INiartiM & Marina 

lt.KIUl 

:t Astors 
Terri Caiol 
;lnti Tora 

Kearson & fJiH'pie 
MAM'HHHTKR 

HI 11 poll route (I) 13 

Hruadcaat of 'I? 
Ia»> Bonti 
lllimles * Lane 

XI It I * Son 

2 Mover* 
Vivian t'o 

siiKiMt'Kiis nrsn 

Kmpirr (I) 13 

The Nitwits 
Sandy Powell 
Rex llanier 
Lloyd & Betty 
Shane Sia 



ISlMi-Ulmwk 

Sherman Ma.xeg O 
Vein Love 
Mob Karl 

I' liex 1'aree 
MU/.I Green 
.laekip Miles 
Marty (loiihl Ore • 
Rcihhy Clinic 
la.-k Xelaon 
linn Clllesla» 
t he/. Adiirahlea (lOi 
Hotel BhM'lMtone 
I'eter I.tnd Haves 
Mary Mealy 
Hu> Morion Ore 
Holel Itlannirk 
Ki etl Ha rrts. Dmllia, 

Annelle 
T.umy Dll'iifilo O 
Iturleiilto Ore 
Henro Dels.ni O 
urin .Morelionao 
Montero .<• Yvonne 

llelwiiixa 
Lionel Proutlllg O 
Ralph root; 



el 



.Marvin 11 
Mary .lone Doilil 
Adrian l.ormlnp 
H ICdKrwuIrr Itraeli 
ft lleallierhin Ore 
Sol Urauman 
Arthur .Nelson 

Marian 1-Vilele 
Sonjt stylisis <f> 
I) llihl PanerH I1V1 

Holel Sherman 
I'arl Marx 

Kranhie l.aine 
KiMIe Htibbnvtl 
-lose M^elts 
.lean Williams 
laitln Diiiirtrr 

1*1111 Koater 

Lathi l.oVelies 

Rmlilv Shaw Die 

Day. Dawn » Dnak 

I'lilinei- House 
(irilT Williams Ore 

I'Morenep Desmond 

An inn A- I'onnailelo 

Ray Malnne 

Howard Ue Coufpy 



Theatre Exchanges 

^^ mm Continued from page 25 mmmm j 

resigned. Katz formerly was an EL 
salesman in Frisco. 

Appointed to EL's sales staff are 
Kenneth E. Siem, Milwaukee sales- 
man; Martin H. Seed, Cleveland 
salesman, and Elizabeth M. Bacon, 
New Orleans booker-salesman. 



PHIL GORDON . 

Piano-Songs 

12 Mins. 

Bine Angel. N. Y. 

Phil Gordon looks like a lam- 
mister from the John Held, Jr., rah- 
rah era. A likeable little chap, his 
college boy piantics, vocally and 
instrumentally, are surefire. He's 
best described as "cute" in person- 
ality without, however, parading 
it, since, his material best parallels 
his style. "Little Augie" . is a race- 
track saga, and "Trout No Doubt" 
is a pop nonsense song which sounds 
like it was specially written for him; 
and y.et when he does "Girl That I 
Like" (from "Finian") he is equally 
effective. 

Dapper in black tie, talented on 
the black-and-whites, and. effective 
on delivery, Phil Gordon is off to 
the races. Abet. 



Middle-Bracket 



Continued from page 7 



Schulman's Realart Spot 

RealaTt Pictures has taken on Wil- 
liam B. Schulman as ad-pub di- 
rector. 

Schulman formerly was with Uni- 
versal as head of advertising and 
publicity in the New England ter- 
ritory. 



MARGE & GOWER CHAMPION 
Dance 
20 Mins. 

Persian Room, N. Y. 

Marge & Gower Champion have 
everything for a truly topflight terp' 
team, in the class niteries. vaude- 
ville or legit musicals. Formerly 
partnered with Jeanne, Gower 
Champion's new partner is his bride 
of a week, nee Marjorie Bell, daugh- 
ter of a west coast dancing master. 
Under their new billing they are an 
advanced pair of dancers, featuring 
the "dance story" idea, i.e.. more 
talk and comedy to augment the 
normally expert terpsichore. 

Like Tony deMarco, who likewise 
has veered more to patter, Gower 
Champion is facile in his address as 
he unreels "Showing the Town" as 
a vocal thematic for takeoffs on 
Bolger. the ballet, the Agnes deMille 
technique, etc. Their yesteryear 
vaude strut, with its 1910 boy-girl 
corn, cane and can-can, is a min- 
iature classic. 

They're a resounding hit at the 
Hotel Plaza's Persian RoonL They're 
highly personable pair, he ta" and 
she a cute looker. Abel. 



Brothers Manuel and Ernesto 

Espinosa Iglesias have added {hree 
of the biggest cinemas, one brand 
new, in San Luis Potosi state, rich 
Mexican mining-industrial zone, to 
the circuit they operate. 



WB Gelling New Omaha Office 

Omaha. 

Work has finally started on the 
new Warner Bros, exchange, block 
below film row. Universal follows 
shortly with new home on the row 
proper. Paramount execs fear the 
office will have to move from its 
comparatively new home when the 
•city planning action starts. 

3 New Texas Drive-Ins 

Ft. Worth. 
Harold Gibbons has opened the 
Pike drive-in, with a capacity of 600 i 
cars. 

Construction has been completed i 
on the Buckhorn drive-in theatre at 
Alice, Texas, to open in a couple of 
weeks. H. C. Guntef will operate 
the spot, with a capacity of 500 cars. 

O. M. Kirkeby has opened the 
Comet drive-in theatre at Abilene, 
witli a capacity of 350 cars. 

Ben Donaldson has been named 
manager of the Dennis and Rio the- 
atres. Gainesville, owned and oper- 
ated by L. C. Dennis. 



still holds up and will continue to." 
Stein averred. "But the medium- 
priced talent and the lesser fry are 
on the receiving end of a dip in pay. 
It'll take a year to feel its full 
effect but, the trend is on." 

Indie producers must take advan- 
tage of the growing pool of lower- 
priced .talent to bring their costs 
down, Stein believes. Unless they 
do so, they'll be driven to the wall. 
You can't stay in business now with- 
out substantial slashing of overhead 
—that's particularly true for the 
indie. 

Pic Talent Market Break 
Hypo to B Producers 

Producers of the cheapies have 
suddenly stumbled on green pas- 
tures. The dropping by the majors 
of hundreds of contract players, 
writers and directors from the pay- 
rolls in the past month has broken 
Hollywood's market on personnel 
wide-open for filmmakers looking to 
get under the wire at $100,000-$200,- 
000. That's the observation of 
Lionell Toll, indie producer, who's 
east for New York opening of his 
"Blonde Savage," released through 
Eagle Lion. 

"Any indie producer can make 
great deals now for scripters, play- 
ers or directors," Toll declared. 
"You can bargain with agents like 
you never could before. With things 
at a low ebb, these agents are 
screaming for business. Only labor 
is holding up at a terrifically high 
level." 

Despite this, to make a picture 
under $100,000 is now impossible, ac- 
cording to Toll. Even producers 
who do without offices, secretaries 
or any other overhead, and there's 
a number of them, can't bring in a 
film for less than $105,000-$UO,000, 
Toll said. 

"For that price, the films are in- 
variably whodunits. They're the 
cheapest because a producer can get 
away with four or five people in 
the cast and shoot nothing but four 
walls and corners. He can't make 
comedies or love stories because 



KATHLEEN DENNIS 

Songs . 
12 Mins. 

Paddock Club, Miami Beach 

Once she's acquired smarter gowns 
and more attractive hairdo. Kathleen 

Ph^ter^ «*tter wr.ters and 

A trim looking thrush, she pos- ; lalent - 
sesses plenty of assurance for a The manufacturer of cheapies can 
youngster starting out, plus a pair of get all the space he wants in Holly- 
pipes that effortlessly handle the wood at the present, time, he said. 

5^ S ^«rt^2S^^ OT . ta -^ 0 i' pl "»ty of lots are available and 
essdys. Had them all the wav in a *r , .. -. »• 

room that is usually tough on femme Nassollr st "dios are adding two more 
singers. 1 sound stages. Banks, moreover, are 

Repertoire is well chosen and care- sliU t willing 40 back the W-bUdget 
fully blended, includino "Just One 0 f venh,rR to the lune ol 65% - 70% ot 
Those Things." "I'm Nobody's Baby," the cost. 

"Almost Like Being in Love" from Toll's next venture is the filmi/a- 

f sS iT"Prn,t Mo ng %°^ PaCe '.. a P nd tion of "Aurora Dawn" in pariner- 

thfto^er. " Ma " le l ° Spam f ° r with Frank P. Rosenberg. 

n„H," „ „jj„ , „ , ,, „ . , former Columbia ad-pub exec. Novel 
Delivety adds to overall effect, do- by Herman Wouk £ kes thp r , din 



parting from the hold-oil-to-mik'e 
-stance which seems to be a standard 
with the younger thrushes of late. 

Lary. 



biz for a ride, a la "The Hucksters 
in actuality it was written before 
that book. 



Aram See %to Mud 



tar- att^vwjjt ti*%» i»wi«t»i*s . >.mvii!.. t u 
tjbw tttfWBa* 

.i«»''^«W(«*.«S 'OH-- !***»«t»t*? .,<» 

SS. "tlMgJJt'* flWt SHE iflttS* • 4»l 4tMfl ; W>- 

ttSBKf IW9BCW' AWHSU ff #»-* ' 

tfi»£ : «*UtH^ il»14*'«)«*8$*^«tiwi. 'tthtt .jll-r.' 
Ua~tlll. itiJtfflBS -4S**lK** '#, 4- 

aMBmimv pwt-* «fc ^ij*fted 

ffiigM» .'8WW' '» <f«Ui1« ;f*!*5s- a »»- 

jjfcsb* .!|tasf%, F *b*K 'tew 

st*BJ«?' . »tt Si" ti^it, 

.nuoteE at Sav« *«»•■'!*, . *i "-a-* 
Cause M'lu Jew 3<{iJii;*-(«'s 5?l*tfi jini-* 
awtt gataswr ar outft .iwawte, su»wr *» 
"tBaiBSBr Bitf-QWntwr:'* Swi-ne.-t, V/V, 
""fbie Wteftrw 2Fuy- ' tutf iii St-iou- 
■^rajr tfris . wjirttfc ami, 'W. ©-©sly/ 
CM* tssniBH" «B fialft«*ts ■.SJUJVwwr 
■##eEataaa ■ isuB»t. If ' -ft . re- 

•One Si*i«i-A. iiisssttk ? Clint Site 
'¥«e -Htewej* -'uritoidt ' .-jswfc ..Scitfisn-' 
leate «v ?i>. tasfe Sftir-. •"sr<f tiw*.^'-, 
latasis.**" :'.«£..■ .-ffii-apaft- '<*c^B«t a*-*? 
Aaoeriian gjiews.itttC tiiussfii' \ts ir-*-- 
«sS_ "Gtamisncr" * iiiWiiUff. way 
jKKfljeil sou, 5xi;mr«i£. , J".r:^ Jtt; njftr- 
mz£& .#8Sl3»ari;T wwas- *xi5w Sksda,**,? . 
teas ti£ .sap-as "ilas .uSseife ; 4S FVf- 

satiabsBs Sswi Sic- gs^saiEWEwss- 
fesi ®«Bt aane ass, >&i8m&i' gc«*&KfefE' 

rat* eSdss- ci;aj'lf aja*i»a g»eM sa^ 



«(MH ,''.i«si , «. ; «-tVcii rttti ■■■ 0ti 
•Win-- t% :nj *,««jnv;sai fhi v» 
**-'•> ?Um v *>» tpi\ iltj! il« oui- 

• f>at • '■tlOW n IK. 

*tjN.*l i^viliti V.v^ w *t Whs t/i 

4iiWW:, '1*»i?.»<tj ' ,J«1».. Kt . lif 

»«ujtft« ,^,a«s. :.-*ri'i'*«s J.Uilti v.ltl 

'iht **r. .iV,rtM 



Negre'M " 



Hi it Lsidoi Preem 

EuEii^-y.'" 35-yearK->W op- 
«reS5a_ ireir i-s. eu5' m fee. Princes 
Wedteesfejr' '•Sn.'-ioK-fes sSaibsouj. Irene 
Tttnttfat, ^grsssg ii&e' Jiwd - . rej.e ■ ere- ••; 
»Sea£' . isy ' Ch^ ' ^i:^ A^rV/'Ar.icrs* ' 're-. 
ctivesS ass a^anics ' : ..a«ai late .. show's . 
cistecnatf us cfciiissTml ",si is sacks pre-"- 
wsi" Ljtviiifijiifiss., FassSiC also -is tired " 
«sf esisrriiaietea, jajsi^ais. Prcwuction. - 
ho* eve-.-, was. generally well . 
'rocoaterf dafCayed an exeelleot •'. 
c&e>raa aa.di.oa.tes earieers,'' -. :■;}"" 
.Vmss was' fea-ti .on John HendiriJc. 
Aa»etS{« efr^tar. wfeiie ■ ether .re--' 
viewers ate*-. «tty Jo^ewarm. Te.nor 
was s*iSens5g. fretn after-effects o{ 'a 
severe tSfii.i.. .fjfinx.caL *cjr el trie 
sEi-j'itt. >*iti"t by SiO'fo tSr d\:we'L^jra , 

»n<i Besrstec^i ''Carter" an'-{' rft'i-tC: 
Carl . Siatceker. . bre^ahr. Her.<fr± 
c«naedei»S){e g'.fsise 

AmeriesK prMiMcer J&sa Ws£do«rg.- 
.made its pre- London debut ' Oct'.' 6 
si the Me-*-, thea-tre. Ox/cr'i. Pia? 
recen-ed. : the .biggest . evnioh ever 
known dtere wish innumerable cur- 
tain ca'fs for H.Icia Simrr.s and Fied- 
eriek d~!i«zl Both responded." with' 
brie*'-, speeches.. Cor,sen.«-tjs of opin- 
Inn was that the. tirama Ls redt great. 
. but definitely is a gripping, excit.ng. 
first rate; productior.. -'Coupted'-With'- 
TBagmUeent perfo'miance* c-f ;><t «tar- 
sfeew is Eskely ' tft fee- a : . smash r.H 
. wfeeK it carries t& His Ma;<— -*y'i here - 
next tHfirAfc': : .':'■"'--'' 
Iti 'trte iciie c'r.er L^:r.'dc.: ^p^-^ »g 
of the. week. --Mao. sr. tr.e Street," aa- 
■arauaieg fc.,.t ■ tinoriginai cArwkiy- .fcy, 
Geftffrey Kerr. &'cv.,ftci .at ,-he St. '. 
Jaraes -Thtfr.-iday .«»•• Fif-:e. -s-«r; ..-.g 
Bobby Bfiaes ■ 'A.eii- ai'.'ed. ar. i va? 
warmly recetve^t. •»» rra>" *^'.c'eed 
or. its- star".* -era'* J g .f. » er b-_; -.a ' 
pr&Iotigeri' : raft -st /Kartf jl. ■ . 



.\»>->WS3{JW. ■* * "SKi r» ' > » Ifis. 

Sitedif - " ;«r".it*i£ ;« .§«, 'at< 
K«f& sjgtetr itifes yt». «^ 
«tfMt*c-.. 5«ji4-.iw!j< S£S- Wr «acft rie'm-w 
*t tJxs.taiss *s T.'js saia-i*? v .^»i'. 

Saw iC^S"* Sw<t Site ;«$t 

•at '"SWteSs* is - jfetcsMt wet* s_ : 'v-it- 
tmsatiiiteigi *S tsjss gifcftrua.ttsK ,*t 
.cue t'-ttfe weefe* jts d» CSi»j» o.- c 

cast. ' 

' •"SMtMSe'" 'Srst bevtoe ?itiia 'vi«u 
Pletffer did "c-s fe.rif-^£ wmpajv n^i-- 
ager its Toieed aad. did -ttrt arid- an j 
union press agest. Assr». OE'.TTtWiWHKij 
Agents .and- Managers. how««nr, : im 
mot take' 'steps at the'-'. Chy'- <>per«.' 
House, as theatre- is union ami "--f"-! 
Carljn. manager, had made .u«iut»t«s» 
with the ' understand u<K *i)«u fit? 
musical was fully oruwiied: : E*etit»>' 
also . woi;ld not pat up Ecji^.t;/ juuu 
although he claimed Equjsy ,'vus '*:«•*: 
to 'organize c-iayers. - 



Gert's 15% m&M% T«me$ 
Too High for Lera«er-Wei! 

■ Te.nns 'sc.»igfet by Cersttai* >'«"• 
fedce star - ..a the >"««' .C.4C- Jjy 
Lemer-K.jst .. WetU rh^st«»l ■ -»««' 
LV^'of the i~':s5 ?i* f/ J. -:-i w :^>- 
profits. As a result. Lerxer^c ^V.lt. 
have Kxeo her arid, are - 2.X"is; •:''-'-». 
with A'ieie Disc-.. Br-trsr jcffss 
■last 'seer: ' en BrGad T &ay _s 'Bet*«»'«e'',. 
th-e beysi." ■.:'-■' .,'-' K/-'- 'C : >.- : 

■ '-Tbeiae fef the» ;Uy. a:ea- , >h - '» 
being Sept .strtct^y -stitj. rts& -C~',- 
tnf&r.T.att-er. -or. :-; to'.da.se s tr*'..- *• 
a musieai and tnat Lerrter sad We 1 .', 
have v,.:tren IS -s«ngs for the .suets - 



Herman Bernstein fed 

HerKian Beresteic. ger.er-o'.' - rr'j-- 
ager tor Lindsay and Cre-use jr,o 
A,'-, in. Jf. Y. '-Man aid S :pe-r~a ' 
:is. at Marhattas Gef-erai 'hesp- 1«- 
S", Y,, in -cor.e:::of" ar-sr j ' 

erhefaer.'iy ar.ce"decttSf?;y e».t ,: :" lu.-". 
.■i.eek,.' ■■ : i ; v" '>-':'•«> 'V: 

Aithc '..gh . Sectors. ,stiite h.'s '-••-'i;.- 
d:ti'«».fi .-..'is '.ht'-.t. ■t.'r'.-.jst th<# t-«t'-<s.-t..- 
defied aii v.'si't ,a r -d-.s hc/'^'. fe-t 
ihtravefto .Siy 



BMT Troupe Schedules 
Long Southwest Tour 

- ..Salt Lake C;*y.. Oct 14 ;"; 
BMT P^aetidhs.- ■■h*'A trt:>ce..has--.' 
sehedtiled a {p u f"'of' •t.:.e'..an<J- wo- 
; nigh-ten . opening Mt v. '5.' ewertsif. 
135- So'Ans in C.tah.' l«drx-. ^e-.Sto. 
Arizona. Mexicc Comrade.- Wy r ' : 
orn,ng, ajr.d' Miintaria. and ia.^tir.g >ix ; 
to eight m^rdhs. "T&Btmy. .'■ oy Ks ' 
ard Lindsay, and B^rtrard .E.'.&ir;?!,.-.. ;, 
and produced on Broadway in 1627. 
Will fee the vehicle. 

BMT is heacied by A' f red Bnxik--. 
Marc Morrison and Dick Thofhe, aii 
of Chicago..' "-'.-,. ■ ' ■'■■■■.» 



'Ivory Tower* for B way 

■ -Ivitty -.To'A.eri -. vi.'Ufu Oc'v* 
Wilf, 1 ■'. b.,-d:es*y . d-"ecws a: : Sf'v*.:;!* 
Cc-e i' Betdtf't. »"<i. L'j> » «e 
Starrer -js hee»* feciahs by . R<\ 
Cari*,.'-. f-:-r id 1 B--.\tc-.-ii> p'tvd.A-- 



F-sy fie-:' cttt; at White B,i— 
a'.re *A't-tc- rt c«t.r.g -t'ie s.-t-^net- 
Aiex^-der- Kr.ox d-d Rftt> .Hi »«> 
are ..i.e'if'g dickered for t'-e. Uvd* 



KAZAN TAKES TiaOI' 

H».iiy-.v<x-d. CM. 14 
- Ei:a ' KiU.tr "as 'pdcteu 'to aittK t. 
Arthur Miller's . next play . . TWji$> . 
Ocod Time." v 

Play, by author of pcire'.y tnn'trg' 
"Aii My Sons," is slated for Christ- 
mas-: prod action on Broadway, ; ; . 



-' U 4'*^'.. >>!*««;/' ' .."t : ,i»« : .t t j ' 

> ill. ,0V -i,u!-a>t; -/Ssi'. ,---. JV! , " - 

;>*TJ' -:<»*,- St^Wv ; :l »<. "'• 

-.v <VltI(. •■ >i|t.ii".,iHi a i 

,t*iv. v»'!.i!'iit!v' ■ib,:*jtf, ,v Ks*t4i ' 

«!>w«. ... v.-K-vl : ..^»'t\ .< 

i'V" . !»li \Jt|-J •■■•■Vfl O-V! -1 :' iit<S».. ; 

v-i.i.v-. . t\.z ' I li'lt f'K.' ■ -v» ■ 

-Itrt. -.-Kij i. it*. ; ;«M>, uiiutiv 

V. .(-Ki'iiT. i. .**;,» -S : i> u i "-in i 

iO» H:^v t4U^viaUS -■ b ' %*-'^. 

»'••-* vh- 4»Kc l.-4-> m -tint a; sssu- 
Iwt >K " = v c,>vt .-*Vf - v-Vji OS, . 




AS Olficm li 

fk.murti ■ ii«v>;iiii a n« n^!i,ijy:> .... 

l«EitC Ifeii t;hT.U'.-sd8»> »; Vf- 
iwaljj tpsfft,*,iq»j,, > .saiVi'lllJti^lvS. 

•) •!« .-.ilu-::t'.itMll vs.tj ftKiyied 3«t 
W«5-t<*i' ■ -wtljij- ' fOWJl. ^a«llH»t. 

•a»«««s-*i,.- .« -twwse # ; u»tt: : o» the 

•iv-.iio -tmttt ^Vwrneii !fttt ti«tt t 
**. J W4Al-si' u ■ '}* lvuwltw. 'ijjr 
. **»««•, »wtt>mbi*i'l». 

•<£■ Klttt Hi* « *l,HHil4tlllgL 
-fiwru ' ;«tsiria«> v v>Jo jiiH* 3*»it!utt. "0 
..n.uins •urn '"ivMiy. iu tiws^mtts- 
f(t>''tf.«.iUj; 11 -*».i5<J -ji-sstmituloist, 

-n-jft dwsettjiv. "Suttiit li^mu^jis. ^> 
'-•fnm>?#«g Vi . '»'i"hrt4*!*ls. Ouldi 
';-ji;ttiiii;ad!* 4 -juu-ts, ssjmjtiji- j«s»tHi^ 

'MY '^t -:S^i* *tii 'CH* ii^uxS. 

jeivr Sajidgiip^, wi"iij*f -jinj -it <,v,j- 
iiilc-Wft* •l^t}^J!a^s^^5. .jt ijctuity.. .*a<llttt;<» 
'*•*<* '«-Whjtn-mi* "•ftftteuui. : :-n* 
■wnniit; trwn j!ii.--tnird, -o «i«-^i»w- 

W Jt •-»•*• !1«WH3W»-sliH illlU * >*lpit- 

ttiiifit ■fwt'i^^^iw'wt, "o •'utt* 
j» .4u<oouti» -w*t«iiaig; ..u tomato 
•i(*e*tttiit«ti, mm unit 

Ch*r« -tt'ts- .liiinily #is tt ir.si>- 

i.ijht -"cisistfe- /. tic titi ti-^-o 4u« ••aviut, 
-:t 'titiviJ^. ;'U(.!n^u jltf ;c< > •iv;*,'s5>:»'*l. 
Cms - -ttn^m " tiv t ;> 1141 -titriv!, atalte-> 
ii^s ."tw aim r*»«siyef *$>nii "o; ttiinK 
jmrs. -fWjfiMU--i)ii'h -let '»us. M tpui'-s 
qriji.'-lrass. «i-4>M!s -ao*. 'iui "WW- 
'u -iiMaiH -tul ■t«<y«- i 3sp*. 

, 5ft»re«t ?*^nu«**dit 'wiijiiis- cti-sfri- 
idnt it. -fhs. '..vHiifow. :iht.- idler trtftr 
:»> jW'dg, itniiwit-,- *tSi'*;U!> % Sj»«> 

Itdit, -JiiUtfi** ^ililt!l~ litil "?.ljl**Ilttu 

■jiininilit, •¥"-ilitfui 3Jrau;»: s. 4' 
nuiKs'ii ntjidiitji' 41 )u»«'i j«- 

DOugn itidttiit ii ii'unu ■ im»?yu^5< 

ytnv iir-i«'"jri'-~ h'-s "ittte Xawit 

*ta„ : '\-,'!is*4 ju. "..^I'w, ir . iijiBw'-.i^*?. 

•e'W-tsa 'dw'tii^.'.yduisa , vij-s. Wur*2ii 

S«'i* f -.H<B'*"1J'1;1I -:3m 'liVitSUt, •'%••#!#!>•;.*<.*•.'•'' 
".'O. tfaA yJSj»'»iUll, V luwi .. *}'--ri>JMl(J^ 

X-i""-r!,r 5kju«isu<' , *<* | i 4>iir '.4 W'-ttft 

^■pw; i X r -' , -' ,, "i'' ; ,"!. ; -;,-:,-' ''''''-'' ' '■'' ■ 



r> - "4->i<fc v ■ '. ■'• **;> t5> ' .-. ";."* %; \ ^?«' W 

^•litn.. •« ,» uv* 1 - : s <*at'«i :•: -ti ^^^-^ 
'.fU^AiVA' - ':■(>**: .' ,: *?«(SS*»Si' ■ ^ f A . " ■' "C b ^ ■ 

tiU" •'*•«•««« ■ »fc " ff< ■ . J -*»Hv>^<a,A 

•J-i t ,T.int'«ttN. '*'- ■; l;5it'tu»..At".-". 'it- : Ufc,*- 

■■U-'-'-X- ■VVVWiiti*,*t>U'V''-,' -* --'4'tN>. 

IHi'-ntl .. .sif . tits • JiltH .• 

V.i.ii ■ : >C f O-.f Mc't Htxi .' ' -it.i '^^Ttt<t*t.i i \V.*.-iy-^ 



-^"*tlv l iui*ti4, ',?**■,''.-.--'!' 
" V-tlt k!l- •. ^\i>;v >, 't£ : - ' .IHtM'C^iS. 
JtljlSS'- 'S«i*aH*> -Sy vtjtfcttMtt'UJSi t> :}< 

-4tsMgnttt««i» s&*\<Mft. 't-iMiti' ">» 

'*|t«f -Sbuaei'tlbi.. ; "!«4t Qri : S»y, ' .'.tt. 

viimi 'Ih* Sijll" o 

1M-4H 4 Afi*5« ^:--tH^13^*iKl ; -K :H- ,T StM\Hi v 
4»t4HiU»'tW«, -'Kht. <V« 0k\s<5. -K»V<J 
»W *.'.'»i,tSi, : ".h-* ,tl-4«liU'** t-usiiiltis- 

..aww • '-e»ti*»ntj. 'pi dt* bm 'rtpd' n 
!-«|>|Bs :o -4<iji«jifi -iHwit'Jttjs. 01 -4v«:- 
TW- :«h» littSi'»!H*«4*4U j.,-K«t;^ ,iit 
j-l-ftauuK.: xWtvv -jiiw.iAtiist Hllu,,. 
•«ws*y n •!» • 'wf» iiassi'isiiifs. . in-. 
lomK'tig. H«t Lis- fiyu '-41 vl'y 
v * 11 luv- 4ijS - ' Qt *iHifriv;44K ' 

/7t*^tiitiillti. . .ptj: , :4>UViiVsi' ^ 

lli> 11 4*4v!iSj fi^.' i\ Hi; -^.«Miu -.'ItViv 
■y^e*5'^ * f, 4\ltK-i-4 Uvivi. v M\ '•'ild ' 
1MI1S--4 4V'ilU- (iv-iv^u 3y lli.v'il 'llvt- 
<i>4.is -t :lii(i Ii\:ili0t4» x ;i -HilSH - ,% 5tf ' i -, 
lllldtl> li -S 1 \tll <flil - 4 



hf Mk&$mgst% him 



i^fi i s"<«<;*<'MW jowdi'W viUi« 
it.'-; j~ * /; »« ^vu ; v ■ *:>i4a'"*4 ''?W'^- ititf--- 

^.Vd,;'^. i'si" 'i'W'} i"*.'!'^? .>'ed ,'»i- 

d..-V" > .«'-'S .H-.'-si j;''.- tyhamj SKffttsw 
C"':^s« 

Ci'rwj » :> *».i*u» -*«ii*it. '*.'d 

Kl •jl.'i.' . 44. i j.: *'./ '•.'i- ;»# :<j,s; ijOfow 



Free," X.©rfw& Ttywit 

■ s- <4 ■w-.v.c'.-..-.- v-c" -cb«' 

■C I.- >;g;Sfc - Saa • " . j - ',.t faSt 

P-t > i-tf. '<?<,*. V'f*** »-.v-.% v #d' v?.# «t 
• Nvrt.- i'jws. .v««^.---v, jv*5 » 
5tf)5«-r4;*v i e» >l.»iXt4J- -f-Xv^t** vaw 
U-ii' jf: Sjva' "V., '»*.. 
'ire -"''W.« ^w-S*^t-'%if5» 

st d"d ,v- 4C's*;".'.tirv ; vs.- '-'■. 

.C.^t-y'-'^y, i^- ',v' * *y C ,,v 4»-.Jiv- 
&r i-ptf - . ^a. f'ix --wv? "Usv-diy- -.A*.:. 
. . S!.-;,ata^if,— .e-'i't *>,"«f? ..tr t;v.- N Y 
cv lX'vt.4*.*-. \»rt'<cr* o -.i- t-w • 

"t»":— g itp -Bjfvjd-Vj** •..*':'-*. iWVit!WA»; 

-\"c'."fv'ifc''>hv-vi>, : ; i.vv.A . ■»' .t*" . C»!4t 
v \l - Kfs't-'-,?-^ 1 . ^ : teytv-s v ii : s-.e'S'si'v 
Fitf S*j\'jii ^.-t- .•! ..attntb-ii-.b** 
<i*sc ?et ,,t- j. - vve-v'.'tso" sv 
Nx-.iv"\ r-.f V.;"<'^,is ■ thtftf 

.. ,-, t c\:V.'.,-j- , ! .'V 

-ttv-"f--s A" 

R.vtvvi'w s e'H'*t- -v-v -t t'. SsM- 

N\*vy ",>t t\i ■£ s wv-'^vn l*H < 

M\rtk-> :*evV!Ui SC 1 ' tv-'. Nci\ v 

swsv"taticf< Mft .v i-y iVt*$s:> 
There *Aetx* -tv vhv.ws ..v^"vis-.:->V!-'t 

sv/u -\..ii.:-i St'j-tO'Vtw diiv to 

the -e.it «<Hi ;.>.-k c: tftr^ste ««■ 
cvrc.fA'f.ifg. ' 



: siosi ?*:,igttit;'v ,'Oi;». .,■ - 
^'itfll 4 ^1 *tli? if^u\Hl^> t-»S 4 »8U1- 
40>1«4* tiSiO-otJ*iv Qi . 1. x|4Vv 11 4Vilv 
'ii 1T«.. tfiliH^u-ilv j sjlwoQ n,;«.v- 
">«f «*rf,l«H Td»f .*io>«t 14 tinvi-; 
t-. yd-au- S. ' $3ii;v divo* . .-tVHWsd 
m-i ■. ' • : 34>i«t»-->ii-{pii«i : ■;>ivi»4 n 

'."111% •/! !">«4 Muvtti/'. '4i. ■ 'ft«s ■> !iivt»d»« ; - 

•%"14ii.H,-'iljJ •Vilb-.-iliitft '^,'.14 tSiinJtjClfi 
ti.' Vh: 14 ta.vt.ij 14 ^.v^i.) -4 

-;e;V---|il i ><"' i 

,.?»«*.'• 4-ti\> ''*4i'Wi4i. 4i -»lki U«t - ^i A i«i 

Sii'tisjSi i.'v.inii^ ix,-'-^- ."'jVtj ., <v ; ■ ifiifii 
H -'*«''-*«>' >v '4i« : iie : ' r ^ti/ <t 

V,14l! )i( 41) ,'4 ' V «•> «,V.li4 

•Cfhfe-^'^voCiM* ' ^ 4*« : 4«A;ut4>4i -.<4 ;i»:v - 
itimii- -.'fe.M^t.-tvitj 4. v : 4; :;^. 144 

^tlw- v-41 ,<4,»''«J- «>•• t .44 
« •><;<( <. tfriet M^tfntw s"i '■-• «.'-'. . 

.^1 ' i&htftr .1*4 . t i/v-*--- ii >v^>.*> 

Wt, 5Ui;i.'-j4i^'-<4. . ./» . jl,^i-<4,t- ... '■■ v <i» 
!3j*r -4 V ¥\,-4»'.V.-»s '-!'4.J. > ''. .'-.f."i.-- 

• •i4t4i'<* *.'-..".:-.' 

.' t><il!4 : .V y . V*!!. 1 *- '••*..*•*' V» ,'v't'. >v 
t4*« '4** *'* $4. ** ,^v*4' in "**4 *-S.N>A ,v* ■': 

.*.?4.4 ( :--:'^.--*,(4 , "> >4*.> '.,'",. ^-'M."Si I 4*. 

. ' "•<• iSa. '•'.%'( .. - N>t - ".,14 
",«4i>i4d ; * •<«fl-'..'.-t^'.',,-:-(fii.* ,v- .^-'4ii 

A:".*! : 4- :>"■"-<* 'v. iv .v.* •v-v - .. '. '■;: 
.'■ Vt».' '*«*■'.■ * v;:e!*sv- : ci'?«t.'' v .4.. . s^evd' 
At* v'ti.^s. »->.j» *»,<?■ ■•■ .,•-->■'» s »v 
tfsviiw.. * •.•> a».*«>.. .*..«x4 v. ,v<''«'.». 
><f - isr»4^ .-''«'.*<d '.'■■-*, '->*v; v '■ »»'v-' : ',"v' i:..'s 
4 4 Wvj > ; sf''-iv*-"v ->v \v *. v 

,"'4-- t 4. V v v -. -'.f KVV .-i *V- SiV'« VS*V\ 

-4 V .» i "4 '14 - -1 \- -4'.«S,'t4 

.. .V ( .>f.,t,..iw- , '\\ : ;.. H' 
. . ^v'.^W-' ,;.•.*•-#••«-. ff« .^...^".v^t v ii^v 

V, *v':-'«. 4 V^.'-S.'^aV si >v <\V 
.V,'^ .v ViMf ^VNS,* —* '<f *V>^.' 

*%?*y ■ .-j^.-.v ■■ 74 •• *v\Lv 

V'Wv"-." ' N* •s-.S* a a . viV-i s«i 5"'v • 

'"'^ ' V \'V -^v. .4 ir\ : -W'x .»\y'. v 

jjj . ;^ '. -v'," ; v' \-';. '' 

*> "vmv v'uv^i. t:>.v A-trvv;'' r:*^^ : *. 
v'^ v*''' Vii^v. Mi i*o v'vv ' avn *.*><r.; 
■ ' ' >\f x 1 ; \ E '»lsv>V ... 

v &t ti*ME*5*<f . \ **!v .\Jl -.5 -»v „-tlf k ri* • ' V -A ^ s'v •; . ' 

[V'VU 'tig . ^-<\>* .' «*5'iv4 Uu'^Ur cUvvipx 



; ' -tr.ff"£, I" t <tv> '" „■'' ;, : v. . . c 

• r 4," !.»,-. jJcX^V • '-g^^ *V* , '."..'"'fes • ^ •* ti, ;■. 

*S-^ r '. 'itri , -;^.i»?j :'Kaujtit. r;''- '^i, 

. ■*i»M ) ^^t? - 1 Hkttitf&j **■ . Mi'inv - .' ' 

■'u'.V**^ /-k^a ♦.-bi'b*. .ti'vi .-t. A.«t^> -.j t I r \ 
■;-,n,tt^uiM<?'Eji.:... ^itf..„»S-:. t-tt- ;-ti.--.- C • * ' ' ; . v ' 

■ ' f'--^- U e. ;'. 'i^yitit : '■■'■Mx- ■'' t - : e. . -.VW' 
scj, t ti '-^.. ' ^>»>&<:t». "' vt •* «r 't : ^i's 4 -t> t 

:.'*j*H<'" St, «-> .iWSyfr^ ,Vi't J .**V'-;t; : ' ■ : . »^ «■(..*'«•■..■ ■' 

: t*!i*t ' ■• -;;V.tCt'-^ . : J '?■;■'. Vt^H s*^ 1 -^. *■>,.'■ ■ "*' ; . 

: "!^f;%iiV^S.v .'.'■%*«'««'>"'?*', ■' ««ii«v '.. ^j -vv . 

■ ^^'.. 'VVV.i'tK-'i^ <»,Ht -•t-.'riU- ■ s • v 
'^'■'"''V *V'U. '5* ' 45. f\ 'vS ■ 

' . it; U '■< . t Wtr Afil'i t' '. '.y. ■ iK'.t^tl" r-i. v.* 

*.;*-.V4lS>. - 'iW;. ''^ttHfe* f i «f«Ut'ili*>t -> : 
i.Uvl '. WWLi<£:* .' 'Kf^*S ; t:RiA ".t^-^tir*.-^. ^Ka ' 

■- .. -l-StV^-aC" !i t-; 1^U>A. '. ivs, : ■ tivv.-«i' 

HHii t : : .^Uf ii*t>-ivn-Si: .■'..jjA. v il^i 

|fct-5»* fih^; '-c'dui., . -t.ix^tiU-iit^ - l>i>:.*!i- ifc,-. 

■ •■Ivsii-t ■ K >tt V'^'-* 5 * ."', ■* i-tJi-. 'v^V^* 1 -'' 1 !^' /"i-? 

^.»t. 'M*. iKjit; '■-■ytU ' ■Hi : ;*.**M-u-Uv*.iv'-4 

i U ■ X^l'ti^t ' - - 

1 t\;-v\f> 'ii\,-V H ' ttli'.-luK!. \>\'.' 

.'vi'K.^v^ • . • .,.'-t./ 

-iMv it^jEKi ,(>^. '.^*vi 

^K'-iV.-v, imi-..v,>WK.Hy itvi t <-^U t " t^.j-.'..' 

.^tiC* O.i . H^ii-ji^-^N ;t.if- 4*t , 

'.'^li^' ? • v' : •' 

■ .. ^14^;. ,i> i-.V^^A.-. .■ ^.JQ*.Vi.. ■>' ssHj *t:ttV t<«ilt> ■ 
.'VitU. ^itV>- ,%Kt .11* llv •teiJHl^tN 

w*,» 4' ■' ( y^a-.,utvr -^ti^v^:*n^i' ^ 

■ jtJv^.M^tft r nt| rtfil- Jt'V^V 'H IS ,,ViUs> 

ti«.mvy • ' ■V'^*,J'.'|l:iU(X>''.'.''>. >rU*<v» KiVit,^ 
Ulii? 8t4*^Vv''-*aSiii'': : ■■''»4H**il : tfi . . t:"Mfiif . 

■ vUilUK 4 Vila CO . ■■fe<-^-.- '.''•.% *ii«jv%", '.^ieHciii'"'.' 

WO.lWfci. MlVi £,'■(>. vjI^W- '•»•. .i^hji . .^*- l ^<S 
. .^K:i f^iv : *" 1W4*lt^ . "^.iii^sii.Mti *H vi 

'Ijlf. fl^i ^fej-*^. ■'>S-'*j' ' S>-v^.» - V; i^j" 

.-, ' ^s.tji^ii' ■■. iti&y ■■' 'Vvr ••vvin-ij Ot ' 

llviK'».ii5^it ^* .. »ajx J» 'Uv •*> 
ii>-»{]5 t? v. ^*H;.-k.S,\*. M. ' 1 v, 0 n 
t.. j V>4;ijii.- n-si.e^K jj, > ) ivj- ■>•*; . + t,',ji„ 
•w • "'Viai.i'o-» , : ' - ;x» «>■••& ". ' ■ 

''^i'^tiV-..-^*;; 'l*>t,v!.. .i^iiv *****'%*'.' -■."iv*. .'' rt'.*.. ■ 

lit - i« X'^'i ^ut^i ^ ^'.,.^\^^^<t..:.'■. . i»- ,,%-,„••• 
^ilwu. -v. <• **vv.«, tv-^N x<v H • 

. . t^ir^H^'. .-^fcVfV,. '■': , ":>v»V >«'■■■ ; 

MU.VWVlU:. ••'••>W^#.V ^aVrtV- ; i*,V ;>>.'• ,.,*?":- 
V„ 4 t V ,,-t»IV*'= »V'IVi;iji ■"-' : y>i ■ '.1vV,U..S . 



"*j>i'4v» 


i sli \!sfv.'l vf. \* 


C^V/i;. ' ' Iflf-V- 


rtWil- it. 


Si'4t ' V>1^*4 ^.*-' ' 


4. ■ "" S' ■ . 4 .°* -' 




V« vV VV »«.*<-> ■ 


■ .',4 I 4<4 1. 


to.t. »;» 


'A*'",'' \i 


"yl" .-v>-' -'.S.iiv'' 


'V- *4»*V» 


»A v.-v * ' >V ' 'A; 


-w.n !•;!,- .- -». 


■-! 


; \ : -\'..yiS' : -4; 


V>,* V V ;J 4 


-XM •« 


-W;,--0iv.' ;> ','>«4 fe? 


'-■ . t >. ■ 


A t - - ,.'">.> 


,V.'»4 it. ; "..:<v 


.' V ■">«*' V* 


^<»4 > -,v i-vtyv : v. *■"•«. "a 


-.'«;■.<,-...'•«'«; v.i 


>-H'. .y.'v.i 


'.•-i.t, '. \('.-' . v'Y 


•••V ;•>».'.-" :*:6' 


*""*V ,4*4-4 


S, '/ ■ -.'V.. -,;, >.. 


. ''-ii' H..4"v.' 


± i* v 


4 4 ; iV 


4 : :>'-.,'.'. 


- v - ;v 


i.' ■ 


In.*,*-.: : '"' -.-,4 '- V. 


''■V><fi< V' 


,.».'«.VA V ' ■ -i 


'.■' .; ''«« ■ V '■."'* >>■ 




S4^v'd -y .-.44' 


• \<-v :' : 'VV:." 








- . W.\vw 


; V/-*-v *v.v*;>'4. 




\ V 4\l.\ %\ 


*\\\\ l K ' 'iv -« 


<V' • • 


i. -J, wd *S 


-W *-j<***r< st"'-* 




*'V -\*f ; '> ."' 




*"•• .V* v.VC 


.vK'-'is 


civ!, tv •-■>• i 


w i v ». % 


' siV i V . 


*T-V svi «v ' ri.,4 




'i'-'v. '>•'. 


'A* i'S.yy' :5 r ' ; V'"'V ' 





Kanios f ttqr l^ij 

-:\t v.'fiiv-.*' *\A'ift , -ptvi'H> - i'%»- .v-;'A'<v'-r"^' 

\1.V44\V \U ' V . M ■ rt , % , 

iSv/'Y 1 - *'d; .'pV t>.\ « b;..a> ' i» 

S*,V -"(Shx . *l\ IHtt'% 1 ': 

I'-.i'-.r. Uv-tyyv/H" %. « >vr« • 
wt'i 1 - : {ii ' '• * • >vi'.t»ii ,. V' Mt's- 
tV.'t'lv I iHv -at. VsnviUiil '.ltt't»»- 
daitUiiU - ■;■'-.- - 



48 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Variety Bills 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 15 



Numerals Id eoiineilliMi witli bills below Indicate opening day ol «h*w 
whether lull or aolit week 



l-eller In parentheses indluites eircuit: (I) Independent! 

<I'> Paramount: (B) KKO; (W) Warner 



(L) Loevrj 



HKW YORK tITV 
ittpitoi (I.) 17 

H»l MellUyre Ore 
Gertrude NIesen • 
Jnrkie Olenson . 
Betty Uruoa 

Music Hull (1) t« 
K Talbot-Manin 
1* (ill l'Yanke 
I.ue.iie' CuininillRa 
l>i»rolhy Keller 
Roekettes 
fori* ile Bullet 
SMi. Ore 

1'iiranioiint (P) 15 

Charlie Spivak Ore 
Al Hernie 
Tit* Tap & Toe 
Mel Tonne 

It CUV (I) IS 

. Naney jwnovan 
Milton Merle 
ftlan Kislier 

4 Morrorcans) 
Tin- Viking* 

Slnle (I.) 16 
6 (;ra\ s 
Angle Bond 3 
Ben Hfri 
Joan Koheels. 
Burli & Bubbles 
Pu'nl Haakon 

Strand (W) 17 
Itl.ue Barron Ore 
Joey Adaiiia 
Tony Canzoneri 
Mark Plant 
Ta ri Va nee 

URONX 
WLndMir (I) 17-1!* 
Al Sellenk 

5 Amnuls 



Winter Sis (2) 
r itl fciands Ore 
(two to rill) 
<I.KVKI.ANI> 
I'nlnee («) IK 
Jack Haley 
Nlsfi & Waldo 
SlaR'K MeMann 3 
Constance Moore 
Vial Leroy 

COI.I Mlil S 
Palace (RI 2<»-*2 
Rosen bloom & isaer 

V Lmlibardo Ore 
Floria Vestoff 
Martin & Klorenx 

H.\«TFOKir 
Slate (1) n-lt* 
Kuddy Clark 
Hose-Marie 
INIHANAIWTS 
Ch-cle (I) 1« 
Ted Weeina Ore 
BeverlK Tyler 
Herb Sh riner 
Ladd Lyon 

MIAMI 
Olympln (P> 15 

V & G Haydork 
Senor Francisco 
Smiley Burnctte 
Steve Murray 
Hoist * Milady 

NWWAB.K 
Adams (I) 1« 
Deal Arnaz Ore 
.The Nonetiahvnts 
ttudy Cardenas 
Pulcina 

OMAHA 
Orpbenm (P) 17 
Tex Williams Bd 



St Clair 
Nftiloa 
WOOD CiRKBTN 
Umpire (I) 13 

Turner Layton. 
Max Bacon 



Bervl Orfle. 
Silver * Day 
4 Atlas , 
in Starlets 
Harry Sliiela 
Koster .t Clarke 




NEW YORK CITY 



3 RAYS 

Returning Soon 

From Europe 

Mgrl.i WILLY CHKEDOX 
Illr.: KUOIK SMITH AGF.Nt V 
1501 Broadway, New York 



Mary LnRocbe 
Jam & Martell . 
Mieev it Union 
BKO0KI.YN 
T'liitbuah (I) 17-19 
I. eon Fields 
I. .v. Bernard 
I Parks 
Ada Lynn 
IHtca» & Kaey 
Q1IRKNS 
.luuialra (I) 15-18 
tlottzalea 2 
Buddy Walker 
Tan' Uenson Co 
Judy Manners 
lie* Sells 
Leigh 3 
(three lo fill) 
AKRON 
' Palace (I) 16-111 
Sammy Kaye Ore 
Canllelil Smith. 
Olson & Joy ' 

BAI.TIMORK 
Hippodrome (I) 17 
Betty Jane Smith 
Stan Trwin 
Joe K Howard 
C'o'niee Bnswell 

State (1) 16-18 
Flordelina 
Al Kuskiu 
A\ mie Solar . 
Col Colleano 3 

19-2S 
Jordan * Pawls 
Clam Faual 
. Rick Lane 
I. a rye & Morgner 
BOSTON 
Keith'* (R> Iff 
Francis CraiK 
Til-' Sliyreltns 
Senor Wences 



Marion Button 
Colstons 
Colas- Worth 
PIUI.AIMKI.PII! A 
Carmnn < I ) 16 
Neil Stanlev 
WIKred M»e 3 
« ft-.M Gates 
Kajar 

PROVIDENCE 
Capitol (I) 15 
Gordon MacCrac 
Burns 2 & Evelyn 
4 Begins 
Sieve Evans 
Pat Hill 

16 only 
Dr NelT 

17-19 ' 
Sgr Chile Robinson 
K15A1)IN<: 
Rajah <I> 16-lg 
Baer & Rosen boom 
Sonny Dunham Ore 
Martin A Florenz 
Floria Veal off • 
HOCKFORD 
Palace (J> 17-19 
Stepping Out Key 
Nicholas «v Haley 
.lay Arnold 
Peters Bros 
.3 Eddingtons 
Dick Burns 
l»a«1y Frances 
SAN »:RAN'«'ISfO 
Golden Gate (It) IS 
Shirley Ross 
Helmut Dantine 
Sammy Walsh 
Burd Sr Leroy 
Stone & Barton 
Paramount (P) 
Andv Russell 
Martha Tilton 



15 



TWO BRIANTS 

On Tour with 
HAM ID-MORTON SHRINK C1KCU8 
Currently: 
GARDEN ARENA, BOSTON 

Direction: MAX TISHMAN 
1674 Broadway, Now York 



Rita l-'itzserald 
Ijui iennc <S'- Asliour 

<-.\Mi»r;N 
Tower* (I> 13-19 

Mm rty X- Morris 
fh-vl Clark 
l\I;*jfi''al Arnolds 
!.•.•» ;tn A Boles 
Tin- l>unhi!lH 

C-IIH'AtJO 

tliM-a*o (V) 17 
jKim nkie ( 'avle Ore 
Nl«» Nelson 
Cl^t It' Brim 

Orlentiil (I) 15 
Frftuftii? I. nint* 



Dick Wesson 

Gus Arnheim 

Will MfiHiin 3 
SPKINOIIKIJ) 

inwt »q (I) Hi 1«( 

Y\ ouno Moray 

JIos.h * Sfone 

TIio Clenna 

ThK Drink Hoffni'n 

Perry & i'iavlsm 

(one to fill) 
\VA8HlN<iTON 
Capitol (D 10 

Rene Kruim Ore 

jToev Kardin 

Folie Miller 



Dijtnlliy Itosii 

lilue AiiR-fl 
Alicr> I'eam* . 
Marc 1 -aw re »o 
A manilH Imne 
» - Klames 
Heorse Bauer 
Wilis Larliln S 

Bel moot- I'laza 
Unsyell Swann 
Birb l>lx<»n 
Taylor Line * . 
Daiiia Ore 
10(1(1 if 1 Si one Ore 
Kiitmn Bleii 
Cewrj;^ Krelsler 
M;*xine Sullivftn 
.lean J'atiner 
Paul Yillarrt 
Hill Dillard 
Barold HaHtings 3 
TV ally Blacker 
Cafe Koi'lety 
(Downtown) 
Stanley Pr;»K**r 
l>(»rotiiy .larnac 
Hope Foye 
i Nellie T.utcher 
Dave Martin Ore 
Cafe Horlety Uptn 
• i.ucienne Bayer 
l-'rank Pourrel 
i Abbey Albert Ore 
I Curn1vai 
i Ray riolger 
j Itpatrice Kraft 
Kaye Ballard 
Wiere Bros 
Yvonne Adair 
Paul (ia\ ot te 
Re id Ore 

Chiim Uoll 
Minn &- .Ling 
Woikff Sis 
T.aurie Lung: 
ISea t rU-e Pimp Oye 
II Curbello Ore 
Jack Prase Ore 
Copaenbana 
.U*p K Lewis 
.let MacDonald 
Mario & Floria 
Micbael. Durso Ore 
Kernamln Alvarev. O 
'Diamond Horneahoe 
Roas & La Ptetre 
Sir! 

Men nan Byde 
Turner Twins 
l!osebuds 
Billy Banks 
'fables Davis 
lti*na!d & Kudy 
.lack MHtbers 
Noble Siswle Ore 
Syd Strange Ore 

Kl Cliieo 
RositH Bios 
Pilar Gomez 
Ban eira Se 
Ma I'Kartta 
Los Slia mulos 
l.us (.'abelleros 
Karl que Ara^on O 
i i rc4»i» wicli VII. In n 
.Taekle PbilUps 
I'ollet le Lyons 
Shirley Allen 
Ned Harvey Ore 
Sonny Roberts O' 

H ii rem 
.*a*-k Cole Dcrs 
Moore & Lessv 
Pinky Lee 

r.ucifi.' p ilKe 

Lee Bartnl 
Nevada SinHh 
f'aul Re.mos 
Kausto futbello O 
Art Roman O 

Holel Kdison 
'Jay Clai-tdjte 

No I nrm Ave 
Louise llow-ntd ' 
Nype & role 
Hazel Webslwr 
Downey & KobvMh. 
HUblifthts 

Hotel Hiltniore 
La nny Ross 
Pat Whitney 
Mark David 
Sonny YWldon O 
Ste<»ben Kisley O 
Hofel 1 f\iiiKl nil 
Alnina* llnwaiinnp 

llaTona-MadrUI 
Nuro Mi>r;ile« Ore 
RodiMi'z A- Pb\ Mis 
Repila Trinno 
Maxljnn 
Sacasas Ore 

Iceland 
Rose Kllin 
Lynn Allison 



rk 

irhel 



ENGLAND 



CAKIHIF 

>'«w 'Iheulre (I) 13 

Vera Lynn 
I» * .1 n'tiurman 
H-Tschel Hffilere 
J'Miks & Williams 
C-dTrey & Kerbs 
Dn.llcys Midgets 
3 ilarcias 

< HISWK K 
Kmplre (I> 13 
B- i 'ontinentnle 
HeieU Roy 
Arn1*>\ & Day 
Aite>lte Silvio 

Ben % 
diaries Stephen 
Huna liicardo 
DKKIIV 
«. fluid (I) 13 
Dave Morris 
O'BiIimi Jfr RrookVn 
Albeit Wb^lan 
Fowei 

Karle A Babelle 
AdHle 

llairh A t'hristiire 
1> Cray A- Itro 
HACKVKV 
Ktnpire (I) IS 

Ooud Kvans 
Kim man Kvans 
V & J Craslontan 



4 Fomers 
'A Shades 
Kadcliffe & Ray 
Jackie Trevor 
Swan & Leigh 
Marion 

Zio Angels Co 
LK1CKSTI1I 

Opera House (!) 13 

Rebecea 

Paluce (I) 13 

Nat JaeklMy 
tleoi'se Lacy 
i'haios & Marina 
K:mul 
'A As tors 
Terrf <'arol 
Jun Tors 

l^earson & OllPple 

MANCIIMSTKK 
Hlppodroiw (I) 13 

Uroadcast of '-IT 
Issy Bonn 
Rhodes & Lane 
Sikt & Son 
L' Movers 
\'ivian Co 

SHIOPH'RBS BI SH 
Kmplre (I) 13 

The Nitwits 
Sandy P(iW.*H 
Rex Ramei 
Lloyd & Belty 
Shane Sia 



finv CI; 
Lou Met 
Man in Line 
F ra n k ie r i saa ura 
BHmpy Blank Ore 

La Martinique 
tltioi'Kie Goble 
Franklin Twins 
Los Bar ran cos 
Anne Franclne 
rOi'wih Kent Ore 
Maya On* 
Nicola Ma they Ore 

Leon Hi Lddle's 
Kiddie Davis 
Art Warier Ore 
fllorla AVallis 
Kuloff 3 

Terry CtHrriRan 
t:ai i on Bros 
Robert Baxter 
Paco & Hilda 
Shepard Line 

Monte Carlo 
Joel Shaw Ore 
Rbumba Ore 
Roberto 

Old Roumanian 
Sadie Banks 
Lou Seller 
Althea 
Joey Dean 
Joe La Porte Ore 
D'Aquila- Ore 

ISssex Utilise 
Richard Him her O 
Hotel New * Yorker 
Ray MeKlniey Ore 
Marlon Hpetntan 
Arnold Shoda 
Narena '& Norri 
Ct>?iuie Conn 
Hotel Pennsylvania 
Claude Thornhlll O 

Hotel Pierre 
:W.alton 0*R(»urke 
M< LerIe * Buller 
Chas Reader Ore 
Van Smith Ore 
Hotel Plana 
Liberaee- . ' 
■loel llerron Ore 

Hotel Roosevelt 
Guy Lombaitlo O 

Hotel St Moritz 
Kd Subieh Ore 

Latin Quarter 
Wiltie Howard 
Al Kelly 

Maitzone-Abbof t D's 
C lor la. l *e Roy 
Kin Ue Borco 
Pi i-oslia 
Miriam Uwynn 
Bon Vlyants 
Vincent T.ra vers O 

Hlvieru 
Martin & Lewis 
Manor & Mixtion 
Tonv Ba v-aai- 
Miieam La Yelle 
Hotel Ht Reffls 
BtfryJ Da vis 
Milt -Shaw 
Lasxla & Pepito 
iMaria Mui'ales 
DarJlu^ Jones 
Paul Span- Ore 
Hotel Taft 
Viuoent Lope/. Ore 
Charlie Drew 
Spivy's 

Spivy 

Sbiela Barrett 
Rico Sarroifa 

Versailles 
Dwi^bt fiske 
Rob fJrant Ore 
Panehlto Ore 

Yilltige Barn 
Ann Dennis 
L(ni Ceeit 
Be-iiy Percy 
Pat»py Below 

Village Vunfcunrd 
<!hlppy Hill 
Jay Marshall 
Jerry Reed 
Jimmy Shirley 3 
Don Frye 

Waldorf -Astoria 
Jean Sablou 
Nat Brandwvnne O 
Misha Borr Ore 

Wivel 
Bob Lee 
Key <*arole 
Brynne Loiey 
Jauie Scot t 
Danny While 

Zimmerman's 
Paul Smith 

Janczi Mak'ila 
ZsiHa Bcla 
Pa nl ens 

Doris Haywood 
Ocni- Kardos O 



Use Pix for Votes 

■ Continued from page 1 ss= 



New Acts 



tends carrying its 16m Aim program 
into trade unions, consumer coopera- 
tives, neighborhood councils and 
other community groups. As a pre- 
liminary step, they've issued a 20- 
page catalog titled "Films for Prog- 
ess" which lists all available docu- 
mentaries and shorts suitable for 
their ideological purposes. 

On the other side of the political 
fence, the National Assn. of Manu- 
facturers got sold on films about 
two years ago. Through a well-oiled 
16m campaign, the NAM has carried 
its point of view to the country 
through gratis distribution of its 
features to schools, libraries and 
special meetings organized by local 
groups. Although these films have 
broad educational perspective 
going beyond strict party-line bally- 
hoo, NAM leaders, who know what 
films can do, are also bigwigs in the 
two major parties, and they're urg- 
ing adoption of films as a compelling 
medium for mass influence. 

Major party leaders, who concede 
the effectiveness of films in selling 
ideas, are also taking their cue from 
the boom in commercial films dur- 
ing the past couple of years, the 
Army's widespread use of pictures 
for educational and indoctrination 
purposes; and the growth of the 16m 
industry. Up to now, they've lacked 
the technical facilities and know- 
how to exploit the celluloid medium 
even if they wanted to, especially 
with Hollywood's strict neutrality 
policy towards partisan politics. But 
the growth of the narrow-gauge 
field with development of a new 
crop of commercial filmmakers has 
radically changed the situation. Any- 
body with coin to pay can now get 
a professionally polished pic slanted 
to order. 

Pix, for example, built around the 
biogs of the Presidential nominees 
could be released through political 
organizational channels extending 
through every town of the U. S. 
Despite the fact that "The Roose- 
velt Story" had the advantage of 
commercial distribution through 
regular theatre channels, politicos 
predict that special films screened 
-before political assemblages can 
have the same impact. 

Boxoffice interest shown in "The 
Roosevelt Story," compiled from 
newsreel clips around FDR's career, 
shocked politicos of all shades into 
realizing the potency of such fare if 
harnessed into a vote-getting appar- 
atus. In Hitler Germany and Fas- 
cist Italy, before the war, and in 
present-day Russia, political exploi- 
tation of films was and is taken for 
•granted. 

Possibility, earlier bruited, that 
television, instead of films, would be 
in position to furnish the visual im- 
pact of the nominees to the elec- 
torate in 1948 now, appears dim. 
Most optimistic calculations estimate 
a total of 35,000 sets in use by that 
time with little likelihood that the 
projected cross-country network 
will be completed by them. 



TEX WILLIAMS * ORCHESTRA 
Instrumental, Songs 
25 Mins. 

Oriental, Chicago 

Even though but recently catapult- 
ed into national attention by their 
recording of "Smoke! SmokeL 
Smoke!" (Capitol), Tex Williams and 
his orchestra have all the makings 
of a solid theatre act. There's, show- 
manship in the way it's routined, 
the musicianship is good, the rep- 
ertoire has enough of a mixing of 
hillbilly, novelty and jive to cover 
individual tastes, the act is brightly 
dressed and the personality, both 
vocal and manner, of Williams him- 
self is strongly on the ingratiating 
side. 

This western musical package has 
a refreshing quality of its own. It 
should appeal to the hep as well as 
the novelty clan. The instrumenta- 
tion of three violins, two guitars, 
string bass, accordion, piano and 
harp allows for ' wide variance of 
tempo, mood and idiom. It's en- 
tertaining and exciting music 
whether the topic is "Smoke! Smoke! 
Smoke!," "That's What I Like About 
the West." or "One O'clock Jump" 
and "Three-Way Boogie." 

Besides Williams on the vocal spe- 
cialty side, the act sports a corking 
pair of performers in Smokey 
Rogers and Duce Springgers. They 
make a howl out of their treatment 
of "Temptation" and "Chattanooga 
Choo-Choo." Rogers also shines in 
a banjo solo. 

Before setting out with his own 
outfit about a year and a half ago, 
Williams handled the vocals for 
Spade Cooley. It was fairly nip 
and tuck stuff until Williams' version 
of "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!" became 
a jukebox sensation. The number 
to date has sold over 750,000 plat- 
tf-s and seems headed for tv>" >"il- 
lion-mark. Odcc. 



AMANDA LANE 

Songs 

13 Mins. 

Blue Angel, N. Y. 

Amanda Lane is a talented and 
intelligent performer. Fortified by 
personality and poise, she's a cinch 
for the class cafes, and doubly so in 
chichi boites like the Blue Angel. 
Hailing from the Coast, Miss Lane 
comes on with tongue-in-cheek atti- 
tude that she's supposed to be a 
chantoosey, and then starts to chan- 
too.se. But despite the throwaway 
attitude she packs authority with 
her special material or little known 
musicomedy excerpts which, by 
their unfamiliarity. sound like the 
lyrics were exclusively tailored for 
her. 

"Wish I Were In Love Again," "I 
Believe," "Too Good For the Aver- 
age Man"' and "To Keep My Love 
Alive" are in that idiom. She drapes 
herself at the Steinway, sings in re- 
laxed drawing room manner, mid 
withal socks 'em. Abel. 



FRANCIS CRAIG 
With Bob Lamb 
Piano with Vocals 
12 Mins. 

Hippodrome, Baltimore 

Francis Craig is the dance band 
maestro from WSM, Nashville, who 
zoomed to top rating with his sock 
Bullet recording of "Near You." Gets 
a knowing reception on his entrance 
in p.a. here and holds up his end 
at the ivories in good style. Pianistic 
style is a peculiar combo of hillbilly 
and Cavalarro and registers well. 

At the piano on opening he does 
his own "Red Rose" after which he 
brings on Bob' Lamb for a bit of 
trumpeting ("Star Dust") and then 
the announced original vocal of 
"Near You." Singer is blind, but 
manages to get on and off as set up 
here without any indication of hand- 
icap. His end of the stint is capa- 
bly handled. Craig closes with an- 
other announced original, "Beg 
Your Pardon," and earns solid re- 
sponse. Is proving some draught 
here and should help anywhere on 
strength of current popularity and 
actual performance. Burm. 



Theatre 



Continued 



Exchanges 

from page 25 ' 



CHICAGO 



Itlacklmwk 

Sherman Ilit.vVs O 

VPI'H 1.IMV 

Hub Kail 

I'll*.!! I'uree 

MftiSi f!roi>n 
■ lai'kii* Miles 
Marly Cmild Q rc . 
Riibby Clark 
lark Netsim 
Dun Chimin* 
rli.-z Ait, ■rallies (10 > 
Hotel Blai'kntniH; 
I'eii-r r.iml Hayes 
Mary llealy 
lla.v H n ruin Orr- 
HolH JtiRninrk 
Kretl Harris, Dunlia 

* AnneltB 
Tunny HiPanlo. O 
Kudenlto Ore 
Bellrn Delsan O 
Oriti Moreliniiac 
Moment ,<- Yvonne 

llelaiiign 
Lionel ProuTlng O 
Ralph cook 



Marvin llitmuel 
Mary. .lone DmM 
Adrian Lorraine 
H KdKenaler Bench 
rt HeaUierfim ore 
.Sol Grauinan 
Arthur Nelson 
Marian Pedele 
KoniS Slylisis (4) 
1) llllil Danera (17) 

Hotel Miernuin 
Carl Marx 
Krankie l.alne 
Kilille lluhbniil 
■lose Metis 
.lean Williams 

rutin ((uiirter 
Phil Krister 
Latin laivellea 
Builily Rhinv Ore 
Day. Dnwn \- Dusk 

I'ttlmei' House 
(irifr Williams Ore 
Klorenee DpftinoDri 
Arlllin A Connsuelo 
Hay Malum* 
Howard De C'ourey 



Brothers Manuel and Ernesto 

Espinosa Iglesias have added three 
of the biggest cinemas, one brand 
new, in San Luis Potosi state,, rich 
Mexican mining-industrial zone, to 
the circuit they operate. 



resigned. Katz formerly was an EL 
salesman in Frisco. 

Appointed to EL's sales staff are 
Kenneth E. Stem, Milwaukee sales- 
man; Martin H. Seed, Cleveland 
salesman, and Elizabeth M. Bacon, 
New Orleans booker-salesman. 



Schulman's Realart Spot 

Realart Pictures has taken on Wil- 
liam B. Schulman as ad-pub di- 
rector. 

Schulman formerly was with Uni- 
versal as head of advertising and 
publicity in the New England ter- 
ritory. 



PHIL GORDON . 

Piano-Songs 

12 Mins. 

Blue Angel, N. V. 

Phil Gordon looks like a lam- 
mister from the John Held, Jr., rah- 
rah era. A likeable little chap, his 
college boy piantics, vocally and 
instrumentally, are surefire. He's 
best described as "cute" in person- 
ality without, however, parading 
it. since, his material best parallels 
his style. "Little Augie" is a race- 
track saga, and "Trout No Doubt" 
is a pop nonsense song which sounds 
like it was specially written for him; 
and yet when he does "Girl That I 
Like" (from "Finian") he is equally 
effective. 

Dapper in black tie, talented on 
the black-and-whites, and. effective 
on . delivery, Phil Gordon is off to 
the races. Abel. 



Middle-Bracket 



Continued from page 7 



MARGE & GOWER CHAMPION 

Dance 

20 Mins. 

Persian Room, N. Y. 

Marge & Gower Champion have 
everything for a truly topflight terp' 
team, in the class niteries, vaude- 
ville or legit musicals. Formerly 
partnered with Jeanne. Gower 
Champion's new partner is his bride 
of a week, nee Marjorie Bell, daugh- 
ter of a west coast dancing master. 
Under their new billing they are an 
advanced pair of dancers, featuring 
the "dance story" idea, i.e., more 



talk and comedy to augment the 
normally expert terpsichore. 

Like Tony deMarco, who likewise 
has veered more to patter, Gower 
Champion is facile in his address as 
he unreels "Showing the Town" as 
a vocal thematic for takeoffs on 
Bolger. the ballet, the Agnes deMille 
technique, etc. Their yesteryear 
vaude strut, with its 1910 boy-girl 
corn, cane and can-can, is a min- 
iature classic. 

They're a resounding hit at the 
Hotel Plaza's Persian Room. They're 
highly personable pair, he ta". and 
she a cute looker. Abel. 



WB Getting New Omaha Office 

Omaha. 

Work has finally started on the 
new Warner Bros, exchange, block 
below film row. Universal follows 
shortly with new home on the row 
proper. Paramount execs fear the 
office will have to move from it.s 
comparatively new home when the 
■city planning action starts. 

3 New Texas Drive-ins 

Ft. Worth. 
Harold Gibbons has opened the 
Pike drive-in, with a capacity of 600 I 
cars. 

Construction has been completed 
on the Buckhorn drive-in theatre al 
Alice, Texas, to open in a couple of 
weeks. H. C. Gunter will operate 
the spot, with a capacity of 500 cars. 

O. M. Kirkeby has opened the 
Comet drive-in theatre at Abilene, 
with a capacity of 350 cars. 

Ben Donaldson has been named 
manager of the Dennis and Rio the- 
atres, Gainesville, owned and opei- 
I ated by L. C. Dennis. 



still holds up and will continue to." 
Stein averred. "But the medium- 
priced talent and the lesser fry are 
on the receiving end of a dip in pay. 
It'll take a year to feel its full 
effect but, the trend is on." 

Indie producers must take advan- 
tage of the growing pool of lower- 
priced talent to bring their costs 
down, Stein believes. Unless they 
do so, they'll be driven to the wall. 
You can't stay in business now with- 
out substantial slashing of overhead 
— that's particularly true for the 
indie. 

Pic Talent Market Break 
Hypo to B Producers 

Producers of the cheapies have 
suddenly stumbled on green pas- 
tures. The dropping by the majors 
of hundreds of contract players, 
writers and directors from the pay- 
rolls in the past month has broken 
Hollywood's market on personnel 
wide-open for filmmakers looking to 
get under the wire at $100,000-^200,- 
000. That's the observation of 
Lionell Toll, indie producer, who's 
east for New York opening of his 
"Blonde Savage," released through 
Eagle Lion. 

"Any indie producer can make 
great deals now for scripters, play- 
ers or directors," Toll declared. 
"You can bargain with agents like 
you never could before. With things 
at a low ebb, these agents are 
screaming for business. Only labor 
is holding up at a terrifically high 
level." 

Despite this, to make a picture 
under $100,000 is now impossible, ac- 
cording to Toll. Even producers 
who do without offices, secretaries 
or any other overhead, and there's 
a number of them, can't bring in a 
film for less than $105,000-$1 10,000, 
Toll said. 

"For that price, the films are in- 
variably whodunits. They're the 
cheapest because a producer can get 
away with four or five people in 
the cast and shoot nothing but four 
walls and corners. He can't make 
love stories because 



KATHLEEN DENNIS 
Songs 
12 Mins. 

Paddock Club, Miami Beach 

Once she's acquired smarter gowns 
and more attractive hairdo. Kathleen j comedies , 

H^wf^To* be r « ad y for s P° ts »' they require better writers and 
the better cafes and vauders. | M *„ ( >. 

A trim looking thrush, she pos- 
sesses plenty of assurance for a 



youngster starting out, plus a pair of 
pipes that effortlessly handle the 
ballads and swing arrangements she 
essays. Had them all the way in a 
room that is usually tough on i'emme 



talent.' 

The manufacturer of cheapies can 
get all the space he wants in Holly- 
wood at the present time, he said. 
Plenty of lots are available and 
Nassour studios are adding two more 
i sound stages. Banks, moreover, are 

Repertoire is well chosen and care- still ( wiU ' ng fl t0 ^ ^ 'JTmS^M 
fully blended, including "Just One of vent <"'e *° ^ tL "»e of Cj%-70% ot 
Those Things'," "I'm Nobody's Baby," ! tne cosl - 



"Almost Like Being in Love" from 
Brigadoon for a change of pace, and 
a special, "From Maine to Spain" for 
the topper. 

Delivery adds to overall effect, de- 
parting from the hold-on-to-mike 
stance which seems to be a standard 
with the younger thrushes of late. 

Lnry. 



Toll's next venture is, the filmiza- 
tion of "Aurora Dawn" in partner- 
ship with Frank P. Rosenberg, 
former Columbia ad-pub exec. Novel 
by Herman Wouk takes the r;-dio 
biz for a ride, a la "The Hucksters" 
in actuality it was written before 
that book. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Equity Surveys Jobless Situation; 
Showmen See Upturn Ahead 



VARIETY 



LKGITIMATK 



49 



An Equity committee of council-*- 
lors and rank-and-filers, which aims I 
to survey the economic condition of • 
the theatre, has been formed. 

Leaders of the legit association 
pre alarmed at the paucity of en- 
gagements, namely because of the 
sub-normal volume of new-play pro- 
duction. One describes the situation 
as "tragic" for at least an appreci- 
able percentage of the membership. 

Showmen, however, believe there 
Will be an upturn in managerial ac- 
tivity before winter sets in and say 
the actor* have exaggerated the sit- 
uation. Actors look askance at a 
seeming trend of bringing English 
players here to enact parts in im- 
ported plays, saying that there are 
already plenty of British players 
resident in New York or on the 
Coast who are Equityites. That does 
not pertain to unit imports such as 
"Under the Counter," Shubert, N. Y.; 
"The Winslow Boy," due on Broad- 
way this month, and the D'Oyly 
Carte troupe of Gilbert & Sullivan 
operettas slated to arrive in De- 
cember. 

One English drama "Duet For 
Two Hands" which used British 
leads, was a fast flop. "We Love a 
Lassie," ©f English origin, used 
American players but closed at try- 
out. "Counter," a London hit, was 
panned, and Broadwayites are gen- 
erally skeptical over the Broadway 
chances oi shows that click in Pic- 
cadilly. There are half a dozen Eng- 
lish musicals listed for presentation 
but there are no definite production 
dates and the casting appears to be 
as indefinite. Indications are that 
several new American musicals will 
reach the boards ahead of most im- 
ports. 



'Lucasta' Wows Oxford; 
Marry' Dubious, 'Man' 
Mild in London Preem 

London. Oct. 14. 

"The Dubarry," 15-year-old op- 
eretta, revived at the Princes 
Wednesday <8), looks dubious. Irene 
Manning, playing the lead role cre- 
ated by the late Anny Ahlcrs, re- 
ceived an ovation but the show's 
outcome is doubtful as it lacks pre- 
war lavishness. Public also is tired 
of outmoded musicals. Production, 
however, was generally well 
mounted and displayed an excellent 
chorus and ballet dancers. 

Press was hard on John Hendrik, 
American co-star, while other re- 
viewers were only lukewarm. Tenor 
was suffering from after-effects of a 
severe cold. Provincial tour of the 
show, with book by Rowland Leigh 
and Desmond Carter and music by 
Carl Millocker, brought Hendrik 
considerable praise. 

"Anna Lucasta," imported by its 
American producer John Wildberg, 
made its pre-London debut Oct. 6 
at the New theatre, Oxford. Play 
received the biggest ovation ever 
known there with innumerable cur- 
tain calls for Hilda Simms and Fred- 
erick O'Neal. Both responded with 
brief speeches. Consensus of opin- 
ion was that the drama is not great, 
but definitely is a gripping, exciting, 
first rate production. Coupled with 
magnificent performances of its stars, 
show is likely to be a smash hit 
when it comes to His Majesty's here 
next month. 

In the lone other London opening 
of the week, "Man in the Street," an 
amusing but unoriginal comedy by 
Geoffrey Kerr, bowed at the St. 
James Thursday (9). Piece, .starring 
Bobby Howes, is well acted and was 
warmly received. It may succeed 
on its star's drawing power but a 
prolonged run is doubtful. 



TURTLE' SLOW IN GOING! 
ABROAD— SULUVAN | 

Margaret Sullavan, who returned 
to New York last week after star- j 
ring in the two-month London run \ 
of "The Voice of the Turtle," de- 
clared upon her arrival that the 
failure of the American hit was 
partly due to the fact that the four- 
year-old play wasn't taken over ear- 
lier and also that the "mood of the 
British people was too serious for 
the play." • *- 

Miss Sullavan, wife of producer- 
agent Leland Hayward, has no im- 
mediate plans. Actress, along with 
Audrey Christie and Elliott Nugent, 
was a member of "Turtle's" original 
cast when the John van Druten 
comedy bowed under Alfred de 
Liagre, Jr.> auspices at the Morosco, 
N. Y., Dec. 8, 1943. Her London as- 
sociates were Miss Christie and 
Wendell Corey. 



Lea Penman Bankrupt 

Actress Lea Penman, currently 
with the "Annie Get Your Gun" mu- 
sical at the Music Box, N. Y., filed a 
voluntary petition of bankruptcy in 
N. Y. federal court last week. She 
lists liabilities of $5,253, no assets. 

Miss Penman, whose papers state 
she has had a $300 weekly gross 
salary 1246 net) from the "Annie" 
show since April 26, 1946, names 
Katherine B. Clark as her chief cred- 
itor. This debt amounts to $4,743. 
while she also lists the sum of $540 
as due the Daycraft School for 
boarding her son. 



Negro 'Mikado' 
Quits in Red 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

All-Negro, n o n-u n i o n "Swing 
Mikado" folded in St. Paul last 
week after Jules Pfeiffer, the pro- 
ducer, paid only $15 to each member 
of the cast as his weekly salary. He 
gave IOU's for the rest. 

Show, a revival, has been dogged 
by bad luck since its outdoor opening 
in Toledo in August, where it was 
rained out at most performances. It 
did three weeks at the Chicago Civic 
Opera House to weak grosses and 
then toured midwest. 

Pfeiffer provided transportation 
back to Chicago, home of most of the 
cast. 

"Mikado" first broke print when 
Pfeiffer did not hire a company man- 
ager in Toledo and did not put on a 
union press agent. Assn. of Theatrical 
Agents and Managers, however, did 
not take steps at the Chi Opera 
House, as theatre is union and Herb 
Carlin, manager, had made contract 
with the understanding that the 
musical was fully unionized. Pfeiffer 
also would not put up Equity bond 
although he claimed Equity was free 
to organize players. 



BMT Troupe Schedules 
Long Southwest Tour 

Salt Lake City, Oct. 14. 

BMT Productions, new troupe, has 
scheduled a loitr of one and two- 
nighters opening Nov. 5, covering 
135 towns in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, 
Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wy- 
oming, and Montana, and lasting six 
,to eight months. "Tommy," by How- 
ard Lindsay and Bertrand Robinson, 
and produced on Broadway in 1927, 
will be the vehicle. 

BMT is headed by Alfred Brooks, 
Marc Morrison and Dick Thome, all 
of Chicago. 



Gert's 15% and 50% Terms 
Too High for Lerner-Weill 

• Terms sought by Gertrude Law- 
rence to star in the New Alan Jay 
Lerner-Kurt Weill musical were 
15 r .fOf the gross plus 50% of the net 
profits. As a result, Lerner and Weill 
have nixed her and are dickering 
with Adele Dixon, British actress 
last seen on Broadway in "Between 
the Devil." 

Theme of the> play, meanwhile, is 
being kept strictly sub rosa. Only 
information on it to date is that it's 
a musical and that Lerner and Weill 
have written 15 songs for the score. 



Mgrs. Re-Elect 
All Officers At 
Annual Meeting 

Annual meeting of the managerial 
League of New York Theatres was 
held last Thursday (9), all officers 
being re-elected. Two amendments 
to the constitution were adopted but 
another was voted down. Another 
proposal, to place a limit on the 
number of first-night press tickets, 
was referred to a committee al- 
though some showmen felt that it 
was a matter to be handled by man- 
agers individually. 

Idea of limiting or eliminating 
board members who also belong to 
unions, from voting on questions 
pertaining to such organizations, 
was defeated. Some producers are 
members of the Dramatists Guild, 
technically a union, several belong 
to the Assn. of Theatrical Agents 
and Managers, while one or two are 
inactive members of Equity. Adopted 
were amendments reducing the 
quorum from one-third to one-quar- 
ter of the membership and a stipu- 
lation that producers are not to vote 
on questions pertaining to theatre 
operation, and vice versa. 

There are usually 76 pairs of first- 
night tickets for the press and radio, 
it being claimed the list is excessive. 
One reason for it is that some dailies 
ask for and receive seven to eight 
pairs. Second-night list has 136 pairs 
but press agents say that that's nec- 
essary to obtain full coverage. 

Brock Pemberton remains presi- 
dent of the League, the other offi- 
cers being Lee Shubert, Marcus Hel- 
man, Gilbert Miller and Herman 
Shumlin. William A. Brady is a per- 
manent member of the board al- 
though unable to attend meetings. 
New directors are Herman Levin 
and Alfred de Liagre, Jr., those re- 
elected being Louise (Mrs. Martin) 
Beck. Herman Bernstein, Louis Lo- 
tito, Max Gordon, Vinton Freedley, 
Kermit Bloomgarden and Lawrence 
Langner. 



5 Out of 10 B.O, Clickeroos Indicated 
Among October Broadway Premieres 



Success chances of the 10 new at- 
tractions that arrived on Broadway 
the first weeks of October are ex- 



PRIESTLEY LONDON HIT 

FAD pRppflf pV |W W V ' ce P liona,I y h 'g h . five being indicated 
mil rllEEiULEI 111 n. I. money sh0 ws. The 50% click show- 
"Ever Since Paradise." the J. B ; n g more than doubles the 'usual per- 
Priestley play current at the New centage of incomers for a compar- 
theatre. London, is slated to be Vin- Utile period, and at least one fresh 
ton Freedley s first Broadway pies- | production which opened doubtfully 
entation this season. It will have ' mny live down the notices. Good 



an American cast although the prob- 
lem of engaging two of the principal 
charaeers is difficult. Both are sup- 
posed to be accomplished pianists. 

••Paradise'' is completing _its fifth explaining for 

month in the West End. Pnestley ' ' ., . ■. . . . H . . ■■ £• 



starting grosses were registered by 
some new shows because of theatre 
parties, sold in advance. In those 
instances, however, party agents 



will be represented on Broadway 
next week when his "An Inspector 
Calls" opens at the Booth. "The 
Linden Tree," by the same drama- 
tist, is another possibility this sea- 
son. 



Herman Bernstein Sliced 

Herman Bernstein, general man- 
ager for Lindsay and Crouse and the 
Alvin, N. Y. ("Man and Superman"), 
is at Manhattan General hospital. 
N. Y., in fair condition after an 
emergency appendectomy early last 
week. 

Although doctors state his con- 
dition is not critical, the patient is 
denied all visitors and is being fed 
intravenously. 



father' Living Capacity 
Pace in London Run 

"Life With Father," which was 
figured a somewhat doubtful play 
for London audiences, is now selling 
out at the Savoy theatre there, ac- 
cording to word received by the co- 
authors, Howard Lindsay and Russel 
Crouse. 

Comedy is in its 19th week and 
has been grossing the 2,400 pounds 
($9,600) capacity tor the last three 
weeks. 



ivory Tower* for B'way 

"Lory Tower," drama by George 
Wolf, publicity director at Foote. 
Cone & Belding, and Lawrence 
Bearson, has been bought by Rex' 
Carlton for fall Broadway produc- 
tion. 

Play tried out at White Barn the- 
atre, Westport, during the summer. 
Alexander Knox and Ruth Hussey 
are being dickered for the leads. 



KAZAN TAKES 'TIME' 

Hollywood. Oct. 14. 

Elia Kazan has pacted to direct 
Arthur Miller's next play. "Plenty 
Good Time." 

Play, by author of prizewinning 
"All My Sons,"' is slated for Christ- 
mas production on Broadway. 



'Bean'-Pitts-Kibbee In 

Free Norfolk Tryout 

Entire production of "The Late 
Christopher Bean," starring ZaSu 
Pitts and Guy Kibbee, stopped off at 
Norfolk last weekend, for gratis per- 
formances Monday through today 
(13-15) at the Naval Air Station for 
the Navy. Producer Michael Myer- 
berg and company consented to use 
its rehearsal time lor this purpose. 
Company is on its way to Chicago, 
for opening there next Monday (20). 

Engagement was set up from N. Y. 
by Douglas Gregory, who has been 
lining up Broadway talent for these 
Norfolk shows, working with Capt. 
J. M. Kennady. director of welfare. 
Fifth Naval District. Gregory has 
also set up a week's presentation at 
Norfolk ol "The Vinegar Tree," star- 
ring silent-film star Leatrice Joy, 
starting next Monday (20). 

Everyone's effort is contributed, 
Navy just paying expenses. This 
marks second season for these Navy 
presentations set up by Gregory. 
There were no shows or talent sent 
down in August-September due to 
the heat and lack of theatre air- 
conditioning. 



AFMCincyM 
Key to Bookings 

Cincinnati, Oct. 14. 

Whether Cincy is to get musicals 
this season is something to be 
straightened out between Local No. 
1, American Federation of Musicians, 
and the Shuberts before Nov. 10, 
when "Red Mill" is scheduled to 
open a week's engagement in Emery 
auditorium. The two forces have 
been at outs, the theatre manage- 
ment refusing for the first time in 
years to engage musicians for over- 
ture and intermission chores on 
dramatic shows, and Oscar F. Hild. 
prexy of the local musicians, an- 
nouncing that his men "probably 
will not play for musicals." 

Meantime, the Cox is playing its 
third booking of the season this 
week, "Tobacco Road," with the 
house being picketed by union mu- 
sicians while members of other AFL 
unions are working. 



being avid in making deals for flops. 

While the new season is apparently 
off to a good start with meritorious 
arrivals, the volume of production is 
still under normal and theatres are 
still available on Broadway. Open- 
ing dates are listed for not more 
than a dozen attractions up to the 
first of the year, including three de- 
buts next week (no openings cur- 
rently). In managerial circles it's 
felt that there will be a production 
spurt in November and December, 
otherwise 1947-48 may establish a 
new low in the number of new 
shows. 

Seasonally for several years man- 
agers have complained of increasing 
production costs but such rates have 
about reached the limit. Casts are 
not higher this year than last, and 
the production nut for most new 
shows has probably decreased, ten- 
dency being for managers to trim 
the budget, or at least be more than 
usually careful in okaying the out- 
lays. 

•Allegro' and 'Shoes' 

Two out of four musicals in the 
month's crop are rated good things 
— "Allegro," even though four out of 
nine notices were adverse, and "High 
Button Shoes." Of the other brace, 
"Music in My Heart" started quite 
well and may land in the winners' 
circle, but "Under the Counter" is 
doubtful. Three of the new straight 
plays are indicated clicks, the revi- 
val of "Man and Superman" probably 
becoming the top grosser of its clas- 
sification, while "Command.Decision" 
and "The Heiress" are getting big 
money. "Dear Judas" is rated having 
little chance, and "Duet for Two 
Hands," which was panned, disap- 
peared after seven times. "How I 
Wonder," which drew a poor press, 
showed a healthy statement the first 
lull week, gross being around $18.- 
000, but there were five theatre par- 
tional aisle-seat for a spot in front ties> sales through the boxofiices be- 
of the lootlights, it should be news, jug mild 

But the dailies here chose to ignore j season may be too young for 
it when W. E. "Bill" Oliver stepped j clear i ndications of rorK | business 
mto the ballad-singing chore in | possibilities. Believed that tourers 
"Dark of the Moon" at the Coronet, j with out names m*y find the going 
replacing folksinger Pete Seeger, ! too t0 ugh, m the basis of weak 
who had to hasten to Chicago for a takings of least one drama that ran 
few days. | aI) !ast season on Broadway. There 



Critic Sheds Typewriter 
For Ballad-Singing Role 
In 'Dark of the Moon' 

Los Angeles, Oct. 14. 
When a critic abandons his tradi- 



have been several casualties in ad- 
dition to tryout flops, one being 
"Toplitzky of Notre Dame," but that 
musical didn't even get by on 
Brcac'way and sending it out seems 
a managerial error. 



Revised format of the legiter had 
Seeger coming before the curtains 
to sing verses from the "Barbara 
Allen" ballad to intro each scene. 
Chore couldn't be abandoned, so pro- 
ducer Bob McCahon and director 
Paul Guilfoyle lent a willing ear 
when Seeger suggested Oliver. Lat- 
ter, when he isn't pursuing his hobby 
of folksinging, is drama critic for 
the Herald-Express, Hearst after- 
nooner. 

Sole daily paper mention of the 
event was in Louella Parsons' col- 
umn, which runs in the Hearst a.m. 
sheet, the Examiner. She men- 
tioned it in her Saturday column, 
with a plug for her confrere. 

Oliver's professional stint lasted 
three days. While he didn't give | wjth fa a) ,„.,„.,„„: charlts 

Seeger any great cause, for concern. „ . asked for the w ,. ccssion on 
he acquitted himself well. Critic 
has a pleasant enough voice and | 



EQUITY NIXES ABBOTT'S 
6-WK. REHEARSAL BID 

Request of George Abbott for two 
weeks' extra rehearsal for his forth- 
coming legit production of "Look," 
Ma, I'm Dancing" was refused yes- 
terday (Tues.) by Actors Equity 
Assn. in N. Y. The producer, ap- 
pearing before the Equity council 



despite some traces of nervousness, 
drew a hand from (he audience. 



Milwaukee Davidson 

Shuttering in 1949 

Milwaukee, Oct. 14. 

Davidson theatre, lor 57 years the 
home of the top legits here, is sched- 
uled to close for good in June, 1949. 
The Boston Store, big department 
store adjoining, has acquired the 
property and needs a part of the 
theatre site for a big expansion pro- 
gram. Theatre's ' lease runs until 
June. 1949. « 

Davidson, which for years has held 



the plea that "Ma" is a book-ballet. 
The council, after noting that Rich- 
ard Rodgers and Oscar Hammer- 
stein, 2d, had net asked tor any 
rehearsal concession for their , new 
"Allegro" production, nixed Ab- 
bott's bid. 

At the same session, the council 
voted to accede to a resolution 
passed at the recent quarterly mem- 
bership meeting, asking that $2,000 
be donated to the Experimental 
Theatre. The council had voted lust 
July not to give the coin. 



Kanin's Taney' Legit 



Hollywood. Oct 14. 
Michael Kanin plans to produce 
the United Booking office franchise i "Goodbye, My Fancy." new legiter 
here, is now owned by Asher Levy j authored by his wife, Fay, on 
of Chicago, who owns several thea- j Broadway this winter, 
tres in middlfcwest, and Anthony I Producer leaves lor New York as 
Thence, veteran Milwaukee marmger. | soon as he winds up editing "A 
I No plans are yet made to house ; Double Life" at Universal-Inter* 
1 touring plays after theatre closes. ' national. 



50 



LEGITIMATE — CONCERT 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Columbia Disking Triple-Threat 
Menotti's ledum'; Other Longhair 



"The Medium" and "The Tele- 
phone" are being recorded this week 
by Columbia Records, with the 
Broadway cast, to be issued in a 
20-side set of two albums. Emanuel 
Balaban, who batoned when show 
first opened at the Barrymore, N. Y., 
is conducting for the disking, witn 
author-composer Gian-Carlo Menot- 
ti supervising. 

Meantime, Menotti is working on 
"The Consul," a three-act opera to 
be done on Broadway next season; 
music for a ballet to Marcel Proust's 
"Remembrance of Things Past," 
■which Antony Tudor is choreograph- 
ing, and revision of the third act 
o£ the play, "A Copy of Madame Au- 
pic," which was tried out in strawhat 
this summer, 

"The Consul," on which Menotti is 
half through, will be produced by 
Chandler Cowles, who co-produced 
"Medium." The Proust-Tudor bal- 
let ' is due for preeming by Ballet 
Theatre next spring. As for "Aupic," 
Menotti says that two Broadway pro- 
ducers are after it for this season, 
but that he's holding it up, trying 
to work out a pre-production film 
deal. Two filmers. Metro and David 
O. Selznick, are interested in "Au- 
pic" for pix, with Selznick also con- 
templating the financing of a stage 
production. 

Although reported under contract 
to Metro as director-writer, Menotti 
says no. Metro offered him a con- 
tract, but he countered with special 
requests, such as living in New York, 
permission to stage his own operas 
in N.Y., full artistic freedom, and 
direction of his' own works in films. 
Negotiations are still on, however. 

As for "Medium" and "Telephone," 
twin-show will tour the U.S. be- 
fore going abroad, although Menotti 
believes it will reach London by the 
spring. Emile Littler and Max 
Dryfus are to present it in England, 
Paris, Stockholm and Copenhagen, 
with the U. S, cast. Greta Keller has 
bought the rights for Germany and 
Austria. As for film bids on the 
works, Menotti disclosed that Selz- 
nick is interested in filming both, 
while Sidney Bernstein, British pix 
producer, is interested in filming 
only "Medium" abroad. Menotti 
■wants "Medium" filmed, as is, as an 
opera, not as a story with the ne- 
cessary film changes; this is holding 
up a - Selznick deal, he admits. He 
also wants full direction of the film 
himself. 

Menotti also admitted Simon & 
Schuster dickering with him to put 
out a volume of his short stories. 
' It's rumored, too, that Lily Pons ap- 
proached him to write an opera for 
her. Meantime, Menotti's opera, 
"Amelia Goes to the Ball," was done 
in Berlin last month, while his 
"Old Maid and the Thief" was done 
this summer in Berlin, Bremen and 
Mannheim. "Amelia" was done in 
Chicago last season, while "Old 
Maid will be heard in Philadelphia, 
Chicago and Cleveland this year. 
Menotti figures "Old Maid" has been 
done 100 times in the U.S., remark- 
able for a modern longhair work. 



Polyna Stoska, who scored in Broad- 
way's "Street Scene" last, season; 
Claudia Pinza, .soprano, daughter of 
Met basso Ezio Pinza; Inge Manski, 
soprano, daughter of onetime Met 
great Dorothee Manski; and about a 
dozen others, including a new con- 
ductor, Giuseppe Antonicelli, of 
Turin. 



Five Dancers Hurt 

Port Wt<yne, Ind., Oct. 14. 
Five members of the Ballet Russe 
de Monte Carlo were among those 
injured when a passenger train 
crashed into a road-grader four 
miles north of Fort Wayne last week, 
causing the deaths of three mem- 
bers of the train crew. The Ballet 
Russe troupe was en route to Day~ 
ton from an appearance in Grand 
Rapids. Eight other passengers and 
crewmen were hurt in addition to 
the Ballet Russe members. Jerome 
Lewis, Yvonne Chouteau, Daniel 
Epstein and Salvatore Piazzo, of the 
troupe, were released after treat- 
ment. Harding- Dorn, suffering a 
broken pelvis, was reported in fair 
condition at Lutheran hospital here. 



Eddy's 9-Week Sellout 

Nelson Eddy will do nine weeks 
of recital dates next spring for his 
first concert- tour in four years. 
Tour, limited to nine weeks, from 
March 1 to May 1, will be handled 
by Columbia Concerts, which claims 
sellout for complete tour already. 

Eddy will sing on percentage, be- 
tween 70-30 and 60-40, depending on 
local expenses, with a minimum 
guarantee of at least $2,000, depend- 
ing on the town. Believed average 
grosses will be round $7,000, with 
between $4,000 and $5,000 each for 
Eddy's take. He was emcee on 
"Kraft Music Hall" this summer, 
and his latest film, released this 
summer, was "Northwest Outpost" 
for Republic. 



Lucia Chase's Ballet Co. 
(She's Related to Tafts) 
Gets Big Cincy Bally 

Cincinnati, Oct. 14. 

Ballet Theatre, playing the Taft 
Auditorium here last week, received 
a novel exploitation boost from one 
of the city's foremost families. It 
was in connection with a party at 
the home of the Charles P. Tafts, 
celebrating their 30th wedding anni- 
versary. Circulars ballyhooing the 
Ballet Theatre engagement, Oct. 7-8, 
were included in the envelopes con- 
taining the formal, engraved invita- 
tions to the party. The invites also 
stated that Lucia Chase, one of- the 
leading ballerinas and the- principal 
backer of Ballet Theatre, as guest of 
honor at the affair. 

Miss Chase is a sister of Mrs. Taft. 
Both are of the Chase Brass & Cop- 
per family, of Waterbury, Conn. Taft 
and his brother, Sen. Robert A. Taft, 
are sons of the late President and 
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, 
William Howard Taft. 



Mrs. Elkins' Coast Legits 

Mary Louise Elkins is moving to 
Beverly Hills to establish residence 
and continue her legit production 
activities. She'll leave about Nov. 1. 

First of three plays on her pro- 
duction schedule is "From Hell to 
Breakfast," by Maj. Garrett Gra- 
ham, U. S. M. C. Mrs. Elkins pro- 
duced several shows on Broadway, 
in association with Eddie Choate. 



Inside Staff-Legit 



Plays Out of Town 



Benzell's Concert Tour 

Mimi Benzell, Metopera soprano 
who arrived in New York Thursday 
(9) aboard the Queen Mary after a 
four-month stay in London, starts a 
three to four week concert tour to- 
day (Wed.) with Morton Gould. 
With the windup of her road ap- 
pearances she's slated to start re- 
hearsals with the Met. 

In making her first trip to Britain 
Miss Benzell also made her initial 
appearance in legit. Singer had the 
title role in "The Nightingale" pro- 
duced by Lee Ephraim at the Prin- 
ces, London. Oening July 15, the 
musical romance based upon a Hans 
Anderson fable drew mixed notices 
and closed after a two-month run. 
Despite her chores in the play, the 
soprano filled several Sunday con- 
cert dates in the provinces. 



New 'Ring' for Met 

A complete restudy and restaging 
of Wagner's "Ring of the Niebelung" 
cycle, with sets by Broadway de- 
signer Lee Simonson, and -the N. Y. 
premiere o£ Benjamin Britten's 
"Peter" Grimes,"' will feature the 63d 
season of the Metropolitan Opera 
Assn. Season will tee off Nov. 10 
■with Verdi's "The Masked Ball" and 
run for 18 weeks. (There will also 
be a pre-season performance of Mo- 
zart's "Don Giovanni" as a bene- 
fit.) 

• Britten's opera, which had its 
world preem in London in 1945, ex- 
cited considerable attention and has 
been heard throughout Europe. 
Serge Koussevitzky, who' originally 
commissioned it, gave it its U. S. 
debut in August, 1946, at Tangle- 
wood, Mass., but otherwise it hasn't 
been heard in America. For a time, 
when the Met was reported not in- 
terested in it, Eddie Dowling was 
mulling a presentation of the opera 
on Broadway. 

Restaging of the four -'opera 
"Ring" is considered one of the most 
ambitious projects of the Met's his- 
tory, and was made possible by fund 
of $100,000 raised by the Metropoli- 
tan Opera Guild for the purpose. In 
addition to Simonson's sets, cycle 



Grand Ballet Delay 

The Grand Ballet de Monte Carlo, 
set to preem in Paris this month, 
couldn't get the Theatre Sarah Bern- 
hardt for the purpose, and so its 
season has been set back a month. 

Company is the one bought last 
spring by the Marquis George de 
Cuevas, who is married into the 
Rockefeller family. The Marquis 
sailed from N. Y. last week for Paris 
to rearrange troupe's schedule. Like- 
ly the extra month will be taken up 
with extra rehearsals while await- 
ing a Paris house. 



Antony and Cleopatra 

■ " Buffalo, Oct. 8. 
Gulhrle McClintic's production of Shake- 
speare's drama In two acts. Stars Kath- 
arine Cornell and Godfrey Tearle: features 
Kent Smith. Lenorc Ulrlc. Ralph (.'Ian ton 
and Ivan Simpson. Staged by McClintic: 
settings, I.c-o Kerz; costumes, John Bu.vl; 
music, Paul Nordoff. Opened at Blrlanger, 
Buffalo. Oct. 7, '17; $3.00 top. 

Philo r Alan Shayne 

Demeti'ius .'.Theodore Marcus? 

Antony... Godfrey Tearle 

Cleopatra Katharine Cornell 

A Messenger A.David J. Stewart 

Dolabella Robert Duke 

Proculeius Charlton Heslon 

Uharmian Lcnoro Ulrlc 

Alexas Oliver Cliff 

A Soothsayer Kit Wnllach 

Jras Diana Rivas 

1'lnobarbus v Kent Shiith 

Mardian ...Joseph Wiseman 

Octavlus Caesar Ralph Clapton 

I.epidus.... Ivan Simpson 

Maecenas David Orrlclc 

- Pompey Joseph Holland 

Menas ...Martin Kingsley 

Varrlus Barnct Biro 

Ventidius. . , .Bruce Gordon 

Agrippa Huntington Watts 

Oclnvia Belly Low 

Canidlus Dayton Lummis 

Silius : Charles Xolte 

Wins Douglass Watson 

Thyreus Robert Carrlcart 

Taurus Gilbert Reade 

Gallus : Rudolph Watson 

A Soldier Bruce Gordon 

Scarus Anthony Randall 

Euphornius Ernesl Rowan 

Deicetas Martin Kingsley 

Diomedes Eli Walloeh 

Clown .Oliver Clifl 

Slaves. Guards, Servants. Soldiers: John 
Russo, Peter Barno. Druinmond l-lrskiue, 
Miirred Hull, Orrln Kedfield, Charles Holt, 
James Grudier. 



George Jean Nathan takes his fellow-critics sharply to task in his 
column in the October American Mercury, which he heads 'The Drama's 
Four Horsemen." The four are Timeliness, Journalism, Cynicism and 
Laughs, and it's Nathan's contention that the critics prostitute themselves 
in letting these four govern or sway their judgment on plays. 
Nathan, in discussing what he calls the journalistic attitude toward the 
drama, raps Variety's annual boxscore again (which he's "done in the past 
in Variety articles) as "laying unction to the vanity of reviewers who 
are nominated leaders by virtue of picking the greatest number of box- 
office successes regardless of merit, when they themselves by their praise 
have made them hits." "There have been and there are still," writes 
Nathan, "the exceptional daily reviewers who seek to operate on more 
independent and loftier principles. But they are not the popular ones 
and. their opinions are accepted mainly by the minority of their readers 
who are biased in favor of drama of some repute. And even they at 
times can not entirely Tesist the pull of what they are shrewd enough 
to realize is reader appeal. Compromise is accordingly not always be- 
yond them. The more popular reviewers, on the other hand, are those 
who bear steadily in mind that the great majority of their readers have 
no use for the finer drama, that they can not be persuaded to attend it 
even if the reviewers endorse it, that it is therefore the wiser course 
to accept the standards of the majority, and that in doubtful cases it 
is best to side with that majority's prejudices, real or imaginary. 

"What all this naturally leads to is the reviewers' either quick or 
gradual surrender to the popular view of drama, again whether real or 
imaginary, and their acquisition of pride in being thus established as 
bell-cows of the larger share of the theatregoing public. The end-product 
of the attitude is the 'public's acceptance of critical guidance which is no 
guidance at all but simply an . advance reassurance that its tastes are 
what they properly should be. It is, in brief, a leadership in reverse." 

Disclosure last week, in Michael Todd's bankruptcy action in New 
York, that the producer owes large amounts of back royalties to the 
authors of his musical comedies, brought out a little-noted phase of the 
current minimum basic agreement between the Dramatists Guild and 
the Broadway managers. Under the 1941-45 contract the Guild had the 
right to act as collection agency for all author royalties, but made only 
partial use .of the clause. 

In the 1946-51 contract, currently in force, the collection of royalties 
was amplified, and the Guild was given the right to demand a bond from 
the management to guarantee such payment. The Todd case occurred , 
before the 1946-51 pact was adopted, and the producer has never signed 
the present version. 

There have been eight recent instances of managements defaulting or 
falling behind in royalty payments. Three of them have lately been set- 
led and two more are about to be cleaned up. According to a Guild 
representative, Todd will be forced to pay all back royalties in full, re- 
gardless of any bankruptcy arrangement, and will then have to post a 
bond before he is permitted to sign the basic agreement. Until he does 
so, it "would be virtually impossible for him to produce another show, 
as Guild members are not permitted to deal with non-signatory manage- 
ments. There are no non-Guild authors of any professional standing. 



New Orleans Youngsters 

New Orleans, Oct. 14. 

A concert series, titled "Stars of 
Tomorrow," set up to enable young 
artists to get a hearing, has been 
pacted here by Irwin Poche, local 
impresario. He'll present five artists 
this fall and winter in his own 
house, the Poche Theatre, formerly 
the«33tar. 

National Concert & Artists Corp., 
of New York, represented by Paul 
Stoes, is supplying the artists, these 
being Richard Dyer-Bennett, folk- 
song singer-guitarist; Rosalind Na- 
dell, contralto, now appearing with 
the N. Y. City Center Opera Co.; 
Gary GraTfman, 18-year-old pianist 
and Rachmaninoff prize winner; 
Devy Erlih, 17-year-old Parisian- 
born violinist, and a fifth to be 
selected. 



Collapse and death of Joseph A. Padway, while he addressed the Amer- 
ican Federation of Labor convention in San Francisco last week, recalls 
that he was factor in Equity going through with its segregation demand 
relative to the National theatre, Washington, D. C, early in the summer. 
Some of Equity's advisers expressed doubt that it was within its rights to 
do so, and still think so. A clear opinion was not obtained from John J. 
Davis, but Padway, in a lengthy telegram, declared that Equity would not 
be in violation of the Taft-Hartley act if insisting on a non-discrimination 
clause in the basic contract with the managers. Padway's message was 
read at a special meeting of the League of New York Theatres by Elmer 
Rice, and the segregation clause was voted in. Actors are slated to ban 
National appearances next season, but it is intimateel that the matter will 
reach the courts before that time, even though the League signed the pact. 



There are half a dozen ticket brokers in Hollywood, and there's a code 
among them not to gyp. Their fee is $1, which includes federal tax, or 
about the same rate as on Broadway among agencies that adhere to the 
legit code and N. Y. statute. An exception is the price for Ken Murray's 
"Blackouts," at the El? Capitan, agency fee being 67c, through an arrange- 
ment with Matt Allen, who operates the house. There are a number of 
little theatres with legit, tickets for which the brokers handle, they also 
selling for football, baseball and fights, plus feature film premieres. 
Tickets, too, for the longrun "The Drunkard" are handled mostly through 
the agencies, and that curiosity, which recently raised its top to $2.50, 
sells out a week in advance. Biltmore, Los Angeles, remains the number 
one legiter, $3.60 top being the rule. 



Frisco Opera In L. A. 

Los Angeles, Oct. 14. 
San Francisco Opera Co. opens 



will have new costumes by Mary i its Los Angeles season at the Shrine 



Schenk, new staging by Herbert 
Graf, with Fritz Stiedry slated to 
conduct. 

Kirsten Thovborg and Max Lorenz 
are returning to the company this 
season. Newly signed are soprano 



auditorium Oct. -20 with "La Gia 
conda," conducted by Richard Mar- 
zollo. 

Second opera will be "Lucia di 
Lammermoor," with Lily Pons and 
Jan Peerce. 



Katharine Cornell last night un-* 
veiled another monumental Shake- 
spearean production for the ap- 
proval of her hometown folks. The 
last occasion was when she lighted 
her epic "Romeo and Juliet" here 
15 years ago. The present bow-in 
proved to be a towering production 
of this magnificently sweeping page- 
ant which will write another page 
of theatrical history for Miss Cornell 
and Guthrie McClintic. The play, 
mounted with an almost stunning 
opulence and imposingly played by 
a mostly male cast, should take its 
place as one of the outstanding 
presentations of a generation. 

As is usually the case with Cor- 
nell-McClintic Shakespeare, money 
has been poured onto the stage with 
a lavish hand, and the result repre- 
sents a nearly ultimate achievement 
in acting, artistry and stagecraft. 
Comparison with Tallulah Bank- 
head's ill-fated production of the 
same drama, which was preemed 
here a decade ago, with Conway 
Tearle sharing the lead, is inevitable 
and heightens immeasurably the 
stature of the present effort. In fact, 
so elaborate is this production that 
it inclines to obscure the plain, 
panoramic sweep of the "original 
story line and detracts from the 
brooding air of disillusionment, dis- 
aster and death which are the out- 
standing characteristics of this soar- 
ing drama. When the runoff becomes 
smoother much of this will undoubt- 
edly disappear. While the opening 
was near perfection mechanically, 
there was a notable early uneven- 
ness in some of the individual char- 
acterizations, and it was not until 
just before midsession that the ac- 
tion hit its pace, culminating in a 
compelling first act and an even 
more exciting second stanza. 

In this play, Shakespeare departs 
from the spiritual personal intro- 
spection which absorbed him ovpr 
the periods of incubation of Hamlet, 
(Continued on page 53) 



Unusual program credit is the billing accorded the "Allegro" under- 
studies with the notation "understudies never substitute for listed players 
unless a specific announcement of the appearance is made at the time of 
the performance." Then follows a list of alternate castces, roster of 
understudies including James Jewell, Charlotte Howard, Wilson Smith, 
Katrina Van Oss, Sylvia Karlton (for the "Jennie" role, as Roberta Jonay 
does it), Susan Svetlik, Julie Humphries, Robert Byrn, David Collyer and 
William McCully. Program indicates some understudy more than one 
William McCully. Program indicates some for more than one role. In 
the main, all mentioned have other regularly assigned roles in the musical. 



It's no secret along Broadway that Jed Harris, who staged the new 
"The Heiress," attended to almost all the managerial end, although Fred 
Finklehoffe presents the drama at the Biltmore. When the booking con- 
tract was made out, Barney Klawans, manager of the house, wrote in 
eight stipulations, but Harris, whose idiosyncrasies are well known, struck 
out every one, then barked to Klawans: "You are the most unreasonable 
fellow I ever did business with." Finklehoffe and Harris are 50-50 on 
the indicated new click, but the latter is reported not to have invested 
any money. 



First nights on Broadway are getting plenty of radio coverage on morn- 
ing or breakfast programs, and those commentators are on the premiere 
press ticket list. Joseph Shipley goes on at midnight for WEVD, while 
the a.m. programs that include new-show summations are by Jinx Falken- 
burg and Tex McCrary, WNBC; Dorothy Kilgallen and Dick Kollmar, WOR; 
Bill Leonard, ABC, Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald WJZ. Mary Margaret 
Mcfiride, in her noon WNBC program, also comments on opening nights. 



Management of "Music in My Heart" at the Adelphi, N. Y., gave imme- 
diate heed to complaints said to have been registered by two Catholic 
priests who attended the Broadway premiere. A line about attending 
mass was changed to going to church, while "Danse Arabe" was virtually 
eliminated. It was striptease type number, handled by Pauline God- 
dard; it aroused first-night comment, also when it played Philadelphia. 



Last Friday (10) was Helen Hayes' birthday, and it was celebrated by 
the supporting cast in "Happy Birthday" plus the audience to the star's 
surprise. After the final curtain one of the players stepped forward and 
asked the customers to join the company in singing "Happy Birthday To 
You," and they did. Show celebrates its first anniversary week after next 
at the Broadhurst, N. Y., where it opened last October 31. 



Life magazine, which usually waits until a show clicks before giving it 
a spread, did the unusual Friday (10), day that "Allegro" opened on Broad- 
way, by coming out that day with not only a three-page spread on the 
musical, but the cover as well. Front page photo was that of Katrina Van 
Oss, singer in the show. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



LEGITIMATE 



51 



Tomorrow' OK $15,000 in Chi Tryout; 
thocolate $18,000, Tarouser $31, 



Chicago, Oct. 14. +■ 
The local season finally got a win- 
ner in "Chocolate Soldier," which 
got thumbs up from all critics last 
week. Other opening of the week, 
"This Time Tomorrow," drew criti- 
cism of the play, but enthusiasm 
over cast. Tallulah Bankhead left 
the hospital Oct. 13 to reopen "Pri- 
vate. Lives" after a two-week shut- 
down. 

down. San Carlo opera troupe 
scored with $45,000 its first week in 
big Civic Auditorium. 

"Late Mr. Christopher Bean" re- 
lights the Civic theatre, Monday 
(20). "O Mistress Mine" opening at 
the Selwyn clashes with Mary Mar- 
tin and the touring company of 
"Annie Get Your Gun," at the Shu- 
bert, both lighting Nov. 3. "Spike 
Jones Revue" arrives Monday at the 
Studebaker. 

Estimates (or Last Week 

"Born Yesterday," Erlanger (34th 
week) (1,334; $3.60). Comedy closed 
long run Oct. 11 with sock $18,000. 
Company disbands. 

"Carousel," Shubert (20th week) 
(2,100; $4.80). Going into final three 
weeks, neat $31,000 last semester. 

"Chocolate Soldier," Blackstone 
(1,358; $4.80). First six performances 
heavy with matinee trade; brisk 
$18,000. - 

"This Time Tomorrow" (Selwyn) 
(1,000;-$3.60). In spite of n.s.g. re- 
views, first seven days profitable 
$15,000. 

D0NLEVY-T00MEY 14G 
IN TRICE GLORY/ DET. 

Detroit, Oct. 14, 
"What Price Glory," starring Brian 
Donlevy and Regis Toomey, pulled 
an estimated $14,000 at the 1,800-seat 
Music Hall for the first six perform- 
ances, at $3.60 top^ 

"Harvey," starring Joe E. Brown, 
ended a four -week run at the 1,500- 
seat Cass with $22,000. The house 
will be dark until the arrival Mon- 
day (20) of "O Mistress Mine." star- 
ring Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. 



'Turtle' Mild 7*G, S.F. 

San Francisco, Oct. 14. 

"The Voice of the Turtle," with 
Haila S.toddard, which' opened 
Wednesday (9) for an 11-day run 
at the 1,550-seat Geary, chalked up 
a first week gross of $7,500 in five 
performances. 

"Girl of the Golden West." star- 
ring James Ellison. Victor Jory and 
Dorothy Craig, which opened at the 
1,776-seat Curran- Sunday (5) hit a 
mild $8,000. 



'RED MILL' FAIR $27,000; 
CORNELL NEXT WK., PITT 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 14. 

"Red Mill" got about $27,000 last 
week at the Nixon. Victor Herbert 
revival was figured to do more than 
that on strength of advance sale, but 
fell off on the mixed notices. Al- 
though upstairs business was heavy, 
house had trouble pushing the $4.20 
seats downstairs. Scale was believed 
to be too heavy for an oldie without 
cast names. 

Show remains this week, and box- 
office sale so far has been weak, 
with the call for the cheaper seats 
again. Katharine Cornell's "An- 
tony and Cleopatra" next week will 
give the Nixon its first straight 
drama of season, with Blackstone 
following and Joe E. Brown's "Har- 
vey" -coming in Nov. 3 for three 
weeks. 



Current Road Shows 



•Biography' 37G, 6 Wks.; 
♦Moon' SRO $4,700, JL..A. 

Los Angeles, Oct. 14. 

Legit patrons gave downtown 
houses varying degrees of the brush- 
off last week, but the Hollywood 
section continued to attract the 
shekels. Most disappointing take" was 
registered by Kolb and Dill's "High 
Cost of Loving," which got nostalgic 
pats from the crimes but not from 
the patrons. 

"Biography," which finally bowed 
out of Las Palmas Saturday (11), 
finaled on a strong note. Produc- 
tion of the Actors' Company, LaJolla 
strawhatter. registered a sweet $37,- 
000 for the six weeks and three days 
of its engagement. 

Current frame has only one debut 
skedded, "Three Men On a Horse," 
which bows into Las Palmas Thurs- 
day night (16). Sam Levene produc- 
tion, similar to the version he took 
overseas for GI entertainment, is 
being presented jointly by Pelican 
Productions and Actors' Lab. 
. Estimates for Last Week 

"Biography," Las Palmas (6th wk) 
(388; $3). Finaled with a strong 
$5,000 for a total of $37,000 in six 
weeks and three days. House re- 
opens Thursday (16) with "Three 
Men On a Horse." 

"Blackouts of 1947," El Capitan 
(277th wk) (1,142; $2.40). No change, 
$17,000. 

"Call Me Mister," Biltmore (1st 
wk) (1,636; $3.60). Only so-so $18,- 
000. Run ends Saturday (18). 

"Dark of the Moon," Coronet (1st 
wk) (255: $3.60). SRO $4,700 with 
advance indicating seats will be 
scarce throughout local run. 

"Ice Foll'es of 1948," Pan Pacific 
Aud (3rd wk) (6,000; $3.60). Still 
going sUcng with $121,000 for this 
frame after mild dip to $119,891 pre- 
vious session. 

"Musical Depreciation Revue," 
Philharmonic Aud U wk) (2.670: 
$3.60). Spike Jones musical mayhem 
drew fair $26,000 for single week. 

"The High Cost of Loving," Be- 
lasco (1st wk) (1,061; $3). Kolb and 
Dill failed to lure the cash custom- 
ers. First of two weeks drew a 
slim $5,700. 

Shows in Rehearsal 

"Tonight at 8:30" (revival)— 
Homer Curran, Russell Lewis and 
Howard Young. 

"The First Mrs. Fraser" (revival) 
— Gant Gaither. 

"Streetcar Named Desire"— Irene 
Selznick. 

"Eastward in Eden"— Nancy Stern. 

"All Gaul Is Divided"— John F. 
Golden and Michael Lambur. 

"Trial Honeymoon"— Harry Rosen. 

"Show Boat" (road)— Rodgers and 
H?mmerstein. 

"S.S. Calypso"— Samuel L. Man- 
ning and Theodore Thenstcad. 



(.Period covering Oct. 13-25) 
"All Gaul Is Divided"— Shubert- 
Lafayette, Det. (20-25). 

"Angel Street"— Geary, Frisco (20- 
25). 

"An Inspector Calls" — Plymouth, 
Bost. (13-18). 

"Anna Lucasta" — Opera House, 
Newark (20-25). 

"Annie Get Your Gnn" — State 
Fair, Dallas (13-18); Music Hall, 
K. C. (20-25). 

"Another Part of the Forest" — 
Erlanger, Chi. (13-25). 

"Antony and Cleopatra" — Hanna, 
Cleve. (13-18); Nixon, Pitt. (20-25). 

Ballet Theatre — KRNT, Des 
Moines (13-14); Aud.; St. Paul (15- 
16): Denfeld, Duluth (17); Lyceum 
Mpls. (18-19); Wise, Madison (21- 
22): Davidson, Milw. (23-25). 

"Blackouts of 1947"— El Capitan, 
Hollvwood (13-25). 

Blackstone— Walnut. Philly (13- 
18); Rajah. Reading (20); Aud., Lan- 
caster (21); Mosque, Harrisburg (22); 
Playhouse, Wilm. (23-25). 

"Call Me Mister"— Biltmore. L. A. 
(13-18); Curran, Frisco (20-25). 
"Carousel"— Shubert, Chi. (13-25). 
"Chocolate Soldier" — Blackstone, 
Chi. (13-25). 

"Druid Circle" — Wilbur, Bost. 
(13-18). 

"Fatal Weakness" — Davidson, Mil. 
(13-18); Lyceum, Mpls. (20-23); Aud., 
St. Paul (24-25). 

"For the Love of Money"— Shu- 
bert, N. Haven (16-18); Wilbur, Bost. 
(20-25). 

"Girl of the Golden West"— Cur- 
ran, Frisco (13-18). 

"Harvev"— Royal Alex., Toronto 
(.13-18); Hanna. Cleve. (20-25). 

"I Remember Mama" — Mayfair, 
Port. (13-15); Capitol, Salt Lake 
(17-18); American, St. Louis (20-25). 

"Ladv Windermere's Fan"— For- 
| rest. Philly (13-25). 

"Medea"— Locust, Philly (13-18). 
' "O Mistress Mine"— Cass, Det. 
(20-25). 

"Oklahoma!" — Colonial, Bost. 
(13-25). 

"Rose Marie-Merry Widow" — Har- 
ris, Chi. (13-18). 

San Carlo Opera Co.— Civic Op. 
Hse., Chi (13-25). 

"S. S. Calypso"— Shubert, Philly 
(20-25). 

"Showboat"— Aud.. Hart. (20-25). 

"Song of Norway"— American. St. 
Louis P13-18): Coliseum, Evansville 
(20): English. Indpls. (21-25). 

"State of the Union" — Avon, Utica 
(13); Strand, Elmira (14-16); Er- 
langer. Buff. (17-18); Town HaJI, 
Toledo (20-22); Michigan. Ann Arbor j 
(23): Palace, Flint (24); Temple, 
Saginaw (25). 

"Sweethearts" — Shubert, Bost. 
(13-25). 

"The Firefly" — Opera Hse., Bost. 
(20-25). 

"The Red Mill" — Nixon. Pitt. 
(13-18): Park. Youngstown (20-22); 
And.. Roch. (23-25). 

"This Time Tomorrow" — Selwyn, 
Chi. (13-25). 

"Tobacco Road"— Cox. Cincy '13- 
18): Walnut. Philly (20-25). 

"Trial Honeymoon" — Plymouth, 
Bost. (20-25). 

"Voice of the Turtle" — Geary, 
Frisco (13-18); Aud., Oakland (19); 
Aud., Sacramento (20): White, 
Fresno (21): Aud.. San Gabriel (22); 
Tracy, Long Beach (23); Aud., San 
Diego (25). 

"Winslow Boy"- -National. Wash. 
(13-18); Fold's, Balto. (20-25). 



Tobacco Road' $11,500, 
With New Jeeter, St. L. 

St. Louis, Oct. 14. 
"Tobacco Road" completed its 170th 
performance at the American theatre 
Sunday (12), winding up its 14th 
visit here with a swell b o. record. 
It drew approximately $11,500 for 
11 performances, with, the 1,700-seat 
house scaled to $2.44. Arthur Hunni- 
cutt, the new Jeeter, copped good 
reviews 

"Song of Norway" opened a week's 
stand last night iMon. ), with a good 
advance sale. The house is scaled to 
$4.27, highest of the current season. . 

Inspector 10G, 
'Druid Circle 7G 
In Hub Tryouts 

Boston, Oct, 14. 

Four legiters opened in town last 
week, two of them oldies, the other 
two tryouts. Coming presentations 
include "For Love or Money," at 
the Wilbur, Monday (20); "Trial 
Honeymoon," at the Plymouth, Oct. 
21; "Show Boat," at the Opera House. 
Oct. 27, and "A Streetcar Named De- 
sire," at the Wilbur, "Eastward in 
Eden," at the Plymouth, and "Calyp- 
so," at the Shubert, all Nov. 3. 
Estimates for This Week 

"An Inspector Calls," Plymouth 
(1,461; $3.60). Opened Tuesday (7) 
and drew a strange assortment of no- 
tices, with Elliot Norton, of the Post, 
thumbing it down. However, it has 
plenty of marquee draw, with 
Thomas Mitchell, plus Sir Cedric 
Hardwicke directing. Touched an es- 
timated $10,000, fair, on seven per- 
formances. Current week is final. 

"Druid Circle," Wilbur < 1,241; $3). 
Opened Monday (6) and also caught 
cautious but generally cordial re- 
views. Isn't doing the usual John 
Van Druten business, getting mild 
$7,000 on eight performances. Final 
week current. 

"Oklahoma!," Colonial (1,500; $4.20). 
Third visit of ' this item which was 
sold out for four weeks before it 
opened. Consequent $31,000 scale for 
the house, minus opening night free 
list. Should touch $32,000 next week 
and hold throughout run. 

"Sweethearts," Shubert (1.713; 
$4.20). Played here last Christmas in 
offish week, but is doing much belter 
this time, with a sock estimated $26,- 
000 on first week and three good 
weeks in view. 



READING FOR NEW 
'GENTLEMAN' BACKERS 

Reading was slated last night at 
the Savoy Plaza hotel, N. Y., for 
prospective backers, to determine 
whether "A Gentleman from Athens" 
production would proceed now or 
whether it would be postponed in- 
definitely. 

If sufficient financing was pledged, 
Martin Gosch planned going ahead 
almost immediately, with Sam Wan- 
amaker directing and Anthony 
Quinn in the title lead. If not, the 
production was to be set back until 
Gosch can collect enough coin. 

Emmet Lavery, Screen Writers 
Guild president, who authored the 
play, had been due east last week to 
attend rehearsals, but cancelled the 
trip until such time as production 
actually starts. So far, Lavery has 
been holding off making any other 
move with the play until Gosch has 
ample time to raise the necessary 
financing. Wanamaker and Quinn 
have also been standing by, although 
the former is reported to have sev- 
eral other propositions. 

"Gentleman" is a key factor in 
the $2,000,000 libel suit brought by 
Lavery and Gosch against Mrs. Lela 
Rogers, mother of Ginger Rogers. 
Latter referred to the play as "com- 
munist propaganda" during an 
"American Town Meeting" broadcast 
Sept. 2. According to Gosch, $46,500 
of a pledged $65,000 in backing was 
withdrawn as a result of Mrs. Rog- 
ers' statement. In a pre-trial exam- 
ination since, then, the defendant has 
admitted under oath that at the time 
she made the accusation she had not 
read the play. 



'Allegro' $18,000 in 1st 3, 'Shoes 24G 
In 4, Ian - Evans 19G in 5 to Pace 
B'way Preems; Decision,' 'Heiress' Big 



'Mama' SRO in Salt Lake 

Salt Lake City. Oct. 14. 
"I Remember Mama." starring 
Charlotte Greenwood, scheduled for 
a one-nighter here Friday U7), is 
slated for sock b. o. Last seats were 
sold last Friday (10) and with the 
1.800-seat Capitol scaled from $3.05 
to $1.22, the gross will hit a juicy 
$3,700. 

The Lewis & Young production has 
Kurt Katch as supporting lead. 



As another quintet of new shows 
opened on Broadway last week t 
business otherwise eased off, prob- 
ably a reaction to the World Series 
excitement. Interest in the incomers 
was unusual, and despite question- 
able notices for some, grosses were 
much higher than expected, theatre 
parties being a factor. 

Two of last week's debuts proved 
distinct flops and one dropped off 
the list. Two musicals. "Allegro" 
and "High Button Shoes." look like 
money shows, first named being 
hailed by most critics, but several 
were adverse. "Man and Super- 
man" was cordially received and 
may lead the straight-play class. 
"Dear Judas" missed fire, while 
"Duet for Two Hands" was panned 
and closed Saturday (11). English 
"Under the Counter" is doubtful 
but "Command Decision" and "The 
Heiress" are doing hit business. 
Estimates for Last Week 

Keys: C {Comedy), D (Drama), 
CD (Comedy-Drama), R (.Revue), 
M (Musical), O (Operetta). 

"All Mv Sons," Coronet 1 37th 
week) (D-1,095; $4.80). Slated to 
tour next month; attendance tapered, 
and last week's count around $13,500. 

"Allesro," Majestic (M-1,659; $6). 
Opened Friday (10): most reviews 
rated new musical superlative: 
enormous advance sale indicated, 
$18,000 in first three times. 

"Annie Get Your Gun," Imperial 
(74th week) (M-1,472: $6.60). Missed 
Saturday matinee, when Mary Jane 
Walsh, understudy for Ethel Mer- 
man, could not appear because of 
fiance's sudden death; otherwise, at- 
tendance unaffected: .$41,000; would 
have bettered $44,500. 

"Born Yesterday," Lyceum (89th 
week) (C-993; $4.80). Holding to 
virtual capacity most performances, 
with lower-floor always filled; $19,- 
000 plus quoted. 

"Brigadoon," Ziegfeld (31st week) 
(M-1,626; $6). New musicals prob- 
ably will not affect this one. which 
is aimed through new season, with 
last week over $43,000 again. 

"Command Decision," Fulton (2d 
week) (D-968: $4.80). Followup 
Sunday (12) comment rates war 
drama exceptionally high: gross 
topped $20,000, not much under ca- 
pacity. 

"Call Me Mister," Plymouth (78th 
week) (M-1,075; $4.80). Gross still 
okay after moving from much larger 
Majestic; around $23,000 indicated. 

"D"ear Judas." Mansfield (1st week) 
(D-1.041; $4.80). After mostly ad- 
verse press, business for biblical 
drama light, with initial week's 
count around $6,000. 

"Duet for Two Hands," Booth. 
Yanked after seven performances: 
weak notices; "An Inspector Calls" 
slated for next Tuesday (21). ' 

"Finian's Rainbow," 46th Street 
(40th week) (M-1.319: $6). No 
deviation in standee draw of musical 
standout, and the gross around 
$42,000. 

"Happy Birthday," Bro.ndhurst 
(50th week) (C-1,160; $4.80). Close 
to year's run mark, and attendance 
indicates indefinite continuance; fine 
$26,500. 

"Harvev," 48th St. (154th week) 
(C-920; $4.20). Celebrates third an- | 
niversary Nov. 1 and still among 
best straight-play grossers; over 
$18.000.. 

"High Button Shoes," Centurv (2d 
week) (M-1,670: $4.80). Opened last 
Thursday (9) and in first four per- 
formances got nearly $24,000; good 
press. 

"How I Wonder," Hudson (2d 
week) (CD-1,057; $4.80). Approxi- 
mately $18,000 first full week despite 
weak notices; however, five theatre 
parties a factor. 

"Iceiime of 1948," Center (20th 
week) (M-2,994; $2.40). Extra mati- 
nee Monday (13) Columbus Day and 
in 10 times will easily top recent 
gait of $38,500. 

"John Loves Marv," Music Box 
<36th week) (C-979; $4.80). Few 
new comedies on fall new-show list, 
which helps those current, including 
this one; $18,000. 

"Music in My Heart." Adelphi i2d 
week) (C-1,434; $4.80). Although it 
got a bad press, business surpris- 
ingly strong; $29,500 first full week: 
theatre parties helped. 

"Oklahoma!", St. James 1 234th 
week) (M-1,505: $4.80). Run leader 
making money right along; wonder 
musical got nearly $25,000 last week. 

"Our Lan'," Royale (3d week) (D- 
1.035; $4.80). Changes made to 
strengthen performance but staying 
chances uncertain: picked up: $10,500. 

"The Heiress," Biltmore (2d week) 
(D-920: $4.80). Good agency call 
developing and a click indicated; 
takings last week nearly $22,500. 

"The Medium" and "The Tele- 
phone," Barry more (24th week) (M- 
1,064; $4.20). Has been about break- 
ing even lateiy; operatic dramas 
listed for long tour: $11,500: "This 
Tune Tomorrow" next attraction. • 

"The Voice of the Turtle," Beck 
(183d week) (C-1.214; $3.60). Moved i 
here from Morosco, which gets "The 



Druid Circle" next week; bit off; 
$8,500 last weeTc. 

"Under the Counter," Shubert (2d 
week) (R-1,387; $4.80). Import from 
London doubtful of staying; business 
first full week around $16,500. dis- 
appointing, but excellent Saturday 
(.11). 

"Younjr Man's Fancy," Cort (24th 
week) (C-1,064: $3.60). Has played 
nearly six months, much longer than 
expected; around $6,000. 

REVIVALS 

"Man and Superman," Alvin (1st 
week) (C-1.331; $4.80). Accorded 
excellent notices with one exception; 
over $19,000 quoted in first five- per- 
formances; can get $32,000 on week. 

"Burlesque," Belasco (42d week) 
(C-1,077; $4.80). Was slated off but 
spurted: has made excellent show- 
ing; around $14,000 indiyated. 
REPEAT ENGAGEMENT 

"Anna Lucasta," National (D-1.164; 
$3.60). Final and fourth week; 
$5,500; "Medea" next week. 



'Medea $15 < 
Id 1st Wk, Philly 

Philadelphia. Oct. 14. 

Although Philly is still having 
plenty of trouble filling up its legit 
booking chart and has already had a 
number of dark weeks in the four 
regular playnouses, legit biz has 
been good. 

Last week the outstanding attrac- 
tion was the revival of the Greek 
classic tragedy, "Medea," which 
opened at the Locust Monday with 
only a fair advance. Grim and gory 
arty offering got rave notices from 
all the crix and equally laudatory 
commentaries from the paying cus- 
tomers, the latter due mostly to 
Judith Anderson's performance as 
the vengeful heroine. First week's 
gross hit close to $15,000. 

"Rose Marie" at the Shubert, 
tagged by second-string crix as n.s.g., 
managed to get $19,000, hot enough 
for an inexpensive revival. 

Week's third offering was Black- 
stone the Magician, who pulled $9,- 
500 in his first of two stanzas at the 
Walnut. 



'WINSLOW' BOFF $20,000 
IN WASHINGTON TRYOUT 

Washington. Oct. 14. 

"The Winslow Boy," British im- 
port which opened here last week 
under Guild-American Theatre So- 
ciety sponsorship, took the public 
fancy to the tune of a hefty $20,000. 
Though not as strong in b.o. as its 
predecessor in the subscription se- 
ries, "Lady Windermere's Fan." the 
Terence Rattigan drama should gath- 
er strength in its second session at 
the National. Unanimous praise from 
the critics, plus pleasant word-of- 
moulh publicity, will undoubtedly 
hypo interest. 

Two Shubert revivals, "Rose Ma- 
rie" and "Merry Widow," skedded 
for consecutive weeks, starting Oct. 
20, are having an unusually husky 
mail order advance. 



'Windermere' OK $23,000 
On Subscription, Balto 

Baltimore, Oct. 14. 

The first of five subscription plays 
sponsored by the Theatre Guild and 
American Theatre Society, "Lady 
Windermere's Fan" pulled an esti- 
mated $23,000 at Ford's last week, 
despite a slow start. 

Theatre is currently dark, with 
"The Winslow Boy" set for Monday 
(20), also on subscription. 

lama' 29G, Seattle 

Seattle, Oct. 14. 

Charlotte Greenwood came back to 
Seattle for swell $29,000, estimated, 
in "I Remember Mama," at the- 
Metropolitan. 1,500-seater. 

Scaled from $3.75 for seven night* 
and three matinees. 



'Forest' $6,500, Indpls. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 14. 
"Another Part of Forest" took a 
fair $6,500 in four performances last 
week at the English at $3.60 top. 
House is dark this week, but coming 
state teachers convention is creating 
brisk demand for "Song of Norway, 
due here Oct. 21-25. 



'Norway' 23y 2 G, Denver 

Denver, Oct. 14. 
With 3.270 seats and a- top of $3.60, 
"Song of Norway" did a big $23,500 
in four shows at the city auditorium. 



52 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Plays on Broadway 



Allegro 

Theatre OulM pi udui-t ion or mimical play 
In two aels (mif tjent'ml 'Hienel; mill*!'- l»* 
ltli linid KixlKt'ia; bimU timl.lyrlrn li.v osi-ftr 
llaimmMsU-in 2J. Directed liy Annex uV 
Jlllle; dunces by II bM De Mllle; settings, 
Jo .Mielziner; costumes, l.u<-lmla Bullae.": 
production supervised by Lawrence Iiiing- 
ner Ninil Theresa Hellitirni orchestrations 
bv Kussell Kennell. opened at .\fciJ»mU-, 
N. Y„ Oct, 10, 'J7; :p« toil, 

.AnnamaV.V Pick 



Marjorle Taylor, 
lit*. .Tosepii Taylor. 

Mayor 

Grandma Taylor... 
Friends o£ Joey..*.'. 



Jennie Brisker..., 

Principal 

Mabel 

Bicycle Hoy 

Georgia 

Hazel 

Charlie, Townsend. . 

Joseph Taylor. Jr .John Unities 

Miss Uneromb. Susan Svetllk 



.William filing 

lid ward I'iait 

Muriel O'Malley 

.Ray HarriHon. K-rnllk 
West brook 

Robei'ld .lonay 

...Robert Byrn 

.. Kyelyn Taylor 

*. . . . .Stanley Simmons 

.Harrison Muller 

Kalhryn Lee 

.John I 'utile 



Cheer Leaders 

Coach 

Ned Blinker 

English Professor. . 
Chemistry Professor 
Greek Professor 



Charles Tti 



*ain steen 



Wilson Smith 

...Paul Parks 

...David Collyer 
William Mci'ulty 
.Raymond Keast 

Ucbert Bryn 

Philosophy Professor Blake Ritter 

Shakespeare Student Susan Svetllk 

Bertram Woolhaven ..Hay Harrison 

Molly Katrlna Van Oss 

Beuiah Gloria Wills 

Minister Kdward Plait 



Biology Professor., 
by Profess 



Millie 

Dot 

Addie 

Dr. BIgby Denny. 

Mrs. Mnlliou.se 

Mrs. l.ansdnle. , . . 
Jannan. ........... 

Maid 

Ktniiy 

Dobrjna n 

Brook Lonsdale... 
Buckley ,. . 



Julie Humphries 

Sylvia Karlton 

Patricia Byliell 

..Lawrence Fletcher 
.....Francos Rniner 

Lily Paget 

Bill Bradley 

...'...Jean llouloose 

Lisa Kirk 

Tom Perkins 

Stephen Chase 

Wilson Smith 



An impressive play with music is 
"Allegro," distinctive in that it's far 
and away different from Rodgers 
and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" or 
their "Carousel," both Theatre Guild 
smashes. "Allegro" will probably be 
recorded as the new season's most 
unusual attraction, with so much in- 
terest attracted prior to and at the 
premiere that it's etched with suc- 
cess^ even though the chances for 
longevity are not as definite as with 
the aforementioned musicals of the 
same authorship-management com- 
bination. 

The new show creates a virtually 
new theatre form. There have been 
academic arguments over whether 
certain musicals . were operettas or 
musical plays but there's no doubt 
about "Allegro," which is definitely 
of the latter type, a drama with mu- 
sic embellished with dance forms. 

Production is stylized,' there being 
one general scene, most of the stage 
being clear and, on two levels, a 
minimum of scenery being employed. 
Props and furniture come on and off 
on a rolling platform just in back of 
the apron and on the same level, as 
the story progresses. A plain screen 
replaces the backdrop, the scenic ef- 
fects being suggested by projected 
stereopticons. 

"Allegro" traces the life of a small- 
town boy, son of a country doctor, 
up to the age of 35. Joseph Taylor, 
Jr., like his father, becomes a physi- 
cian of average stature. As a kid 
Jennie Brinker is his girl, and when 
i he gets his diploma they are mar- 
ried. Jennie is seemingly a sweet 
blonde but turns out to be a minx. 

The way the story develops is 
along stylized lines, too. Voices, 



some unseen, others from the chorus 
or sung by ensemble characters to 
the principal projenitors, are heard 
almost throughout the performance. 
Voices prompt Jennie into coddling 
Joseph, Jr., and in urging the young 
doctor to accept the proffer from a 
prominent Chicago psychiatrist, so 
that they can live in style, 
and also so he can make enough 
.money so that his father can start a 
country hospital. 

In Chicago the young doctor ad- 
vances rapidly but is unhappy. Jen- 
nie joins the mad whirl of cocktail- 
drinking socialites, persons who are 
satiated with party participation and 
who are constant patients of psychia- 
trists. Joe, Jr:, learns that Jennie is 
having an affair with one of his older 
confreres, then realizing his further 
stay in the big town is futile, re- 
jects the post of chief physician in 
the hospital and decides to go home 
and practice medicine in the country 
with his father. Grandma Taylor, 
who was one of the early voices, dies 
in his childhood, and his mother 
Majorie passes away, when ' he is 
in college. Both characters remain, 
however, and in song they, too, guide 
the young man. 

Agnes de Mille contributes largely 
in the' show as the stager and in the 
dance direction, while Lucinda Bal- 
lard has done the costume designing 
that denotes the changing of one gen- 
eration to another. Perhaps the most 
frantic number by Miss de Mille is 
the cocktail party scene to the num- 
ber "Yatata, Yatata, Yatata," led by 
John Battles (Joseph, Jr.). Freshman 
dance and the ballet with "A Darn 
Nice Campus" are other terpsichore 
inventions of Miss de Mille, some of 
the movements being much more 
energetic than rhythmic. 

Roherta Jonay, who got her basic 
training in New York, came from 
Hollywood to play Jennie, giving an 
excellent performance. She scores 
with Battles, who has his best part 
in "Allegro" after appearing in sev- 
eral Broadway musicals. Their best 
vocal is "You Are Never Far Away." 
Annamary Dickey and William 
Ching, as the parents, have an early 
score with "A Fellow Needs a Girl," 
and late in the show Miss Dickey 
comes forward again with "Come 
Home." Muriel O'Malley as grandma 
does well, too, with "I Know It Can 
Happen Again." 

Late in the show Lisa Kirk, as a 
nurse who understands youns; Joe's 



super. Show doesn't bound along 
constantly at sureffre pace, having 
an occasional lull, but the overall 
good spirits and superior quality 
carry it. George Abbott's experi- 
enced directorial hand is evident in 
its sure touch and usual swift pace. 

Show has genuine comedjfe from 
Phil Silvers and Joey Faye, cast as 
two pitchmen who return to their 
native heath to become real estate 
moguls. Silvers, on leave from 20th- 
Fox for his first legiter since 1939's 
"Yokel Boy," has a high time of it, 
gagging, singing, even dancing, to 
cadge the laughs. Highspots in his 
comedy are the fight scene with a 
footballer, his lecture to the lady 
bird-watcher society, his attempt to 
annihilate a football squad, and his 
"You're My Boy" number with Faye. 
And his song-impersonation number 
with Lois Lee, "Can't You Just See," 
is topdrawer. 

Faye hasn't sufficient work to do 
as Silver's stooge, but scores indi- 
vidually in the "Boy" number, and 
in his old sneeze routine. Singing 
is handled admirably by a quartet 
of principals. Nanette Fabray, al- 
though starred, plays a sort of sec- 
ondary role as the married older sis- 
ter, but she makes the part a stand- 
out, in a colorful personation. She 
makes her two song and dance num- 
bers, "Papa, Won't You Dance" and 
"I Still Get Jealous," as well as the 
specialty number, "Security," the 
biggest draws of the show, next to 
the ballet. Jack McCauley, playing 
opposite as the husband, aids im- 
measurably in the success, the two 
of them pulling the house down in 
an old vaudeville softshoe dance 
routine. 

Mark Dawson has a rousing bari- 
tone, used to excellent advantage in 
"Next to Texas, I Love You," "Can't 
You See" and "You're My Girl," 
while Miss Lee is charming and her 
voice agreeable, though a little light 
by contrast, singing opposite. Helen 
Gallagher and Paul Godkin lend an 
individual bit in a pseudo-tango 
number, and Clay Clement brings 
character to a grandfather bit. A 
neat dancing chorus, a good singing 
ensemble, aided by highly original 
dance styling of Jerome Bobbins, 
Philip Langs orchestrations and 
Bob Martin's vocal arrangements, 
add a strong touch to the proceed- 
ings. 

Robbins' choreography is fresh 
and diversified, providing in the 
second-act "Mack Sennett Ballet" a 
veritable tour de force and rousing 
showstopper. The number is an in 



accaptable. Shaw discusses the 
female chase with disarming frank- 
ness, and in 1909 that must eertainly 
have been as revolting as the plague. 

At times, "Man" seems on its way 
to talking itself into a stupor but, 
suddenly, along comes a freshet of 
typically Shavian dialog to dispel 
that impression. And this play has 
some of the best comedy dialog 
Shaw has ever written. 

Evans has staged the play and ex- 
acted all the nuances that must have 
been intended by the author. Frances 
Rowe as Ann Whitefield, to whom 
Tanner finally suecumbs after three 
acts of retreat, is excellent in her 
American debut. So is Carmen 
Mathews as Violet, Ann's sister. 
Malcolm Keen, as the choleric, stuff - 
shirted Ramsden, is likewise capital 
in a performance that starts slowly 
but soon builds. Others who aquit 
themselves neatly are Chester Strat- 
ton, Josephine Brown, Jack Manning 
and Tony Bickley. 

George Schaefer assisted Evans in 
the direction, as he did in Evans' last 
Broadway production, "Hamlet," a 
couple of seasons ago, and the set- 
tings by Frederick Stover, all in- 
teriors, properly suggest the times. 

Kahn. 



Dn«t for Two Hands 

Robert Reud production of melodrama In 
two acts by Mary Hayley Bell. Stars 
Francis L. Sullivan, Joyce Redman and 
Hugh Marlowe. Staged by Reginald Den- 
ham; setting nnd lighting,. Charles Ifilson. 
Opened at Booth, N. Y., Oct. 7, '47; $4.80 
top. 

Abigail Sarclet Joyce "Redman 

Herda Sarclet Wynne Clark 

Fletty ..Ruth Vivian 

Bdward Sarclet Francis L. Sullivan 

Stephen Cass Hugh Marlowe 



NOW IS THE TIME 
TO PUT YOUR 
"BEST FOOT FORWARD" 

The eyes of the theatrical 
profession ore foeussed on 
photographs by 

JO MERMEL 

Creator of Lights and Shadows 

You pay no more for photo- 
graphs by America's lead- 
ing creative theatrical pho- 
tographer. 

DO IT TODAY! 

WRITE— WIRE— TELEPHONE 
FOR APPOINTMENT 

JO MERMEL 

480 Lexington Ave. at 46th St. 
New York. N. Y. 
Tel. Plaza 3-5791 



predicament, scores with the song tricate ballet describing the hunt 
"Allegro," which indicates the pace for some stolen funds; it starts 
of the drama, symphonic or sonata- 
like. Miss Kirk also clicks with "The 
Gentleman Is a Dope," stopping the 
show opening night. A lighter num- 
ber is "Money Isn't Everything," 
with the Misses Jonay, Julie Humph- 
ries, Kathryn Lee, Patricia Bybell 
and Sylvia Karlton participating. 
Finale of the number has Miss Lee 
solo on her toes, and she likewise ties 
up the show. 

Staging and ensemble .singing is 
tops, with "What a Lovely Day for 
the Wedding," "One Foot, Other 
Foot," "To Have and to Hold" and 
"Wish Them Well." John Conte as 
best man to Joseph, Jr., Evelyn Tay- 
lor, Frances Rainer and Lawrence 
Fletcher enact smaller parts credit- 
ably, among others in the populous 
cast. 

Music and drama are so integrated 
in "Allegro" that there is no special 
emphasis on the melodies. Ibee. 



slowly, involves everyone and every 
thing from Keystone Kops and bath- 
ing beauties (1913 style) to side- 
show apes, and whirls along at a 
dizzy pace to leave one breathless. 
Timing, spirit and dash — in retro- 
spect — are something to marvel at. 

Miles White's costumes are charm- 
ing and Oliver Smith's sets striking. 

Show is reported representing as 
investment of $160,000, surprisingly 
low for a big-cast, colorful produc- 
tion, with the Shuberts claimed in 
for 25% of the Monte (Copacabana) 
Proser - Joseph Kipness production 
which is-ultra. Latter, incidentally, 
is in the clothing fashion business. 

Bron. 



High Button Shoos 

Monte l'ruspr and Joseph Kipness produc- 
tion of musical comedy in two acta. Stars 
1*1111 Silvers. Xanetle Kauray. Staged by 
Ueorge Ahbott. M-usic and lyrics. Jole 
styne and Sammy Cahn; hook, siephen 
Loiigstreel; dances anil staging, Jerome 
Kolibins: costumes. Miles While; sets, 
Oliver Smith; lighting, Peggy Clark: orches- 
trations, Philip Lann; vocal arrangements, 
Bob Martin; mus'h-nl direction. Milton 
Rosenstock. At Century, N. Y.. Oct. 9, '47; 
$4. SO top tlfS.40 opening iiiRlil). 

Harrison I'Moy t'liil Silvers 

Mr. Printline ,ioey Fa>e 

Code Willie Paul Oodkin 

Henry Lnngslreet Javk MfCanley 

Cen'l LonKst reel .('lay Clement 

Ktevie l.onKSt i-eet Johnny Stewart 

Kni n Lois Lee 



Man and Superman 

Mnui-ice Kvana production of comedy by 
' ^ot'st 1 Bctii;i rd Shaw. Staged by Kvann 
<assoH;ite director, (Seorge Schnefpr) : set- 
lings. Frederick Stover; costumes, David 
Pfolke* Opened at Alvin, N. Y., Oct. '8, 
'4T; *4.1!0 top. 

Roebuck Kanmden Malcolm Keen 

M«ifl M-lriam Stovall 

OctavhiH Knltlnaon., C'l^n'ster St rat (on 

John Tanner Maurice Kv 



\mi Whitefieldi... 

Mrs. Whitpnpld 

M i.ss Ramsden. 
Violet Robinson. . . . 

Henry Straker 

(J-?c-!(ir Mnlone, Jr. 
UMvtur Malnnr, Sr. 



Frances Rowe 

. . Josephine Brown 
.. .Phuebe Maclcay 
. .Carmen Mathews 

Jack Manning 

Tony Bi,klr-y 

.Victor Sui herlam] 



BLOOD DONORS 
ARE PAID 

An appointment is unnecessary. Ap- 
ply in person daily, 9 A.M. to 5 
P.M.; Saturday. 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. 
Blood Bank of NEW YORK POST 
GRADUATE HOSPITAL. 20th Street 
and 2nd Avenue. 



Sara Longslreet, 

Nam v 

Hubert OKS'lethu 
Shirley Sinipliins, 
Klmer SinipKins. , . 
Wlmpr Kinipkins, 

Conch 

Mr. Anderson 

A Hoy ai Die I\lol 

His PlKMhalc 



PC 



. . .Nanette Fabray 
..Helen Gallagher 

Mark Dawson 

...Carole Coleman 
. . . . Nathaniel Krey 
; ... .Donald Harris 
.....'I'i.io (ilenuon 

William David 

.Arthur Partington 
.Sondra Lee 



A Popular <ili! Jacqueline OodK." 

A ltettinir Mini (lenrge Spelvln 

Another Netting Man Howard Lenlers 



"High Button Shoes" looks like 
the current style for Broadway. 
Musical comedy is gay, funny and 
tuneful, with a variety of gadgets to 
claim interest. "Shoes" should step 
along the Main Stem for quite a 
spell. 

Book, usually the weak spot in a 
Broadway musical, holds its own as 
a charming vignette of life and"low 
finance in the New Brunswick, N. J„ 
of 1913, era of the bustle and the 



The combination of G. B. Shaw 
and Maurice Evans can't miss. 

Presented for the first time on 
Broadway in 35 years. "Man" has 
been magnificently produced by 
Evans, and there is little doubt that 
its scheduled limited stay will be ex- 
tended. Shaw, like Shakespeare, 
may have his limited audience, but 
when Evans is a party to either, 
there is hardly any questioning their 
boxoffice value. 

Evans a comedian? To those ac- 
quainted with his purveying of clas- 
sical drama it's barely fathomable 
that he would deign the high comedy 
of Shaw's satire on early 20th Cen- 
tury English modes and manners. As 
John Tanner. Evans is so rhetorical, 
at times, as to spray up-fronters in 
a sea of saliva and expostulation. 
But if there arc any early doubts or 
confusion about the intensity of his 
performance, Evans soon wrestles 
them to the mat in superlative sec- 
ond and third, acts. 

John Tanner, as the symbol of 
man's constant fight against en- 
slavement by the female of the 
species, has been endowed with 



Despite"- its London click two years 
ago, "Duet for Two Hands" doesn't 
show much for Broadway. Play is a 
drearily macabre talk-piece stuffed 
full of medical jargon and super- 
natural speculation which authoress 
Mary Hayley Bell never quite jells 
into persuasive theatre. 

Even the superlative group of per- 
formers gracing this production can't 
infuse a sense of motion into the 
sticky mass of verbiage. Topping the 
five-member cast. British legit and 
screen star Francis L. Sullivan packs 
authority in every fold of his im- 
mense bulk as he moves through his 
part of a diabolic medico genius with 
fascinating unction. Whatever emo- 
tional spots the play has, however, 
Joyce Redman, another Britisher, 
supplies them all. As the wild and 
haunted creature of the Orkney 
Islands, she fashions a stage presence 
that's provocative, beautiful and in- 
tense. Her part is played for more 
than it's worth. Hugh Marlowe, as a 
poet, acquits himself with ingratiat- 
ingly poised self-doubt: in lesser 
parts, Wynne Clark and Ruth Vivian 
alsp do well. 

Play's central failure lies in its in- 
decision on whether to become a 
serious morality play on the ethics of 
doctors or an out-an-out melodrama 
with fancy running wild. In its pres- 
ent form, It's neither fish nor fowl. 
A ponderous thesis is posed in the 
opening act as the poet probes into 
the past history of a pair of hands 
with which the doctor fitted him 
after he lost his In an accident. Be- 
sides a vaporous debate on the pro- 
priety of tampering with human per- 
sonality, this act makes little con*- 
tribution to what eventually occurs. 

In the concluding act, the play 
takes a sudden excursion into pulp 
mystery fiction with a full quota of 
ghostly echoes. The hands, it de- 
velops, belonged to a man innocently 
hanged for a murder the doctor com- 
mitted, and the strange sensation felt 
in them by the poet is really an 
JJ" ! other-worldly impulse for revenge. 
At the curtain, Sullivan collapses 
under a fatal stroke, and Marlowe, 
relieved from those itchy palms, 
takes after his frightened beloved. 

Single living room setting is 
cleverly' designed and tastefully fur- 
nished. Herm. 

(Closed Sat. (11) after seven per- 
formances). 



Equity Doing Lively 'Biz' .. 
On Oakleys to Jobless 
Actors; Mgrs. Helpful 

Equity is doing a lively "business" 
giving away passes for Broadway 
shows to members not having en- 
gagements. Union prez Clarence 
Derwent started the idea last season 
and this fall a number of, managers 
promptly assented to the request 
that courtesies be extended profes- 
sionals. Slips are being issued at 
Equity's offices for half a dozen at- 
tractions. Showmen without current 
shows who responded to Equity's 
solicitation sent word they would 
follow suit when starting producing 
again. 

Usually 10 pairs of tickets ate 
made available for performances 
early in the week for each show on 
Equity's pass list, and there are 
plenty of takers. Derwent has ad- 
vised some managers that the 
courtesy admissions may be advan- 
tageous, for when road companies 
are being cast, actors who see the 
plays would be familiar with the 
type of parts required. Plays for 
which passes are issued are "Dear 
Judas," "How I Wonder," "Anna 
Lucasta," "A Young Man's Fancy" 
and "Our Lan'." Another attraction 
which sells out at night will accom- 
modate Squityites; at the midweek 
matinee if attendance is not heavy. 

Federal admission tax must be 
paid for the actors passes, as re- 
quired by law, but an appeal to the 
Internal Revenue Department has 
been made for exemption. Con- 
tended that the free admissions are 
for unemployed actors, and that such 
admissions should be regarded like 
charity. 



MAPS B'WAY TRYOUTS 
FOR MASS. STRAWHAT 

Boston, Oct. 14. 

Recent announcement by Arthur 
Beckhard that he finished his first 
season at the Tangle wood theatre in 
Falmouth, Mass., in the black, brings 
up plenty of speculation here as 
to the impact of his plans for the 
200-acre spot on the Cape next 
strawhat season. 

Producer, set to open DeWitt 
Bodeen's "Harvest of Years" on 
Broadway following its late August 
tryout at Tanglewood, intends to in- 
ject a new twist to the strawhat 
idea in forthcoming season by offer- 
ing his plant — and healthy founda- 
tion list of customers — to legit pro- 
ducers to try out their own produc- 
tions. Producers} by arrangement 
with Beckhard, would bring up their 
own playwrights, directors and 
Broadway casts, and give their pro- 
duction plans a thorough staging be- 
fore the semi - Broadway audiences 
that vacation on the Cape, taking 
them in for the fall season if they 
measured up. 



Model T. Musical, the first legit 

effort of filmusical scriveners Jule • some of Shaw's sharpest barbs and 
Styne and Sammy Cahn, is catchy | wit. And the supporting cast is no 
and above par, with such numbers i less worthy in projecting what, tol- 
as "Can't You Just See Yourself in | the period, must surely have been 
Love With Me'.'", "Get Away for a , deemed a shocking broadside at 



Legit Followup 



Day in the Country," '-You're My 
Girl" arid "Papa, Won't You Dance 
With Me?" likely to burst the ear- 
drums the next few months from 
jukebox or radio. 

Singing is high-grade, personnel is 



British middleclass society. A so- 
ciety, incidentally, that failed to 
share, or interpret with him, the 
fun-poking and leer of the author. 

Shaw iri 1905, in kidding his pub- 
lic, was far ahead of his time as a 



very personable and the dancing is ! stylist. Today "Man" is much more 



What Priee <Ulory 

(MUSIC HALL, DETROIT) 

Detroit, Qct. 8. 

"What Price Glory," hit of the 
'20s, is being revived at Music Hall 
here with Brian Donlevy as the 
rugged Capt. Flagg and Regis Too- 
mey as Sergt. Quirk, his rival. Don- 
levy's outstanding job as Flagg helps 
give the play the crispness of two 
decades ago, and in this, the Music 
Hall's first offering of the fall sea- 
son, there is still a considerable au- 
dience receptivity, though not as 
much as originally. 

Toomey's performance proves too 
large an obstacle for Donlevy to 
overcome. Toomey is far from the 
adversary of Flagg the script calls 
for, and his weak voice goes far 
toward concealing the play's essen- 
tial attributes.' 

The central theme, it will be re- 
called, is a lifelong conflict between 
Flagg and Quirk, who find them- 
selves together fighting in France 
in the first World War. 

Probably the best performance is 
that of Russell Hardie as the big, 
stupid corporal. Anna Minot is 
touching as Charmaine. 




NATIONAL 
| PUBLICITY 
ASSOCIATES 

DAVID LIPSKY PHILLIP BLOOM 

208 W. 41st St.. N. Y., CH 4.5165—6—7 

ALLYH and JOHN 
McLERIE BUTLER 

NOW APPEARING 
At the COTILLION ROOM 



SAMUEL FRENCH 

SINCE 1830 

Play, Brokers and 
Authors' Representatives 

83 West 45th Street, New VorV 
J62« Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 46. Cut. 



SECRETARY — Female; thoroughly 
versed In all phases of secretarial 
work and responsibility. Top refer- 
ences. Write Box 871 , Variety, 1 54 
West 46th Street. New York 19. 



Need a GIRL FRIDAY 

in your office? 

Good Theatrical Business Experience 

TR 4-4518 Evenings 



Wednesday, October IS, 1947 

, £ r m 11 * « '.» » ■■ ' ■' ? i 



LITERATI 



S3 




AubsI* Policy Changs 

In effort to help Britain gave dol- 
lars the Aussie government has or- 
dered a slash in newsprint, opera- 
tive immediately. It looked as 
|hough most newspapers in the keys 
would have to refuse entertainment 
*ds above, a two-inch double in or- 
der to take care of all advertisers. 

Mirror, Sydney daily, has found a 
way out by switching from a five- 
column paper to a six. Changeover, 
due Oct. 20, will take care of biz 
okay. In the meantime, until latter 
date, rationing of space will apply. 
Other local newspapers will also 
change columns. 



Sage Mrs. Scully-iii-Law 

Alice (Mrs. Frank) Scully's 78- 
year-old mother clippered in from 
her native Norway to see Hollywood. 
Variety's Bedside Manor mugg fond- 
ly recalls his favorite mother-in-law 
for what he calls "one o£ the most 
magnificent orations to liberty." Mrs. 
Scully-in-law, during the war years, 
wrote from Oslo: "We have no coal, 
no wood, no clothes, no food, no 
transportation. In fact we have 
nothing, but we have our freedom, 
and that's everything." 



Salute Changes Staff, Format 

Salute mag is to undergo a radical 
change in format and editorial staff, 
with most of the latter changes al- 
ready set. It is to become a pix 
magazine, slanted exclusively for 
men, with first revised issue (Febru- 
ary) on stands Jan. 17. Mag will still 
be 52 pages, selling at 25c. Vet angle 
will no longer be a key factor, as be- 
fore, nor will the political slant. 

Despite conflicting rumors, Jere- 
miah Ingersoll is still publisher. 
Dicker is on for. Vernon Pope to 
come in as consulting editor, with 
pact not yet set. Morris Weeks is set 
as editor, under Pope, if latter signs. 
New art director will be Toby Moss. 
Jack Orr, feature ed, is staying on, 
with George Dorsey remaining as 
contributing ed. DeWitt Gilpin, as 
sociate ed, has resigned to write a 
novel. Arthur Morse is new assistant 
to publisher and public relations rep 



Si Seadlei's Syndication 

Series of human psychology 
sketches by Metro advertising di- 
rector Si Seadler, which Press Fea- 
tures syndicate teed off Monday 
(13) In the Atlanta Journal is based 
on an unpublished book by Seadler 
titled "How to Be Happy in This 
Cockeyed World." He originally 
wrote the book for Simon & Schus- 
ter but it was temporarily shelved 
when found a rewrite impossible 
because of lack of time. Press Fea- 
tures syndication, however, may 
again hasten the book lo publica- 
tion. PF series, titled "We Only 
Live Once," comprises several para- 
graphs of copy and line cartoons 
on such subjects as "How to Be 
Happily Married," "Life's Too Short 
to Bear Grudges," etc. 

PF is an outgrowth o£ Overseas 
News Service. Series by Seadler is 
the third feature to be syndicated 
by the outfit, others including a 
Broadway series by Joe Laurie, Jr., 
and a cartoon strip, "Louie," cur- 
rently running in the N. Y. Daily 
Mirror. 



tributor to national mags on aspects 
of show business life. 

Mort Blumenstock, Warner ad- 
publkity, chief, is appointing Sid 
Retchetnik of the homeoffice ex- 
ploitation staff to assume Gillette's 
post. 



Breslln Novel for Lit Guild 

"The Tamarack Tree," first novel 
of Howard Breslin, to be published 
by Whittlesey House, will be the 
Literary Guild selection for Decem- 
ber. 

The author recently collaborated 
with David B. Howard on the script 
of the "Lawyer Tucker" radio series 
and formerly wrote "Mayor of the 
Town." He has another novel in 
mind, to be started next January. A 
number of his stories have appeared 
in Collier's, This Week and the 
Saturday Evening Post. 



Reddick's New Guide 

William Reddick's "The Standard 
Musical Repertoire" (Doubleday; $5) 
is a new type of "guide" telling the 
exact time required for any program 
in the standard musical repertoire. 
Intended for radio producers, or- 
chestra leaders and musicians, it in- 
cludes the performance times of 
nearly 2,000 compositions in the 
standard concert repertoire. 

Author is a composer and musi- 
cian. 



which Doubleday has just brought 
out under title of "Man Into Beast." 

Sam Schneider appointed editor of 
True Police Cases Magazine (Faw- 
cett), Hamilton Peck succeeds 
Schneider as editor of Startling De- 
tective mag, and Bradford Jones 
asst. editor of True Police Cases. 
Latter was formerly an editor for 
The Dial Press. 

Quite a writers' colony about 
Rhinebeck, N. Y. Wm. L. Cresham, 
author of "Nightmare Alley," has 
bought a farm. Others in vicinity 
arc Richard H. Rovere, of the New 
Yorker; Shaemus O'Sheel, John 
Scott, Scott Nearing, his father, 
John Wilstach, and Harold Mon- 
tayne. . • 

Carl Warren, Radio News editor of 
the N. Y. Daily News, ' authored 
"Radio News Writing and Editing," 
which Harpers is bringing out in 
December. Same pub issuing "Intro- 
duction to Advertising Principles and 
Practice" by Thomas E. Maythani, 
account executive of the Maxon 
Agency. 



\ SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK 



By Frank Scully 



Plays Out of Town 



Saroyan Nixes $25,000 "Time" 
William Saroyan has turned down 
an offer to write a novel based on 
his play, "The Time of Your Life." 
Grossett & Dunlap proposition in- 
volved a $25,000 advance. Author 
prefers to devote fujl time lo work 
on new books and plays. 



■ Chi Sun-Tribune Brawl 

Hammer-and-tongs personal jour- 
nalism is coming back in Chicago, 
with the Sun and Tribune hurling 
some choice epithets at each other. 
Week ago the Sun shot its first 
volley (since its tabloid changeover) 
at its a.m. rival by calling the Trib 
names in a frontpage editorial. 
Editorial was based on Trib's recent 
statement that it was building an 
atomic bomb shelter for its help. 

Trib replied couple of days later 
in another editorial, based largely on 
the fight the Sun put up f.o get an 
Associated Press membership. 



Booze Tabu, Even on Wax 

The Cowles newspapers here in 
Minneapolis, which accept no liquor 
advertisements, even booted out an 
ad of a disk company for a record of 
the tune "Rye Whiskey." However, 
the ad ran two weeks before the 
publisher noticed it. 

"If you want to continue the ad. 
you'll have to change the .song's 
name," the paper ruled. The ad 
went out. 



Don Gillette's Sabbatical 

Don Carle Gillette, Warner Bros, 
trade press contact, is taking an in- 
definite leave of absence starting 
Oct. 31 to write a novel on carnival 
life. It'll be his first book, although 
Gillette has been a frequent con- 



CHATTEB 

Gene Fowler started writing 
James J. Walker's biography after 
months of research. 

Brother of Lester Markel, Sun- 
day editor of the N. Y. Times, died 
Oct. 8 in New York. 

Jean Hersholt completed a history 
of the "Free Denmark" movement 
for winter publication. 

Andre Maurois, back from two- 
month South American lecture tour, 
returns Oct. 21 to Par-is. 

George Frazier's "profile" on Irv- 
ing Berlin, in a recent Coronet, be- 
ing reprinted in Reader's Digest. 

Arthur Christiansen, editor-in- 
chief of the London Daily Express, 
taking his first gander at Hollywood. 

Film director Richard G. Hubler 
sold his novel. "The Quiet King- 
dom," to Rinehart for publication 
Feb. 5. 

Wall Street Journal, already pub- 
lishing in New York and San Fran- 
cisco, will start an edition in Dallas 
shortly. 

Grady Johnson resigned from the 
Paramount flackery to finish his 
novel of the south, "No More 
Magnolias." 

Gene Fowler and his wife both ill. 
Mrs. Fowler has undergone two 
spinal operations and will be bedded 
for months. 

Scenarist-playwright Stephen 
Longstreet's new novel, "Crystal 
Girl," will be published by Harpers 
late this year. 

Doubleday has brought out a book 
on art, "You Are An Artist," by Jon 
Gnagy, based on Gnagy's television 
show of the same name. 

Mary Margaret McBride reads a 
book a night— sometimes more— as 
skull . practice before her next-day 
interviews with her radio guests. 

Raymond F. Goodman, circulation 
director of Liberty, Screenland, Sil- 
ver Screen and Movie Show. Before 
joining Liberty he was with Faw- 
eett. 

David Manners, author of "Father 
And The Angels," back from a Ber- 
muda honeymoon, to Hillman Publi- 
cations, where he chooses and does 
abridgement on western and detec- 
tive reprints. 

Shirley O'Hara. ex-actress, has 
resigned as film critic on the New 
Republic. Reported reason was the 
non-appearance of her column sev- 
eral times. Robert L. Hatch, feature 
editor, is tilling in for the present. 

Associated American Artists and 
Simon & Schuster jointly sponsor- 
ing a reception and preview of Jim- 
my Savo portraits by prominent art- 
ists tomorrow (l(i), on the occasion 
of Savo's new book. "Little World, 
Hello!" which S&S ha.s just pub- 
lished. 

A. C. Spectorsky, eastern story ed 
for 20tb-Fox and former literary 
editor of the Chicago Sun, has edited 
an anthology of strange tales of 
man's transformation into beasts. 



. Continued from page SO 



Antony and Cleopatra 

Macbeth and Lear, and proclaims his 
story as a simple forward-moving 
annal of a royal pair. The story is 
told without trappings. Antony 
leaves Cleopatra and patches up a 
hypocritical peace with Caesar, be- 
cause Pompey threatens them both. 
He marries Octavia, deserts her and 
returns to Cleopatra. War breaks 
out, Caesar defeats the pair and they 
commit suicide. It's as plain as that, 
and- every bit of action and almost 
every line co-relate directly with 
the plot. It is an epic drama of love 
and death in which every character 
wears his heart and his motive on 
his sleeve. 

Miss Cornell's mature queen is 
impressively lyric and regal, though 
hardly Shakespeare's mercurial, 
hoydenish gypsy. Through the cen- 
turies this role has been a lodestone 
for the great .actresses of every 
period, and both record and memory 
support the conclusion that Miss 
Cornell's delineation ranks with the 
best. Tearle's facial resemblance to 
the late last President, combined 
with a tendency toward mugging, is 
disconcerting, and his portrayal o. ! 
the aging Antony sometimes verges 
on the phlegmatic. But the clarity 
and cadence of his reading is a joy. 
The dour misogynistic Enobarbus of 
Kent Smith was so warmly received 
as to make it a histrionic triumph, 
while Ralph Clanton's Caesar and 
Joseph Holland's Pompey are both 
credible and acceptably impressive. 
Lenore Ulric's portrayal of the 
faithful Charmian is frayed around 
the edges. 

The lavish staging is done with a 
master hand, while the lighting, 
color and pageantry of the presenta- 
tion have rarely been surpassed. 
With the wide audience-appeal of 
star, cast, production and story, all 
in the grand tradition of the Eng- 
lish-speaking theatre', no one given 
the opportunity will want to miss 
this one. Burt. 



An Inspvefor falls 

Boston. Oct. 7. 

r'oiirl npj- -Burr, IJikhut II. ilrosh.Ti; pro- 
<iu*Uo>ii ol' ili'.rmii in throp m-ls by .J. u. 
I'llftstlfy. SUiiK Thomas Mil. hell, tttiifcvil 
KV Sir Odrir Hsi'dtt'lrkr; xrttinK, SI»*\v:il-t 
i'hull*y. Oprn»<J ut Plymouth, Box I on, o.-l. 



47; $:(.(*> top. 
Arthur Hiding. . 

Herald <"ioft 

Sheila Rli-lljitf... 
Svliil Hil*lin£. . . . 

Kdna 

Kli.' Hirlilitf 



. . . . MelvillP i 'oupnv 
. .John RnrUMHfWr 

time K;i> 

UorlK M,»d 

. I'jrtrioin .Marmont 
-John M*rlVH!e 



Insjiet'loi- (lootr TJtotmiK Mitrlic-ll 



This is a play with plenty of class 
and better than even chance of 
cracking the odds against most 
British importations. May not regis- 
ter as a clear hit, but should do 
steady biz as a moderate on the 
strength of Thomas Mitchell. Mel- 
ville Cooper and Doris Lloyd on the 
marquee, plus the added weight of 
J. B. Priestley as author and Sir 
Cedric Hardwicke as director. 

Story centers on a well-to-do 
family in industrial northern Eng- 
land. During a quiet dinner arranged 
to observe the engagement of the 
{laughter to the son of another indus- 
trial family, a Scotland Yard in- 
spector arrives and announces the 
death by suicide of a young girl of 
the city. 

In the interrogation that follows, 
the inspector implicates every mem- 
ber of the family and the fiance as 
having contributed to the girl's 
suicide. 

The inspector quietly leaves and in 
the remaining minutes of the last act 
the group, at first filled with remorse, 
j but then increasingly defiant, dis- 
! covers that Scotland Yord ha.s no in- 
I speetor of this one's description, and 
| thill there has been no suicide. Pay- 
' off comes when the phone rings and 
| they are informed that the suicide 
j has just taken place, and that iin- 
! other inspector is on his way. The 
j theme is that people do not live in 
I vacuums. -that they cannot hurt any 
| member of society and remain secure 
| themselves. 

i One serious weakness of the play 
i is that it occasionally seems arbitrary 
, and preachy. Other limitations, for 
American audiences, are the leisurely 



' • Geneva, N. Y., Oct. 12. 

Johnny Crosby, not related to the croonatic fringe, nevertheless shares 
with Le Bing (and the Parisian coutouriores) a love of the long line. So 
you have to examine every foot of it for flaws. In the main the flaws are 
not important but Croz let one by the other day which calls for a cor- 
rective-directive. , 

He was chiding Jack Paar for telling radio 'audiences not to laugh in 
the wrong place. "Paar, a young man of subtle mockery," he wrote, "has 
been accustomed to nightclub audiences, where the drinks presumably 
sharpen the customers' wits. He has boldly and perhaps mistakenly 
transposed this sort of comedy to radio." 

He went on to prove the point by M times H, the elementary algebra of 
wireless. But he was proving the wrong point. Paar, like the Morgue, 
Garry Moore and a few others, has never had any experience in show 
business other than radio. They did not desert a dying vaude. They Were 
in diapers when it died. They never spent time in legit, pictures, niteries, 
burlseque or even supper clubs. They began in their teens around radio 
stations, working up to announcers, disk jockeys, and unsponsored comics 
during the long watches of the night. Thus they are something wholly 
new to show business. They know it and they show it. Simply by play- 
ing by ear a Crosby, any Crosby, should be able to detect the difference. 
Or have 8,000,000 peasants already proved they have better hearing? 
And a Code in the Head? 

Maybe it's only all I remembered of a nightmare, but I thought I read 
somewhere lLolly's col?) that "Nightmare Alley" was to be preemed in 
Abyssinia with Haile Selassie and Tyrone Power clocking the horrors of 
the rise and fall of a geek, mitt camps, cold readings, mentalists, spirit- 
ualists, psychoanalysts and all that is worst in America. But I caught 
the picture on the fringe of Beverly Hills at the Academy Arts theatre. 

All our best people were there, including Eddie Cantor and George 
Burns, with the wives they started out with; George Jesse], Eana Turner, 
with a blonde who beefed so much about her seat she won an oscar for 
bad manners, and others too humorous to mention, 

The picture had everything. Stars like Power, Blondell, Grey, Walker, 
Holmes, Mazurki, Flavin and Burke, and technicians like Jessel, Gould- 
ing,--Furthman arid Garmes, Laundered by Duz, it had Grcsham's story, 
in a way, too. 

But it seems when you take the dirt out of Gresh's carnival you leave 
an uncovered cadaver. And so you will have to pardon me if I lie down 
on a couch while Psychiatrist Helen Walker makes a recording of my 
subconscious. After the first real my mind wandered to Abyssinia, and 
never did get back to the Academy Award theatre. 

"Singing" in the Reign 

I kept thinking how much piore horror you could get in a picture 
simply by filming the life of the Umbrella Emperor. Uncle Joe is trying 
to get the UN General Assembly lo slap a press censorship on news- 
papers which disseminate libelous statements about other nations. So 
I'd better hurry with this one, or it will never see the light of a free 
press. 

It happened' at the League of Nations about 20 years ago. An emaciated 
Armenian croaker singled me out with an introduction from Paderewski 
and Chaliapin. They assured him I was just the mugg to bring Ras 
Tafari to the court of justice. Like the Ancient Mariner,.. the Doc held 
me with his glittering eye; I could not choose but hear. Seems he was 
picked out of Lausanne and appoiirjcd court physician to the Abyssinian 
Empire. His name was Alexander Garabedian. He didn't try to sell me 
a rug; he sold me a beef. 

Years before he had arrived in AddLs Ababa (which is Ethiopian 
double talk for "new flower"). Almost immediately he smelled a setup 
which reminded him of an old flower called medieval ragweed. The 
marketplace reserved Friday for "justice"; practically every tree was 
leafed with strangled manhood. 

Doc soon discovered that the direct descendant of Menelek II was tn a 
dungeon and in chains. The queen mother, too, was not seeing much of 
the country. She was confined to chambers. The temporary ruler, it 
seems, was a nobody who had married into the Menelek family and got 
himself billed as Ras Tafari. 

Listen to ft Fizz! 

Acting as regent, Ras assigned Doc to take care of the ills of the royal 
household. But it seemed Doe didn't quite get the nuances of the assign- 
ment. The royal family was getting healthier. The previous court 
physician lost His job for this oversight. 

So one day Doc was commanded to appear before Ras. 

"You have poisons which kill and leave no trace, have you not?" Ras 
asked Doc in his softest voice. 

"All poisons leave a trace, your majesty." Doc explained. 

"Well, some leave fewer traces than other, no?" 

"Yes, your majesty." 

"Use those." 

"Those?' 

"Yes. On my mother-in-law and my brother-in-law." 
"But, your majesty, I have taken an oath to save life, not destroy it." 
"I/do not recall demanding any such oath," Ras reminded him. "But 
I took it in medical school in Lausanne. It's called 1 the Hippocratic 
oath. The great Greek physician formulated it." 
"You're not a Greek. In three weeks I expect results," said Ras. 
"But, your majesty!" 

"Scram!" (This translation is from the vulgate.) 

Not getting results in three weeks, Ras ordered Doc chained to his 
bed and starved till he obeyed. 

The Boigiau Touch 
Under sustained malnutrition Doc finally broke down with T. B. To 
give him fresh air, he was loaded on a cart, still strapped to his bed, and 
tossed into the desert. 

It's only a day's journey from Alpine conditions to tropical heat in 
Addis Ababa, so Dot's cries- lor help could be heard by Samaritans as 
well as wolves. Some of these prevailed on Ras to find more humaiip 
means of liquidating his court physician. 

So Ras ordered the croaking croaker to be transported to the frontier 
and kicked over it without benefit of passport, funds, or a copy of his 
Hippocratic oath. 

Thus a tubercular beggar, Dr Garabedian, finally arrived in Geneva to 
j lay his ca.se before the League of Nations. 

Two months after Garabedian's heave a Greek physician, who appar- 

• ently hadn't read Hippocrates in the original, was imported as court 

• physician. The royal mother-in-law and the rightful heir died quietly in 
| their .sleep — one in bed, the other in a dungeon in chains. 

The League of Nations' hired hands put Doc's brief in the file-and- 
i forget file. I filed the story on the wires. It was published but left about 
a.s little impression as if I had turned it into an editor in Addis Ababa. 

But from that day to his 1 look upon the gebj, or royal enclosure, of 
Addis Ababa as "Nightmare Alley. ' As a foreign market Tyrone' Power, 
Haile Selassie and those interested in export trade can have it. 
S'long. Abyssinia! But not in Addis Abada! 



pace and the typically British under- 
statement ol highly emotional situa- 
1 lions. But there is fine dialogue and 
; progressively higher dramatic ten- 
i sion. 

| Thomas Mitchell a.s the inspector. 
■ first time on stage in 13 years, prc- 
. sents a warm and highly accom- 
plished portrait of the mysterious in- 
spector. Melville Cooper lends a fine i 



pomposity to the industrialist. Doris 
Lloyd is superb as the mother and 
John Buckmaster. Rone Ray. John 
Mcrivale and Patricia Marmont con- 
tribute notable scenes. Direction of 
Sir Cedric Hardwicke is excellent, 
taking advantage of what is basically 
;> static script. Stewart Chaney's set 
establishes the mood from the outset. 

Elie. 



CHATTER 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



Walter Wagner back in town after 
•ummering at Redding, Conn. 

Percy Helton to Coast for 20th's 
forthcoming "Call Northside 777." 

"Harvey" celebrating his anni- 
versary with a party at Sardi's 
Nov. i. 

Ray Bloch flying to the Coast, 
Oct. 28, to do special recordings for 
Signature. 

Eagle Lion hosted Dennis O'Keefe 
at a press confab-cocktail party 
yesterday (Tues.). 

Lou Wilson, ex-Morris agency now 
with Kmile Littler in London, due 
to visit U. S. next month. 

Antonio Castillo's costumes to re- 
place David Ffolkes' in "Medea," 
•when legiter reaches Broadway. 

Publicist Dave Alber back from 
the Coast over the weekend after a 
10-day business jaunt visiting clients. 

Mrs. Jackie (Lee) Miles, the 
comic's wife, recovering from an 
appendectomy at Mt. Sinai hospital. 

Wayne Pierson's son Billy has 
several bits in "High Button Shoes," 
although not billed among the prin- 
cipals. 

Rose Bampton, Metopera soprano, 
planed back Sunday (12) from a sea- 
son of opera at Buenos Aires' Tea- 
tro Colon. 

Clarence Jacobson turning pro- 
ducer with "The Lonely Carrot," 
adapted from book of that title by 
Roy Walling. 

Lisa Larsen named Metopera 
photographer, in place of N. Y. 
Times Studio, which traditionally 
did the chore. 

Homer A. Cable, picture editor of 
Look, engaged to Mary Jane White, 
daughter of Al B. White, former 
vaudevillian. 

Paramount's New Orleans partner, 
E. V. Richards, Jr., was quietly mar- 
ried recently to Mrs. Elizabeth Hol- 
land, of Gulfport, Miss. 

Theatre League for Free Palestine, 
new outfit organized by legiters, 
holding an after-theatre rally Fri- 
day (17) at Actors' Church. 

Bunch of Lambs who went on a 
sea-going tug outing anticipate it 
will be an annual event and call 
themselves "mugs of the tugs." 

Harry M. Cooke on vacation from 
"Bom Yesterday" playing part in 
20th's "Deep Water" scenes being 
shot off Coast of Portland, Me. 

Charles LeMalre, chief of 20th- 
Fox women's wardrobe department, 
in for the "Forever Amber" preem 
at the Roxy next Wednesday (22). 

Cornel Wilde, 20th-Fox star, and 
his wife, Pat Knight, flew into town 
for premiere of his "Forever Amber 
at the Roxy next Wednesday (22). 

William Orr, Warner Bros, talent 
scout, and wife, Joy Ann Page, in 
New York for a two-week looksee. 
She's Mrs. Jack Warner's daughter. 

Mrs Howard (Tanls) Dietz flew 
on the first Air France sleeper to 
Paris last week to visit her ailing 
father, who lives near the French 
capital. 

Herman Bernstein, general man- 
ager for Lindsay & Crouse, in Man- 
hattan General hospital recuping 
from an appendectomy. Due back 
next week. • 

Walter Jacobs, operator of the 
Tarleton hotels in Florida and New 
Hampshire, to the Coast to discuss 
takeover of a Palm Springs hostelry 
With Al Jolson. , _ 

Sammy Fuchs (Sammy's Eowery 
Follies prop.) awarded gold medal 
for service to World War II 
wounded. Presentation made by 
NVA Post of American Legion. 

Universal has been using its Park 
Ave. theatre as a preview house 
while the company's two screening 
rooms at its new 57th street and Park 
avenue h.q. have final touches put 
to them. 

Paramount field man Charles 
Perry presented with an apprecia- 
tion medal of the DeMille Founda- 
tion by Cecil B. DeMille for his ad- 
vance agenting of "Unconquered" in 
Cincinnati. 

Actress Joan Leslie aired in on a 
junket flight from San Francisco 
en route to Paris for the San Fran- 
cisco Wholesale & Manufactuers' 
Ass'n fashion show, which opens to- 
morrow (16), 

Todd Duncan, forced by booking 
snarls to spend a few extra days in 
Copenhagen after recital appear- 
ances, appeared at the Royal Opera 
House recently in "Porgy and Bess" 
with an otherwise white cast. 

Danny Kaye went back to the 
Coast over the weekend, after com- 
ing to New York to root for the 
Dodgers. In Hollywood he'll see the 
first rough cut of "A Song Was 
Born," finale pic on his Goldwyn 
contract. 

Former Yvonne Johnston, wife of 
Associated Press Broadway column- 
ist Jack O'Brian, in St. Clare's hos- 
pital for a checkup, with appen- 
dicitis already ruled out. Former 
Powers model, she's nixed screen- 
testing by several of the majors. 

Ned Schuyler, boniface of the 
Beachcomber nitery in Miami Beach, 
expected back in town in a couple of 
weeks to finalize talent deals. He 
had to depart hurriedly a week ago 
to straighten out some insurance 
matters In connection with the re- 
cent Florida hurricane. 

Samuel Barber has just finished a 
symphonic piece for soprano and 
orchestra based on a poem by Time- 
Nation film critic James Agee. Work 



was commissioned by Metopera 
singer Eleanor Steber, who will 
preem it with the Boston Symphony 
orchestra, under Serge Koussevitzky, 
this season. 

Badly shaken up in a near-crash 
over Newfoundland when clippering 
in from Europe, where they've been 
almost a year, the Bert Friedlobs 
(Eleanor Parker) were confined to 
bed for two days inN. Y. and the 
WB star is currently bedded for an- 
other week at least at her Bevhills 
home. She's an expectant mother 



Better Films 

Continued from page 1 



of the countries I visited," said 
Mundt, "I found the reaction to 
American films good. It was felt 
they were doing a fine job of telling 
the American story. But in the re- 
mainder of the countries I encoun- 
tered severe criticism. It was 
charged that the pictures distort our 
way of life. I will also recommend 
to the industry that it should es- 
tablish a special office to select the 
films which go abroad. The shoddy 
gangster, sex and alcohol pictures 
are doing harm. Yes, and the big 
companies are the worst offenders. 
If they decide to act voluntarily, 
they can solve the problem. I 
heard severe criticism of our pic- 
tures not only from foreigners but 
also from Americans living abroad. 

"In some eastern European coun- 
tries I was asked to recommend pic- 
tures which would, for example, tell 
the Bulgarians or the Turks the 
American story and portray how 
good it is to live in a country with 
trial by jury and freedom of move- 
ment. I was stymied. I could not 
mention any. Here is something 
constructive. If the industry will 
make pictures like that, there will 
be tremendous response over there. 
What we need is something that 
will do for Americans what 'Mis- 
sion to Moscow' did for the Rus- 
sians. That picture has been shown 
all over Europe. It has been the 
best kind of Soviet propaganda. 

"If the industry doesn't do it, 
when the 'Voice of America' budget 
comes up again, I am going to try to 
provide money to have -the State 
Dept. do that very thing. Our best 
and 1 most popular picture in Europe 
has been 'Gone With the Wind. k We 
need that kind of picture, telling a 
modern story. Americans abroad 
and Europeans are begging for it." 



O'Dwyer I 

Continued from page 1 " 



who attended the N. Y. World's 
Fair in 1939-40, but it's figured that 
per-capita spending will be higher 
and productive of boom takes from 
April to October when event will 
be running. 

The Mayor's objection is based on 
the question whether it would be 
in good taste to hold an elaborate 
celebration in view of current world 
conditions. Park Avenue residents 
and businessmen also may put a 
damper on some of the plans be- 
cause of protests for transforming 
11 blocks, from 46 to 57 streets, into 
a midway. However, it's regarded 
that there will be little retreat from 
the original plans despite the ob- 
jections. 

The Broadway Association has 
already named Ray Whitaker, gen- 
eral manager for the Shuberts, 
head of the organization's com- 
mittee to cooperate with the 
Jubilee. Since the committee was 
formed only last week, it has yet 
to formulate a program that will 
meet with the approval of the or- 
ganization. 

Jubilee is figured to cost $1,836,750 
and is expected to gross around 
$2,850,000 through admission scale of 
50c. to the educational exhibits and 
sale of commemorative coins. Plans 
call for an elevated structure for 
the Park Ave. midway. 



Snarl Rankin 

Continued from page 1 



stayed in Washington and had 
enough chance to sound off in the 
papers back home, he would be 
elected in a walk. One of the things 
he apparently counted on was the 
Hollywood hearings. However, the 
committee has been seeking to pre- 
vent the sessions from being either 
raucous or runaway. With Rankin 
on hand, it was unlikely that the ob- 
jective could be achieved. There- 
fore, the elaborate story about mem- 
bers being too far away was cooked 
up and the sessions were postponed 
to a period close to election day, so 
that a candidate would have to be at 
home tilling his political vineyard. 



Beniamino Gigli singing on Radio 
Belgrano for Swift & Co. 

Carlos Ramirez in from Rio de 
Janeiro for p.a. at Embassy nitery 
and Radio Belgrano broadcasts. 

Sixto Pondal Rios cabled" from 
Mexico that he inked Cantinflas for 
legit appearances in Argentina next 
March. 

Warbler Hugo del Carril stricken 
by flu in Chile, and had to postpone 
start of pix chores for San Miguel 
Studios. 

Cinematografica Inter - Americana 
set up press luncheon to honor re- 
turn of comedian Luis Sandrini 
from Mexico. 

Mexican warbler Juan Arvizu in 
for singing chores at Goyescas 
nitery and 12th successive season on 
Radio Mundo. 

Producer Alberto de Zavalia and 
cinemactress wife Delia Garces 
clippered last week to France for 
extended European tour. 

Entire film industry present at 
banquet honoring Miguel Machihan- 
diarena, whose San Miguel Studios 
celebrated 10th anniversary. 

Imperio Argentina winding up 
radio chores in Buenos Aires, prior 
to returning to Spain for film work 
under direction of husband Florian 
Rey. 



London 



Covent Garden Opera Co., has 
been booked for a fortnight's sea- 
son at the Davis picture theatre, 
Croydon, starting Oct. 13. 

Charles B. Cochran and Lord 
Vivian, in association with Peter 
Daubeny, are staging "The Glass 
Menagerie" at the Strand theatre. 

W. A. Darlington, dramatic- critic 
for Loitdon's Daily Telegraph for 
25 years, has just published his auto- 
biography, titled "I Do What I Like." 

Diana Hamilton's adaptation of 
her brother Patrick's novel, "Craven 
House," is set for early production 
by Peter Daubeny, who is now as- 
sociated with Gordon Stewart, who 
owns the Strand theatre. 

Val Parnell will use as music for 
ballet featured in his new Hippo- 
drome show opening Oct. 25, "Guar- 
acha," third movement from Morton 
Gould's Latin-American Sympho- 
nette. v 



- Budapest 

By George F. Gaal 

Pianist Gyorgy Sandor in from 
U. S. for a month of concerts. 

National Theatre to present 
Simonov's "The Russian Question,'' 
Oct. 24. 

Dora Csinady, solo dancer of 
State Opera, received invitation to 
Moscow and Leningrad. 

Ferenc Hont, director of Madach 
theatre, due back shortly after long 
stay in Britain and France. 

Gabor Carelli, Chicago Opera 
tenor, will sing here in "Tosca," "La 
Traviata" and "La Boheme." Then 
leaves for U. S. 

George Mendelssohn, prez of Vox 
Productions, is here to negotiate 
with the State Opera concerning 
appearance of U. S. artists. 



Washington 



By Florence S. Lowe 

Ted Lewis star of Club Cairo's 
current show. 

Paul Robeson recitaling this week 
at town's largest Negro church. 

Imogene Coca launched the new 
Fame Room of Restaurant 400, with 
support from Norman Lawrence and 
pianist Evelyn Nations. 

Paul Green, Pulitzer prize dram- 
atist, has agreed to write a historical 
drama for the District of Columbia 
sesqui-centennial in 1950. 

Don Gilman, former assistant to 
scene designer Jo Mielziner, teach- 
ing stage design at Speech and 
Drama school of Catholic Univ. 



Paris 



sisting Arthur Sircom in direction 
6f North Star Drama Guild offerings. 

Harold Snyder, transferred from 
Indianapolis, new Paramount office 
manager, succeeding Rollin , Smith, 
resigned. 

Wife of C. B. Stiff, Minnesota 
Amus. Co. theatres' supervisor, re- 
covering in Swedish hospital from 
major operation. 

Tom Breneman did three "Break- 
fast in Hollywood" broadcasts here, 
with admission $1 and proceeds to 
local Community Fund. 

Wayne Bailey, formerly manager 
of the Riviera, St. Paul, named man- 
ager of. new 900-seat theatre in 
Richfield, local suburb, a project of 
Paul Mans and Don O'Reilly, inde- 
pendent circuit owner. 



Pittsburgh 



Harry Novak back from Italy. 

Arthur Field back at his prewar 
Metro desk in Paris. 

Lacey Kastner in Paris after a 
Scandinavian survey. 

Bob Harley marooned in Cairo, 
owing to cholera precautions. 

Cynda Glenn to entertain the 
Army on a short trip to Germany. 

Rene Sti, picture director, has ac- 
quired a longterm option on film 
rights on all works by P. G. Wode- 
house. 

An unprecedented storm resulted 
in considerable damage on the 
Riviera, cutting off electricity in 
Cannes, and causing three deaths. 



By Leg Sees ' 

Bert Wheeler into Hotel Nicollet 
Minnesota Terrace. 

Wayne King into St. Paul Audi- 
torium for one-nighter. 

Ardis Bartz, 20th-Fox . branch 
manager's secretary, back after ill- 
ness. 

Frakson, magician, and Johnny 
Knapp, singer, into Hotel Radisson 
Flame Room. 

Dean Norton, Broadway actor, «s- 



By Hal Cohen 

Frankie Starrs, nitery m.c. and 
impersonator, has enlisted in the 
AAF. 

Paul Long, former Pittsburgh 
nitery dancer, died recently in New 
Orleans. 

Burton Holmes opens annual 
series of travelogs at Carnegie Music 
Hall, Nov. 5. 

Leslie Long, ex-Carmen Cavallaro 
vocalist, has returned to New York 
to ready as a single. 

Ralph Fallert, chief announcer at 
WCAE, teaching speech on side at 
St. Bernards School. 

Hud Davies, .Billy Catizone's 
drummer, and Dorothy Vranish, have 
announced their engagement. 

Harold Lund has resigned Ward 
Wheelock agency post to go into 
film production setup in Hollywood 
Joe Ferris, Variety Club steward, 
on job again after back operation 
which bedded him for two months. 

Bobby Jule, local juggler, flew to 
Europe fcr engagements in Paris 
and London. His mother accom- 
panied him and will visit relatives 
in Italy. 



Hollywood 



Karl Freund laid up with pleurisy 
Don Ameche to Chicago on busi- 
ness. 

Walter Reed to Mexico City for 
film work. 
Monte Hale east on a five-week 
" e tour. 



By Marc Thibeault 

Maurice Chevalier booked back 
for next April. 

Janine Sutoo, local leading lady, 
back from France. 

Edith Piaf will follow her October 
engagement in New York with her 
first one in Montreal. Also booked 
for November are Lucienne Boyer 
and Jacques Pills. 

French screen and stage stars J. L. 
Barrault and wife, Madeleine Re- 
naud, booked for Canadian tour next 
January. Will play Shakespeare, 
Gide, Moliere, Marivaux and Savoir 
with complete French company. 



Racial Innuendo 



Continued from page 



0 



jected by some members of a group 
fostering an opposition ticket. 

Regular ticket is headed by actors- 
Bert Lytell and Walter N. Greaza. 
At least one candidate on the op- 
position slate declared his name was 
posted without authorization; he de- 
manded it be scratched. So aroused 
were well-known clubmen at the op- 
position's "tactics" that a meeting 
was held Monday (13) away from 
the Lambs for the purpose of late 
campaigning in support of the regu- 
lar ticket. 

Arthur Maitland is named as 
heading the opposition slate although 
he's not a candidate for office. Frank 
Fay, of the Lamps council, is stated 
to have agitated against the regular 
ticket but he is not listed on the in- 
die nominating committee. Sponsors 
of the regulars burned when it was 
learned that the opposition ballot 
was mailed to Coast members prior 
to the Lytell-Greaza slate. Raymond 
Peck, the present Shepherd, heads 
the opposition ticket along with Jay 
Jostyn. 

One of the cracks around the 
Lambs is that the club is a prep 
school for the Percy Williams Home 
for indigent actors, that stemming 
from the fact that Peck manages the 
charity retreat, spending much of his 
time there. 

Others on the regular ticket are 
Bobby Clark, Jack Whiting, James 
E. Meighan, Sr., and Bob Hawk. 
Walter Vincent, John Golden, Ward 
Wilson and W. J. Kelly called the 
outside meeting to counter the cam- 
paign of the Maitland faction. 

Racial agitation cropped up in the 
Lambs some months ago when 
Emil Friedlander resigned after a 
candidate he proposed for member- 
ship was blackballed. His resignation 
was not accepted, but he has not vis- 
ited the club since. Another factor 
that has annoyed quite a number of 
members is the dropping of the 
special-activities committee, which 
conducted club entertainments one 
Saturday night each month. Same 
group backing the opposition slate is 
said to have promoted that move on 
the grounds that it was of a political 
nature to further the ambitions of 
us active workers. 



Michael O'Shea trained in from 
Manhattan. 

Hal Roach returned from New 
York huddles. 

William Powell leaves Saturdav 
(18) for Buffalo. y 
Producer George Pal to San Fran- 
cisco on business. 

Producer Joseph Sistrom laid up 
with ear infection. 

Philip Dorn's daughter, Femia, ar- 
rived from Holland. 

Hildegarde due in town for a two- 
week stand at Ciro's. 

Michael Blake in from London for 
film and radio chores. 

Mickey Rooney booked for a week 
of vaudeville in Honolulu. 

Cyril Smith moved into the Starlit 
Room for a two-week stand. 

R. R. Sutramdas in from India to 
study Hollywood film technique. 

Victor Francen returned to work 
at Warners after five days out with 
flu. 

Arthur Hornblow, the Metro pro- 
ducer, in town after a trek to Lon- 
don. 

Bill Halligan recovering from a 
stroke he suffered early in Septem- 
ber. 

Eleanor Parker and Bert Friedlob 
returned from four months in 
Europe. 

Arthur Lee Simpkins booked for 
Charley Foy's Supper Club, opening 
Nov. 4. 

Virginia Mayo in from a p.a. tour 
with "The Secret Life of Walter 
Mitty." 

Fred Mohrhardt, Paramount comp- 
troller, in town for studio confer- 
ences. 

Manny Wolfe, RKO story head, 
back at his desk after four days out 
with flu. 

. .Jeanette MacDonald starts her 
her next concert tour Jan. 20. in 
Phoenix. 

Sydney Jackson in from England 
to inspect product at Universal-In- 
ternational. 

Actress Janis Paige and restau- 
rateur Frank Martinelli announced 
engagement. 

Arthur McClure, Warners mana- 
ger for New Zealand, looking over 
new product. 

Herbert J. Yates and William 
Saal returned from Republic home- 
office confabs. 

Pete Berneis returned from Eng- 
land, where he did a writing job for 
J. Arthur Rank. 

Sterling Hayden suspended by 
Paramount for turning down "The 
Sainted Sisters." 

Ann Jeffreys, the actress-singer, 
filed suit for divorce against Capt. 
Joseph R. Serena. 

Barbara Hale and Bill Williams, 
the acting couple, to Rockford, 111., 
to visit her family. 

Nancy Saunders withdrew from 
the "Brick Bradford" cast because 
of illness, with Linda Johnson sub- 
bing. *' - 

Harold Brewster, Universal - In- 
ternational Assistant treasurer, tak- 
ing a year's leave of absence for his 
health. 

Illness of Billy Gray caused a 
postponement for 1 one week of the 
Damon Runyon Cancer Fund Bene- 
fit, now slated for Oct. 27. 



Portland, Ore. 

Ted Fio Rito orch at Jantzen 
Beach Ballroom. 

Stan Kenton orch at the Palais 
Royal Ballroom. 

"Ice Cycles" inked into Portland 
Ice Arena for week of Nov. 20. 

Jann "Twinkle" Lee featured in 
Winter Wonderland, ice revue at 
auditorium. 

The Townsmen at the Tropics 
after a lengthy engagement with 
Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra. 

Michael Loring at the new Rose 
Bowl in the Multnomah hotel, sing- 
ing with George'Brun's Orchestra. 

Three Lind Brothers opening fall 
season at Paul's Music Hall, after 
six weeks at Biltmore Bowl with 
Russ Morgan Orchestra. 

Johnny Walker changing name of 
"The Village" to "El Rancho Vil- 
lage" and signing Earl Mossman to 
stage floor shows with a western 
motif. 



iami Beach 



By Larry Solloway 

Frances Faye being sought for the 
Famous Door. 

Bob Kelly, of Mother Kelly's, to 
New York on talent hunt. 

Jean Parker visiting and reading 
two scripts for possible Broadway 
appearance. 

Martha Raye and Myron Cohen 
will be in the Latin Quarter show 
during January. 

Jan Bart heads new show at 
Clover Club, with Havana singer 
Luisita Alfonso in support. 

Reopened Park Avenue Club pre- 
sents a show with Charlie Farrell, 
Jack Prince and Eddie Manson. 

Ned Schuyler back in town after 

£ acting the Ritz Brothers and Peter 
ind Hayes for his Beachcomber. 
Bar of Music reopened with Bill 
Jordan, owner, again featured pian- 
ist and Hildegarde Halliday in sup- 
porting lineup. 



Wednesday, October 15, 1947 



SS 



I 



OBITUARIES 



] 



CAPT. TIM HEALY 

Capt. Tim Healy, 56, of Dallas, 
founder and conductor for many 
years of "The Stamp Club" program 
on NBC's Blue Network, died of a 
heart attack Oct. 12 in a Fort Worth 
hospital. Born in Australia, he 
fought with -the Anzacs in World 
War I, came to the U, S. in 1920 and 
went into the oil business. He en- 
tered radio in 1926, when he started 
"The Stamp Club" show. The "club" 
had an enormous following, claim- 
ing at one time 3,000,000 members. 

Recently Capt. Healy and his wife, 
the former Maggie Dean Vaeth, had 
been conducting an "At Home With 
the Healys" program over WFAA, 
Dallas. In 1944, Capt. Healy pub- 
lished his autobiography, "More 
Lives Than One." 

Surviving, besides his wife, are 



IN FOND MEMORY 
OF MY DEAR FRIEND 

ML L. MALEVINSKY, 

WHO DIED OCT. 17. 1932 

JERRY VOGEL 



in his career, he was seen with the 
late Minnie Maddern Fiske and' sup- 
ported Marjorie Rambeau in 
"Daddy's Gone A-Huntin'." Later 
he played in "Puppets of Passion," 
"Yoshe'Kalb," "The Shame Woman" 
and "Marching Song." 
Widow survives. 



LIONEL BRAMAM 

Lionel Braham, 68, film actor, died 
in his Hollywood home Oct. 6, fol- 
lowing a heart attack while listen- 
ing to the World Series. Born in 
England, Braham moved to the U. S. 
with Granville Barker for the first 
American production of George 
Bernard Shaw's "Androcles and the 
Lion," and appealed later in "Chu 
Chin Chow," "Mecca," "The Mir- 
acle," "The Vagabond King" and 
other stage productions. 

On the screen he played in "As 
You Like It," "Personal Property," 
"The Prince and the Pauper," "A 
Christmas Carol," "Wee Willie 
Winkle" and numerous others. His 
last appearance was in "Macbeth" at 
Republic. 

Actor Horace Braham is a cousin. 



two sons, Tim Healy, Jr., foreign 
languages professor at Fordham 
Univ. (N. Y.), and David and two 
daughters. 



. HAROLD L. BROW 

Harold L. Brow, 51, veteran vaude 
performer and booking agent, died 
In Detroit Oct. 6. 

Born in Bay City, Brow entered 
show business as an entertainer in 
Detroit when 11 years old. He played 
the old Keith and Pantages vaude- 
ville circuits with various partners 
before entering the booking agency 
field in Detroit in 1926. Later he 
turned producer and staged musical 
revues for vaude towns. 

In 1934 he joined the Amusement 
Booking Service and remained with 
its present owner, Peter J. Iodice 
until 1939 as an associate booker. 
After which time he returned to 
show business as an emcee and 
comedian working night clubs. He 
owned and operated carnival con- 
cessions with Barkoot Bros., and Lee 
United Shows this past,season. 

A sister survives. 



LEROY MASON 

Leroy Mason, 44, screen actor, 
died Oct. 13 in Birmingham Gen- 
eral Hospital, Los Angeles, after a 
heart attack on the set of Repub- 
lic's "California Firebrand." He 
celebrated his 30th year in films 
last week. Had been under contract 
to Republic for seven years. 

Mason began his film career at 
the old William Fox studios. He 
appeared with Tom Mix, William 
Desmond, William Farnum and 
Buck Jones. In 1925, he started 
his leading man career with such 
femme stars as Betty Blythe, 
Pauline Starke, Esther Ralston and 
Belle Bennett. Resumed his bad- 
man characterization in 1930 and 
had been heavy ever since. He 
entered the Signal Corps in 1942 
and was discharged a year later 
because of bad health. 

Widow and mother survive. 



ALFRED A. WEBSTER 

Alfred A. Webster, 70, actor who 
had appeared in many Broadway 
productions, died Oct. 12 in New 
York. He was stricken ill while 
touring with the road company of 
"Oklahoma!," with which he had 
been appearing for the past three 
years. 

Webster first evinced an interest 
in the theatre while in college, and 
upon graduation he worked with 
stock companies and road shows. He 
operated his own stock company, 
played in various touring shows 'and 
finally appeared on Broadway in 
numerous productions, including 
"Laugh, Clown, Laugh," "Road to 
Rome," "Street Scene," "On Bor- 
rowed Time," "Arsenic and Old 
Lace" and "Her First Murder." 

Wife, an actress known profes- 
sionally as Dorothy Raymond, sur- 
vives. 



Oct 7 at her home in Rye, N. Y. 
She was the wife of George W. Al- 
ger, prominent N. Y. attorney. Be- 
fore her marriage in 1903, she had 
been on the staff of the old N. Y. 
Press, where she wrote the "Mar- 
gery Daw" column. Prior to enter- 
ing newspaper work she had been 
on the stage for several years. 
Husband and daughter survive. 



died Oct. 8 in that city. He was en- 
gaged in theatrical work for 50 
years and was active in business af- 
fairs until a week ago. Four daugh- 
ters and three sons survive. 



MRS. JOHN O. POWERS 
Mrs. Ada Weigel Powers, 84, 
former concert pianist and com- 
poser, died Oct. 6 at Nucley, N. J. 
She was the widow of John O. 
Powers, former New York advertis- 
ing agency head. Mrs. Powers, who 
began her career as a pianist in San 
Francisco in the late '80s, had made 
many concert tours until her retire- 
ment but had continued activities as 
composer of concert pieces. 
Son and two daughters survive. 



MANART KIPPEN 

Manart Kippen, stage, film and 
radio actor, died Oct. 12 in Clare- 
more, Okla., from injuries suffered 
in an auto accident while en route 
lo Hollywood. He was a member of 
the Lambs Club-and was one of the 
early members of Actors Equity. He 
played the part of Stalin in "Mispf m 
to Moscow." and, more recently, ap- 
peared in "Mildred Pierce." Early 



RICHARD GORDON 

Richard Gordon, 47, orchestra 
conductor of the Paper Mill Play- 
house, Millburn, N. J., died Oct. 10 
in New York.' He was stricken with 
a cerebrM hemorrhage while driving 
his car and taken to a hospital. A 
native of New York, Gordon was for 



IN FOND MEMORY OF 

FLO TALENT 

(MKRKtTT and TAT.KNT) 
J- I.O PASSED AMAY OCT. » 
IN 1.08 ANGELES 

AMERICAN GUILD OF 
VARIETY ARTISTS 

(CHICAGO CHAPTKB) 



a time associate conductor of the St. 
Louis Municipal Opera, conductor 
of the Grand Rapids Civic Operetta 
and conductor for Paramount thea- 
tres during the days of silent films. 
Wife and two daughters survive. 



WILLIAM A. FINNEY 

William A. Finney, 64, for. 30 years 
manager and division manager for 
Loew's Theatres, died after a heart 
attack in Daytona. Fla., Oct. 11. 
He was formerly Southeastern di- 
vision manager of Loew's Theatres 
in Atlanta. He went to Atlanta in 
1939 from Columbus, O., where he 
was mid-western division manager. 
After -retirement last January, he 
moved to Daytona Beach. 

Finney had been associated with 
the motion picture industry since its 
earliest days. Before joining Loew's 
in 1917, he was treasurer of the New 
Amsterdam Theatre in New York. 

Survived by widow. 



HELEN GILMORE 

Helen Gilmore. 47. former actress 
and more recently editor of Photo- 
play magazine, died Oct. 8 in New 
York, of leukemia. Born in Chicago, 
she started an 11-year career in the 
theatre in 1922. when she appeared 
with Henry Hull in "When We Were 
Young." Turning to the magazine 
field in 1933, Miss Gilmore joined 
Liberty and some five years later 
was named editor of Movie Mirror. 
She became editor of Photoplay in 
1941 upon its merger with Movie 
Mirror. 

Husband and mother survive. 

HENRI de ROTHSCHILD 

Baron Henri de Rothschild, 75. re- 
tired financier, physician and play- 
wright, died Oct. 12 at his estate 
near Lausanne, Switzerland.. He was 
a member of the French banking 
family and cousin to the English 
Rothschilds. Under the name of 
Andre Pascal, he wrote a dozen 
plays, including "La Caducee," 
"Le Rampe" and "Heritage." He also 
built the Pigalle, one of the most 
luxurious theatres in Paris. 



ARTHUR E. CHATTERDON 

Arthur E, Chatterdon, 62, retired 
legit actor, died Oct. 9 at his home 
in Absecon, N. J. He had retired in 
1927, after 25 years in show busi- 
ness. He was leading man for Kath- 
arine Cornell for nine years, had 
operated his own stock company and 
also appeared in "Ben-Hur," 
"Dinner at Eight" and other Broad- 
way productions. 

Wife, daughter and two sisters 
survive. 



John C. rercy, 43, stagehand at 
20th-Fox, died last week following a 
heart attack on location at Kanab, 
Utah. Widow and two sisters, one 
of whom is Eileen Percy Ruby, 
silent screen actress, survive. 



Jack Luskin, 08, head of Warners 
tailoring department for 14 years, 
died Oct. 7 at his home in Burbank, 
Cal. 



Marie Bessent, 49, former vaude- 
ville and screen actress, died Oct. 
10 in Los Angeles. 

Mother of Andre Kostelanetz. orch 
conductor, died Oct. 12 in New York. 



Coin Snafu 

Continued from page 



SIDNEY DARK 

Sidney Dark, 73, British journalist 
and author, died Oct. 11 in London. 
After an unsuccessful try in early 
youth to become a singer, he di- 
verted to journalism, writing the 
column, "Green Room Gossip," in 
the London Daily Mail, subsequently 
becoming a music and drama critic. 
He also authored numerous books 
and short stories. 

Widow, son and daughter survive. 



ALICE HULT 

Mrs. Ellis G. Hult, 51, who as 
"Prunella Hall" wrote a film column 
in the Boston Post for 21 years, 
died Oct. 6 in Boston, after a short 
illness. She was the first newspaper 
film critic in New England and one 
of the first in the U. S. She retired 
in 1941, leaving the "Prunella Hall" 
by-line to the Post. 

Brother and sister survive. 



ARTHUR W. CALKINS 

Arthur W. Calkins, Sr., 67, scenic 
designer, died Oct. 9 at Lake Arrow- 
head, Cal., after a long illness. Re- 
membered for his stage settings for 
"No, No, Nanette," "Desert Song' 
and other Broadway shows, Calkins 
moved to California in 1924 and re 
tired several years ago. 



LESLIE KING 

Leslie King, 71, retired actor, died 
Oct. 10 at the Brunswick Home, 
Amityville, L. I. 

King made his first appearance on 
the stage in 1926 and later appeared 
in New York in "The Blue Ghost," 
"Dorian Gray," "A Point. of Honor," 
"Mme. Capet" and 'Delicate Story." 



Add Wm. Terry to 'Gaul' 

Chicago, Oct. 14. 

Casting for "All Gaul Is Divided" 
was completed last week when Wil- 
liam Terry was handed the male 
lead in the comedy of American 
soldiers in the French black market. 
Doris Dowling was previously an- 
nounced for the fem part. Featured 
players are Hilda Vaughn and Ed- 
ward Andrews. 

Stage settings are designed by 
David Ffolkcs. Show opens Sunday 
(19) in Detroit. 



MARRIAGES 

Mrs. Minnie Meacham Smith to 
Amon G. Carter, Fort Worth, Tex., 
recently. He's prez of WBAP there. 

Mrs.' Elizabeth Holland to E. V. 
Richards, Jr., recently in New Or- 
leans. He's the Saenger Theatres 
• Paramount) partner. 

Ann Spieth to Brad Eidman, Chi- 
cago, Oct. 10. He's station manager 
of WAAF in that city. 

Shirley Helene Bryson to Dennis 
Stone, Glendale, Cal., Oct. 10. He's 
a production aide at Pine-Thomas 
Productions. 

Ethel Uphold to Richard Shields, 
Pittsburgh, Oct. 11. Bride's a nitery 
dancer. 

Catherine Alton to Brad Hunt. 
Pittsburgh, Sept. 28. He's a band- 
leader. 

Kaye Conners to George Britton 
in Pittsburgh, Oct. 2. Bride is a 
principal in "Chocolate Soldier" and 
groom is musical comedy and 
operetta singer. 

Gail Weinberg to Dick Graff in 
Chicago, Oct. 11. Groom is a booker 
in Chicago branch of Universal Pic- 
tures. 

Betty Wolfe to Bernie Wayne, 
Tiajuana, Oct. 11. He's a songwriter. 



FLORENCE TALENT 

Florence Talent, 50. former vaude 
performer, died Oct. 6 in Los An- 
geles, after a long illness. She 
started her career in 1913 with the 
Brandon Stock Co.. With which she 
was known as Flo Merritt. She later 
toured vaudeville circuits and then 
teamed with Bill Talent, whom she 
married. Comedy pair, billet! as 
Merritt & Talent, ' played the Or- 
pheiim. Keith; and Interstate Cir- 
cuits until 1935. when Mrs. Talent 
became ill *nd moved lo California. 

Husband, a former director ot the 
Chicago AGVA. survives. 

MRS. GRACE DREW AI.GER 

Mrs. Grace Drew Alger, former 
actress and newspaperwoman, died 



THOMAS DEMPSEY 

Thomas Dempsey, 79. former 
vaudeville and screen player, died 
Oct. 7 in Hollywood after a long 
Illness. 

After a long career on the singe. 
Dempsey shifted to films in 1920, 
and played for a number of years 
in Mack Sennett comedies. 



PAUL HAMMER 

Paul Hammer, 78, ticket man for 
the Utah Symphony orchestra, died 
Oct. 10 in Salt Lake City. Former 
publisher of the Salt Lake Theatre 
magazine, he was also a part owner 
of the Grand Theatre. Wife, son, two 
daughters, three grandchildren, and 
three great-grandchildren survive. 



ERNIE HOLST 

Ernie Hoist, 48, bandleader for 
many years at the Stork Club, N. Y., 
died of a heart attack in New York 
Oct. 10. 

Details in Band Section. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mi's. William Murray, 
twin sons, N. Y., Oct. 8. Father is 
head of the William Morris agency 
radio department in New York. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Van Hessen, 
daughter, Hollywood, Oct. 7. Father 
is sound engineer at RKO studios. 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sloane, son, 
Los Angeles, Sept. 29. Father is a 
radio writer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Conn, daugh- 
ter, Uniontown, Pa., Sept. 25. 
Mother's Betty Ellen Morris, Pitts- 
burgh radio thrush. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Goldstein, 
daughter. Pittsburgh, Oct. 8. Fath- 
er's a radio writer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Wolf, son, 
Los Angeles, Oct. 13. Father is nit- 
ery comic. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Von Nostrand. 
daughter, Los Angeles, Oct. 14. 
Father is Coast radio head of Sul- 
livan, Stauffer, Colwell & Bayles 
agency. 



ducement to artists now, managers 
say, are South Africa and a few 
South American countries. 

In Europe, artists can still tak« 
their coin out of Switzerland, Hol- 
land, Belgium and the Scandina- 
vian countries. None can be gotten 
out of France or Italy. Theoretically, 
artists can't take all their fees out of 
England, but the difficulty is being 
overcome by circuitous means. 
Either it's being done by exchanges 
through firms having branches and 
funds in either country, or in swap 
with. foreign artists who are earning 
dollars here. 

A black market situation all over 
Europe complicates the situation 
further, artists dabbling in it to get a 
belter deal on their fees, or at least 
to come out even. The black market 
situation is reported worse in 
France, Italy and Hungary. In Italy, 
artists are using their fees for ac- 
commodation, transportation or lo- 
cal purchases, since they have to 
spend it all there. 

Czechoslovakia and Hungary are 
keen for IX S. artists, but latest 
political developments prevent their 
going. The U. S, Military Govern- 
ment, managers complain, is hinder- 
ing passage of artists, in refusing to 
okay artists into such zones as Aus- 
tria, Hungary and Czecho. They 
want them, usually, to sing for free, 
anyway. 

Todd Duncan, who recently fin- 
ished engagements in Scandinavia, 
was to' visit Prague to sing with the 
Czech Philharmonic. Because he 
wouldn't be permitted to get his $400 
fee out, his managers had him skip 
Czecho and go on to Italy. 

In South America, talent has taken 
j coin satisfactorily out of Argentina, 
| Mexico and Venezuela this summer. 
Colombia has been okay, although 
it's taken several months to get 
money through. But in Peru and 
Chile, especially the latter, artists 
have had great difficulty in getting 
their fees. And as for Brazil, the 
difficulty has been most marked. 
Currencies there have been fluctu- 
ating, and because artists' contracts 
were in dollars, the artists have had 
the toughest time of all getting paid. 

Between income taxes on fees, 
and now the- block or hindrance on 
currency, managers claim an artist 
can't make out abroad anymore. 
They're also discouraging talent 
from going to Europe this winter for 
comfort's sake, pointing out there's 
very little hot water anywhere, no 
heat on trains, no windows in trains, 
bad plane transportation, a bad food 
problem, etc. 



Durocher 

Continued from page 1 



Kate Smith 

Continued from page 1 



NORMAN H1LYARD 

Norman Hilyard, 74, retired direc- 
tor and character actor, died Oct. 11 
in Chicago. He lived at the Show- j 
folks Home in that city in recent i 
years. During his career Hilyard j 
was seen in such productions as "The ' 
Girl of the Golden West." -The Cow- 
puncher" and "Freckles." 

FRED C. THORTSEN 

Fred C. Thortsen, 52, Metro sales- ; 
man in the Omaha territory for the . 
last 18 years, died Oct. 8 in an ; 
Omaha hospital- He had been ill for \ 
at least 10 years but continued work. 



AL TAYLOR 

Al Taylor, !)2, president of the 
Dixie Theatre, Inc., Columbus, O., 



the singer-commentator handle the 
stint before signing her regularly. 
The agency, Young & Rubieam, tried 
to persuade her to do the one-shot 
as a "guest appearance," but she 
insisted that would be merely an- 
other name for an audition, so the 
proposition was dropped. 

Since the dropping ot Milo Boul- 
ton from the m. c. spot last sum- 
mer, various performers have been 
tried for one or more appearance 
each. Apparently the leading con- 
tender is Dwight Weist, 'who this 
week has the assignment for the 
third time. Boulton is understood 
to have received $400 a week, with 
the sponsor trying to replace him 
for not more than $500. However, 
it's said that Kate Smith was to have 
gotten $1,000 for the stint. 

Since the fold of her variety series 
last spring, she has not been on the 
air at night, but is doing a noon 
cross - the - board comment stanza 
with Ted Collins on Mutual, under 
cooperative sponsorship. 



have the cancellation reversed. Un- 
derstood the suspended Brooklyn 
Dodger manager, whose status for 
next seasoh has been in doubt, was 
paid $500. 

Entire incident had curious rami- 
fications. Durocher had been slated 
to reveal on the program for the 
first time his plans for the 1948 base- 
ball season. That is, in case Branch 
Rickey, Dodger owner fails to rein- 
state him as 'manager, whether he 
intends to accept one of several re- 
ported offers to pilot other major 
league teams, or would retire from 
baseball. 

However, a week or so before the 
scheduled broadcast, Durocher was 
publicly criticised by Msgr. McCaf- 
fery, head of a Catholic youth or- 
ganization, in a speech in Boston. 

The charge concerning Durocher's 
marital status was a repeat of one 
Msgr. McCaffrey made last spring, 
shortly before the then-manager was 
suspended by Commissioner A. B. 
Chandler. 

The Sunday <5> preceding the 
broadcast, reportedly while Huber 
was playing golf in Pittsburgh, 
friends told him of Msgr. McCaf- 
fery's attack. The Gulf exec tele- 
phoned Y & R the following morn- 
ing and ordered Durocher off the 
show, explaining that he feared re- 
taliation from Catholic customers if 
the condemnation should be ignored. 

After agency conferences and con- 
sultation with a number of promi- 
nent Catholic laymen, Y .1 R ap- 
pealed to Huber to permit Durocher 
to go on the air as originally sched- 
uled. It was even suggested that 
the script might be revised to elimi- 
nate any reference to Durocher'i 
wife, actress Laraine Day, her di- 
vorce or their marriage. 

On his departure with Miss Day 
late in the week by plane to the 
Coast, Durocher refused to discus* 
the "We, the People" incident ot 
anything about his plans for next 
season. 



iiiiimimmmiiiiiiiiiitmiiiiiiMiilil 



JEAN SABLON 



+ Currently at the SERT ROOM, Waldorf- 
Astoria (3rd Return Engagement). 

^ The 'JEAN 5ABLON SHOW for HUDNUT 
via CBS, Sundays at 5:30 P.M., EST. 

^ Recordings: RCA VICTOR. 



+ FIRST AMERICAN MOTION PICTURE start- 
ing November. 



Personal Management:. MARTIN GOODMAN 
Bakings: M.C.A. ARTISTS, LTD. 
Motion Pictures: A & S LYONS 



I'r'Mirm-i.iiiimiiiiiicf minimum 



mmfniiitiitmiuP 



0C)22'47F 



SCREEN 



RADIO 



MUSIC 



STAGE 




Published Wef!s[y o,t 164 We* 48th Street, New York IS, N. T., by Variety, Inc. Annual subscription, |10. Single conl««. IS cento.' 
Entered aa •econd-vlaas matter December 22. 1906. at the Post Office at New York, N. It., under tha act of March t. lira 

COPYRIGHT, 1947, BY VARIETY, INC. AIX RIQHTS RESERVED. 



VOL. 168 No. 7 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1947 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



MAKE-OR-BREAK FOR PETRILLO 



How AFM Cessation Affects Biz 

Here, briefly, are the implications of James C. Petrillo's no- 
recording edict, as they affect the various branches o£ the enter- 
tainment industry: 

Radio: Petrillo intends to yank musicians off networks at ex- 
piration of contracts Jan. 31. Probable uniting of AM, FM, television, 
e.t, agency, sponsor and other groups in common front vs. AFM. 
Probable nix after- Dec. 31 of transcribed repeats; probable end 
of waxing of shows (Crosby, et al.). If musicians are yanked, whole- 
sale cancelling of musical shows, major revamping of almost all 
others except commentators, forum, sports and news items. 

Transcription packages: Forced pencilling-out of waxings using 
live music after Dec. 31. Probably substitution of recorded music 
for bridges, etc., in dramats. Little hardship indicated for some 
months owing to fat backlogs of plattered series. * 
.Record Manufacturers: In the middle between . the Taft-Hartley 
act's outlawing of royalty payments into union coffers, which they 
want to pay and the AFM wants to accept, diskers are forced to 
spend thousands of dollars stocking future song hits before Dec. 31, 
many of which may go to waste in the event of a settlement, Gov- 
ernment intervention or some other method of smoothing Petrillo's 
feathers. 

Music Publishers: Also in the middel of a fight in- which they're 
not concerned. Though diskers will stock new songs in advance 
of disking halt, they can't prepare too far ahead and thus many 
small pubs may be forced out of business. Majors, with strong 
financial underpinning -Sind guaranteed income from various sources, 
can hold out. 

. Talent: New disk talent virtually completely stymied from being 
allowed an avenue of self-exploitation. Closing down of disking elimi- 
nates their best bet. 



EYES 0.5. 






Allen Chases Paar Up Alley For 
Soundoff Vs. Air 'Vaudevillians' 



Looks like Jack Paar really started + 
something when, a couple of weeks 
back, he put himself on record in 
a Time magazine piece as bemoan- 
ing the state of comedy program- 
ming on the air and the year-in 
year-out spotlighting of ex-vaude- 
villians. It's the Jack Paars and the 
Henry Morgans who represent the 
true radio "as against the false radio 
we've been getting from the vaude- 

"vitle cbmics," was the way Paar 

"was quoted. 

Fred Allen, for one, did a burn 

"and on his Oct. 12 show he let Paar 
have it. As far as Allen's concerned, 
the Lucky Strike comedian on ABC, 
who hit his stride during the sum- 
mer as replacement for Jack Benny, 
isn't necessarily contributing any- 
thing to the uplift of drama, nor 
to comedy either. To the trade, 
Allen's coast-to-coast comeback at 
Paar was anything but kidding. And 

"off the air, he's had plenty to say. 
On his last Wednesday's (15) show, 
Paar took his cue from Allen's 
"kidding in earnest" and cracked 
(Continued on page 22) • 



Brandt Agrees 'Nation' 
Glorifies KKK, Yanks Pic 
On B'way Despite OK Biz 

Harry Brandt said this week he 
"agreed 100%" with all the people 
who protested the showing of "Birth 
of a Nation" at his Republic theatre 
on Broadway. Circuit owner de- 
clared he hadn't seen the picture be- 
fore it was booked and when he did 
he was so "shocked" he ordered it 
pulled as~soon as feasible. 

The 1915 epic ran a week, closing 
last Friday (17). With a storm of 
(Continued on page 62) 



Hepburn's Legiter 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Katharine Hepburn is set to re- 
turn to the stage. 

Elliott Nugent goes east next 
month to collaborate with Emily 
Kimbrough on vehicle for actress 
.who'll probably take leave of ab- 
sence from Metro contract in the 
spring. 



By BERNIE WOODS 

James C. Petrillo and his Ameri- 
can Federation of Musicians are 
"shooting the works" in placing a 
complete and final ban against the 
making of recordings or transcrip- 
tions by AFM members after Dec. 
31, when the union's royalty-per- 
disk-sold arrangement with disk 
manufacturers expires. Stymied in 
past years bx court decisions and 
the outmoded 1909 Copyright Law, 
and lately by the Taft-Hartley Act, 
from getting even a toehold on the 
control of the execution or use of 
the mechanical contrivances that 
represent progress, but which the 
AFM claims is destroying its mem- 
bers, Petrillo and his executive 
board have ordered a course of ac- 
tion that must eventually toss the 
entire situation into the lap of the 
Government. He has launched upon 
a course that, many feel, will either 
right the wrongs the AFM claims 
are being done — or destroy the AFM» 

In recent years Petrillo and the 
95% of his members who have never 
set foot in a recording studio have 
seen coin machines, which use gratis 
the product of its musicians and the 
recording companies, built into* a 
$500,000,000 annual industry; he has 
within the past year watched disk 
jockeys rise in importance to' the 
point where dozens of them earn 
more coin annually than the men 
who make or manufacture disks. 
(Continued on page 63) 



Symphonic Music 
With Dinner May 
Set New Vogue 

By GLENN C. PULLEN 

Cleveland, Oct. 21. 
By jettisoning their floor shows 
and substituting a tailor-made 21- 
piece symphonette orchestra under 
Jacques Pollack's baton, owners of 
the Continental Cafe incubated a 
gilt-edged formula that is setting.a 
new musical fashion here. Since 
inception of dinner pop concerts, ex- 
periment has been drawing such 
steady sellout business that the 
room came out of the red for the 
first time in sevei al years. 

I The impact of the Cleveland 
policy has been tremendous 
through the midwest. Joey Ja- 
cobson. Chez Paree bonil'aee, is 
mulling a similar idea for a new 
class dinery he plans opening in 
Chicago. Many lesser key cities, 
(Continued on page 61) 



WES PEGLER'S CAP0NE 
ORIGINAL VIA UA 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Film biog of Al Capone, from an 
original story by Westbrook Pegler, 
is planned by Pegler's brother. Jack, 
and Lou Goldberg, former general 
manager for the Major Edward 
Bowes units. Jack Pegler is eastern 
v.p. of Jerry Fairbanks Productions, 
Paramount shorts outfit. 

Jack Pegler and Goldberg have 
formed an indie unit labeled Twoey 
Productions, which currently has a 
release contract pending with United 
Artists. They propose to spend $1, 
000,000 on making the Capone film. 
Jack Moffitt has been pacted to do 
the screenplay from Pegler's story. 



Hollywood Red Blues Sung By 
Congressional Probe Witnesses 



Fortune-Telling Disks 

Chicago, Oct. 21. 
With the James C. Petrillo bar on 
recordings after Dec. 31, record 
companies are expected to concen- 
trate on a variety of angles to beat 
the ban. 

Start has already been made with 
the Sterling label's disking of 12 
astrological forecasts for '48 by Myra 
Kingsley. • 



Negro Dancing 
With White Gal 
Brings Tele Rap 

Television, unaffected by bigoted 
censorship tactics until now because 
of its localized audience, has finally 
been hit by one of the oldest forms 
of bigotry to affect radio and films 
— racial discrimination. Scene on a 
recent DuMont show of a colored 
male and a white girl — both mem.-, 
bers of the Katherine Dunham 
school — doing a dance together 
(Continued on page 13) 



Expo of Music Industry 
For N. Y. Next Year 

An exposition of worldwide affil- 
iated music business interests will 
be staged for the first' time next 
summer at the Grand Central 
Palace, N. Y. Leases have been ob- 
tained on four floors of the display 
building for the period July 19 to 
24 in which the various arts and 
(Continued on page 28) 



By HERMAN LOWE 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

In face of two minor outbreaks of 
disorder, the House un-American 
Activities Committee managed to 
wind up the second successive day 
of its probe into Hollywood com- 
munism today (Tuesday) with 
everything in good shape except for 
several badly damaged reputations. 

Taking the stated today to affirm 
the existence of red activity in the 
film colony were actor Adolphe 
Menjou, Esquire's film critic John 
Charles (Jack) Moffitt, and novelist- 
script writer Rupert Hughes. Mof- 
fitt created a sensation during the 
afternoon with a veiled charge that 
several alleged communists in Holly- 
wood were implicated in an attempt 
to get some restricted military in^ 
formation. 

Asked by Robert E. Stripling, 
committee's counsel, if he knew of 
actu?l espionage activity in Holly;- 
wood, Moffitt said that John Weber", 
(Continued on page 4) 



Sarnsft Laughs Off As 
'Fantastic' Rumors Of 
N.Y. Mayor Candidacy 

Brig. Gen. David SarnofI, prior to 
sailing aboard the Queen Elizabeth 
Saturday (18), scotched a report 
that he might step out as Radio 
Corp. of America board chairmrn in 
order to run as Mayor of New York. 
"Fanta.-tic and absolutely ridicu- 
lous," was the way Sarnoff put it. 

Grapevine in radio circles has it 
that NBC prez Niles Trammel would 
.succeed Sarnoff in the event he re- 
signed to take part in politics. The 
RCA head, who is making his an- 
nual European business trip, will at- 
(Continued on page 281 



Chevalier's 10G-50% 

Florida Nitery Deal 

Miami Beach, Oct. 21. 
Maurice Chevalier, who arrived 
from France last week, is virtually 
signed to play his first Florida nit- 
] ery. Deal for a February date at 
' the Copacabana here is expected to 
_ (Continued on page 62) 



Tops of the Tops 

Top Sheet Music Seller 

"Near You" 
Top "Most Requested" Disk 
"Near You" 
Top British. Sheet Seller 

"Now Is the Hour" 
(Details in iWusic Section) 



^ PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT 

9 Gtynatmaa (tenia 




SILENT NIGHT 
TWAS THE NlfiHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 

adeste'fidelis 
goo rest ye merry, gentlemen 

carol of *the bells 
hark! the herald angels sing 
oh little town of bethlehem 
i0y to the world 
the first noel 



L tie HOUR OF CHARM 

ALL-GIRL ORCHESTRA CHOIR 

Und*r the direction of PHIL SPITALNY 



CHARM RECORDS. Inc. 4 
l». O. Ron 40. Radio City Station. Now York If. N. Y. 



MISCELLANY 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Metro Vs. Fox Story Dept. Rivalry 
Seen in Latter's Air Force Story Buy 



Bitterness which has recently V 
marked relations between Metro 
and 20th-Fox story departments, as 
a result of M-G's hypoed efforts to 
get iirst and exclusive whack at new 
novels, was seen as possibly having 
something to do with Fox's action 
last week in buying screen rights to 
"12 O'Clock High," . forthcoming | 
book by Beirnc Ley and Sy Bartlelt. 
Yarn bears resemblance to ''Com- 
mand Decision," which Metro bought 
three months ago in a' pre-produc- 
tion deal before the click play 
opened on Broadway. 

Joker, so far as Metro is con- 
cerned, is that it is prohibited by 
terms of its deal with "Command" 
author, William Wister Haines, from 
releasing the film prior to October, 
1949. Fox, on the other hand, can With film rights to the Gilbert 
release its film as fast as it can get ! Miller-Henry Sherek current London 



Jackie Cooper, Coogan 
To Costar in 5 Films 

Hollywood, Oct.* 21. 

Jackie Cooper and Jackie Coogan 
will costar in two pix next year and 
three in 1949 for indie William Moss. 

First, "Spree for Two," starts re- 
hearsing next month, then goes to 
Moss' home town, Odessa.-Texas, for 
locationing. 

Stewart to Screenplay 
'Edward' for M-G; Tracy 
To Do Robt Morley Role 




279th WEEK! 

KEN MURRAY'S 

"BLACKOUTS OF 1947" 
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal, 

Watch for KEN MURRAY'S new 
feature length film production "BILL 
AND COO." 

Released through Republic Pictures 



it out, which will probably give it at 
least a year's break on Metro. 

Fox paid $100,000 down against a 
ceiling of $200,000 achieved via an 
escalator clause based on number of 
copies of "12 O'Clock" sold. Book is 
to be published by Harper's. It was 
first submitted to the studios on the 
Coast several months ago as an orig- 
inal. Metro paid $100,000 for rights 
to "Command," with one of its tal- 
ent execs. Sidney Phillips, a co- 
producer Clark Gable was an- 
nounced for top role. 

The two yarns are based on ap- 
proximately the same set of facts, 
both Ley and Haines having had 
plenty of opportunity during the 
war to observe the raw material of 
which they write. Both stories con- 
cern the anguish of senior officers 
of the Air Corps in making decisions 
which they know will send a high 
percentage of their men to their 
death. Both are about the 8th Air 
Force, which was engaged in bom- 
bardment of German war produc- 
tion plants. 



5 From Show Biz Sparking 
War Orphans Fund Drive 

Washington, Oct. 21. 
Group of five showfolk, including 
Mary Pickford, Ginny. Sims, Jack 
Benny, Jack Smith and Minerva 
Pious, are bringing five war -orphan- 
ed children from Europe for a 10- 
day junket through America under 
the auspices of the Foster Parents' 
■ Plan for War Children, Inc. Arrival 
of the kids, who have never seen 
their foster parents, is scheduled for 
Dec. 8 which will also be launch- 
ing date of a 10-day drive to raise 
$1,500,000 for the world's orphaned 
children. 

Smith is heading the reception 
committee with plans to have kids 
meet President Truman, New York's 
Mayor O'Dwyer and diplomatic offi- 
cials along with visits to U.S. amuse- 
ment showcases. Other show biz 
people on the committee are Ilka 
Chase, Joan Bennett, Hildegarde 
and Helen "Hayes. . 



play, "Edward, My Son," already 
sold to Metro for $160,000, co-pro- 
ducer Sherek said upon his arrival 
in New York last week that he ex- 
pected the piece to run in London 
until midsummer of 1948. It's in its 
sixth month now. Play then will be 
brought direct to New York with its 
English cast. With the windup of 
its Gotham tenure, "Edward" will 
embark upon a world tour of Aus- 
tralia, South Africa and several 
other countries. 

According to the deal "with Metro, 
Sherek pointed out, the film version 
cannot be released in New York 
until June 1, 1949. Donald Ogden 
Stewart, inked to screenplay the 
three-act play by Robert Morley and 
Noel Langley, is scheduled to leave 
this week for London to gander the 
production. Morley is the star of 
"Edward." s 

Morley's role of a newspaper edi 
tor will be portrayed on the screen 
by Spencer Tracy while Sidney 
Franklin will produce. "Edward's' 
Metro purchase, incidentally, came 
about when its story editor, Kenneth 
McKenna, saw the play last summer 
and later arranged the acquisition. 

Sherek, who arrived in New York 
Thursday (16) aboard the Queen 
Elizabeth accompanied by his wife, 
planes to the Coast Friday (24) for 
a 10-day stay in Hollywood. He also 
plans to visit San Francisco before 
sailing for Britain Nov. 12 on the 
Queen "Mary. Prior to coming to the 
U. S„ the producer presented 
George Bernard Shaw revival. "You 
Never Can Tell," which preemed at 
the Wyndham's theatre Oct. 3. First 
week's business was capacity. 



This Week's Football 



-By Harry Wismer- 



(Sports Director, ABC Network) 

College 

GAMES . WINNERS , *PO!NTS 

Army-Col umb'.?. Army 21 

Villanova-Boston College (Frl nite) VilUnova 3 

William & Mary-Boston U. (uite) ...William & Mary 1 



Brown-Colgate ....Brown 

Cornell-Princeton Cornell . . . 

Dartmouth-Harvard Dartmouth 



Holy Cross-Syracuse 



. . . Holy Cross 6 



7 
13 
20 
14 
19 
10 

6 
17 
12 



Buffalo Rabbi's 18 Yrs. As 
'Humanitarian' Air Spieler 

Buffalo, Oct. 21. 
Dr. Joseph L. Fink, rabbi of Buf- 
falo's leading reformed Jewish tem- 
ple, started his "Humanitarian 
Hour" over WBEN 18 years ago 
and has been at it weekly from early 
fall to late spring each year since. 
The 15-minute stint Sundays at 1 
p.m. consists of matter of fact talk, 
followed by a question and answer 
period. 

With the announcer reading mail 
Questions and- comments covering 
the preceding week's subject, topics, 
whicli are rarely Biblical, cover the 
widest range, including current 
world and national affairs and books, 
plays, persons and matters in con- 
temporary public eye. 

WBEN allows him complete free- 
dom in choice of subject and treat- 
ment. 



Hospital Circuit's Names 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

Nearly 100 names in show biz and 
music are slated to give free con- 
certs in Veterans Administration 
hospitals from coast to coast, it was 
announced over the weekend by F. 
R. Kerr, assistant administrator of 
VA special services. 

A few of the toppers slated to en- 
tertain: Marjorie Lawrence, Jan 
Peerce, Jose Iturbi, Vivian Delia 
Chiesa, Mary Martin, Rise Stevens, 
Jeanette MacDonald, Gladys Swarth- 
out, Leopold Stokowski, Maria 
Jciitza, Jessica Dragonette, Conrad 
Thibaut, Susan Reed and Mario 
Lanza. National chairman of the 
Artists' Hospital Programs is Jean 
Tennyson. 



Large Film Pool 
Now Available 
For Television 



First wedge in breaking the major 
film distributors' adamant refusal to 
book their product to television 
broadcasters has been made with 
only some foreign films set to carry 
the ball. Deal was signed Monday 
(20) between Gainsborough Associ- 
ates, a new dindie outfit, and Lopert 
Films, one of the chief U. S. distribs 
of foreign-made product, giving 
Gainsborough exclusive rights to sell 
any of Lopert's picture to video sta- 
tions. 

Many of Lopert's films are still 
current, playing either Broadway 
art houses or some of the New York 
nabe circuits. These include such 
pictures as "Shoeshine," "Cage of 
Nightingales,'" "Mayerling," "End of 
a Day" and "Extenuating Circum- 
stances." Majors, consequently, for 
the first time will have an opportu- 
nity to judge the actual boxoffice ef- 
fects of films transmitted via tele. 
If it proves true, as Lopert believes 
it will, that tele will build boxoffice 
grosses through increased word-of- 
mquth, it's believed possible that the 
majors might relent in some way by 
making available at least some of 
their old product to video. 

New pact between Lopert and 
Gainsborough is believed especially 
interesting in. view of the fact that 
Lopert only recently concluded deal? 
(Continued on page 24) 



Maryland-VPI Maryland 

Navy-Penn , Penn 

NYB-Georgetown (Fri nite) Georgetown 

West Virginia-Penn Slate Penn State . 

Ohio State-Pittsburgh i... ...'.. Ohio State .. 

Illinois-Purdue Illinois 

Indiana-Northwestern Indiana ..... 

Iowa-Notre Dame Notre Dame 

Missouri-Iowa State , Missouri 

Nebraska-Kansas . State Nebraska . . 6 

Marquette -Wisconsin Wisconsin •> 

Minnesota-Michigan • . . . Michigan 20 

Kentucky-Mich. State Kentucky 6 

Texas Christian-Oklahoma Oklahoma 7 

Alabama-Georgia Georgia 3 

Duke-Wake Forest Duke 7 

Vanderbilt-LSTJ (nite) \... Vanderbilt 6 

Arkansas-Miss Mississippi '. 7 

Baylor-Texas A&M Baylor . . 7 

Rice-Texas Texas 13 

SMC-UCLA UCLA 7 

Southern Cal.-California Southern Cal ' 6 

Stanford- Wash. ...Washington 19 

Oregon-San Francisco .• San Francisco 12 

(Gomes ore played Saturday afternoon, unless otherwise stated ) 



Pro Football 

NATIONAL LEAGUE 
GAMES WINNERS . POINTS 

Pitt Steelers-N. Y. Giants Steelers 13 

Chi Bears- Wasb. Redskins Bears 10 

Boston Yanks-Chi Cards Cards 14 

L. A. Rams-PbJUy Eagles Rams 17 

Detroit Lions-Green Bay Packers Packers 6 



ALL- AMERICA CONFERENCE 
GAMES WINNERS POINTS 

N. Y. Yankees-Chi Rockets (Fri nite) Yankees 19 

Baltimore Colts-L. A. Dons Dons 20 

Brooklyn Dodgers-Buffalo Bills Bills 9 

Cleveland Browns-San Fran Browns 3 

(Gomes ore played Sunday Afternoon unless otherwise stated ) 
Wins, 111; Losses, 68; Ties, 10; Pet., 649 
(Ties don't count) 
•Points-represent predicted margin of victory, not the official odds. 



Donat in IVinsiow Boy' 

London, Oct. 21. 

Robert Donat has been named by 
Sir Alexander Korda to star in 
lilmization of "The Winslow Boy," 
Terence Rattigan's play which has 
been a London hit f6r more than a 
year. Shooting will get under way 
w ithin the next eight weeks. 

Donat is rumored as also replac- 
ing Rex Harrison in Korda's fllmiza- 
tion of "The Scarlet Pimpernel." 



RKO's Rose Yarn 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Billy Rose mag yarn, "Beyond All 
Doubt," has been handed by RKO 
to Sid Rogell for spring production. 

Originally in Collier's, "Doubt" is 
condensed in current Reader's Di- 
gest. ■ 



Off With Their Hats! 

Paris, Oct. 14. 

Steered by Adolph Schulman and 
Miss E. Daly, 10 American models 
including actress Joan Leslie are at 
the George V showing the French 
dressmaking trade the California 
style of ready-made dresses, at prices 
ranging from $15 to $75. The show is 
attracting considerable attention 
here, not only because it is the first 
one of its kind, but because it as 
bringing dress opposition to the 
French on their home ground. 

The dresses are generally com- 
mended, though considered lacking 
in ornaments such as belt buckles, 
etc. But the hats worn by the models 
don't win local approval at all. 



Brit Author Arrives 
With 'Miniver' Sequel 

Norman Collins, director of enter- 
tainment programs on the British 
Broadcasting System and author of 
last year's bestseller, "Dulcimer 
Street," arrived in New York last 
week aboard the. Queen Elizabeth. 
He brought with him the completed 
screen treatment of a new "Mrs. 
Miniver" picture for Metro and 
headed right from New York for the 
Coast to confab with Sidney Frank- 
lin, who will produce it. 

Collins was handed the assign- 
ment of preparing a successor to the 
1942 Metro click by story editor 
Kenneth MacKenna, when he was 
in London last spring. Original 
"Mrs. Miniver" was from a book by 
Jan Struthers. 

Quick return to England Is 
planned by Collins as soon as he 
completes talks with Franklin. 



BAN 'OPEN CITY' IN PALESTINE 

Jerusalem, Oct. 9. 

Censor here has banned showing 
of the Italian antifascist film "Open 
City" in Palestine. 

Action has stirred wide comment 
with newspaper letter columns full 
of protests. 



'Commie' Charge Ruled Libelous 

Decision of the New York Court of Appeals, in Albany, last week 
that a false charge of Communism or Communist sympathy con- 
stitutes grounds for libel action, is of direct interest to show business 
as well as to politics and public life. Increasingly in recent years, 
such accusations or insinuations have been made, particularly in con- 
nection with union matters. Since the Court of Appeals is the high- 
est tribunal in the state, allegation of Communist, red or leftist activity 
or .sympathy will henceforth be a risky matter, at least in New York 
State. 

The opinion of Associate Judge Stanley H. Fuld. in which the entire 
Court concurred, stated, "The courts having regard for the current 
public attitude— transitory though it may be — have repeatedly he' ' 
that a false charge that one is a Commumist is a basis for libel act 5 
And it is of little moment whether the statement describes one as a 
Communist or as having Communist sympathies and affiliations, for 
as has been observed, 'any difference is one degree only.' " 



Jessel's $7,500 Plus W/ 0 
Over 42G in N.Y. Nitery 

George Jessel has been signed for 
his first N. Y. nitery date in many 
years and will go into the Carnival, 
N. Y., starting Thanksgiving night. 
Deal was made late last week by 
Nicky Blair, .Carnival's operator, 
and Paul Small, representing Jessel. 
Blair is currently on the Coast, 
while Small is expected back in 
N. Y.' today (Wednesday). 

Deal is reported to be the same 
given to Milton Bcrle, who went in 
for a $7,500 guarantee plus 50% split 
over $42,000. Following the Carnival 
date, Jessel goes into the Copa- 
cabana, Miami Beach, early Janu- 
ary, at $12,500. 

Blair went out to the Coast on a 
talent search. After lining up Jes- 
sel, boniface is reported to be propo- 
sitioning Red Skelton and is said to 
have offered the film and radio 
comic $15,000 and percentage deal. 



Murphy-Kazan Working 
One Out for Zanuck in N.Y. 
In Between Play Prods. 

Richard Murphy, who wrote the 
screenplay for "Boomerang" for 
20tb-Fox, is in New York for con- 
ferences with Elia Kazan, on a story 
idea of the latter's. Pair were the 
writer-director team on "Boom- 
erang," and Darryl F, Zanuck sent 
Murphy east with the idea of having 
him write a new script from Kazan's 
story suggestion, for Kazan to direct 
next spring. Murphy will return to 
Hollywood in about a week to start 
actual writing. 

Kazan, currently staging "A 
Streetcar Named Desire," the new 
Tennessee Williams play, for Irene 
Selznick, will next probably direct 
the new Arthur Miller play, 'Plenty 
Good Times." Script isn't completed 
yet, and Kazan and Miller aren't de- 
cided 'on the production setup. They 
may give it to Harold Clurman and 
Walter Fried, who produced Miller's 
prize-winning "All My Sons." How- 
ever, Kazan has no intention of pro- 
ducing the show himself, as he wants 
to avoid getting involved in the busi- 
ness end of the theatre or pictures. 

Meanwhile, besides rehearsing 
"Streetcar," Kazan is conducting 
classes in acting for beginners, as 
part of the plan he set up recently 
with Robert Lewis, Martin Ritt, 
Jerome Robbins, Anna Sokalow and 
Cheryl Crawford. Kazan's classes 
are held Tuesday and Thursday 
mornings. As in all courses con- 
ducted by the group, students are 
charged merely nominal fees, and 
then only if they can afford it. 



MULL GOMPERS PIC 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

American Federation of Labor is 
mulling backing a film based on the 
life of its founder, Samuel Gompers. 

Project was broached at the re- 
cent AFL convention in San Fran- 
cisco. 



JONES, HERVEY TEAM 
FOR LONDON DATE 

Allan Jones and his wife. Irene 
Hervey, will team for first time pro- 
fessionally when they form an act 
for a stage date at the London 
Casino, starting April 5, Booked by 
Eddie Sherman, pair is guaranteed 
four weeks with option for four 
more at British theatre. 

Miss Hervey last week ws:s inked 
for first screen role in four years. 
She will play romantic lead in Eagle 
Lion's "Mickey," which starts shoot- 
ing Thurs. (23). Her last stint was 
in Universale "He's My Guy," i» 
1943. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



P^LHIETY 



PICTURES 



METRO SEEKS OLD QUALITY LEVEL 



THAT COMMIE 'PROBE' 

As of now, Rep. J. Parnell Thomas & Co. already have been 
paid off— in spades— if they're after publicity. What's more nat- 
ural than latching onto Hollywood to crash P. 1? 

But like all propaganda, repeated often enough, there's the 
danger of the wildest canard taking on the semblance of. author- 
ity. A certain deceased ex-paperhanger certainly proved that 
point. In the instance of such a mass medium of entertainment 
as films, the film-makers must convincingly point up that any 
time boy-meets-girl in some glamorous bistro there is no propa- 
ganda intended for the White Rock, the cocktail or the establish- 
ment, just .as there isn't any hidden meaning in the romantic 
dialog. Of course, if the solons object to the propaganda for love 
that this sequence entails, that's all brother. 

In a procedure of this nature, having the cloak of Congressional 
privilege and immunity, the solons have more than a casual re- 
sponsibility. Hollywood is being slapped across its glamorous 
visage with a red herring that may well result in a tragic shut- 
down on all chancetaklng, new ideas and free expression. The 
committee must not create a situation where it's safer to keep 
quiet than run the risk of being unfairly labelled as pinko or red. 
That would be an indirect infringement of freedom of speech. 
If the committee members are utilizing taxpayers' funds to in- 
dulge in a star chamber witch hunt, looking for red kippers under 
every table in the Brown Derby, there'll be plenty to answer for 
with their constituents, and with the very public press which 
they are wooing. 

And this will certainly be a press battle. By the nature of the 
subject it's a setup for the headlines. Howard Hughes, Johnny 
Meyer & Co. will be Elsie Dinsmore copy comparatively. No amount 
of brass can compete with Hollywood marquee names for printer's 
ink glamor. Thomas and his unAmerlcan Committee know it. 
The picture business knows it. The press knows it— and nobody 
ever accused the U. S. press of being backward in attaching itself 
to a Hollywood name for generous space. Wotta parlay— s.a. and 
USA! How can it miss the headlines when glamor and a neo- 
patrlotic cause are involved? 

But in a day and age when even caviar isn't popular, the 
shortest memories should respond to the why fore of such films as 
"Mission to Moscow," "Song of Russia," "North Star" and the 
like, made in an era when Russia was our staunch ally. As for 
slipping so-called propaganda into films, or singling out certain 
alleged fellow-travelers, the only propaganda Hollywood favors 
is b.o., and even Chaplin — who seems to be singled out in the 
public prints— may well scoff. Whoever heard of a man with 
$10,000,009 bein S a Communist? " Abel. 



MEETS TO REGAIN Skyscrape 




Intensive huddles on methods of 
improving the quality of Metro 
product to re-establish. the company 
as the foremost in the XJ. S; are 
slated to tee off today (Wednesday) 
at the homeoffice. Largest group of 
studio executives assembled in New 
York for years, headed up by pro- 
duction chief Louis B. Mayer, have 
congregated at the h.o. within the 
last week to take part in the discus- 
sions with prexy Nicholas M. 
Schenck and other h.o. execs. 

Although Metro spokesmen have 
refused to discuss the nature of the 
meets, it's believed they'll center 
around the fact that, while M-G pic- 
tures have been money-makers, they 
haven't stood up to the standard the 
company would like for them. Fuf- 
ther fuel has been lent to the situa- 
tion by the opening of "Green Dol- 
phin Street" last Wednesday (15) at 
the Broadway Criterion. Film is the 
highest budgeted unit on Metro's 
roster this year (company claims it 
cost more than $4,000,000) and yet it 
received a uniformly bad press. 

Other Metro pictures have simi- 
larly been panned by critics this 
year and several films have taken a 
beating at the boxoffice, as well as 
at the hands of crix. In the first 
category are such offerings as "Song 
of Love," which broke Metro's pre- 
vious high opening-day record at 
Radio City Music Hall, N. Y., but 
(Continued on page 27) 



5 r $20,000,000 Studio in N.Y. 
Insists Fix Majors Pledge Co-op 



EL Dickering John Ford, Stromberg 
On New Financing-Releasing Deals 



Still on the prowl for big-name t 
producers to supplement its home- 
made product in the lineup, Eagle 
Lion is currently pushing negotia- 
tions with John Ford on a four- 
picture proposition with a deal fairly 
close to agreement. Pact, if inked, 
Will be what's now a typical EL 
tieup with indie producers. Com- 
pany -would bankroll Ford; take a 
piece of the quartet of films; and 
release through EL's exchanges. 

Negotiations with Ford are being 
handled by Arthur Krim, EL's 
prexy, and Bryan Foy, studio chief.- 
Producer recently completed a 'two- 
picture commitment to RKO under 
which he and Merian C. Cooper de- 
livered "The Fugitive" arid "War 
Party" If the EL nuptials are per- 
formed, he'll have the use of the 
company's studio besides receiving 
production coin. 

Ford and Hunt Stromberg trans- 
actions would about complete EL's 
drive for big indie product for the 
coming season. Dickerings with 
Stromberg are also being carried on 
with b. r. and releasing facilities in 
mind. Stromberg negotiations have 
(Continued on page 22) 



Johnson's Quickie Trip 

Nunnally Johnson, who returned 
to the U. S. last week aboard the 
Queen Elizabeth after spending a 
week in London and 10 days in Paris 
"seeing shows," left for the Coast 
Sunday (19). He was accompanied 
by his wife, the former Doris Bow- 
don. 

Johnson, whose producing contract 
with Universal still has two more 
years to run, declared he had made 
no business deals on his p> short 
junket. Producer is slated to guide 
"Peabody and the Mermaid," due to 
roll in November as his next chore. 



SEZNICK ORG OKAYS 
FINANCING BELLINGER 

Financing of productions Mark 
Hellingcr will make for Selznick 
Releasing Organization was princi- 
pal topic of discussion at huddles of 
Selznick's bankers in New York last 
week. Green light was given by the 
banks to . Vanguard Productions. 
Selznick producing unit, for 100 % 
financing of the Hellinger pictures. 

Institutions involved are Bankers 
Trust. N. Y., which was represented 
by v.p. Alex Ardrey, and Security- 
First National of Los Angeles, rep- 
resented by v.p. George Yousling. 
Speaking for Selznick in the huddles 
were Daniel T. O'Shea, Vanguard 
Prexy, and Ernest R. Scanlon, exec, 
v.p. and treasurer. Yousling, O'Shea 
and Scanlon returned to the Coast 
over the weekend. 



GOLDWYN MOVES HQ 
TO N.Y. FOR 3 MONTHS 

Samuel Goldwyn, with his arrival 
in New York next Monday (27), will 
transfer all his production activities 
east for three months. Producer's 
entire writing and casting exec staff 
will remain in New York with him 
during his stay, while the studio will 
be dormant. 

In New York already, awaiting 
Goldwyn's arrival, are Pat Duggan, 
v.p. in charge of stofles, writing and 
casting; Bernard Smith, story editor; 
Max Wilkinson, in charge of writers, 
and Lew Kerner, casting director. 
Coming with Goldwyn is George 
Schlaff, counsel. 

Four pictures are now being writ- 
ten for Goldwyn in the east and he 

. . (Continued on page 28) . . 



'BISHOP'S WIFE' NAMED 
LONDON 'COMMAND' PIC 

London, Oct. 21. 

Samuel Goldwyn's "The Bishop's 
Wife" has been chosen for the sec- 
ond annual Royal 'Command Per- 
formance at the Odeon theatre here 
Nov. 25. Last year's selection was 
J. Arthur Rank's "Stairway to 
Heaven." 

One of the factors entering into 
the choice is believed to be that two 
of the stars, Cary Grant and David 
Niven (Loretta Young is the third), 
are British Empire-born, as are two 
of the featured players. Latter are 
Elsa Lanchester and Gladys Cooper. 

"Bishop's Wife," which will have 
its American preem at the Aslor, 
N. Y., around Christmas, is from a 
novel by Robert Nathan, screen- 
played by Robert Sherwood and 
Leonardo Bercovici. All proceeds of 
the Command Performance here will 
go to the Cinematograph Trade Be- 
nevolent Fund. 



Neatest Move of the Week 

Erie, Pa., Oct. 21. 

Five-cent tax on each admission 
will be levied on all amusements 
here, starting Jan. 1. Money will be 
used to pay for salary raises for 
Mayor Gale H. Ross, four city coun- 
cilmen, and 700 city employees. The 
Mayor will receive an increase of 
$1,700, and each councilman $1,500. 
Employees will receive a $25-a- 
month boost. 

Tax is estimated to yield $121,750 
a year. j 

RKO Committee 
To Supervise All 
Operating Costs 

RKO management took steps last 
week to drastically curb overhead 
and other operating expenses via a 
committee of four headed by Gar- 
rett Van Wagner, chairman, who is 
company comptroller. In a memo 
sent to all department heads, veepee 
Ned Depinet told members of the 
management setup that it is impera- 
tive to institute a definite plan to at 
once reduce and control all expenses. 
Depinet explained that because in 
recent years certain luxuries have 
been allowed to get into operations 
these must be weeded out. Crum- 
bling of foreign markets, with Brit- 
ain and Australia cited specifically, 
(Continued on page 24) 



Welles as 'Cyrano/ Korda 
To Produce Film in Rome 

Sir Alexander Korda will shoot 
his filmization of Edmund Rostand's 
"Cyrano de Bergerac" in Rome. He's 
slated to start Feb. 15, taking over 
the stage currently in use by Ed- 
ward Small for "Cagliostro." Orson 
Welles, who arrives in Rome Nov. 7, 
to fill a role in "Cagliostro," will re- 
main on to handle the triple chores 
of actor-director-producer of "Cy- 
rano" for Korda. 

"Cyrano" script is the one com- 
pleted by Ben Hecht some nine years 
ago when Korda was making pix for 
United Artists. 



Skyscraper-like film studio, rival- 
ling for efficiency any studio now 
existing on the Coast and slated to 
be built at a cost of $20.000.000-$25,- 
000,000, may be erected in New 
York in the near future. Blueprint 
plans for the structure, which is to 
be financed and built by a major 
N. Y. realty firm, have already 
been submitted to Mayor William 
O'Dwyer's office for approval, it's 
been learned. 

Only hitch in the arrangement is 
that the realty firm refuses to go 
ahead with its plans without some 
definite commitment from the film 
industry that . the studio will be 
used. In addition, the firm is seek- 
ing cooperation from the industry 
in analyzing the -needs for a studio 
and how best to equip it. To dats, 
none of this information has been 
forthcoming, despite repeated efforts 
from the mayor's office to push the 
project under the assumption that it 
would be the most important step 
yet taken in the campaign to lure 
more major film production to N. Y. 

Pointing out that the structure is 
to be built specifically for use as a 
film studio, officials of the really 
firm declare it would be senseless to 
build it without first making cer. 
tain it will be put to use. It's a 
simple problem to build an ortho- 
dox office building, since it cau be 
used for any purpose. Structure 
erected specifically as a film studio, 
however, could only become a 
(Continued on page 22) 

PAR WINS 100G BY 
DEFAULT .VS. BI0FF 

Paramount has won a $100,000 de- 
fault judgment against William Bioff, 
erstwhile official of the International 
Alliance of Theatrical Stage Em- 
ployees. Federal Judge Edward A. 
Conger granted the application 
yesterday (21) for summary judg- 
ment when Bioff's lawyer failed to 
appear in opposition. At the same 
time, a similar, application against 
George E. Browne. IATSE's deposed 
prexy, was postponed until Nov. 21. 

Suit was brought to recover shake- 
down payments made to Bioff and 
Browne by Paramount over the 
years, 1930-38. Both ex-union lead- 
ers served stretches in the pen on 
bribery convictions. 



National Boxoffice Survey 

Biz Slows Up in Many Keys — 'Foxes,' 'Song,' 'Un- 
conquered,' 'Fun,' 'Variety,' 'Unsuspected' Big 6 



Big 5 Appeal in Jan. 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

Counsel for both the defendant 
companies and the Government have 
requested the U. S. Supreme Court 
to put over argument in the appeal 
on the Big Five anti-trust case until 
the January session. 

It had been expected that this 
case would be argued either late in 
November or early December, 



With many holdovers and ex- 
tended-runs in key cities and natural 
letdown after benefiting from the 
holiday last week, business at the 
nation's boxoffice is slightly offish 
this stanza. But it is not slowing up 
the first four entries, with "Foxes of 
Harrow" (20th) taking top position 
for the second week running. This 
film has a hefty lead over its closest 
rival, "Song of Love" (M-G). 

Third place goes to "Unconquered" 
(Par) although it also is in only five 
principal keys like "Song." "Fun and 
Fancy Free" (RKO) is in fourth 
slot. Others in Big Six are "Variety 
Girl" (Par) and "Unsuspected" (WB) 
although biz for both is spotty. For 
instance, the former hit the skids 
on its second week in L. A. "Un- 
suspected" is nice in Minneapolis, 
good in Cleveland and stout in 
Washington while mild in Louisville, 
Pittsburgh and some other spots in- 
cluding N. Y. 

Runners-up are headed by "Ride 
Pink Horse" (U), "Crossfire" (RKO), 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) and "Singa- 
pore" (U). 

Besides "Pink Horse," which looks 
a comer, "Green Dolphin Street" 
(M-G), "Golden Earrings" (Par). 
"Wistful Widow" (U) and "This 
Time for Keeps" (M-G) appear to 
have greatest possibilities on the few 
dates played thus far. "Swordsman" 



(Col), while not teeing off especially 
well in N. Y., promises to be heard 
from also. "For Keeps" looks solid 
in.K. C, is smooth in Indianapolis, 
and is pacing Louisville with a fancy 
week. "Widow" is chipping in with a 
strong stanza in K. C., is sturdy in 
Buffalo but shapes only fair in De- 
troit. 

"Mohs. Verdoux" (UA). now go- 
ing out on release, looks mild in 
Seattle, okay in Frisco in holdover 
and passably good in N. Y. with 
vaude. "Magic Town" (RKO), al- 
though not so strong in N. Y., is 
sock in Chi. 

"New Orleans" (UA) will get an 
okay session in Det. "Wyoming" 
(Rep) is doing especially solid biz in 
Cleveland. "Out of Blue" (EL) 
shapes as fine on second frame in 
Baltimore. 

(Complete Boxoffice Reports on 
Pages 15-1T.") 



No Soft Touch' for Roz 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Rosalind Russell will work in 59 
da.ys of the 61-day shooting schedule 
for "The Velvet Touch." One of 
her days off is Thanksgiving. 

She's partner in Independent 
Artists, which is making film. 




Trade Marl; RcgHtered 
FOUNDED BY SIME FILVERMAN 
PuhMshed Weekly by VARIETY, Inc 

Si* Silverman. President 
154 West 4Ctli St., New York 19, N. V. 

SUBSCRIPTION 
Annual »I0 rorelsn $11 

Slnsle Copies 25 Centt 

Vol. 168 *3g§^.'° No. 7 

INDEX 

Bills 54 

Chatter 62 

Concert 56 

Film Reviews 12 

Foreign 18 

House Reviews 55 

Inside Legit 58 

Inside' Music 50 

Inside Pictures 22 

Inside Radio - 38 

Legitimate 56 

Literati 61 

Music 44 

New Acts 55 

Night Club Reviews 52 

Obituaries 63 

Orchestras 44 

Pictures 3 

Pre-Production News 11 

Radio 29 

Radio Reviews 34 

Records 46 

Frank Scully 61 

Television 35 

Unit Reviews 54 

Vaudeville 51 

UAIL* VARIKTS 

(Published in Hollywood by 

Dally Variety. Ltd.) 
$10 a Tear— tU tore its 



PICTURES 



McNutt Offers to Screen Films 
For Probers to Decide 1st Hand 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

House un-American Activities Committee was urged last night <20) to 
* look at pictures before condemning them. The opening day attack upon 
"Mission To Moscow," "Song of Russia" and- one or two others which had 
not been seen by all members of the committee were hit strongly in the 
opening stanza of the probe. Statement was issued by Paul V. McNutt, 
counsel representing MP A and its members who are witnesses. 

"There is only one way," said McNutt, "for members pf the House 
Committee on un-American Propaganda. This is for members of the 
committee actually to look at all pictures which are accused of doctrines 
hostile to the American system. The pictures themselves are the only 
final evidence. 

"If the committee members see the films we are sure that they will be 
as certain as we are that the pictures produced by our companies do not 
contain subversive propaganda. 

"On behalf of the producers I represent, I urge committee members 
hot to agcept second and third-hand opinions on these Alms. Invite the 
committee to see every picture which has been, or may be, criticized by 
witnesses before the committee. We will have prints from these pictures 
available in Washington on short notice." 

Anti-Commie Pic Cycle? 

Hollywood may be entering a new picture cycle — the anti-Communist 
pie-tures. That, at least, is the hint thrown out at the opening sessions of 
the Congressional probe of Red infiltration into the industry. 

Jack Warner and Louis B. Mayer both disclosed that spadework is al- 
ready being done in their respective shops on such screen fodder. War- 
ners is doing research on a short. Metro has' reached the shooting stage 
*or "Vespers In Vienna," the recent Book-of-the-Month selection. Mayer 
explained his company has been preparing it for six months. 

Sam Wood said he would be interested, despite the escapist- trend in 
current films, if- a good story should come along. He predicted other- 
studios would follow suit. 

Friendly (?) Witnesses 

What constitutes a friendly witness before the House un-American 
Activities Committee? Both Louis B. Mayer and Jack Warner testified 
earnestly yesterday iMon.) to their belief that Communism was active 
in Hollywood and that they were doing their best to prevent pro-Commy 
messages from getting into pictures. This was right down the commit- 
tee's alley and normally such witnesses arc handled politely by congres- 
sional committees. 

. However, the un-American Activities Committee showed it was made 
of sterner stuff. Warner was griddled over "Mission To Moscow" and 
Mayer was cross-questioned 1 on "Song of Russia." One of the things the 
committee insisted on trying to find out was why the producers in the 
war days of early 1942 could not realize that the Russians were going to 
be "poison" in this country in 1947. „ 

One result of all this may be to make industry shyer than ever of making 
films considered helpful to the Government. Hollywood spokesmen here 
averred that even its best intentions may turn around and bite it in a 
couple of years. 

19 'Leftists' Named 
Turned down in efforts to halt the Hollywood Red 1 probe by the House 
Un-American Activities Committee, yesterday (Mop.), counsel for 19 film 
writers, directors and actors charged the committee had gone whole' hog 
into the censorship of films by intimidation. 

The 19, who have been subpoenaed to testify next week and whom 
members of the House C omm ittee describe as "leftist," have opened up a 
backfire against the committee, gaining the advantage of an early start. 

The 19 are: Alvah Bessie, Herbert Biberman, Lester Cole, Edward' 
Dmytryk, Richard Collins, Gordon Kahn, Howard Koch, Ring Lardner, 
Jr., John Howard' Lawson, Albert Maltz, Lewis Milestone, Samuel Ornitz, 
Larry Parks, Irving Pichel, Robert Rosson, Adrian Scott, Waldo Salt, Dal- 
ton Trfimbo and Berthold Brecht. 

Their chief counsel, Robert W. Kenny, ex-attorney-general of California, 
declared at a press conference yesterday: 

"The thing we feared most has happened. The committee is trying to 
censor, , For the first time the Government has retained its own critic (a 
reference to Ayn Rand, who attacked 'Song of Russia' on the witness 
6tand) to censor films. If it can do this, it can censor the press. The 
next stop is to make Congress a hiring hall for writers, artists and actors. 

'They are censoring by intimidation. Mr. Louis Mayer, producer of 
"The Song of Russia,' was made uncomfortable. From now on Mr. Mayer's 
range will be limited. He knows that if he ever produces another picture 
like it he will be brought before the committee again. By committee 
investigation, and consequently by intimidation, the right of free expres 
sion is abridged. That is the oblique approach." 

In the morning Kenny and Bartley Crum sought to get action on a 
petition under which the committee .would declare itself unconstitutional 
and discharge the 19 from subpoena. Rep. J. Parnell Thomas <R., N.J.), 
committee counsel, agreed to accept and file the petition for future con- 
sideration but gavclled down the lawyers when they tried to make 
speeches. Thomas said he would consider hearing them next week when 
their clients are scheduled to testify. 

Crum sought permission to cross-examine witnesses. He was refused. 
Last night more than 800 crowded into the auditorium of the National 
Press club for a rally by the 19 and the Lawyers' Guild and heard director 
Edward Dmytryk declare that "if the Thomas Committee is successful in 
its purpose, no more films like 'Crossfire' will be seen on the American 
screen. Suppression, one begun, will not end with one film." 



Chide Johnston, Chaplin 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

In secret testimony given the 
probing committee last spring, 
and elaborated on for the first 
time today (21) in his repeat 
performance before the probers, 
Adolphe Menjou was asked for 
some opinions on such persons 
as Eric Johnston, head of the 
Motion Picture Ass'n., and 
Charles Chaplin. 

Of Johnston, Menjou stated: 
"1 think he's running for presi- 
dency. He will never get it." 

In giving his opinion of Chap- 
lin, Menjou thought that the 
comedian over-emphasized his 
military acumen. "The only 
gun Mr. Chaplin ever heard go 
off was a popgun in his studio," 
Menjou stated. "Yet, he's a 
military expert and a financial 
expert." 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Hollywood Red Blues 



Continued from pa je 1 ; 



'BOB' INTO 'THUNDER' 
TO DUCK WAR AURA 

"Bob, Son of Battle." chief prob- 
lem film on 20th-Fox's current 
roster, goes back into release with 
a Christmas Day opening at the 
Globe on Broadway after a hiatus of 
several months. Title has been 
changed to 'Thunder. in the Valley." 

Film fell flat in several key cily 
test engagements last summer, de- 
spite the fact that it received almost 
unanimously good reviews in both 
the trade and consumer press. Irn- 
incdiate research by 20th revealed 
the tille was at fault, with custom- 
ers staying away from the film in 
droves under the assumption it was. 
a war picture. As result 20th pulied 
the film out of release to give it a 
new tille and was forced to discard 
its entire ad-publicity campaign 
based on the "Bob" name. 

Novates have been set subsequent, 
to its opening at the Globe, accord- 
ing to 20th sales chief Andy W. 
Smith, Jr. Film will probably go 
into general release some time after 
the first of the year. 



More Conflicts 

Title changes seem to have be- 
come one of the major urpb- 
lems at 20lh-Fox studios. 

After changing "Bob, Son of 
Battle" to "Thunder in the. VaJ- 
ley" to eliminate any association 
with a war theme, 20th has now 
changed its forthcoming "Apart- 
ment for Jenny" to "Apartment 
for Susie." This was apparently 
done to preclude the possibility 
of any mixup with David O. 
Selznick's forthcoming "Portrait 
of Jenny." 

What's going to . happen, 
though ,if "Susie" is released at 
the same time as RKO's "If You 
Knew Susie" (Eddie Cantor bio- 
pic) hasn't yet been made 
known. * 



Newsmen Shout Down 
Morrie Ryskind At 
McNutt's Press Parley 

Washington, Oct. 21. 
At a press conference, following 
the windup of today's (Tuesday) 
hearings of the House un-American 
Activities Committee, Paul V. 
McNutt, special counsel for the film 
industry, repeated his challenge to 
the committee to list the films they 
consider to be subversive. McNutt 
said: "The most damaging,; testimony 
I heard today was that pictures were 
only 98% pure." 

While McNutt spoke, screenwriter 
Morrie Ryskind interrupted him to 
defend the committee's actions. Be- 
fore getting very far, however, 
Ryskind was howled down by the 
group of 50 reporters who told him 
it was a press conference not a de- 
bating forum. 

McNutt said that aiyiough the 
committee had declined to furnish 
the producers of allegedly Com- 
munistic pictures, the list was to be 
given in executive session. (He was 
referring to fact that film critic- 
screenwriter Jack Moffitt had re- 
fused to name the so-called Com- 
munist films at the open hearings 
since, he said, millions of dollars 
were at stakejin those productions. 
However, Moffitt indicated willing- 
ness to name the films in executive 
session.) 

"We will be given no chance to de- 
fend these pictures," McNutt said. 
"But they need no defense. The 
American .public through the years 
has shown itself a pretty good judge 
,of pictures." McNutt declared that 
motion picture producers exercise 
the right to decide what films should 
be made and they stand upon them. 
' Replying to suggestion of Con- 
gressman Vail of Illinois that the 
Motion Picture Assn. should black- 
list Commies out of business, McNutt 
said such a blacklist "would be con- 
spiracy without warrant of law." He 
said employment policies must be 
left up to each individual employer. 

McNutt observed that thus far the 
committee hearing "had brought out 
that management of the companies Is 
anti-Communist" and that there has 
been "no Government pressure to 
make pictures." 

FOUR BIG-BUDGETERS 
GET GUN AT UNIVERSAL 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Four high-budget pictures will get 
the gun at Universal in the next 
three weeks, making a total of eight 
in production on the lot. 

Starters are "Another Part of the 
Forest," "Are You With It?," "Mr. 
Peabody and the Mermaid" and 
"Kiss the Blood Oft* My Hands." 
Currently in work are "Casbah," 
"Up in Central Park," "Letter from 
an Unknown Woman" and ' All My 
Sons." 



Feiner's Metro Post 

Ben Feiner, former television pro- 
gram manager of CBS, has gone to 
the Coast as an assistant producer 
at Metro. He's working with Arthur 
Freed, on musical productions. 

Before joining CBS, Feiner was 
owner of a radio station in Kingston, 
N. Y. 



Wed.'s Witnesses 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

Witnesses scheduled to be 
heard at tomorrow's (Wednes- 
day) sessions of the Hollywood 
probe include Morrie Ryskind, 
Oliver Carlson, Howard Rush- 
more, Richard McCauley. Fred 
Niulo. Jr., Ayn Rand. James K. 
McGuinness and Robert Taylor. 

This group represents the fac- 
tion generally regarded as sym- t 
pathetic to aims of the House* 
un-American Activities Commit- 
tee. 



head of the literary department of 
the William Morris agency on the 
Coast, "and other persons of leftwing 
tendencies," had tried to persuade a 
Navy test pilot to reveal restricted 
information in the form of a film 
script. According to Moffitt, Slick 
Goodlin, test pilot for a supersonic 
military plant, was told by Weber 
upon a visit to Hollywood that he 
"must have a wonderful story to 
tell." » 

Goodlin said yes but stated, ac- 
cording to Moffitt, that he'd have to 
check with the military before dis- 
closing it. However, Moffitt said, a 
draft of the story with restricted 
information was put into the hands 
of Weber. Moffitt charged that 
Weber was sent to Hollywood by 
Communist Party headquarters in 
New York. Goodlin, Moffitt revealed, 
has since been discharged from his 
job and the ease is now under in- 
vestigation. 

Charges Story Analysts > 
Rig Non-Pal Joey Scripts 

Moffitt opened his afternoon tes- 
timony with an attack against the 
Story Analysts Guild, explaining 
that this group read material sub- 
mitted to studios for sale. He 
charged that the analysts gave poor 
reports on stories not submitted by 
their commie "friends. Asked by 
Stripling to name the communists 
in the Analysts Guild, Moffitt tagged 
Frances . Wellington, Paramount's 
chief analyst and Guild head; her 
assistant, Simone Maise, and Bernie 
Gordon, another Par analyst. He 
named Dave Robinson, in the U. S. 
Pictures unit at the Warner Bros, 
studio, and his wife, Naomi, who he 
said was the Communist Party 
treasurer in Hollywood. At Enter- 
prise, Moffitt named Michael Uris 
and at Metro, Jesse Byrne and 
Loren Parker, the latter having 
been recently discharged . 

Kata Ousted, Crum Stays 
At this point, Charles J. Katz, a 
lawyer claiming to represent some 
of the 19 alleged communists sub- 
poenaed to testify next week, got up 
from his front row seat and called 
out; 'Mr. Chairman, I represent a 
number of persons . . ." Committee 
chairman J. Parnell Thomas (R., 
N. J.) rapped his gavel, ordered 
Katz to sit down, and when he 
didn't, Katz was dragged out of the 
committee room on the arms of a 
couple of policemen. 

A little hiter, J. Bartley Crum, San 
Francisco lawyer, also arose to ask 
the right to speak. Amidst a scurry 
of photographers and cops to Crum's 
seat, Thomas ordered him to shut up, 
bat permitted him to stay. 

Asked to name "Communistic 
screen writers," Moffitt fingered 
Albert Maltz, Robert Rosson, Dalton 
Trumbo, Gordon Kahn, Ring Lard- 
ner, Jr., Richard J. Collins, Harold 
Buchman, Lester Cole, Henry Myers, 
William Palmer, Harry Rapf, Jr., 
John Wexley and Harold J. Salem- 
son, an organizer for the Screen 
Writers Guild. 

Moffitt said that the Communists 
employed "the drop of water" tech 
nique in injecting Communist propa 
gaiida on the screen and gradually 
conditioning American minds along 
Communist lines." However, he said, 
the "film producers were 98% sue 
oesaful" in eliminating any red taint 
from their films. 

Alleged Technique 

Utilized in Angling 

Among the Communist devices 
outlined by Moffitt were campaigns 
against religion in films by depicting 
clergymen as tools or rich parishion- 
ers and "reactionary" old women: 
depicting bankers as unsympathetic 
to giving loan's to ex-GI's and making 
all returned veterans bitter. Moflitt 
defended Frank Capra's "It's a 
Wonderful Life" against being un- 
fairly accused of carrying Com- 
munist propaganda. He also launched 
into a critical analysis of "The 
Gentleman from Athens" by Emmett 
Lavery, prez of the Screen Writers. 
Guild, who, according to Moffitt. 
stocked his play with standard Com- 
munist propaganda devices. 

Moffitt declared that the SWG 
was dominated by the Communist 
Party and that its magazine, the 
Screen Writer, was "filled with Com- 
munist propaganda." At SWG mem- 
bership meetings, Moflitt said. anti- 
Communists are always howled 
down when they try to speak. 

In his testimony, Hughes bitterly 
attacked Communists whom lie de- 
clared were too cowardly to reveal 
themselves. He referred to the 19 
so-called leftists by saying: "These 
19 gentlemen have labelled them- 



selves as Communists but I don't 
think anyone of them is." Hughes 
said he could make them out by 
their smell. 

Novelist said that producers were 
prevented from producing anti- 
Communist pictures by threats of 
vandalism in theatres. In support 
of this, he said that in 1935, he was 
commissioned to turn out a satire on 
the Communist Party for which lie 
was paid $15,000 for a 6,000-woid 
plot. Hal Wallis, then Warner Bros 
production topper, told the WB 
freres, according to Hughes, that 
they would be insane to try to at. 
tack the Communists because party 
members "would put stink pots in 
the theatres." 

Hughes also said that Carveth 
Wells, British author, had sold a 
story of life in Russia to Sol Lesser. 
However, Hughes said, "the wife of 
Hollywood's leading Communist" 
told Lesser, "If you show that pic- 
ture we will cut up the upholstery 
in every theatre where it plays." 
Hughes declared, "I have personally 
known people who would not make 
anti-Communist pictures, because 
they would be afraid to show them." 
Thomas Orders CCLA Whitewash 

Hughes 6aid producers were lax 
in< cleaning Communists out of 
Hollywood and, instead, paid them 
salaries ranging from $2,000 to 
$6,000 a week. He referred to the 
University of California in Los 
Angeles as a "Communist-domina- 
ted institution," but Thomas ordered 
the remarks stricken from the 
record since Hughes could not 
prove it. This was the first time 
that charges were ordered stricken 
in this probe on the grounds of Jack 
of factual evidence. When he left 
the stand, Hughes received a round 
of applause from the audience. 

Menjou Stars on Stand; 
'Fortunately They Stank' 

Menjou was by far the most 
colorful witness of the day. His 
testimony in the Tuesday a.m. 
session turned into a love-fest be- 
tween Menjou and the Committee, 
who flung compliments at each 
other. Following the trend estab- 
lished by yesterday's witness, the 
actor painted a picture of a "Com- 
munist infiltration into Hollywood. 
He completely exonerated produc- 
ers of any red tinge and kudoed 
their efforts to combat communism. 

However, he cited "Mission to 
Moscow" and "North Star" as pic- 
tures that should never have been 
made, calling the former "dis- 
honest." - "Fortunately, both pictures 
were unsuccessful. They stank;" lie 
said. He observed, however, that 
producers should be held respon- 
sible for what appears in their pic- 
tures. 

Menjou refused to name any ac- 
tors who are commies, but implied 
there were some. "I know an awful 
lot of people who look an awful 
lot like Communists," he said, add- 
ing that an actor could easily inject 
a Communistic idea into a picture 
by a gesture, a look, etc. 

He was the first witness to say 
that the writers thus far named as 
leftists or Communists are among 
the ablest in the business and have 
written some of the best pictures 
made without any Communist tinge. 
He contradicted himself several 
times by stating over and over that 
alleged Communists in the business 
should not be deprived of their right 
to work, but should be brought out 
into the open and carefully watched. 
On the other hand, he told the Com- 
mittee that he approved of legisla- 
tion to outlaw communism. 

Herbert Sorrell, head of the Con- 
ference of Studio Unions, came in 
for special attention. Discussing the 
Hollywood strike, Menjou called it 
disastrous. He stated that lie be- 
lieved Sorrell to be a member of the 
Communist party under the name of 
Herbert K. Stewart, and entered into 
the Committee's record a photostatic 
copy of Sorrell's alleged communist 
card, along with the sworn testimony 
of handwriting experts that it Was 
signed by Sorrell. He stated that if 
the Hollywood strike had been set- 
tled on Sorrell's terms, "there would 
have been more chaos, every union 
would have been under the dom- 
ination of the Communist party." He 
accused Sorrell of doing everything 
possible to embarrass the producers. 
This was the first time the Holly- 
wood strikes have come up. 

The Committee as in the opening 
day's session on Monday, showed 
especial interest in Donald Ogden 
Stewart, John Howard Lawson and 
Dalton Trumbo, who were yester- 
day branded as Communists by Sam 
(Continued on page 24) 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



PICTURES 



STALL $16,000,000 ANGLO PAYOFF 



Film Salesmen Feeling the Axe; 
Top Execs Set Top Product Deals 



The film salesman has become the*- 
chief interest of personnel cuts in 
distribution departments as result of 
surveys now completed by almost 
all major companies. These checkups 
on the sources of rentals, it's claimed, 
disclose that the rank-and-file pix 
peddlers turn in only 17% of a 
major's total take. Further break- 
downs in the surveys, which have 
definitely decided distrib biggies to 
meet economy ukases from the front 
offices via salesmen firings, pur- 
portedly show that the salesmen's 
payroll almost meet revenues turned 
in by them. 

Average cuts already taken or in 
the wind are from 20 to 40 salesmen' 
per company. That's figured to save 
$150,000-$300,000 yearly in paychecks 
for each company taking action. 
Computation of savings are made on 
the basis of overall payments of 
$100 weekly for each film peddler 
plus $50 weekly for traveling ex- 
penses. 

The axe isn't swinging on bookers 
or backroom exchange employers — 
hence, the salesmen are the chief 
victims of the economy wave. With 
picture-by-picture bookings, there's 
been a sharp rise in necessary paper 
work and the bookers are needed 
more than ever. Trend, however, has 
been away from selling through the 
rank-and-filers. All important cir- 
cuit, and many indie deals, are now 
being put through by exchange, dis- 
trict and division heads to the exclu- 
sion of the lowest echelon. 

Imminent slashing of distrib staf- 
(Continued on page 22) 



T0A Invites Film Co. 
Prexies to Resolve 
Upped Admish Poser 

.Prexies of the eight majors will be 
asked to meet with a -special com- 
mittee of the Theatre Owners of 
America to iron the advanced admis- 
sion poser which is currently mud- 
dying exhib-distrib relations. He- 
quest goes to company heads rather 
than sales chiefs because TOA big- 
gies feel that a question of overall 
policy is up for scrutiny with studio 
costs also involved. Hence, ultimate 
decision will devolve anyway on the 
top-drawer execs. 

Confab with the prexies will be 
sought before TOA's first board 
meet in Chicago Nov. 7-8. At that 
time, the special committee, headed 
by Si Fabian, will report on prelim- 
findings plus reaction of the majors 
to a plea for control the number of 
pix slated for upped scales. 

Other members of the newly- 
named committee are Lewen Pizor 
(Philadelphia); H. F. Kincey (N. C.) 
and Max Yellen (Buffalo). This 
group, besides huddling with the 
majors, will check available data on 
the effects of the present rash of 
roadshow films. Main point of in- 
quiry is whether exhibs garner more 
coin on advanced admissions, and 
what effect it has on patronage 
thereafter. 

Ted Gamble, TOA prexy, is stress- 
ing open-minded survey. "TOA will 
approach no industry problems on 
the basis that there is but one side 
to a question. We hope that any 
matter resolved will be on a basis of 
equity for all industry branches 
affected." 



Author Complains On 
Par's Nix of Negro Part 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Roy Chanslor wired Paramount 
production chief Henry Ginsberg 
complaining of elimination of a Ne- 
gro character from filmization of his 
novel. "Hazard." Chanslor squawked 
that the character isn't controversial, 
that in his viewpoint Par eliminated 
Part so as not to run afoul of Mem- 
Phis censor prejudices. 

Studio says the Negro character 
was deleted from the script since 
he was minor character, playing a 
servant role. Studio adds that Ne- 
groes have for years complained 
that the screen always shows the Ne- 
gro as a servant, .so rather than of- 
fend anybody, character was left en- 
tirely out 



Mrs. Mark Ostrer Sails 
Prematurely : 'Homesick' 

Mrs. Mark Ostrer, wife of the 
Gaumont-British managing director, 
prematurely returned to Britain last 
week aboard the Queen Elizabeth. 
Here for three weeks on her first 
visit she explained she was "home- 
sick" for her three teen-age chil- 
dren. 

Her husband, who is due to visit 
the Coast shortly, is scheduled to 
return to England Nov. 26. Mrs. 
Ostrer originally planned to stay un- 
til that time. 



25% in Returns 
On Mail Order 
Sales of 'Duel' 

Results of efforts to sell "Duel 
in the Sun" by mail order were 
termed "satisfactory" this week by 
Milt Kusell, general salesmanager 
for Seiznick Releasing Organization. 
Kusell said he got a return of about 
25% on the 5,000 letters offering the 
film to smalltown exhibs. 

SRO experiment is first time at- 
tempt has ever been made to sell an 
upped-admission picture by mail. 
A number of companies recently, in 
an effort to compensate for sales- 
men laid off for economy reasons, 
have been resorting to the RFD 
method on regular price pictures. 

Kusell is following up his initial 
mailing with another letter to ex- 
hibs who didn't put their moniker 
on the dotted line of the enclosed 
contract. After the second try with- 
out results a salesman will be dis- 
patched. The major defect of the 
dependence on the postoffice depart- 
ment appears .to be the exhibs' 
tendency to lay a letter aside and 
forget about it if they don't have 
a playdate immediately available. 

SRO preems reissue of "Inter- 
mezzo" at test engagements Oct. 28 
and 29 in Loew's theatres in Harris- 
burg and Reading, Pa., respectively. 
Special auxiliary salesforce to handle 
the film is now being hired. 

SRO release plans now call for 
"Paradine Case" to debut in Los 
Angeles and about half-a-dozen other 
keys in mid-December. "Portrait of 
Jenny" will open around Easter, 
"Mr. Blandings' Dream House" next 
summer and the first Mark Hellinger 
film for SRO in early fall. "Duel" 
will go out on regular release during 
the spring. 



Rodgers Denies M-G 
Aims to Cut Sales Staff 
In Wholesale Manner 

Metro sales veepee William F. 
Rodgers last week discounted recur- 
rent rumors that his company had 
fired, or was planning to fire, a raft 
of field sales personnel. At the same 
time, he denied reports that Metro 
planned to effect some drastic 
changes in its current sales policies. 

Rodgers admitted thSt 'some field 
salesmen had been given the gate 
but declared the number was so 
small "there was no need to keep a 
tabulation of them." Whatever men 
have been fired were let go as part 
of the company's overall plan of 
streamlining activity in light of the 
current situation. Fact that it's 
necessary to sell pictures singly now 
had much more to do with it than 
any inroads made in company 
grosses by the British ad valorem 
tax, he declared. 

Rodgers pointed out that Metro 
had added 25 salesmen to its staff 
when the consent decree went 
through in 1940. Company has been 
operating with practically the same 
number since that time, despite the 
fact that it's been releasing only half 
the number of pictures yearly that it 
did in 194(1. Mpny of the salesmen, 
(Continued on page 27) , 



MAJORS FEEL IT'S 
TOO BIG A LOAD 

Guarantee to Britain of $16,000,000 
in U. S. film rentals yearly, a key 
point in the Sir Alexander King 
plan for compromising the present 
75% British tax, is proving the prin- 
cipal stumbling block to acceptance 
of the plan by top industry brass. 
Major company execs can't quite 
figure by what method the in- 
dustry could make up the difference 
—or guarantee to make it up— if 
British pix failed to earn the $16,- 
000,000. 

A second defect in the plan is that 
the independent producers will not 
accept it. That is seemingly becom- 
ing of secondary importance, how- 
ever, since it appears to be impos- 
sible to find a compromise solution 
that majors and indies will agree on. 
They're as far apart as ever in their 
efforts to form a common front for 
presentation to the British. 

Another try at a meeting of the 
minds is scheduled to take place this 
week between MPA toppers and 
reps of the Society of Independent 
Motion Picture Producers. Donald 
Nelson, SIMPP prexy, and the or- 
ganization's eastern tax committee, 
chairmanned by James Mulvey, prez 
of Samuel Goldwyn Productions, 
will huddle with the major company 
toppers. 

Plan presented recently by Sir 
Alexander King, British circuit op- 
erator, who is now in this country, 
calls for: 1. Investment in England 
of one-third of , the earnings of 
American companies; 2. Remittance 
to U. S. of one-tbird, and 3. Balanc- 
ing off of the final third against earn- 
ings of British films in the U. S. 
King figured on the basis of $48,000,- 
000 in U. S. earnings in Britain, 
(Continued on page 26) 



Exhib Deplores 
Salesmen Firings 

Greenfield, Mass. 

Editor, Variety: 

I have been a reader of your 
paper for years, and, can honestly 
say that in the Tiundreds of articles 
that I have read, none has left me 
with the feeling of disgust that I 
experienced when I read where the 
film companies contemplated "econo- 
mizing" by discarding salesmen and 
selling film on a mail order basis. 
Aside from my firm belief that the 
latter method would prove imprac- 
tical in a very short time, I feel 
that this is poor letribution for the 
hundred of the "good will ambassa- 
dors" who have been "beating their 
brains out" for so many years to do 
a good job. In my humble opinion, 
the salesman has been, is, and al- 
ways will be the only contact that 
hundreds of hinterland exhibitors 
throughout the country have with 
the film companies. How the "al- 
leged fact-finders" hay.e come up 
with remarkable conclusion that the 
small town exhibitors were turning 
a surprisingly low fraction of total 
revenues, should make interesting 
reading; and the fact that they send 
(Continued on page 26) 



Catholic Youths Picket 
Chaplin Pic, Dent JC B.0. 

Jersey City, Oct. 21. 
Group of uniformed war vets 
picketing Charles Chaplin's "Mon- 
sieur Verdoux" at Loew's Jersey 
City here have taken a terrific nick 
out of the house's gross. Pickets, 
who've been parading around the 
theatre since the picture opened 
last Wednesday (15), have kept 
their affiliation a secret, although 
a Loew's spokesman declared they 
represent a Catholic youth organi- 
zation. 

Vets wear uniforms of all ranks 
from major to private, with a full 
array of battle ribbons. Placards 
proclaim "Chaplin is a Communist" 
and "Chaplin refused to entertain 
American servicemen overseas." 
Pickets march in groups of from four 
to 20 at a time. 



UA Execs Have Trouble Lining Up 
$5,000,000 to Buy Those 4 RKO Pix 



Sherman Seen Agreeing 
To UA Tilt on Distrib 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Harry "Pop" Sherman is near a 
deal with United Artists for release 
of "They Passed This Way," final 
title for "New Mexico." Pic was 
shot under Enterprise banner. 

After "Ramrod," Sherman was re- 
ported looking for another deal due 
to UA 2%% boost from 25% dis- 
tribution charge. Understood he's 
now agreed to increase rate. 



King's Speech To 
MP's Augurs Hiked 
Quotas Vs. Yanks 

London, Oct. 21. 

Another blow to American pix is 
believed in the works as a conse- 
quence of new legislation being 
readied by the Labor government 
for presentation to Parliament. That 
became evident today (Tuesday) 
when King George VI advised the 
house in the course of his speech 
opening Parliament, that a new bill 
would be introduced revamping the 
present system governing the pro- 
portion of British films used in this 
country's flickeries. 

The better break for Anglo pix 
which the legislation seeks can only 
mean a swing at Yank films since 
the latter are now the main com- 
petitors of homemade product. Com- 
prehensive revision of quota laws 
will be pushed through, the King 
said. What's more, the government 
plans to take steps to attain maxi- 
mum production in every British 
studio. 

There are two quotas — one regu- 
lating distribs, the other exhibs. 
British have already announced that 
they'll drop the quota on distribs 
when current regulations expire 
next year. Both strictures were con- 
siderably relaxed during the war 
when there was a shortage of Brit- 
ish pix. New bill being drafted will 
probably drastically increase the 
ratio of British films which native 
of strong rumors of the possibility 
of a freeze on money earned by 
American films already in the coun- 
try and may result in a hurried trip 
here by Eric Johnston, Motion Pic- 
theatre men will be required to 
play in their houses. 

Meanwhile, there's been a revival 
(Continued on page 24) 



4 While United Artists execs express 
complete optimism concerning their 
ability to line up coin needed to 
close the current deal to buy four 
films from RKO, the financing has 
not yet been obtained, it has been 
learned. Banks are absolutely nix- 
ing any possibility of making a loan 
on the basis of 100% of the cost of 
the films to UA — approximately 
$5,000,000. 

Grad Sears, UA prez, and Arthur 
W. Kelly, exec v. p., are understood 
endeavoring to work out several 
plans to overcome the financial im- 
passe. Banks are perfectly willing 
to loan part of the coin— In line with 
their usual policy on production 
loans— so UA's problem is to figure 
what to do about the balance. 

First, Sears and Kelly are endeav- 
oring to work out the largest possi- 
ble bank loan, to make the balance 
they have to obtain as small as pos- 
sible. They have been dealing with 
the Irving Trust Co., N. Y. 

There are several possibilities for 
the additional coin. One is to get 
venture capital from private sources, 
such as is ordinarily obtained, by 
indie producers as "second money" 
for their production. The other pos- 
sibility is to get RKO to accept less 
than 100% on 'the barrel-head, with 
the balance to be paid out of Income 
on the pix, * 
Since one of the reasons RKO if 
(Continued on page 26) 



Cleveland Rejects 
Faster Clearances 
Because of Upped % 

Cleveland, Oct. 21. 
Plan by Warner Bros., 20th-Fox 
and Universal to slice second-run 
clearances here by 28 days and es- 
tablish a new day-and-date system 
for the chief subsequent runs- has 
been dumped as a result of refusal 
by exhibs involved to meet upped 
rentals on 20th's "Mother Wore 
Tights," pic intended to initiate the 
scheme. Exhibs are bridling at a 
demand of 40% rental for second- 
run booking on "Mother" and, while 
there's still some chance of a com- 
promise, neither side is backing 
down. 

Seven theatres which would have 
their clearance slashed to 21 days 
from a current 49 days behind the 
deluxers are being fronted in ne- 
gotiations by Meyer Fine, head of a 
booking combine. He's maintaining 
that a hoist to 40% from previous 
prices for pix is too stiff a ticket to 
meet in return for faster playoffs. 
First-run houses, though not too 
happy over the proposed move, 
aren't putting up a fight. 

Both WB and U are apparently 
willing to sell their top offerings at 
35%. Warners has several houses in 
the suburbs which would profit by 
shorter clearances. 



Sir Alex King Urges Pix 
Biz Send Varsity, Not 
2d Team, Into Tax Fray 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

What Hollywood needs in its drive 
against thje 75% British film tax is a 
backfield consisting of Spyros 
Skouras, Barney Balaban, Jack War- 
ner and Nicholas M. Schenck, to run, 
pass and block for Eric Johnston. 
That is the opinion, expressed in a 
roundabout way, by Sir Alexander 
King, Scottish exhib, who arrived 
here with Mark Ostrer, Gaumont- 
British executive, for a 10-day slant 
at Hollywood. Urging the American 
film industry to send a team of 
heavyweights to grapple directly 
with Sir Stafford Cripps, King said: 
"There's no sense in sending a boy 
to do a man's work." 

While not discounting the prowess 
of Johnston, who has long since 
graduated from the Junior Chamber 
of Commerce division, Sir Alexander 
pointed out that the negotiations 
could be carried out more effectively 
by Americans who would have the 
final say. 

Proposals, formulated by King and 
Ostrer, call for a guarantee of $12,- 
000,000 annually for British pictures 
in this country; investment in Eng- 
land of one-third of the total of 
American picture revenues from 
Britain, in film production or other- 
wise, and remittance of the balance 
to the U. S. They . explained that 
this program would leave 66% of 
American film profits in England in- 
stead of the 75% required by the tax. 

As far as British exhibitors are 
concerned, Ostrer declared, England 
has enough films available, includ- 
ing reissues, to keep the theatres 
running for at least nine months and 
possibly a year. 

Ambassador L. W. Douglas 
Aware of 75% Tax Parleys 

British 75% tax on American film 
earnings is under discussion by the 
U. S. Treasury and State Depart- 
ments, U. S. ambassador to Britain 
Lewis W. Douglas declared Friday 
'17) prior to sailing for England 
aboard the Queen Elizabeth. He de- 
clined to amplify the nature of the 
discussions or predict the outcome 
of the situation. 

Sir Sidney Clift, British exhib, 
also sailing after a six-week stay, 
discounted the forthcoming tax con- 
sultations of Cinematograph Ex- 
hibitors Assn. toppers W. R. Fuller 
and B. T. Davis. They are due in 
America this week from London to 
huddle- in Washington with Motion 
Picture Assn. prexy Eric Johnston. 
Clift felt that further talk is use- 
less. 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Justice Dept Still Dubious On 

That Golden State Buyout Deal 



Washington. Oct. 21. 4 
Dept. of Justice scrutiny of the 
source of coin with which Mike 
Naify is attempting to buy out his 
partners in Golden State Theatres 
lias caused consummation of the 
deal to be pushed off until Oct. 29. 
Naify holds an option, which ex- 
pired a week ago, to buy controlling 
interest in the 116-house circuit for 
aporoximately $12,600,000. 

Anti-trusters are probing the 
charge of Julian Levi, counsel for 
Robert L. Lippert and Milton Rey- 
nolds, that the $2,100,000 in option 
money 



Dozen Top-Budgeters 
Slated for RKO Release 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Even dozen top-budgeters, one of 
most ambitious group- of pix ever 
distributed by RKO, goes into ^re- 
lease between now and New Year's. 

Three are already in pre-release, 
"Fun and Fancy Free," "Walter 
Mitty" and "Magic Towri." Others 



slated to go are "So Well Remem- 
was advanced to Naify by I bered," British made pic co-pro- 



Joseph M. Schenck and George duced with J. Arthur Rank; Ar 



Skouras, pr.ez and v.p., respectively, 
of the United Artists Theatre Cir- 
cuit. It's claimed that UATC will 



gosy's "Fugitive," Eddie Cantor's "If 
You Knew Susie," "Fighting Father 
Dunne," "Night- Song," "Design 



Wife.' 



keep its Golden State stock only : tor Beath," "Tycoon," "I Remember 
temporarily and then transfer it to i Mama" and Goldwyn's "The Bishop's 
one of its'subsids, Skouras Theatres,' 
Inc., thus giving the Skouras 
brothers control. Since Skourases 
are closely associated with 20th 
Century's Fox-West Coast Theatres, 
of which Golden State is chief com- 
petitor, Levi claims the sale would 
violate the anti-trust consent decree. 

Questioned option gives Naify the 
right to buy out his two pards, Eu- 
gene Emmick and Robert McNeil. 
Three of them together own 67% 
of United California Theatres, oper 



Report lightman 
Settling for 200G 



Memphis, OcfT21. 
An out-of-court settlement is 
. shsping up in the $3,000,000 damage 
ating company for Golden State. • su it filed here in Federal court a 
Lippert, a competing chain operator, j year agQ against M. A. Lightman 
and Reynolds, Chicago ball point ! an£ } his associates of the Malco cir- 



pen millionaire, have been attempt- 
ing to buy the circuit themselves. 



cult and. eight major film distribu- 
tors by six local independent opera- 
tors. While no one in position to 
comment would do so officially, 
Variety learned that a tentative 
agreement has been reached calling 
for the Lightman group and the dis- 
tribs to pay $200,000 in cash, plus 



Naify Denies Having Partners 

San Francisco, Oct. 21. 
Mike Naify issued a statement here 
las* Wednesday (15), denying that 
Joseph Schenck and George Skouras 

were linked with him in the pur- ; court costs, and for establjshment of 
chase of the Golden State chain. 1 a new zoning clearance setup in 
Naify's denial only , led to a flock ' Memphis that suits all the complain- 
of further rumors and speculations 1 j n g showmen. 

as to the source of his $2,000,000 in I Lawyers for all hands are busily 
option money and more than $12,- engaged, in trying to work out de- 
000,000 for final purchase of the J tails of the distribution settlement, 
circuit. While Naify has been a sue- but this is expected to take some 
cessful theatre operator over many ; time in view of all the angles in- 



years, it is locally deemed "certain' 
that he is not in position to put 
up that quantity of coin on his own. 



ARGUE PHILLY APPEAL 
TO K.O. GOLDMAN AWARD 

Philadelphia, Oct. 21 



volved. 

The suit charging conspiracy to 
monopolize and restrain trade in 
violation of the Sherman and Clay- 
ton acts was filed Aug. 25, 1946, by 
Chalmers Cullins, Nate Evans and 
Ed Cullins. of the Idlewild theatre; 
Kemmons Wilson and wife and L. A. 
Weaver, Airways theatre, Augustine, 
and Agnes M. Cianciola, Luciann 



Argument was heard today ■ ^^l*™* W «t th f Hollywood; 
(Tuesday) before the three-judge, f- Gillette, the Bristol; and Mrs. 
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on 1 Cianciola, of the Rosemary, 

the majors' attempt to upset the ' Defendsnts are Lightman, his 
$375,000 triple-damage crusher brother-in-law, Ed Sapinsley, and 



Prov. Bans 'Amber' 

Providence, Oct. 21. 

"Forever Amber" wai banned 
h«re today (Tues.) by order of Capt. 
George W. Cowan, police chief and 
city censor. He informed 20th-F6x 
that he will not give the film a go- 
ahead until he had seen it. It's 
scheduled to op«n at the local Ma- 
jestic Thursday (23), 

Film company is protesting the 
ban as "unfair and unjust." Pic has 
not yet been banned in any other 
city. [Memphis censor passed it 
with a couple minor cuts.] 

Matty Fox & Co. Appear 
To Have a Winner in New 
Yitavision Photography 

Smash opening at Macy's depart- 
ment store two weeks back of Vita- 
vision's sales campagin on three- 
dimensional photographs has all the 
earmarks of a financial killing for 
a group of Universale execs. In on 
the ground floor are Matty Fox, U's 
exec veepee who promoted com- 
pany's formation, A. J. O'Keefe, Ed 
Gomersall, William Heineman and 
Fred Meyers, all of whom have a 
piece of the company. 

Sparked by plenty of cuffo bally 
and full-page ads inserted in the 
dailies by Macy's, Vitavision netted a 
clear $6,500 in its first week at the 
store. That's just a scratch start, the 
angels aver, since Macy's has only a 
limited franchise and deals are be- 
ing made on a Country-wide basis. 

Here's how the deal is being 
worked with Macy's and others. Spe- 
cial cameras are rented at $7,500 
yearly. They cost the outfit $1,000 
to manufacture. At the same time, 
special screens and paper are turned 
over to the licensee Avhich must be 
used with each photo. They net 
Vitavision about $2.50 for every 
click of the cameras. 

With the public falling hard, 
Macy's is now booked for capacity 
sitting through December. Fox is 
currently dickering with a number 
of chain photo shops for similar 
deals. He expects to go into every 
town of 10,000 population or more to 
rent cameras and license their use. 
Conservative estimates of the angels 
figure the company should be good 
for $1,000,000 annually without much 
straining. 

There's no danger of competition 
because all patent holders of three- 
dimensionals have pooled their prop- 
erties and assigned them to Vita- 
vision in return for a chunk of 
stock. It's figured that if films go 
from two to three dimensions, it'll 
have to be through Vitavision be- 
cause of its hold on workable 
patents. 



ASCAP 'Greediness,' Producers As 
'Gougers Cited at Detroit Allied Meets 



Joe Bernhard Signing 
More Indies for FC 

Joseph Bernhard, prez of Film 
Classics, planed to the Coast Monday. 
(20) for a week, of huddles with 
prospective FC producers. Bernhard 
Has had deals cooking with a number 
of indies and is now aiming to ciose 
as many of them as possible at once, 
since FC was purchased by Cinecolor 
last week and handed added financial 
resources and color commitments. 

Bernhard will also confab with 
Robert Presnell, Sr., and John Rein- 
hardt, whose unit is making "For 
You I Die" for FC release. 



awarded William Goldman, w.k. 
Philly exhib. After a full-day's 
hearings, .continuation of argu- 
ment was put off until Thursday 
(23). 

Former Judge Joseph M. Pros- 
fcauer, attorney for the distribs, at- 
tacked the anti-trust award, based 
on claimed losses by Goldman in 
operating his Erlanger theatre, who 
labelled the damages granted by 
Judge William H. Kirkpatrick as 
"speculation • and guess work.'' 
Proskauer, in effect, asserted that 
the figures were picked out of thin 
air. 

William A. Gray,' plaintiff's at- 
torney, countered with figures which 
he maintained supported the size- 
able judgment. Court gave no in- 
dication as to how it would rule 
on the appeal. 

Goldman has another $8,400,000 
treble-damager now pending against 
the majors for the years 1942-'47. 
No move will be taken on that 
action . until this appeal is decided. 
Present action covers most of 1940 
and '41. 

Meanwhile, Erlanger which pur- 
portedly was closed by Goldman 
because of monopoly tactics will 
open next week with "The Outlaw' 
as its first offering. 



general manager Herb Kohn; his 
former partners Paul and Phil 
Zerilla and Joe Maceri; M. A. Mac- 
Cord, Malco secretary - treasurer; 
Malco theatres, the old L & L Thea- 
tres group and the Capitol Realty 
Corp.; also Paramount, Warners, 
Universal, United Artists, 20th-Fox, 
RKO, Loew's and Columbia. 



CASTING COUCH PITCH 
ALMOST SNARES PHONEY. 

Paramount's eastern talent staff, a 
couple detectives and a pair of 
cynical femmes who refused to fall 
for the "you - oughta - be - in - the- 
movies, baby" routine formed a posse 
in the lobby of the Radio City Mu- 
sic Hall, N. Y., Monday (20) on a 
hunt for a phoney talent scout who 
claimed he repped Paramount. He 
failed to show U P or got suspicious 
and ducked. 

One of the gals, a tall blonde 
looker, said the guy, who gave the 



'Electra/ as With Legit, 
To Have Intermission 

Patterning its showing after the 
manner in which the legit show 
was handled, "Mourning Becomes 
Electra" will preem in N. Y. on a 
roadshow basis and under Theatre 
Guild sponsorship the latter part 
of November with $2.40 top and 
afternoon minimum of $1.60. RKO 
is planning to present the screen 
version of this legit show so as to 
give a 10 to 15-minute intermission 
after two hours of "Electra" on the 
screen. This would leave 52 minutes 
of the production in the second 
half. RKO is lining up a show- 
window in which to open it, with 
a former legit house likely to be 
picked. 

When the legit show, "Electra" 
was presented in N. Y., it started 
around 5 p.m., with intermission for 
dinner, and then resuming at about 
8 p.m. Marathoning of picture after 
this first legiter to be treated in 
uch manner will be only on a 



By BEN BODEC 

Detroit, Oct. 21. 
Twin gatherings of the Allied 
States Assn. board and the Michigan 
unit here last week had all the 
earmarks of the traditional calm be- 
fore a storm. The air was quiet but 
the attitude toward the two main 
whipping boys of the concurrent 
meetings— ASCAP and the producers 
who seek advance admission scales 
for some of their pictures — betoken- 
ed a* tough and grim fight with no 
holds barred. It was agreed all 
around to carry these issues to the 
courts, the Congress and the public. 

While the national directors were 
concocting policy in another hotel, 
the Michigan exhibs in convention at 
the Statler took broad swipes at 
ASCAP, with the term "greediness" 
the keynote, and assailed the pro- 
ducers as "gougers of the theatre- 
going public." The Michigan dele- 
gates not only adopted resolutions 
condemning the upped admission 
scale idea and ASCAP but agreed 
to run explanatory ads and trailers 
if a neighborhood exhibitor should 
run any of the advanced-price pic- 
tures. 

Action of the Michigan group fol- 
lowed talks by Jack Kirsch and 
Abram F. Myers, president and 
chairman-general counsel of Allied 
States, respectively, in which they 
announced that the national board 
had drawn up a plan of war against 
advanced admission scales and would 
also advise all Allied members to 
refuse to" sign ASCAP contracts 
based on increased rates until after 
the association's Milwaukee conven- 
tion (Dec. 1-3). The exhibs, how- 
ever, were told to accept the four- 
month extension of the old contracts 



Pic Divvies Top 
46 by 6^ Mil 

. Washington, Oct. 21. 
Film industry dividends for the 
first nine months of the. year are 
running $6,500,000 ahead of the same 
period in record-breaking 1946, ac- 
cording to figures released last Sun- 
day by the U. S. Department of 
Commerce. The melon for the pe- 
riod amounts to an all-time high of 
$37,962,000 contrasted with $31,432,- 
000 last year. 

Commerce Department also re- 
minds that the figures cover only 
publicly reported cash dividends, 
which amount to about 60% of all 
cash dividends paid. Thus the ac- 
tual dividend is probably well in 
excess of $50,000,000 for the first 
three quarters of this year. 

The divvy for stockholders in , 
September was a very handsome ° ffered bv ASCAP which expire 
$8,714,000, fattened up by the boost Jan ' 31 - 



in the Loew's and Paramount divi- 
dends. Last year, September saw 
$7,917,000 of dividends publicly re- 
ported. The third quarter of the 
year, however, dipped from the 
same period in 1946. It totaled only 
$13,776,000, contrasted with $14,224,- 
000 of a year earlier. Reason for 
this is that Stanley Co., which paid 
a very nice dividend in August, 
1946, issued none this past August. 



SELZNICK TALKS DEAL 
FOR RKO-PATHE LOT 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

David O. Selznick is talking a deal 
with RKO for the purchase of the 
RKO-Pathe lot in Culver City. Van- 
guard Films, producing organization 
for Selznick International needs 
more room, with Mark Hellinger and 
other producers moving in. 

Selznick recently announced his 
intention to buy land for a new 
studio but that deal fell through. 

BEHRMAFS 'CARNIVAL' 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Metro inked S. N. Behrman to 
screenplay "Carnival in Venice," ro- 
mantic comedy drama which Ar- 
thur Hornblow, Jr., will produce in 
Italy. 



Weltner's Globe Trot 

George Weltner, Paramount's vee- 
pee in charge of the foreign dept., 
is taking shots preparatory to shov- 



name "Doc" Harrington, had walked 

up to her in the RKO building and I modified scale, according to" present 

told her she i'oughta be in pictures." plans, with short breathing spell 

He said he was a Par scout and gave after 120, minutes of admittedly 

her the old routine about wanting heavy drama. In view of length of 

to make a screen test. He told her the legit show, RKO rates the cut 
to meet him in the lobby of the 



Music Hall at noon on Monday. 

Femme accepted all the bait but 
refused to swallow it. Instead, she 
called Paramount and Boris Kap- 
lan, chief Par scout, called the cops. 



ing off on a two-month overseas | Detectives arranged for the femme 
trek. He'll leave within the next ! and a friend of hers who "also 
couple of weeks for a swing through j wanted to get into the movies" to 



South America, Europe and , the 
Middle East. 

Trip is one of his regular semi- 
annual checkups on operations over- 
seas. 



keep the date. Plot fizzled, how- 
ever, when the little man failed to 
appear. 



"Vendetta" On Again 

Hollywood, Oct. 2f. 
Howard Hughes has resumed 
shooting "Vendetta" for the fifth 



Named UI Treasurer 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
George Douglas, writer and lec- ' time, 
turer on economic problems, was j Current week's shutdown is due to 
appointed to the new post of studio , illness of femme lead. Faith Dom- 
treasurer at Universal-International. | erque. Mel Ferrer now directing. 



ting job an intelligent one. It was 
trimmed under Dudley Nichols' 
supervision with Eugene O'Neill's 
approval. 

Guild Eyes 'Electra' 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Private showings of RKO's 
"Mourning Becomes Electra" have 
been made to Theatre Guild sub- 
scribers in this area with the idea of 
persuading the Guild to sponsor the 
picture, as it did "Henry V" last 
year. / 

Studio and Guild are discussing 
a plan to roadshow the film in key 
cities, starting in December to make 
it eligible for entry in the Oscar 
Derby next Mi.rch. Roadshowing 
would be followed by general re- 
lease late in 1948. 



N. Y. to L. A. 

Joseph Bernhard 
William Eythe 
Leverett S. Glcason 
Nunally Johnson 
Jules Levey 
James Mage 
Harry Pileer 
Victor Savilie 
Henry Sherek 
Robert Siodmak 
Georgie Wood 



N. Y. to Europe 

Compton Bennett 
Max Chopnick 
Sir Sidney Clift 
Georges Descours 
Jacob Gerstein 
Ralph Hawkes 
Lena Home 
Robert Lantz 
Prince Littler 
Steve Miller 
Mrs. Mark Ostrer 
Gen. David Sarnoff 
Donald Ogden Stewart 
John Wildbcrg 

Europe to New York 

Andre Davcn 
B. T. Davis 
W. R. Fuller 

Paul Graetz 
Jed Harris 

J. P. McEvoy 



Myers also disclosed before the 
Michigan unit's confab that the na- 
tional directorate had agreed to 
have introduced in Congress an 
amendment to the copyright law 
which would make it mandatory for 
the producer to include in the sale 
price of a film to an exhibitor all 
musical and literary rights. 

Blowing the Whistle 

Again answering the opposition, 
Myers said the "cop calling" resort 
(appeal for legislative action), may 
not be to some exhibitors' taste but 
that it had a'ready had its effect. 
By offering an extension, cited 
Myers, ASCAP demonstrated it was- 
in a conciliatory mood and was 
backing down ,and that the only 
reason it was backing down was be- 
cause it was under fire. 

Myers, following the adjournment 
of the board's two-day session, said 
that a poll of the directors showed 
that quite a number of key members 
(Continued on page 26) 



L. A. to N. Y. 

June Allyson 
Earle C. Anthony 
Mort Blumenstock 
Harold Breacher 
Hazel Brooks 
William Brown 
Ina Claire 
June Clayworth 
Suzi Crandall 
Jack Dempsey 
Walt Disney 
Fred Fleck 
Arlene Francis 
Ben Gage 
Cedric Gibbons 
Sir Cedric Hardwicke 
Signe Hasso 
Edith Head 
Hedda Hopper 
Robinson Jeffers 
John Joseph 
Ben Kalmenson 
Harry M. Kalmine 
Abe Lastfogel 
Peter Lawford 
Harold Lewis 
Perry Lieber 
Kenneth MacKenna 
James K. McGuinness 
Constance Moore 
Richard Murphy 
John O'Hara 
Jane Powell 
William Powell 
John U. Rebcr 
Sid Rogell 
Loren Ryder 
Dove Senary 
George A. Smith 
R. G. Springsteen 
Albert Warner 
Father Williams 
Veloz and Yolanda 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 , . ' fcStmETY 




8 



P^RIETT 



Wednesday, October 22, 194? 



mmmrn 





■ ■ . 



llliii 

flllll 



liiflilili 



. ; , t 




out. 

Irresponsible sources inside and outside our business 
are assailing Hollywood pictures ... at the very time 
when this industry stands at the crossroads, confronted 
by serious problems affecting its world market. 

Paramount, proud of thirty -five full years of helping 
build American films to worldwide pre- 
eminence, unhesitatingly challenges the 
creeping insinuations that an inferior 
standard of Hollywood films threatens 
boxof f ice solvency. 




its 




\ 

j ' 

■ 

■ 

nftiisSS!:}:;*;'::!-* 



illl 



lis 
< 




lllilil 

ppiiiip 



11 




'' .' 1 



mEmMM 
' ' ' ' 



lllilil 

llilllsa 



111! 




All great structures are prey to jealous eyes from out- 
side and termite attacks from within. 
The giant edifice of American pictures 
is no exception. 

That is why. Paramount speaks frankly 
now to you, the exhibitors, and soon, through a 
specially produced short subjectr to a majority of the 
one hundred million customers who buy tickets every 
week at the American boxoffice. 

Paramount will refute this counterfeit criticism with a 
full 12-months product announcement documenting 
beyond question the assertion that 

HOLLYWOOD PICTURES 
TOP THE WORLD 



*Free short subject, "Made In The U.S.A.," just completed by 
Paramount, promotes the prestige of yoiir theatre and the attractions 
it plays. Book this short now through your Paramount exchange. 



Our country and our industry now face unsatisfactory 
foreign conditions. We must adapt ourselves to this 
situation. Hollywood will meet the challenge by prov- 
ing it excels the world not only in crea- 
tive talent, but in the managerial ability 
to adapt itself to meet new conditions on 
a sound business basis. Paramount will be 
in the forefront on this score. 

























- f 




Paramount product for 1947-1948 represents by 
far the finest entertainment ever offered America 
x^0y or the world market in a single season 

^^mi "~ t ' ie k* nc * °f entertainment preferred 

in America and the world -over. 

: ★ * ★ ' 

Let the prophets of doom deal in empty statement. 
Paramount speaks in the factual language of great at- 
tractions placed before you in finished form for an 
entire boxoffice year. Because they are 
rich in the power -to -entertain, you will 
show them proudly, America will enjoy 
them' enthusiastically, the world will 
receive them gratefully. 

It has long been a truism that there never will be any- 
thing wrong with the picture business that good pictures 
will not correct. Good pictures can not only help stabi- 
lize economic factors, but can also silence the petty voices 
of destructive criticism and shout irrefutable proof that 




10 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Hollywood Pictures Top The World 

and 

Paramount Pictures Are Hollywood's Tops 

.'= m m — i . : C :. ■. 

Currently Playing to Record Receipts and Acclaim 



"WELCOME STRANGER 

BINb CROSBY, JOAN CAULFIELD, BARRY 
• FITZGERALD 



"DEAR RUTH" 

WILLIAM HOLDEN, JOAN CAULFIELD 



■111 
lllli 



"THE PERILS OF PAULINE" 

Color by Technicolor 
BETTY HUTTON, JOHN LUND 



VARIETY GIRL' 

WITH 40 STARS' 



us 



"DESERT FURY" 

Hal Walli's' Production — Color by Technicolor 
LIZABETH SCOTT, JOHN HODIAK, BURT 
LANCASTER 
with Mary Astor, Wendell Corey 



Coming in 1947 to 1948" 



"UNCONQUERED" 

GARY COOPER, PAULETTE GODDARD 
Cecil B. DeMille's Production 
Color by Technicolor — Directed by Cecil B. DeMille 



"WHERE THERE'S LIFE" 

BOB HOPE and SIGNE HASSO, WILLIAM 
BENDIX 



"DREAM GIRL" 

BETTY HUTTON, MACDONALD CAREY 
with Patric Knowles, Virginia Field, Walter Abel, 
Peggy Wood 



"THE PALEFACE" 

Color by Technicolor 
BOB HOPE, JANE RUSSELL 



"WHISPERING SMITH" 

V ^ Color by Technicolor 

ALAN LADD, ROBERT PRESTON 
with Brenda Marshall, Murvyn Vye, Donald Crisp, 

^-^■fi^Vu.'-i-^-V' ' William Demarest 



A CONNECTICUT YANKEE' 

Color by Technicolor 
BING CROSBY 
William Bendix, Murvyn Vye, Virginia Field, 
Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Richard Webb 



"THE BIG CLOCK" 

RAY MILLAND, CHARLES LAUGHTON 
with Maureen O'Sullivan, George Macready 



"HAZARD" 

PAULETTE GODDARD, MACDONALD CAREY 



"THE SAINTED SISTERS" 

VERONICA LAKE, JOAN CAULFIELD, BARRY 
FITZGERALD, WILLIAM DEMAREST, 
STERLING HAYDEN 




ppssi 
illlll 

■ill! 

iliM 

liiii 



mmmsii 



mm 



liiii 



Illlll 



lllli 



li 



ilii 



111 



Olli! 

Illllifli 
iiiiiir 



:|||llifli 



"WILD HARVEST" 

ALAN LADD, DOROTHY LAMOUR, ROBERT 
PRESTON, LLOYD NOLAN 



"ROAD TO RIO* 

BING CROSBY, BOB HOPE, DOROTHY 
LAMOUR 



"THE EMPEROR WALTZ" 

Color by Technicolor 
BING CROSBY, JOAN FONTAINE 

"GOLDEN EARRINGS" 

RAY MILLAND, MARLENE DIETRICH 

"I WALK ALONE" 

Hal Wallis' Production 
BURT LANCASTER, LIZABETH SCOTT 

FromTheo. ReeveV play "Be«»r« Are Coming to Town " Produced on State by Oscar Serlin 



"A FOREIGN AFFAIR" 

JEAN ARTHUR, JOHN LUND, MARLENE 
DIETRICH 



"SAIGON" 

ALAN LADD, VERONICA LAKE 



"MY OWN TRUE LOVE" 

PHYLLIS CALVERT, MELVYN DOUGLAS 

"ALBUQUERQUE" 

In Cinecolor 

RANDOLPH SCOTT, BARBARA BRITTON 

"ADVENTURE ISLAND" 

' In Cinecolor 
RORY CALHOUN, RHONDA FLEMING, PAUL 

KELLY 



"SHAGGY" 

In Cinecolor 
Brenda Joyce, George Nokes, Robert Shayne 

^Release Dates Subject to Change 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



wmuemomvvaoN 



11 



PRODUCTION OFF 17% FROM '46 

1 ■ -» — — ■ — — 

Economy-Minded Hwood, at Least I MAJORS' 182 PIX 
Now, Cool on New Legit Entries 



Despite the unusually high num- 4 
ber of clicks among the flock -of le- 
giters which have opened on Broad- 
way in recent weeks, the shows 
aren't attracting much attention 
from Hollywood. For one reason or 
another, there's been little interest 
in screen rights to most of them. , 

Not the least of the studio ret- 
icence, of course, results from 
economy-mindedness in production, 
brought about by the loss of the 
British market. Cautiousness in 
spending important coin for proper- 
ties is pointed up by the fact that 
ordinarily there would be brisk in- 
terest — i£ not actual sales — by this 
time in rights to the hits. 

"The Heiress" is considered by the 
film scouts the best bet for screen 
material. It's the Wendy Hiller- 
Basil Rathbone starrer, adapted by 
Ruth and Augustus Goetz from a 
Henry James novel. It's being pro- 
duced by Hollywood producer- 
writer Fred Finkelhoffe, who is un- 
derstood likely to do the film ver- 
sion himself. 

.."Allegro," of course, among the 
musicals, is seen as virtually certain 
for picturization. However, authors 
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Harr»- 
merstein II have not yet even parted 
with rights to their previous smash, 
"Oklahoma!" so they are in no 
hurry to listen to offers on "Al 



Par Still Mulls Upped 
Admish on 'Unconquered' 

.National reaction to advanced ad- 
mission prices, exchange operation 
problems and sales policy for "Un- 
conquered" was discussed this week 
at h.o. division managers meet called 
iby Charles Reagan, Paramount's 
veepee in charge of sales. While re- 
sults from first bookings of "Un- 
conquered," which is playing at 
upped scales, showed heavy returns 
no decision was reached on whether 
to schedule the film for advance 
prices generally. 

Attending the confab were Hugh 
Owen, Earl-Sweigert, J. J. Donohue 
and George Smith, division chiefs, 
and Ted O'Shea and Oscar Morgan, 
representing Par's, news and shorts. 



legro." 20th-Fox, incidentally, has a 
$50,000 investment in the latter pro- 
duction, but like Columbia's stake 
in "Oklahoma!" that gives neither 
film company any "in" on the pix 
rights. 

"High Button Shoes," musical star- 
ring Phil Silvers, is figured likely 
for filming ■ and "Music in My 
Heart." musical play about Tschai- 
kqvsky, may be considered a long 
shot for Hollywood, inasmuch as the 
composer is already being biogged 
in two films. 

British revue, "Under the Coun- 
ter." starring Cecily Coiirtneidge, is 
likewise a slim possibility for 
lensing. with the studios feeling the 
material too slim. 

Metro's 'Decision' 

On the straight play side, "Com- 
mand Decision" is already owned by 
Metro, having been bought for Clark 
Gable before th« play opened. An- 
other hit, "Man and Superman," is 
attracting no interest since George 
Bernard Shaw's screen rights are 
supposedly committed \o Gabriel 
Pascal who has already filmed GBS' 
two previously. 

"How I Wonder," the Donald Og- 
den Stewart play starring Raymond 
Massey, is lightly considered by the 
screen scouts, although producer 
Carson Kanin has an indie film pro- 
ducing deal with Universal, into 
which he might conceivably fit the 
play. 

"Dear Judas," which closed Satur- 
day (18), was obviously eliminated as 
film material because of its contro- 
versial religious theme. "Duet for 
Two Hands," British meller which 
also did a quick fold, is still being 
offered around to the studios and 
may find a buyer among producers 
of low-budget horror thrillers. "Our 
Lan'." N egl . 0 problem play, is vir- 
tually eliminated automatically by 
its subject matter. 

At least one of this week's open- 
ings, "An Inspector Calls," the J. B. 
Priestly play, has already attracted 
film interest. Paramount producer 
Hal Wallis is understood dickering 
for rights. Also getting some atten- 
tion is "The Druid Circle," by John 
van Druten, which preems tonight 
(Wednesday), "Medea," Robinson 
Jeffers' adaptation of the Euripides 
classic, is. of course, counted out, 

"Trie Winslow Boy," opening next 
week, is already owned by British 
producer, Sir Alexander Korda. By 
Tevrence. Rattigan, it has been a 
London stage success for more than 
a year. 



Fabian's Test On 
Upped Admissions 

Albany, Oct. 81* 
Si Fabian, newly-tagged chairman 
of the Theatre Owners of America's 
committee on advanced admissions, 
intends to learn of the effects of 
roadshowing pix in top houses by 
personal experiences. Fabian has 
confirmed bookings of- 20th-Fox's 
"Forever Amber" in the Fabian 
Palace, Albany, and Proctor's, Troy, 
as double testers on patron reaction. 
| "Amber" is playing at higher scales 
and Fabian will poll his customers to 
determine whether they feel the 
boost is warranted. 

TOA has been compiling info from 
its members on what upped scales 
do for the specific pic involved 
and business in general. Fabian 
wants to know the answers to these 
questions so far as his class A houses 
are concerned. Heretofore he re- 
fused to book roadshows in anything 
but second and subsequent-runs. 

TOA exec said this week that he'll 
propose to the majors that they reg 
ulate the number of upped-price pix 
to avoid the current rash of road- 
shows now heading for the, screens 
He thinks there shouldn't be more 
than two or three maximum yearly. 
He'll also tell major company top- 
pers that boosted prices will cut the 
ground under present pressure to 
lift the 20% Federal admissions tax. 



By MIKE CONNOLLY 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Studio-by-studio check of the 
nine majors (Paramount, Metro, 
20th-Fox, Warners, RKO, Universal- 
International, Columbia, Republic 
nd United Artists) reveals that 108 
producers are responsible for the 
182 features made in Hollywood 
during the first eight months of this 
year. . That's a drop in production 
f 17% from last year, and a dip of 
40% under 1936, when a similar sur- 
vey was made at the end of the 
same period by Variety. 

Total . of 117 producers received 
credit for 219 pix last year, while 
119 were responsible for 303 pix in 
1936. Those were the days when 
the pix weren't all super-budgeters. 
The 1946 total, incidentally, was a 
drop of 28% under 1936, in com- 
parison with 1947's new low of 40%. 

Figures in 1936 were an increase 
of. 15% over 1935— "to meet dual de- 
mands." Variety said then. No such 
optimism for tyro producers exists 
now, however, with production 
down because of high costs, the 
strike, and the British tax. 

Colbert Clark Leads 
Colbert Clark, of Columbia, tops 
the list for producing the most pix 
in both the 1946 and 1947 break- 
downs. He turned out 10 for each 
eight-month stretch. Most prolific 
in 1936 was Bryan Foy. then grind- 
ing 'em out at Warners, with 25 to 
his credit by Sept. 1. Present studio 
chief for Eagle Lion was to pro- 
(Continued on page 26) 



EXHIBS COMBINE TO 
K.O. PENNSY BLUE LAWS 

Philadelphia. Oct. 21 
In a move to combat Sunday blue 
laws operating in a majority of 
Pennsylvania cities and towns, War 
ner Bros., Loew's and Fabian cir 
cuits, in cooperation with local in 
dies, have launched a campaign to 
wipe the restrictive statutes off the 
books at the November elections. As 
blue laws apply in localities of this 
state, entertainment places are pro 
hibited from opening before 2 p.m. 
on Sundays. 

Organized into the Citizens Com 
mittee ' for Sunday Movies, theatre 
efrcuits have combined to produce 
trailer for statewide distribution 
plugging repeal. In addition, they're 
handing out free literature and 
throwaways to theatre-goers urging 
them to vote for "freedom of the 
movies." 




Mono Franchise-Owners Fancy 

Profits Disclosed Via Proxies 



$250,000 20th-Fox Fire 
Halts 'Water' Shooting 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Fire on the 20th-Fox lot injured 
three city firemen and four studio 
workers and caused damage esti- 
mated at $250,000. 

Heaviest financial loss was caused 
by the burning of a huge backdrop, 
measuring 220 by 58 feet and costing 
more than $100,000 when it was con- 
structed three years ago. Blaze halt- 
ed production of "Deep Water." 



REPRESENTATIVES FROM 
33 STATES AT TOA CONV. 

Chicago, Oct. 21. 

On the first leg of its drive to rep- 
resent exhib associations from all 
states of the union. Theatre Owners 
of America will have directors from 
33 states attending the initial board 
meet set for Chicago Nov. 7-8. 

Latest directors to be named by 
their organizations are E. D. Martin, 
Motion Picture Theatre Owners of 
Georgia; R. R. Livingston, prexy of 
Nebraska Theatres Assn.; and Harry 
Lowenstein, Theatre Owners of Ok- 
lahoma. 



Tri-State MPTO 
Joins Natl TOA 



Memphis, Oct. 21. 
Motion Picture Theatre Owners of 
Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee 
last week elected a new president 
and voted to affiliate with the new 
Theatre Owners of America. The 
actions took place at the annual con- 
vention here Tuesday and Wednes- 
day (14-15), at which TOA president 
Ted Gamble and board chairman 
Fred Wehrenburg spoke. Orris Col- 
lins, of Paragould, Ark., was elected 
president to succeed R. X. Williams, 
of Oxford, Miss. 

Collins was elected after the 175 
theatre owners and managers at- 
tending had voted unanimously for 
TOA affiliation following the 
Gamble and Wehrenberg speeches. 

Other speakers included Mack 
Jackson, Southeasern Theatre Own- 
ers Assn. president; Sam Shain, o£ 
20th Century-Fox publicity depart- 
ment in New York; M. A. Monnett, 
Mississippi Theatre Owners presi- 
dent; C. C. Mundo, president of 
Arkansas Independent Theatre Own- 
ers Assn.; Rudy Berger, M-G-M di- 
vision manager of New Orleans; M. 
L. Simons, of M-G-M New York; 
Clarence Speight, of Clarksville, 
Tenn., R. O. Embry, and Robert 
Bostwick. 

Lloyd T. Binford, chairman of the 
Memphis censor board, was sched- 
uled to speak, but walked out when 
Gamble's address ran overtime into 
the period allotted to him. 



* Pointing up the still highly proftt- 
, able biz of franchise-holders in 
I territories, Monogram has issued a 
proxy which lists six local distribs 
whose total commissions came to $1,- 
030.000 for the fiscal year, ended 
June 28. Named by Monogram are 
W. Ray Johnston, Howard W. Stub- 
bins, Charles Trampe, William Hurl- 
but, Herman Rifkin and Arthur C. 
Bromberg. All franchises except 
Rifkin's expire June 1, 1952. Rifkin's 
lasts until May 10, 1967. 

Top profits went to Bromberg 
whose 85% interest in Monogram 
Southern Exchanges (Carolinas, 
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisi- 
ana, Mississippi and Arkansas) gave 
him a jackjot of $357,211. Second 
spot was held by Stubbins. His 25% 
cut in Monogram Pictures in the 
Northwest (Washington, Oregon, 
Alaska and northern Idaho) meant 
$63,160, while his 50% in Monogram 
Pictures of Calif. (California, 
Nevada, New Mexico and Hawaiian 
Islands) came to $249,798. 

Johnston's 37%% in Monogram 
Pictures (parts of Ohio, West Vir- 
ginia and Kentucky) is listed at 
$96,579; Trampe's 100% of Monogram 
Midwest Film Co. (Wisconsin and 
part of Michigan) equalled $34,012; 
Rifkin's 100% in Monogram Pictures 
(Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and 
Connecticut), $144,810. These fran- 
(Continued on page 22) 



Briefs From the Lots 



RAPF-BKISKIN, JE.'S, INDIE 

Hollywood. Oct. 21. 
Matt Rapf. son Of Harry Rapf. and 
Jerry Briskin. son of Sam Briskin, 
formed an indie company to produce 
a horse opera in Cinecolor for re- 
lea:-e through Eagle Lion. 



:■•••;/ 

Arch Ogden Aides Bloch 

Arch Ogden. 20th-Fox story exec, 
arrived in New York from London 
Monday (20) to take over as an as- 
sistant to eastern story editor Bert 
Bloch. Ogden was head of the Lon- 
don story department, which has 
been trimmed in size recently be- 
cause of the British 75% tax on 
American films. 

He's taking the place left vacant 
by the departure recently of A. C. 
Spectorsky. 



Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

"The Flaming Age," nee "The 
Flapper Age," will be released by 
20th-Fox as "You Were Meant For 
Me."... Snub Pollard is playing his 
350th film role in "This Is the Mo- 
ment.".. Charles Stevens started his 
85th year of screen villainy i.i "The 
Ballad of Furnace Creek" at 20th- 

Fox Somerset Pictures shifted 

titles from "The Dark Road" to 
"Road to the Big House.". . .Repub- 
lic bought "Prison Train." written 
by Forte Martin, as a Donald Barry 
starrer, to be produced by Sidney 
Picker. ..George Blair will direct 
"Madonna of the Desert," formerly 
titled "The Fighting Madonna," 
which Stephen Auer will produce at 
Republic. 

While the cameras in Hollywood 
are grinding slowly the writing mill 
at RKO Is busy with 22 scripters at 
work on 20 yarns for the 1948 pro- 
duction program. 

Pine-Thomas signed William Eylhe 
and Barbara Britton to co-star in 
"Hard to Kill.". .. Dick Irving Hy- 
land will screenplay "Oh. Brother," 
Frank Seltzer's first production for 

20th-Fox Jack Donohue shifts 

from musical direction to film di- 
rection, on loanout from Metro in 
"Close-Up." first Marathon Produc- 
tion for 20th-Fox release... Fred- 
eric Ullman, Jr., leaves for New 
York next week for 10 days of 
shooting on "The Window." at RKO- 
Pathe's eastern studio. 

Maurice and Myrna Davis, twin 
infants, will alternate on one thes- 
ping job in "Another Part of t,.e 
Forest" at Universal-International 
. . . Republic bought "Feudin' Gal 
From Georgia," authored by Clara 



Walker, as a followup for "Pistol 
Packin' Mama" . . . Francis L. Sulli- 
van will make his Hollywood bow 
in the Ingrid Bergman starrer, "Joan 
of Lorraine" . . . Stanley Clements 
signed for a featured role in 
"Hazard" . . . First director chore 
for William F. Claxton under his 
new pact with Sol M. Wurl/.el will 
be "Half Past Midnight" . . . Techni- 
color will deliver a total of 475 
prints of "Forever Amber" to 20th- 
Fox by Nov. 18, instead of 400, as 
originally planned. • 

Nan Leslie will play the femme 
lead in RKOs "The Arizona 
Ranger," co-starring Tim Holt and 
his .father, Jack . . . RKO bought 
"Lost Pal," written by Otto Kng- 
lander, as a starrer for the canine 
thesp. Flame . . . Metro announced a 
contest to pick a new title for the 
Clark Gable-Lana Turner picture. 
"Homecoming" . . . Trudy Marshall 
signed as the fourth femme in "The 
Fuller Brush Man," others being 
Janet Blair, Adele Jergens and 
Hillary Brooke ... Jane Weeks 
checked in from Broadway for one 
of the femme leads in "For You I 
Die" at Enterprise . . . RKO shipped 
four completed pictures to New 
York— "Mourning Becomes Electra," 
"Man About Town." "Night Song" 
and "Design for Death."- a documen- 
tary film . . . Columbia's film cut- 
ters are shearing at top speed this 
week with 14 features, four oaters 
and 13 shorts getting their final edi- 
torial touches. 

RKO bought 'Our Son Pablo." a 
Mexican tale authored by Alvin and 
Darley Gordon . . . Claire Trevor 
checked in at RKO-Pathe for her 
(Continued on page 28) 



Fred Ullman Favors N.Y. 

Prod, to Dodge Fixed 
27irOverhead'byRKO 

Studio practice of slapping a gen- 
eral overhead charge on a film as 
added cost to the actual outlay is 
acting as a new fillip to the east vs. 
west production debate. Frederic 
Ullman, Jr., RKO producer who'll 
make "The Window." plugged last 
week for a New York shooting and 
one of the reasons for the choice, it's 
understood, is that he'll thereby es- 
cape the studio charge. RKO tradi- 
tionally tacks 27%% of the negative 
cpst as additional "overhead" on a 
film. 

By using 'the Pathe Studio in 
Gotham, Ullman will only pay for di- 
rect expenses plus space rental 
charged against the film. Formerly 
prexy of Pathe and familiar with 
eastern costs, Ullman believes he 
can bring "Window" across the line 
some 20%-25% under actual coin 
he'd pay in Hollywood. 

Four or five other features will be 
made by major companies and indies 
in New York before the winter is 
up, according to a Pathe exec. In 
several of those instances, avoiding 
the studio overhead is one o£ the 
considerations dictating an eastern 
lensing. 

Ullman arrives in New York the 
first week in November to start 
work on his film. 



Marx-Miller-Marx Folds, 
Allan Miller Joins MCA 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Marx, Miller & Marx agency here 
folded last week when Allan Miller 
joined Music Corp. of America. Lew 
V/asserman, head of MCA, stated 
that there had been no merger or 
purchase but that Miller had moved 
into MCA bringing Barbara Stan- 
wyck. Ray Milland, Dennis Morgan, 
Evelyn Keyes and other clients with 
him. 

The agency, formed in 1935 by 
Gummo and Zeppo Marx, was en- 
larged in 1939 when Miller, who had 
been representing the Marx brothers 
as an attorney, joined as a booker. ■ 

Gummo stated that he has formed 
the Gummo Marx Enterprises and 
his first chore will be the producticn 
of Ben Hecht's "The Sidewalks" in 
association with Lester Cowan. Film 
Is slated to roll just after the first 
of the year starring Harpo and Chlco' 
with Groucho doing the narrating. 
Picture will get a United Artist .re- 
lease. Zeppo is heading a manufac- 
turing plant which rolls out Marmon 
Products featuring a motor attach- 
ment for bicycles. 



12 



FILM REVIEWS 



budget much. Sets and costumes, 
emblazoned in vivid Technicolor, 
lend the correct atmosphere. Direc- 
tor Lewis gets the maximum out of 
the corn and the cast, making both 
believable enough. Other produc- 
tion credits, including William Sny- 
der's camera direction, Al Clark's 
editing and Hugo Friedhofer's score, 
are good. Stal. •» 

That Hagen Girl 

Winner Bros, release of Alex Gottlieb pro- 
duction, sunt. Shirley Temple, Ronald Rea- 
gan; features Dorothy Peterson, Charles 
Kemper, Rory Calhoun, Directed by Peter 
Godfrey. Screenplay. Charles Hoffman; 
based on novel by Edith Roberts: camera, 
Karl Freund; editor, David Welsbnrt. 
Tradeshown N. Tf., Oct. 17, '47. Running 
time, 8:t J! INS. 

-Mary Hagen Shirley Temple 

Tom Bates Ronald Reagan 

Minta flngen.v. ., Dorothy Peterson 

Jim Hagen Charles Kemper 

Ken Freneau....' Rory Calhoun 

Sharon Bailey... . ...Jean Porter 

.Molly Freneau Nella Walker 

Kelmn Delnney Winifred Harris 

Cora .', Ruth Robinson 

Julia Kane Lois Maxwell 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Green Dolphin Street 

Metro release of Carey "Wilson production. 
Stars l.ana Turner, Donna Reed, Richard 
Hart, Van Heftln; features Frank -Morgan, 
»dmund dwenn, Dame May Whltty, Reg- 
inald Owen, Gladys Cooper, Moyna Mac- 
Cm, Linda Christian. Directed by Victor 
■Baville. Screenplay, Samson .Raphaelson ; 
from novel by Elizabeth Goudge: camera, 
Oeorge Folfiey: score, Bronislau Kaper; edi- 
tor, George White; special effects, Warren 
Nfwcombe, A. Arnold Gillespie. At Cri- 
terion, N. Y., Oct. 15, '47. Running time, 
J40 MINS. 

Marianne Palourel Lana Turner 

Timothy llnslam Van Heflln 

Marguerite Patourel Donna Reed 

William Ozanne Richard Hart 

Br. Edniond Ozanne Frank Morgan 

Octavlus Patourel Edmund Uwenn 

Mother Superior Dame Mcy Whltty 

Captain O'Haru Reginald Owen 

Sophie Patourel Gladys Cooper 

Mrs. Metivler Moyna Margin 

Hlne-Moa Linda Christian 

Jacky-Poto Bernle Cozier 

Kapua-Manga Pat Aherne 

A Maori ...Al Kikume 

Sister Aogelique Edith Leslie 

Veronica Glgl Perreau 



Metro's thrown the full weight of 
Its moneybags into "Green Dolphin 
Btreet," first of its contest-winning 
novels. to be filmed, and if all that 
money can buy in the way of spec- 
tacular acts Of God still queues 
them up, the investment is safe. To 
salvage the $4,000,000 or'so that 
•went into this epic, it must pri- 
marily count on the eminent sale- 
ability of earthquakes, tidal waves 
and native uprisings. Its curiously 
unreal story offers no help but the 
cast and the spec should pay off. 

Surprising to note is that this 
Elizabeth Goudge novel, handpicked. 
from hundreds of entries, should 
pop up as the weakest link in the 
celluloid chain.. For the painstaking 
efforts, .enormous production values 
and topflite cast poured into "Dol- 
phin" would have endowed almost 
anyvmodestly priced original with 
enough pulling strength to make the 
grade. As it is, the $200,000 yarn 
rarely catches on fire. 

Flaws in the novel, which verbiage 
may have made less perceptible, 
sore-thumb their way through the 
pic. There's the weak dramatic 
dodge, for one instance, of the wrong 
«ister being married because she 
was mistakenly named by the suitor 
Sn a letter of proposal to her parents. 
And it's nothing but a hokey have- 
your-cake-and-eat-it device to con- 
fer happiness on the other by re- 
tiring her to a religious order. That 
oldie, unless shrewdly handled, is 
a patent maneuver to comfort the 
customers. 

On the. other hand, there's frank 
femme appeal in "Dolphin's" double- 
ply premise that devotion' and loyalty 
can finally worm a similar response 
from an unwilling spouse. Working 
that beat twice in the same opus 
lends a touch of corn— nonetheless, 
it's boxoffice stuff. 

Alternately localed in primitive 
New Zealand and one of the French 
channel isles (circa 1840), pic de- 
tails how Laha Turner, mistaken 
for her sister Donna Reed, makes the 
perildtis sea voyage to the Antipodes 
to marry a deserter from the British 
navy. Once there, the camera really 
gets in its innings, sweeping over 
a Horrendous earthquake and tidal 
wave, and a native Maori uprising 
that follows. Amidst these upheavals, 
her child is born. 

Rather disconcertingly abrupt, 
camera flicks back frequently to the 
channel isle where Miss Reed, al- 
ready beaten by the defection of her 
lover, takes the double blow of the 
loss of her parents. Years reel by 
and Miss Turner's drive and shrewd- 
ness win both fortune and amnesty 
for her husband. It's only upon re- 
union of the entire family that she 
discovers her hubby's initial blund* 
er but Miss Reed pulls the strings 
lor a curtain reconciliation. 

When Victor Saville's direction 
focuses on nature's vengeance on 
man's works, the handling is superb. 
The toppling of giant trees, the 
shuddering of splitting earth and 
the sweep of a river rending every- 
thing in its path is simon-pure 
tinematology. Credit, too, the fetch- 
ing, grandeur of the New Zealand 
country. 

Refusal by M-G's studioites to 
recognize the ravages of time and 
events on the human face hampers 
Miss Turner in depicting her exact- 
ing and pivotal role. All the same, 
hers is the best performance of the 
lot in portraying the scheming, 
domineering gai who sees the light 
in time. 

As the gentler of the sisters, Miss 
Reed is bogged by the weight of the 
yarn. Patly performing in the early 
reels, she fails to turn the hazardous 
trick of ni cking her later conversion 
credible. Richard, Hart, Broadway 
importee who breaks hito his second 
Hollywood role as the weak hubby, 
will have to do better. In the 
.pinches, his thesping was wooden. 
Van Heflin comes a shade under 
his usually high level of thesping as 
a disappointed swain who remains a 
friend of the menage. Edmund 
Gwenn. Frank Morgan, Gladys 
Cooper el al„ filling smaller parts, 
come up to snuff. 

Musical score obtrudes too much 
at crucial points in the story. As 
previously noted, Metro hasn't 
itinted in its outlay on this one and 
sets, costumes, backgrounds have 
that solid gold glint. Wit. 



Miniature Reviews 

"Green Dolphin Street" 

(M-G). Spectacular values and a 
strong marquee insure good if 
not smash business. 

"The Swordsman" (Color) 
(Col). Larry Parks in a Scotch- 
tinted swashbuckler that's as- 
sured good grosses. 

"That Haeen Girl" (WB). Ron- 
ald Reagan and Shirley Temple 
in weakly scripted melodrama; 
mild b.o. ' 

"Man About Town" (RKO) 
(French). Chevalier starrer, 
with English commentary by 
him; good for many IT. S. theatres. 

"The Blue Veil" (French). 
Gaby Morlay starrer of minor 
interest for U. S. audiences. 

"On the Old Spanish Trail" 
(Color-Songs) (Rep). Moder- 
ately ambitious western starring 
Roy Rogers; fair entertainment, 

"While I Love" (20th). Brit- 
ish-made with Tom Walls, Spnia 
Dresdel is tale of reincarnation 
of souls; slim chance in U. S. 

"Uncle Silas" (GFD). Two 
Cities meller made in England 
is not for export despite Katina 
Paxinou in a star role, 

"The Girls in Smalanil" 
(Songs) (Swedish). Mediocre 
Swedish comedy romance for 
mild b.o. in art situations. 



The Swordsman 

(COLOR) 

Columbia release of Hurt Kelly produc- 
tion. Start Larry Parks: features Ellen 
DVew, George Macready, Edgar Buchanan, 
Marc Piatt. Directed by Joseph H. Lewis. 
Original screenplay, Wilfrid H, Pcttitt; 
camera (Technicolor), WlUiam Snyder; edi- 
tor, Al Clark; score, Hugo Frledhofer. 
Tradeshown N. T„ Oct. 15, 47. Running 
time. 81 MINS. 

Alexander MacArden Lorry Parks 

Barbara Glowan Ellen Drew 

Robert Glowan George Macready 

Angus MacArden ....Edgar Buchanan 

Mac-Ian Ray Collins 

Murdoch Gluwan Marc Piatt 

Colin Glowan Michael Duane 

Lord Glowan Holme* Herbert 

Bruce Glowan Nedrick Young 

Ronald MacArden Robert Shayne 

Old Andrew William Bcvan 

Reverend Douglas Lumsden Hare 

Gordon Glowan Tom Stevenson 

Charles Harry Allen 



Take Columbia's "Bandit of Sher- 
wood Forest" of last year, transfer 
its locale from England to the Scot- 
tish moors, dress its cast in plaid 
instead of forest green and there 
you have "The Swordsman." Film 
is primed with the same sort of 
swashbuckling romance, lush Tech- 
nicolor and beauteous outdoor sets, 
all of which offers excellent escap- 
ism. >Payees should pile in for this 
one, same as they did for "Bandit." 

"Swordsman" has Larry. Parks in 
his second starring role since "Jol- 
son Story" (other was "Down to 
Earth"). As the scion of an aristo- 
cratic Scotch clan of the 18th cen- 
tury, he's definitely miscast. This 
probably represents Columbia's ef- 
forts to wean him away from the 
Jolson identification but the weaning 
nas been done too rapidly. Consid- 
ering his previous song-and-'dance 
efforts, he still makes out surprising- 
ly well, wielding his sword and 
making like an athlete generally. 
Audiences may still find themselves 
expecting him to get down on one 
knee and yodel "Mammy," but that's 
something only time and other dis 
similar roles will erase. 

Producer Burt Kelly tagged this 
one for sheer blood-and-thunder and 
that's the way scripter Wilfrid H. 
Pettitt and director Joseph H. Lewis 
have wrought it. Tale is naive to 
the extreme, representing nothing 
more than a standard western story 
fashioned to a Scottish Romeo and 
Juliet theme, but it's been endowed 
with enough action and romance to 
please. Parks is a MacArden and 
Ellen Drew is a Glowan and the 
two clans have been carrying on a 
Ha'fleld-Coy for generations. Two 
of them finally get the lords of the 
two families to sign a peace treaty 
but this is broken when a couple of 
hot-headed youngsters on both sides 
start the feud rolling again. As 
with any good western, the Mac- 
Arden clan is ambushed by the un- 
ruly Glowans but. "the "vigilantes" 
arrive in the nick to set things right 
again. Parks and Miss Drew wed 
in the fadeotit to make certain per- 
manent peace has been cemented. 

Entire cast is burdened with phony 
Scotch brogues and none of them 
makes his rolling r's come out right 
but this too can be passed off in 
favor of the derring-do. Miss Drew, 
with her first real part in years, has 
the only femme speaking role in 
the picture. She's sufficiently win- 
some to make her Scotch lassie ac- 
ceptable. George Macready, as the 
insurgent Glowan scion. is"as vicious 
and reprehensible a scoundrel as 
one could want. 

Marc Piatt, against whom Colum- 
bia seems to hold a grudge, is again 
woefully miscast. Possessor of one 
of the brightest pair of dancing feet 
in Hollywood, he still doesn't get a 
chance to terp. his only exercise 
coming in a javelin-tossing duel 
with Parks. Nice bits of thesping 
are turned in by Edgar Buchanan, 
Holmes Herbert and William Bevan. 

With the exception of making the 
picture in obviously-identifiable Cal- 
ifornia hills instead of in Scotland, 
producer Kelly hasn't spared the 



'That Hagen Girl" will not perk 
up much boxoffice activity. Handi- 
capped by a shopworn screenplay, 
pic must depend exclusively on the 
marquee boosts given by Ronald 
Reagan and Shirley Temple and 
heavy exploitation of the tear jerk- 
ing angles that may give it some 
play among femme customers. 

Miss Temple, looking much young- 
er than her 18 years, is' an evident 
casting problem, being too immature 
for straight romantic parts and too 
old for simple juve roles. As a re- 
sult, she's been forced in this film 
to undertake the characterization of 
an anguished adolescent — the most 
demanding role of all. She won't 
add. any stature to her rep because 
of this effort primarily as a result of 
an inept, all-thumbs scripting job 
that shows no comprehension of the 
problem. 

Production is also guilty of a glar- 
ing slip-up in the handling of Rea- 
gan. At the outset of the pic, he's 
a young man of about 20, suspected 
of fathering an illegitimate child. 
Returning to the scene some 18 
years later, he reveals absolutely no 
signs of aging despite the fact that 
his friends have grayed consider- 
ably. This is an obstrusive error 
that adds to the film's general in- 
credibility. 

Plot is chiefly concerned with the 
persecution of Miss Temple by a 
group of small town gossips who 
treat her as an outcast because of 
doubtful parentage. • She's cheated 
out of the lead in her school's dra- 
matic presentation of "Romeo and 
Juliet;" loses her boy friend, gets ex- 
pelled just before graduation, and 
finally, in desperation, attempts to 
commit suicide. 

In background, an apparent ro- 
mance builds up between Lois Max- 
well, a teacher sympathetic .to Miss 
Temple, and Reagan, a successful 
lawyer and war hero. But, in a 
most sudden, surprising and inex- 
plicable climax, Miss Maxwell bows 
out of the scene to let Reagan marry 
Miss Temple who is supposed to be 
young enough to be his daughter. 
Story doesn't give the slightest prep- 
aration' for this windup. 

Miss Temple registers with an in- 
gratiating performance despite the 
hoked-up melodramatics foisted upon 
her by the script. Reagan walks 
through his role without conviction 
while Miss Maxwell shows promise 
in a secondary role. Rest of the cast 
turns in standardly competent jobs. 

Alex Gottlieb has dressed this 
production neatly, despite „ elimina- 
tion of expensive trappings. Expert 
lensing gives an important assist. 

Herm. 



In (lie >jiiim» of Life 

(RUSSIAN-MADE) 

Artklno release of Lenfilm production. 
Stars Victor FCokrlakoy. Katya Lepanova. 
Directed by Alexander Zarki, Joseph Ilelfits. 
-Screenplay by Eugene Gabrilovlch. Zarki, 
Helfita: camera, Vladimir Gardanov: Eng- 
lish titles. Charles Clement. At Stanley, 
N T . T.. starting Oct. 18, '47. Running time, 
119 MINS. 

Dr. Vladimir Petrov .Victor Kokriakov 

Dr. Alexander Kolesdv. .Mikhail Knznetsov 
Dr. Alexei RoJdeslvensky, . . . . .Oleg SChakov 

Lena , Katya Lepanova 

Vera ' Lydta Shaballnu 

Anyushka Margarita Gromykn 

Attendant Nikolai Cherkossov 



(In Russian; Efiplish Titles) 
Despite a familiar plot, this Russ- 
made yarn about the medical pro- 
fession's battle against disease has 
been given a great lift through the 
superb direction of Alexander Zarki 
and Joseph Heifits and several ex- 
cellent characterizations. Zarki and 
Heifits, who directed "Baltic Depu- 
ty," one of topflight Soviet produc- 
tions, measure up. to previous effort 
on this. Even though some of the 
vivisection scenes are far from ap- 
j pctizing. this latest Russian picture 
i is a strong entry for language 
I houses. 

Soviet version about a trio of for- 
mer soldiers who vow to give the 
remainder of their lives to find a 
nerve or paralysis cure becomes a 
tribute to medicos who fight against 
countless odds to gain success. It 
is Victor Kokriakov, of Moscow's 
Transport Workers Theatre, who 
wins out after many disappointing 
experiments while the other two 
ex-Army men carry on their re- 
search with less vigor. 

There are loo many shots of lab 
work on rabbits, monkeys, dogs and 
other dumb beasts with all the stops 



The Upturned Glass 

"The Upturned Glass," Uni- 
versal^ release in America 
of Sydney Box (Rank) produc- 
tion, is scheduled for a trade 
showing in New York this morn- 
ing (Wed.). "Handsome profits 
for all concerned" were pre- 
dicted in Variety's review from 
London, June 25, 1947, for this 
James Mason starrer, "but about 
the artistry of the film there will 
be much debate." 

Faults of .the picture, Cone 
pointed out, were its intermi- 
nable narrative and unnecessary 
flashbacks while some may be 
shocked by two operations per- 
formed on children as well as 
the corpses of three principals 
strewing the stage. "But in the 
final analysis it all boils down 
to James Mason. He spells box- 
office and 'Upturned Glass' will 
sweep the b.o.'s of Britain, and 
probably those in America, just 
as surely as 'Seventh Veil' did." 



out. When a Russian film producer 
has a rabbit killed on the experi- 
mental table it's killed, but good. 
And then photographed as the limp 
body lies on the table. 

Kokriakov contributes the ace 
performance even though this is 
supposed to be his first work before 
the camera. Katya Lepanova, also 
making her bow in pictures, is fairly 
good as the actress who figures in 
his life. Mikhail Kuznetsov and 
Oleg Zhakov are surprisingly fine in 
giving realism to the other two re- 
search medico roles. ' Nikolai Cher- 
kasov, who's known to U. S. audi- 
ences for his work in "Ivan the Ter- 
rible" and "Alexander Nevsky," does 
something with a minor part. 

Plot makes a point of citing how 
numerous scientists have been listed 
as discoverers in the world of sci- 
ence whereas Russians really should 
have been handed the laurels. Edi- 
son and Marconi are outstanding 
errors, according to the English title 
explanations in this film. Story also 
makes something of one of research 
trio being lured to U. S. because of 
his knowledge. 

Lens job by Vladimir Gardanov is 
solid. Score for background music 
is unusually vivid, being done by 
Benedict Puskov. English titling by 
Charles Clement is above par. 

Wear. 

Man About Town 

("Le Silence est d'Or") 
(FRENCH-MADE) 

RKO release of Rene Clair (French Pathe 
C!nema> production. Stars Maurice Che- 
valier; features Francois Perier. Marcelle 
Derrien. Directed by flair from his own 
story: assistant In production and English 
adaptation, Robert Pirosh. English com- 
mentary spoken by .Chevalier, Camera. Ar- 
mand Thiiard. Costumes. Christian Dior. 
Previewed N. Y., Oct. 1(1, '47. Running 
time, 80 MINS. 

Kmile Maurice Chevalier 

Jacques Francois Perier 

Madeleine Marcelle Derrien 

Lucelte Dany Robin 

Duperrier Robert Plzanl 

Curly .....Raymond Cordv 

The Cashier Paul Olivier 

Celeslin Roland Artnontel 

(In French; English Commentary) 

RKO and French Pathe have com- 
bined forces with Rene Clair to star 
Maurice Chevalier in a charming bit 
of Parisian froth that should earn 
almost as many dollars as laughs in 
the United States. By the clever 
device of having Chevalier speak an 
English commentary, instead of the 
usual printed- subtitles, the potential 
American audience has been broad- 
ened tremendously beyond the usual 
expectations for a French dialog pic- 
ture. It should run for weeks in the 
art houses and be successful in a 
considerable number of carefully-' 
selected general audience theatres. 

Leisurely Gallic pace is the prin- 
cipal factor militating against un- 
restricted playdating in the U. S„ 
since the film otherwise has more of 
the elements for broad audience ap- 
peal than probably any Continental 
picture yet delivered here. Certainly, 
the Chevalier popularity in the U. S.. 
as demonstrated by the success of 
his personal appearance tour last 
year, proves the star a b.o. power 
on anybody's marquee. 

Film was made in Paris by French 
Pathe with RKO's blocked francs. 
Rene Clair, who wrote, directed and 
produced, apparently set out from 
the beginning to design the film for 
broadest appeal to American audi- 
ences and to make possible the easy 
adaptation to English on which Rob- 
ert Pirosh was assigned to work 
with him. Their success could have 
been more complete onlv had they 
been able to make the pace equal 
that to which the average American 
filmgoer has become accustomed. 

Adaptation device is highly in- 
genious. Picture was made all in 
Fiench dialog under the title "Le 
Silence est d'Or." For the Ameri- 
can version, first shot is a marquee 
advertising Chevalier and then a 
closeup of the performer in his fa- 
miliar top hat. singing "Place Pi- 
galle." When he's finished, a pic- 
ture screen rolls down oil the stage 
behind him and he announces that 
he's not only appearing in person, 
but in a film. This film, having been 
made in France, hcexplains, is sub- 
ject to a peculiarity of the Flench 
people— they talk in Fiench. But 
don t worry, he admonishes, because 
"I'll be right down here (standing at 
the side of the screen) to explain 



those little things you don't under- 
stand." 

The titles of "Silence" shoot on 
the screen to a few covering wise- 
cracks from Chevalier, with the 
camera then dollying down to elimi- 
nate him from the corner and take 
the picture itself full screen. 
Throughout the film, Chevalier's 
voice in English is intermittently 
heard, not generally giving a direct 
translation of dialog, but third-per- 
son explanation of the plot develop- 
ment. Usually, the English is in- 
serted in what are apparently 
planned spaces in the French dialog, 
although sometimes the dialog is 
faded down to allow for the English 
Also, occasionally, when Chevalier 
is turned back to the camera, so 
that no lip sync is necessary, he's 
made to speak his lines in English ' 
instead of French. It's all done so 
cleverly, it's entirely unobtrusive 
and frequently the audience doesn't 
■actually realize whether it's hearing 
French or English. 

Spacing of the English, of course, 
was a problem and overlong periods 
of straight French are partially re- 
sponsible for the slow pace. It leaves 
ybu wondering at times not what's 
going on, which is always clear, but 
what's being said. The finis, inci- 
dentally, has a nice snapper, all in 
English. 

Technique has attracted consider- 
able trade attention in the U. S. as 
a possibility for broadening audience 
potential on other foreign films. 
There seems no reason why it 
shouldn't work, although not neces- 
sarily with the great success achieved 
in this case, since the whole setup 
here was planned to this end and all 
the elements are conducive, even to 
the very simple plot structure of the 
story itself. 

Yarn pictures Chevalier as a 1908 
Paris film producer and is a delight- 
ful burlesque all the way through of 
picturemaking of that era. There 
are a flock of Gallic Mack Sennett 
characters who have the sets cave 
in on them, earn a flood of laughs 
with a goat as mustachioed as they 
are 'and otherwise roll through a 
gamut of everything but custard 
pies. 

Chevalier, from the very begin- 
ning, is wisely made to kid about his 
age — with his 39 years evident on 
the screen. He falls in love with 
one of his actresses (Marcelle Der- 
rien), daughter of a friend. Because 
of the disparity in their ages, he 
makes her unhappy by refusing to 
ask her to marry him, until she falls 
in love with one of his young actors 
(Francois Perier), who is also Cheva- 
lier's best friend and whom he has 
been mentoring in techniques of 
lovemaking. Thus veins of tragedy 
and irony are lightly introduced to 
spice the comedy, although even the 
serious parts are semi-burlesqued. 
Sum total, bears a pleasant remi- 
niscence of early Chaplin. 

Chevalier comes off much better 
as a song-and-dance man than as a 
serious thesper, with his native 
charm, however, fortunately over- 
riding his shortcomings as an actor. 
Miss Derrien is a pretty newcomer 
to the screen, while Perier is a first- 
rate comedian. Minor characters 
are all expertly cast. 

Photography is excellent, but the 
sound is not up to Hollywood stand- 
ards. Production is amusingly kept 
to the primitiveness of the era de- 
picted in motion picture develop- 
ment. Herb. 



The Bine Veil 

(FRENCH MADE) 
('Le Voile Bleu') 

Leo Conn release of Raymond Anns pro. 
auction for Compagnle Generate Cimtriatn- 
graphlque. Stars Gaby Morlay. Directed 
by Jean Slelli. Screenplay by Francois 
Campaux; camera, Hene Cnveau: music. A. 
Theurcr. At Studio theatre, N. Y.. week of 
Ocl. 1, '47. Running time, Ml MINS. 

Louise Gaby Morlay 

Mona../ Alvli-e Popesco 

Mme: Kreullly Marcelle Oenlat 

Brnesl Alernie 

Perrelle charpln 

Antolile , Lnrqoey 

■lodge Aline, Clarlond 

Doclor Rene nevillere 



(In French; English Titles) 

The slow pacing of "The Blue 
Veil." combined with its unabashed 
bid for lachrymose response, makes 
this French import a risky proposi- 
tion even for the usual run of art 
houses. Film, designed as a tribute 
to child nurses, is too frequently 
repetitious, holds little sustained 
story telling power and save for the 
excellent performance of Gaby Mor- 
lay in the central- role, offers little 
fqr U. S. audiences. 

Yarn has Miss Morlay cast as a 
World War I widow whose child 
dies at birth, and consequently con- 
secrates herself to the care of other 
peoples' children. She gets a suc- 
cession of governess' jobs, and at one 
point even gives up a romantic at- 
tachment in order to be near her 
charge. Windup of the film is ideal- 
ized with a reunion, with all her pre- 
vious wards. 

There are some sequences in which 
the film gets a bit of movement. One 
of them is her loss of a child to his 
parents after latter left him in her 
charge for a number of years. Other 
is the sequence in which she sus- 
tains injuries while saving an in- 
fant. Otherwise, the static concept 
of the film is too much to take. 

Other than Mile. Morlay, the cast 
gives a uniformly adequate ac- 
count. Most of the supporting play- 
ers make too spasmodic appearances 
to distinguish themselves. The pho- 
tography is okay and the titles are 
comprehensive. Jose. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



An the Old Spanish Trail 

(COLOR^ONGS) 

Republic release Of fefflfd J- White pro- 

igjja. star. Roy tito Gui**?; 

JfftlJ5» Jane Frasea, A&df Bovine, Estre- 
$ kodrisuez. Directed » William wW 
« e v. Screenplay, SldaA Sibley from ovljr- 
lns'l bi' (Wald G>aghty: earner* (Trucolofi, 

'-' . -' -• ~»f«i« IWnMon Scott; editor, 

hown tf.. Y., Oct. 
MIN8. 



Jack Marti; music. » 

Martin* M Trad 
J7, ht Uunninft tim», 



ftoy Rogers 

fticco • 

randy W.t 1 "---" 
f'ookie Boltflneber. 



GuTaat 
• . .Jane Fraxee 

Andy Bavine 

>la Estrelita Rodriguez. 

Tiuw ' Blu iadcll . . i i? Charles McUvav,- 

Man* the Orcat , Jred Graham 

i, *.'...'.. Steve T>arrell 

S' ', " Marshall Reed 

Silas Maolntvre. ... Wheaton Chamber* 

Bob Nolan and Sons o£ Pioneers 



John Warwiok are dull as a couple 
of husbands 



flfho solo, composed by Charles 
liams, and recorded »y Betty 
Humphy - Beesham ( wife of Sir 
Thornas Beechamj is melodious and 
reminiscent. 

Well exploited, it may draw th 
women and prove a fair todjtoffic 
success over here. 



a 

djtoffice 
Cone. 



"On the Old Spanish Trail" is a 
simple musical western with a cou- 
ple of variations. Except that it's 
Jii color and that its locale and sltu- 

flion involve a cowboy tentshow. 
t's the usual hard-riding, shootin' 
and sluggin' oater-with-songs. Witb- 
in those limitations, it should get 
satisfactory business. 

With plot is musical comedy stuff, 
not only because it supplies mild 
continuity for a series of song cues, 
but because its credibility doesn't 
bear severe scrutiny. However, in 
that respect it merely conforms to 
sagebrush traditions, which com- 
bines 1947 cars with 4880 frontier 
law, and invariably presents the 
most fantastic slugfests from which 
the principals emerge unmarked. As 
usual, what matters is not. realism, 
but atmosphere, romance and action 
alore. On that basis, "On the Old 
panish Trail" qualifies. 
In this case the picture has Roy 
Rogers. Tito Guizar, Jane Frazee 
and Estrelita Rodriguez, plus Bob 
Nolan's Sons of the Pioneers, to han- 
dle the vocal numbers. Most of the 
tunes are standard western ballads, 
but Guizar also sings a short excerpt 
from "Una Furtiva Lagrima" ("A 
Furtive Tear"), • from Donizetti's 
"The Elixir of Love." In several 
instances the tentshow locale pro- 
vides the setting for the songs. 

Performance-wise, the picture is 
satisfactory. The singing is ac- 
ceptable~-and the acting meets the 
modest standards of westerns. Most 
of the scenes are outdoor locations, 
which are fairly good, and the in- 
terior sets are realistic. The facial 
makeup, particularly on the girls, is 
too obvious. Hobe. 



1Tim*I> Silas 

(BRITISH-MADE) 

London, Oct. 9. 
General Film THstrihutors' release of 
Two Cities Film production. Stars Jean 
Simmons, Katina PaNinou, .Derrick de, 
Marney. Dlveelfd "by Charles Frank. 
Screenplay hy Ben Travels from novel by 
Sheridan le Fanu; camera, Robert Krasker, 
NTiffel Boko. At Odenh, London',' OvU K. -17. 
Running time, 103 MIX'S. 

Caroline Ruthyn , .lean Simmons 

Madame Rongierre Kalina- Paxinou 

Uncle Kilos Derrick do Marney 

Lord Richard llbuvy Derok Bond 

Xitidy Monica ■Waring. .... .Sophie -Stewart 

Budtey Rulliyn Mnmilng Whtley 
r. Bryerly Esmond Knigbi 

Austin Ruthyn, Reginald Tale 

Mrs. Husk..., Marjorie Rhodes 

files Fobll Laurie 
ra nsl on Frederick Bit rl well 

.eigh. George Curzon 

lajg Frederick Ranatow 

JaJ'y Quince Patricia C.lyn 

Vicar O. B. Clarence 



I 



While I Lovo 

< BRITISH-MA DEI 

London, Oct.' 8. 

aOtli-Vox release of Edward Dryhui-al 
Productions picture. Features Tom Walls, 
S"iii« Dresdel, Clifford Evans, Cored Rsye 
Patricia Burke. Directed by John Harlow 
'S.-roehplay John Harlow from play by Rob 
en Bell; music. Charles Williams: camera 
F. .A. Young. Previewed Oct. 7, '47, Rub- 
Ti iiifi lino-, 85 MIN8. 

Nebemlah Tom Walls 

relet Clifford Evans 

Sally Carol Ray* 

Christine ., Patricia Burk. 

Julia Sonio Dresdel 

George John Warwick 

telby Edward Lesy 
orgeani Pearne Charles Victor 

Olwen Audrey Fildes 

Ruth Enid Hewit 

Ami, n»se Ernest Butcher 

Allle. i Johnny Schoneld 



FILM REVIEWS 



13 



final lies Orfevres 

(Goldsmith's Embankment) 
(FRENCH-MADE) 

Paris, Oct. 1. 

Corotsa release of Majestic Films pro- 
duction. Slats Units Jouvct ; features 
Bernard Biter, Sir/.y Delair, Pierre Lar- 
uuey, Bimoue Ke/iaut, Jeanne Fusier-Cir. 
Charles Lnllin. Diiecied by HenvVlieotROs 
Clouxot. Streenpluy sod dialog by Clou- 
jot and Jeon Ferry, after the novel by 
S. A, Steeinan. Music, Francis Lopess; 
mertt, Arntand Tlilrard. Previewed in 
o;t 



3, 



Pa tis. Sept 
110 MINS. 

I'oliie tiisoector. 

11 uslniud 

Torcbsluger 

Taxidriver 

Phuto^'aphet 

Watched,- girl.... 
The banket- 



Running time, 

Louis .Touvel 

Bertio rd >tlier 

....... Suzy Dolllir 

Pierre Larqncy 

. . . .SiiBoite JteuoiJt 
..leanne Fusier-cu- 

Charles Dulliu 



plot nor suspense at any time in the 
film. Respite the long footage, how- 
ever, the humanity which pervades 
the picture, Fresnay's acting and 
Maurice Cloche's direction save the 
picture from being boring. 

Supporting cast, made up of names 
well known heie, is adequate if 
somewhat stagey in places. The sets 
by Rene Renoux are adequately sug- 
gestive of the period. Camera work 
by Claude Renoir (brother of Jean 
and Pierre Renoir) is commendable. 

Maxi. 



husband, Erik Hell 
Leusing is first-class. 



also shinef. 



Only excuse for this blood-and- 
Ihunder meller appears to have 
been the desire to screen what is 
alleged to be one of the first thril- 
lers. That Sheridan le Fanu's novel 
is still in public demand probably 
explains why over $1,000,000 was 
spent on a yarn that should have 
been allowed to stay on the shelf. 
This labored hokum can add little 
to British prestige. It's not for ex- 
port. 

Action is set in 1843, when a 16- 
year-old girl is left a rich ward of 
her .unscrupulous Uncle Silas (Der- 
rick de Marney). She learns to loath 
her ex-governess, Katina Paxinou, 
and her uncle's son, both being in 
league with the eld man to murder 
Jean Simmons and grab her coin. Of 
course there's the doctor who dis- 
trusts Silas and the hero — who rides 
to the rescue. 

It is difficult to understand why 
Miss Paxinou was asked to play the 
villainous, alcoholic hag, and more 
difficult to understand why she 
accepted. Miss Simmons is all-at-sea 
as the heroine, the l8-year-old ward. 
Derrick de Marney hams all over 
the place as Uncle Silas. 

Picture h9s been given good pro- 
duction, and there's merit - in some 
of camera work, but quaint angles 
are no compensation for a hopeless 
story. This is Charles Frank's debut 
as a director. While deserving sym- 
pathy, he at the same time shows 
promise. 

Best hope for this is to exhibit it 
as a comic interpretation of a past 
era. As such it might draw here. 

Cane. 



For those who believe in reincar 
nation and transmigration of souls, 
tii is free adaptation of Robert Bell's 
play will 'be satisfying. Those who 
find this an insufficient theory or 
reason for the mysterious happen 
ings may not go for it. Chances 
across the Atlantic are slim because 
the film has little marquee value 
even here. There are one or two 
femme angles that could be ex 
ploiled. It is the first pic of new 
production company being made in 
Metro's British studios. 

Story is divided into two parts 
Sonia Dresd'el and sister, Audrey 
Fildes, live in a house on the wild 
Cornish coast. Latter is finding dif 
ficuHy ending a poem. One night 
the distraught girl, sleep-walking 
along the cliffs, falls to her death 
After 25 years (1947), Dresdel, re- 
fusing to accept that her sister is 
dead, builds her life around mem 
ories of Fildes. The annual broad 
cast of the tone poem becomes a 
sacred ritual. 

A strange girl wanders in. goes to 
the piano and plays the tone poem 
perfectly. She is Carol Rave, a jour- 
nalist who has lost her memory and 
has wandered there from London. 
Miss Dresdel is' convinced that 
Fildes has returned iff another's 
body and decides to keep the stray 
woman. Also there is a husband 
who is searching for his lost wife. 
Every clue points to the Cornwall 
coast and there, after a repetition 
of the sleep-walking scene, husband 
and wife are reconciled on the cliff 
top. 

Included in the story is a second- 
ary love affair, and some "laying on 
of hands" by Tom Walls, an old re- 
tainer reputed to have second sight. 

Story can stand little analysis, 
and direction is uninspired. This is 
virtually the screen debut of Miss 
Dresdel. from the stage, but she has 
to learn that the screen is not the 
stage, she needs discipline and 
direction. Miss Raye does what she 
can with her nebulous role, and 
Patricia Burke gives a forthright 
performance of one of the few 
credible characters. The picture 
only comes to life when the minor 
folk arc on the screen. 

Walls, who has begun a promising 
second career, is suitably impressive 



Flickoriia I Smaland 

("The Girls in Smaland") 
(SWEDISH-MADE) 

Sca'ndta Films release of Sandretv-Bau- 
iiiAii production. Stars Sickan Carlsson, 
Ako Wronbets- Directed by ScKamyl Bau- 
man. Screenplay by Rune Waldeerants, 
Rsgnar Arvedson. Bauman; camera, Hil- 
tner Kfcdahl: music, GiTnnor Johansson. At 
151 li Ave. Plavhnuse. N. Y., Oct. 4, 'it. 
Running lime, 100 M1N8. 



Christina !>arson 

ftunn.tr Cat-lman 

Forema n A lgot son 

l>a)ian 

Hnniia 

Forsntan il . . . 

liy psy Binma 4 . . . . 

Farmer Alfred. Joensson,. , • 



Slckan Carlsson 
. .Ake Gronberg 
. ..Sigge Fuerst 
John Elfstroent 

Rut Holm 

.Carl Reinholds 
. . . Ruth Ivssdan 
Douglas litige 



otlilla -. ..Carih Swenson 

The Photographer Artur Kolen 

Ester Ninnl LoefbetK 

Maerlhs Ingrld Oestergren 

G\psv Mill's » . . . Kolbjoern Knudxen 

fivp>v Klias Nils Hollberg 

Datijel ve korsgrinna Victor llaak 



'■Quai des Orfevres" being for the 
French the equivalent of what 
"Scotland Yard" is for the British, 
indicates clearly that this is a de- 
tective meller. In every respect it 
is outstanding in French produc- 
tion and for acting, direction, tempo 
and all other phases compares very 
well to Hollywood product. For the 
French speaking countries, both 
on Henri-Georges Clouzot's name as 
director of "Le Corbeau" and for 
marquee pull of Louis Jouvet. it's a 
sure top grosser. An excellent bet 
for South America. If well dubbed, 
it might get distribution in U. S.. or 
else it's worth remaking for 
America. ■ 

The murder on which the investi- 
gation hangs is but an excuse tor 
the story, which combines a char- 
acter study of a show business 
couple, detective work most realis- 
tically staged in authentic sets of 

folice headquarters. Shows the 
rench criminal investigation pro- 
cedure with plenty of suspense at 
various stages of the plot, and no 
small amount of sex appeal. Also 
human interest. 

Jouvet, as the star, does not enter 
the picture until it has rolled some 
time. It opens showing Suzy De- 
lair, an ambitious smalltime torch- 
singer, making overtures to a banker 
who can star her overnight, despite 
the jealousy of her husband. Miss 
Delair is of the Mae West type, and 
sings a song, "Tralala," quite appro- 
priate to her style, in a way to make 
her the most sirenish figure on the 
French screen. (Song is to lyrics 
by Andre Hornez, music by Francis 
Lopez ) . 

Jouvet does his part of the poor 
but honest detective' with his usual 
peculiar mannerisms, but in exem- 
plary manner. Bernard Blier, as 
the weak husband whom jealousy 
makes a potential murderer, brings 
put everything- ' in the character. 
Miss Delair is alluring as the wom- 
an who is ready to go a long way to 
get starred. 

Simone Renant, as the photogra- 
pher who is the couple's best friend, 
is very plausible. Charles Dullin, 
legit agtor who specializes in char- 
acter parts, is suitably repulsive as 
the picture-maker. Pierre Larquey 
is the honest taxidriver whom police 
methods compel -to turn informant 
in spite of himself, and Jeanne 
Fusier-Gir is the blabbering woman 
who, through desire to place her- 
self in the limelight (she has only 
a bit), start» the whole ball roll- 
ing. 1 

Direction by Clouzot is of the 
best. He has taken full advantage 
of every possible opportunity to 
bring out character and has man- 
aged to keep the tempo at a fast 
clip all the time. He has had ex- 
cellent support from cameraman 
Armand Thirard. one of the best 
French lensers. Sets of Max Dotty 
are authentic. Maxi. 



JVmii I'oiipable 

('Not Guilty) 
(FRENCH-MADE) 

Paris, Oct. 1. 
Ririus release of Arlane production. 
Stars Michel Simon; features jany Holt, 
Jea.i) Wall, .Icon Dcuuoourt, ltobert Dalban. 
Directed by Henri Decoill. Original screen- 
play, M»n- tlllbert' Sanvageon: camera. 
JacQuea Lemarre: music, Marcel Stern. At 
Helder, Vivienne, Balzac and Settia, Paris. 
Ruilnttig time, :I<K 3IINK. 



This unique film won its star. 
Michel Simon, the award for the 
best male acting at the Locarno 
festival. Psychological twist of the 
Marc Gilbert Sauvageon script shows 
an intelligent man committing "per- 
fect murders." But when the police 
fail to detect his crimes, thus de- 
priving him of the credit he thinks 
he's entitled, the murderer commits 
suicide. Story is an excellent idea. 
However, direction and lensing are 
too inconsistent to afford much of a 
market for "Non Coupable" in the 
U. S. 

Yarn revolves around Simon, who 
portrays a provincial doctor. His 
professional reputation damaged be- 
cause of his penchant for drinking, 
the physician's colleagues shun him. 
Later he has an affair with an ex- 
postoffice employee and makes his 
first excursion into crime by pulling 
a "hit-and-run" when his car acci- 
dentally kills a motorcyclist. 

Series of killings ensues in rapid 
order when Sirhon by chance dis- 
covers his mistress has been cheat- 
ing on him with a garage owner. He 
rubs him out and also does away 
with a surgeon who's given him the 
brushoff. Third murder comes about 
when the errant physician drives 
his gal friend to an apparently acci- 
dental death by drowning. Through- 
out these heinous acts Simon con- 
tinuously seeks recognition for his 
intelligence in contriving the mur- 
ders. 

Failure of detective Jean Debu- 
court to solve' the bloodshed pro- 
vokes Simon's disgust. He then 
writes a confession and takes his 
life. Confession, incidentally, is de- 
signed to win him posthumous credit, 
but its purpose is frustrated when 
the missive is burned before authori- 
ties discover it. U.S. distribution 
rights have already been sold to 
Andre Lelarge. Maxi. 



"Skepp Till lmllu-l.liml" ( 'Ship to 

India-Land") (Hwedlsh-Muile). Kordiak 
Tonelllni release of Lot-ens .Maltostetlt 
production. Stars Bnlger Lowcuailler, 
llirger Maiiusteh; features (lortrud I'rhth. 
Anna Lludalil, Lusse KrantJl, Jan .Mo- 
lander, Erik Hell, Ncami Briso, lljordls 
Patterson, Douglas llase. Abe l-'ridell, 
Peter Linilgruti. Directed by lllgtuar 
Bergman. Screenplay. Jte-rgnian, based 
on play by Martin Soede.rh.le-inii camera, 
Goran Slrindberg: music. -Krhuiil ton 
Koch. At Keyal, Stockholm, Sept, j:. 17, 
Running time, 100 .MINM. 

Transition of the Martin Soeder- 
hjelm play into cellouloid has made 
a good film. Ingmar Bergman's crisp 
direction and scripting plus fine 
camerawork of Goran Strindberg are 
principally responsible for making 
this picture a crack tale of a. salvage 
boat and four persons whose lives 
are tied up in the ship's destiny. 
Holger Lowenadler's portrayal of 
the captain is neat thesping and 
others in cast, measure up to his 
standard. Okay for the U. S. mart. 

"Immortal V«n>" ("Das Vnaterbticbe 
Ant ili U" i (AtiBtrlaii-Slitde). Sascba Dis- 
tributing release of Geza von Calffra Pro- 
duction. Stars MarlunntL Scltocnauef. 
O. vv. Fischer. Helena Thtmig; features 
Siegfried Hreucf. Attlia lloerbiger. Di- 
rected by Carl 1 Infer. Screenplay. Czlffrai 
camera, Lnrtwlg Hergot ; music, Alois 
Mcllcltar. At Anollo, Vienna. Running 
lime, lib MISS. 

Film version of the life of painter 
Anselm Feuerbach is a dramatic 
yarn with a new twist to an old plot. 
The artist's model elopes with an- 
other man but the unhappy denou- 
menl should be an audience pleaser 
nevertheless. Acting is generally 
good as is the camerawork. Alpis 
Melichar's music lacks originality. 
Picture may have fair success in 
German-language situations in the 
U. S. 



(In Swedish; Enptish Titles) 
This importation is a mediocre 
comedy romance not likely to cause 
any stir at the art house wickets. 
"Flickorna I Smaland" is limited by 
a trite story structure handled with- 
out distinctive touches. If there are 
any laughs imbedded in the Swedish 
dialog, neither the thesping nor the 
English titling relay that impression 
to Yank customers. 
, Points of appeal in the pic are the 
leisurely bucolic scenes of life on a 
farm and the musical score. Latter 
comprises only two numbers, both 
of which having a winsome folk song 
quality that should have earned a 
couple of reprises but didn't. Film 
is also marked by firstrate outdoor 
photography which almost succeeds 
in covering up the thin spots in the 
story. 

Plot has been derived from the 
cliche of baseless suspicions between 
lovers. After a young knockabout 
settles down as a farmhand and wins 
the fancy of the femme owner of the 
establishment, u-^ual misunderstand- 
ings set in when he's seen in the 
company of a gypsy gal. It's only a 
question of time before he estab- 
lishes his honest intentions and mar- 
ries the boss lady. In between, 
there's a melodramatic diversion in 
which the gypsy and her accomplices 
steal a horse from the farm and give 
the hero a chance to show his fight- 
ing stuff. 

Performances by Ake Gronberg. 
as the farmhand, and Sickan Carls- 
son as his femme boss, are okay but 
show nothing exceptional. Miss 
Carlsson, however, is a looker with 
a promising voice who might have 
possibilities for Hollywood. Several 



Moimsieur Vincent 

(FRENCH-MADE) 

Paris, Oct. 1. 

A. CI D. C. release of E. T>. I, C. (Georges 
Maurerl and Union Generate Cinemato- 
gmphiiiue production. Stars Pierre Fresnay. 
Directed by Maurice Cloche. Original story 
ami screenplay by Jean Bernard Luc nml 
Jean Anouilh. Dialog by Anouilb. Camera, 
Claude Renoir. Music by M. Crunewald. 
Previewed in Paris. Running time, 
MINS. 

Saint Vincent de Paul. 
Cardinal tie Richelieu.. 
Mr. de (.londi 



plavers in minor roles register with 
as Nehemiah. Clifforc) Eyj»|!s.. ) a,n.d,; c,ved,i{able. > perXprm.anpes, , , /ferro.., 



Mme. de Gondi 

A tine d' Atltiiebe. 

Mfne. tlrousauU 

Louise Marillac 

Abbe Portail 

chancellor Seguicr... 
Mr. de Rougemont. . , 
Hogpital Supervisor. 



. . . Pierre Fresnay 
. . . Aime Cliairioud 
. .Joan Debucourt 
. . .Lise .Debrmare 
Germaine Dermor. 
.Gabrieue Dorfelut 
-Yvonne Gaudeau 

Jean Carroet 

Pierre Dux 

. . .Georges Tit ray 
.... Marcel Vallee 



Depicting the life of Vincent de 
Paul, a humble cleric who incepted 
social work in France and was made 
a saint for his good works and ex- 
emplary life, this is less a picture 
with a story than with a message. 'In 
all Roman Catholic countries it will 
enjoy the enthusiastic backing of the 
church, which gave it its full en 
dorsement from the start. 

Saint Vincent de Paul was a poor 
peasant boy who was born in South- 
ern France in 1576, and died in 1660. 
His early life was not especially 
edifying, until he was caught by 
Algiers pirates and made a slave 
there for some years. After he was 
freed, he took to the cloth, and the 
misery he had seen when a slave as 
well as his inborn goodness tinned 
him into a social worker whose suc- 
cess with the great and the poor alike 
brought him into the limelight. 

From the picture angle, this is just 
a series of sketches in which Pierre 
Fresnay, in the title role, is the 
central figure. All other parts are 
incidental. Fresnay acquits himself 
n\-:st< rfully, in a performance that 
cot him the award for best acting at 
the .Ve^ce, festival. .Th.ere^is neither 



Negro Dancing 

2 Continued from page 1 5 



Foreign Film Reviews 

(Unlikely for Anglo-U. S. Market) 



"l.lvet I llniMkogamn" ("Life in the 
Finn Woods") (Stvetlisli-made). San- 
drew-Bautnan release of Rune Walde- 
krantr. production. Stars Karl-Henrlk 
Pant, Sigbrit Carlsson; features Gttrl Ju- 
larbo, Noima. IVifstrand, Bengt Logardt, 
Bavbro Ribbing. Kivot Landsti-om. John 
Klfstrom, Alir.iauti Ivuostuunen. Directed 
by Ivor Johansson. Screenplay, Jo- 
hansson a.nd Woldekrantz; camera, Erik 
JJlomberg; music Guttnar Johansson. At 
Olympla, Stockholm. Running time, 98 
MINIS. 

With "King of the Accordion" 
Carl Jularbo making his screen debut 
in film titled after one of his waltz 
compositions, picture should register 
good business throughout Scandi- 
navia but offers doubtful appeal for 
the world market. Finnish actress 
Mirjami Kuosmanen is also making 
her bow in this entry — the first time 
in year's that Finn talent has been 
used by the industry in Sweden. 



"lot* Lena Ocli Bla Ogde Per" 

("Lnzv Lena and Hluc-RVd Per") 
(SweiliNlt-MiiuV). Sandrew-Bauman re- 
lease of Carl N'clsoh-Monark Film pro- 
duction. Features John Klfstrom. ltut 
Holm, Anna-Greta Krlgstrom, Olof Berg- 
ntrom, .losna Denktssciti, Gudrtin llrost, 
Anders J'Vll liiof, John Botvid. Directed 
by Lentiarl IVaJleu. Screenplay. John 
Klfstrom. based on play by Ernst Past- 
bom; camera, Sven Kykvist ; music, Gun- 
oar Johansson. At Astoria, Stockholm. 
Running lime, 88 MHffl. 

Remake of a Swedish comedy 
adapted from a classic appears to 
have little appeal for any market in- 
cluding the Scandinavian area. Orig- 
inally filmed in 1932, picture was a 
flop then and there's no improve- 
ment in this edition. Gudrun Brost 
has essayed a comeback but fares 
badly in a poor role. Sven Nykvist's 
lensing helps, as does John Elfstrom's 
adaptation. However, nothing can 
save this hopeless film. 



"Del Vitokrasle Pn .lorilen' ("The Most 
Beautiful tot the Kaiih"! (Swedish- 
Made).* Europa production and release. 
Slar's . Anders Henrtksson, luger Juei; 
feature* Marianne Lofgren, Der Oscars- 
son, Kerlk liell.. Sllg Jarreil, Irma 
Orris! eitsson, Ann Westerlund, Carl Hen- 
rllt Kant.' Directed by Henriksson. 
Screenplay, Herlll Maliuborg; camera, 
Harold Berglunrl; music Herbert Sand- 
berg At Saga, Stockholm, Running 
lime, lift MINK 



Brilliant story, scripting and mu- 
sical direction have made this 
psychological study of an unfaith- 
ful wife a top quality picture suited 
for any segment of the world mar- 
ket. Yarn, however, may run afoul 
of the censors in some situations. 
Inger Jucl chalks up a sterling per- 
formance as the erring wife. As her 

• t ) > ■.: • 1 *. t - .- .-..Ill 



elicited more than 100 objecting let- 
tors and phone calls from viewers 
in both New York and Washington, 
il's been learned. 

Situation is believed to be strik- 
ingly similar to the censorship nix 
on United Artists' "Curley" by 
Memphis bluenosc Lloyd T. Binford. 
Scene most objected to by Binford 
was that showing a colored kid 
playing in school with white mop- 
pets. Recognizing the ominous na- 
ture of the tele audience objections 
in light of the fact that tele today 
exists no further south than Wash- 
ington, video officials believe it's 
time to strike back at such tactics 
now. Otherwise, they may be forced 
to undergo the same sort of {rouble 
as that given by Binford to the film 
industry, once tele becomes a na- 
tionwide proposition. 

Tele show in question, titled 
"Look Upon a Star," was produced 
by indie packagers Joseph Cates, 
former screen writer, and Robert V. 
Fuchs, former set designer for David 
O. Selznick. It featured talented 
students from high schools, colleges 
and professional schools in the N. Y. 
metropolitan "area similar in format 
to the "Big Break" show, now aired - 
Sunday nights over the NBC radio 
web. "Star" is carried Tuesdays 
from 7:30 to 8 p.m. over the two 
DuMont outlets, WABD (N. Y.i and 
WTTG (Washington). 

Fifteen minutes of the show is 
sponsored by the Comet Candy Co., 
a Brooklyn outfit. To date, Comet 
has not' taken a stand on the situ- 
ation. As for Cates and Fuchs, they 
dumped the objecting letters into a 
waste basket. According to Cates, 
"as producers we exercise the demo- 
cratic privilege of producing our 
shows as we see fit. The prejudiced 
television viewer can exercise his 
democratic privilege of switching 
his dial off, or to a different station." 
Show, meanwhile, is still being aired 
for both N. Y. and D. C. audiences 
and is also sent now to WRGB, . 
General Electric outlet in Sche- 
nectady. 

Sponsor Has the Say 
Despite their honest intentions of 
fighting any expansion of censor- 
ship, either subtle or overt, tele of- 
ficials are not so certain they can do 
much about it. If a sponsor is afraid 
that scenes such as this one will af- 
fect his sales in the southern states 
when tele reaches there, he'll refuse 
to permit them, even if he himself 
protests against racial discrimina- 
tion. Similar situation occurred in 
the early clays of radio and the web 
officials were powerless to meet it. 
Tele officials are fairly certain it 
will happen to them. If they don't 
give in to the sponsors, they'll be 
forced out of operation. 

Tele broadcasts of Jackie Robin- 
son playing baseball with his white 
team-mates on the Brooklyn Dodg- 
ers this year elicited no such objec- 
tions. It's pointed out, however, 
that Robinson was working for the 
Dodgers and. not for the tele webs,, 
who had no control over the situ-, 
ation. 



with 



Celeste HOLM • Anne REVERE • June HAVOC • Albert DEKKER • Jane WYATT •■ Dean STOCKWELL 

MOSSHART "™ " EUA KAZAN 



Produced by nini\lf| r TltlilAl/ Screen Play by Rift f|A ||HYT Directed by 




Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



PICTURE GROSSES 



19 



New Ace Pix Bull Chi; Unconquered' 
Terrif $45,000, 'Foxes Sturdy 27G, 
'Town' Sock 25G, 'Fun' Fancy 23^ 



Chicago, Oct. 21. 
Heavy budget pictures are lead- 
ing the way to smash grosses this 
week. Both "Foxes of Harrow" at 
the Apollo and "Unconquered" at 
the United Artists got big cam- 
paigns. Also up in the promotional 
push are ''Fun. and Fancy Free" at 
the Palace and "Magic Town" at the 
Woods. 

"Biggest coin is going to Oriental 
with "Her Husband's Affairs" and 
Frankie Laine on stage at $55,000. 
"Foxes" looks set for boff $27,000. 
Only its length is keeping "Uncon- 
quered" down, but still terrific at 
$45,000. "Fancy Free" looks nice 
$23,500 or over. "Magic Town" is 
heading for sock $25,000, unusually 
solid for small-seater Woods. Re- 
issue of "Gone With Wind" should 
\o neat $15,000 at Garrick. 

"Variety Girl," strongest of hold- 
overs, promises keen $55,000 in sec- 
ond week at Chicago with Frankie 
Carle band again topping stageshow. 
^Carnegie Hall"' at the. Grand in 
third frame, looks a trim $17,000. 
Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (B&K) (900; 95)— "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th). 'Sock $27,000. 
Last week. (11th) "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par), great $13,000. 

Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 95)— "Va- 
riety Girl" (Par) with Frankie 
Carle orch on stage (2d wk). Hefty 
$55,000. Last week, $68,000. 

Garrick (B&K) (900; 95)— "Gone 
With Wind" (M-G) (reissue). Neat 
$17,000. Last week, "Kiss of Death" 
(20th) (3d wk), fine $12,000. 

Grand (RKO) (1,500; 95)— "Car- 
negie Hall" (UA) (3d wk). Smart 
$17,000. Last week;, $19,000. 

Oriental (Essaness) (3,400; 95)— 
"Her Husband's Affairs" (Col) plus 
Frankie Laine heading stagebill. 
Stage layout responsible for fat $55,- 
000. Last week, "Fun on Week-End" 
(UA) with Tex Williams and Joan 
Edwards on stage, disappointing 
$37,000. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 95)— "Fun, 
Fancy Free" (RKO). Fancy $23,500.- 
Last week, "Singapore" (U) and "It's 
Joke Son" (EL) (2d wk), $14,500. 

Rialto (Indie) (1,700; 95)— "Con- 
gorilla" (Indie) and "Borneo" (Indie) 
(reissues). Good $15,000. Last week. 
"If I'm Lucky" (20th) and "Strange 
Journev" (20th), $8,000. 

Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500: 95)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (3rd wk). 
Staunch $20,000. Last week, $23,000. 

State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 95)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) (2d wk). 
Strong $20,000. Last week, $25,000. 

United Artists (B&K) (1,700; $1.25) 
—"Unconquered" (Par). Terrif $45, 
000. Last week, "Unfinished Dance 
(M-G) (3d wk), $12,000. 

Woods (Essaness) (1,073; 95)— 
"Magic Town" (RKO). Sock $25,000 
or close in prospect. Last week. 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO), $13,000 for 
11th week. 

World (Indie) (587; 75)— "Chil- 

fren of Paradise" (Indie) (3d wk). 
rim $3,800. Last week, $4,000. 

Cincy Quiet; 'Earrings' 
Fine 14G, 'Affairs' 13iG 

Cincinnati, Oct. 21. 

Downtown sector is quiet i wake 
of last week's b.o. harvest. With 
only two new bills, holdovers are 
bagging the most biz. "Unconquered' 
continues to top the town. Of first 
runs, "Golden Earrings" is shading 
"Her Husbands Affairs" by a slight 
margin. Exceptional spell of warm 
weather for this season is hurting. 
Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,100; 50-75) — 
"Golden Earrings" (Par). Pleasing 
$14,000. Last week, "Foxes of Har 
row" (20th). strong $16,500. 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 75-$1.19) — 
"Unconquered" (Par) (2d. wk). 
Leading the town with sock $19,000 
on heels of super-duper $35,000 un 
veiling. Holds again. 

Grand (RKO) (1,400; 50-75) — 
'Fun. Fancy Free" (RKO) (2d wk) 
Lively $8,500 after excellent $13,000 
first round. 

Keith's (CI) (1,542; 80-75)— •'Car- 
negie Hall" (UA) (2d wk). Robust 
$9,000 following great $13,000 bow. 
„ Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 50-75) — 
"Foxes .of Harrow" (20th) (m.o.) 
Fast $7,000. Last week, "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par), fourth downtown 
stanza, good $6,000, • 
, Palace (RKO) (2,600; 50-75)— "Her 
Husband's Affairs" (Col). Okay $13.- 
500. Last week. "Dark Passage" 
. (WB). sturdy $15,000. 

Shubert (RKO) (2,100: 50-75) — 
Dark Passage" (WB) (m.o.). All 
right $6,000. Last week. "Wild Har 
vest" (Par; (m.o.), $4,000. 



Broadway Grosses 

Estimated Total Gross 
This Week $794,000 

(Based on 21 theatres) 

Last Year .$879,000 

(Based on 18 theatres) 



Mpls. Milder But 
'Earth' Good 13|/ 2 G 

Minneapolis. Oct. 21. 
There's no stage show downtown 
for the first time in two weeks and 
also the going's easier for straight 
films. The big boxoffice noise is 
being made by "Down to Earth," 
but "The Unsuspected" is light. 
Estimates for This Week 
Aster (Par) (900; 30-44)— "Scared 
to Death" (SG) (reissue) and "Un- 
tamed Fury" (EL). Good $2,400 in 
5 days. Last week, "Seven Keys 
Baldpate" .(RKO) and "Violence" 
(Mono), $2,000 in 5 days. 

Centurv (Par) (1.600; 50-70)— 
Moss Rose" (20th). Mild $5,000. Last 
week, "Life With Father" (WB) 
(3d wk) (90-S1.25), good $9,000. 

Gopher (Par) (1.000; 44)— "Dil- 
linger" (Mono) and "Mutiny Big 
House" (Mono) (reissues). Thin $3,- 
500> Last week. "Last of Redman" 
(Col), good $3,500. 

Lvric (Par) (1.000 : 50-70)— "Kiss 
of Death" (20th) (m.o.). Strong 
$6,000. Last week. "Dear* Ruth" 
(Par) (4th wk), fine $5,000. 
Radio Citv (Pari (4,400; 50-70)— 
Unsuspected" (WB). Light $12,000, 
and not big for this house. Last 
week, "Out of Blue" (EL) and Tex 
Beneke orch on stage (50-85), fancy 
$31,000. 

RKO-Orpheum (RKO) (1,600; 
50-70)— "Down to Earth" (Col). 
Good $13,500. Last week, "Gunfight- 
ers" (Col), fair $9,000. 

RKO-Pan (RKO) 1.600; • 50-70)— 
Fun Fancy Free" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Has shown surprising strength, being 
okay $8,000 after big $12,000 initial 
stunzQ 

State (Par) (2.300: 50-70)— "Deep 
Valley" (WB). Good $11,000. Last 
week, "Kiss of Death" (20th), $13,000. 

Uptown (Par) (1,000; 50-55)— 
'Desert Fury" (Par). First nabe 
showing. Oke $4,000. Last week, 
"Bachelor and Bobby Soxcr" (RKO), 
big $5,500. 

World (Mann) (350: 50-99)— "Ad- 
venturess" (EL) (2d wk). Sturdy 
.500 after big $3,500 first week. 



'Slave' Torrid 14iG, Port. 

Portland, Ore., Oct. 21. 

"Slave Girl" is packing the Broad- 
way even with the rainy weather 
here. "Welcome Stranger." in 
second week at Paramount and 
Oriental, is still big. 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (1.832: 40-80) 
"Slave Girl" (U) and "Blackmail" 
(Rep). Torrid $14,500. Last week, 
"Brute Force" (U) and "Springtime 
Sierras" (Rep) (2d wk). fair $7,500. 

Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 40-80)— 
"Western Union" (20th) and "Frisco 
Kid" (WB) (reissues) (6 days). 
Okay $5,700. Last week. ' Green Was 
Valley" (20th) and "Swamp Water" 
(20th) (reissues), $3,600. . 

Music Box (H-E) (1.000; 40-80)— 
"Carnegie Hall" (UA) and "Cry 
Wolf" (WB ). So-so $3,600. Last week, 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and 
"That's My Man" (m.o.) (Rep) (2d 
wk), $3,600. 

Oriental (H-E) (2.000; 40-80)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Pari (2d wk). 
Day-date with Paramount. Strong 
$6,200. Last week. $10,200. 

Orpin-urn (H-Ei (1,750: 40-80) — 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Kilroy 
Was Here" (Mono) (2d wk). Okay 
$7,500. Last we«k. $10,500. 

Paramount (H-E) (3.400: 40-80) — 
"Welcome Stranger" (Pan (2d wk), 
also Oriental. Staunch $11,000. Last 
week, lush $16,800. 

Playhouse (H-E) (1.200: 40-80) — 
"Wild Geese Calling" (20thV and 
"Crash Dive" (20th) (reissues). 
Mild $2,500. Last week, split with 
"Mother Wore Tights" (20th) and 
"My Man" (Rep), $2,300. 

United Artists (Parker) (895: 40- 
80)— "Unfinished Dance" (M-G). 
Nice $9,000. Last week, "Gone With 
Wind" (M-G) (reissue^ (3d wk), 
okay $6,000 in 6 days. 



B'way Marks Time; 'Variety'-Spivak 
Plus Tonne Tall $90,000, 'Dolphin Big 
51G, 'Swordsman'-Niesen-Mclntyre 72G 



Continuance of Indian summer I mild $24,000 after disappointing $34,- 
weather and the fact that only four I 000 opener. 

new important pictures opened dur- : .J aX ? r ~ '^O) «.70O; 00-$L20)-- 
., . , .„ Z. ,j j ' ' Magic 'luwn" (RKO) (3d wk). This 

ing the past week will hold down , also b is slidmg a bit to okay $22 .000 in 

the general level . of business at second week ended last Monday (20) 

Broadway firstruns this stanza. With . night; first was nice $28,500. 



the mercury in the mid-'7()s. and 
fog discouraging some of out-of- 
town traffic, most houses are off 
sharply from previous week. Excep- ' 
tions are, of course, theatres with 
new bills. Part of this dip is a 
natural development from upswing j 
of Columbus Day holiday . in prcvi- j 
ous session. ' 

Times Square area experienced its 
usual big upbeat last Saturday (18), 
and Sunday (19) also was very 
strong. Not even the fog or drizzle 
hurt on the latter day. . 

"Variety Girl," with .nicely bal- 
anced stageshow headed by Charlie 
Spivak band, Mel Torme, Al Berhie 
and Tip, Tap and Toe. is making the' 
Paramount standout among the crop 
of new bills. This combo is climb- 
ing to a solid $90,000 for first session 
ended last (Tues.) night. ' 

"Green Dolphin Street," which 
was mauled considerably by crix. is 
landing a big $51,000 in its first week 
at the Criterion. While hot as strong 
as had been expected, especially in 
view of advance plugging, this is 
very fancy coin. 



'Foxes' Solid $14,000, 
Seattle; 'Verdoux' 7iG 

Seattle. Oct. 21. 

Advance bally with ads in news- 
papers heralding a different "Mon- 
sieur Verdoux" at Music Hall is add- 
ing up to a very mild week. Stand- 
outs currently are "Singapore" at 
Orpheum and "Foxes of Harrow' at 
Fifth Ave., with latter the ace. 
Estimates for This Week 

Blue Mouse lH-E) (800: 45-80)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (m.o.). Slow 
$4 000 for third week downtown. 
Last week. "Crrsh Dive" (WB) and 
"Call of Wild" (WB) (reissues), 
$2,800 in 6 days. 

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80) 
—"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). Play- 
ing up "best seller" angle. Big 
$14,000. Last week. "Unfinished 
Dance" t-M-G), moderately good 
$8,600. 

Liberty (J & VH) (1.650: 45-70)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par.) (4th wk). 
Great $11,000 after $13,600 last.stanza. 

Music Box I H-E ) (850: 45-80)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO) and "That's My 
Gal" (Rep) (m.o.). Trim $5,500. 
Lest week. "Deep Valley" (WB) and 
"Second Chance" (20th) (2d wk), 
$3,600. 

Music Hall (H.-E) (2.200: 45-801— 
"Monsieur Verdoux" (UA). Mild 
$7,500 or less. Last week. "Crossfire ' 
(RKO) and -That's My Girl" (Rep), 
good $9,500. 

Orpheum (H-E) 12.600: 45-80)— 
"Singapore" (U) and "Web of Dan- 
ger" (Rep). Solid $14,000. Last 
week. "Dark Passage" (WB) (2d 
wk), $8,400. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1.350: 45-701 
— "Destry Rides" (U) and "Daltons 
Rode" (U) (reissues ). Good $7,000. 
Last week. "Wyoming" (Rep) and 
"Bringing Up Father" (Mono). $6,400. 

Paramount (H-E i (3.039: 45-80)— 
"Down to Earth" (Col ) (2d wk). 
Down to fair $G.500 after big $13.60* 
last week. 

Rooscvcll (Sterling) (800: 45-80)— 
"Wyoming" (Rep), and - Bringing Up 
Father" (Mono) (m.o.). Okay $3,500. 
Last week. "Lured" (UA) and "Stage 
Goes to College" (Mono) (2d wk), 
stout $3,800. 



'Sing Lusty 44G 
For 2 Hub Spots 

Boston. Oct. 21. 

Another week of holdovers is 
keeping the overall take down in 
the Hub this week, but "Song of 
Love," principal new item, is doing 
okay at the two Loew spots. "Singa- 
pore" plus stage show at the RKO is 
only so-so. but "Welcome Stranger," 
on movSover to Paramount and Fen- 
way, shapes as nice.' 

Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 50-$U0)— 
"Singapore" (U) plus Ella Fitzgerald, 
Senor Wences, Bob Lamb, others, 
on stage. Modest $22,000. Last week, 
"Slave Girl" (U) plus Slate Brothers, 
others, on stage. $23,000. 

Esquire (M-P) (700: 75-S1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (8th wk). 
Still profitable at $4,000, same as 
last. 

Fenway (M-P) (1.373: 40-80) 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par'). Here 
after two big ones at Met. solid 
$7,000. Last week. "Wild Harvest" 
(Par) and "Killer Dill" (SG) (2d 
wk). $5,500. 

Kenmore (Indie) (700: 40-65)— 
"Brief Encounter" (U) and "Know 
Where I'm Going" (U) (2d wk) 
Fine $3,000 after about $3,500. first 

Memorial (RKO) (2.985; 40-8"0)- 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO >. Opens 
today (Tues.). Last week. "Cross- 
fire" (RKO) and ''Knockout" (Indie). 
Oke $12,000 in 3 days of third week 
after $24,000 in second. 

Metropolitan (M-P) (4.367: 40-80) 
— "Dark Passage" (WBi and "When 
Girl's Beautiful" (Col) (2d wk) 
Fancv $26,000 after $32,000 for first. 

Modern (M-P) (900: 75-S1.25) — 
"Life With Father" (WB) (8lh wk) 
Stays in $4,500 class with signs of a 
drop-off. Last week, about same. 

Old South (Siritzky) (700: 45-65) 
—"King's Jester" (Indie) (2d wk) 
Okay S2.500 after $3,500 firs!. 

Orpheum (Loew) (3,000: 40-80)— 
"Song of Love" (M-G I. Strongest 
new bill with $28,000. Last week. 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Women" (M-G) (reissue). $16,000 
in 5 days. 

Paramount (M-P) 1 1.700: 40-80) 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (m.o.). 
After two weeks at Met. sock $17.- 
500. Last week. "Wild Harvest' 
(Par) and "Killer Dill" (SC.) (2d 
wk). $15,000. 

State (Loew) (3.500: 40-80) 
"Song of Love" (M-G). Strong $16.- 
000. Last week, "Morton of Movies" 
(M-G) and "Women" (M-G) (re 
issue). $8,000 in 5 days. 

Translux (TransUix) (900: 40-74) 
—"Spirit West Point" (FC) and "Ex 
posed" (Rep). New bill getting trim 
$5,000. Last week. "Son of Fury" 
(WB)»and "Prisoner Shark Island" 
(WB) (reissues), $4,000. 



Grosses Are Net 

Film gross estimates, as re- 
ported herewith from the vari- 
ous key cities, are net, i.e., with- 
out the 20% tax. Distributors 
share on net take, when playing 
percentage, hence the estimated 
figures are net income. 

The parenthetic admission 
prices, however, as indicated, in- 
clude the U.S. amusement tax. 



Paramount (Par) (3.604: 55-S1.50) 
—"Variety Girl" (Par) with Charlie 
Spivak orch, Mel Torme. Al Bernie 
heading stagebill (2d wk '. Hitting 
solid $90,000 in initial session ended 
last (Tues. ) night. Last. week. "Desert 
Fury" (Par) and Dcsi Arnaz orch 
topping stageshow (3d wk). $62,000. 

Park Avenue (U) (583; S1.20-$1.50) 
—"Hungry Hill" (T?> (2d wk). Second 
week ending tomorrow (Thuis. ) 
looks mild $7,000 after $8,500 first 
round, below hopes. 

Radio Citv Music Hal! (Rocke- 
fellers) (5.945; 70-$2.40>— "Song of 
Love" tM-G) and stageshow (2d 
wk). Holding up stoutly with $132,- 
000 in sight after big $145,000 opener. 
Continues. 

Rialto (Mayer) (594; 35-85)— 
"Crimson Key" (20th). For week 
concluding tomorrow tThurs.) head- 
ing for routine $6,000. In ahead, 
second week of "Blonde Savage" 
(EL), solid $6,500. "Bury Me Dead" 
(EL) opens Friday (24). 

Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092: 60-$1.25) 
— "Unconquered" (Par) (2d wk). 
First holdover session ending tomor- 
row looks to stay in tall brackets at 
$88,000 initial 



I sock $75,000 after 
"Swordsman," with stagebill i week, new high here under current 
headed by Gertrude Niesen. Jackie 1 P ol 'cy- Naturally stays on, with 
Gleason, Betty Bruce and Hal ' Mc- l, PP cd scal<? helping 



Intyre band, is giving the Capitol 
about the same sort of an opening 
week it's been getting of late. Looks 
to hit $72,000, fairly good in view of 
uneven press. 

Chaplin's "Verdoux" brought 
back several months after it preemed 
at the Broadway, is about as disap- 
pointing currently at the State with 
vaude headed by Joan Roberts, Paul 
Haakon, Buck & Bubbles. Week is 
not expected to go much over $28.- 
000, just fair takings here. 

Following an invitational preem 
last Monday (20) night, "Man About 
Town," new Maurice Chevalier 
starrer, opened yesterday (Tues.) at 
the Bijou, long a legit house. 

"Unconquered," which hung up a 
new record last week at the Rivoli. 
is continuing big with $75,000 or 
close for second stanza. "Song of 
Love," at Music Hall, still is slurdv 
in second week at $132,000 albeit 
considerably off from initial session's 
big S 145.000. 

"Forever Amber." with stageshow 
headed by Veloz & Yolanria and Sid 
Caesar, tees off today at the Roxy 
after prolonged advance buildup in- 
cluding teaser ads in the dailies and 
radio plugs. Big 20th-Fox opus fol- 
lows four highly profitable weeks of 
"Foxes of Harrow" with Milton 
Berle and his stage revue. Final 
round will be near $! 
of the four that the gross dropped 
below $115,000. 

Strand is bringing in "That Hagen 
Girl" plus stagebill headed by Ted 
Weems band.. Morey Amsterdam and 
Gordon MacRae on Friday (24). 
Estimates for This Week 
Astor (City Inv.) (1.300; 80-$1.80>— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) UOIh Wk>, 
Off a bit to $27,000 after big $32,000 
last. Continues. , 

Bijou (City Inv.) (650: 85-$1.50)— 
"Man About Town" (RKO). New 
Chevalier French-made star r e r 
opened yesterday (Tues.) after s;ala 
invitational showing Monday (2i)l 
night. Last week, this legit house was 
closed in preparation for opening of 
film policy. 

Broadway (UA) (1.895: 70-$1.5()T— 
"Outlaw" (UA) (6th wk ). Also slip- 
ping to okay $24,000. or under, this 
stanza after $33,000 in fifth, a bit be- 
low hopes. 

Capitol (Locw's) (4.820: 70-81,50 >— 
"Swordsman" (Col) plus Gertrude 
Niesen, Betty Bruce, Jackie Gleason. 
Hal Mclntyre orch,. For first week 
ending tonight (Wed.) looks average 
$72,000 or near. Last week, third of 
"Desire Me" (M-G) and Gene Krupa 
orch. Rose Marie, on stage. $52,000. 

Criterion (Loew's) (1.700: (>0-$1.25) 
—"Dolphin Street" (M-G) (2d wk >. 
Initial week ended last (Tues. I night 
striking big $51,000 or close, but be- 
low what had been expected. In 
ahead, final 4 days of "Gone With 
Wind" (M-G) (reissue ). $15,000. 

Globe (Brandt) U,500: 70-$1.20>— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) (4th wk\ 
Still a bit of allright at $23,000 after 
strong $28,000 for third frame. Stays 
on. Getting bulk of trade at mat inees 
and from juveniles at healthy scale. 
Gotham (Brandt) (900; 70-$1.40 



Roxy (20th)" (5,886; 80-$1.501— 
"Forever Amber" (20th) plus Veloz 
& Yolanda, Sid Caesar. H. Leopold 
Spitalny choral ensemble heading 
stageshow. Tees off today (Wed.), 
with house opening at 9:30 a.m:, 
daily. Playing at upped scale, with 
$1.80 top. Last week. "Foxes oE 
Harrow" (20th) and Milton Berle 
revue on stage (4th wk), finaled last 
(Tues.) night at nice $90,000, best 
fourth week here in a long time; 
third was rousing $118,000, being 
helped by holiday biz. 

State (Loew's) (3.450; 43-$1.10>— 
"Mons. Verdoux" (UA) (2d run) 
with vaude headed by Joan Roberts, 
Paul Haakon, Buck & Bubbles. After 
disappointing firstrun at the Broad- 
way, Charles Chaplin's newest opus 
is not doing much better here, with 
$28,000 in view. Last week, "Living 
in Big Way" (M-G) (1st run) and 
vaude topped by Bill Robinson and 
Kay Vernon, strong $35,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,756; 75-$1.50)— 
"Unsuspected" (WB) and Blue Bar- 
ron orch, Joey Adams, Tony Can- 
zoneri heading stagebill (3d-final 
wk). Down to $37,000. mild, after 
$42,000 in second. "Hagen Girl" 
(WB) and stageshow headed by Ted 
Weems orch, Morey Amsterdam, 
i Gordon Mac Rae opens Friday (24). 
| Sutton (Rugoff-Beckcrl (561; 70- 
.000. only one | $1,25)— "Know Where I'm Going" 



U) (10th wk). Ninth frame ended 
last Monday (20) to fairly good 
$8,500 after $10,000 for eighth. 

Victoria (City Inv.) (720: 70-$1.20) 
—"Spirit of West Point" (FC) (3d 
wk). Way down to $9,500: second 
was solid $13,000. Stays on a few 
days past the third week. 

Warner (WB) (1.499: 90-S1.50)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (10th wk). 
Still sturdy with $28,000 likely this 
stanza after $29,000 for ninth. Holds 
indef. 

Winter Garden (UA) (1.312; 60- 
$1.20)— "Ride Pink Horse" (U) (3d 
wk). For second session ended last 
(Tues.) night slid down to nice $28,- 
albeit a big dip from sock $40,000 
registered on first week. Latter was 
a bit below hopes. 



Balto Brisk With New 
High for 'Unconquered,' 
$39,000; Tun' Smash 16G 

Baltimore, Oct. 21. 
Claims of resistance to upped 
prices for extra-special films are not 
being borne out here with "Uncon- 
quered," at Keith's likely to hit an 
all-time house high. It's sure of big- 
gest biz at this theatre in months. 
"Fun and Fancy Free" also is great 
at the Town. 

Estimates for This Week 

Century (Loew's-UA) (3.000; 20- 
60)— "Time For Keeps" (M-G). 
Opening today (Tues.) after 5 thin 
days of "Grapes of Wrath" (20th) 
and "Tobacco Road" (20th > (reis- 
jsues). at $4,000. emergency booking 



"Adventure Island" (Par). Thin ! after cancellation "Merton Movies ' 
$7,500 and stays only one week. L-..-t • 'M-G). Last week "bniinished 
week, fourth of "Each Dawn Die" . D <*> n f e (M-G), fair $13,700. . : 
(WB) and "Bad Men Missouri" (WB ) "\P Dodr ?. m , e , lR , a l$ a f™ rt ' / 2 - 2 t°; 
(reissues), $8,500. , 20-70) — "Out of Blue (EL) (2d 



Little Carnegie (Indie) (460: 95- 
$1.20) -"Tawny Pipit" (Ui • 7th tvl:>. 
Down to $5,000 or less this round. 
Sixth was $5,500. 

Mavfair (Brandt") (1.736: .70-81.50) 
—"Nightmare Alley" (20th) (2d uiO. 
In initial holdover session ending to- 
day (Wed.) sagging way down to 



v'k) plus new vaude layout headed 
up by Connee Boswell and Joe fi. 
Howard. Stagebill helping this to 
fine $15,000 after good first round at 
$17,800 with other vaude setup. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,460; Sft- 
$1.20) — "Unconquered" (Par) (2d 
(Continued on page 28) 



16 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



PRESS -TIME FLASH! 

First week's business is biggest 
M-G-M record in entire history 
of, Loew's Criteripn Theatre, N. Y. 



BROADWAY 
IS 

GREEN 
DOLPHIN 

STREET" 
NOW! 





FROM M-G-M TO ALL 
THESE HIT MAKERS! 

LAN A TURNER 

VAN HEFLIN 
DONNA REED v 
RICHARD HART 

« FRANK MORGAN . EDMUND GWENN • DAME MAY WHITTK 
REGINALD OWEN • GLADYS COOPER 

Screen Ploy by Samson Rophochon • Bated on the Novel by Etixobeth Gourfcjc 

Directed by VICTOR SAVILLE • Produced by CAREY WILSON 

A MejIlO GOlDV/W MAYBR PlCTURi 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



PICTURE GROSSES 



17 



Warm Weather Clips L ville Albeit 
This Time Lush 18G; 'Crossfire 11G 



Louisville, Oct. 21. \ 
"This Time For Keeps" is having 
everything its own..way this week at 
Loew's State. Other product in 
downtown sector is a little on thin 
side, and summer-like weather is 
not helping. "Crossfire" looks only 
mildish at Rialto while "Unsus- 
pected" shapes as medium at Mary 
Anderson. 

Estimates for This Week 
Brown (Fourth Avenue) (1,200; 
40-60) — "Welcome Stranger" (Par) 
(4th wk). Sturdy $4,500. Last week, 
$5,500. 

Kentucky (Switow) (1,200; 30-40) 

"Variety Girl" (Par) and "Woman 

on Beach" (RKO). Lively $3,500. 
Last week, "Desert Fury" (Par) and 
"Cry Wolf" (WB), about same. 

Mary Anderson (People's) (1,100; 
40-60) — "Unsuspected" (WB). 
Medium $7,500. Last week, "Dark 
Passage" (WB) (2d wk), fair $6,500. 

National (Standard) (2,400; 40-60) 
—'■Slave Girl" (U) ' and "Shoot to 
Kill" <SG) (2d wk). Mild $4,500. 
Last week, good $7,000. 

Rialto (FA) (3,400; 40-60)— "Cross- 
fire" (RKO) and "Pretender" (Rep) 
Plenty of action on screen, but b.o. 
pace is pedestrian. Fairish $11,000. 
Last week, "Kiss of Death" (20th) 
and "Second Chance" (20th), $14,000. 

Scoop (Louisville Theatre) (700; 
40-60) — "King's Jester" (Indie). 
Looks fine $2,500. Last • week, 
"Murder in Reverse" (20th) and 
"Chump at Oxford" (FC) light 
$1 900 

State (Loew.'s) (3,300; 40-60)— 
"This Time For Keeps" (M-G) and 
"Key Witness" (Col). Catching fine 
comments from press. Word-of- 
mouth also helping to fancy $18,000. 
Last week, "Merton of Movies" 
(M-G)" and "Boom Town" (M-G) 
(reissue), $17,000. 

Strand (FA) (1,400; 40-60)— "Ari- 
zona" (Col) and "Texas" (Col) (re- 
issues). Neat $4,500 in 5 days. Last 
week "Driftwood" (Rep) and "Along 
Oregon Trail" (Rep) fair $4,500. 

'Danger'-Vaude Husky 
$30,000 Pacing Frisco 

San Francisco. Oct. 21. 
Stout weekend trade is helping im- 
prove an otherwise dull week here, 
with the rain not helping. "Green 
for Danger" is being boosted by 
vaude headed by Martha Tilton and 
Andy Russell to husky session at 
Paramount. "Ride Pink Horse" is on 
disappointing side at Orpheum, but 
"Frieda" at small-seater Esquire is 
okay. "Foxes of Harrow" is doing 
fairly well in second stanza, two 
spots. 

Estimates for This Week 
Golden Gate (RKO) (2,844; 65-$l) 
—"Pun, Fancy Free" (RKO) plus 
vaude headed by Shirley Ross, Hel- 
mut Dantine (2d wk). Okay $18,000. 
Last week, big $30,000. 

Fox (FWC) (4,651; 60-95)— "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). Good 
$15,000 in 6 days. Last week, husky 
$27,500. 

Wai field (FWC) (2,656; 60-85)— 
"Black Gold" (Mono) and "High 
Conquest" (Mono). Big $20,000. Last 
week, "Tobacco Road" (20th) and 
"Grapes of Wrath" (20th) (reissues), 
$15,000. » 

Paramount (Par) (2,646: 60-85)— 
"Green for Danger" (EL) plus Andy 
Russell and Martha Tilton on stage. 
Husky $30,000. Last week, "Unsus- 
pected" (WB), $19,500. 

St. Francis (Par) (1,400; 90-$1.25) 
—"Life With Father" (WB) (3d wk). 
Fat $25,000. Last week, $26,000. 

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2.448; 55- 
85)— "Ride Pink Horse" (U). Dis- 
appointing $15,000. Last week, "Her 
Husband's Affairs" (Col) (2d wk), 
weak $9,500. 

United Artists (Blumenfeld) (1,207; 
55-85)— "Mons. Verdoux" (UA) (2d 
wk). Oke $12,000 or near. Last 
week, Happy $16,500. 

Stagedoor (Ackerman) (350; 60-85) 
—"Black Narcissus" <U) (m.o.). 
Sturdy $3,200. Last week, "Years 
Between" (Indie) and "Dorian 
Gray" (M-G) (reissues), $1,800. 

Esquire (Blumenfeld)"" (952; 55-85) 
--"Frieda" (U). Oke $9,000. Last 
week. "Spirit West Point" (FC) (2d 
wk), nice $6,500 in 4 days. 

Guild (Lippert) (400: 35-85)— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(11th wk). Torrid $3,500. Last week. 
$3,900. 

Clay (Roesner) (400: 65-85)— 
"Torment" (Indie) (6th wk). Nice 
$2,000. Last week, about same. 

l.arkin (Roesner) (400; 65-85)— 
"Shoe Shine" (Indie) (3d wk). Fine 
$2,500. Last week, $2,700. 

United Nations (FWC) (1,149: 60- 
85)— "Foxes of Harrow" (.20th) (2d 
wk). Down to $4,000. Last week, 
big $6,000.- 

Center (Lippert) (300: 35-85)— 
"The Women" (M-G) (reissue) (2d 
wk). Strong $3,000. Last week, 
$3,600. 

Slate (Par) (2,133; 60-85)— "Un- 
suspected" (WB) (m.o.). Thin $8,000. 
Last week, "Wild Harvest" (Par) 
(m.o.), $8,500. 



Key City Grosses 

Estimated Total Gross 
This Week $3,086,000 

^Based on 21 cities 220 thea- 
tres, chiefly first runs, including. 
N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Weelr 

Last Year $3,200,000 

(Based on 20 cities 181 theatres) 



Tun Smash 22G 
Tops Cleve. Pix 

Cleveland, Oct. 21. 

Collaboration of Jack Haley, Con- 
stance Moore and Hal LeRoy in Pal- 
ace's vaude section is such a real 
puller that it's kiting "Adventuress" 
to a torrid session. Next best entry 
is "Fun and Fancy Free," sock at 
the Allen. 

Estimates for This Week 

Alien (RKO) (3,000; 50-70)— "Fun, 
Fancy Free" (RKO). Socko $22,000. 
Last week, "Mother Wore Tights" 
(20th) (3d wk), shapely $12,500. 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 50-70) — 
"Unsuspected" (WB). Good $19,000. 
Last week, "Foxes of Harrow" 
(20th), $20,000. 

Lake (Warners) (800; 55-70) — 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) (m.o.). 
Nice $3,500 in 6 days. Last week, 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (m.o.), smart 
$4,000. 

Ohio (Loew'sl (1,200; 55-70) — 
"Wyoming" (Rep). Surprisingly 
heavy draw at $8,000 or near. Last 
week, "Welcome Stranger" (Par) 
(m.o.), swell $7,500 in fifth down- 
town round. 

Palace (RKO) (3.000; 65-85) — 
"Adventuress" (EL) plus Jack Haley, 
Constance Moore,. Hal LeRoy on 
stage. Socky vaude' names got week- 
end standees, with big $33,500 likely. 
Last week, "Lost Honeymoon" (EL) 
plus Cab Calloway orch on stage, 
$29,500. 

Slate (Loew's) (3.450; 55-70) — 
"Wild Harvest" (Par); Only $18,500. 
Last week, "Desire Me" (M-G), mild 
$17,500. 

Stillman (Loew's) (2,700; 55-70)— 
"Desire Me" (M-G) (m.o.). Fair at 
$8,500 or close. Last week, "Gone 
With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) (3d 
wk), breezy $9,000. 

Det. Improves; 'Song' 
Torrid $20,000, 'Widow' 
Fair $21,000, 'Night' 19G 

Detroit, Oct. 21. 

Business is showing a bit of a 
comeback this week although effects 
of regent drop still linger on. Of 
newcomers, "Widow of Wagon Gap" 
at Fox is only fair but "Song of 
Love" is sock at United Artists. 
"Down to Earth" still is strong at 
the Michigan. 

"New Orleans," at the Broadway- 
Capitol, was hypoed by a midnight 
show with a bottle of music between 
New Orleans Dixieland music and 
swingsters. Stunt jammed the house, 
but full week is barely okay. 
Estimates for This Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1,740; 70-95)— 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(6th wk). Down to $6,000. Last 
week, okay $8,000. ■ 

Broadway - Capitol (United De- 
troit) (3,309; 70-95)— "New Orleans" 
(UA) and "Killer Dill" (SGP). Oke 
$16,000. Last week, "Lured" (UA) 
and "Pretender" (Rep), $10,000. 

Cinema (Marten) (250; 60-90)— 
"Cage of Nightingales" (Indie). 
Okay $2,100. Last week, "Captive 
Heart" (Indie), .good $2,200. 

Downtown (Balaban) (2,683; 70- 
95)— "Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Arnelo Affair'' (M-G) (2d wk). 
Fair $8,000. Last week, 811,000. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5.100; 70-95) 
— "Widow Wagon Gap" (U) and 
"Riff-Raff" (RKO). Fair $21,000. 
Last week, "Kiss of Death" (20th) 
(2d wk), good $21,500. 

Madison (United Detroit) (1,866; 
50-60)— "Dear Ruth" (Par) and 
"Great ' Expectations" (U-I). Tall 
$2,400 in 3 days. Last week, "Va- 
riety Girl" (Par) and "Brasher 
Doubloon" (20th), $2,500 in 3 days. 

Michigan (Ui)ited Detroit) (4,039; 
70-95)— "Down 'to Earth" (Col) (2d 
wk). Bangup $20,000. Last week, 
smash $34,000. 

Palms-State (United Detroit) (2,- 
976: 70-95)— "Long Night" (RKO) 
and "Springtime Sierras" (Rep). 
Trim $19,000. Last week, "Heaven 
Only Knows" (UA) and "Philo 
| Vance's Secret" (EL), fair $12,000. 

United Artists (United Detroit) 
(1.951; 70-95) — "Song of Love" 
(M-G). Sock $20,000. Last week, 
"Carnegie Hall" (UA), $15,000. 



'Brute' Solid J3G, Omaha 

Omaha, Oct. 21. 

"Imperfect Lady," bolstered by 
the Tex Williams band on stage, at 
the Orpheum, looks biggest thing in 
town, and is strong. "Deep Valley" 
at Brandeis is fancy. But "Brute 
Force," at Paramount, is standout 
straight-Aimer. 

Estimates for This Week 

Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000: 20-85) 
— "Imperfect Lady" (Par) plus Tex 
Williams band. Smash $21,000. Last 
week, "The Web" (U) and • "Vigi- 
lantes Return" (U), trim $11,300. 

Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 
65)— "Brute Force" (U). Solid $13,- 
000 or near. Last week, "Foxes of 
Harrow" (20th)', $11,800. 

Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65) — 
"Deep Valley" (WB) and "Last of 
Redmen" (Col). Smart $9,000. Last 
week, "Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) 
and "Corpse Came C.O.D." (Col), 
$9,200. 

Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th)' and 
"Philo Vance Returns" (EL) (m.o.). 
Sturdy $10,000. Last week, "Ivy" 
(U) and "Boston Blackie Law" 
(Col), $8,800. 

State (Goldberg) (865; 16-65) — 
"Fiesta" (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $4,000. 
Last week, $5,000. 

Heat Dulls St. Loo Biz 
Albeit 'Earrings' Smart 
$22,000, 'Song' High 25G 

St. Louis, Oct. 21. 

Midsummer temperature is still 
continuing here after two weeks and 
sock grosses are conspicuous by 
their absence. Only 50% of the big 
cinemas have fresh screen fare. 
'■'Song of Love," running solo, will 
grab the heavy cream. "Golden 
Earrings" teamed with "Railroaded" 
is in the runnerup spot. 

Estimates for This Week 

Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 50-75) 
— "Golden Earrings" (Par) and 
"Railroaded" (E-L). Fancy $22,000. 
Lr-st week, "Foxes of Harrow" 
(20th), lair $16,500. 

Art (S'Renco) (115; 85 )— "Portrait 
of Woman" (Indie). Okay $700. 
Last week, "There Were ^Sisters" 
(U) (3d wk), $550. 

Fox "(F&M) (5.000; 50-75)— "Singa- 
pore" (U) and "Fall Guy" (Mono). 
Average $19,000. Last week, "Slave 
Girl" (U) and "Invisible Wall" 
(20th), $15,500. 

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 50-75)— 
-S'Song of Love" (M-G). Lusty $25,- 
000. Last week. "Merton of Movies" 
(M-G) and "Mr. District Attorney" 
(Col), $18,000. 

Missouri (F&M) (3,500; 50-75)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) and "Slave 
Girl" (U) (m.o.). Only $10,000. Last 
week. "Woman on Beach" (RKO) 
and "Crossfire" (RKO) (2d run), 
$8,000. 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,000; 50-75)— 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) and "Mr. 
District Attorney" (Col) (m.o.). Nice 
$8,000. Last week. "Desire Me" 
(M-G) (m.o.), $8,500. 

St. Louis (F&M) (4,000: 50-75)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Kilroy 
Was Here" (Mono) (3d wk). Down 
to $6,500 after oke $7,500 for second 
stanza. 



L A. Slow Albeit Tink Horse' Fast $ 
$47,500 in 6 Spots; 'Desire Slow 38G 
In 3; 'Foxes' Lusty 53^ for 5, 2d 



Heat Warms Prov. B.O.; 
'Song' Tuneful $21,00C 
'Singapore' Tall at 16G 

Providence. Oct. 21. 

Unseasonably hot weather has 
most theatres zooming here, even 
though the reverse should be true. 
Hitting on all cylinders is the State's 
"Song of Love," followed closely by 
RKO Albee's "Singapore." Doing big 
in holdover are Strand's "Welcome 
i Stranger" and Majesties "Foxes of 
Harrow." 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (2,200: 44-651— "Sin- 
gapore" (U) and "Sarge Goes to Col- 
lege" (Mono). Nice $16,000. Last 
week, "Crossfire" (RKO) and "Win- 
ter Wonderland" (RKO) (2d wk), 
hep $14,500. 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400: 44-65) 
—"Mark of Zorro" (20th) and 
"Drums Along Mohawk" (20th) (re- 
issues) (2d wk). Neat $4,000. Last 
week. $5,500. 

Fay's (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— "Spiral 
Staircase" (RKO) (reissue) and 
vaude on stage. Fairly peppy $7,000. 
Last week, "Bells St.' Mary's" (RKO) 
(reissue) and vaude on stage. $7,500. 

Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 44-65) — 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). 
Very fancy $15,000 or near. First 
sesh was $18,030. 

Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 65) 
— "Repeat Performance" (EL) and 
Gordon MacRae heading stageshow. 
Fairly good $11,000. Last week, "Red 
Stallion" (EL) and Kitty Kallen top- 
ping stagebill, nice $14,000. 

State (Loew) (3,200: 44-65) — 
"Song of Love" (M-G ). Snappy $21.- 
000. Last week. "Merton of Movies" 
(M-G) and "Boom Town" (M-G) 
(reissue), trim $17,000. 

Strand (Silverman) (2.200: 44-65) 
— "Welcome Stranger" (Par) (3d 
wk). Started Monday (20). Second 
sesh was happy $14,000 with first 
week's hot $19,000. 



. 'Los Angeles, Oct. 21. 

Jt looks like a mild week here ex- 
cept, for a couple of strong holdovers. 
Best of new bills is "Ride Pink 
Horse," which is shaping for an okay 
$47,500 in six theatres, mostly small- 
seaters. "Desire Me" looks very slow 
at $38,000 in three firstruns, while 
"Lured" is catching only $22,500 in 
four spots. 

"Foxes of Harrow" is sighting a 
neat $53,500 for second stanza in five 
situations. "Crossfire" is very sturdy 
$41,000 in two houses, second frame. 
"Dark Passage" will be down to 
$34,000 or near in second round, three 
spots. 

Estimates for This Week . 

Belmont (FWC) (1.532; 50-$D— 
"Black Gold" (Mono) and "High 
Conquest" (Mono) (2d wk). Just 
$3,000. Last week, $5,900. 

Beverly Hills Music Hall (G&S- 
BlumenfeldV (826; 65-$l )— "Lured" 
(UA). Light $4,000. Last week. 
"Heaven Only Knows" (UA) (2d 
wk), $2,300. 

Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 50-$l) 
— "Foxes of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). 
. Nice $7,500. Last week, $10,000.- 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 50- 
$1)— "Foxes Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). 
Okay $10,500. Last week, $15,200. 

Culver (FWC) (1,145; 60-$l)— 
"Ride Pink Horse" (U) and "Winter 
Wonderland" (Rep). Trim $5,500 in 
6 days. Last week, "Black Gold" 
(Mono) and "High Conquest" (Mono) 
(8 days), $6,300. 

Downtown (WB) (1,800; 50-$D— 
"Dark Passaee" (WB) (2d*Wk). Good 
$16,000. Last week, $21,700. 

Downtown Music Hall (Blumen- 
feld) (872; 50-$l )— "Lured" (UA). 
Fair $10,000. Last week, "Heaven 
Only Knows'.' (UA) (2d wk), $6,000. 

Egyptian (FWC) (1,538; 50-$D— 
"Desire Me" (M-G). Slow $9,500. 
Last week, "Merton of Movies" 
(M-G) and "Keeper of Bees" (Col) 
(2d wk), $6,700. 

El . Rey (FWC) (861; 50-$D— 
"Black Gold" (Mono) and "High 
Conquest" (Mono) (2d wk). Closing 
at $3,500. Last week, neat $5,000. 

Esquire (Rosener) (685; 85) — 
"Captive Heart" (U). Near $3,000. 
Last week, "Cage Nightingales" 
(Indie) (3d wk) and "Un Carnet De 
Bal" (Indie) (2d wk). $1,800. 

Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 50-$l)— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(10th wk). Fair $2,500. Last week, 
$3,000. 

Guild (FWC) (968; 50-$D— "Ride 
Pink Horse" (U) and "Winter Won- 
derland" (Rep). Neat $6,500. Last 
week, "Wistful Widow" (U) and 
"Knockout" (Mono) (2d wk), $2,200. 

Hawaii (G&S-Blumenfeld) (956; 
50-$l )— "Lured" (UA). Mild $4,500. 
Last week, "Heaven Only Knows" 
(UA) (2d wk), $3,400. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 50-$D— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (2d wk). Mild 
$9,000. Last week, $14,600. 

Hollywood Music Hall (Blumen- 
feld) (475; 50-85)— "Lured" (UA). 
Fair $4;000. Last week, "Heaven 
Only Knows" (UA) (2d wk), $2,500. 

Iris (FWC) (828: 50-85)— "Ride 
Pink Horse" (U). Good $6,500. Last 
week, "Wistful Widow" (U) and 
"Knockout" (Mono) (2d wk), $2,400. 

Laurel (Rosener) (890; 85)— 
"Things to Come" (FC) and "Man 
Work Miracles" (FC) (reissues) (4th 
wk). Nifty $3,000. Last week, $4,100. 

Loew State (Loew-WC) .(2,404; 50- 
$1)— "Foxes of Harrow" (20th) and 
"Invisible Wall" (20th) (2d wk). 
Good $19,000. Last week, $27,800. 

Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 
50-$l )— "Desire Me" (M-G). Light 
$19,500. Last week, "Merton Movies" 
(M-G) and "Keeper Bees" (Col) (2d 
wk), $11,400. 

Loyola . (FWC) (1,248; 50-$D— 
"Foxes Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). 
Good $7,500. Last week, $10,300. 

Marcal (G&S) (900; 50-$D— 
"Seventh Veil".«lU) (2d wk). Okay 
$3,000. Last week, $3,400. 

Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2,210; 50- 
$1)— "Black Gold" "(Mono) and 
"High Conquest" (Mono) (2d wk). 
Trim $11,000. Last week, $19,600. 

Million Dollar (D'town) (2,122; 55- 
98)— "Heartache" (EL) with Jimmy 
Dorsey orch on stage. Scant $15,000. 
Last week. "King of' Bandits" (Mono) 
with Leo Carrillo and Carlos Molina 
orch on stage, $16,300. 

Panlagcs (Pan) (2.812; 50-$l)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO) and "When Girl's 
Beautiful" (Col) (2d wk). Brisk 
$20,000. Last week, $28,000. 

Paramount (F&M) (3,398; 50-$D— 
"Variety Girl" (Par) and "Cover 
Big Town" (Par) (2d wk). Slim 
$16,000. Last week, $21,400. 

Paramount Hollywood (F&M) U,- 
451; 50-$l )— "Variety Girl" (Par) (2d 
wk). Oke $12,000. Last week, $14,700. 

RKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890; 50- 
80 (—"Crossfire" (RKO) with "Girl's 
Beautiful" (Col) (2d wk). Sharp 
$20,000. Last week, $28,900. 

Ritz (FWC) (1,370; 50-$D— "Ride 
Pink -Horse" (U) and "Winter 
Wonderland" (Rep). Good $9,000. 
Last week. "Wistful Widow" (U) and 
"Knockout" (Mono) (2d wk). $3,100. 

Studio City (FWC) (880; 50-$D— 
"Ride Pink Horse" (U). Fast $6,500 



or near. Last week, "Wistful Widow'* 
(U) and "Knockout" (Mono) (2d 
wk), $3,400. „ 

United Artists (UA) (2,100; 50-$l> 
— "Ride Pink Horse" (U) and "Winter 
Wonderland" (Rep): Oke $14,000. 
Last week, "Wistful Widow" (U ) and 
"Knockout" (Mono) (2d wk), $9,400. 

Uptown (FWC) (1,719; 50-$l)— 
"Foxes Harrow" (20th) and "In- 
visible Wall" (20th) (2d wk). Stout 
$9,000. Last week. $12,000. 

Vogue (FWC) (885; 50-$l )— "Black 
Gold" (Mono) and "High Conquest" 
(Mono) (2d wk). Just $3,500. Last 
week. $5,800. 

Wilsl.ii e (FWC) (2,296; 50-$D— 
"Desire Me" (M-G). Thin $9,000. 
Last week. "Merton Movies" (M-G) 
and "Keeper Bees" (Col) (2d wk), 
$6,300. 

Wiltern (WB) (2,300; 50-$l)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (2d wk). 
Modest $9,000. Last week, $14,500. 



'Mitty' Scckeroo 1 
$33,500, Philly 

Philadelphia, Oct. 21. 

"Secret Life of Walter Mitty," 
running far ahead of other new pic- 
tures here this week, is turning in 
a terrific session at the Stanley. 
"Golden Earrings" shapes up as next 
best but only fairly good ai Boyd. 
"Desire. Me" is rated nice at the 
Goldman. Warmish weather cut 
into weekend biz. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aldlne (1,303; 50-94) — "Long 
Night" (RKO). Fair $14,000. Last 
week, "Crossfire" (RKO) (7th wk). 
down to $9,000. 

Arcadia (Sablosky) (700; 50-94)— 
"Dork Passage" (WB) (2d run). 
Oke $5,500. Last week. "Desert 
Fury" (Par) (2d run), $5,000. 

Boyd (WB) (2,350; 50-94)— 
"Golden Earrings" (Par). Fairly- 
good $22,000. Last week, "Her Hus- 
band's Affairs" (Col) (2d wk), thin 
$13,500. 

Earle (WB) (2,760; 50-94)— "Singa- 
pore" (U) (2d wk). Mild $16,000 
after oke $24,000 opener. 
. Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-94)— "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th) (3d wk). Oke 
$16,000 after sturdy $25,000 last week. 

Goldman (Goldman) (1,300; 50-94) 
—"Desire Me" (M-G). Nice $25,000 
or near. Last week. "Variety Girl" 
(Pc-r) (5th wk), $13,000. 

Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-94) 
— "Sop? Thin Man" (M-G) (3d wk). 
Good $9,000 after $12,000 on second. 

Keith's (Goldman) (1,300; 50-94)— 
"Down to Earth" (Col) (2d run). 
Fine $7,000. Last week, "Kiss of 
Death" (20th) (2d run), $4,500. 

Mastbaum (WB) (4,360; 50-94)— 
"Unsuspected" (WB) (2d wk). Fair 
$23,500 after good $32,500 opener. 

Pix (Cummins) (500; 50-94)— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(3d wk). Okay $13,000 after $13,500 
in second. 

Stanley (WB) (2,950: 50-94)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO). Great $33,- 
500 and best here in some time. Last 
week. "Wild Harvest" (Par) (3d 
wk), $15,000. 1 

Stanton (WB) (1,475; 50-94)— "Bad 
Men Missouri" (WB) and "Each 
Dawn I Die" (WB) (reissues) (3d 
wk). Moderate $8,500 after $12,000 
in second. 



'Unsuspected' Mild 17G, 
Pitt; 'Night' Short 9G, 
'Mitty' Rugged 14G, 2d 

Pittsburgh. Oct. 21. 

Not much excitement here this 
week, and again holdovers, are 
mainly in the news. "Walter Mitty" 
still is socko .in second stanza at 
Fulton and "Unconquered" is hold- 
ing up well in. third at Penn. "The 
Unsuspected" is just getting by at 
Stanley. "Long Night" is mild at 
Warner. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fulton (Shea) (1.700; 40-70) — 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Holding up very well at $14,000, big, 
after nearly $17,000 last week. 

Harris (Harris) -(2,200; 40-70) — 
"Moss Rose" (20th). In for only 4 
days because "Forever Amber" 
(20th) already was ear-marked for 
tomorrow (Wed.). Soft $6,500. Last 
week, , second of "Foxes Harrow" 
(20th). fancy $12,000. 

Pcnn (Locw's-UA) (3,300; 75- 
$1.20) — "Unconquered" (Par) (3d 
wk). House didn't know until almost 
last minute whether this one was 
staying on. Uncertainty may have 
hurt a bit. Solid $19,000. Last week, , 
great $25,000. 

Ritz (Loew's) (800; 40-70)— "Va- 
cation From Marriage" (M-G) (re- 
issue) and "Danger Street" (Par). 
Press help on "Vacation" may lift 
(Continued on page 28) 



18 



INTERNATIONAL 



Pfi&nffirf 



TABIETS'B* 10ND0N OFFICB 
8 St. Martin?* riaee, Trafttlsar 8«uh» 



Snail-like Canada Pix Production 
Brought To Halt by British Tax 



By MARC THIBEAULT 

Montreal, Oct. 21. 
The new Canadian motion picture 
Industry, born in 1943 on a solitary 
and more or less childish effort, has 
not yet blossomed into the very 
promising and important project it 
appeared to be last year when no 
less than three new companies 
launched or announced production 
programs. Since . then, . however, 
things have been advancing slowly 
and are now at a standstill because 
of the 75% tax recently imposed by 
the British government on film im- 
ports, a measure which, affects pix 
produced by British Dominions as 
well as Hollywood films. 

Canadian producers are anxiously 
awaiting a settlement of the whole 
problem between Britain and Holly- 
wood so as to pick up where they 
left off less than a year ago. On 
the other hand, as expressed by 
Paul L'Anglais, vice-president of 
Quebec Productions Corp., the same 
producers are also hoping soon to 
be able to take advantage of a 
special and separate settlement in- 
tended only for pix produced in the 
British Empire. This, it is felt, can 
only be hoped for however if Amer- 
ican producers do not object. 

At the present time, the same 
three Canadian motion picture com- 
panies ave still in existence. Quebec 
Productions Corp., perhaps the most 
solidly financed, with 49-year-old 
Rene Germain as its president, has 
-already produced one film in two 
separate versions, one French, the 
other English, respectively called 
"La Forteresse" and "Whispering 
City." The two pix, based on the 
same script and filmed with two 
different sets of stars on a simulta- 
neous basis or rather an immedi- 
ately successive one, cost ' over 
$750,000 and were produced. in 71 
Jays. 



De Basil Ballet Click 

In Paris Despite Crix 

Paris, Oct. 21. 
Col. Wassily de Basil's Original 
Ballet Russe has been doing fine 
business here, despite mixed critical 
reception, and a Brussels booking has 
been set to follow the ;local run. 
Troupe has garnered extra 'publicity 
through the suit by producer Maurice 
Lehman against Mile. Kamarova, 
cow dancing with the ballet. Leh- 
man claims the dancer walked out 
of her contract with Him at the 
Chatelet here. 

Company includes two Americans, 
Helen Komarova (Eileen Kraemer) 
ar.d Lloyd Brown; French ballerinas 
Genevieve Moulin and Renee Jean- 
maire, as well as Olga MorosoVa, 
Vania Psota, Moussia Larkina, 
Wladimir Dokoudovsky, J. Taras and 
P. Grin wis. 



Worldwide Mex Distrib 
Combine Hinted as Wedge 
In Workers Wage Dispute 

Mexico City, Oct. 14. 
Formation of a powerful combine 
to take over the worldwide distribu- 
tion of air Mexican motion pictures 
is the latest complication in the 
battle between" 12 Mexican film 
distributors and their employees 
over ' wage increases. The news 
broke in the middle of negotiations 
between the Union of Motion Pic- 
ture Industry Workers (STIC) and 
the distributors for salaries equal 
to those paid by local distributors 
of American and British films. 

Negotiations have been proceed- 
ing under the sponsorship of the 
iederal government's Bureau of 
Conciliation and Arbitration.' Just 
what effect the surprising develop- 



Yugo's Mojbile Units 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

Yugoslavia had 26 mobile film the : 
atres in operation by Aug. 15 of this 
year .and hopes to have 51 by year's 
end, according to government re- 
ports. The country has a Five Year 
Plan which provides for 120. 

In July, the mobile units gave 250 
performances, mostly in villages and 
remote rural districts, many of 
whose inhabitants were seeing films 
for the first time. ' 1 



"La Forteresse," akeady r released , CQm fce expeeted to have on 
all-Canadian cast I the workers' threat to' strike, as well 



acted by an 

headed by Paul Dupuis (a J. Arthur 
.Rank protege) and Montrealers and 
.newcomers Nicole Germain and 
Jacques Auger, has enjoyed remark- 
able success locally, packing every 
house in which it has been pre- 
sented by its distributors, Eagle- 
Lion, It was not so well received 
on its fust appearance in France. 

"Whispering City," starring Hel 
mut Dantine, Mary Anderson and 
Paul Lukas from Hollywood, is still 
to be released. Eagle-Lion will dis- 
tribute it in the U.S. Further proj 
ects of the company, which has a 
six acre studio in St. Hyacinthe, 35 
miles from Montreal, have been de 
layed until January, and will be 
budgeted according to what happens 
with the British 75% tax, the idea 
being to approach the situation in 
the same manner as Hollywood pro- 
ducers. 

Renaissance Slowed 

Renaissance-Film, with a cap 
italization of $3,000,000, and which 
produced the first Canadian full- 
length production in 1943, "Le Pere 
Chopin" (in French only), is reor 
ganizing but has yet to produce 
another pic. 

Company has bought the studios 
of Fiat Films in Paris and the latter 
are company's main source of rev- 
enue at the present time, dubbing 
American pix. New local studio will 
open next December but production 
work on the company's first bilin- 
,-, gual film, "Rancons," is very indeft- 
(Continued on page 20) 



as on the distributing branch of the 
industry in general, could not be 
immediately determined. 

Backers of the proposed monop- 
oly, which has been incorporated as 
General Distribui'dora, remained a 
mystery but union leaders hinted 
they" were none other than the 
owners of the dozen strike-menaced 
distributing firms. 

They added that any "amalgama- 
tion" of this kind would be ex- 
tremely difficult to carry out in 
view of Mexico's strict labor laws. 
Among other things these laws- 
would require the companies to pay 
a minimum "indemnity" of three 
months' salary to the multitude of 
workers the union calculates would 
lose their jobs as the outcome of 
such a merger. 



Mex Prods. Wan 
16m Distrib To 
Bolster Income 



Mexico City, Oct. 21. 
Plans for wider distribution of 
Mexican-made ' pictures in Mexico 
and for lower budgeted product 
have been announced by Oscar- J. 
Brooks, manager of Peliculas 
Nacioriales, distribution setup 
formed by the country's major pro- 
ducers and distributors and im- 
portant minors headed by Alfonso 
Rosas Priego. Clasa Films Mundia- 
les, Flimex, . Producciones Raul de, 
Anda and Producciones Mexico are 
the major producers-distribs in 
lineup. . 

A former Warner manager here 
and now producer for Filmex, 
Brooks said that this setup will 
strive to obtain additional playdates 
for native product, fife asserted that 
it is not a monopoly of Mexican 
film distribution here. 

Brooks pointed out that people in 
about 4,000 rather remote but solid 
business towns in the Mexican 
hinterland will be made steady 
patrons of Mexican product via 16m. 
He explained that these smaller, 
communities seldom- if ever have 
seen picture shows because it's too 
difficult and costly for distribs to 
service them -with 35m pix. Brocks 
explained that Peliculas Nacionales 
has acquired 1,000 16m projectors to 
carry out the program.- 



Ceilings on Foreign B O. Scabs, 
Plus Price Cuts Form New Headache 



Ontario Filmhouses To 
Cut Marquee Lights 50% 

Toronto, Oct. 21. 

Because of a shortage of electrical 
power for industrial needs, the > sev- 
eral hundred filmhouses in Ontario 
have been asked, as of Nov. 1, to 
voluntarily cut down their marquee 
lighting by 50%, according to Arch 
Jolley, executive secretary, Motion 
Picture Theatres Assn. of Ontario. 
Move will apply from key firstruns 
to smalltown houses and is expected 
to be a public relations goodwill ges- 
ture to beat the pistol on an antici- 
pated government order. 

With resurgence of postwar manu- 
facturing needs, demand for elec- 
trical energy has increased 40%, 
with government's- publicly-owned 
hydro system unable to overcome 
the present deficiency for another 18 
months. 



JAPS DOUBLE SCALE 
FOR PIX, BIZ DIPS M 

Tokyo, Oct. 14. 

Japan's film houses are, for the 
first time since the surrender, in a 
terrific boxoffice slump. It followed 
the recent doubling of admish prices 
from 10 yen (20c) to 20 yen (40c). 

Exhibitors, who say they aren't 
doing half the business they for- 
merly were, claim they face a crisis. 
They cite that autumn biz, usually 
tops, has dropped below that of 
summer, poorest of year. 

Following the increase in scale, 
Shochiku theatre in Asakusa grossed 
381,120 yen as compared to previous 
week's 529,700 yen. House shows 
only Jap pictures but the slump 
has hit foreign-film theatres, too. 
Shochiku theatre on Tokyo's famed 
Ginza, Japan's Broadway, showed a 
50% drop, as did the Orion*; No. 2 
spot here. 



Heydrich's Girl Friend, 
Erna Sack, No Sock in B.A. 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 15. 
.Erna Sack, German coloratura 
soprano, gave the first of two con- 
certs at the Politeama theatre in 
Buenos Aires last night (14), to a 
fairly well-filled theatre. Many Nazi 
agents were present in the audience 
and German gab filled the foyer. 
With stalls priced at $4 each, only 
$1,950 was grossed, whereas capacity 
would be $3,750. 

German singer is slated to give a 
second concert early next week. She 
has been angling for radio broad- 
casts on one of Argentina's three 
major networks but the fact that 
she is heralded as having been Rein- 
hardt Heydrich's (the slaughterer of 
Lidice) .mistress, has served to damp- 
en sponsor's enthusiasm. In Montevi- 
deo, the Sack concerts were black- 
listed by pro-Allied associations, and 
only a small smattering of the Ger- 
man colony attended. 

Beniamino Gigli has just closed a 
series of four popular-priced con- 
certs at th Opera Theatre, three in 
evening and one in morning per- 
formances, grossing a total of 
$20,593. 



JAPS TO GET GAY AGAIN 
WITH INT'L FUN CENTER 

Tokyo, Oct. 14. 
Hoping to grab off its share of the 
postwar currency that's expected to 
move Nippon-way with the peace 
treaty, Shikine Island — just a stone's 
throw from, Tokyo — last week an- 
nounced plans for creation of an 
international amusement center. 

A Jap development company an- 
nounced it would sink 62 million 
yen ($1,240,000) into a project that 
will include a hotel accomodating 
200, a Monaco-styled gambling house 
and a cabaret. Should the plan 
prove popular, a filmhouse and 
playground will be added. Island's 
beaches are perfect for swimming, 
and hot springs are numerous. Two 
express boats have been contracted 
to bring the visiting firemen and 
moneyed Japs to the island from 
Tokyo. 

Gov. Seiichiro Yasui of Tokyo, 
one of the supporters of the project, 
estimates it will bring an annual 
income of one billion yen to the 
owners — with the old proviso that 
the authorities look the other way 
while the casino operates. 



Portugal Taking Steps 
To Halt Dollar Outgo; 
U.S. Pix Import Is 88% 

London, Oct. 14. 
Sterner attitude toward film im- 
ports' "has been taken by the govern- 
ment in a two-fold effort to halt 
dwindling dollar exchange and en- 
courage development of the local 
picture industry. Steps to restrict 
remittances on earnings of foreign 
films have already been taken and 
it's reported that an exhibitors' 
quota forcing theatre owners to 
reserve a portion of their playing 
time for native piz is also being 
studied. 

Quality of Portuguese films in the 
past has not always been of the best 
and the government's crackdown on 
foreign pix represents a determined 
move to boost the excellence as well 
as the quality of domestic produc- 
tions. It's also felt with improved 
homegrown product Portugal stands 
to tap the foreign market for some 
badly needed dollars. As a talent 
incentive the government makes 
annual financial awards to actors 
and directors. 

- Some 300 theatres are scattered 
throughout Portugal. Of the total 30 
are located here in the capital. Only 
a half-dozen odd pictures were 
made in Portugal last year. Observ- 
ers feel that if domestic production 
doesn't take a sharp upward trend 
the exhibitors' quota will be unen- 
forceable. Among last year's top 
Portuguese films were "Camoes," a 
biopic about the Portuguese poet 
who flourished during the Renais- 
sance. Others were "Os Tres Espel- 
hos" and "Capas Negras." But of 
all pictures distributed throughout 
the country in 1946, American 
imports constituted roughly 88%. 



* While the film industry fights two 
forms of overseas forays— tax visita- 
tions, and Government-imposed ceil- 
ings on rentals— tf third type is cur- 
rently spreading which would nick 
theatre grosses down the line. It's 
the fixing of price controls on the- 
atre admissions coupled with sub- 
stantial slashing of present boxoffice 
scales. 

Philippine legislature is currently 
considering the imposition of price 
controls on theatres after recent in- 
troduction of a bill to that effect. 
Proposed law seeks to push scales 
back to pre-war levels and set ad- 
missions ceilings in three brackets. 
The act would subdivide flickeries 
into first-run showcases; ordinary 
first-runs; and subsequent - run 
houses. Different top for each is 
provided. 

Threatened Philippine action fol- 
lows on a corresponding bill passed 
by Brazil months back. The Rio 
government slashed all admissions 
by one-third and clamped a ceiling 
on what theatres could charge. Re- 
sult has been a dip in returns from 
that country on Yank' pix which ap- 
proximates the one-third, cut. 

As it is, grosses frbm PI are down 
close to 50% of last year's peak 
levels- While a good deal of the 
drop is due to the exodus of GI's, 
biz is still off from the expected nor- 
mal returns. Passing of the price 
control regulations would spell a 
further dive. 



Film Advertising Goes 
Big in Venezuela Despite 
Old-Slide System Use 

Caracas, Oct. 14. 

Film advertising is proving an ex- 
cellent medium in Venezuela. All 
theatres in Venezuela use the old- 
slide advertising, and some of the 
firstrun houses use as many as 25 
different slides advertising" as many 
-as three or four different brands of 
cigarets to perfumes, liquors and 
eatables. . 

Bolivar Films, Venezuela film 
making concern, has made only four 
feature length pictures in four years, 
concentrating on a weekly newsreel, 
documentaries, and two reel length 
advertising films. Latter *are well 
organized with many camera tricks 
used to keep the patron from getting 
restless, and response is away above 
average for films of this sort. 



EKO'S GOMEZ INTO PROD. 

Mexico City, Oct. 14. 

Msx Gomez, until recently the 
longtime RKO head in Mexico, and 
lately RKO Latin-American sales su- 
pervisor, has turned pic producer 
here, in partnership with Rafael 
Rosas Priego. 

Their first pic is skedded for 
Yuletide release. 



Lartigue Stepping Out 
Of Paris Metro Post 

Paris, Oct. 14. 

Henri Lartigue, head of the French 
Metro subsid, though remaining a 
member of the board of directors, is 
giving up the exec job to handle his 
private interests. William King, who 
has long handled Metro's continental 
money matters, is stepping up as the 
French company prexy. .-'..' 

Lartigue, in partnership with Clif- 
ford L. Fischer, had long repre- 
sented William Morris here before 
the war. He was then already a 
Metro director here, and as such 
took care of their interests during 
the war. He had taken on the 
executive handling of the exchange 
at the time of liberation. 



Producer Sues Scripter 
On Purge by French 

Paris, Oct. 14. 
Roger Richebe, producer, has 
brought suit for 5,000,000 francs 
damages ($40,000) against Henri 
Jeanson, scenario writer. During the 
war, Richebe accepted an executive 
job under the Petain regime on the 
Cinema committee. Immediately 
following liberation, Jeanson had 
Richebe purged and he was sus- 
pended for two years. . 

Richebe contended that Jeanson 
acted maliciously. Jeanson claims 
that Richebe tried to prevent the 
scenarists of cashing their rights 
when he was a "Petain exec, and 
also that since Richebe's suspension 
was the act of a professional union 
decision and not that of an individ- 
ual, Jeanson can't be held account- 
able for it in any case. 

The court adjourned its decision. 



FRENCH NIX R0KK VISA 
ON GROUNDS OF TAINT 

Paris, Oct. 14. 
Former filmstar Marika' Rokk, 
wife of director Jacoby, who is cur- 
rently producing a stageshow in 
Vienna, wants ^to go to Innsbruck 
but has been refused a visa by the 
French. 

Beginning in 1934 as an equestrian 
strip act, and then going into pic- 
tures, Miss Rokk, through her 
beauty and ability to speak several 
languages, drew the attention of the 
German information service during 
the war. Though recently cleared by 
Americans, English and Russians, 
she can't convince the French that 
the collaborationist allegations 
against her are groundless. 




Infante 52G for 3 Pix 
Tipoff to Mex Wage Slide 

Mexico City, Oct. 14. 

Slant on new pay scale for top 
Mexican pic players is Pedro In- 
fante inking with producers Rodri- 
guez Bros, for $52,000 (U. S.) for 
three pix. 

Maria Felix, (op actress, used to 
get that much for one pic. Now that 
she can't command that price in 
Mexico, she's going to Spain in No- 
vember for one pic for $50,000 
lU. S.). Husband August Lara, lead- 
ing Mexican pop song writer, goes 
with her to do the musical score. 



Comedie Francaise Team 



Paris, Oct. 14. 

Among 18 people implicated in the 
drug ring just discovered by the 
Paris police are Lise Delamare, 
Comedie Francaise actress, and her 
actor-husband, Tony Raffin. 

Both claim that their dealings 
with the ring were confined to hav- 
ing obtained from them some au- 
thorized commodities, and deny the 
charges. 



Rickard's Latin Survey 

Joaquin D. Rickard, Motion Pic- 
ture Assn.'s Latin-American man- 
ager, winding up several weeks of 
huddles with Gerald Mayer, MPA 
international head, left New York 
Monday (20) to survey his Latin 
territory. 

Rickard, who expects to return to 
the homeoffice in late December, is 
scheduled to visit Colombia, Argen- 
tina, Chile, Peru and Brazil on his 
current junket. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 . p^RiETY 19 




?0 



INTERNATIONAL 



VARIETY 



•VARIETY'S' LONDON OFF1CB 
• St. Dfartla'g vhun. TntaJsar Bkwm 



Film Biz on Rise in Peru Despite 
Labor Headaches on All Fronts 



By BAY JOSEPHS 

Lima, Oct. 7. 
Film men, while reporting bet- 
tered attendance than ever before in 
the past; have found themselves so 
plagued by postwar labor, political 
and other troubles here that they 
see no solution in sight. Radio, which 
was on the upgrade here, has found 
itself behind a similar eight-ball— 
reason being that top U. S. coin 
spenders are unable to bring in mer- 
chandise at the present unfavorable 
exchange rate and therefore have 
cancelled programs right and left, 
awjiting a more favorable turn. 

Total remittances of all pix com- 
panies here is about $1,600,000 an- 
nually; half of this is Hollywood 
coin, rest is Argentine, Mexican, 
French, etc. There was talk for a 
time that pix outfits would get at 
least half their remittance money at. 
the official rate. This has turned 
out to be a dream. 

On the labor side of the film setup 
there's not one headache but four. 
Theatre and distrib employees who 
are members of the Sindicato de Em- 
pleados Cinematographicos (formed 
less than two years ago and 
claiming to represent 905 of the em- 
ployees in the industry, both in this 
capital and provinces) are currently 
buttling for 28 points based on those 
of Mexican industry. Strike was 
threatened about six weeks ago but 
halted via negotiations between Film 
Board, National Distributors Assn. 
and exhibitors group. 

Sessions have been going on twice 
weekly for past month. In midst of 
confabs the government decreed a 
general salary increase, averaging 
20 percent for the film industry. It 
took way one of the unions' major 
demands but also put management 
in position of having no alterna- 
tives or bargaining points. 

Exhibs are also facing worries 
from the Sindicato de Operatores 
whose 250-300 members organized 
three years ago are currently ask- 
ing 15 major points. Demands are 
more advanced than in other fields 
since this was the first union in the 
industry here and has already had 
several contracts. 

Ushers, ticket takers and cashiers 
In still another union have not yet 
presented their 20 demands drawn 
tip after original requests were 
• turned down. And checkers are 
forming their own group which, ac- 
cording to reports around Plaza San 
Martin, will outstrip those of any 
other group. 

Exhibs in Lima whose 60 theatres 
— together with 30 others in subur- 
ban towns — account for 70% of 
Peru's biz were given the light to 
present their case to a joint board 
named by the mayor. Huddles on 
this have been running several 
weeks now with talk that- admis- 
sions might be raised. 

Film biz, however, has been on 
the rise in Lima and rest of the 
country. Grosses are estimated to 
have gone up 20 r ',> in '46; this year 
will be just a little less. Chief 
reasons: public has more cash and 
. there are more houses. Since '40 
there have been five major houses, 
12 nabes built in the Lima area. 
K\hil> Field Slow 
Hasn't been much U. S. expansion 
in the exhib field, though. Para- 
mount has already concluded lease 
for the now-building Tacna. which 
will be Peru's finest. Metro has its 
own house here and Warners has 
operated the Central for some time. 
Mexican and Argentine pix. which 
arc iuw estimated to have 50'.;, of 
the playing time, share about equal- 
ly,, since this country is about half- 
way between 'the two Latin lenders. 
Generally felt, however, that the 
top public prefers the Buenos Aires 
product while the nabes prefer the 
Mexican-mades primarily because of 
the music and rural Latino types. 

In radio field, major current trend 
is a lessening of advertising dollars 
because of product shortuc.es. .Sidney 
Ross 'Sterling Products) has shai'p- 
' ly curtailed air time. Goodyear 
Tires, which because of a local 
plant was always a big air buyer 
here, has gone oft the air completely. 
Coca-Cola, locally handled by Mc- 
Cann-Erickson. has continued, how- 
ever, recently bringing Barry Moral, 
one of Argentina's top bands, here 
1 for its weekly show. McCann is also 
continuing with International Petro- 
li urn's Esso Reporter, its weekly 
racetrack coverage from Lima's 
ilip.uliomo and the twice weekly 
.symphonic show directed by Fran- 
cisco Balaguer, conductor of the 
Peru's National Symphony. 

Old Gold. Kolynos. Anacin and 
Van Ess lipsticks are among the 



AMERICAN FILM SHOW 
FOR JAP FLOOD VICTIMS 

.Tokyo, Oct. ft, 
Another innovation from America 
made its bow in Nippon last night 
(13) When 43 film houses here staged 
special flood relief; programs for the 
benefit of victims of last month's 
disaster. 

Idea was pushed by Charles 
Mayer of Central Motion Picture 
Exchange, which feeds U. S. films 



snaii-Like Canada I High Costs Hit Austrian Films, Too, 

=a Continued from page 18 'j n . ||» «1 jfl| All 

Says W. rorst; Uumon Outlook 



nite. No budget has been decided 
or producer or director named. 

Only one artist has been contrac- 
ted, young Metropolitan Opera 
soprano Pierrette Alarie, a local 
girl. She will play in both versions 
of "Rancons", reported to be si love 
story with music. Both Quebec 
Productions arid Renaissance-Film 
expect to rent their studios to for- 
eign producers before perhaps 
launching their respective second 
efforts. 

Seven B's Program 

Canada's third motion picture 
company, this one only producing 
English films, is the hew Canadian 
Motion Picture Productions, Ltd. A 
production program of seven B 



to 45 local theatres. He offered to 

supply the pix free, providing the | features, to be distributed through- 
theatres would turn over all pro- j out the world by Screen Guild, is 



ceeds to flood victims. Jap Red 
Cross gave Mayer's idea its backing, 
and press and radio provided plenty 
of support. 



RKO-PatheTie 
Still Vague 

Following huddles with RKO 
veepee Ned Depinet and its foreign 
chief Phil Reisman regarding con- 
tinued . joint production in Paris, 
Pathe Cinema board chairman 
Georges Descours sailed yesterday 
(Tues.) for France aboard the De 
Grasse. He was accompanied by 
Mrs. Adricn Remauge, wife of the 
Pathe managing director who had 
returned' Oct. 10 on the Queen 
Mary. 

While it is felt that RKO and 
Pathe Cinema will continue their 
joint filmmaking, nothing definite 
could be learned of the companies' 
future plans. First film to be made 
on their 50-50 financing setup was 
the Maurice Chevalier starrer, "Man 
About Town." which prcemed at the 
Bijou, N. Y. last night (Tues.). 
Some quarters expressed the belief 
that RKO will adopt a policy of 
watchful waiting to study the Che- 
valier pic's b.o. draw before making 
another committal. 

Pathe, incidentally, -has a joint 
deal with Sam Bischoff, a United 
Artists producer, whereby the Holly- 
wood filmmaker will make a picture 
on the French Foreign __ Legion, 
shooting part of it on the Coast and 
the rest in France. Production is 
scheduled to start within a month or 
six weeks. Yarn at present is un- 
titled. Both Remauge and Descours 
visited the Coast while in the U. S. 
and also conferred with their 
American representative, Jacques 
Chabrier, before returning to 
France. 



Mull Special Kid Pix , 
To Curb Nip Delinquents 

Tokyo. Oct. 14. 

Juvenile problems are one of 
Japan's biggest postwar headaches, 
and city fathers here have decided 
show biz may help in their solu- 
tion. Officials are seeking an elab- 
orate building for the kids of 
Tokyo, with a' theatre, library and 
projection rooms. Structure would 
be the first of its kind in Nippon. 

Toho and Shochiku film studios, 
scenting the trend since the visit 
of Father Flanagan prompted the 
passing of a juvenile welfare law, 
immediately submitted plans to .he 
metropolitan government for the 
production of special films for chil- 
dren. Politicos are said to be ready 
to sign proposal. 



being planned and the company will 
begin working In domestic studios 
when financing, now under way, is 
completed. 

New firm succeeds the Dominion 
Productions Co. which produced 
last Summer, "Bush Pilot" on a 
$150,000 budget with American 
actors Rochelle Hudson and Jack 
LaRue starred with Canadian 
Austin Willis. Authorized capital of 
$600,000 for the new company Will 
be acquired through the sale of 
600,000 common shares without nom- 
inal or par value, the issue having 
been approved under the Ontario 
Securities Act of 1945. 

Screen Guild, a Hollywood dis- 
tribution company, has been given 
an option to take 24,000 fully paid 
and non-assessable no par value 
shares. President of the company, 
offices of which are in Kingston and 
Toronto, is L. L. Cromien, who pro- 
duced "Bush Pilot" for Dominion 
Productions, with actor Austin Wil- 
lis as vice-president. The new pro- 
duction enterprise has agreed to 
deliver its first feature to Screen 
Guild by Dec. 1, '47, three by Dec. 
1, '48 and three by the same date in 
'49. The budgets of the first two 
pictures are to be $80,000 each, the 
next two $160,000 and the next 
three $125,000 each. 

They will probably be filmed, for 
interiors, at Toronto's Queensway 
btudios (owned by Rank) or at Que- 
bec Productions' St. Hyacinthe lot. 
Under the contract, Screen Guild 
has the right tff approve the 
title, story, director and three lead 
ing players. The new outfit's reg 
istry and transfer agency is the Na 
tional Trust Co., Toronto, and its 
syndicate trustee is the Chartered 
Trust & Executor Co., Toronto. 

This is the situation in general 
on the Canadian film industry. Out- 
side of the 1943 "Le Pere Chopin" 
and the 1946 "La Forteresse," 
"Whispering City" and "Bush Pilot," 
it has produced little and at the 
present time is only showing hopes 
of going back into production. 

The British tax has been its big- 
gest obstacle so far. As soon as this 
is ironed out, or solved with limited 
budgets, Canadian producers will 
swing back into stepped-up pro- 
duction, for they are all anxious to 
keep going and feel they have the 
resources to do so. Next spring will 
tell a more precise story. 



MEX PIX STARS GOING 
IN FOR STOCK DEALS 

Mexico City, Oct. 14. 

The once-despised stock com- 
panies are luring film stars away 
from Mexican studios. Business is 
so slow with local producers that an 
increasing number of actors are 
hastening to sign up with Spanish- 
language companies for tours of the 
southwestern United States and the 
Mexican hinterland. 

Boxoffice take reported by Joa- 
quin Pardave and Fernando Soler, 
Mexican filmplayers who recently 
had a highly successful tour of 
interior towns and cities, has been 
an added hypo. 



U. S. Pix Sift 
Thru 'Curtain' 

The "iron curtain" across eastern 
Europe looks more like a sieve to 
Hollywood films, according to the 
latest report from the Motion Pic- 
ture Export Ass'n. showing popu- 
larity of U. S. films in Soviet-dom- 
inated areas. In Poland, Hungary, 
Romania, Czechoslovakia and Bul- 
garia, Hollywood productions re- 
leased through MPEA are playing 
to capacity business, outranking by 
far domestic films or imports from 
other countries. 

Current favorite in Poland is "Air 
Force" (WB) which is playing in 
four of Poland's six key cities. Due 
to a lucky publicity break, the pic- 
ture premiered in the country 
simultaneously with the country's 
national tribute to its own air forces. 
Also showing up strongly are 
"Shadow of a Doubt" <U) and "Hold 
Back the Dawn" (Par). 

In Romania, "Casablanca" (WB) 
is topping all other boxoffice- en- 
tries. Other releases showing up 
strongly are "Wintertime" (20th) 
and "You Belong to Me" (Col). 
"Random Harvest" (Metro) in Hun- 
gary dominates the boxoffice pic- 
ture, with "Anna and the King of 
Siam" (20th) and "Going My Way" 
(Par) also doing big business. In 
Czechoslovakia, "Mr. Smith Goes to 
Washington" (Col) recently wound 
up a record-breaking ~10-week first- 
run engagement. 



GLASGOW HONORS NIVEN 

London. Oct. 21. 
David Niven was nominated by 
Glasgow Univ. students as a candi- 
date for election as Rector (honor- 
ary head), as a non-political inde- 
pendent. 

Other names submitted included 
James Bridie, playwright. - 



largest U. S. advertisers using tran- 
scribed shows here. There's been 
little building among Lima's 12 sta- 
tions or among the 11 provincial 
outlets. Assn. of Broadcasters, formed 
last year under leadership of Tomas 
Ronald, manager of JKaclio Mlincial, 
has concentrated more on halting 
commercial competition by the gov- 
ernment-Owned Radio Nacional than 
in developing any . plans of its own. 
(f'i./i)i i.i 11 series 011 posfuw slioiu 
biz trends in Latin America.) 



Current London Shows 

(Figure xlwws weeks of run) 
London, Oct. 21. 
"Annie Get Gun," Col'sm (20). 
"Bless the Bride," Adelphi (26). 
"Bom Yesterday," Garrick (39). 
"Chiltern Hundreds," Vaude (8). 
"Crime of Foley," Comedy (15). 
"Deep Are Roots." Criler'n (15). 
"Dr. Angelus," Phoenix (12). 
"Du Barry," Princess (2). 
"Edward My Son," Lyric (21). 
"Finians Rainbow." Pal (1). 
"Fly Away Pete*?' Fort (11). 
"Girl Quite," St. Martin's (9). 
"Here There," Palladium 1 29). 
"Life With Father," Savoy (20). 
"Linden Tree," Duchess (10). ' 
"Man in Street," St. James (2). 
"Never Can Tell," Wynd. (3). 
"Noose," Saville (18). 
"Off Record," Piccadilly t21). 
"Oklahoma!," Drury Lane (25). 
"One,. Two, Three," Yorks 16). 
"Peace In Our Time," Aldw'h (11) 
"Piccadilly Hayride," Wales (32). 
"Present Laughter," Haym'kt 1 27 ) 
"Separate Rooms," Strand (9). 
"Sweetest Lowest," Ambuss. (77) 
"Together ARain," Vic Palace (27) 
"Trespass. Apollo (14). 
"Tuppence," Globe (2). 
"Worms View," Whitehall (25). 



French Rescind Ukase 
Nixing Dubbing Permits 

Paris, Oct. 14. 

Michel Fou»»e Cormery, head of 
the French Cinema Administration, 
has had to rescind his recent ukase 
suspending for two months the issu- 
ance of dubbing permits, as result 
of activity of Frank McCarthy, Mo- 
tion Picture Assn. rep here. 

Censor's reason was shortage of 
raw stock. Most American ex- 
changes get theirs from the parent 
company without transfering money 
home in payment, thus doing away 
with the exchange problem. 

On the average, the local overall 
monthly consumption of film is 
about 1,000,000 feet of negative stock 
and 20,000.000 feet of positive black 
and white. About 80% is supplied by 
the local Kodak works, whose only 
imports are for machinery. The 
balance is made up of Belgian 
Gevaert. French Bauchet and Ger- 
man Agfa stock. 

Price of positive print has just 
been titled to about 2c per loot, 
representing an increase of about 

23 r 'a. 



Vienna, Oct. 11. 

Outlook for Austrian film pro- 
ducers is bad, according to one oi' its 
top filmmakers, Willy Forst, lli$ 
forecast is based upon present cost* 
of production as compared with 
what he termed the last "normal" 
year, 1936. "The German-lannuaiie 
version now," said Forst, "does not 
realize a third of the costs of the 
bigger films in the domestic market, 
and subtitling in Hungarian,. Czech, 
Romanian and Polish hardly brings 
in another third." 

With dwindling revenues there are 
only two ways to produce at a profit? 
Forst declared. Either make films 
at modest costs strictly for home 
consumption or join forces witli pic- 
ture interests in other countries. His 
"Hofrat Geiger," now nearing com- 
pletion, is an example of the first 
school of thought, while an Anglo- 
Austrian picture on Queen Elizabeth, 
to be made in association with J. 
Arthur Rank, is in line with his sec- 
ond concept. 

Forst noted that one of his fust 
picture successes cost $90,000 and two- 
thirds of the budget was paid as an 
advance by the Tobis Berlin Dis- 
tributing Co. Balance was more than 
covered by revenue from the Euro- 
pean market. But present" costs 
have skyrocketed far beyond budgets 
of a decade ago, he added. 

"Hofrat Geiger" is the producer's 
first postwar production. With Paul 
Hoerbiger, Hans Moser and Maria 
Andergast topping the cast, picture 
is slated for a local preem in De- 
cember, Hans Wolff directed while 
Hans Lang composed the score. Fol- 
lowing his "Elizabeth" for Rank, 
Forst will probably do a Franz 
Lehar biopic in association with the 
Briton at a local studio. 



Swedish Radio Yens 

More Talent Kroner 

Stockholm, Oct. 21. 

Sweden is planning improved do- 
mestic radio service, stepping up 
quality and also expanding morning 
service. Radiotjaenst needs more 
money for the purpose and has re- 
quested 8.750.000 kroner for pro- 
gramming during (lie next year. The 
funds would come from the licenses 
for receivers. 

One difficulty in improving the 
quality ot programs is the low wage 
paid to radio artists. Increased sal- 
aries will be necessary to bring bel- 
ter talent to tlie air. 



Bank Angle, Plus Rising 
Charges, Are Snafuing 
Paris Pix Production 

Paris, Oct. 14. 
Film producers, owing to preva- 
lent economic, conditions, are in- 
creasingly chary of producing here, 
where tilting of budget is unpre- 
dictable. One skedded pic," budgeted 
at $640,000 three months ago, would 
now cost at least $1,120,000 and the 
producer, who can't see how . the 
cost would be covered, is shelving 
the project. Metzger arid Vog, plan- 
ning to make "Mademoiselle Mou- 
choir" ("Miss Handkerchief"), to 
be directed by Pottier and starring 
Simpne Simon, after an original 
script by Max Colpet, are going to 
film - it in Sweden. 

A lot of pictures skedded here are 
postponed, besides which the banks 
are most reluctant to take chances 
on longterm investments. Robert 
Ainser, who has left the Lou Bun in 
outfit in which he was partnering 
to make "Alice in Wonderland'' with 
puppets, had a production unit 
about ready but is meeting difficul- 
ties on account of the banking angle. 



Swedes Sked Torment' 
Into Russia Via Pact 

Stockholm, Oct. 14. 

First Swedish film to be shown in 
Russia as a result of the recently 
negotiated Soviet - Swedish trade 
agreement is "Hots" ("Torment"), 
Produced by Svcnsk Filrfljndustri, 
the picture stars Alt Kjellin mow 
in U. S. with David O. Se'znick 1 and 
Mai Zetterling. 

Soviet shelled out about £10.000 
for "Hets" which is being released 
throughout Russia as "Trsvlja" by 
the Russian State Distribution Co. 
Written by Ingmar Bergman, film 
has been a top b.o. success in Scan- 
dinavia as well as Britain and the 
U. S. 



Spanish Pix Flood Mex 

Mexico City, Oct. 14. 

Mexico City, considered the center 
of Spanish-speaking motion picture 
production, will soon see Spain's 
leading cinema personalities— Rafael 
Duran, Julie Pena, Fernando R"y. 
Eduardo Fajarde, Mery Martin and 
Adrian Rimoldi — in- a shipment of 
20 Spanish pictures soon to be re- 
leased here. 

All the artists have expressed a 
desire to work in Mexican films. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



21 



lilllllfe»<i 



I i 

^ragi 


iff 


$ Mm Mm$ M 








11411 


Mil 





S C«EN su,,' 
STARS 

mowj SH0W 

SCREEN OUIOf 



CAUlNOAlloiRi. 
SC «ENUNO 
^ERICAN G«t 



3& 



Back ... to Thrill Millions Anew ... in the 
Kind of Picture That Made RIN TIN TIN 
the Screen's Biggest Money* Maker! Back 
in a Story of Tenderness and Thrills . . » 
Filmed Entirely in Color! 



1; 



RinTinTim m 

DONALD WOODS • BOBBY BLAKB 
Gaylord Pendleton • Claudia Drake; 

Directed by Max Nosseck • Produced by William Stephens • Released by EAGLE LION FILMS 




22 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Uudge Maguire Views N. Y. Production 
As Stimulus to Coast; SMPE Conv. 



Launching the five-day 62nd semi- ♦ 
■nnual convention of the Society of 
Motion Picture Engineers at the Ho- 
tel Pennsylvania, N. Y„ Monday 
(20), Judge Edward C. Maguire re- 
newed the city administration's pitch 
for more eastern production but pro- 
tested against newspaper distortion 
of its real intent. Despite extravagant 
language used in describing the ob- 
jectives of New York City's film co- 
ordinating committee, he said, "We 
do not intend to lift Hollywood out 
of the West Coast and drop it here." 

Addressing assemblage o£ over 200 
engineers from leading film studios 
end equipment manufacturers, Ma- 
guire asserted th>>t New York only 
wants, and deserves to get a greater 
percentage of pictures to be made 
in this area. Development o£ this 
area as another important production 
centre, he predicted, would not act 
as a competitive irritant to Holly- 
wood but as a much-needed stim- 
ulant. 

Coordinating committee's head re- 
vealed that preliminary work on 
drafting a simplified code for film 
producers was almost completed and 
would be ready for operation within 
a month or two. Already, he said, 
the city has helped disentangle pro- 
ducers from the maze of departmen- 
tal jurisdictional redtape, which 
snarled shooting in the past. He 
pointed out that in the last two 



Jessel to Emcee PP 

George Jessel will emcee, the Pic- 
ture Pioneers Thanksgiving dinner 
at the Hotel Plaza Nov; 19. Hal 
Home is chairman of the a'range- 
ments committee. 

Mayor William O'Dwyer has been 
invited to attend as honor guest to 
continue the precedent set by Fio- 
rello La Guardia, now deceased, who 
took the honor spotlight in 1945. Eric 
Johnston, Motion Picture Assn. 
prexy, also has accepted. 



been registered with his office by 
producers working on the city's 
street. 

In turn, Maguire made a plea for 
more cooperation from • Hollywood 
producers who sometimes come to 
town on Saturday with ideas of 
starting location work on the fol- 
lowing Monday. But, he said, what- 
ever the difficslties, his committee 
was prepared to give full assistance 
to any producer planning to shoot 
in New York. 

Series of Papers 
Following Maguire's' talk, SMPE 
conclave heard a series of papers 
Monday and Tuesday (20-21) on 
various technical phases of film- 
making and theatre construction and 
management. On the opening day, 
Ben Schlanger, architect, reported on 
advances in theatre design and John 
McNamara made a comparison of 
low-and-high-cost methods of con- 
struction under current conditions. 

Other papers included studies of 
foreign theatre operation by Clement 
Crystal, Paramount International 
theatres; dynamic, luminous color 
for film presentation by R. Gillespie 
Williams, illumination engineer; syn- 
thetic sound on film by Robert E. 
Lewis, Armous Research- Institute; 
high-speed motion pictures by R. A. 
Anderson and W. T. Whelan, Naval 
Ordnance Laboratory; the Zoomar 
lens by Frank G. Back, and other 
technical papers concerning theatre 
television. 

At the SMPl semi-annual, banquet 
tomorrow night (Wednesday), John 
A. Maurer, pioneer in the develop- 
ment of 16m sound recording equip- 
ment and techniques, will receive the 
first Samuel L. Warner Memorial 
Award given by the outfit. Gold 
medal award, being given to Maurer 
by SMPE prez Loren L. Ryder, was 
established by Warner Bros, for an- 
nual presentation for outstanding 
work in sound film engineering. 



Skyscraper Studio 



Continued from page 3 



Film Salesmen 

Continued troth page 5 

1 fers is due in Universal where top- 
1 pers are now studying an analysis 
from the field. Understood that a 
15% drop has been decided on. That 
would mean some 2G salesmen from 
U's force of 115 for an estimated an- 
nual savings of $150,000. U already 
has saved $2,000 a week in cutting 
out needless overtime, supper money, 
etc. 

Paramount and Metro have al- 
ready . edicted substantial slashes. 
] Other companies are reported to 
have quietly dropped a number of 
a single complaint had salesmen, with the whittling process 
'to continue until 20% cuts are in 
effect 

In Par's case, it's said, 35 sales 
staffers have been edged out and the 
distribution end of the budget has 
been thereby shaved by $275,000 
yejrly. Metro's sales cuts are re- 
ported in the neighborhood of 25 
with a resultant savings of $200,000. 
Columbia is also understood to have 
orders to drop a number of salesmen. 

Action is meeting stiff opposition 
from a scattering of division chiefs 
with the claim that sales reductions 
now approximate "fighting a fire by 
throwing on gasoline." "The distri- 
bution end of the business has al- 
ways been the most thinly spread of 
all," one -sales biggie declared. 
"These firings are making it all the 
worse." 

It's the contention of the dissidents 
that "you can sell a big picture by 
mail, telephone or any other way, 
but how about the dogs?" The smaller 
pic requires personal sales pressur- 
ing» it's argued, because without that, 
the exhib will automatically knock 
them off the list of bookings. Added 
point is made that giving the gate 
to salesmen is spreading ill will 
among exhibs because many of the 
former are personal friends of thea- 
tre men. 



white elephant" if it weren't used 
for film work. 

Present plans call for the build- 
ing to be 40 stories high. It's to 
contain all the latest .film-making 
techniques • under one roof, which, 
according to the realty officials, will 
make its operation much more effi- 
cient than the . rambling studio 
structures covering acres of ground 
on the Coast. Building is to have 
separate executive and casting of- 
fices for each of the major film com- 
panies that signs to use it, 
'. Majors Reluctant .lust Now 
Several of the major companies 
have been approached, it's been 
learned, but none so far has evi- 
denced any interest in the plan. 
Realty firm, together 'with the 
mayor's office,- believes the film 
companies may be .reluctant to .go 
for any such idea at this time be- 
cause of uncertain conditions exist- 
ing within the industry, result of 
the general snafued condition of the 
foreign market 

Eastern production, meanwhile, is 
definitely on the upgrade, with plans 
announced by Vanguard Films over 
the weekend to lens "Dark' Page," a 
newspaper story, entirely in N. Y. 
6T>wyer's campaign may be brought 
to a head by RKO's "The Window," 
which is the first film to be- shot 
entirely in the city. Picture will be 
produced mostly at the RKO-Pathe 
studios by Frederic Ullman, Jr., who 
as former RKO-Pathe prexy, was 
the person mostly responsible for 
having the studios built 

To facilitate production work, 
Pathe has just purchased two cus- 
tom-built station wagons, equipped 
with special glass windows that are 
transparent from the inside ■ but 
opaque from the outside. Camera 
crews, consequently, will be able to 
shoot through the windows without 
attracting a bunch of sidewalk 
gapers to ruin the scene. Glass is 
the same as that used by the Fed 
era! Bureau ol Investigation, which 
was featured in several scenes in 
20th-Fox's "House on 92d Street" 

Station wagons also have plat 
forms constructed on their roofs on 
which cameras can be mounted. 
Cars ' are available to producers 
working in N. Y. at an average ren- 
tal- of $85 per day. 



Inside Stoff—Kctiires 

Major film companies are still uncertain on the use to which they might 
put large-screen television, despite the industry's steadily-growing inter- 
est in the new medium, according to 20th-Fox technical director Earl I. 
Sponable. At the same time, Sponable revealed that 20th had temporarily 
shelved further experimentation with 50m film, even though tests already 
conducted proved "excellent." 

Sponable, assigned to direct 20th's experimentation on theatre video 
in conjunction with RCA, declined to go out on a limb by predicting how 
20th would, use tele in theatres. No system of large-screen video has yet 
been accepted for commercial use and it's to the solution "of that problem 
that all efforts must first be directed. Sponable's primary work, conse- 
quently, will be to get delivery on equipment from RCA, then "set it up 
and see what happens." . 

What application 20th will make of tele will depend on tests, which 
will be conducted at the Fox Movietone labs in New York, Sponable said. 
He derided optimistic predictions of how video could be used to facilitate 
film distribution, or to transmit a stage show from a Broadway deluxe 
house to theatres throughout the country simultaneously, although he 
didn't rule out either as impossible. Investigation will be made of both 
direct television and a system employing an intermediary film between 
tele tube and theatre screen. He hopes to begin tests shortly after "Jan. 1, 

Work done to date with the 50m film has proved it. has excellent possi- 
bilities, the 20th chief said. Use 'of the wide-gauge stock would give 
almost an eye-width standard to film work. Putting it to immediate use, 
however, would require the installation of new equipment in all theatres. 
Under present conditions, Sponable intimated, such a step is considered 
unwise and so use of the film has been pushed off to some future date. 



Opening of "Forever Amber" at the Roxy, N. Y., today (Wednesday) 
was preceded by one of the most all-inclusive ad campaigns in 20th-Fqx's 
history. Working under the supervision of ad-pub chief Charley Schlaifer, 
the 20th exploitation staff posted 29,95.8 sheets of paper plugging the open- 
ing and used more than 200 radio spot announcements in four days over 
WOR (Mutual) and WNEW, N. Y. indie. Spots were recorded by Frank 
Gallup. 

As its piece de resistance, 20th advertised it would serve free coffee and 
doughnuts between 7 and 8 a.m. today to those the company hopes will 
line up that early to see the picture. Roxy doors open at 9:30 a.m. 
'Amber," meanwhile, kicks off in 22 other key city dates today, first of 
more than 3,000 theatres that will play the film before the year's end. 



EL Dickering 

Continued from page 3 



been pushed now for several weeks. 
He's also got a releasing commit- 
ment with United Artists. 

Transactions will be further 
pushed when Krim reaches the 
Coast. EL prexy entrained west- 
ward Monday (20) but stopped over 
in Chicago to meet Foy and Alfred 
W. Schwalberg, veepee in charge of 
sales. Foy and Schwalberg trekked 
to Chi to seek lifting of a recent po- 
lice ban levelled against "Railroad- 
ed," new company release. Fourth EL 
topper, Max Youngstein, ad-pub 
head, planes to the Coast Friday 
(24) to o.o. new product. 

Wanger, Lyons, Small 

EL wants about a half-dozen name 
producer releases for its '47-'48 sell- 
ing season. On that score, pacts 
have already been closed with Wal- 
ter Wagner, who's producing com- 
pany has been acquired by EL; with 
Producing Artists (Arthur Lyons), 
who's, next film for EL will be an 
adaptation of Thomas Costain's "The 
Moneyman" at a planned budget of 
$2,500,000; and Edward Small, who's 
pic "T-Men" will hit the screens 
shortly under the EL label. 



Mono Profits 

Continued from page 11 

chise-holders were listed as directors 
of the company. 

Proxy also set forth salaries of 
Monogram's top execs. Samuel 
Broidy, prexy, took top pay of $100,- 
147. Johnston as board chairman re- 
ceived $43,298. Others were George 
D. Burrows, exec veepee and treas., 
$42,488; Edward Morey, veepee, 
$29,494; Norton V. Richey, foreign 
chief, $29,494; and Trem Carr, pro- 
duction head who died Aug. 18, '46, 
$8,403. 

Highest paid director was Roy Del 
Ruth who garnered $70,000. Victor 
Moore took $67,166 as top paid actor. 
Others named were Belita Jepson- 
Turner, $60,330; Barry Sullivan, 
$40,000; Leo Gorcey, $42,663; Akim 
Tamiroff, $20,000; Preston Foster, 
$25,tf0(f; and Anthony Quinn, $30,833. 

M. Goldstein, general sales man- 
ager, took $29,269 while Scott R. 
Dunlap, exec ass't to the prez, was 
paid $39,988. 



Allen Chases Paar 



Continued from page 1 



Mod scenes in. the French-made "Les Enfants du Paradis," involving 
more than 1,000 people on a set at one time, plus the film's original five- 
and-a-half-hour running time, represented attempts of Pathe (France) 
to stymie the Nazis' slave labor policy, it has been revealed. It's been cut 
to 144 minutes in the U. S. - 

Film industry was one of the few in France left untouched' by the Nazis 
during the occupation. Germans, in fact did as much as possible to en- 
courage domestic French film production. Recognizing this fact, scripter 
Jaques Prevert wrote as many mob scenes as possible into the script 
and kept the extras working as long as possible so that the Nazis wouldn't 
ship them off to slave labor camps. Film is currently playing in art houses 
throughout the U. S. 



Printed entirely in Sepiatone, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.'s "Exile" (U) is 
the first film to be made in that process in seven years. Brown-toned 
film hasn't been produced since before the war because the principal in- 
gredient uranium, has been the exclusive property of the United States 
atom bomb project The element is still unavailable, but picture is printed 
in a brownish tone anyway as a result of experimentation by George Seid, 
chief of Universal-International camera dept. and! labs. That resulted in 
the development of several ingredients which substituted for uranium. 
Seid claims any picture lending itself to Sepiatone can be printed as 
easily and as quickly as in black and white. 



THEATRE ENGINEERING 
ADVANCE ACCENTED 

For first time in its history, So- 
ciety of Motion Pictures Engineers 
is laying heavy emphasis on engi- 
neering advances made on the ex 
hibition, rather than the production 
phase of the film industry. In line 
with this new ' slant at its 62d 
semi-annual conference, SMPE has 
innovated an educational scientific 
exhibit at the Hotel Pennsylvania, 
N. Y., with more than 50 manufac- 
turers and other firms displaying the 
latest developments in theatre equip- 
ment, structural materials and sup-' 
plies. 

Attracting dozens of indie oper 
ators and circuit heads, the exhibit 
hall is proving to be the highlight of 
the SMPE conclave. With space 
plotted among various companies, 
variety of actual equipment on floor 
ranges from latest streamlined pro- 
jectors through sound reproduction 
equipment to plastic building blocks, 
airconditioning units, and carpeting 
materials. Coco-Cola is in the act 
with a free-drink bar in the rear. 

Display garnering most attention 
from visiting exhibs is a new auto- 
matic ticket chopper manufactured 
by General Register Corp. Elec- 
trically operated,- box cuts the'tick- 
ets in half, then automatically 
punches and stacks the stubs on a 
wire in sequence of collection. Unit 
uses standard printed tickets and 
takes up to 20,000 stubs without un- 
loading. 

Among other items on the floor 
creating interest is the fibre-fclass 
screen, Nu-Screen, which eliminates 
angle distortion by patrons sitting 
on side of theatre. New designs in 
theatre chairs are displayed by 
American Sealing Co., while latest 
styles in projectors are shown in 
models exhibited by RCA and Gau- 
mont-Kalee. 

villians still perched on the radio Walking around the exhibtion hall, 
comedy roost, but it's reported that ! theatre men visiting the convention 

have voiced their compliments to 



Al Sindlinger, chief of New Entertainment Workshop, film, legit and 
literary research outfit, returned last week to NEW's Hopewell, N. J., 
headquarters following Coast huddles with Walt Disney. Sindlinger's 
doing research for Disney on "The Little People" and "So Dear to My 
Heart." Latter is being filmed in feature length from a book published 
three weeks ago by Doubleday. 

Sindlinger also confabbed with Ben Kandel, author of Warner Bros.' 
"City of Conquest" Kandel is under assignment to NEW for screen treat- 
ment of a novel, "Front Door to Heaven." NEW topper likewise huddled 
with Hugh White, who's writing a novel with guidance by NEW. 



In two instances now, Fred Astaire has been brought out of his abortive 
attempts to "retire" from pictures. Both pix had Irving Berlin scores. 
First try was Paramount's "Blue Skies" last year, his first picture since 
Metro's "?iegfeld Follies" two years earlier, when he replaced Paul Draper. 
Now, after again announcing intentions to retire, Astaire is set .for the 
lead in Metro's "Easter Parade," replacing Gene Kelly, who broke his 
ankle last week. In addition to doing the score, Berlin is also co-producer 
on this one with Arthur Freed. 



Lloyd T. Binford, Memphis censorship czar, almost sounded off against 
the film industry at the annual convention of the Motion Picture Theatre 
Owners of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee last week— but didn't. 
Just before he was scheduled to take the floor, the 80-year-old censor left 
the convention hall telling a reporter, "I can't wait any longer." 

According to his prepared speech, however, Binford "would have 
taken a hefty sock at the film biz. 



back in what the trade concedes was 
some pretty rough scripting. Allen 
reprised the subject last Sunday 
(19). 

There's been no word out of the 
Benny corner as yet concerning 
Paar's tirade against ex-vaude- 



he. too, has been smarting. Which 
many consider not surprising, in 
view of the fact that Benny owns 
a big piece of the Paar comedy pack- 
age and played an important part 
in giving Paar his chance at the 
bigtime via his summer replacement. 



SMPE execs for assisting them in 
their construction and purchasing 
problems. Equipment firms, on the 
other hand, are enjoying business 
boost with their salesman ' writing 
orders from the floor. 



"Miracle on 34th Street" promises to be one of 20th-Fox's most profitable 
films this year. Costing $1,500,000 to make, the pic paid off its entire pro- 
duction nut the first 13 weeks it was in release. Fox uses a 78-week 
amortization table, which makes the "Miracle" returns exceptionally 
good. Film, however, has not been doing so well in small town houses 
as in the bigger cities, the hinterlanders apparently being unwilling to 
accept the heavy larding of fantasy. 



While film customers are shopping for pictures, producers are shopping 
for stars and passing up high-priced' names who are not so hot at the 
boxoffice. Agent for one thesp who has been getting $200,000 a picture, 
recently buzzed the studios and was told they were not particularly inter- 
ested in his client. He got the same answer when he reduced the price 
to $125,000. On one lot he was told that his star would be a hazardous 
buy today, even at $50,000. 



Deal which Metro recently inked to subsidize part of the cost of a roving 
scout to finger new literary talent is with The Atlantic Monthly, rather 
than with The Atlantic Monthly Press, as reported. Both are under the 
same ownership, of course. Metro has similar contracts with Random 
House and Farrar-Straus. 



■ Metro is veering more and more to the audience idea for press and or 
trade previews, especially in New York, and particularly where com- 
edy is a factor. With the legalized tradeshows, nighttime screenings in 
theatres often aren't practical but M-G feels comedy and filmusicals re- 
quire a mixed rather than a trade or press audience for best reflexes. 

Belle Baker's son. Herbert Baker (his father was the late Maurice Abra- 
™ m s,sc.ngwriler-rmisic Publisher) is scripter of Henry Morgan s first film, 
bo This Is New York." and also co-producer. Stanley Kramer is pro- 
ducer via Enterprise (United Artists release). Young Baker, who has 
been dialoging for radio, also has a piece of the film through investment. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



PftRIETY 



23 




"Block Long Lines and Jammed Lobbies 

—Daily Variety 



91 



in Washington for 



lllilHIIIllllllll 



"MONSIEUR VERDOUX" 



■ I 



JUST FINISHED 5-theatre 



Washington engagement] 



wmm 



HI 

, Portland, 
Houston, Atlanta, Newark, 
Jersey City, New Orleans, 
Seattle, New York, 
Los Angeles, San Francisco, 
Salt Lake City, Chicago, and 
more and more coming 
in every hour to || A ! 



■ . . ■■■■■Vj^ljj|^y ..■».V.-.ygt^j M|K ■ ■ 

PARIE 




NEW YORK WEDNESDAY, OCTOBItU S, INT 




VERDOUX' Heads for J 
$45,000 Week In Wasl- 



Mm. 



Moral: Chaplin Should 
Heckle Congress More 1 



were reported 
Apex ana rix. 4 



7* v« 



.„, ; >*§itl 111 il 
1 v 1 i ■ 

, ^ ' i "5 ^ > >- 1 ^ ^ ^ T > j > 



Difference made in a film's 
take by a hefty •publicity cam- 
paign y/&i clearly demonstrated 
in opening of Charles Chaplin's 
"Monsieur Verdoux" in Wash- 
ington last Friday (26) . Crowds 
that lined up at the five low- 
capacity houses there over the 
weekend were in strong con- 
trast to lack of interest in N. Y. 
when the pic came in Without 
any ; advance bally other than 
a two-week ad campaign. In 
Washington it was just the op- 
posite, with p.a. Russell Bird- 
well getting the film involved 
in a controversy with the House 
Un-American Activities Com- 
mittee which landed it on page 
one of the capital papers day 
after day. 



Friday- Saturday- Sunday! 

fross of the five Washington J 
ouses added up to almost ?13,- 
500, smash. Most of it came I 
from the down Fix and the' 
Naylor and Atlas, all nabes, did 
strong but not record-cracking 
biz. ■ :■'■'* 

"Verdoux" was withdrawn by 
Chaplin and United Artists, the 
distributors, after b.o. fizz at 
the Broadway in the spring to 
permit time for a press cam- 
paign to be devised. | 
Surprising to UA execs were ' 
the generally good reviews the 
film got from Washington crit- 
ics, in light of the poor recep- 
tion from the N.'Y. newspaper 
ganderers. 



" WO >«« 

1 ; ,'t- ' 

II " v< : I 
i , Hit 
,< 11 

, . ii iii 

World '> 

,Vcuc c«*«", . ...... 

■ • 



ill 



MM: 



m 



Verdoux 




'VERDOUX Breaks 
Records la Capital 

Washington.— Threa «!l ♦! l 



'ay records, a|| Saturday r< 

fT-i t0 3 vesterd 
. " the Apex and P/x thea+r, 

of seats. With $? 2 876? T* vtf' d "f fo ,4cl! 
♦ho exhibs predicted thKh ' fo . 3 P- m - 
top .$45,000 fo? SPfl K S| Pr ° ducti0n vviH 



• vw„,,oyorsiai film 



1 1 




24 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Hollywood Red Blues 



Continued from page 4 ; 



Wood. Menjou referred to his fellow Julius and Philip Epstein and 



actors, who yesterday sent a tele- 
gram to chairman Thomas protest- 
ing the hearing, as "innocent dupes; 
they just haven't read about Com- 
munism. I feel sorry for them." 
Menjou agreed with the committee 
that anti-Communist films should be 
made, but also advocated the mak- 
ing of Communist pictures if they 
were so labelled, and stated that 
"The Iron Curtain" and "Behind the 
Iron Curtain" have -already been 
copyrighted by many prpducers. 
Noblesse Oblige 

Congressman John McDowell (R) 
Pennsylvania gave Menjou a final 
pat on the back by saying, "In ad- 
dition to being a great actor, Mr. 
Menjou is one of the greatest Ameri- 
can citizens I have ever met He 
knows more about Communism than 
anybody I have ever known." 

Moffitt then took the witness stand. 
With a bitter condemnation of Hol- 
lywood writers and directors, whom 
he labelled Communists, he ripped to 
pieces Frank Tutlle, Herbert Bibcr- 
man, Stewart and Lawson. He ac- 
cused them of having duped him into 
joining the Hollywood Anti-Nazi 
League in 1937 under false pretenses. 

Later, he claimed, he discovered 
the group was out-and-out Com- 
munistic and quoted at great length 
from private conversations with the 
aforementioned people, from their 
writings and from statements they 
had made to prove they were com- 
munist leaders. Lawson, he stated, 
who was the first president of the 
Screen Writers Guild, was Sent to 
Los Angeles by -the Communist 
Party "for the purpose of organizing 
Hollywood for Communism." 

'Broadway Practically 
Dominated by Commies' 



Broadway came in for attention 
for the first tima>this morning. Mof- 
fitt in his testimony accused Broad- 
way of "being practically dominated 
toy Communism. Hollywood is heav- 
j]y infiltrated but the producers at 
least make every effort to keep them 
out. They slip every now and then 
but Hollywood stacks up very well 
against Broadway." He alleged 44 
out of 100 of the best plays of 1936- 
1946 were out and out Communistic, 
and 233 other plays in the same 
period "favored the party line." 

Only two anti-Communist plays, 
to his knowledge, he said, had been 
produced. One was "Unconquered," 
by Ayn Rand, which closed in one 
week. The other was Robert Sher- 
wood's "There Shall Be No Night." 
When Thomas war asked whether he 
would consider calling Broadway 
figures into the hearing, he indicated 
that he wouldn't and that he had 
given it no thought. 

Hollywood studios are working 
to clean out Communist influence 
and are carefully watching all 
scripts to prevent party-line sit- 
uations and dialog from creeping 
into pictures these days, witnesses 
declared yesterday. Producers Jack 
Warner, Louis B. Mayer and Sam 
Wood described the situation with 
varying degrees of bluntness. Ayn 
Rand, screen writer and novelist, 
was called by the committee to 
point out alleged Communist angles 
worked into Metro's wartime "Song 
cf Russia." 

Producer-Director Wood 
Names Other Directors 

Roughest testimony of the day 
was that by Wood. He declared 
that top directors John Cromwell, 
Irving Pichel. Edward Dmytryk 
and Frank Tuttle were Communists. 
Turning to the writers, he men- 
tioned Dalton Trumbo, Donald 
Ogcien Stewart and John Howard 
Lawson were reds. He was most 
emphatic about Lawson, and occas- 
ionally ciacked scornfully about the 
group of Hollywood writers and di- 
rectors seated in the room who are 
slated as 'unfriendly witnesses," 
for hearings next week. 

When Warner became a little 
loalh lo repeat the testimony he 
had previously given the commit- 
tee in secret session on Hie coast, 
Robert E. Stripling, committee 
conn-el, read the former testimony 
aloud. This listed men whom 
Warner said he had fired because of 
their "Communist"' and "un-Amer- 
ican" beliefs in handling of stories. 
They were: Ring Lardner, Jr., 
Clifford Odets, Emmett Lavery, 
Dalton Trrnnbo. Alvah Bessie, Gor- 
don Knhn, Guy Endore, Howard 
Koch. Lawson, Albert Maltz, Robert 
Rossen, Irwin Shaw, John Wexlcy, 



Sheridan Gibney. 

Warner was asked if he stood by 
his testimony. He said he did not 
know whether they were Com- 
munists but 'I could tell from what 
they were putting in scripts, they 
were "un-American.s." 

Warner said he had been some- 
what "emotional" when he testified 
in the spring in Hollywood. He said 
he had since made an investigation 
and one or two names should come 
off the list. He listed Endore and 
Gibney in this category and added 
that the Epsteins, in portraying rich 
men as villains had merely done 
something "as old as the world it- 
self." Otherwise, the producer con- 
tinued, he stood pat that the writers" 
had done un-American material. 

The first day of the hearing laid 
down these broad principles: The 
Motion Picture Ass'n. witnesses ap- 
pear anxious to separate the studios 
themselves from the writers, .actors 
and directors, so that the Commu- 
nist smear will not hit the big busi- 
nesses which have been built up. 

The Committee indicated strongly 
that it will go along with this separ- 
ation and that it does not believe 
that the industry overall is Com- 
munist; the Committee made clear 
that it recognized the company 
heads were certainly not Commu- 
nistic. 

The Committee laid down strin- 
gent rules to keep the hearing under 
control and is not permitting counsel 
to even coach or advise their wit- 
nesses although such procedure is 
permitted by most Congressional 
committees. Even Paul V. McNutt, 
the industry's special counsel, was 
silenced while Warner and) Mayer 
testified. 

One interesting sidelight- of the 
day was the attempt of Rep. Richard 
B. "Vail (R., DL) to convince the 
major companies that they should 
use MPA as a kind of clearing house 
to blacklist subversives from all 
studios. He argued this would be a 
"proper and patriotic duty" by the 
association. Jack Warner particu- 
larly declared his opposition? 

Censorship of the industry by 
Government was opposed by all wit- 
When Stripling, committee 
counsel, suggested that there were 
dangers in exporting "Grapes of 
Wrath," Wood retorted,that he could 
not' think the "Russians would find 
much propaganda value in it. He 
pointed out that even the poor Okies 
owned their own land, had automo- 
biles, and possessed the freedom to 
go wherever dhcy pleased: Wood 
pointed out that was far more than 
Russian citizens had. - Wood also in- 
sisted that the film industry should 
have the right to make pictures on 
every facet of American life. 



Menjou's Doubt 

Washington, Oct. 21. 
In identifying his vocation, 
Adolph Menjou answered, "I'm 
an actor," in a loud, clear voice. 
Then, dropping his voice to a 
half -whisper and as an after- 
thought, added, "I hope." 



the time which described the picture 
as non-controversial and merely 
light entertainment. 

At another point in his testimony. 
Rep. Vail asked Mayer: "What 
motivates those writers and actors 
whose income is in astronomical fig- 
ures to embrace Communism?" 

"I think they're cracked; it can't be 
otherwise," was the laughter-provok- 
ing reply. Stripling asked whether 
MGM had ever made an anti-commy 
film and Mayer named "Nihotchka" 
and "Comrade X." 

Mayer said he has recently caught 
a few situations in scripts which 
might have been Communistic but 
that they have been stricken. In the 
first draft of "Song of Russia," Mayer 
added, "they had farm collectivism 
and I threw it out I will not preach 
any ideology but Americanism. I had 
it written and that is why Robert 
Taylor was delayed in getting into 
the service." 



RKO Committee 



Continued from page S 



Hits at Wanger, Lavery, 
Screen Writers Guild 

In his testimony Tie declared that 
the Free World, "dug up by Walter 
Wanger," and the Emergency Coun- 
cil of Hollywood Guild Unions, 
headed by Emmet Lavery, were con- 
stantly blocking the work of his own 
Motion Picture Alliance for the 
Preservation of American Ideals. 

He also hit hard at the Screen 
Writers' Guild. Asked, "What group 
in Hollywood must tie watched more 
carefully than the rest" Wood 
promptly replied: "Writers. I know 
there are Communist writers in Hbl- 
lywood." He went on to add that 
the subversives were taking orders 
from foreign governments. 

In his opening statement Mayer 
declared that "Mention has been 
made of the picture 'Song of Russia' 
as being friendly to Russia at the 
time it was made. Of course, it was. 
It was made to be friendly. In 1§38 
we made 'Ninotchka' and shortly 
thereafter 'Comrade X' with Clark 
Gable and Hedy Lamarr — both of 
these films kidding Russia." Mayer 
said "Song" was produced primarily 
as a musical romance with a boy 
and girl story and also to help inter- 
national relations by showing the 
Russians who were hard pressed at 
Stalingrad how friendly we felt 
toward them. 

Mayer denied the Government 
asked the studio 1o make the story. 
He said the studio got the idea and 
then broached it to the Office of War 
Information which approved it 
heartily. It was Mayer's idea to have 
Robert Taylor play the composer be- 
cause "he was a musician.". 

Stripling asked if Mayer felt the 
film was pro-Communist. 

"It had no political implications," 
was the answer. "I am convinced of 
that and I am under oath. If I went 
to meet my God I would still say so." 
Mayer read from press reviews at 



Ayn Rand's Film 'Review' 
Sees Sickle All Over 

' Ayn ~"Rand, a rerugee from the 
Soviet government, . was called to 
the stand immediately after Mayer. 
She disclosed that she reviewed 
"Song" on the Coast recently at the 
request of the committee. She ripped 
into ''the picture and its angles as 
though she was trying to prove that 
Mayer's views of its purity were 
vapid and that he wouldn't know a 
Communist angle if he fell over it 

She said the opening of a dissolve 
from the American flag into the Rus- 
sian anthem and hammer-and-sickle 
flag "made me*sick." 

"It shows the heroine in Moscow," 
said Miss Rand. "There are montages 
of scenes in Moscow. I don't know 
where they got them, but I never 
saw anything like it It shows a 
Moscow restaurant such as never ex- 
isted. If there were such restaurants 
they would be for commissars and 
profiteers and girls from villages 
would not be permitted. 

"In that Moscow there - were no 
food lines. The streets were clean 
and prosperous. There were no 
homeless children such as I have 
seen. In this picture you see people 
on excursion boats in satin blouses 
such as you see only in Russian res- 
taurants in this country." The wit- 
ness continued that a peasant cot- 
tage was shown with food on the 
table "such as anybody would be 
murdered for in Russia" and it was 
described as "a simple country meal." 
She said impressions were given 
that collective tractors were private 
property, and that the peasant huts 
were shown with radio sets although 
the Russians had commandeered 
them all at the outbreak of war. 

"This type of thing," she argued, 
"was to create a picture of how fa- 
vorable life was under a totalitarian 
Soviet. Finally, Miss Rand said there 
was a line by an American talking 
to a Russian girl. "You are a fool, 
but a lot of fools like you died on 
the village green at Lexington." 

*T submit," snapped Miss Rand, 
"lhat is was blasphemy to compare 
Lexington with fighting for a slave 
state." 

Jack Warner, Opening Act 

Warner, the day's first witness, 
opened with an attack upon Com- 
munism. He went on to defend the 
industry's right of free speech, and 
also to deny the story that "Mis- 
sion to Moscow" was made tinder 
White House pressure. 

When he originally testified, said 
Warner, he had said that the film 
was made because the Government 
had asked for it However, he had 
rechecked and found that Warner 
Bros, was only one of several com- 
panies, which propositioned Am- 
bassador Davies for the right to film 
his story. Warners had won out, 

"If making 'Mission to Moscow' in 
1942 was a subversive activity," he 
said, "then the American liberty 



was given as reason for economy 
move. 

It was pointed out that in order to 
have the plan of expense reduction 
and control carried out effectively 
the committee of four was named, 
it having authority to prosecute vig- 
orously any expense reduction plans 
it may devise. In naming the com- 
mittee, Depinet cited that it's not 
a pleasant task but one that must 
be done and quickly. Also that dif- 
ferences of opinion might arise be- 
tween members of this committee of j 
four and departmental heads on 
items to be eliminated or reduced, 
and procedure. But these can be cut 
to the minimum "if we understand 
the urgency of the situation which 
prompts this memorandum'." 

Because many departments have 
been preparing quarterly estimates 
of expenditures for the last few 
years, it was pointed out that. RKO 
is better prepared than at any time 
before to handle the trimming , pro- 
gram in an intelligent manner. Also 
explained that the plan is not to be 
directed to department expenses 
only, but should be applied as well 
to the so-called direct expenses of 
operation. Not known for certain 
whether this meant personnel, but 
in company circles such an inter- 
prepation was given to this portion 
of the memo. 

Reported that Terry Turner would 
be called on to slash his. regular 
staff of road exploitation men, but 
this was officially denied by two 
company officials. Prexy N. Peter 
Rathvon recently said that no cuts 
in personnel were contemplated, this 
lending credence to the denial about 
slashes in exploitation division. Com- 
pany also was filled with reports 
that certain activities in other de- 
partments including the ad-publicity 
division might be combined. 

The committee of four that Van 
Wagner heads includes William H. 
Clark, Thomas F. O'Connor and John 
M. Whitaker. Last-named is company 
watchdog on ad-publicity - exploita- 
tion costs. O'Connor is new treasurer 
of RKO Theatres, having moved up 
when A. W. Dawson resigned a few 
weeks ago. Clark is treasurer of 
RKO, Inc. and also RKO Radio Pic 
lures, as distinguished from O'Con- 
nor's treasureship of RKO Theatres. 
Thus, the entire committee is made 
up of the corporation's top monetary 
executives and guardians of the 
treasury. 



CUT KIDS' ADM BUT 
XDULTS BEING UPFED 

Oklahoma City, Oct 21. 
Reduction of kiddies' and teen- 
agers admissions have spread to the 
Oklahoma and Texas territories 
with one novel addendum. While 
theatres are knocking off a number 
of pennies from the moppets' price, 
they're simultaneously boosting 
adults' scales to make up the dif- 
ference. 

Dozens of flickeries, mainly sub- 
sequent-run indies, have lowered 
children's prices to 9c for matinees. 
In most cases, former scale was 15c- 
20c. That odd charge is fixed be* 
cause it gets the kids under the wire 
without necessity of paying any- 
thing via the 20% Federal" bite. 

At the same time, daytime price 
for adults has been hoisted 5c- 10c. 
Exhibs have it figured that the two 
will about equalize 



'For Adults Only' Film 
Draws Texas Censure 

San Antonio, Oct. 2L 
Lurid posters advertising a "For 
adults only" film at a westside thea- 
tre prompted the principal of a 
nearby school to ask school authori- 
ties to obtain assistance of San An- 
tonio police against the theatre. W. 
E. Montgomery, principal of the J. 
T. Breckenridge elementary school, 
reported that the Progresso theatre, 
located less than a half block from 
the school, was advertising a film 
entitled "Souls in Pawn" with huge 
posters of nude women. 

School authorities ordered a 
search of the theatre by the local 
attendance officer for teen-agers 
who might have skipped school for 
the showing. Protests .were also 
made by, clergymen and the Parents 
Teachers Assn. Police found 14 five- 
foot billboards displaying pictures 
of nude men and women. The signs 
were removed and the theatre oper- 
ators warned against such displays. 

On the heels of the police came 
the d. a.'s office to confiscate prints 
of the film and advertising material. 
Folowing a search the posters and 
prints of the film could not be 
found. A conference was then held 
with the police, district attorney and 
operators of the Progresso. Results 
were that films were to be returned, 
together with all advertising, to the 
distributor and no further attempt 
would be made to show them in the 
city. 



Large Film Pool 



Continued from page 2 

with the Skouras and Century cir- 
cuits in N.Y. for his pictures. That 
marked the first time that any for- 
eign-language product had been 
booked into any but the art houses 
in N.Y. Toppers of both circuits are 
reportedly not worried about the 
fact that these films will now be 
made available for free to thousands 
of N.Y. televiewers. Exec of one of 
the chains, in fact is believed to 
have broached the idea to Lopert. 

Under the terms of the deal with 
Gainsborough, Lopert gets a guar- 
antee against a percentage of the 
profits, in return for permitting 
Gainsborough to sell the films to tele 
broadcasters whichever way they 
want. ' Contract runs for a desig- 
nated period of time and includes a 
renewal option. Gainsborough, con- 
sequently, has the right to sell the 
product directly to either stations or 
sponsors. Definite plans haven't 
been set yet but it's believed they'll 
attempt to book them on a pro-rata 
station basis, or per performance 
basis. That means that a network 
will have to pay separately for each 
station on its line that transmits a 
film over the air. 

Gainsborough will make the prod- 
uct available on either 35m or 16m 
stock, depending on each station's 
projection equipment. Preliminary 
tests have shown that the film, even 
w.ith substitles. shows up well on the 
standard small-sized tele screen. If 
it's found that the subtitles can't be 



seen at their present place on the 
ships which carried food and guns bottom of the film, they'll be raised 



to Russian allies and the American 
naval vessels which conveyed them 
were likewise engaged in subversive 
activities. The picture was made 
only to help a desperate war effort 
and not for posterity." 



Bloomingdale Exits Col. 

* Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Al Bloomingdale ankled Columbia, 
where he had held a producer's post 
for eight months. 

Studio, had assigned him to "The 
Petty Girl," but when the idea was 
shelved, he was without an assign- 
ment. 



sufficiently to bring them into view 
but not high enough to interfere 
with the characters. Fact that the 
films were made abroad means there 
will be no trouble with the Ameri- 
can Federation of Musicians, which 
according to U. S. distribs, has pre- 
vented them from booking their 
product to tele stations. 

Gainsborough is headed up by 
Mike Jabions, former trade press 
contact for the Mutual web; Nat Ru- 
dich, program director of WNYC 
N.Y.'s municipally-owned station; 
and Jack D. Gaines, exec producer 
for the State Dept.'s "Voice of 
America" broadcasts. 



Hartman's RKO Initialer 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Don Hartman's first producer-di- 
rector stint at RKO will be "Every 
Girl Should Be Married." Yarn, in 
current Ladies Home Journal, is by 
Eleanor Harris. Studio is consid- 
ering Cary Grant and Barbara Bel 
Geddes for top roles, with filming 
late next spring. 

Hartman recently inked a deal 
after ankling Columbia. 



Rogers Re-Optioned 

Hollywood, Oct 21. 

Roy Rogers, top cowpoke on the 
Republic rancho, gallops thisaway 
over the weekend from his eastern 
rodeo after roping another option 
in the home corral. 

Next Rogers ride in Trucolor 
canyon is "Under California Skies," 
which leaps into the saddle Oct. 30. 



King's Speech 

i Continued from page S ; 



ture Assn. prexy, and his cortege 
of company toppers. At any rate, it's 
under stood that B. T. Davis, prexy 
of the Cinematograph Exhibitors 
Assn., and general secretary W. R. 
Fuller will advise Johnston to ex- 
pedite his London visit. 

Davis and Fuller will fly to the 
U. S. this week. Their plane was 
delayed yesterday for a few days. 
They'll urge on Johnston the need 
to huddle with' the British treasury 
without further postponement. 

Duo are expected to tell Johnston 
that the attitude of the Vanks is 
entirely unrealistic because they 
don't know how serious things are 
here. They'll plead for U. S com- 
panies to come into this market even 
if it means paying the 75';. ad 
valorem tax. 

Full-dress debate is slated in Par- 
liament on the critical shortage of 
dollars. Films which escaped the tax 
because they came into the country 
before its imposition may be hit 
by a freeze on remittances if Par- 
liamentary demands for . curtailing 
of the continued drain on dollars 
bring results. As it is, Britain may 
find itself drawing on its sterling 
reserve to pay for film imports. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



25 



■ ■ ■ 




m m m m ■ 






VARIETY CLUBS 
INTERNATIONAL 




says, from the bottom of the 
Heart of Showbusiness, 



Thanks, 




1 Paramount" 




the picture all America has taken to its heart! 

The 24th and final key-city Premiere of "Variety Girl" took 
place Oct. 8th under the auspices of Variety Clubs International. 

These benefit performances — made possible by Paramount 
through the magnificent cooperation of Charles M. Reagan — have netted 
approximately $200,000 to IogoI Heart Funds to help under-privileged 
children in their own communities. 

The gratitude of Variety Clubs International is extended to 
Paul Short for the original idea for this picture, to the owners of the 
twenty-four theatres which were made available without any charge 
for our benefit premieres, and to the entire Paramount organization, 
including the forty great stars whose talents make "Variety Girl" 
a show that's 





—VARIETY CLUBS INTERNATIONAL 

JOHN H. HARRIS R. J, O'DONNELL 
International Big Boss International Chief Barker 



26 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Production Off 17% 



Continued from page 11 5 



cluce a stupendous total of 40 before 
the year was out. 

Next in '47, with seven for UA, 
were Bill Boyd and Lewis Rachmil. 
Par's Pine-Thomas unit and Univer- 
sal^ Wallace Fox tied for second 
place in '46, with seven apiece. 
Foy's nearest competitor in 1936 was 
Sol Wurtzel, with total of 10. 

Tying for third place this year are 
Alex Gottlieb of Warners, Sam 
Katzman of Columbia, Joe Paster- 
nak of Metro, Pine-Thomas, and 
Herman Schlom of RKO, with four 
apiece. Armand Schaefer and Ed- 
ward J. White, both of Rep, came 
in third last year with six apiece. 
Guys who held third place in 1936 
were Sam Bischoff of Warners and 
^Xucien Hubbard of Metro, with 
eight apiece. 

Tied for fourth this year, with 
three apiece to Sept. 1, are Pandro 
S. Berman, Metro; Bischoff, UA and 
Col; Burt Kelly, Col; Hal Wallis, 
Par; Walter Wanger, UI, and White, 
Rep. Fourth place holders last year, 
with five apiece, were William J. 
O'Sullivan and Sidney Picker, both 
of Rep, and Schlom, RKO. You had 
to have seven to qualify for fourth 
place 11 years ago, as witness the 
septet apiece chalked up by Wanger, 
. Schaefer and John Stone in '36. 

In 1936, many new faces, mostly 
from the writing ranks, were ele- 
vated to producership. In line with 
the elevation, many producers of 
B's were assigned to handle the A 
product, while those who formerly 
handled A's were elevated to execu- 
tive producership. 

Eleven years, however, can make 
a big difference. B production is 
down to its lowest point in filmdom's 
history today, and, while studios un- 
abashedly admitted they were mak- 
ing them in 1936-37, nowadays only 
four of the top nine will admit 
they're making anything but big- 
foudgeters. 

More Femme Producers 
Phenomenon brought out by the 
tabulations is the increase in women 
producers. Only gals in the '36 
group are Mary Pickford and Doro- 
thy Reid. They jumped to four in 
1946, however — Helon Deutsch, Joan 
Harrison, Lillie Hayward and Vir- 
ginia Van Upp — and to six in 1947 — 
Miss Pickford, Bebe Daniels, Miss 
Harrison, Ruth Gordon (partnered 
with Garson and Michael Kanin in 
Kanin Productions), Harriet Parsons 
and Joan Bennett (Diana Produc- 
tions with Wanger and Fritz Lang). 

There are numerous other gals, of 
course— Rosalind . Russell of Inde- 
pendent Artists, Joan Fontaine of 
Rampart Productions, Bette Davis 
of BD Productions, Ingrid Bergman" 
of Sierra Pictures, Ginger Rogers 
of Lincoln Productions, to name 
only . a few — who aren't shown be- 
cause their pictures weren't com- 
pleted in the time' covered by the 
survey. 

From the studio angle, Rep led 
the field in the first two-thirds of 
'46, with 39 pix wound by 14 pro- 
ducers. * Studio dropped to second 
place in the 1947 semester, however, 
~^ with 22 pix by 14 producers. Co- 
tjL\ lumbia not only took first place 
Wm from Rep this year, with 36 pr o- 
^ duced by 16, but jumped two over 
its own 34 of last year, also pro- 
duced by 16. Col was second in '46, 
Universal (before it merged with 
International) was third with 31, 
Metro and RKO tied for fourth with 
26 apiece, and UA was fifth. Tail- 
ing Col, Rep and UA this year (lat- 
ter two are tied for second place 
with 22 apiece) are RKO with 21 
and Paramount with 20. 

Here's the complete breakdown 
for the three eight-month periods. 



Producer 

Browi), Clarence-'. 
Brown, Donald. . . 
Brown, Harry Joe. 
Buckner, Robert., 

Burton, Vnl 

Cagney, William.. 
Cantor, Eddie. ... 

Capra, Trunk. 

Carr, ; Trem 

Carroll, Karl 

Chaplin, Charlie.. 
Choilorov, Edwanl 

Clark, Colbert 

Cline, Edward F. 
Cohen, Albeit J.. 
Cohen, Bennett... 
Cohen, Kmanuel 
Conn. Ralph.... 



1946 


1946 


1941 


M 


M ' 


X 


5 


5 


s 


' 1 


o -S 
e TS 


- e 

6 1 


o 2 


6 S 




ft m 


•ft £ 


ft to 






1 MG 




3 Rep' ' 




ttWB ' 




i coi 




2 WB 






1 u . 








iva" 






1 RKO 




j RKO 





1 1" 

1 L'Hlh 

i'lvf 

4 Rep 
4 Far. 



I UA. 



ID Col ID Col 



J Col 
- Rep 



3 I'A 1 UA 



2 Col 
2 I Col 
1 i'ar 

Cohn. Ralph- 
Buddy Rogers 

Cohn. Ralph- 
Buddy Rogers- 
Mary Pickford.. : 1 UA 

Consirtlne, 

John W.. Jr. . . . 2 MG 1 I'A 

Coslow, Sam 1 HA 

Crump, Owen..... 1 AVB 

Cummings, Jaek 2 MG 

Cummings, Handy 1 Col 

Cunningham, Jack 2 Par 

Curtiz, Michael •• 1 WB 

Daniels. Bebe 1 I'A 

Dare, Daniel 1 Pur 2 Par 

Darmour. I.arry., 2 Col 

Davis, Frank 2 MG ... 

Decker, Harry 1,. 3 Col 

-DeMille, Cecil B. . 1 Pur 



4 201 h 

i' u ' " 



1 20th 

i" coi ' 

1 RKO 

1 MG 

2 Rep 



1 2<llh 



1 Rep 



2 MG 



1 Rep 



2 Pa r 



3 U 



2 ("01 
7 I! 
1 2(Hh 

1 MG 

2 MG 



2 Col 



1986 



i Col 



2 Col 
2 UA 

2 Coi " 
2 20lh 
1 Par 
1 Par 
1 I'ar 



1946 


1947 


R . 
6 3 




,e S 

ft to 


ft to 


2 MG 


4 MG 


2 20th 


1 20th 


I MG 


•1 MG 


2 Col 




1 Col 




0 Rep 


2 Rep 


7 Par 


4 Par 




1 2(11 h 


4 T'A 


7 UA 








it Col"' 


2 OoV 


1 MG 





1 I'A 



I U 

.. i'u 



1 UA 



1 Col 1 RKO 



2 UA 

1 Par 

2 Par 

3 ,Rep 
3' Rep 



1 MG 

2 MG 



2 Par 
2 Par 
. 3 20th 
2 Rep 

1 RKO 

2 UA 



1 RKO 1 RKO 
1 RKO ....... 



4 WB 
1 Rep 
1 RKO 



D'eRoohemnnt, L 
DeSylVa, B. G. . 
Deutsch. . Helen. 
Diamond, David 

Dun", Warren 

Dull, 0.0 

D\yan, Allan 

Edelman, Lou 3 W'B 

ISmerson. John. Y . IMG 

Engel, Sam .-. ...... 

Erskine, Chester- 
Fred Flnkelhoffe 1 UI 

Fairbanks, 

Douglass Jr. ... 1 VI 

Jfaraila. Dario.... 2 Par 

Feld. Milfon 1 2(Hh 

Fellows, Robert . . 
Fessler, Michael.. 
Fessier, Miehael- 
- Ernie Pagano. . , 
Fields, Leonard. . . 
Flothow. Rudolph 

Fox, "Wallace 

Foy, Bryan 2,1 WB 

Franklin, Kidney 

Freed, Arthur 

Genslor, Louis E. 
Glaner, Benjamin. 

Golden, Max 

Goldsmith, Ken.. 
Goldstein, Leon.. 
Goldwyn, Samuel 
Goodwins, Leslie. 

Gordon, Mack , 120th 

Gottlieb. Alex 2 WB 

Grainger, Edmund 3 TJ 

Granet, Bert 1 RKO 

Grant, Marshall 3 U 

Green, Howard J . 1 Col 

Grey Lou 3 Rep 

Griffith, Raymond. B 20th 

Gross, Edward., f, 2 RKO 

3 20th . 

Gross, Jack 1 RKO 

Gulol, Fred 1 UA 

Hackel. A. W. ... 3 Rep 

Haggolt, John 2 Col 

Haljfet, George IMG 

Hakim. Raymond 

and Robert 1 RKO 

Harrison. Joan '. . . . 2 RKO 1 Til 

Hartman, Don... 1 Col 

Hayward, Lillie 1 RKO 

Bellinger, Mark 2 1! 2 UI 

Hoffman. Charles 1 WB 1 WB 

Holt. Nat 2 RKO 2 RKO 

Homblow, AM., Jr. 2 Par IMG IMG 

HoMBemnn. John.. l'RKO 

Houser, Lionel. 1 MG 

Hughes. Howard. 1 UA 1 UA 

Hulbard, Merritt. 2 UA 

Hymnh, Bernard. 1 MG 

Jackson, Felix *. . 2U 

Jacobs. William 2 WB 1WR 

.Tesflel, George 1 20th 

Johnson. Nunnally 4 20th ....... J UI 

Jones, Buck Ill . . . * 

Jones, Paul 1 Par 1 Par 

Kane. Joe 2 Rep 

Kanin. Garson 
and Michael- 
Ruth Gordon.. 1 UI 

Katzman, Sam 4 Col 

Kaufman. Edward. 3 RKO 

Kay, Gordon 2 Rep 

Keefe. Daniel 2 Par 

Kelly. Burf 1 Rep 2 Col 3 Col 

Knopf, Edwin 1 MG 1 MG 



Producer 3". to 

Pasternak. Joe 

Paul. Vnl....'.... ,2B 
Perlberg, William. 1 Col 

Perrin. Nat 

Picker, Leonard 

Picker. Leonurd- 

Sanforth Clifford , 

Picker. Sidney , 

Pine, Bill- 
mil Thomas... 
Pivar, Ken...... 

Premlnger. Otto. 
I'rc-nell. . Robert,, 4 U 
Rachmil, Lewis- 

Willinm Boyd 

Rapf, Harry 5 MG 

Reid. Cliff... 6 RKO 

Reid. Dorothy 1 Rep 

Revpes, Maurice. IMG 
Richmond. Ted... 
Riskin, Everett- . 

Roach, Hal 

Roberts, R. B 

Rogell. Sid....... 

Rogers, Bogart... 
Rogers, Chas. R.. 
Rowland, Rich. A. 
Ruggies, Wesley. 

Ryan, Phil 

Ryskind, Morrie. . 
Sanleil. Alfred... 
Sa reeky, .B. A, 
Schaefer. Armand 7 Rep 

S( hary, Dore 

Schlom, Herman., 1 Rep 
Schulberg, B. P.. 4 2 Col 
' 2 Par 

Scott, Adrian.; 

Sedgwick, Edward 1 UA 
Selznlck. David O. 

Shauer. Mel A 

Sheldon. E. .Lloyd. 

Slegel, Sol. C. 

Sl.sk. Rubeit 

Sistroni, Joseph 

Sislrom. William. 2RKD 

Skolsky, Sidney.'.'. 

Small, Edward ...32 RKO 
1 UA 

Sparks, Robert... 

Speaks. John 1 RKO 

Sperling. Milton.. 

Starr, Irving 1 U 

Steele, Joseph. H.. 1 RKO 

Stone, ' Andrew 

Stone, John 7 20th 

Stromberg. Hunt. 1. Par 
Strong. Eugene... 3 Par 

Sutherland, Edvv.. ' 

Taylor. Ray Ill 

Thalberg. Irving., 1 MG 
Thompson. Harlan 3 Par 
Thurn-Tuxis, 

Alexis 1 Col 

Trotti, Lamar 

Tucker. Mel...... 

Tugend, Harry. . . 
Van UpprVirginia 

Vldor, King 

"Wald. Jerry 

Wallis, Hal 

Wanger, Walter.. 
Wanger. Walter- 
Fritz Lang- 
Joan Bennett - 1 XTT 

Warth, Thcron 1 RKO 

Wayne, John 1 Rep 

Weingarten, Law. 3 MG 

Welch. Robert 1 Par 

Welsch, Howard 4 U 

Welles, Orson 1 Rep 

Wheelwright, Ralph 1 MG .• 

White, Edward J 6 Rep R Rep 

Wickland. J. L. . . 2U 

Wilson, Corey I MG 

Wilson. Harold... 1 ,20th 

Wlnslow, Max 1 20th 

Wolfson. P. J 2 Par 

Wood. Sam , tVt 

Wright. Wm. H 1 MG 1 MG 

Wurtzel, Sol M... 10 20th 

zanuck, Davryl 1 20th 1 20th 

Zimbaiist, Sam : IMG 

Zobel, Victor SV 





(1 Rep 


1 Rep 


2 RKO 




5 RKO 


4 RKO 


1 RKO 


1 RKO 


1 11 SO 




1 Par' ' 


l'pa'r ' 


1 MG 






1 UI 1 




1 Col 




1 RKO 


1 WB 


1 WB 


1 MG 

















Anglo $16,000,0001 



Continued from page 5 . 



1 Par 



7 Par 



1 Par 

1 Col 

twit 

2 Par 
2 U 



2 20lh 
2 Rep 



2 WB 

3 Par 
3 UI 



UA's $5,000 



Continued from page 



,000 I 

ge 5 " 



1936 

K 

a. C 



1947 



„ . g S » 5 « 5 

Producer f. to ft to' 'ft -ji 

imes, Stephen 1 RKO 1 RKO 

.Appieton. Lou- 
Bernard Small ] Col 

Arthur, Robert 2 UI 

-Asher, E. M 2 U 

Auer, John H . . . . - 1 Rep 

Bacher, William. : 120th 1 20lh 

Baldwin, Karl 1 WB 

Barsha, Leon 1 Col 

Bassler, Robert 120th 

Bcche, Robert 1 Rep 

Beck, Arthur F. . 1 Par 

1 II : 

1 RKO 2 RKO 

3 Rep 

4 RKO 2 Mtl 3 MG 

1 Col 

I Par 

5 WJJ 3 2 Col 

1 I'A 

Blanae. Hwirj,... 8 WB 2 WB 2WI! 

Bloom. William 2 Col 

BogeaUS, Benedict 2 I'A 1 I'A 

Eohem, Endre 1 Par 

Bracket!, Charles 1 Par 

Bren. Milton , . I Col 

Bresler, Jerry I Mtl 2 UI 

BrlMtin*, Irving... .1 col 

Block, Lou 2 Rep 

Bred,' Sidney^.',,'. 1 l'iir '.,.."•'. 



Benetlict, Howard 
Berger, Rk'hard. 
Berke, WHIIam.. 
Jl-erman, Pandro S 
Bidden, Sidney.. 
Binyon. Claude... 
Bischoff, Sam.. 



Kohimar, Fred. 
Kraike, Michel. 



2 20th 2 20th 

3 2 Col 1 RKO 
1 RKO 



selling the tour negatives is to ob- 
tain cash, it appears uncertain as to 
whether it will take less than the 
full amount down. Original think- 
ing of Sears was to pay as little as 
25% down, but in subsequent talks 
with RKO prez N. Peter Rathvon the 
amount went up to 100% and it was 
on the basis of this complete pay- 
ment that UA announced last week 
that its board had given approval to 
the deal. RKO's board has 'not yet 
given its stamp, but that's figured 
just routine if terms are agreed on 
with Rathvon. 

One of the difficulties UA is fac- 



which makes the third to be bal- 
anced off $16,000,000 

S Circuits' Hurley 

Since the only people actually in 
a position to do any guaranteeing of 
that $16,000,000 are the operators of 
the. five major affiliated circuits, 
they would be put in the position of 
bearing the brunt for the entire in- 
dustry of this compromise solution 
to the tax. Getting the benefit of it 
without risking 1 anything would be 
the indies and the three majors 
without theatres — Columbia, United. 
Artists and Universal. 

How does the industry go . about 
raising the difference between what- 
ever is actually earned and the $16,- 
000,000 is the principal question 
being bandied about. . How would 
any deficit be apportioned? How do 
we know what pictures are coming 
and how many in order to make 
such a guarantee? These and doz- 
ens of other questions are bothering 
the execs. 

Indies >n the other hand, are 
known to oppose the King scheme 
because they fear it would mean a 
squeeze-out for their product in the 
U. S. and Britain. As for this coun- 
try, it would require that the affili- 
ated circuits open a great deal more 
playing time to British product. This 
►would mearf less time for U. S. prod- 
uct.— and (naturally not the pix of 
the major companies themselves, so 
it would be the indies who'd get it in 
the neck, they claim. . 

Rank's Reciprocity 
In England, on the other* hand, 
say indie spokesmen, J. Arthur Rank 
has already stated he'll take care 
of those who take care of him in 
this country. It would be the majors 
with affiliated theatres who give 
him playing time, so he would be 
obligated to reciprocate, with the 
indies again getting the short end. 

Indies likewise oppose a freeze of 
any important part of their coin in 
England, which is acceptable to the 
majors. Indies have been pushing a 
plan for getting the British to levy 
a straight tax of up to 38% on earn- 
ings in England, in which case this 
amount could be subtracted from 
payments to the U. S. Government 
and even' things. Majors object to 
that on the basis that it's bad policy 
to accept any new tax, let alone 
actually ask for one. 

Compromise plan agreed on by 
the majors, whatever it is, won't be 
presented to the British in London 
by Johnston alone', but by a com- 
mittee of company toppers of which 
he will be a part 4 Scheduled to go 
with him are Nick Schenck, Metro; 
| Barney Balaban, Paramount; Spyros 
Skouras, 20th-Fox; Ned Depinet, 
RKO, and Nate Blumberg, Univer- 
sal. 

Possibility was also said to exist 
that no trip to England would be 
necessary, since Sir Wilfred Eadie, 
British Treasury official, might come 
to this country. This report was 
seen as a remote alternative to go- 
ing to England's home grounds to 
make the ffght for relaxation of the 
tax. 



Upped Price Of 
Carn(ForEatin') 
Plagues Exhibs 

• Detroit, Oct. 21. 

Common topic of lobby chatter 
during last week's convention of 
Michigan unit of Allied States was 
the skyrocketing . prices of popcorn 
kernels and cocoanut oil. To some 
of the smaller town exhibs the 
spiraling that has been going on 
these two mackets was of concern 
equal to that of the advanced admis- 
sion and ASCAP seat-tax issues. 

Revenue from the refreshments 
concession, however, continues to 
run to around 40% of the accumu- 
lative gross. In other words, if a 
house takes in $200 on a picture 
it can be usually certain that the 
proceeds from popcorn, candy and 
popsoda will be close to the $120 
mark. Even with the zooming prices 
for corn and cocoanut oil, the con- 
cessions profits run approximately 
65%, while the profits on the picture 
range from 20 to 30%. 

Exhibs from the outlying towns 
reported that biz during the past 
two weeks had picked up somewhat 
and they attributed this to the cir- 
cumstance it was the season between 
softball and winter sports. 



ASCAP 

Continued from page 6 



'V 



LaCava, Gregory.. 1 XT 
Lackey. Wm. T. . 8 Par 
Laenimle. Carl. Jr. 1 U 
Lanky, Jesse L.- 
Walt. MacEwen 1 RKO 

Lasky, Jesse L.- 
Mary Pickford.. 2 UA 

Laurel, Stan 1 U.A : 

I-awier. Anderson 1 20th ....... 

LeBaron, Wm.... 8 Par 

LeBarou. Wm.- 

Borls Morros 

Lesser, Sol 1 Col 

Levoy. Albert E. . 2 Rep 
Lewln. Albert- 
David Loew 1 UA 

Lewis, Al 4 Par mil 

Lewis. David 1 UA 



1 UA 
1 UA 



- Indies Reject Unity 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Plea of the Society of Independent 
Motion Pictures for unity in the 
fight against England's 75% tax was 
ing in getting the loans is in working , turned down by the Independent 
out the order in which the various Motion Picture p rod ucers Assn. 



2 2llth 
l"2oVh" 



1 Par 



1 MG 



3 Col . 2 Col 



8 Rep 



1 MG 
3 MG 
3 I! KO 
MG 



1 Par 

2 U 



1 U 



J Par 



2 

l R e p' ' 

1 u 

i'par" 

2 RKO 
1 20th 



1 20th 



Lewton, Val. 

Lighten, Louis D. I MG 

Lord. Robert 3 WB 

Lubitsch, Ernst 

Lytell, Bert 1 Par 

MacDonald. Wal 

MacGowan, Ken.. 5 20th 

Maibnum, Rich 

Malvern, Paul... 

Manning. Bruce- 
Jack Sklrbnll... 

Mnnnlx. K. J.... 

Manklewlcis, J. I. 

Marcus, r.ee 

Marin, Ned 

Markey, Gene 1 201 h 

Marx. Sam 1 MO 

McCarey, Leo 

McDonald, Frank 

McKnlght. Tom- 
Roy Wm. Nell,. ...... 

Milestone, Lewis " 

Miller, Selon 1 

Mooney. Martin 

Morosco, Walter 

Murray, Ken 1 Rep 

Myers, fclt.n 1 RKO 

Nealls, Edward 1 Col 

»benzal. Sevmour ....... 1 I'A 2 UA 

Neil, Roy Wm 3 U 

Nichols, Dudley 1 RK> 

North, Robert 1 Col 1 Hep 

O'Sullivan. Wm. J .". Rep 

.tfajspns, , Harriet 



1 RKO 



1 Rep 



2 201 It 



lenders get paid off. Banks, in line 
with usual policy, want to get first 
income, although it is understood 
that if RKO were willing to take a 
relatively small down payment in- 
stead of the 100%, banks would ac- 
cept their payments parallel with 
RKO. UA would probably have to 
defer its distribution fee until all 
the loans were paid off. 

In any case, it has been learned 
officially from UA, no further buys 
of negatives are contemplated be- 
yond the four from RKO. UA execs 
had looked at as many as 10 RKO 
pix and originally thought of buying 
seven. 

UA feels that it needs no more 
such "emergency" product, since it 
now has enough in actuality or in 
prospect to carry it along for almost 
a year. Board okayed deals with 
three producers for five pix last 
week and a few more are coming 
up, so UA hopes the regular source 
of supply will soon be operating. 

Incidentally, all three of the deals 
okayed last week call for 25% dis- 
tribution fee for U. S. and Canada, 
27 J/2% for England and various 
higher percentages in other parts 
of the world. They also provide that 
the producer pay all advertising 
costs, which has been a controversial 
point, since UA formerly put up 
approximately 25% of the adver- 



Robert J. Rubin, SIMPP attorney, 
requested the indies to send their 
president, I. E. Chadvvick, to Wash- 
ington to help Donald Nelson in his 
battle for tax reduction. SIMPP, 
Rubin explained, is opposed to a 
freeze of coin as a substitute for the 
British tax and wants the U. S. Gov- 
ernment to permit a 38% tax refund 
on domestic profits to counteract the 
English levy. Rubin also pointed 
out that Eric Johnston, representing 
the major, Hollywood producers, 
favors a 50% freeze as a compromise 
against the 75% bite. 

After hearing Rubin, the indies 
voted to hold off until Congress goes 
into session. At that time they will 
send Chadwick to Washington to 
make a plea for tax relief as a "little 
business" man. 



of .Congress had promised support 
for the amendment to the copyright 
law. He added that Allied had 
three such legislators pledged to in- 
troduce the amendment. 

Progress on the status of the anti- 
trust suit involving the fixing of 
prices was reported by Myers to 
the board and it was agreed that 
.Allied file a brief as a friend of the 
court. He said that he figured briefs 
in the case would be argued around 
Nov. -15 and a decision should be 
forthcoming after the first of the 
year. 

Television also got a going-over 
from the board, and it was agreed 
to try to prevail upon the Bureau 
of Internal Revenue to compel bar- 
rooms and restaurants where tele- 
vision programs are shown to col- 
lect an amusements tax. (Such 20% 
tax had once been imposed but 
quickly rescinded.) 

On the matter of print shortage 
the board ordered that surveys be 
made in various Allied territories 
and the information turned over to 
general counsellor action at his dis- 
cretion. The Johnston office's short 
subject, "Power Behind the Nation," - 
received the good wishes and sup- 
port of the Allied directorate but it 
was urged that the exhibitors get 
proper credit for the fact they're 
paying for the film and not the 
Johnston office. 

The Michigan exhibs also passed 
a resolution calling on the state's 
public utilities commission to inves- 
tigate the methods used by local 
film delivery services to keep com- 
petitors out of the field. Elected as 
new directors to the Michigan board 
were E. L. Jacobs, of Esconoba; Bar- 
ney Kilbride, Detroit; A. Krickorian, 
Holley, and Irving Berlinsky, Klaw- 
son. The twin sessions wound up 
with a joint Allied-Variety Club 
party at the Bowery nitery. 



■ >%SV! 



■ i'J ': 



•>rk]o i tising 



Stahg in Morgan's Pic 

Deal is currently being talked by 
Stanley Kramer, head of Screen 
Plays, with Arnold Stang, screen 
and radio comedian, for the latter 
to appear in a second Henry Mor- 
gan film, "So This Is Hollywood," 
.slated as a sequel to Morgan's first 
screen opus, "So This Is New York." 

Morgan and Stang traded ad-libs 
during rehearsals for first film 
which were incorporated in the 
script by writers Carl Foreman and 
Herbert Baker. 

i ■ • < • • .■ i . i , . 



Exhib Deplores 



S Continued from page S 

a film salesman back two or three 
times to get another $10 which many 
times is not fair, certainly is not the 
salesman's fault, but merely reflects 
on a hardened and indifferent atti- 
tude of home office policy. 

Ironically, in the same issue of 
Variety there is an article which re- 
lates where a major film company 
(one of those whose salesmen are "re- 
signing") was supposed to have spent 
$32,000 on a publicity campaign for 
a premiere of a picture^ — a premiere 
which left a great many ruffled 
feelings in its wake. Economy at its 
best! 

To say that the contemplated 
move on the part of the fllnp com- 
panies is "false economy" would be 
understatement. I for one hope they 
see the folly of their error before 
it is too late. 

Herbert I. Broiun 
(Victoria Theatre) 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Metro Plans Deluxe 250G LA. 
Brandt; Other Exchange Briefs 



27 



Metro will spend $250,000 on con- 
struction of a new Los Angeles ex- 
change, designed as the largest and 
most modern on the local Film Row. 

Building will feature a cooling 
system, a club room for employes 
find a parking lot for exhibs. 

Arrow theatre in Santa Monica 
was purchased by Jack Goldman, 
former operator of the Pico and 
Park in Los Angeles. 



WB Execs Back in N. Y. 

Following week-long powwows 
with studio execs on the Coast, War- 

§er Bros, homeoffice execs including 
a muel Schneider, Ben Kalmenson, 
Mort Blumenstock and Harry Kal- 
rnine, ' arrive back at their desks 
today (Wednesday). 

In addition to discussing 1948 
plans with Harry M. Warner and 
Jack L. Warner, h.o. contingent pre- 
viewed newly completed productions 
and saw daffy rushes of six pictures 
now before the cameras. 

Mike Ctillen Moves to St. L. 

St. Louis. 

Mike Cullen, midwest -division 
manager for Loew's, will move his 
office from Kansas City to the local 
MG exchange. 

The Marchesi Brothers are build- 
ing a new 1,200-seater to cost $50,000 
Jn Freeport, 111., to replace their 
• State, a 350-seater. 

E W. Kerr of Winterset, Ia„ has 
increased his theatre ownership in 
the midwest to eight by the recent 
purchase of the Lake, 250-seater at 
Lake , View, la., from George 
i'risclcfir, 

Florence Hudson and Genevieve 

§rake have purchased the Dixie, 
fl-seater at Linneus, Mo., from 
wight Christ, retired. 
Cecil M. Carlock has succeeded 
Harry Fryer as manager of the 
Made, 425-seater in Caraga, 111. 

John R. Searle has shuttered the 
Ren. 180-seater at Renwick, la. 
Thomas Baxter has lighted the 

Sew Masonic, 200-seater in What 
heer, la. 

Russell A. Benton, Warrenton, 
Mo., formerly in the production end 
Of the business in Hollywood and 
a stunt man in the silent picture 

fays, has purchased the 300-seat 
ilver, Clarence, Mo., from W. C. 
Silver. 

Rulolph Lohtenz, recently district 
manager for UA at Chicago, is now 
manager of the Wanee, 900-seater 
at Kewanee, 111. He recently pur- 




«y 

United'* DC-6 Mainliner 300 
Luxury Flight 

Uave New York 12 noon 
Arrive Los Angeles 8:10 p.m. 



UNITED 

AIR LINES 



Airlines Terminal, 80 E 42nd St or 
Pennsylvonla Hotel or 1 Wall St. 

Coll Murray Hill 2-7300 
or an authorized travel agent 



New Gas and Electric 

GENERATOR SETS 




W'; off 5 i;w, no '220 v, l nh, oo cvcio. bah- 
Cain 'j s k\v. ]U> V. 1 nh. 60 cycle: Fur bim?ii- 
lu« wall nS t, *ar.. 00 Also many other sizes 
Rliii tools, spare psrli. Export packed. 

Immediate Delivery 

SPRAYED INSULATION INC. 

T8 Hawthorne VI., Montclalr, N. J. 



PRODUCTION ASSISTANT 

*'lln>s. tele viiion or lepitlmnte theatre. 
Kieelient, well-rounded background, 
t* yearn la show buRl liens. 

Box 179, Variety 

m Went 4«th St. New York 19 



chased the house with B. Tembor- 
tus, Lebanon, 111., and W. B. Adams 
Eldora, Kan., from Lee Norton, 
Sullivan, 111. 

The Fargo, 800-seater at DeKalb, 
111., has been purchased from the 
Anderson theatre circuit, Morris, 
111., and is now a unit of the Valos 
theatres of the Chicago circuit. 

Ralph Lawler. district manager 
for 27 Publix-Great States theatres 
in Central Illinois, has resigned to 
join H. J. Ochs, of Dayton, operator 
of 14 drive-ih theatres in Ohio, Ken- 
tucky and Pennsylvania. 

Star Distrlb Agcy in Pitt. 

Pittsburgh. 
Star Distributing Agency has been 
organized here by Vincent J. Corso 
as a film buying and booking serv- 
ice. Corso started in exhibition sev- 
eral years ago at Bentleyville and 
Republic, Pa., and later was con- 
nected with WB circuit in McKees- 
port. For slveral years he has 
managed the Regent Square in 
Edgewood for John and Steve Ko- 
bak, a position which he's retain- 
ing. 

Hymie Wheeler has resigned his 
sales post with Monogram to open 
an indie exchange which will handle 
Film Classics releases. 

Jerry Geinzer, local exhib who has 
been covering West Virginia terri- 
tory for Eagle Lion, has resigned. 

William Kloos has quit Paramount 
booking manager's post and depart- 
ed for San Diego, where he will 
make his home and complete his 
law studies. Bill Brooks, Kloos' 
predecessor, who has been selling for 
Par in Washington recently, is re- 
hiring to local exchange to resume 
his old post. 

Jimmy Sippey, after 15 years with 
UA, has resigned his shipping post 
to go with Screen Guild as a sales- 



Irwin Franklin Reps Distinguished 
Irwin Franklin named exclusive 
distributing rep in the Chicago area 
for Distinguished Films' French- 
language pix. He'll handle four 
states including Illinois. 



Goldman Opens Erlanger, Philly 

Philadelphia. 

William Goldman's Erlanger, sub- 
ject of $8,000,000 litigation, will 
finally reopen next Tuesday (28) as 
a film house. The opening film. It 
was reported, will be "The Outlaw," 
which recently received the okay 
of the Pennsylvania Board of Mo- 
tion Picture Censors. 

The Erlanger, built as a legit house 
in 1927 at a cost of $2,500,000 by Abe 
Erlanger, in conjunction with the 
Stanley Co. of America, headed by 
the late Jules Mastbaum. It folded 
in the 30's and was operated 
sporadically as a legiter and for 
roadshowing of films. 

Goldman leased the theatre ' in 
1940 and tried to buy firstrun pic- 
tures but, he claimed", he was "frozen 
out' by the majors. He filed suit for 
$1,750,000 triple damages about a 
year later. He received a judgment 
for $375,000 after five years of litiga- 
tion. Defendants have sought to re- 
open the case and arguments are 
scheduled this week in Federal 
Court. 



FWC Hps Spyros Cardas 

Los Angeles. 

Fox West Coast upped Spyros G. 
Cardas to the post of co-manager of 
the circuit's first-run theatres in Los 
Angeles, in which he will share du- 
ties with Bruce Fowler. The spot 
has been vacant since the resigna- 
tion of Stanley Meyer last July. 

Robert Duke succeeds Cardas as 
manager of Loew's State theatre, 
and Louis D. Silverstein succeeds 
Duke as manager of the Fox Up- 
town. 

Theatre Owners of America elec- 
ted Paul Williams to directorship 
and assigned him to represent exhib- 
itors of this territory in the national 
group. He is attorney for the So. 
Calif. Theatre Owners Ass'n. 



Clias. Baron Back to Buff 

Buffalo. 

Charles Baron, recently with Met- 
ro in Pittsburgh, has become local 
publicity and exploitation head for 
Eagle Lion. He left this city 11 
years ago. 

New Seattle Nabe 

Seattle, 

New house, the Magnolia, seating 
1,000. is being built by John Danz 
(Sterling Chain) in the Magnolia 
district. 



Adelman Leases Metro, Abilene 

Abilene. Texas. 

I. B. Adelman. of Adelman the- 
atres. Dallas, leased his Metro the- 
atre here to T. A. Griffin. 

J. C. Webb and Wayne H. Chip- 
man open their drive-in theatre, 
Temple. Texas, in a few weeks. They 
also own and operate the Bantox, 
Bandera, Texas. 

^ * — 

Beatlie Again Par Mgr., Albany 

Albany. 

John Mohan has resigned as local 
booking manager for Paramount and 
Schuyler BeaUie, who ' had been 



promoted from that position, to sales- 
man two years ago, has been brought 

back into the office. 

Richard Perry, with United 
Artists, has resigned to become 
salesman for Film Classics here, suc- 
ceeding Joseph Callahan, who re- 
signed after three months on the 
job. 



Thomas Wolf at Boxy, K. C. 

Kansas City. 
Thomas Wolf is the new manager 
of the Roxy theatre, former down- 
town grind house recently changed 
to a first-run by Durwood Theatres, 
Inc. Wolf was assistant to John 
Braunagel, film buyer and booker 
for the circuit. Both Braunagel and 
Wolf formerly were with Northio 
theatres. 

Ted Grant, former manager of the 
house when it was the Liberty, re- 
signed because of ill health. 



Chi Clips "Verdoux," "Amber" 

Chicago. 

"Monsieur Verdoux" and "Forever 
Amber" were edited last week by 
the censor board. 

H. S. Monroe, formerly with Atlas 
Films, has been named industrial 
manager of Bell & Howell. 

Peter Bayes has been transferred 
to Cleveland office of Eagle Lion to 
take over flack duties. Office has 
been enlarged to cover Detroit, Co- 
lumbus and Cincinnati. 



516 Theatres ia Sask. in 191S 
Regina. Sask. 
During 1946, a total of 516 theatres 
were licensed in Saskatchewan; 24 
in cities, 73 in towns. 419 in villages. 
In 1945, there were 421 theatres li- 
censed in the province. 

Operators' licenses totalled 704 in 
1946, compared with 569 in 1945. 



Schrecker at Princess, Memphis 

•» Memphis. 
Bill G. Schrecker is the new man- 
ager of the Princess, Malco circuit 
grind house here. 



J. D. Ridge Gets New Theatre 

Port Clinton, O. 
J. Donald Ridge, manager of the 
Clinton and Erie theatres, owned by 
Associated Theatres of Cleveland, 
named manager of the Homestead 
theatre, Lakewood, O. 



Rodgers Denies 



Continued from page 5 



consequently, represented excess 
cargo and they're the ones that got 
the gate. . . 

Under the single sales system, 
Metro could operate with even less 
men than it has now. Rodgers said 
the company now sells thousands of 
situations in which the return to 
M-G on each film is about $50. It 
just doesn't pay, he pointed out, to 
send a salesman into each theatre to 
sell each picture singly, when the 
salesman's expenses and salary come 
to almost $50. Many of such situa- 
tions are now sold via telephone, with 
salesmen making personal contact 
with exhibs only periodically. 
' Reports that Rodgers planned to 
revise Metro's sales policies dras- 
tically arose after a meeting of divi- 
sion sales chiefs on the Coast early 
last month. Nothing out of the ordi- 
nary was discussed at the conclave, 
Rodgers declared, and the company 
plans to continue along virtually the 
same lines it has in the past.- 



Metro Cuts Western Staff 

Los Angeles, Oct. 21. 

Metro has handed severance pay. 
in amqUnts up to a year's salary, to 
members of its western division sales 
personnel who have been dropped in 
recent weeks to conform with the 
company's retrenchment policy. 
George Hickey, division manager, 
explained, that the company con- 
templates no wholesale firings, but 
a reduction to pre-war normal 
averages. 

The company's policy, he said, is 
to get down to prewar levels, when 
an average of 40 employes staffed 
the local exchange, compared with 
the 60 to 70 peaks attained during 
and immediately alter the war. 
Metro, he added, is now releasing 
only 24 pictures annually. Instead of 
its former yearly schedule of 44. 



Metro Shakeup in Mpls. 

Minneapolis, Oct. 21. 

Further repercussions of the Hol- 
lywood economy moves have been 
felt with a local M-G-M shakeup. 
Previously there had been several 
salesmen and a number ol office- 
staff employes let out. 

LeRoy Smith has been transferred 
by Metro from booker here to sales- 
man at Milwaukee. Two other shifts 
take Richard Wilson, South Dakota 
salesman, to Omaha. and Norman 
Pyle, exploited', to Chicago. There'll 
be no replacements, but. the present 
staff will take over the duties of 
the department. On exploitation, 
the territory will be served by Louis 
Oiiove, out of Milwaukee. 



Par \ Merchandising Aim to Lure 
Some of 25,000,000 Non-Film Fans 



Metro Seeks 

Continued from page 3 



which was derided by the majority 
of consumer press reviewers. In the 
second category are such pix as 
"Song of the Thin Man," "Romance 
of Rosy Ridge" and "Desire Me," 
none of which could hold out at the 
Broadway Capitol longer than three 
weeks." 

Indicative of the way Metro has 
slipped from its former place as No. 
1 company in the industry is the 
fact that it hasn't won a major 
Academy award since 1942. when 
"Mrs. Miniver" copped the prize. 
Company is . still far ahead of all 
opponents in the number of times 
it's taken the best production Oscar 
'With five, as compared to Para- 
mount's and 20th-Fox's three each 
and Columbia and Warner's two 
each. Previously, however, Metro 
hadn't failed to come through at least 
once every three years! 

Efforts to regain that top spot in 
the industry will admittedly be 
lough, what with studio labor 
troubles and ultra-high production 
costs. Other studios, though, are 
confronted with the same difficul- 
ties, it's pointed out. Conference of 
top company execs, consequently, 
will attempt to devise some formula 
that can raise the general quality of 
product and still make it sock ma- 
terial at the boxoffice. 

Mayer is slated to arrive at the 
h.o. today from Washington, where 
he sat in on the first two days of 
hearings in the House Unamerican 
Activities Committee's probe of 
Hollywood. He'll be accompanied by 
studio publicity chief Howard 
Strickling. Other Coast execs in for 
the huddles are Benjamin K. Thau, 
E. J. Mannix and James K. McGuin- 
ness. 



Chicago, Oct. 21. 

Business of tapping the 25,000,000 
or so reservoir of non-filmgoing pub- 
lic will be handed heavy scrutiny 
at a meeting of Paramount theatre 
toppers and advertising execs set 
for Chicago, the first week in Novem- 
ber. With the heat on to boost do- 
mestic theatre grosses as one way 
of taking the curse off the over- 
seas difficulties, luring the stay-at- 
homes to flickeries is now marked 
as the immediate top problem con- 
fronting Paramounters. * 

Home office delegation will be 
headed by Leonard Goldenson, 
veepee in charge, of Paramount's 
theatre activities. He'll be accom- 
panied by a number of other thea- 
tre execs and also Curtis Mitchell, 
ad-pub chief, plus an h.o. crew of 
flacks. Goldenson. incidentally, will 
also attend the Theatre Owners of 
America board meet (Nov. 7-8) 
which takes place in Chi. 

Flock of' Paramount partners and 
their ad-pub men will be in attend- 
ance. Among those will be John 
Balaban. head of the B & K circuit 
with a large turnout of that chain's 
flacks. 

Preliminary reports on a survey 
currently being conducted by the 
Paramount chain will be aired at 
the meet. Paramount is polling 
patrons to determine their reasons 
for going or staying away from 
theatres: effectiveness of theatre 
copy; and factors in films that meet 
their likes or dislikes. 

Survey has been double-pronged 
since Paramount theatre biggies have 
also been canvassing individual 
theatre managers on their opinions 
as to pressbooks, best type of copy 
for their particular locales, what 
the patrons indicate they would like 
as pix, etc. These reports have been 
collated and results will take a go- 
ing over during the Chi confab. 



New York Theatres 



W ARMOR BKOS. PRESENTS 

Ronald REAGAN • Shirley TEMPLE 

"THAT HAGEN GIRL" 

with 

RORY CAUIOCN 
In IVrson 
TI'.'D WEEMS »nd His Orchestra 
Hneclal Attraction 
MORKY AMSTF.ROAM 
Kitra Added Attraction 
GORDON' JlAC RAB 
BROADWAY WA RX1RR T»ROS. 

AT 47TH STREET STRAND 




•Hi CAPITOl 

LARRY CSS?) PARKS 

The SWORDSMAN 

(tnd the LADY) 
HI TEOMKMM * com** mm 



Corgtitti BERTHUDC NftSCN 
MMHTEMigKIOIM 

»<M'ifmm«-btn!iifortu»M 





$1 IlFE WITH 
FATHER 



IMM 




POWELL- DUNNE 

ELIZABETH TAYLOR 
EDMUND GWEItNWASU PITTS 



U/ADMTD THEATRE IW 5U- 
IIHIu1Li\gpe>( '0 to am- :i : 5515 



l ATE MIDNIGHT FIIM • CONTINUOUS 



PALACE 



Jwes Srewuo> Jane Wman 

. ROBERT RISK1NS 

MAGIC TOWN 

AWUIMA MUJMff FroductKHt > Rdftted bv RKO UMBO FICTUflES. 1KC 



"Disney at Iiis besti"— Mirror 



/ SAMUEL GOIOWYN pnttnf N . 

J DANNY KAYE • VIRGINIA MAYO J 

and ffw Coldwyn Girlt in 



recHM/cocon 




ON SCREEN 
RITA 

HAYWORTH 
LARRY PARKS 
"DOWN TO 

EARTH" 



IN PERSON 
ROSE MARIE 

The PITCHMEN 

ADAM & JAYNE 

Dl GATANO 
flat OTHKRS 



COIORDY f>Tir 
-TECHNICOLOR"- 1 



Distributed by RKO Hadie Pirtum 



RADIO CITY MUSIC HAUL 

• nackeretlcr Center 

(•Katharine Paul Robert ■ • 

[HEPBURN • HENREID • WALKER' 

► ' In M-fi-JTs 

I "SONG OF LOVE" : 

I SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION 1 




MAURICE 




18 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Small Exhibs Spurn 20tli's New Sales 
Plan 'Cause of CPA 'Expenses' Clause 



Despite the fact that 20th-Fox's + 
»ew sales plan for small theatres has 
keen nationally available since last 
Aug. 11, overwhelming majority of 
exhibitors at whom it's aimed have 
turned it down flat. To date, 20th 
has been able to sell it to only 22 ac- 
counts in five different territories. 

Chief rub in the contract seems to 
fee the clause which calls for exhibs 
to turn in a statement of their house 
©perating expenses certified to by 
accredited accountants. Most indie 
•xhibs, for divers reasons, think such 
information is none of the distrib's 
business and if they can't buy pic- 
tures under the plan without fur- 
nishing such a statement, then they 
•ren't having any. This is despite 
the fact that the new policy gives 
them a chance to get pictures at'15% 
for which they formerly paid as high 
us 40%. 

Although 20th sales chiefs de- 
clined to suggest reasons for exhibs' 
antipathy, other industry observers 
pointed out that the reasons were 
obvious. Under standard industry 
Bales procedures, any time an exhib- 
loses money on a percentage film, he 
can usually complain to the distrib 
and get some kind of an adjustment 
made via rebates. Tq do this, exhibs 
have to furnish some info on their 
operating expenses and many of 
them, to get more of a rebate, have 
hoosted this figure far above its 
actual total. Such a procedure 
■would obviously be impossible un- 
der 20th's requirement that all such 
info must be certified to by ac- 
credited accountants. 

Despite the apparent lack of suc- 
cess with the plan, 20th sales chief 
Andy W. Smith, Jr., declared it is 
still available to any exhib meeting 
the requirements who wants to buy 
it. Smith said he wouldn't press for 
it, however, under the assumption 
that exhibs have more to benefit 
from it than does 20th. He pointed 
out that many theatre operators in 
small situations aren't set up to fur- 
nish expense figures, offering that as 
a possible reason why many had 
turned down the plan. 
• Idea, first broached by Smith at a 
New Jersey Allied convention last 
June, is aimed specifically at small 
exhibs, those operating a sub-sub- 
sequent run theatre in a large city 
or in a small town with low-gross- 
ing possibilities. Such exhibs are 
asked to play a minimum number of 
20lh films each year on percentage — 
not less than two and not more than' 
five — with all other pix being offered 
on flat rental prices. Percentage 
starts as 15% and, on a sliding scale 
arrangement, can go up to a max- 
imum of 40%. At that figure and 
above, it's a 50-50 split. 



Nat Holt, RKO Parting 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Nat Holt, who came to RKO sev- 
eral years ago from an RKO thea- 
tre managerial post and has been 
identified with top budget westerns 
the last few years, leaves RKO pro- 
ducer berth after completion of "Re- 
turn of Badmen." His "Jack Pot" is 
now in the scoring stage. 

He's currently in Toronto hud- 
dling with Canadian Pacific railroad 
toppers for indie production of "Ca- 
nadian Pacific." 



Dallas Trailer Raps 

Local Clearance Setup 

Dallas, Oct. 21. 
The local clearance system, under 
tire in an antitrust suit filed several 
■weeks ago by the Casa Linda thea- 
tre, came in for a new attack at the 
Delman theatre, owned and operated 
by I. B. Adelman and Harry Sachs, 
when a trailer was run attacking 
the clearance setup. The trailer was 
first run at an invitational preview 
and then during the regular show- 
ings. 

The copy on the trailer stated 
that: "We shall always endeavor to 
give you the finest entertainment 
available. In this connection we sin- 
cerely believe that the moviegoing 
public is entitled to see firstrun 
feature motion pictures at the same 
time they are being shown down". 
town. We further believe that you 
are entitled to see pictures earlier 
in this theatre than has been cus- 
tomary under the obsolete and ar- 
chaic .'clearance system' enforced in 
Dallas. 

"We have endeavored to T>uy films 
•n this basis unsuccessfully. Thus 
to dale our efforts in the interests of 
the filmgoing public have not been 
successful. 

"But we wish to assure you that 
we are taking steps so that you, the 
public, will be able to see motion 



17 Twin City Indies 
Plan Own Drive-Ins 
To Beat Competition 

Minneapolis, Oct. 21. 
Trying to checkmate a possible 
drive-in theatre "invasion" by out- 
side 'interests, 17 Twin City inde- 
pendent circuit and individual thea- 
tre owners will build and operate 
several drive-in houses themselves. 

They've organized Minnesota En- 
tertainment Enterprises, Inc., with 
$1,000,000 capitalization. Benedict 
Deinard, local attorney, has drawn 
up the incorporation and papers. He 
announced immediate plans for "the 
construction and operation of sev- 
eral drive-in theatres with capacity 
of 1,000 automobiles, in the Twin 
City area." Later, he says, the com- 
pany expects to extend its activities 
into other amusement activities. 

Among others, incorporators in- 
clude W. R. Frank, also a Hollywood 
producer; Hemic Berger, Ted Mann, 
E. R. .Ruben and Harold Field. 
Berger is North Central Allied 
president and owner ol a large 
theatre circuit. 

One Twin City suburban drive-in 
theatre, the Bloomington, built and 
operated by outside interests, was 
launched two months ago. 

First new Twin City suburban 
theatre to be built since the war, 
the Richfield, debuted here with 
"Variety Girl" as feature. The 900- 
seat house was- erected at a cost of 
$200,000 and is being operated by an 
independent theatre circuit group 
headed by Paul Mans. Its 55c ad- 
mission, the same at the Uptown, 
operated by the Minn. Amus. Co. 
(Paramount), is the highest scale 
charged by any independent uptown 
or suburban house and gives the 
theatre clearance over other inde- 
pendent neighborhoods. 

With the two big booking com- 
bines comprising nearly all of the 
important Twin City independent 
houses in effect virtually* shutting 
out Paramount product, the Rich- 
field took advantage of the situation 
to make a deal. Outside of the Minn. 
Amus. Co. neighborhood and a few 
independent neighborhood and sub- 
urban houses, it'll be the only thea- 
tre to show Paramount releases. 



Toss Out lassie' Suit 

Los Angeles, Oct. 21. 

Jury in U. S. district court tossed 
out a $200,000 plagiarism suit filed 
by John Charles Reed, screenwriter, 
against Metro. 

Reed declared the studio had lift- 
ed parts of his own script, "Candy," 
and used them in the filming of "Son 
of Lassie." 

Seattle Zoning 
Hits Drive-ins 

Seattle, Oct. 21. 
Seattle City Council has nixed in- 
clusion of a drive-in theatre in a 
new community business center 
here. It reached the decision after 
several public hearings at which 
residents attacked the project as out 
of place in a city residential area. 
The Council's public safety commit- 
tee approved Councilman Frank 
Laube's proposed ordinance pro- 
hiting "open air or drive-in motion 
picture theatres in any first or sec- 
ond residence or business district." 

Byron E. Congdon, one of the pro- 
moters of the business center, said 
there are more than 300 in the coun- 
try now and that they are a public 
asset and especially fitted for com- 
munity business centers. This was 
disputed by Walter T. Coy, White 
Center theatre operator, who said 
that on a 9,000-mile tour of the 
country he found that drive-in the- 
atres are almost all outside cities, 
only three in Los Angeles being 
within urban limits. 



Cols Montague Says Exhibs Must 
Extend Runs Or Take Inferior Pix 



Rapper, Warners Part 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Warners and Irving Rapper 
washed up their contract, with the 
director stepping off the lpt and the 
studio spokesman mentioning "econ- 
omy reasons." 

Understood the animus behind the 
parting was Rapper's refusal to 
direct "Christopher Blake," now 
piloted by Peter Godfrey. 



Picture Grosses 



New House at Grimshaw, Alta. 

Calgary, Alta., Oct. 21. 
At Grimshaw, Alta., a 300-seat 
house will be built by Michael Rab- 
chak. 



PITTSBURGH 

(Continued from page 17) 
this to $3,000. Last week, "Conga- 
rilla" (Indie) and "Borneo" (Indie) 
(reissues), $3,200. 

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 40-70) — 
"Foxes of. Harrow" (20th) (m.o.). 
Still strong here after two good 
weeks at Harris, at $4,000. Last 
week, "Western Union" (20th) and 
"Swamp Water" (20th) (reissues), 
$4,200 in 10 days. 

Stanley (WB) (3,800; 40-70) — 
"Unsuspected" (WB). Fair $17,000 or 
near; Last week, second of "Dark 
Passage" (WB), $13,000. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-70) — 
"Long Night" (RKO). Good cam- 
paign on this enabled it to get away 
fast, but press pans will push it 
down to $9,000 or near. Last week, 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO) 
(3d wk), big $10,000. 



Dave Rector's L. A. Drive-in 

Los Angeles, Oct. 21. 
Dave Rector, financier and op 
erator of the Ebell and Lennox the 
atres, is building the largest drive-in 
film house in California, for an 
opening Thanksgiving. Spot, oc- 
cupying a 12-acre tract with a ca- 
pacity of ljOOO cars, will show Metro 
pictures exclusively, for the first 
year. 

Rector plans to build three more 
in 1948. 



San Diego Drive-in W.'th Grub 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Cinemadine, novel new $100,000 
drive-in will be opened Nov. 1 in 
San Diego by Suburban Theatres, 
headed by Oliver McNeel. Trick spot 
will feature meals, ordered over two- 
way intercommunication system in 
cars and delivered by silent scooters. 
Capacity will be 650 cars. 

Spot is the first in a planned chain 
of four such in Southern California. 
Taking advantage of the hills, and 
other natural aids, the house will 
be able to open 45 minutes earlier 
than other types restricted to sun- 
down openings. 



St, Clair Burns, E. St. L. 

St. Louis, Oct. 21. 
St. Clair theatre, oldest motion 
picture house in East St. Louis, was 
destroyed by fire last week. Edward 
Ditzenberg. the owner, estimated 
the loss at $75,000. The theatre, 
originally tagged the Odeon, was 
constructed about 40 years ago. 



New Drive-In at Parkersburg, W. Va. 

Fairmont, W. Va., Oct. 21. 
Fred L. Helwig. of Charleston, and 
Fred Clemons, of Beckley, are con- 
structing a drive-in theatre at 
Parkersburg, W. Va., to cost $100,000. 



Battle Over 'Queen' 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Legal battle looms between Sey- 
mour Nebenzal and Jan Grippo over 
rights to the film title, -Queen of 
Hearts." 

Grippo declares he owns a pub- 
lished story thus named, based on 
the career' of Michael McDougall, 
card expert. Nebenzal said he reg- 
istered the title a year ago. 



Sarnoff 

i 

Continued from page 1 



tend meetings of the International 
Chamber of Commerce scheduled to 
be held in Paris next month. He 



Briefs From Lots 

Continued from page 11 



'WIDOW $17,000, K.C.; 
TUN' FANCY AT 13G 

' Kansas City, Oct. 21. 

Annual American Royal stock and 
horse show is stealing the limelight 
here this week with film spots 
bringing in new fare in effort to 
lure visitors. Three Fox-theatre 
combo is moving out "Foxes of Har- 
row" despite big biz to bring in 
"Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap." 
Loew's is playing a hot date on 
"This Time for Keeps" in the Mid- 
land. Orpheum has "Fun and Fancy 
Free" for okay biz. 

Estimates for This Week 

Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 45- 
65)— -"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) 
(m.o.). Here after big week in three 
first-run houses. Nice $fi,500 and 
could hold another week here. Last 
week, "Spirit- West Point" (FC) and 
"Pretender" (Rep)' hefty $7,000, and 
could have held. 

• Kimo (Dickinson) (550; 65) — 
"Mayerling" (Indie). Modest $1,500. 
Last week. "Barber Seville" (Indie) 
(2d wk), $1,000. 

Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65)— 
"This Time Keeps" (M-G) and "Key 
Witness'N (Col). Solid $17,000. Last 
week, "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) 
and "Arnelo Affair" (M-G), mild 
$12,000. 

Orpheum (RKO) (1,900; 45-65)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO). Okay 
$13,000, and may hold. Last week. 
"Life With Father" (WB) (3d wk). 
nifty $10,000 at $1.25 top. 

Paramount (Par) (1.900; 45-65)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (2d wk). Mod- 
est $9,000. Last week, fairly good 
$14,000. 

Roxy (Durwood) (900; 45-65) — 
"Trouble With Women" (Par). This 
converted grind house now on sec- 
ond week of firstrun policy. Okay 
$5,500. Last week. "Repeat Perform- 
ance" (EL), $4,500. 

Tower-Uptown-Fairway (2.100. 2.- 
043, 700; 45-65) — "Wistful Widow" 
(U). Strong $17,000 indicated. Last 
'week. "Foxes of Harrow" (20th), big 
$20,000. 



U. S. exhibitors will either have to 
realize that they're just as vitally 
affected by world market conditions 
as distributors and producers, or else 
settle for lower quality pictures. 
That's the opinion expressed last 
week by Columbia Pictures sales 
chief A. Montague during a press in- 
terview at the company's national 
sales meet in New York. 

Col is deeply concerned over the 
attitude of some exhibs that the 
U. S. is an isolated country as far as 
film negatives are concerned. Nega- 
tives, Montague pointed out, have 
been made for worldwide distribu- 
tion. If present economic condi- 
tions abroad get any worse, negative 
will have only about 75% of its pre- 
vious opportunity. It's up to U. S. 
exhibs, he implied, to make up that 
other 25%. Col will continue try r 
ing to make good pictures, with no 
ceilings on budgets, until exhibs de- 
cide by their exhibition methods 
whether they want costly pictures as 
heretofore. 

Col won't ask exhibs to pay higher 
rentals on pictures, Montague said. 
What the company will insist on is 
extended playing time. "We can't 
expect an exhibitor to play a pic- 
ture two weeks instead of one if he 
loses money the second week," he 
declared. "But if he makes a sub- 
stantial profit the second week, then 
he should hold the picture and play 
it as it long as it will hold up." Col 
salesmen will try to explain the new 
industry problems to exhibs and it's 
up to the latter to decide whether 
they want to settle for pictures made 
with less dollars. "With reasonable 
understanding on the part of all in 
the industry," Montague declared, 
"the forthcoming storm can be 
weathered." 

Columbia now has $20,000,000 
worth of pictures already produced 
but not yet released, representing 
the biggest backlog in the company's 
history. Under his policy of not set- 
ting a national release date on prod- 
uct, Montague declined to disclose 
how many pictures this sum in- 
volved. Pix will be spotted around 
the country, being fed to territories 
as the territories can consume them. 
Present release plans call for one 
group of 27 films this year, plus sev- 
eral smaller groups of specials and 
a bracket of eight reissues. Col will 
not ask for increased admission 
prices on any film, Montague em- 
phasized. 

Col has no present plans to de- 
crease its manpower, he said. In 
fact, the company will take on ad- 
ditional manpower if it means it can 
get a faster turnover of product in 
that way. Col also won't cut down 
on its advertising, being fully aware 
of the fact that if the boxoffice slides, 
then the public must be enticed into 
theatres through a greater amount 
of advertising. Company will, how- 
ever, eliminate all unnecessary 
spending, Montague said. 



pictures promptly, safely in comfort ' plans to return about the end of 
and without inconveniences. Our November. 

disappointments thus far have not I Rumor is that Democrats, who ex- 
discouraged us and we will continue 1 pect to put Mayor William O'Dwyer 



our efforts in behalf of the movie- 
going public. In so doing we hope 
to "remove motion picture exhibition 
in metropolitan Dallas from the 
horse-and-buggy era. To thjs end 
we solicit your patronage and 
support." 



up for Senator, would like to recruit 
a prominent business man or indus- 
trialist as mayorality candidate and ] as cameraman on 



role in "The Velvet Touch" . . . June 
Vincent returns to films to play the 
femme lead in "Song of Idaho" . . . 
Donald Curtis draws a heavy role 
in "The Fuller Brush Man" . . . 
Beverly Wills, daughter of SI Wills 
and .loan Davis, signed for a moppet 
role in "Mickey" at Eagle Lion . . . 
Tim Holt will play one of the top 
roles in RKO's episode picture, 
"Honored Glory" . . . Betty Blylhe, 
star of silent films, draws a role in 
"Letter- From an Unknown Woman" 
at Universal-International . . . Ted 
Donaldson and Sharyn MoHett will 
be teamed agajn in "The Return of 
Pal" at RKO. 

Arthur Space, who has appeared 
in every film directed by S. Sylvan 
Simon, continues his record in "The 
Fuller Brush Man" . . . Robert Em- 
melt Keane draws a role in "The 
Return of the Whistler" at Colum- 
bia . . . Klrby Grant signed to play 
the male romantic lead in "Song of 
Idaho" . . . Henry Frenllcb assigned 
Adventures of 



BALTIMORE 

(Continued from page 15) 



Goldwyn Moves HQ 



Continued from page 3 

will be in consultation with the 
scriveners while they work. They 
are Elmer Rice, who is scripting 
"Earth and High Heaven": Sally 
Benson, working on screenplay of 
"Secrets"; John Patrick, adapting 
Rumer Godden's novel, "Take Three 
Tenses." and Jerome Chodorov. do- 
ing the screen treatment of. "Billion 
Dollar Baby." 

With the Danny Kaye starrer, 
"That's Life," now completed, Gold- 
wk). Starts second week today jwyn isn't planning to send anolher 
(Tues.l after a smash $39,000 open- picture before the cameras until 
er. and possibly new high. March. First. may be either "Earth 

Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 3.V-55) - and High Heaven" or "Secrets" with 

to^orrbw^Wed 8 ,! Last week^Td? | £"» a ' ,d Tel ' eS8 W 

Ventures Don Coyote" (Mono), mild I I ,j . „ 

$6,000. In ahead, "Meet John Doe " ! Goldwyn is figuring on making a 
(Col) i re Issues), $5,300. j trip to England during the time he 

New (Mechanic) (1.800; 20-60) — ■ will be away from the Coast. 
"Foxes Harrow" (20th) (4th wk-4 
days). Okay $5,000 after fine $9,000 



(20th; 



Music Expo 



have considered Sarnoff along with ' Silverado" at Columbia . . . Barbara 
Bernard Gimbel, department store I Brown signed for "The Eternal 
tycoon, and Irving Geist, prominent I Melody," to be produced by Gregor 
textile merchant. , |Rabltjovitch in Rome. 



Continued from page 1 ss, 
crafts of the music field will be in- 



for third. "Forever Amber' 
opens Oct. 23 at $1.20 top. 

Stanley ( WB) (3.280; 25-75) — 
"Wild Harvest" (Pari. Drawing nice 
$17,500. Last week, "Cry Wolf" 
(WB), okay $15,800. 

Town (Rappaport) (1.600: 35-65)— ' Vwd to participate. 
"Fun. Fancy Free" (RKO). Rousing I Publishers, recording companies, 
$16,000. Last week, "Husband's Af- I irtstrument-makers; radio and tele- 
fair" (Col) (2d wk). fair $9,800. ivision manufacturers,,' e;c. are ex- 

! pectcd to demonstrate wares. Idea 

Licensed the Hard Way i s to be an annual, under the title 

Springer, N. M„ Oct. 21. j "World Fair of Music." In addition 
Caught without an occupational to exhibits, talent will be put on 
license, which costs $10 per year, | display. A stage will be provided 
Dale McNicoll, Paramount checker, for the performances of i-ymphoriy. 
was arrested, jailed overnight and orchestras, name band.s, glee clubs, 
paid a $5 fine. | soloists from all fields, etc. Sponsor- 

He bought the license. | ing details are still to be worked out. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



RAMO 29 



WHODUNITS HIT ALL-TIME HIGH 



Quietus Before the 'Hiatus' 

Now that the first 13-week cycle has started rolling, « quietus has 
settled over the agencies. Sponsors and agency execs are sitting back, 
more tense than relaxed, waiting to see where the Hoopers fall. 

But come December and the inevitable tallying up period, and 
there'll be the usual spurt of activity with replacements and cancel- 
lation of shows that couldn't make it. 

, At the moment, the boys trying to peddle packages to agencies, can't 
get to first base. Nobody's interested. And when interest does perk 
up, price will obviously be a strong factor. Around the agencies 
they're no longer talking In terms of $10,000-$12.000 packages. With 
but few exceptions, such as the new "Ford Theatre," Al Jolson's 
''Kraft Music Hall," and the perennial top personalities, the trend in 
prices is definitely downward. Too many sponsors have been finding 
out too frequently that moderately-budgeted shows are paying off, on 
a per point basis, more consistently than many of the top-budgeted' 
airers. 

CBS Closes $1,000,000 Deal For 
Fletcher Wiley's 'Assembly Line' 



STILL THE BEST 





CBS last week closed its deal with* 
Fletcher Wiley, at a reported 
$1,000,000. to take bver the latter's 
lucrative packaging operations, in- 
cluding the Housewives' Protective 
League and Galen Drake, effective 
next Saturday (25). Wiley will stay 
with the setup as general manager, 
at an undisclosed salary figure, with 
his whole operation becoming a 
separate division of the network 
under supervision of J. Kelly Smith, 
director of station relations. Wiley 
will headquarter in Hollywood. 

Deal gives CBS an "assembly 
lino" of early-mornin'g and after- 



CBS On ABC 

CBS' absorption of Fletcher 
Wiley's programming operations 
brings about a paradox. 

Galen Drake, Wiley's gabber 
in N. Y., also does a program on 
the ABC network sponsored by 
Kellogg. Monday through Fri- • 
day, 11:30-11:45 a.m., over 204 
stations. 

Show is unaffected by Wiley's 
deal — except that it now be- 
comes a CBS production. 



noon sessions in five major markets 
which are believed to have total 
gross billings of around $1,500,000 
annually. Gabbers handling the 
Wiley-produced "Sunrise Salute" 
and Housewives' Protective 
League" stanzas and the stations 
airing them- are: Burritt Wheeler, 
KNX (CBS-owned), Los Angeles; 
Paul Gibson, WBBM (CBS-owned), 
Chicago; Lee Adams, KMOX (CBS- 
owned), St. Louis; Lewis Martin, 
KQW (CBS affiliate), San Francisco, 
and Galen Drake, WJZ (ABC- 
owned;, New York. All will remain 

(Continued on page 42) 



Bullseye Misses 

American Tobacco Co. doesn't 
care one way or the other any- 
more whether its Lucky Strike 
audiences keep their eyes on the 
red bullseye. For the bong-bong 
'conitnercial on the Jack Benny, 
Jack Paar and "Hit Parade" 
shows, which many conceded 
even out-irritated the trip- 
hammered LS/MFT technique, is 
getting the heave-ho this week. 

For several weeks American 
Tobacco experimented with a 
bass drum, then passed it up for 
the bull's eye. What goes in as 
replacement, if anything, is being 
kept under wraps. 



Trade Waits For 
Sleeping Detroit 
Sector to Waken 



Billy Rose Irked 
By 'Blackie' Snarl 

Failure of Mutual network and 
WOR. its New York flagship station, 
to clear the 8:55-9 p.m. Wednesday 
night period for the cross-the-board 
Billy Rose program sponsored by 
Kreml created something of a 
problem for the station and the web. 

Erwin Wasey agency, which ne- 
gotiated the Kreml deal and gave 
Mutual six weeks in which to clear 
the time, wasn't particularly happy 
over the fact that WOR was obliged 
to put Rose on at 11:30 last Wednes- 
day, even though it was done on a 
cuff o basis. 
*> Stumbling block is the "Boston 
Blackie" show which occupies the 
8:30-9 Wednesday slot on WOR. 
(Show is a Fred Ziv transcription 
for markets outside of New York, 
but is done live on WOR). To clear 
the five-minute segment for Rose 
would necessitate cutting down 
"Blackie" to 25 minutes or moving it 
. to another time period. 

And that's where the rub comes in, 
for "Blackie" is one of the top- 
rated shows on the WOR schedule, 
and it's a case of risking the antag- 
onism of "Blackie's" sponsor, R & 
H Beer, or Rose, who is particularly 
insistent about having clear sailing 
five nights a week in the New York 
area, where he has his biggest fol- 
lowing. 



Detroit, Oct. 21. 

The network and station reps who 
make this town the seat of their sales 
operations in the central states are 
still standing by waiting for those 
heavy industries, particularly the 
automotive, to open up with some 
of that once heavy business. At the 
moment they see no crack of light 
in the radio dusk that befell their 
territory- with the war, but there is 
that pervasive hope of a switch in 
buyer-seller roles in the not too dis- 
tant future when the heavy indus- 
tries will have to go after customers. 

All the webs but NBC still main- 
tain offices here. There was a time 
when the network billings out of 
Detroit Were well over the $15,000.- 
000 mark and Chevrolet, perhaps the 
biggest single-brand spot user at all 
time, carried on its debit accounts 
anywhere from 385 to 435 stations 
for five 15-miimte programs a week. 
For both network and station reps 
this client remains the most hoped- 
for prize, one that would again, if 
it eventuates, come out of the 
Campbell-Ewald agency. Other 
automotive*, if they were to resume, 
(Continued on page 42) 



In a season when the controversy 
over mystery -crime shows on the 
four networks will probably hit its 
peak, in the wake of widespread 
criticisms and NBC's retaliation by 
relegating them to a post-9:30 p.m. 
period, there are currently 42 ot the 
whodunit-adventure sagas riding the 
coast-to-coast kilocycles. That's an 
all-time high. As of last week there 
were 43, with Philip , Morris' "Crime 
Doctor" on CBS bowing off last 
Sunday (19). 

Of the 42 shows, all but 13 of them 
are sponsored, which in itselt is in- 
dicative of the growing awareness 
among radio's bankrollers of their 
impact on audiences and the fact 
that, in terms of modest-budgeted 
programming, nothing better has as 
yet projected itself as Hooperating 
"stealers." With but a few major 
exceptions, they're within the $3,000- 
$5,000 weekly bracket, with a num- 
ber of them far out-Hoopering the 
competition from other networks. 

NBC is sticking to its three, all 
commercials — "Mr. District At- 
torney," which for years has paid off. 
with a Top 15 rating; "Big Story" 
and "Molle Mystery Theatre." 

CBS has the largest number of 
whodunit commercials — 12 of 'em, 
with not a single sustainer. Colum- 
bia's roster includes "Crime Photog- 
rapher." "Big Town-." "Mr. and Mrs. 
North," "Inner Sanctum." "Thin 
Man," "The Whistler," "Perry Ma- 
son," "Suspense," "Mr. Keen." "Sam 
Spade," "Man Called X" and "FBI in 
Peace and War." • 

Mutual has six bankrolled who- 
dunits and nine getting a sustaining 
ride. Those bringing in revenue to 
the network are "True Detective 
Mysteries," "The Shadow," "Nick 
Carter," "CharHe Chan," "Sherlock 
Holmes" and "Song of the Stranger." 
Sustainers include "Quiet Please." 
"Did Justice Triumph?," "Mysterious 
Traveler," "Scotland Yard," "Of 
ficial Detective," "Crime Club,' 
"Song of the Stranger," "No. 7 Front 
Street" and "Scarlet Queen." 

ABC has eight on the commercial 
schedule and four sustainers. Bank- 
rolled shows include "Counterspy," 
"Green Hornet," "Fat Man," "This 
Is Your FBI," "The Sheriff," "Fa- 
mous Jury Trials," "Gangbusters" and 
"Murder and Mr. Malone." The non- 
commercial airers are "Treasury 
Agent," "Adventures of Bill Lance," 
"The Clock" and "I Deal in Crime." 



CBS Spending Up to $2,000 For 
Film Stars on Sustaining Hour 
'Studio One Opposite McGee-Hope 



ROD ERICKS0N BACK 
IN F-C-B RADIO DEPT. 

Rod Eiickson. who ducked out of 
the WOR (N. Y.) program direc- 
tor's "hot. seat" the first of this 
month, turned up Monday (20) at 
an old stand. He has rejoined the 
Foote, Cone & Belding agency, 
where he was briefly assistant head 
of radio in 1943. 

Erickson's new spot is as a radio 
exec without specific assignment, 
except that for the time being he 
will devote full time to getting 
FC&B's new daytime serial for Toni, 
"This Is Nora Drake," under way 
on NBC. Stanza tees off next Mon- 
day (27). 



Last Vino Rites 

The suspense is about over for 
"Suspense," Roma Wine's psy- 
chological chiller on CBS. Show 
finally fades on Nov .20. Schen- 
ley and its wine subsids favor a 
divorce, and not the "interlocu- 
tory" kind as before. Show was 
reprieved last option time when 
the Cresta Blanca budget was 
raided and Schenley got a plug 
for the trademark on the hitch 
hike. In view of the fact that 
a third of all the Roma business 
was concentrated in California 
and New York, it's been decided 
to revise the ad strategy and 
pour coin into specific markets, 
principally through mags. 

That makes two Biow who- 
dunits on the cancellation 
list, other being the departed 
"Crime Doctor." However, in 
view of the cost-rating per- 
point payoff on the shows, both 
are considered a cinch for new 
bankrollers. In fact, it's re- 
ported that Seagram is already 
interested in picking up "Sus- 
pense" just to get its name on the 
air. Distiller has by-products 
acceptable for sponsorship. 



Gotham Looking 
Up as Mecca For 
Name Guest Stars 



Unlike last season, when top-budg- 
eted nighttime shows with guestar 
policies originating in the east found 
the going pretty tough In trying to 
line up name guests, things are look- 
ing up for Gotham-originations dar- 
ing the '47-'48 broadcasting semester. 
That's due to the prevailing policy 
of the film companies to send- their 
Stars^'east to give an in-person hypo 
to their pic premieres. A number of 
ranking pic studio personalities are 
on the agenda for the L. A.-to-N. Y. 
swing and the bidding to land them 
on the air shows' emanating from 
New York is already hot and heavy. 

Lack oC top-calibre guest names 
has alwavs been a problem to Fred 
Allen, for one, with the result that 
j season after season he's been obliged 
| to latch on to the same guestars. It's 
i been one of the principal factors 
| that has cued the exodus ot the 
I more costly comedy-variety-dramatic 
shows to the Coast, where there's 
an abundance ot guest talent to 
choose from. 

It's a case of films complementing 
the radio picture and that's why 
the trade is watching with keen in- 
terest the bid to give the east a 
prominent stature in pic production, 
for it's recognized that as long as 
(Continued on page 42) 



By GEORGE ROSEN 

Inquiries made during the past 10 
days at New York talent agencies . 
have revealed an intention by the 
Columbia Broadcasting System to 
use Hollywood film stars on its New 
York-produced sustaining full hour 
series "Studio One." While not ex- 
pecting to match commercial prices 
for. cinematic personalities, CBS is 
apparently prepared to go up to four 
figures. This may be the first time a 
sustaining series has ever taken the 
plunge into the film talent pool in 
such a pretentious way. 

Robert J. Landry, supervisor of 
"Studio One" for CBS. has confirmed 
the decision to strengthen the show 
with stars, but declined to reveal 
the new talent budget. "Actually 
we're still in the exploratory phase. 
Nobody is signed, nothing is set. but 
there'll be a fixed maximum." ac- 
cording to Landry. Asked if the new 
policy reflected a changed concept 
on sustainers. the CBS supervisor 
stated the present decision was made 
solely in reference to the problem of 
"Studio One," which broadcasts 
Tuesday nights 9:30-10:30 (EST), di- 
rectly opposite Fibber & Molly and 
Bob Hope on NBC. 

"Studio One" has just completed 
its second 13,-week cycle and is one 
of four full-hour dramatic shows 
now on the air. three from New 
York: one, Lux. from Hollywood. In 
New York the U. S. Steel-sponsored 
"Theatre Guild ot the Air" uses 
names, many from the legitimate 
stage, not all of first flight boxofftce 
significance; The new "Ford Thea- 
tre" does not use stars. Hour-length 
shows have been a rarity in radio 
of recent years and CBS has hopes 
it may be able to build a story for 
"Studio One" good enough to bash 
in the legend that nothing can stand 
up against the two NBC comedy half 
hours. Currently "Studio One" is the 
! top-rating CBS sustainer. 

Star plan will not get under way 
| for another month or more. The se- 
ries will continue under the direc- 
tion of Fletcher Markle, the 26-year- 
old Canadian actor-director CBS im- 
ported six months ago from Toronto, 
and he expects to use most of his 
regular supporting players as here- 
tofore. Meantime CBS' new program 
vice - president. Hubbell Robinson, 
Jr., has interested himself increas- 
ingly in "Studio One," as has the ■ 
network board chairman himself, 
William S. Paley. 



Agencies Think It's $2,000 

Impression among talent agencies 
is that CBS is prepared to go as high 
as t $2,000 for film stars on "Studio 
I One." Agencies consider this «a price 
likely to command all but a handful 
of the incoming stars. 

"Studio One" has a broken Mon- 
day - Tuesday rehearsal schedule 
which is not considered a problem. 



Top 15 in Hooper Sweepstakes-Then and Now 

Ten of the shows stilt riding the four-network kilocycles, including such top /ores as Jack Benin/, Eddie 
Cantor, Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Burns & Allen, Lux Radio Theatre. Fibber & Molly, etc., uere perched on 
the Top 15 Hooper roost exactly 10 years ago. 

The following is a then-aad-now breakdown, including the shows in current cycle that managed to cop 
a 10 or better rating in opposition to the Top 15. 



TOP 1J 

(Oct. 15) 

Fibber & Molly .23.0 

Bob Hope 23.0 

Lux Radio Theatre ,...21.6 

Jack Benny 20.fi 

Amos 'n' Andy 19.8 

Red Skelton . ..19.2 

Al Jolson . .18.8 

Charlie McCarthy 17.9 

Walter Winchell ,.17.8 

Mr. District Attorney •. 17.5 

Fred AUen 16.9 

Screen Guild Playtrs .16.7 

Phil Harris .16.5 

Bing Crosby 15.5 

Gildersleeve .... — 14-7 



COMPETITION 



10.8 Sam Spade 



10.2. Crime Doctor 



10 YliABS AGO 
(Oct. 151 

Chase & Sanborn Hour 27.0 

Jack Benny 22.3 

Maior Bowes 21.2 

Eddie Cantor 19.3 

Bing Crosbv 19.0 

Rudy Vallee 18.7 

Burns & Allen 18.5 

Lux Radio Theatre 18.0 

Phil Baker 15.6 

Gangbusters 14.4 

Walter O'Keefe 14.2 

First Nighter 13.8 

Al Jolson 13.8 

Fibber & Molly 13.5 

Hollywood Hotel 13.3 



SSC&B Snagging 
$2,000,080 Soap 



Lever Bros, is switching its Life- 
buoy account from the Ruthrauff & 
Ryan agency to Sullivan. Stauffer, 
Colwell & Baylcs. The billing is 
understood to be about $2,000,000 a 
year and is the first major chunk of 
Lever business the new SSC&B out- 
fit has grabbed. 

In place of Lifebuoy. R&R will 
be given a new cake mix account. 
It will also retain the Rinso and 
Spry billings. SSC&B already has 
the Silver Dust account for Levers 
and has done special work for the 
soap company from time to time. 

The Harriet Hubbard Ayer cos- 
metic line, which Lever recently 
purchased, has been assigned to 
Federal Advertising agency, which 
has occasionally had small accounts 
for the firm. This makes six agen- 
cies now sharing Lever business, as 
follows: R&R; SSC&B: Federal; 
Young & Rubicam: J^ Walter 
Thompson and Foote, Cone & Beld- 
ing. 



80 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Hooper to Spring His Projectables 
In April '48; Ain't Talking Till Then 



C. E. Hooper is coming out with ♦ 
Projectable Ratings, he disclosed 
Monday (20). But he isn't telling, 
yet, how he is going to arrive at 
them. And, as a comeon to adver- 
tisers who haven't seen fit to come 
into the Hooper camp, the new Pro- 
jectables will cover only programs 
sponsored .by Hooper - subscribing 
sponsors. That means, for instance, 
no Projectables on General Foods 
airers, unless GF has a change of 
heart before Jan. 10. That's the dead- 
line set for non-subscribers to get 
under the wire so their shows will 
be projectable-rated. 

Hooper, who has projected the 
idea of projectable ratings for many 
months, announced that his first 
ones, in a report dated "Midwinter 
1948," will be issued in late April of 
next year. Measurement and pro- 
jection, in addition to being confined 
to subscribers' programs, will be 
limited to network shows carried on 
100 or more stations. Another quali- 
fication is that the progra'm be 
broadcast in each of five geographi- 
cal areas in which the U. S. has been 
divided for network audience re- 
porting purposes. 

■ "Interviewing" for the first report 
is scheduled for February - March. 
"Minimum frequency of one study 
yearly is indicated," Hooper an- 
nounced. "Special arrangements" 
will be made for the networks to 
get copies of the report; agencies for 
subscribers also will be supplied. 

It was when queried on whether 
the projectables would be based on 
a correlation of the telephone coin- 
cidental and listener diary tech- 
niques — as Hooper proposed in pres- 
entations last year — that it came out 
that Hooper expects to keep his 
projecting methods under wraps, 
for the time being at least. 

The diaries won't be used, said 
Fred Kenkel, Hooper's exec veepee. 
(Hooper's oh a biz safari to the 
Coast.) Beyond that, Kenkel de- 
clined to elucidate. Subscribers will 
get the Projectable Ratings for free, 
he p.ointed out, and it's Hooper's 
own business how he proposes to ar- 
rive at the ratings. 

On the suggestion that the industry 
would not be likely to grant validity 
to figures arrived at via a hocus- 
pocus technique, Kenkel explained 
that a full description of the methods 
employed would be released along 
with next April's report. Meantime, 
he said, Hooper, expects to perfect 
his listening yardsticks and rating 
calculations, in private. 

In addition to the Projectable Rat- 
ing, Hooper announced, each meas- 
urement will be accompanied by 
publication o£ "homes listening, pro- 
vided new estimates of radio homes 
are available by publication date." 
These estimates, Kendel said, are ex- 
pected to be provided by the Broad- 
cast Measurement Bureau. 



WISMER REORGS FOR 
RICHARDS; STAYS ABC 

Detroit, Oct. 21. 
Thorough shakeup among exec 
personnel" is taking place at G. A. 
Richards' Detroit 50.000 - watter, 
WJR, and announcement of a new 
general manager, plus other changes, 
are expected to be announced shortly 
by Harry Wismer, administrative as- 
sistant to the president. Richards 
also owns KMPC, Los Angeles, 
which during the past week went 
from 10,000 to 50,000 watts, and 
WGAR, Cleveland., also a 50,000- 
watter. Owen Uridge, general man- 
ager of WJR, got his walking papers 
a week ago, along with a $31,000 
settlement. He had been with the 
station 19 years. 

Contrary to a general report that 
he would be forced to spend increas- 
ing time in Detroit attending to 
operation of the three stations, Wis- 
mer reveals that bringing in new 
administrative people will help him 
devote more time to his duties as 
sports director of the ABC network. 
For the past six months or 'so he 
had been away from his ABC desk 
in New York for considerable 
periods because of his Detroit situa- 
tion. It was reported a week ago 
that Wismer would be leaving the 
ABC post, but he and ABC concur 
in revealing that this is not so. ABC 
execs and Wismer both have an 
understanding whereby Wismer can 
hold down both the Richards and 
ABC jobs simulaneously. 




KLZ Sports Announc«r 

GLEN MARTIN 

Heard nightly on KLZ with local 
and regional sports news as part of 
Red Barber CBS Sports Show; also 
issues KLZ's Saturday night "Sports 
Extra." 

KLZ, DENVER. 



Mutual Adds Morale Hypo in New 
Retirement Benefit Plan for Help 



Fri. 'Info Please' Repeat 
On Disks Tipoff to Deal 
For Four Such Revivals. 

This Friday's (24) broadcast of 
Mutual's c o - o p e d "Information 
Please" will be a transcribed repeat 
of a show done a couple years back, 
with Jimmy Durante as guestar, 
when "Info" was being sponsored 
on NBC by Socony. 

Announcement of the repeat has 
brought to light heretofore unknown 
terms of deal worked out by Dan 
Golenpaul, owner of the "Info" 
package, which permits for. at least 
four such transcribed repeats of 
what, on the basis of polls taken by 
Golenpaul, are considered the top 
shows in "Info's" career on the air. 

Whenever integrated commercials 
crop up, they'll be dubbed out, per- 
mitting for pickup of local sponsor 
plugs under the new co-op set up. 



Settle Issue On 
Rights to Scripts 

Virtually the entire agreement 
covering network scripting has been 
worked out by Radio Writers Guild 
and^representatives of the four net T 
works and the advertising agencies. 
The prime issue, involving rights to 
scripts, was ironed out last week. 
Day-long confab was held yesterday 
(Tues.) to settle a scale of fees. En 
tire agreement will then be put into 
formal language, submitted to the 
Guild memberships in the east, Chi- 
cago and Coast regions, and then 
signed. 

The agreement as to rights came 
suddenly last week, just as it seemtfd 
the whole negotiations might bog 
down again. Both sides made conces- 
sions, but in general, the agreement 
provides for single-broadcast sales, 
with' subsidiary rights dependent on 
circumstances. On the latter ques- 
tion, for instance, the writer retains 
all subsid rights if the original idea 
of the script was his, but the man- 
agement owns the subsid rights if it 
initiated the project and merely 
hired the writer to put it into script 
form. 



YOUNG DIESELING INTO 
NET PROGRAMMING 

Now that he's got his feet wet in 
commercial radio via sponsorship of 
the Mutual co-oped "Information 
Please" in seven top markets, Robert 
Young, who runs the Chesepeake & 
Ohio Railroad, is reported interested 
in moving into network programming 
via a half-hour nighttime show. 

Although C & O has a Cincinnati 
terminus, Young's advertising has 
been on a national scale, cued, too, to 
his own emergence as a top figure in 
the economic-business sphere. 

Kenyon & Eckhardt handles the 
C & O biz. 



Minerva Pious on Air 
Despite Pneumonia Attack 

Minerva Pious,- ill with bronchial 
pneumonia for the last three weeks, 
with nurse in attendance, has been 
permitted by her doctor to attend 
rehearsal and do her Mrs. Nussbaum 
and other characters on the Fred 
Allen program. 

Her condition was much improved 
yesterday (Tues.) but she's ordered 
to remain in bed about a week 
longer. 



FCC Cites D. C 
Station For 
lottery' Quiz 

Washington, Oct. 21. 
For the first time in five years the 
FCC Friday (17) went after, a quiz 
show which it believes may be a 
lottery, in violation of Section 816 
of the Communications Act. Com- 
mission ordered WARL, Arlington, 
Va., to show cause at a public hear- 
ing here Nov. 20 why "Dollars for 
Answers," a quiz show sponsored by 
"Zlotnlck, the. Furrier" is not a lot- 
tery. 

Last time FCC went after a quiz 
show was in 1942 when it referred a 
complaint to the Dept. of Justice 
against the network "Pot O' Gold" 
show. Justice failed to prosecute. 
(Continued on page 38) 

Blue Blooper Scorches 
Campbell Quizzer But 
0'Keefe Rides It Out 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
They're keeping their fingers crossed 
on Walter O'Keefe's "Double or 
Nothing" quizzer for Campbell soup 
that lightning doesn't strike twice. 
Everyone has been alerted for blue 
lines by contestants since last 
Wednesday's experience when a 
waitress let go with a blooper that 
had the town talking and 1ft up the 

. CBS switchboard like a four-alarm 

! fire. 

Gal was asked for some interest- 
I ing experiences as a hash slinger 
and, in the words of Dennis Day, 
"ooooh, what she said." Seems that 
a couple of male customers prattled 
about amorous proclivities, which 
she repeated on the air before 
O'Keefe could override her. It 
would have even brought blushes at 
a stag or in the back room of a bar. 
But with fiendish glee she prattled 
away but the damage had been 
done. And as irony would have it, 
she won $80 for making the closest 
guess to how many piano tuners 
there are in the country. That she 
knew, but good taste, whether 
warped by mike fright or sheer 
deviltry, was beyond her ken. 

Campbell crowd back in Camden, 
N. J., as straitlaced as they come in 
radio, charged it off as one of those 
things and praised O'Keefe for his 
deft handling of a delicate situation. 
Ward Wheelock agency on CBS also 
agreed that the emcee acquitted 
himself admirably. 



NO. 1 COP BACKS 

EARLY FBI TIME 

While on the one hand NBC has 
been virtually swamped with laud- 
atory comment from law enforce- 
ment, social, welfare and other agen- 
cies in the wake of its no-crimc- 
shows-before- 9:30 p.m. edict, along 
has come the nation's No. 1 cop, J. 
Edgar Hoover, to ginger up the 
whole controversy. 

Hoover has dispatched a letter to 
Mark Woods, ABC network prexy, 
concerning the Equitable Life-spon- 
sored "This Is Your FBI" program, 
which is heard Fridays in the 8:30- 
9 p.m. segment. And Hoover thinks 
that's just where it should be, 
asserting that crime prevention 
shows such as "FBI" are educational 
in nature and thus merit middle-of- 
the-evening showcasing in order 
to achieve a maximum listening 
audience. 

Hoover says he's mighty pleased, 
too, over the fact that during vaca- 
tion periods thousands of young- 
sters visit FBI hdqs. in Washington 
each week and that "once young 
people see the futility of law viola- 
tion they'll become better citizens. 

"By the same token," he says, "I 
consider 'This Is Your FBI' a means 
of developing better citizens and as 
such I feel there should be no 
change in the time." 



Shirer Signed As 
Mutual Gabber 



Mutual came up with the Sur- 
prise-of-the-Week Monday (20) with 
the signing, of ^William L. Shirer. 
He'll -do a 15-minute weekly com- 
mentary, probably in an evening or 
Sunday spot, starting sometime in 
November. 

Although Mutual announced fol- 
lowing former Mayor F. H. LaGuar- 
dia's death that he would "not be 
replaced" as a commentator on the 
web, observers critical of Mutual's 
conservative-sided gabber lineup see 
Shirer's signing not only as a re- 
placement, but as an actual improve- 
ment on the net's balancing of views. 
For Shirer, whose enforced exodus 
from \CBS several months ago be- 
came a minor cause celebre for lib- 
eral groups, is regarded as having a 
better than «ven chance of picking 
up a national sponsor, and even as a 
sustaining gabber is expected to get 
pretty wide airing. 

Factor in Shirer's favor, too, spon- 
sorwise as well as listenerwise, aside 
from the carryover of his long- 
standing audience from CBS, is the 
recent publication of his book, "End 
of a Berlin Diary," which is hearing 
the top of the best-seller lists. 



+ Where Mutual n-'work people 
congregate these days, the talk as 
likely as not is about the web's new 
retirement benefit plan. Fact that the 
network is dipping into its own 
current income, to the tune of an 
annual figure running well into six 
figures, to pay the whole cost of the 
thing, has staffers genuinely im- 
pressed. 

In these days of high living costs 
and high income taxes, the feeling 
runs, the combo of company - paid 
insurance plus company-paid pen- 
sion payments equal to 25% of each 
staffer's salary over $3,000, is a mo- 
rale builder with a real payoff. 

Easily the happiest of all about 
the whole thing, though, is prexy 
Edgar Kobak, who say he thinks 
such a program "is just as important 
as microphones in building Mutual 
into a steady, sound business.'' 

The pension - insurance plan was 
evolved after more than a year's 
study, Kobak reports. When he 
pitched up the scheme at the last 
MBS board meeting there was not a 
dissenting voice. Obviously a decid- 
ing factor was Kobak's keen desire 
to sell it as an investment in Mu- 
tual's future. 

Plan, which went into effect Oct. 1, 
augments Social Security (which 
covers the first $3,000 of annual sal- 
ary) with pension payments at re- 
tirement age of 65, ranging from 
$62.50 monthly on the basis of a 
$6,000 salary to $145.83 on a $10,000 
income. Minimum benefit is $20 
monthly, the maximum $750. 

In addition, employees eligible 
under the plan (those who have 
been with the network three years 
or more) are immediately insured 
for varying amounts, based on their 
salaries, ranging from $2,000 up to 
$70,000. Staffers with MBS less than 
three years, but more than one, are 
eligible for an intermediate term in- 
surance feature of the plan. 

Still another feature is that each 
employee has a vested right in the 
sums laid away for him after a num- 
ber of years and can draw out the 
money if he leaves the web. 

The way many Mutual staffers look 
at it — it's as good as a raise. "If not 
better," one of them added, "because 
it pays my insurance, puts money 
in the bank for me, and doesn't hike 
my income' tax divvy." 

Which is just the way Kobak fig- 
ured it. 



Daytime's Top 10-1938-1947 

Nine years ago (when Hooper first began tabulation of daytime 
ratings) it was clear sailing for the sweep-while-you-weep sagas 
landing in the coveted Top 10. For the corresponding period (Oct. 1-7) 
this year, seven of the 10 were serials, with audience participation 
shows making a three-way dent. 



TOP 10— '47 

When a Girl Marries. 6.1 

Queen For a Day 6.1 

Our Gal Sunday 6.0 

Breakfast Club 5.6 

Aunt Jenny 5.6 

Big Sister 5.6 

Ma Perkins (CBS) 5.6 

Young Widder Brown 5.5 

Romance of Helen Trent: 5.5 

Breakfast in Hollywood 5.3 

Lorenzo Jones 5.3 



TOP 10— '38 

The O'Neills 8.5 

Guiding Light 7.7 

The Goldbergs 7.6 

Bachelor's Children 7.4 

Ma Perkins (NBC) 7.4 

Mary Marlin (NBC) 7.2 

Pepper Young's Family 7.1 

Stella Dallas 6.4 

Road of Life 6.1 

Backstage Wife 5.9 



CBS Stringing Along 
With Whodunit Parlay 
As Comedy Opposition 

With Philip Morris dropping 
"Crime Doctor" in the CBS Sunday 
night 8:30 period, and no new spon- 
sor as yet lined up, CBS is still stick- 
ing to its 8 to. 9 Sabbath parlay of 
crime-adventure programming as op- 
position the Charlie. McCarthy-Fred 
Allen back-to-back comedy sequenc- 
ing on NBC. 

As result, CBS is effecting a switch 
of Frigidaire's "Man Called X," cur- 
rently heard Thursdays at 10:30, into 
the Sunday 8:30 slot for bracketing 
with "Sam Spade," heard at 8. 

Switchover becomes effective Oct. 
26. 



Robert Q's Facelift 

Listed under "new projects" at 
CBS is a facelift for Robert Q. 
Lewis, with the network still con- 
vinced that it has a potentially up- 
coming comedian, despite unsuccess- 
ful efforts thus far to wrap up a 
sponsorship deal. 

Lewis' Sunday afternoon show 
undergoes a drastic revision in its 
format. Goodman Ace, who has 
been supervising the comedy script- 
ing on the show, is bowing off the 
stanza. 



'Ford' $2,000 Script Bid 
Languishing Away As 
Originals Simply Ain't 

Kenyon & Eckhardt's bid for origi- 
nal scripts for the new "Ford Thea- 
tre" 60-minute NBC show, for which 
the agency is paying $2,000, has 
practically come a cropper, despite 
the fact that the initial invitations 
to submit scripts went out to eight 
of the top writers in radio. 

With the "Ford Theatre" setup 
calling for two such originals on 
each 13-week cycle, it's been dis- 
closed that George Zachary, pro- 
ducer of the show, has just managed 
to eke out a pair of originals, with 
the first one, "Power and the Glory," 
by Hector Chevigny, going on 
Nov. 9. 

Some of the writers didn't even 
bother submitting scripts at all; 
others, says the agency, were strictly 
bottom-drawer stuff. That's why 
K & E is resigned to the inevita- 
bility that, until such time that suit- 
able scripts start rolling in, "Ford 
Theatre" will have to rely on adap- 
tations. Emphasis wherever possi- 
ble will be on books-pic-dramatic 
material not previously aired, such 
as "The Informer," skedded during 
the second 13-week cycle. 



SABLON SUB SET BY CBS 
IN HOAGY CARMICHAEL 

When Hudnut cancels its Jean 
Sablon 15-minute Sunday afternoon 
show on CBS, the web will not pick 
up Sablon on a sustaining basis, as 
was originally planned. Instead, 
Hoagy Carmichael goes into the 
5; 30-5: 45 period. Thai's his old 
stamping ground, when he was spon- 
sored by Luden's last year. Th*is 
time he gets a sustaining ride, with 
new show teeing off .Nov. 9. 

Luden's re-enters the CBS pro- 
gramming picture next month, with 
its sponsorship of the web's Sunday 
night "Strike It Rich." 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



RADIO 



31 



RADIO SITTING TIGHT ON AFM 



Anti-Petrillo Huddle No. 1 

Out. of a storm of. industry rumors of moves to mobilize a solid' 
front against Petrillo came only one solid development: NAB called 
in. the big recording outfits to ask them whether they wanted to 
participate in an all-industry committee. Behind-the-scenes maneuver- 
ing was undoubtedly afoot all along the line; there was so much 
smoke there had 1 to be fire. But if there were other anti-Petrillo 
huddles, they were well shrouded in secrecy. 

A. D. (Jess) Willard, NAB exec secretary, in N. Y. yesterday 
(Tues. ) for the parley With recording bigwigs, scotched reports 
that an all-industry committee session had been called. "The com- 
mittee isn't even organized yet," he pointed out. Willard said he 
and Dick Doherty of NAB came to N. Y. for the parley with the 
recording people as a preliminary to the calendaring of an all- 
industry confab. He indicated' it might be several weeks— maybe 
sometime next month — before such a session is scheduled. 

Willard said between 15 and -18 record manufacturers, including 
all the majors (Victor, Columbia, Decca, et al.) as well as a number 
of the smaller outfits', were invited- to yesterday's meeting, held at 
the Broadcast Measurement Bureau h.q. 

Diskers voted unanimously to form a "preliminary committee for 
exchange of information and for the purpose of participation in dis- 
cussions with the NAB music industry committee." James Murray, 
RCA-Victor veepee, was designated as temporary head of the group. 
Willard said the recorders expected to name a six or seven-man dele- 
gation. * 

Meantime, it was reported steps were afoot to hold a meeting 
tomorrow (Thurs.) of transcription reps. By one account, the huddle 
would be attended by the four networks, one rep of the library 
transcription field, one from the syndicated open-end e.t. field, 
three from NAB and three from the FM Assn. Willard said, however, 
the meeting was being attended only by e.t. people, as far as he knew. 



Nobody Seems to Want to Comment 
On Code; NAB Ekes Out 50 Letters 



Washington, Oct 21. 

Under heavy prodding, the Na- 
tional Assn. of Broadcasters has 
pressured its directors and NAB 
member stations into forwarding 
some 50 letters to Washington, plug- 
ging or. damning the new Standards 
of Practice. Association is still unhap- 
py about the lack of response and 
Is advertising this fact weekly in its 
NAB Reports. Responses are still 
directing most fire at the rigid lim- 
its set on distributing three minutes 
of plug throughout a quarter-hour 
segment and are asking for ex- 
emptions for shopping guide, musi- 
cal clock, and other shows. 

Meanwhile, two more reps were 
added to NAB's 13-man committee 
of independent station men, who 
will meet here Thursday (23) on the 
Code. New committee appointees are 
Eugene Roth, KONO, San Antonio, 
and Al Meyer, KMYR, Denver. 

Fireworks From Indies? 

Meeting%f indie reps in Washington 
tomorrow (Thurs.) to aid NAB in 
matters of the new industry code is 
expected to set off some fireworks. 
Feeling also is that after various reps 
have had their say about the network 
slant ot the code, the NAB will 
make the group a permanent com- 
mittee to give the indies a voice in 
NAB administration, which they 
have never had before. A perma- 
nent chairman also is expected to be 
elected. 

Trade feels that indie protest over 
certain code provisions, affecting 
over 800 non-net stations, has made 
the NAB recognize that the indie is 
a unit of the broadcasting industry, 
as well as a distinct operation that 
differs from network operation. In- 
dies have been strengthened in the 
last week by fact that certain web 
affiliates have become disturbed 
(Continued on page 41) 



Frank Singiser to WOR 

Frank Singiser will come back to 
the air in New York when he takes 
over the Saturday and Sunday night 
spots on WOR for the Herald Trib- 
une. Singiser starts Nov. 15 in the 
11 p.m. assignment. 

Richard L. Tobin has the -other 
five days. Arthur Van Horn has 
been doing the weekend stint, with 
Singiser now to replace. 



FORD DEALERS MAY BE 
WEANED BACK BY NETS 

Barring any further strikes, lack of 
steel or other production snafus, 
there's a strong possibility that Ford 
dealers may return to network pro- 
gramming after the first of the year. 
Dealers sponsored the Meredith Will- 
son Wednesday night show on CBS. 
cancelling out a couple months back 
because Detroit labor difficulties 
stymied production. The Wednesday 
CBS slot has since remained unsold. 

Whether or not the dealers will 
again pick up the Wllison show is 
problematic, although Kenyon & 
Eckhardt. agency on the account, still 
feels it's a tailor-made production 
that .can be whipped into proper 
shape. It's No. 1 on K & E's prefer- 
ential list In wooing back the $1,000,- 
000 Ford billings. 



Jones Taking 
On Dissenter 
Mantle at FCC 



Washington. Oct. 21. 

FCC's newest Commissioner, Rob- 
ert F. Jones of Ohio, bids fair to 
walk away with Commissioner Clif- 
ford J. Durr's title as the FCC's 
"Great Dissenter." This, at any 
rate. Will be the case it' Jones con- 
tinues pattern of his voting during 
the past week. 

The neophyte FCC member re- 
fused to give any reasons for his dis- 
sents, explaining "that it was a lit- 
tle too early in. the game" to issue 
full-scale dissenting opinions. Jones 
called for hearing in 10 actions this 
week, in which majority of the FCC 
bench voted for grants. 

He dissented to FCC approval of 
six FM grants to the Rural Radio Net- 
work, Inc., iaNew York. And he also 
called for hearings on the following: 
grants of new stations to Robert 
Rounsaville, Buckhead. Ca.: to Inter- 
City Advertising Co., Greensboro, 
N, C; switch of frequency and more 
power for WKIX. Columbia. S. C. 

In another unique situation, both 
Jones and Durr were the dissenters 
when the FCC bench okayed a re- 
newal license for Emtl Denemark. 
WEDC, Chicago. Station was on the 
spot for overloading the commercial 
spots and farming out time to for- 
eign-language brokers. 




rs 







T 



FM-PetriBo Honeymoon All Over, 
As R'dcasters Map 'Get Tough' Fight 



Boston Symph Co-op? 

When and if James C. Petrillo 
should decide to lift the ban on co- 
oping musical shows. ABC may take 
radio's initial fling into a longhair 
co-op stanza via the Boston Sym- 
phony Orchestra. 

Tuesday night concert- on the web 
are now on a sustaining basis I John 
Hancock Insurance sponsored it last 
year i. With web feeling confident 
that it .could more than pay its way 
through the co-op mill. 



As far- as the radio industry is 
concerned, this is It. This is the eve 
of the Big, Crucial, Once-and-For- 
All Battle with James C. Petrillo 
that has been smoldering so long, 
staved off from year to year by 
armed truces but inevitable in the 
end. Petrillo, when he announced 
the American Federation of Mu- 
sicians' "once and for all" ban on 
recordings Saturday (18). threw 
down the gauntlet. He didn't say 
AFM musicians wouldn't play for 
radio network programs after web 
contracts expire next Jan. 31; he 
only said union members were 
through making records after Dec. 
31. But the radio industry knew 
what he meant. . 

Exactly what the industry is go- 
ing to do about it, aside from hob- 
bling along in one-legged fashion if 
necessary, is anybody's guess. First 
reaction in most topdrawer quarters 
was to clamp a lid on comment and 
speculation. "First we've got to find 
out what Petrillo wants." was the 
attitude expressed, "then we'll see 
what the industry's stand as a whole 
is going to be." 

Nobody really has much doubt, 
though, about what Petrillo really 
wants. He wants -to hold on to the ' 
status quo, as of last June, before the 
Taft-Hartley Act went into effect. He 
sees stations letting out musicians 
because- they can do so under the 
T-H anti-featherbedding rule, and 
he wants the networks to pressure 
the stations to keep the musicians 
on. He'd renew web pacts, okay 
AM-FM duplication, and all the rest 
of it, it's believed, if he were as- 
sured of no more musicians losing 
their jobs. 

This then is his last stand, many 
observers reason. His recording nix, 
probably only a prelude to yanking 
of all musicians from radio, is 
motivated by sheer desperation, 
brought on by failure to 'uncover 
any other means of accomplishing 
his end. ' 

His worst enemies give him credit 
for being a showman, and they see 
him "playing it big" in the show- 
down. They say — and many hope — 
he may be bluffing, but they find 
little comfort in the thought. It's 
far more likely, they feel— thinking 
back to Petrillo's 17-month record- 
ing blackout of 1942-44— that he 
means business, even if that means 
cutting his 225.000 musicians off 
from millions in annual pay. 

Bulwark of Petrillo's strength is 
in the smaller locals "across the 
country, which stand to be hard hit 
if stations continue lopping off mu- 
sicians. If the AFM chief is going 
to remain in the saddle, he's got to 
win the battle for these outpost lo- 
cals. The tenor and text of Petrillo's 
pronouncements in Chicago last Sat- 
urday left little question but that 
he expects to win the battle — or go 
down fighting in the attempt. 

What little industry speculation 
came into the open in the first cou- 
ple of days following Petrillo's vir- 
tual declaration ot war seemed to j 
be along the lines expressed by one 
network veepee, who saw "one of 
three things" possible: "1. Petrillb.j 
is bluffing and will finally negoti- \ 
ate: 2, the Government will step in 
— although 1 don't know how, or 3.! 
he's really going to drive the mu- ' 
sicians busted, and bust himself 
along with them." 

Apprehensive industry maneuver- | 
ing at the NAB convention last 
month which led to formation of an 
"all-industry committee" versus Pe- 
trillo indicated the united-front, the 
indu.-try expects to array for the 
AFM showdown. Up to yesterday, j 
(Tues.) there had been no NAB, 
call-to-anns of this committee, Re- | 
ports sitting thiough the trade, how- 
ever, indicated a flurr.v, ot prelim- j 
inary lining up of forces, with a ; 
formidable anti-Petrillo front un- - 
questionably in the early offing. 

Outwardly, some feci, the battle ; 
may take the form of a war of 
nerves during the next couple of . 
months, with the industry taking a ' 
sit-tight 1 attitude out front while • 
quietly mapping strategy behind i 
closed doors. | 



The Man Who Came To- 



Washington, Oct. 21. 
From now on, it is war between 
the FM broadcasters and James C. 
Petrillo. The FMIers. who have 
Out ill 10 days, Taylor Grant, edi- I becn su g a nng the music czar up on 
tor-narrator of ABC's "Headline the theory he would move over to 
Edition," was preparing to return to their side of the fence once he saw 
work this week when he slipped on I the '-reasonableness" of their de- 
the stairs at home, fracturing one ] man ds, say the honeymoon is defl- 
wrist and spraining the other. nitely over. New "get tough" atti- 

That caused more delay on his re- |tude is result o£ tw0 flat turndown* 
turn— while he got casts fixed on j bv p et nli 0 last week of the FM'ers 



both arms. 



ABC, CBS Uneasy 
On'Reneat' Status 
Vs. Petrillo Ban 

If the Petrillo ban on recordings 
starting Jan. 1 includes a nix on 
transcribing of network shows for 
regional "repeats" — some believe it 

does: other aren't sure — ABC and i going rate for any such airings, 
CBS will be hardest hit. ABC has j move was looked on as a definite 
plattcred playbacks running 2 '4 j tipoff that Petrillo wants compteta 
hours weekly in the Central zone. 10 ; stalemate in all phases of broad- 
hours in the Mountain belt, and 12 casting to strengthen his hand in 



bids to duplicate AM network shows 
and to air more. AFM-produced mu- 
sic shtows over the pioneer Contin- 
ental FM Network. 

FM Ass'n. president Everett Dil- 
lard and his advisers had made 
a special pitch in New York last 
month to get Petrillo to ease the 
duplication ban. However, his 
answer did not come as much of a 
surprise in view of his similar turn- 
down of the webs. 

FM'ers were much more stunned 
by Petrillo's refusal to contract for 
any more musical show.; on the 
Continental FM network, over and 
above those already authorized. 
Since the AFM would coiled the 



hours on the Coast. CBS waxes 10 
major evening shows for rebroad- 
casts. 

NBC, which has steadfastly with- 
stood platters even for regional re- 
peats, will come off easiest. Many 



next year's contract • negotiations. 
Standard broadcast networks are, 
still carrying live music, but face 
a similar ban in 1948. 

As a result of the ban. Continental 
web prexy Everett Dillard will have 



NBC affiliates, particularly in the. to drop plans to air more AFM 



west, wax a lot of the web's shows 
for delayed broadcasts, but it's said 
this arrangement would not be 
curbed by the AFM ban inasmuch 
as the net's contract with the ui ion 
provides for such a setup and the 
musicians on all shows draw extra 
fees, covering it. 

Mutual has e.t. repeats of three 
shows and airs half a dozen stanzas 
employing music which are either 
transcribed in their entirety or 
utilize transcribed music. Those all 
on wax include Burl Ives. "Califor- 
nia Melodies" and "Checkerboard 
Jamboree." Those using e.t. music- 
include Jim Backus. "Melody Thea- 
tre" and "Alexander's Mediation 
Board." 

CBS' waxed repeats are of "Corliss 
Archer." "Sam Spade." "Godfrey'.--- 
Snooks." Vaughn Monroe. "Give and 
Snooks.' Vaughn Monroe. "Give and 
Take,' Jack Smith, "Club 15." and 
"Lum 'n' Abner." 



produced music shows over his net- 
work. The Petrillo ruling does not 
affect network airing of the Strom- 
berg-Carlson 14-piece orchestra 
"Continental Capers" and the Strom- 
berg-Carlson symphony over Con- 
tinental on Friday nights. Petrillo 
has agreed to let these stanzas stay 
on the air inasmuch as the Roches- 
ter. N. Y., AFM local signed the 
contract. At the same time, ban 
decs not hit show earlier okayed by 
Petrillo on Continental. This is 
(Continued on page 42) 



Disk Ban Doesn't 
Scare E J.'ers 



indies, Artists Comm. 
Start Campaigns For 
Local AFRA Election 

The Independents, new faction in 
the American Federation of Radio 
Artists, has completed its slate of 
candidates for tfie local board. 
The election is to take place ne^t 
month. So far, the Artists Commit- 
tee faction has not worked out it- 
full slate, but is expected to do so' 
this week, and to announce it pub- 
licly. In former election.-, the AC 
slate has been secret. 

To represent the singer contin- 
gent in the local, the Independents 
have nominated Ray Charles. Julie 
Conway. Nancy Douglass, F.d I.ind- 
strom. Eugene Lowenthal. John 
Nchc-r and Genevieve Ro-.ve Also, 
as a member of the actor slate, the 
Indies have named Arnold Mu.-.. to 
replace John Gibson, who with- 
drew. 

Both factions have begun pro- 
•liminary election camuait :n.-\ The 
AC held a closed meeting .Mond:,;. 
night < 2 0 ' . The next Indie mpctinff 
is slated for Tuesdav night '28' 
the Capitol hotel. N. Y. and will 
be open to AFRA member.-, public 
and pres.-. Approximately 300 mem- 
bers of the local are now j eported 
to have signed the Indie declara- 
tion of policy. 



If the transcription show pack- 
. agers are frightened by Petrillo's 
Network execs profess not to have j no-recording ukase, they're not 
had time yet to figure out what . .showing it. Spot-check this week 
emergency steps would be involved (showed the e.t. producers apparently 
in event live repeat shows had to be silting comfortably ato-i fat backlogs 
instituted all along the line. Nor j of pattered programs. There was 
would anyone venture a guess as to . liule j ndicat j on 0l - plans t() i )vpo 
the total added costs. It was pointed production prior to the. Dec. 31 dead- 
(Continued on page 38) . line. 

Major packagers like Frederic 
Ziv and Lou Cowan pointed out that 
they had enough waxed stanzas in 
stock to stay in business a long 
lime without feeling the no-music.' 
crimp. There was even* some feci-' 
ing that the Petrillo ban . might be 
. a spur to the e.t. biz. especially if 
the AFM also yanks musicians out 
ot the stations and webs. . - 

While there are quite a few 
strictly musical shows in the tran- 
scription lists— rZiv will complete a 
new- Guy Lombardo series before the 
AFM axe falls— bulk of the platte'red 
programs are dramals, which of 
course use orchestral bridges, but 
which conceivably could get by with 
recorded music. As one major 
packager p o i n t e d 1 y sungcsU'd, 
"There's more than one way of 
skinning a cat." 



FCB'S LONDON BRANCH 
GETS 450G CIG ACCT. 

In the wake of admitted reports 
that multiple agencies are gunning 
lor the American Tobacco business 
now held by Foote. Cone and Beld- 
iiig. the London branch of FCB has 
> Li- 1 been tossed a $450,000 billings 
"bonus" by American Tobacco. 

London office has been handed the 
Kcnsitas cigaret account by J. Wix 
& Sons. Ltd.. British subsid of Amer-i 
lean Tobacco. Coin goes into"prmted 
media. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 




STORY OF A DAY ★ Once upon a time young Mr. 
and Mrs. McNulty set sail from County Mayo, Ireland, 
bound for Brooklyn in the United States of America. With 
them they brought high hopes, two fine Irish accents 
and an accordion. 

That accordion was the peg on which Horatio Alger, 
had he lived, would have hung one of his most fabulous 
"boy-makes-good" yarns. By 1920 the McNuItys had 
a fine family of five boys and one girl. Mrs. McNulty 
sang them many Irish lullabies, accompanying herself on 



her accordion. One of the boys, Eugene Dennis, never 
seemed to get enough of his mother's music. As soon as 
he could walk he was dancing Irish clogs and singing 
while his mother played. He grew up to be Dennis Day. 

Dennis's success story is as happy as his own per- 
sonality. Graduating from Manhattan College he entered 
Columbia University's School of Law. When illness cut 
short his studies he started to sing on a local New York 
station. Mary Livingstone heard his first program, rushed 
a recording to Jack Benny who was holding auditions 



AMERICA'S NO. 1 NETWORK 



for a new singer. Jack played the record once and called 
oft the auditions. Dennis had become a star overnight 
with a long-term contract with Benny. 

On the Jack Benny program the McNulty boy from 
Brooklyn showed that he was something more than a 
fine Irish tenor. He was a comedian in his own right and 
one of the mostjSkilled mimics on the air. Talent and 
personality such as his couldn't be confined to one half- 
hour show. Listeners wanted more of Dennis Day. The 
( olgate-Palmolive-Peet Company, long experts in pleasing 



the public on the air, gave them a new Wednesday night 
show on NBC— A Day in the Life of Dennis Day. 

How to ..make a new star? Choose a personality twin- 
kling with talent and ingenuous appeal. Surround him with 
a constellation of gifted supporting players to help tell 
his life story. Flash the result over America on the power- 
ful facilities of the NBC network. Let the star shine in 
the galaxy ol other great shows heard on NBC. The 
result: millions of American homes are brighter with 
the glow of a welcome, new star. 




A Snvirr vf Radio 
L <"l»"iili,m ,j A ma im 



. . . the National Broadcasting Company 



34 



RADIO REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



MEliX ME AT PARRY'S 

With Parkyakarkas (Harry Ein- 
stein), Betty Rhodes, Sheldon 
Leonard, Elliott Lewis, Frank Nel- 
son, Short Orders chorus 

Writers: Einstein, Howard' Harris 

Producers: Maurice Morton, J. C. 
Lew's 

30 Mins.; Sun., 9 p.m. (EST) 
CO-OP 

MUTUAL, from Hollywood 

. "Meet Me At Parky's" ' is now 
hanging out the co-op shingle, with 
the Parkyakarkas (Harry Einstein) 
addition giving impetus to the com- 
edy sweepstakes (Joan Davis, Ab- 
bott & Costello. et al) in the co-op 
programming picture. Slotted in the 
9-9:30 Sunday evening segment on 
Mutual. "Parity'" is bracketed with 
the Jim Backus show, thus giving 
Mutual a 60-minute comedy parlay 
in its bid for Sabbath evening pro- 
gramming recognition. 

True. "Parky's" up" against the 
tough opposition of Walter Winehell 
on ABC, but let him sink his teeth 
in a few successive comedy script 
-~ jobs like that which characterized 
the getaway show, and Mutual will 
have a sales package geared to local 
sponsorship that will be worth hang- 
ing on to. 

As comedy shows go, "Parky" has 
long .since established its own un- 
pretentious niche, and in the days 
when it was riding the Old Gold 
banner on NBC Sunday nights it 
was strictly an in-and-out proposi- 
tion depending on the variable 
scripting assist. And if last Sunday 
night's preem as a co-op package 
registered as a laugh session, it was 
because the writing job was happily 
patterned to the Parkyakarkas 
technique. 

Not boffs nor class . comedy, for 
that matter, but when Einstein gets 
a chance to juggle around that com- 
bined pickle-operation byplay around 
which last Sunday's script centered, 
it adds uo to a fortunate wedlock of 
talents. There's nothing wrong with 
, a "Parky" show that a good script 
can't cure. His assorted stooges are 
back intact, tailor-made to the Ein- 
stein comedy formula. 

As with the Joan Davis and A & C 
co-ops. this one, too, falls under the 
Petrillo music ban, with the Short 
Orders choral group lending a jivey 
assist for "the bridges, etc. 

Mutual doesn't have to offer any 
apologies for this one. , Rose. 

BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 
With Gene Hamilton, commentator 
Producer-Director: William L. War- 

p-^> shall ' 

Writer: John Bwk 

60 Mins.; Toes., 9:38 t>.m. 

Sustaining 

ABC, from Boston 

Tuesday night is ABC's public 
service night, with "Town Meeting 
of the Air" and the Boston Sym- 
phony,, and no network or indie can 
boast a higher-grade setup. The Hub 
ensemble teed off Tuesday <14) as a 
sustainer, John Hancock Life Insur- 
ance having been, sponsor through 
last season. - ' 

Program had the preem mishap of 
musical director Serge Koussevitzky 
being ill, concertmaster and assistant 
conductor Richard Burgin subbing. 
Latter has had long experience as 
second-in-command with the Bos- 
tonians. so that the organization 
sounded much its old self. It gave 
a good, if not inspired reading of 
Ravel's "Mother Goose Suite" and 
Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, with 
Gene Hamilton to present the taste- 
ful program notes of John Burk, 
Boston Symph's program analyst. 
Symph makes Tuesday night a 'time 
for longhairs avidly to look forward 
to. Bro?i. 



ROBERT S. ALLEN 
Producer: Robert S. Wood 
15 Mins.; Sun., 2:45 p.m. 
Sustaining 
WOR, N. Y. 

Years of experience as a news- 
paperman and political observer 
stand this Washington columnist and 
author (formerly co-author with 
Drew Pearson of "Washington 
Merry-Go-Round") in good stead in 
this new stint for Mutual's N. Y. 
key station, Allen's teeoff stanza 
last weekend (19) packed a remark- 
able load of factual, pertinent, con- 
cisely edited info on current na- 
tional and world affairs. Some of 
it apparently was torn from the 
teletypes, but much of it also seemed 
to be "inside" gleanings of Allen's 
own gathering. He generally steered 
clear of editorializing and there was 
no discernible slanting of the bulk 
of his copy. In these respects Allen's 
effort deserves an A plus. 

His lack of radio know-how, how- 
ever, considerably handicaps the 
stint and if he is seriously interested 
in this chore he ought to bone up 
on delivery. His voice needs modu- 
lating and his diction could stand 
some brushing up. It detracts from 
his reporting when he says "nuthin"' 
and ' "sumpthin" and • "durinV and 
pronounces a word like Slav to 
rhyme with have. 

Also, his introduction of each item 
with a "slug line" serves a purpose 
when it identifies the topic, but it's 
either meaningless or Winchellistic 
when he uses such tags as "High 
Brass" and "Hot Stuff." 

It's a little unfortunate that Allen's 
airer has to immediately follow 
Lyle Van's newscast. While the for- 
mer's copy is confined mostly to 
political affairs, the preceding news- 
cast has an opportunity to take some 
of the edge off Allen's items. 

Doan. 



ADMIRATION COFFEE SHOP 
Willi Jimmy • Baxter, Jim Sanders, 
John Paul Goodwin, Fred Gibbons 
15 Mir.; Mon-thru-Fri.. 4:45 p.m. 
DUNCAN COFFEE CO. 
KABC, San Antonio 

This is a fast-moving, well-bal- 
anced program heard by transcrip- 
tion over 35 stations in the south 
wesl. It is full of music, songs and 
comedy with a moment of serious, 
thought. The program is timed just 
right to catch the housewife at the 
hour of the . day when she is prepar- 
ing the evening meal for some good 
plugging for the product. 

Action takes place in a mythical 
coffee shop which is a natural for 
the product. Jim Sanders is the 
host, as well as the voice of Alex- 
ander, the colored waiter who pro- 
vides the comedy. Sanders has a 
nice sense of 'timing as the waiter 
and his telephone conversation with 
his wife is good for some nice laughs. 

Music is provided by Fred Gib- 
bons at the organ and Jimmy Baxter 
in songs. Baxter has a very pleas- 
ing voice. Gibbons is also given the 
spotlight and on opus caught was 
heard in a medley of Mexican 
melodies. 

John Paul Goodwin is announcer 
and foil for the comedv antics of 
the waiter. Is also heard in a poem, 
giving an inspirational lift at the 
end of the day. 

Commercial copy is also inter- 
woven into the script for pleasant 
listening. Sponsors arc conducting a 
"My Favorite Grocci'" -contest which 
is given some time which could be 
Used to the advantage of Baxter or 
Gibbons as contest is being well 
splashed in newspapers. Program 
measures up in quality and produc- 
tion to many network airings. Pro- 
gram theme — "You're the Cream in 
My Coffee"— is a natural. Amly. 



THE TENTH MAN 
With Ralph Bellamy, narrator; Jack- 
son Beck,' Anne Seymour, Hester 
Sondeigaard, Jim Boles, Neil 
OMalley 
Producer: Drex Mines 
Writer: Jack Neher 
15 Mins.; Kri., 1« p.m. 
Sustaining 
WNEW, N. Y. 

It's the claim of the National 
Mental Health Foundation, of Phila- 
delphia, that one out of 10 citizens 
needs emotional guidance, psychia- 
tric treatment. Hence the title of 
this series — a "mature, scientific dra- 
matic presentation of mental health 
problems, with its approach profes- 
sional, and its impact thorough. 
Different phases of mental health are 
to fee studied each week, in a 
straightforward, courageous treat- 
ment,. jigging by the initial program 
Friday (17). 

Opener, subtitled ' "Punishment 
Without Crime," dramatized the situ- 
ation where even today, in a third of 
our states, the mentally sick can be 
jailed before being sent to a hospital 
for cure. A series of brief dramats 
presented a scene from 100 years 
ago, when prison was the logical 
place for lunatics, to the present, 
where such things are uncommon 
though still true, highlighting the 
progress in fighting the situation. 
The message — the need of psychia- 
tric wards— was plainly set forth. 

Ralph Bellamy's convincing narra- 
tion, and excellent performances by 
the assisting cast, marie this quarter- 
hour good entertainment as well as 
high-grade public service. Subse- 
quent programs will dramatize ad- 
vice to mothers on child psychology, 
problems of adolescence, difficulties 
former mental patients have finding 
jobs, need for old-age groups in city 
community houses, how understand- 
ing can save a mental defective from 
being institutionalized, etc. This is 
all to the public good. Bron. 




SHEP FIELDS 

Shep presents a New sound under 
the famous Old name— "Rippling; 
Rhythm." * 

The "gimmick" has Riven way to 
sixteen pieces, combining- solid reeds, 
lush strings, light brass and rhythm. 

Distinctive arrangement's provide 
color in abundance — from rock 
solidity to Shep's whimsical "Rip- 
pling Rhs'thm" trade-mark. Tran- 
scriptions by Lang-Worth — exclu- 
sively. 

LANG-WORTH, INC., NEW YORK 



SATURDAY NIGHT DATE 

With Sylvia and Jimmy Wilbur; 

George Skinner, announcer 
Writer: Dave Brown 
Producer: Charles Lammer 
30 Mins.; Sat. 7 p.m. 
Sustaining 
WLW, Cincinnati 

One of the new fall programs de- 
veloped by WLW's special broad- 
cast services division, "Saturday 
Night Date" is a snappy half-hour 
session that isn't much different 
from other variety airers, but satis- 
fying nonetheless. Big selling factor 
on this show is the sock warbling 
of Sylvia Wilbur and the firstrate 
orchestral work of a combo headed 
by her husband. Jimmy Wilbur. 
Other items, which don't hurt, in- 
clude 'a resume of Saturday after- 
noon football scores and a public 
service pitch on behalf of some 
worthy cause. Format is without 
any comedy fol-de-rol. 

On the preem (4), the songstress 
delivered strongly with renditions 
of "Feudin' and Fightin'," "That's 
My Desire" and "The Lady From 29 
Palms." She also handled the plug 
for Fire Prevention Week with 
bright, sincere ring in her voice. In 
a solo piece. Wilbur displayed a vir- 
tuoso technique on the clarinet. In 
addition, his orch's arrangement of 
Victor Herbert's "Indian Summer" 
provided one of show's highspots. 
George Skinner punched home the 
football results and handled the 
emcee chore in straight style. Brief 
spot,- devoted to U. S. radio's growth 
on the basis of free enterprise and 
advertising, was self-conscious and 
could have been skipped. 



THIS IS YOUR TOWN 
With Brace Beemer, Dave Zimmer- 
man, Harry Wismer, Ty Tyson, 
Harry Heilmann, Toby David, Alan 
Doujias, Jack the Bellboy, Ross 
Mullholland, Johnny Slagle, John- 
ny Jordan, Fred Kendall, Vivian 
Martin, Radio Schoolhouse Quin- 
tet, Accent on Youth Chorus, Bud 
Guest, Fran Harris, H.C.L. Jack- 
son, Dick Osgood, Tony Weitzcl, 
Producer: John Pival 
Writer: Sam Sheplow 
Sustaining (one time) 
Sfl Mins.; Tues. (14), 8 p.m.' 
All Detroit Stations 

It's a safe bet that Detroit radio 
won't again assume an undertaking 
such as this to get a Community 
Chest drive under way, or for any 
other purpose. Hereafter it will un- 
doubtedly rely on the old device of 
having each station participating in 
the kickoff of the Gommunity Chest 
handle the event in its own way. 
The day after the broadcast a 
common crack heard in the 
trade was that the show must 
have set Detroit radio back "20 years, 
while newspapermen assigned to 
turning out day-by-day stuff on the 
drive gave, with the heckle that to 
them the show meant that 'they 
would have to work so much, the 
harder. It wasn't that bad, nor was 
it something to which Detroit radio 
could point with pride. 

If anything, the broadcast could 
serve as an object lesson for local 
radio. Brought together for this 60 
minutes of entertainment and docu- 
mentary stuff was practically the 
town's entire radio talent roster, 
>plus Detroit's top newspaper col- 
umnists. To weld these personali- 
ties into a program that would en- 
tertain and at the same time put 
over the message effectively required 
sound radio ideas and creative writ- 
ing. The level of cither wasn't extra 
professional. The elements were 
loosely tied together and awkward- 
ly paced, and the documentary bits 
seemed to fall flat for the most part. 

Two ideas on the entertainment 
side that perhaps looked good on 
paper did a rather sad brodie on 
performance'. One of these routines 
had three of the town's disk jockeys. 
Jack the Bellboy (WJKB). Ross 
Mullholland IWXYZ) and Johnny 
Slaglc (WXYZ) jointly clowning 
with the baton, and the other, linked 
up the sportscasting Harry Wismer 
iWJRi. Ty Tyson (WWJ) and Harry 
Heilmann (WJBL1 for a novelty in 
which they did a crazyquilt of base- 
ball, football and prizefight an- 
nouncing. While the intended nov- 
elty did get some laughs, it didn't 
sound well rehearsed. Even Dave 
Zimmerman (WWJ). who ranks, as 
perhaps the town's best m.c. on au- 
dience participation .shows, didn't 
fare so chipper with his bit. 

The show did have an antidote, 
and that was some of the musical 
items. Standout was the crooning 
Johnny Jordan, the Radio School- 
house Quintet. Fred Kendall and Paul 
LaVoic's work with the baton. 

As the m.c. of the program, Brace 
Beemer, didn't impress as an ideal 
choice. He may have name value 
because of his thrcc-a-weetf network 
release, but the role here required 
something more warm and ingra- 
tiating than that "Hi, Ho, Silver'' 
timbre. The fact that the show 
originated from a downtown square 
didn't help quality of production. 

The project got off to somewhat 
of an off-key note as far as station 
en rapport was concerned. CKLW 
refused to be a party to the all- 
station hookup bul elected to do a 
delayed broadcast a half hour later. 
It objected to the circumstance that 
the station and its talent weren't 
consulted about the idea and lineup 
and thought anyway- that the sta- 
tions should have been left to han- 
dle the teeoff of the drive in their 
individual ways. Odec. 



THE LAND WE LIVE IN 
With Elliot W. Bergfeid, Emily Cole- 
man, Andy Leigh, Hal Stewart, AI 
Chotin, B.- L.^ Hughes 
Writer: Kensinger Jones 
Director: Ted Westcott 
30 Mins.; Sun., 5:30 p.m. 
ONION ELEC. OF MO. 
KSD, St. Louis 

(Gardner) 
Switching io another station on its 
10th anniversary, this outstanding 
series of early midwest history suf- 
fered only a slight letdown from the 
high standard established through 
the years. Sponsor's decision to shift 
to KSD from KMOX was due to the 
changing of time by the latter sta- 
tion. 

The Gardner Co. hired the scripter 
and producer who have been doing 
a sock job for more than a year for 
KMOX and the first program under 
the banner of the Pulitzer-owned 
station showed a thorough research 
into the history of John Bryan Mul- 
lanphy, Missouri's first millionaire, 
whose philanthropies have made his 
name a byword hereabouts. 

Local AFRA chapter supplied tal- 
ented radio-actors for the initialer 
that started and ended with plenty 
of gusto. Story, in brief, revolves 
around Mullanphy, a cotton dealer 
in 1814, who went to New Orleans to 
protect his cotton holdings during 
the war with England: how he dis- 
covered his cotton was being used 
for battlements; how he was drafted 
into the army s and was on the scene 
when the British fleet was defeated 
at the southern port. 

Mullanphy was in Natchez when 
the war ended and he hastened back 
to New Orleans, chartered the first 
vessel for England, sold his badly- 
needed and bullet-imbedded cotton 
at a pric^ that made him a million- 
aire almost overnight. , Returning to 
St. Louis, Mullanphy established the 
first hospital under the auspices of 
the Sisters of Charity, supplied a 
baker with funds to give bread to 
the hungry and in addition to estab- 
lishing a travelers' fund that enables 
persons stranded in St. Louis to con- 
tinue their journey, made many 
charitable donations before his death 
in 1933. 

Elliot W. Bergfeld was outstanding 
in the role of Mullanphy. The only 
criticism that could be leveled at the 
first program is the fact that because 
of KSD's small studio the broadcast 
was from the sponsor's auditorium 
and sound effects were not up to par. 
This should be corrected Sahu. 



MELODY THEATRE 

With Bill Griffis, Jay Meredith 

Writers: Don Agger, Frederick 

Metkot 
Director. Allen Ducovny 
Producer: frank Armer 
30 Mins.; Sun., 3 p. m. 
Sustaining 

Mutual, from New York 

"Melody Theatre" is one phase of 
the schizophrenic pattern dominat- 
ing the juve program picture. Pro- 
ducers either turn out shows of the 
"redskin" type (howling with mur- 
der), or of the "paleface" variety 
(crawling with' culture) without 
any sustained effort to synthesize 
the two forms into a vital and mean- 
ingful type of fare that parents can 
recommend and kids can enjoy. 
The abyss dividing the two types 
apparently won't be bridged for as 
long as tire artificial division be- 
tween commercial and non-commer- 
cial programs remains in force 
among program builders. 

"Melody Theatre" is a "paleface" 
show built around the concept of 
presenting good music wrapped up 
in an inspirational story. It's a big 
step in the right direction of feeding 
youngsters some cultural values 
without cramming it down their 
throat. The scripting is literate and 
appealing, although slightly stylized 
m an archaic tradition of fairy tale 
splendor, and the background music 
is excellent. On a recent show. 
Tckaikowsky's "Pafhetique" sym- 
phony was set to a melancholy story 
called "The Princess and The Rain- 
bow," narrated by Bill Griffis and 
Jay Meredith in good style. 

Horm. 



WINGS OVER NEW YORK 

With Durwood Kirby; Ted Husing, 

announcer 
Producer: Raymond Kalz 
15 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 7 p.m. 
CONSOLIDATED DRUG 

PRODUCTS 
WHN, New York 

"Wings Over New York" is a 
straight interview airer with the 
novel twist in this one being its 
origination from the runways -of 
LaGuardia airport. Like others of 
its genre, show depends heavily on 
Durwood Kirby's agility in keeping 
the conversational ball rolling 'and 
on the calibre of the interviewees in 
parrying the questions. For his 
part, Kirby is a smooth, fast talker 
who succeeds in making this show 
just about as interesting as this type 
can be. 

On the kickoff stanza (20'). as- 
sorted tidbits of information were 
garnered from a language specialist, 
a Puerto Rican dentist not too 
articulate about conditions in his 
country, and a European author who 
seemed to like this country. Kirby 
doesn't probe too deeply but gets 
over a few fast questions and moves 
to the next traveller for maximum 
pace, Ted Husing's handling of 
plugs for the Kolor Bale product is 
okay for tone. Herm. 



EOOM*418 

With John K. M. McCaffery, Eioise 
McElhone; Ray Barrett, announcer 
Writer: McCaffery - C " 
Producer: Scott Buckley 
15 Mins.; Mon.-thru-Fri., 9:15 a m 
Sustaining 
WNBC, N. Y. 

Now that it has projected Tex and 
Jinx McCrary into the spotlight 
WNBC, the N. Y. flagship of NBC 
(which incidentally has been doing 
a sock job in out-programming the 
web in showcasing new morning 
talent), is out to do a job on John 
McCaffery. As moderator of the 
"Author Meets the Critic" show 
he's shown vast potentialities as an 
air personality. His voice, manner- 
ism and mike techniques are a 
natural, worthy of such concen- 
tration. 

McCaffery now has his own 15- 
minute cross-the-board a.m. stanza 
teamed with Eioise McElhone fa 
regular on Mutual's "Leave It to the 
Girls") on a program called "Room 
416," which is his office in the NBC 
Bldg. Miss McElhone is his secre- 
tary, to whom he dictates open let- 
ters, which could be gripes, compli- 
ments or anything that might be 
deemed worthy of a kicking around. 
Format also provides for a "letter 
to the editor" department enabling 
listeners to air their pet grievances, 
with McCaffery's friends to drop in 
for interviews. 

The intent is admirable. But the 
overall effect gleaned from Mon- 
day's (20) initial broadcast was to 
suggest that "Room 416" might very 
easilx fall into the established groove 
of Tex and Jinx, or the conven- 
tional "Mr. and Mrs." formula, ex- 
cept that in this instance it's boss and 
secretary. McCaffery is aiming for 
a more intellectual approach. If, as 
on Monday, he takes Dorothy Dix 
over the coals for what he terms 
stupid, moronic remarks, it's because 
he . sees the very same thing 
translated into all media directed at 
women. 

There was a little too much 
preciousness and self-consciousness 
(in what sounded like a well re- 
hearsed script) in his anti-Dix cam- 
paign, but actually what he had to 
"sell" his women listeners in ex- 
change wasn't radically different 
from the usual 9:15 a.m. palaver. 

Too, Miss McElhone's' contribu- 
tion — reduced pretty much to that 
of a letter opener— hugs too closely 
to the usual "Mr. and Mrs." chit- 
chat formula. 

The problem of what to do with a 
McCaffery or a Tex McCrary in 
terms of early-morning program- 
ming has yet to be solved. It's not 
an easy one to tackle. That's why 
McCaffery will be watched closely. 

Rose. 

JOURNEYS BEHIND THE NEWS 
With Alfred Crdfts 
Writer: Crofts 
Sustaining 

15 Mins.; Mon. 6 p.m. 
KOA, Denver 

This session was the brain-child of 
Ben Cherrington. Chancellor of 
Denver Univ. when program was 
first broadcast five years ago. Idea 
was to give listeners a fast but solid 
sociological - historical background 
for news of the day. 

Cherrington is now head of uni- 
versity's" Social Science Foundation, 
which foots bill for show production. 
New voice this season is Alfred 
Crofts, Professor of History at the 
college, and formerly Rehnbilitator 
of Japanese Universities under Gen. 
MacArthur. 

Crofts both writes and delivers 
his material. Stanza caught was de- 
voted to role of big winds in litera- 
ture and history, tying in with rash 
of hurricanes in southern U. S. and 
Orient. Crofts briefed listeners on 
the comparative architecture, reli- 
gion, customs and music of Carib- 
bean and South China regions 
through several centuries, showing 
how fear of typhoons, monsoons and 
hurricanes has dictated much of the 
folklore of those areas. 

Writing is topdrawor. filled with 
fine sense of taste, smell and color, 
and reminiscent in style of best of 
Alexander Woollcott. 

Delivery needs some repair work. 
Crofts writes in short sentences, and 
follows his stop and start punctua- 
tion too closely, with the result that 
he tends to jerkiness. Basic voice 
structure and mike ability is first- 
rate, though, and a few sessions 
with a good production man can 
make him a class one commentator. 

Will. 



MUSIC BY GEROW 

With Russ Gerow Orch, Frayne 

Murray 
30 Mins.; Fri., 11:30 p.m. 
Sustaining 
CBC, Trans-Canada 

With 21 men and a girl (Nora 
Phelan, harpist). Russ Gerow has 
teed off with his well-mannered 
arrangements of pops, old and new. 
notable for smooth style, that will 
please late listeners. Originating 
from CBL. Toronto, new series is 
being carried on 31 stations of CBC's 
Trans-Canada network. 

For his unique and translucent 
style, Gerow is using 12 violins, two 
violas, clarinets, muted trumpets, 
stringed bass, piano, organ, harp 
and chimes. Initial program also 
marked the CBC debut of Frayne 
Murray, baritone, who commend- 
ably carries the vocal chores. 

Gerow's trademark is muted music 
but whole effect is rich and carries 
plenty of dramatic punch. His 
(Continued on page 42) 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Pfi&IETY 



TELE STATION BIDS 



TELEVISION 



35 




N 



Newsreelers Face New Headache- 
Video News Screened Under 3 Hours 



New method of presenting video -f- 
news, which can get any local event 
of sufficient importance on tele- 
screens in less than three hours, is 
currently being offered around the 
agencies. Termed "News on the 
Spot," the package deal awaits only 
inking by a sponsor before hitting 
the airwaves. Commercial news- 
reel outfits, who .already feel the hot 
competition"^ tele at their heels, 
may thus have even more cause for 
worry soon. 

New package idea is owned by 
Paul Belanger, former director with 
CBS and DuMont, and a crew of 
four tele newsreel men who have 
been working together for more than 
four years at various stations. Group 
owns a police car ^quipped with a 
siren, traffic warning light and one 
of five special police gold shields 
that will get the car through police 
or fire lines in any part of the city. 
Auto also has a two-way telephone 
communication system and a short- 
wave radio^ 

Through use of the car, plus short- 
cut methods of preparing film de- 
veloped through their years of work- 
ing together, the group offers a com- 
plete, finally-edited version of the 
event, with the commentary com- 
pletely written, ready, to be thrown 
on telescreens in less than three 
hours. According to Belanger, 
they're also considering conducting 
actual interviews on the scene 
via wire recordings, which can 
be thrown into the news film. Spon- 
sor can buy the entire idea for less 
than $1,000 weekly, exclusive of air 
time charges. 

Block Time Buying 

Belanger and his partners are sug- 
gesting to interested advertisers that 
they buy one-and-a-half or two 
hours of time on a station in a block, 
which the sponsor cart hold in re- 
serve to break up into an irregular 
schedule of spots as the news breaks 
and is ready for transmission. News 
could then be thrown on the air at 
station breaks or even inserted be- 
tween parts of another show, if the 
bankroller of the other show is will- 
ing. 

Script would always emphasize to. 
.viewers that they're getting the 
news two or three hours after it bap- 
pens. Constant association of this 
theme with a sponsor, according to 
Belanger, would build up the no- 
tion of an emergency public service 
that the sponsor is handing out. Dis- 
tribution of the spot news film need 
not be limited to one station, Belan- 
ger pointed out. Crew could get 
enough footage to provide different 
angles and aspects on each event for 
two or three stations simultaneously. 

Besides scooping the newsreels, 
the package could also beat radio 
and newspaper coverage of any 
event. Film cameras can be rushed 
to the scene and set up in much 
less time than it takes to install port- 
able radio lines, Belanger pointed 
out. In the same way, he said, the 
film could hit telescreens in less time 
than it takes a newspaper plant to 
process still pictures, even for extra 
editions. Moreover, since all the 
news would be recorded on film, it 
can be flown to other video stations 
throughout the country. Only ex- 
tra cost for sponsors under such a 
deal would be air freight charges. 

. PHILLYTELE SHOW SET 
TO PROMOTE AD AGENCY 

Philadelphia, Oct. 21. 

Philip Klein advertising agency is 
trying something new in agency pro- 
motion—a television show. The 
agency will sponsor a weekly 15- 
minute segment on WFIL-TV to sell 
the agency's services starting next 
Tuesday (28). 

Show will be called "Philadelphia 
—a Great City" and will feature 
Philly's "cultural treasures." Repre- 
sentatives of the city's libraries, mu- 
seums, churches, historic shrines and 
the like will be brought before the 
WFIL-TV cameras with samples of 
the relics, art work, etc., that they 
nave in their custody. Interviewer 
will be Philip Klein, owner of the 
agency. Commercials will be strictly 
"institutional," says Klein. 



FCC ill GETS 



NBC Tele Seen Relenting on Policy 



THREE II H|\([[K Nixing Ad Agency Producers on Shows 



AFM K.O.'s Tele Music 

James C. Pctrillo and his 
American Federation of Musi- 
cians finally cracked down on . 
the authorized, albeit- uninten- 
tional, use of live music on tele- 
vision shows. 

Complaining that too much of 
the band music came through 
the CBS tele mike during the 
web's first two airings of the 
rodeo at Madison Sq. Garden, 
N. y;, the AFM attempted to 
throw a clamper on all subse- 
quent rodeo broadcasts. As a 
result, CBS moved commentator 
John Faulk out of the Garden 
and back to the CBS studios for 
the rodeo pickup Saturday (18) 
afternoon. 

Working with a monitor set 
up before him showing him the 
picture that was being trans- 
mitted over the air, Faulk was 
enabled to- give his usual inter- 
esting and amusing commentary. 
Fact that the studio operation 
necessarily eliminated all audi- 
ence noise detracted from the 
interest of the show but, in this 
case, it couldn't be helped. 



Already-Stymied 
Tele Won't Be Hit 
By Petrillo Edict 

Television industry, already pastly 
stymied by the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians, will not be af- 
fected further by the AFM's ban 
after Dec. 31 on the production of 
any more recordings. 

Unable to use any live music until 
now because of an AFM nix on do- 
ing business with tele, broadcasters 
have been forced to employ either 
recordings or the few instruments 
not falling under AFM jurisdiction 
for all programming music. Those 
recordings, even though they may 
be old, will still be available in suf- 
ficient supply to meet tele's needs. 

Video officials, in addition, be- 
lieve it won't be too long now until 
AFM prexy James C. Petrillo offers 
to negotiate wages and hours with 
them. Chief stumbling block until 
now has been Petrillo's announced 
fear that the establishment of any 
working conditions with the tele in- 
dustry at this time would be prema- 
ture and that video, instead of help- 
ing the musicians' union, might 
throw many musicians out of work, 
same as the inception of talking pic- 
tures did. 

Tele is now at a sufficiently ad- 
vanced state, however, to give Pe- 
trillo some indication of how the 
wind will blow in the future, it's 
believed. With the recording ban 
throwing thousands of musicians out 
of work, moreover, it's considered 
possible' that Petrillo might be look- 
ing for other jobs for them and 
that's where television would fit in. 
Fourteen stations now in operation, 
together with those expected to be- 
gin broadcasting soon, could offer 
work to many of the union mem- 
bers. 



Washington, Oct. 21. 

Definite upsurge of interest in vi- 
deo station operation is plainly evi- 
dent at the Federal Communications 
Commission, which, after a long 
calm, is now receiving tele bids at 
the rate of three a week. As a mat- 
ter of fact, four new applications 
have hit FCC in the past five days, 
two new requests for Boston, an- 
other for Waterbury, Conn, and a 
fourth for Harrisburg, Pa. 

Most elaborate operation was that 
proposed by the Boston Metropolitan 
Television Corp., hypoed by Ira 
Hirschman, owner of FM outlet and 
Metropolitan Television Co., of New 
York City. Metropolitan asked for 
the No. 9 channel and proposes to 
operate out of the Hotel Somerset 
with a 5 kw picture and 2.5 kw 
sound transmitter. Company is 
backed by wealthy hotel, real estate 
and Boston and New York business- 
men. Hirschman is executive vice 
president and has a three-year con- 
tract to run the proposed FM-tele- 
vision operation in Boston at $25,- 
000 yearly salary. 

President of the company is Abra- 
ham Sonnenbend, owner of the 
Hotel Somerset in Boston and 
several others throughout the coun- 
try. The corporation has $300,000 
available for immediate investment 
in FM and television in Boston. 
Stacy Holmes is working with 
Hirschman on program proposals. 
Sam Wechsler of Wechsler & Co., 
New York brokerage house, is vice- 
prez of the corporation. 

In direct conflict with Boston 
Metropolitan is a bid filed by the 
Empire Coil Co. earlier in the week 
for use of the No. 9 channel at 
Sharon, outside Boston. An FCC 
hearing appears likely unless one of 
(Continued on page 40) 



This Week's Topper 



Sportscaster Mel Allen: who 
handles the play-by-play on CBS '; 
television's airings of Columbia 
Univ.'s home football games, 
gets five brand new hats cuft'o, 
in addition to his salary, for the 
work. 

Tele broadcasts are sponsored 
by Knox Hals, which furnishes 
Allen a different new hat for 
each home game. Commercials 
call for the cameras to swing 
his way when he delivers a plug 
and the hat firm wants him to 
sport a new chapeau at each 
game. Allen's already received 
one hat for the Yale-Columbia 
game two weeks ago and there 
are lour more home games to go. 



FCC Nixes Pars 
Claim It Doesn't 
Control Du Mont 



Cincy Hotel to Install 
Video Sets in Rooms 

Cincinnati, Oct. 21. 
New Terrace Plaza hotel here to- 
day (Tuesday) became 'the first in 
the country to install a television 
master antenna system. Now under 
construction, the hotel has bought 
Telicon's intra-video system which 
will ultimately provide video recep- 
tion for the structure's 350 guest 
rooms. 

Cincinnati Realty Market is al- 
ready eyeing the intra-video system 
with interest, with the likelihood it 
will recommend the system' for. other 
Cincy building. 



DUMONT SHOW GIVES 
HUB SALES EYEFULL 

Boston, Oct. 21. 

Boston retail merchandisers got 
their first object lesson today (Tues.) 
in what television can do for them 
in selling by sight over the air. In a 
show specially staged by DuMont 
for the Boston Conference on Dis- 
tribution, more than 800 hub mer- 
chants watched the sock ad impact 
inherent in tele through visual illus- 
tration of the use of a product. 

Show was an original 20-minute 
skit, written especially for video by 
Ted Ferro and produced by Bu- 
chanan & Co. Cast of eight was di- 
rected by Robert Gordon, who 
staged the current Broadway click, 
"Call Me Mister." To stage the dem- 
onstration, DuMont flew a transmit- 
ter, an antenna, 12 receiving sets, 
two cameras and sets for 11 scenes to 
Boston. Show was the first step in 
the plans of DuMont network chief 
Lawrence Phillips to prepare pro- 
gramming in advance for future net- 
work operation. 



Washington. Oct. 21. 

Plans of Paramount Pictures and 
Allen B. DuMont Laboratories to 
activate five-stalion television hook- 
ups are definitely stymied for the 
time being, as result of the FCC's 
action here last week. Commission 
refused to concede Par's claim that 
the film company does not control 
DuMont, and instead tabbed for 
hearing all station bids filed by both 
companies. 

These include Paramount subsidi- 
ary New England Theatres, Inc. for 
Boston; subsidiary United Detroit 
Theatres Corp. for Detroit; 50%- 
owned exhibitor company Inter- 
state Circuit of Dallas; and requests 
of DuMont for Cincinnati and Cleve- 
land. Par and DuMont between 
them now hold an aggregate of five 
station grants, limit under FCC rules 
that any one interest may acquire. 

FCC hearing order wanls full info 
on extent of Par ownership and 
control in the above-mentioned 
tele applications. FCC held first 
hearing on Par's video request for 
Los Angeles in June, 1946, and at 
that time did some probing into the 
Par-DuMont relationship. Commis- 
sion, however, okayed the film com- 
pany's tele bid for L.A., and there- 
fore steered clear of detailed investi- 
gation of the bids for other cities. 

At the same time. FCC threw into 
the same hearing a mutually ex- 
clusive bid of the Fort Industry Co. 
station WTVO to shift to the No. 5 
tele channel in Detroit. United 
Detroit Theatres, Inc. is also asking 
for the No. 5 slot. 



♦ NBC television, which has long 
thwarted attempts of ad agency 
producers to handle controls for 
their own shows during actual 
broadcast time, may be preparing 
to relent on that policy. Web video 
execs invited the policy committee 
of the American Assn. of Advertis- 
ing Agencies to meet with them 
yesterday (Tues.) afternoon to dis- 
cuss overall policy. Although the 
meet's agenda was kept secret, it's 
believed that the problem, long a 
thorn in the side of agencies, would 
receive most attention. 

Under NBC's current operating 
policy, an agency producer oversees 
all details of the operation before 
the production is brought into the 
NBC studios. Once there, however, 
an NBC director takes over. Agency 
man sits in the control room during 
broadcast time, but must transmit 
instructions to studio technicians 
through the NBC director. Latter 
takes over as soon as the show is 
brought into NBC for rehearsals and 
continues with the show through its 
on-the-air presentation. 

Although no NBC official would 
ever define clearly the reason for 
this policy, agency execs have al- 
ways maintained it's the web's only 
'. method of retaining a hold on pro- 
duction. Ad agencies stole the thun- 
I der from networks as far as radio 
! programming is concerned, it's 
j pointed out, and NBC wants to 
; make certain that situation doesn't 
repeat itself in video. Agency op- 
1 position to the policy has been led 
1 by Walter Craig, Benton & Bowles 
j veepee over radio. Fact that the 
4A's committee asked him to sit in 
on the meet yesterday, even though 
he's not a committee member, indi- 
cates the problem will be fully 
discussed. 

According to agency toppers, the 
NBC policy would have died even- 
tually, regardless of what the web 
did to maintain it. Most agencies 
entering tele advertising for the first 
time will raid the networks for per- 
sonnel, since the nets to date have 
been the oniy«ones with sufficient 
facilities to train video producers 
and directors. 

If an NBC producer received 
$7,000 yearly, agency men point out, 
he wouldn't Pass up an agency job 
at twice that salary, Webs would 
then have to take on new men to 
train them and the new men 
wouldn't be able to hold up against 
a producer working at a much 
higher salary; who received his own 
training under network supervision. 



Juve Delinquency Via Tavern Tele 
Poses Program Problem for Chi 



Chicago, Oct. 21. 

Happy alliance between television 
and taverns in Chicago have been 
ruffled by whispers of that old 
debbil, juve delinquency. Tipoff 
situation came last week when Gen- 
eral Electric and CYO (Catholic 
Youth Org.) worked a deal to in- 
stall sets in parish houses. 

More than 25% of all local sets 
are in taverns. Heavy sports sked 
of WBKB has been hailed by bar- 
keeps, although it hasn't gone over 
with welfare workers. Their idea 
of a good programming afternoon, 
"Junior Jamboree," bowed over 
WBKB Oct. 13. New show, slanted 
on 6 to, 16 angle, has Pukla, a 
puppet, as M. C. Kukla pleases the 
kiddies, but the barflies spurn him. 

Bar biz has been hypoed by tele 
on an average of 20%, chiefly be- 
cause of the strong appeal of wrest- 



I ling, baseball and other sports. 
Brewers, aware of this, have sup- 
plied money for sports tele sked. 
Continuation of the Kukla trend 
would bring a howl from suds dis- 
pensers, some of whom have bought 
sets at $2,000. 

RCA, sponsor of "Junior Jambo- 
ree," values the tavern role in pro- 
moting tele, but at the same time 
prefers kids to get their video 
via retailers' sets, RCA dealers are 
inviting youngsters "to visit neigh- 
borhood stores and gander Kukla. 
This is expected to influence parents, 
bringing tele into the home and 
getting older brother away from the 
bar. Tavern owners regard the 
tele-juve delinquency flurry as so 
much eyewash. They maintain teen- 
agers get the bum's rush. No one 
points an accusing finger at a juke- 
box, they argue, although that too 
could be said to pull j lives. 



Film Net Seen In 
Camera Ssrvice 

Eastman Kodak's television tran- 
scription service, first unveiled to 
the public at the recent NBC con- 
vention in Atlantic City, was dem- 
onstrated to film industry officials 
at the Society of Motion Picture En- 
gineers meet Monday 120) at the 
Hotel Pennsylvania, N. Y. 

Service consists of a 16m camera 
that can take motion pictures di- 
rectly off the face of a video receiv- 
ing tube. Film thus offers tele its 
first transcription service and can 
be used in the same ways that radio 
(Continued on page 40) 



National Guard Into 

Tele Via Film Spots 

Chicago, Oct. 21. 
The National Guard will make its 
first use of television for recruiting 

j via a series of film spots prepared 
in Chicago by Television Advertis- 
ing Productions. The spots, running 
about two minutes, will be shot at 
the 66th Fighter Wing's base in Chi, 

I with National Guard personnel. 

' Gardner Advertising Co., St. Leui* 

i is the agency. 

Meanwhile, TAP's offer to product 
a 30-minute tele film at its own ex- 

i pense for the Veterans Administra- 
tion has been accepted. Film, to be 
shot atr-Hines Hospital, will depict 

I VA's services for ex-GIs. 



86 



RADIO 



Wednesday,, Octobef 22, 1947 



Two D. C Stations Kiss & Make Up 
After Snarl Over Race Info Airings 



Washington, Oct. 21. 

Local stations WWDC, Washington, 
and WEAM, Arlington, Va„ have 
kissed and made 'up ' after a brief 
flareup over a petition which WWDC 
filed with FCC last week, incor- 
reetly listing WEAM among the 
local stations airing racing-informa- 
tion programs. . With many apolo- 
gies, WWDC has sine* amended its 
..statement to FCC to show that 
WEAM dropped its racing stanzas 
list August. Station said that when 
it filed its petition it "was informed 
and believed at the time WEAM was 
broadcasting such Information." 

The WWDC petition wanted to 
know whether FCC would place its 
license in jeopardy if it aired a race 
show similar to that being carried 
by other local stations. Stations in 
question are WOL- Mutual and 
WGAY. Silver Spring, Md.-rfiot 
WEAM, Arlington. 

WEAM general manager Raymond 
Brown, Jr., said that as soon as he 
took over direct' n of the Arlington 
station last August, he decided "the 
airing of racing results to foster and 
encourage gambling was a poor way 
to attract listeners and serve adver- 
tisers." Under Brown, WEAM has 
also sluffed off commercial religious 
shows and adopted a policy to divide 
sustaining time among all sects and 
creeds. Station has also stepped up 
its local, live talent airings and 
turned thumbs down on money give- 
aways, etc. 

In most recent self-improvement 
move. WEAM has added Howard 
Stanley as assistant station manager. 
For the past four years, Stanley has 
been with CBS radio sales in New 
York as advertising and promotion 
•director. Stanley joined CBS-WTOP 
as promotion and press information 
director in 1943 and after 15 months 
on the job was advanced to network 
headquarters in New York. At 
WTOP, he won seven promotion and 
public relations awards for the sta- 
tion. 



'BETTER HALF GETS NEW 
SHORT LEASE ON LIFE 

"The Better Half," WOR-Mutual 
audience participation qulzzar em- 
ceed by Tiny Ruffner, got a new 
lease on life just as the network 
marked it for a heave-ho. Reshuf- 
fling of the web'* schedules in the 
wake of signing of Kaiser-Frazer 
to sponsor a four-times-weekly news 
show resulted in "Better Half" being 
tabbed for a fold in the next several 
weeks. 

Meantime, however, the Euclid 
Candy Co. of Illinois, which makes 
Dolly Dimple Fudge, decided to pay 
"Better Half's" way on WOR, N. Y., 
and WNAC, Boston. Upshot is that 
the show, which still hasn't exited 
the web's Saturday 9:30-10 p.m. spot, 
started a Sunday stint, at 3, last 
weekend (19) for the two-station 
hookup. Euclid deal Is via Al Paul 
Lefton agency. 



Promotion-Wise 

Agencies are stepping up their 
promotion campaigns to hew 
highs this season, in line with 
the whole competitive sell-goods 
era. Today sponsors are no 
longer asking: "Can you give 
us a good show?" but are throw- 
ing in as an afterthought: "How 
are you going to reach the 
dealers and the men in the 
field?" . • 

Number of clients are laying 
lots of dough on the line for 
full-blown promotion. Ford's 
pitch, via Kenyon A Eckhardt 
agency, to promote its Sunday 
afternoon "Ford Theatre" via 
the station promotion technique, 
is but the first of a series that 
now has the agencies up to their, 
cerebrals in blueprints. 



WORL Squelch Is 
Second FCC Nix 



Washington, Oct. 21. 
Five FCC commissioners last week 
voted to take radio station WORL, 
Boston, off the air effective Nov. 30, 
for alleged misrepresentation on 
stock transfers made at the station 
beginning in 1937. Commissioner 
E. K. Jett wanted to give WORL a 
second chance and Commissioner 
Ro'sel Hyde did not participate in the 
decision. 

Commission's decision is second of 
its kind in the pastrsix months. FCC 
earlier voted to revoke license of 
WOKO, Albany, and was upheld by 
the Supreme Court. Attorneys lor 
WORL indicated they will appeal 
the FCC decision in the courts. They 
claim WORL situation is different 
from WOKO's in that principals had 
no intention of concealing or mis- 
representing facts to FCC and that 
Commission would have okayed the 
1937 transfers in any event. 

WORL stockholders Harold La- 
Fount (a former' Federal Radio 
Commissioner) and Sanford Cohen, 
hired Bethuel Webster, onetime gen- 
eral counsel of the Federal Radio 
Commission, to plead their case in a 
second oral argument at FCC early 
this month. WORL asked for a -re- 
hearing on ground that less than a 
quorum of FCC'ers voted to revoke 
its license the first time around. 



CBS Ordered To 
Stick to WGST 

Atlanta, Oct. 21. 
Judge Marvin E. Underwood of 
the U. S. District court here today 
' (Tues.) ordered CBS to retain, its 
affiliation with WGST, Atlanta, for 
another year. Judge Underwood dis- 
missed a suit by the regents of the 
University System ef Georgia and 
WGST against CBS, Liberty Broad- 
casting Corp., and its president 
George B. Storer and bade the net- 
work sign a new affiliation agree- 
ment with WGST for one . year ef- 
fective as of Sept. 26. 

Each party at settlement agreed 
CBS should be free to select any 
Atlanta station as its affiliate after 
Sept. 25, 1948. They also .agreed that 
WGST, owned by the regents, and 
WAGA, owned by Liberty Broad- 
casting Corp., shall have the right to 
compete for CBS affiliation at ex- 
piration of the new contract. 



**** ** * ** **** * * * * *** ** * * VMHIH t i l l 



From the Production Centres 



'Who, Me?' Sez O'Neil, 
Denying Yankee Net Sale 
To Pope— or Anyone Else 

Boston, Oct. 21. 
If William O'Neil, president of the 
Yankee Network, has any intention 
of selling the network to Generoso 
Pope, owner of WHOM, N. Y., or, 
for that matter, to any one. it's 
news to him. That was O'Neil's 
reaction to reports that Pope had 
been negotiating for purchase of the 
network. 

O'Neil was emphatic in declaring 
that the Yankee Network isn't going 
to be sold — to Pope or to anyone 
else: that no meetings with Pope 
had ever been held and. in effect, 
"\\\ " o d"ing Very well, thank you." 



Top Newspaper Execs 
To Feature Airer On 
Greater New York Anni 

Topflight newspaper executives of 
the principal local newspapers in 
five boroughs of New York City 
will be heard in a once-weekly se- 
ries of programs over WHN starting 
Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 8:15 to 
8:30 p.m. Tentatively tagged "50 
Years— City of All Nations," the 
programs will call attention to the 
50th anniversary of formation of 
the Greater City of New Yerk in 
1898. and will lay stress on the role 
played by the community news- 
paper in each borough. 

Already booked for the series are 
Edwin B. Wilson, executive editor, 
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, who will 
cover Brooklyn angle Nov. 12: Paul 
Sann, managing editor of the Bronx 
Home News, Nov. 19; Steve Rogers, 
managing .editor of Long Island 
Star Journal, on subject of Queens, 
Nov. 26. and Dan Harper, managing 
editor of Staten Island Advance, who 
will' speak for Rithmond. Man- 
hattan daily editor, to be announced 
later, will close the series. Jo Ran- 
son. WHN publicity director and 
local historian, will coordinate pro- 
grams. 

At conclusion of series, station 
will usher in another batch of pro- 
grams dealing with >plans and speci- 
fications of Golden Jubilee o," City 
of New York, featuring represen- 
tatives from fields of theatre, edu- 
cation, sports, etc. 



Armstrong Brief 
Sez FM Hobbled 
By Both FCC, RCA 

Chicago, Oct. 21. 

Nice timing was seen in the an- 
nouncement here Oct. 15 that Major 
E. H. Armstrong, inventor of FM, 
had one week earlier filed a brief 
With the FCC in which he charged 
that FCC and Radio Corp. of. Amer- 
ica had held back the growth of FM. 
The announcement came on the same 
day that WGNB, Chicago Tribune 
FM station, held its forum for 
dealers, with Major Armstrong as a 
speaker. o <> 

Although he made no comment on 
his brief at the forum, it was the 
subject of talk among FM insiders 
who attended. There was more^than 
coincidence, they believe, in the fact 
that Charles B. Denny resigned as 
FCC chairman on the same day 
COct. 8) that the brief was filed. 
Denny, it was pointed out, accepted 
a v.p. job with NBC, RCA. sub- 
sidiary. 

The only reference to Denny from 
the forum platform was made by 
J. N. Bailey, exec director of the 
FM Assn., who quoted him as say- 
ing: "FM is the finest aural broad- 
cast service attainable in the present 
state of the radio art... The Ameri- 
can people will insist on having FM 
in their new radios once they have 
had an opportunity to hear it." 

Bailey also predicted there would 
be 1,000 FM stations in operation 
within a year, and that "in the next 
few years virtually every radio own- 
er will replace his ordinary set with 
one that will receive FM." He urged, 
dealers to protect themselves against 
consumers' ill-will by tipping them 
off to the advantages of FM when 
they shopped* for AM sets. 

Other speakers at the forum, 
which drew several hundred dealers 
and distributors, were Col. Robert 
R. McCormick, editor and publisher 
of the Chi Trib; William J. Halligan, 
prexy of the Hallicrafters Co.; Dr. 
W. R. G. Baker, v.p. in charge of 
General Electric's electronics dept.; 
Leonard W. Stratton, of Weiboldt's 
stores; and. Miss Marion Claire, direc- 
tor of WGNB. 



************************************************ 

IN NEW YORK CITY . . . 

Nelson W. Gage, Jr., ex-GI contributor to Yank and Stars & Stripes, into 

one of the WOR flack staff vacancies C. E,. Hooper covering the Pacific 

waterfront settlements on a biz safari which will keep him west 'til 
Thanksgiving.... "Library of Faith," 15-minute dramat series based' on 
outstanding books on religion will tee off on WNEW in about three weeks. 

Eric Arthur will script NAB prexy Justin Miller calendared to give 

the Radio Execs Club the word on the new code Dec. 3 Charles Oppen- 

heim, WINS flack, to Cincy yesterday (Tues.) to visit WLW and huddle 
with publicity director Jim Cassidy. ... .Theatre Guild's Hooper of 10.5 on 

the "Cyrano" airer Sunday (12) was highest in the stanza's history 

Arthur H. Miller editing a new six-page radio section for Movies mag 
starting with Nov. issue. 

Mutual's exec veepee Robert Swezey on a fortnight's leave from web 

duties Mutual's Kaiser-Frazer deal grosses $1,600,000 instead of $1,- 

200,000, the net sez. . . .Agnes Young and Guy Sorel into "Katie's Daughter" 

cast Vinton Hay worth new to "Stella Dallas'' and Sidney Smith on 

"Lorenzo Jones" roster. .. .Walter Greaza in a "Young Widder Brown" 
role. . . .Sy Merns, WINS, appointed producer-writer of "The University 

Hour" aired over WGYN (FM) Saturdays, 7-8 p.m National Assn. of 

Disk Jockeys prepping a first annual show at the Met Opera House Jan. 
25, with Crosby, Sinatra and Como due to head a parade of in-person 
talent. . . .Jack Overall of Mutual sales and Jo Dine of NBC press both 
stood jury duty last week. .. .Legit and radio thesp Arnold Moss and 
his missus, Stella Reynolds, are co-authors of "Carnival of Death," 
"Inner Sanctum's" chiller for Nov. 3. 

Mary Lee Taylor, whose Pet Milk show rrom St. Loo is radio's oldest 
continuous daytime stanza, will round out 14 years on the ether Nov. 8. 
Following day she will plane into N.Y. for, a holiday. . . .Mtirray Forbes of 
NBC's "Ma Perkins" may go to H'wood for screentesting for a role in 
Eagle-Lion's film version of his novel, "Hollow Triumph." Pic will star 
Paul Henreid. . . .CBS veepee Howard S. Meighan has two St. Loo lecture 
dates next month — fourth at the Ad Club, fifth -before Washington Univ.'s 
advertising class. 

Lou Cowan goes to Chicago this weekend to stay about 10 days. It's a 
routine visit to check his package production office there. . . .Leo Duroch- 
er's fee was $1,500, not $500 as reported, for that Oct. 7 broadcast of "We, 
the People," for which he was paid but not used. Incidentally, Dwight 
Weisjt has been signed as regular m.c. of the series, which is currently 

contracted through next January Tony Marvin marked third anni as 

host on "Crime Photog" last Thurs. (16) . . . .Girl, Ellen Sue, born to the 
Murray Blooms (Dell Chandler of the Newhouse Syndicate) Oct. 7 at 
Sloane hospital ... .Jack Beaton has checked out of M utual - where he was 
an account exec,, to join John Blair & Co., station reps, in a similar ca- 
pacity ... .Carey 'Longmire's news-viewing on WOR shifting to Wednes- 
days at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 12:45 p.m., owing to new Kaiser-Frazer 
news show taking over his Tuesday-Thursday spots .... ABC's head flack 
Earl Mullen on a week's leave. . . .J. Walter Thompson's Al Durante back 
in N. Y. after swing around country to Coast. . . .Monday, Wednesday and 
Friday segments of Mutual's "Queen For a Day" picked up by Internat'l 
Milling, Minneapolis. .. .John Griggs, "Town Meeting's" town crier, has 

picked up an authentic English house in Englewood. N. J M. L. Shapiro 

exited Radio Daily's ■ staff this week to join BMI in a public relations 
capacity. 



ITS HOLLYWOOD 



Paul Denis Lecturing 

N. Y. Post radio editor Paul Denis 
has gone under Juliette Cojeman's 
lecture management, starting to- 
night (Wed.) at the Capitol Hotel, 
N. Y., with the Hadassah organiza- 
tion underwriting his spiel. 

Denis explains radio, and tele- 
vision, breaks down mystery, quiz 
and kindred type radio programs, 
answers questions, etc. 



Ace Production Year 
Seen in | Year Mark 
Of 12,371,915 Sets 

Washington, Oct 21. 

A total of 3,761,271 radio and tele- 
vision receivers were produced dur- 
ing the third quarter of 1947, raising 
the total of all sets produced so far 
this year to 12,371,915, the Radio 
Manufacturers Assn. reported Fri- 
day (17). Figures cover production 
of RMA member companies only. 

Hypoed production of AM-FM and 
television sets was a highlight of the 
quarterly report as well as for Sep- 
tember production. RMA said 55,009 
video sets were turned out in the 
third quarter, 16.991 of them in Sep- 
tember. Third-quarter video pro- 
duction represents a gain of almost 
10.000 sets over the combined first 
and second-quarter output and more 
than eight times as much as the 
6.476 receivers manufactured in the 
whole of 1946. Three times as many 
table models as console video units 
were produced in September. 

FM-AM sets in the third quarter 
totaled 233,209 while the September 
report included 90,546 FM-AM units, 
compared with 72,014 in August. 



Buffalo— WBEN has added three 
new 'announcers to its staff— Mar- 
shall Dane, Jim Cooney and Ross 
Wellcr. 



Tom McKnight,'*back from pictures, will direct the new "Beulah" strip 
for Procter & Gamble. Leading candidate for the name role is Hattie 
McDaniel, colored film actress. Columbia's Frank Stanton has okayed 
the black and white cast despite printed reports to the contrary, according 
to Adrian Samish of Dancer, Sample & Fitzgerald. .. .If the Dinah Shore- 
Harry James musical for Philip Morris ever clears the billing hurdle the 
producer chore will go to Bill Lawrence, Larry Berns or Joe Bigelow. 
More than a dozen others, mostly unemployed at the present, are pitching 
like mad for the job. . . .Ramon Novarro, one of the sheikiest.of the silent 
desert heroes, came out of retirement to play a part on Mutual's "Family 

Theatre" Lillian Kramer pulled out of Young & Rubjcam to press 

agent her own accounts Carroll Nye, one-time radio editor of the L. A. 

Times, joined CBS publicity staff "Reported Missing'' has been revived 

with police dep't cooperation and Fred Greene is chaperoning the presen- 
tation around the agencies. 

John Nelson, emcee of "Bride and Groom," sold out his interest in the 

Cardinal Co. transcription firm It will be a gala night Nov. 5 for Jean 

Hersholt when radio, picture and civic leaders pay him tribute for ' 10 
years of airing "Dr. Christian" and his many charitable projects.... 
There's sponsor interest in Hedda Hopper and two deals are reported on 

the front burner Abbott & Costello are working on a contest for their 

co-op^ show in which some deserving youth each week will receive prizes 
valued up to $2,500. Writers-in would -nominate their candidates. . .. 
Norman Ostby will run the works at ABC while Don Searle and 1 the 

missus are motor touring through New England for a month Jacqueline 

de Wit, who deserted radio for pictures, is back on her kilocycle Margie 

Lizst replaced Helen Eley as "Miss Duffy" in the tavern, but the latter 

.remains in another character Gripped by an early bird complex, ABC's 

Don Searle set last week's meeting of department heads for 8 a.m. Only 
late arrival, a gal, was fined $1. ' 

IN CHICAGO ... 

Breakfast food manufacturer's tele bid for "Hint Hunt" has been turned 
down by Feature Productions. Offer was too low Kav James is head- 
ing up the Community Fund Drive for NBC's central division. .. ."Cruis- 
ing Crooner" Jack Owens will cruise at the College Inn early next month 
....Quiz Kids plan to stage a broadcast from Vaughan unit of Hines Vets 

Administration Hospital in December Roy Engel begins second year as 

"Sky King" Oct. 28 Paul Lewis, D'Arcy radio chief, in town for Spike 

Jones Show, with Felix Coste, Coca-Cola v.p Hank Grant emceed Tub 

Thumpers Hallowe'en party .... Henry J. Taylor did his Mutual commen- 
tary from here Oct. 17 before aud of 400 General Motors employees.... 
Charlotte Mitchell is scripting for Chi Community Fund. . . .Paul Mensing, 
formerly of the Atlantic Paper Co., has joined' WGNB sales staff.... Ed 
Prentiss gets the narrator role on "This Is the Story". .\ ."American Radio 
Warblers." only net show on which the payroll is met with birdseed, 
resumed this week with star chirpers Bing, Pete, Oscar and others. 

Personal appearance set for "Breakfast Club" cast in Flint, Oct. 24.... 
Northwestern U. Reviewing Stand started its 14th year last Sunday.... 
Ralph O Connor, manager of WIBU, ,in town to huddle with Mutual execs 

. . . .Dorothy Reynolds back at her desk after a bout with flu Lorenzen 

& Thompson, station reps, have signed KTOP, KSEK and'KSOK in Kansas 
....Jack Ryan, NBC flack, off to Univ. of Montana for five days as in- 
structor ln radio seminar. .. Scripter Ben Park will lecture at meeting of 
the Council of Social Agencies, Kenosha, Oct. 28. . . .Simoniz is picking up 
the tab for first 15 minutes of Dave Garroway's half-hour afternoon platter 
picnic. ...Robert Hussey, formerly with Dancer-Fitzgerald-Sample, will 
join Foote, Cone & Belding as media manager. .. .Mitzi Green guesting on 
Tommy Bartlett's "Meet the Stars" .... Zenith has leased four-story build- 
ing to expand production. .. .Paul Skinner doing tape interviews with 
hospitalized vets for use on WTMJ's "Masters of Rhythm". .. .Geraldine 
Kay and Harry Elders on hand to launch new teen-agers' night club at 
Evanston Youth Center. .. .Lon Saxon giving vocal premiere to "Red s 
Back in lown, new song penned by Ros Metzger, Riithrauff & Ryan v.p. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 P^ RlET f ' 87 



7^5 as simple 
as this... 



We represent radio stations. We work for them, not they for us. Our efforts on 
behalf of the Columbia-Owned stations long have been recognized as unique 
and outstanding. Helpful to client, helpful to station. Profitable to both. 

As might be expected, other stations have discussed with us from time to time 
the subject of our representing them. Recently we decided on a limited expan- 
sion. Much ado has been made of this. So we thought you would like to know 
more about tour unusual operation: 



1 



Most able station managers recognize that it is their local live per- 
sonalities and programs which make their stations better than average. 
They believe many advertisers could use these local live personalities 
and programs more effectively than they can use announcements. But time 
salesmen — or organizations — aren't paid to sell programs. They're paid to sell 
time. We're paid to sell programs too. And we do. The C-O stations have liked 
that. So have WAPI and WBT. And so do WRVA and KSL. The advertisers 
who sponsor these local personalities are very happy with the sales that are 
hitched to these local stars. We're very happy too. 

§Our men know their business thoroughly. . .and first-hand. At a cost 
to us of thousands of dollars each year, each Radio Sales account execu- 
tive visits each station regularly. He learns — from personal contact— 
the native character of each market, the unique personality of each station — 
its program philosophy, its talent and its techniques. Radio Sales represented 
stations like this system very much. Advertisers and agencies place a high value 
on the reliability of our knowledge. We believe it is no exaggeration to say that 
Radio Sales men know the spot broadcasting business more thoroughly than do 
time salesmen who rarely or never see the inside of the stations they represent. 

Like most stations, the effective area of a Radio Sales represented sta- 
tion extends far beyond its city line. Coincidental telephone measure- 
v_-^ ments of audience size made inside city limits have been inadequate 

for our purposes. So Radio Sales long ago devised the first area-audience 

f ■■ •- _ 

measurements for individual stations. We # conducted the first studies of early 
morning and late evening listening. We pioneered the now famous Listener 
Diary technique ... measurements of the flow and composition of audiences, 
as well as their size. Radio Sales has its own research staff, separate from 
that of CBS. Its efforts and the resulting- data help our men know more about 
what makes radio "tick". We believe it reasonable to say that they know more 
about the characteristics of the radio audience than do men who have had 
less access to this fund of knowledge. 

Hours spent listening to local live programs, days spent studying stations in 
the field, weeks spent absorbing the lessons of audience research, all take a 
great deal of time. We believe it is the only way to represent an important 
radio station. But this system obviously limits the number and class of sta- 
tions we can serve. We have set our limit at fifteen. It's as simple as thati 

Radio Sales Radio Station's Representative % A Division of CBS 



J 



-5L 



U. S. to Stand Firm On Status Quo Vs. 
Mexico Demands at Havana Meet 



TETf 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Washington, Oct. 21. 

U. S. government rep3 will make 
no concessions to drastic demands 
Of MbkIco for overhauling our pres- 
ent radio structure and will steer 
clear of* any "policy" decisions which 
might commit this government to a 
particular course of action when it 
undertakes to negotiate with other 
western hemisphere countries on a 
new North American Regional 
Broadeasting Agreement next year. 

This was overwhelming consensus 
of government and industry radio 
men who met at the State Dept. 
Friday (17) to prepare for the high- 
ly important engineering conference 
which opens in Havana, Nov. 1, to 
lay groundwork for a new treaty. 

Industry and government spokes- 
men joined hands to condemn as 
'•economic suicide" and "utterly 
• absurd" the Mexican proposal to 
overhaul our entire radio structure. 
At the same time they voted over- 
whelmingly to limit the Havana con- 
ference to "engineering fact-finding" 
only, with U. S. engineering dele- 
gates barred from any policy deci- 
sions which might adversely affect 
U. S. broadcasters at a later date. 

Meeting was chairmaned by John 
S. Cross of the State Dept. and at- 
tended by FCC Commissioner E. K. 
Jett and a large FCC engineering 
contingent; Royal S. Howard, NAB 
engineering director; reps of the 
four major networks; and spokesmen 
for the clear-channel, regional, and 
daytime broadcasters. Frank "Scoop" 
Russell, NBC v.p., urged our gov- 
ernment to take a strong offensive 
in opposing the Mexican proposals 
here and now. Commissioner E. K. 
Jett promised the government would 
work closely with broadcasters in 
drafting new treaty proposals and 
would defer any "policy" discussions 
until the August, 1948, NARBA 
meeting in Canada. 

'No Policy Decisions' 

These were the other develop- 
ments: 

1. FCC Chief Engineer George 
Sterling was named to head the 



structed to make "no policy deci- 
sions.' 1 Delegation also includes D. 
ft. MacQuivey of the State Dept., 
vice chairman; Neal McNaughton, 
James ID. Barr, Joseph M. iCiJtner 
and E. F. Vandlvere, all of the FCC. 
Technical reps of the four networks, 
NAB and the clear channel broad- 
casters will serve in advisory ca- 
pacity at the Havana sessions. 

2. Committee was named to draft 
engineering documents and secofid 
meeting was set for next Saturday 
(25) at the State Dept. Jett told the 
reps for the daytime stations the 
Havana conferees would definitely 
not be empowered to press for re- 
vision of our present "gentlemen's 
agreement" witli Mexico, which lim- 
its U. S. stations broadcasting on 
Mexican clear channels io daytime 
operation only. 



'Repeat' Status 



— Continued from page 31 ss 

out that official notification of the 
recording ban had not yet been re 
ceived from Petrillo and that the 
webs had not yet been able definitely 
to determine the extent of it. 

Some doubt was expressed at ABC 
that the ban covered the cutting of 
transcriptions for one-time use as 
"delayed broadcasts." 

At ABC, also, there was talk of 
the web and Crosby Enterprises 
jointly seeking "an exception" ruling 
from Petrillo in favor of Bing 
Crosby's show on the grounds that 
it is "really a live show aired on a 
delayed-broadcast basis" and gives 
the same employment to musicians 
as if it were broadcast live. 

(Such a ruling presumably also 
would hold for Philco's Burl Ives 
Show and the new Morton Downey 
show for Coca-Cola, both on 
Mutual.) 



St. Louis— Bob Ellington has been 
pacted by WT MV, East St, Louis, to 
cover the news front direct from 
Washington. In addition the news 
casts will include the metropolitan 
TJ. S. delegation to Havana and in- area of St. Louis and East St. Louis 



L 'Lottery' Quiz 
Continued from page 30 ss 

Show went back on the air last year 
with a brand new format. 

The "Dollars for Answers" show 
has been on WARL since last April. 
Station's Hooper has climbed stead- 
ily since program made its debut. It 
is carried on the half-hour as a spot 
quiz throughout the day until sta- 
tion signs off at local sunset. 

In citing the show, FCC described 
it as follows: A question is asked 
over WARL and the answer to the 
question is also broadcast im- 
mediately thereafter. After the an- 
swer is broadcast, a name is selected 
by chance from the telephone direc- 
tory and the person thus selected is 
called on the telephone and asked 
the same question which has been 
broadcast and answered. If the per- 
son called can answer the question, 
he receives a cash prize. If he can- 
not answer the question, he receives 
no prize. 

'A substantial number of the quef» 
tions asked call for such detailed and 
little-known information that it is 
virtually impossible in most in- 
stances for even extremely well- 
read people who possess an excep- 
tionally wide range of' information 
to know the exact answer unless 
they were listening to the questions 
and answers on WARL," FCC said. 

Frank Fletcher, counsel and part- 
owner of the independent station, 
said he believes the program is defi- 
nitely not a lottery since people can 
win without ever having tuned to 
WARL. Three components are gen- 
erally considered necessary in a iot- 
tery: consideration, chance and 
prize. Fletcher believes element of 
consideration ,is lacking here, since 
the person called does not have to 
be listening to win and ability to 
apswer correctly Is sole determinant 
of whether or not he collects the 
cash. 



Inside Stuff-Radio 

Parks Johnson is understood to have an unusual contract for his "Vox 
Pop" program under American Express sponsorship Wednesday nights on 
ABO. Deal is said to call for the sponsor to pay Johnson a flat $6,500 a 
weok for the entertainment portion of the show, but permitting him to 
keep any unexpended money at the conclusion of the season. Latter 
angle is the exceptional one, as most package contracts require the pro- 
gram owner to return any accrued savings to the client. ' 

First broadcast of the season for "Vox Pop" was a tieup with Paramount 
Pictures^ with Johnson getting about $3,500 from the film company to cover 
the cost of the broadcast from Pittsburgh, plugging the new Cecil B. 
DeMille production, "The Unconquered." Because of the exploitation 
angle, Gary Cooper, star of the picture, participated on the broadcast via 
direct wire to Hollywood. Johnson is. understood to have about a dozen 
such Paramount tieups slated for the season. 

Breakdown of the show's $6,500 budget includes $1,750 each for per- 
formance fee for Johnson and Warren Hull, $500 to Johnson as license 
fee for the title, $750 for travel and living expenses while on tour, $750 
for line charges, $750 for gifts and $250 for the producer, Rogers Brackett. 
Sponsor supplies the announcer, commercial copy, etc. 



Kenyon & Eckhardt is conducting a mail "poll" of radio editors for 
eomment on the new "Ford Theatre" series Sundays on NBC. Postcards 
have been sent to all editors and columnists in the country, with addressed, 
postpaid cards attached'. Cards ask permission- to quote the comments. 
They're addressed to Herbert Landon of the agency. 



Givic kudos are being heaped on ABC's "California Caravan" by the 
Los Angeles County school system. Transcriptions of the regional net 
show have been requested by the educators for use in the drama and radio 
classes of the junior high and high schools of the county. Lou Holzer, 
producer of the historical series for Lockwood-Shackleford agency, has 
also been asked to be guest Instructor in the radio classes, visiting a dif- 
ferent school weekly. .Sponsor and network will share the cost of the 
platters. 



WIP, Philly, is now "broadcasting" its news via a telecast flash on the 
building of Glmbel Brothers' store at 9th and Market streets, one of the 
busiest corners in Philly. The telecast Is sponsored jointly by WIP and 
Gimbels. So commercials are carried on the cast, except public service 
messages and Institutional copy. 



'MICKEY' FELDMAN'S AD POST 

Philadelphia, Oct. 21. 
Milton J. (Mickey) Feldman has 
resigned as radio director, for the 
Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, 
American Red Cross to head up the 
radio department of the J. M. Korn 
advertising agency. 



Waiver has been granted by the American Federation of Radio Artists 
to the rtenyon & Eckhardt agenoy for multiple cast doubling on the "Ford 
Theatre" program. Action was taken at a recent meeting of the union's 
New Yorlt lAcal board, and has applied to the last two broadcasts of the 
series. ;i As a result, actors on the' show may now be cast in an unlimited 
number of parts on the same broadcast. 

Matter of whether such waivers for national network programs should 
be granted by the AFRA national board or the local in the region where 
the show originates has long been a moot one within the union. This 
instance Involving the Ford series is regarded as strengthening the local 
board's position. 



San Antonio — "Pigskin Previews" 
is the title of a weekly quarter hour 
to be presented on KgOR to be 
ajred in cooperation with Randolph 
Field. Prograjjis ' will fee presided 
over by Sgt. Ed Laugherty and Cpl. 
Vince l^eloy. 



50 KW. POIAND STATION 

Warsaw, Oct. 21. 

A new Polish broadcast station 
near Wroclaw (formerly Breslau) 
began testing Oct. 10 and goes into 
service about mid-November. 

Station is a 50,000-watter. 



everybody but everybody 

who Is anybody but anybody, Is In your east when you tie 
your product or service to LUNCHEON AT SARDI'S 




want to snare a show tha,t has a cast no sponsor could afford 
to buy, but for which any sponsor can afford to pay? 

Pipedream? Unreal? Nothing of the kind! Because WOR's 
"Luncheon at Sardi's" brings you a million r dollar cast for — 
well, almost pennies. It's a big-time show at very low cost and 
with one of the smoothest, most natural and effective merchan- 
dising tie-Ins in the history of local radio. 

What's the show? Simple, really, but as effective as a 
blockbuster... 

. . . Bill Slater, said to have "one of the most pleasing 
personalities in radio", takes the "WOR mike from table to 
table in world-famous Sardi's restaurant. From there on — ; | 
entertainers, artists, actors, writers, fighters, etceteras chat, 
mug and say bits that are later quoted wholesale. Quite a showy' 
don't you think? 

Nicest thing about "Luncheon at Sardi's", from your angle, 
Is that your product's used right then and there. It's on the 
table (unless it's a washing machine). The guests mention it, 
too. That's sock selling, if anything is. 

Come, man, why wait? This is it! We're at 1440 Broadway* 
tn New.York. 
And the station id, 
of course, 



TYPICAL LUNCHEON LINEUP AT SARDI'S: (Left to right) WOft's Bill Stater, 
Gloria Vanderbilt, Alan Baxter, Ruth Etting. 



MUTUAL 



WOR 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



UfiRIETT 



RADIO 



S9 




Washington, Oct. 21. 
Former FCC Commissioner Ray 
r Wakefield is back in Washington 
after a several month vacation in his 
,Tative California. Wakefield says 
he has made "no plans for the fu- 
ture." 

FCC Chairman Charles R. Denny, 
jr has detailed his^ftssistant Earl 
Minderman to assist Charles Luck- 
man on the Citizens Food Commit- 
tee Minderman, former FCC Direc- 
tor of Information, will handle or- 
ganization of all towns over 10,000 
for Luckman. He will remain on 
the FCC payroll. 



Intermountain Network 
Buys Dorsey Disk Show 

Salt Lake City, Oct. 21. 

Intermountain Network closed a 
deal last week that inked a quarter- 
hour segment of the Tommy Dorsey 
disk show, across the board for 11 
net stations and 27 local dealers. 

Tieup is a co-op, with Glen Earl, 
Inc., RCA distributor for the Moun- 
tain states, taking care of half the 
tab, and dealers standing the other 
50%. RCA-Victor records and Radios 
are plugged on the show, with di- 
rect tie-ins to dealers. Contract calls 
for a solid 52 weeks. 



Commissioner E. K. Jett has def- 
initely made up his mind to take off 
for Geneva- to serve on the Pro- 
visional Frequency Board which 
opens shop in January. He is try- 
ing for a three-months appointment 
rather than the six months to which 
he committed himself earlier. In any 
event, Jett will return to the U. S. 
in time to work on this country's 
proposals for a new North .Ameri- 
can Regional Broadcasting Agree- 
ment. He may head FCC delegation 
to the NARBA treaty sessions in 
Canada next summer. All of which 
means he won't be at FCC for any- 
where from a five to eight month 
stretch. 

Current heavy turnover in FCC's 
Law Department saw resignation 
last week of FCC Motions attorney 
Robert Alford. Alford resigned to 
become general counsel of Eraho 
Film Co., distributor of 16m pix, 
headquartered in Chicago. Eraho 
has contract with Planet Films to 
fan Westerns, etc., to rural areas. 
Earlier in the month, Al Hall, FM 
Department lawyer, and Abe Stein, 
veteran Commission examiner, left 
to enter private law practice. Hall 
has his shingle out in Indiana, while 
Stein is practicing in Washington. 
On the West Coast, FCC's San Fran- 
cisco attorney Robert Hudson has 
turned in his resignation to practice 
law in his home town of Tulsa, 
Okla. 



'AMERICAN FAMILY' DUE 
FOR REPEATS ON WOV 

Starting Nov. 12, WOV, the 
Bulova-owned N. Y. indie, will be- 
gin a series of live repeats on the 
"American Family" b y - w e e k 1 y 
series supervised by Arnold Hartley. 
Shows have been aired during the 
past few months, winning wide 
kudos for their frankness in pre- 
sentation and overall programming 
merit, with decision on repeats cued 
to mail response. 

Shows will be aired in same time 
segment, Wednesdays at 9. In addi- 
tion, Ralph Weil, station manager, 
is making the transcriptions avail- 
able to all stations at cost of press- 
ings. 



'COME ON OUT' TO 
HEARST IN WBAL BID 

' Washington, Oct. 21. 

Former "Washington Merry-Go- 
Round" team of Drew Pearson and 
Col. Robert S. Allen renewed their 
efforts last week to have the FCC 
subpoena 83-year-old William Ran- 
dolph Hearst to testify in person at 
the Commission's hearing on the 
license renewal of Hearst-owned 
WBAL, Baltimore. Pearson and 
Allen are bidding for Hearst's chan- 
nel on ground they can do a better 
"public service" job in Baltimore. 
The controversial FCC hearing will 
open in Baltimore, Nov. 3, before 
FCC Commissioner Rosel Hyde. 

Lawyers for Hearst claim they 
will not voluntarily bring Hearst 
here from the Coast and add that 
there is no need for him to testify in 
this particular hearing. FCC side- 
stepped an earlier demand of Pear- 
son and Allen to subpoena the pub- 
lisher. 



FCC Hoists Bidder 'Payoff' Warning 
In Dismissing Griffiths Kans. Bid 



BARNOUW SLATED FOR 
WRITERS GUILD HEAD 

Erik Barnouw, of New York, has 
been nominated for the presidency 
of the Rxdio Writers Guild, to suc- 
ceed Sam Moore, incumbent, of Hol- 
lywood. Welbourn Kelley has been 
nominated for the vice-presidency 
)n the eastern region, succeeding Pe- 
ter Lyon. Under RWG tradition the 
presidency alternates between the 
eastern and western regions. 

Nominated for the five positions 
on the national council to be filled 
by the eastern region are Eleanor 
Abbey, Elaine Carrington, Henry 
Denker, David Driscoll, Jacques 
Fink, Julian Funt, Elizabeth Hart, 
Philo Higley. Gene Hurley, Ben 
Kagan, Priscilla Kent, George Lef 
ferts, Peter Lyon, Ira Marion, Vin 
cent McConnor,« Leon Meadow, Al 
bert G. Miller, Robert Newman, 
Arnold Perl, Howard Rodman, 
Aaron Rubin, Allan Sloane, Joseph 
Wershba and Max Wylie. 

Election will be held Nov. 11 in 
New York, with absentee members 
voting by mail. At the New" York 
membership meeting last Tuesday 
night (14) there was discussion as 
to the desirability of revising the 
Guild constitution to permit direct 
nominations from the membership 
supplementing those submitted by 
the nominating committee. 

Robert Cenedella was chairman 
of the nominating committee, which 
included Sylvia Berger, Allan 
Sloane, Harry Bailey and James 
Hart. 



Seed Co. to Plow in With 
^ 100G Again for 'Garden 

Seed selling season will again find 
the Ferry Morse Seed Co. plunking 
down an approximate $100,000 for a 
16-week sponsorship of "Garden 
Gate," the 15-minute Saturday 10 
a.m. CBS show originating out of 
Nashville. 

Company has been sponsoring the 
show On a seasonal basis for the past 
few years. McManus, John & Adams, 
of Detroit, is the agency. ' 



Buffalo — Jim Wells is covering pro 
football and hockey games over 
WBEN-FM, the football broadcast- 
ing being sponsored by local Den- 
ton-Cottier-Daniels outfit for Strom- 
berg-Carlson FM receiving sets. 



Dorso's N.Y.toLA. 

Dick Dorso is moving his talent 
agency to the Coast in mid-Novem- 
ber. Burl Ives, Doris Day and sev- 
en '. others of his clients are now lo- 
cated there, some of them having 
film commitments. 

Also, Dorso is an avid tennis fan 
and the playing season is now about 
over in the east. 



Washington. Oct. 21. 

FCC today (.Tues.) placed new 
curbs on "payoffs" by rival bidders 
for the same radio channel, and at 
the same time ran up a warning 
signal to persons who might apply 
for station licenses with the idea 
of being "bought off" by other appli- 
cants in order to avoid competitive 
hearings. 

Commission decided in effect that 
hereafter it will dismiss bids in such 
cases "with prejudice," which means 
that these bidders may not reapply 
in the same market for at least 12 
months. It's also believed the FCC 
hereafter will not look with favor 
on applications where there has 
been a payoff. . 

FCC picked for its precedent- 
setting case the application of the 
H. J. Griffith Broadcasting Co. to 
dismiss "without prejudice" its bid 
for the 1320 channel at Parsons, 
Kans. Griffith, owner of a chain 
of film houses in the Southwest, said 
that since filing his bid he had 
picked up interests in three Texas 
stations and didn't wish to expand 
further. He maintained this was his 
only reason for yanking the Parsons 
bid. An accompanying affidavit, 
however, showed that Four States 
Broadcasting, Inc., applicant for the 



1320 channel in Joplin, Mo., had 
agreed to pay Griffith $6,930 if Four 
States got its FCC permit, the sum 
ostensibly being to compensate Grif- 
fith for expenses in pushing the 
Parsons bid. 

Commission concluded that the 
only apparent reason for the pull- 
out and payoff was to permit Four 
States to get on the air quickly, 
without hearing, and concluded that 
the $6,930 was well over Griffith's 
expenses. Consequently, FCC voted 
to dismiss Griffith's bid "with prej- 
udice." . 



Trout Away From It All 

Dateline for Bob Trout is "some- 
where near the West Indies." Ex- 
CBS commentator quietly pointed 
his 60-foot ketch south from New 
York about two weeks ago, bound 
for South America. With him are his 
wife and sister-in-law. 

It's said Trout, looking for a good 
long rest before he makes any new 
radio commitments, has mapped out 
a cruise to last three months or 
longer. His Campbell Soup commer- 
cial was recently taken over by Ed 
Murrow. 



&R0% 



lelevi^oi^^re^e^^me^^^^ FOR 

SALE I ^ 





Wrostling Matches Pull Uhvblon's Biggost Audiontos . , . and 
they're oil yours on Du Mont Station WABD, Now York 

Here's a tailor-made program all set for you. 

Blend of good hard fighting and pure comedy, WABD's Friday Evening 
Wrestling Matches have a large and devoted following. There are several spots 
for video commercials between bouts and Dennis James will work in 
plugs with his comment-either in his own inimitable manner or straight 
as you prefer. Phone or wire today- 



WABD- Time Sales Dept. 
515 Madison Avenue, New York 22 
Phone: PI, 3-9800 m 



i ent "'ind£ m 5*» th! 
Ar «n«». •'•"'•'cafL.j" 

mg^J 



Your fastest-growing audience 
-budget for ft now! 



WABD 



NEW YORK 



Key Station ef the 



oUMONr 



Television Network 



40 TELEVISION 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



3»» ♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦■»♦♦»»»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦»*♦ »»*»^ 

Television Reviews 



TELEVISION FASHION FAIR 

With Florence Prilrbett, e m c e e; 
t'onover girls 

Producer-director: Raymond E. Net- 
son 

Writer: Ruth' Oboler 
39 Mlos.; Friday (17). 8:15 p.m. 
RUSSEKS FIFTH .AVENUE 
WABD-DuMont, N. Y. 

Wurman, Feiner & Co.) 

Fashion industry, which has 
steered clear of practically all radio 
advertising on the assumption that 
there's no ad punch in mere oral de- 
scription of clothes, is figured 
eventually to become one of tele- 
vision's biggest bankrollers, for ob- 
vious reasons. Several leading 
fashion outlits have already experi- 
mented with various forms of tele 
programming, but "Television Fash- 
ion Fair" was the first one to be 
sponsored entirely by a leading N. Y. 
retail store — in tlii.- instance, Rus- 
seks Fifth Avenue. 

Show was the most ambitious 
produced on WABD in recent 
months, involving six different sets, 
a string of beauteous Conover 
models and some intricate film inte- 
gration. Fact that it wasn't a 
standout job was due mainly to 
stumbling production and direction 
by indie package producer Ray Nel- 
son. Cues were missed almost in- 
variably, leaving one model stand- 



ing before the cameras after emcee 
Florence Pritchett has already fin- 
ished describing her clothes; Miss 
Pritchett in several instances stood 
with mouth agape waiting for a cue 
to start talking, and the camera 
stayed too long on credit cards, 
Russeks plugs, etc. 

Despite its ostentatious quality, 
the show probably didn't cost too 
much. Sets were for the most part 
I mere painted backdrops. Format 
I had Miss Pritchett digging into an 
oversized clothing box, painted with 
a large Russeks tag, apparently to 
see what she could come up with 
next. Illusion tried for, of having 
the models inside the box. never 
quite came off because, again, of 
Nelson's inept handling of his 
lenses. 

Miss Pritchett, radio commentator 
! on WOR (Mutual, N. Y.) under the 
iname of Barbara Welles, didn't make 
i out too well in her first tele assign- 
i ment. Her voice was dull and 
[ monotonous and her constant refer - 
I ence to notes for her spiel was def- 
initely n.s.g. M o d e 1 s, of course, 
t were beauts, but much of their ap- 
| peal was lost for the simple reason 
' that nobody thought of telling them 
to smile once in a while. Show may 
become a series but it definitely 
needs considerable brushing up. 

Sto{. 



aural part in the show from D.C. 
Colling, consequently, set tip an 
empty chair in the studio with a 
copy of the book propped up on a 
(able before it. Allen's voice was 
piped in and everytime he spoke, 
Colling cut over to the empty chair. 
Fact that the line connection- was a 
two-way affair permitted Allen to 
break into the conversation at any 
time and also answer questions, 
just as though he'd actually been 
sitting in the chair. 




FIVE-STAR 

DC-6 

FLAGSHIPS TO 

LOS ANGELES 
SAN FRANCISCO 
MEXICO CIYY 
CHICAGO 

and many other cities 
Phono HAvem.r.r 4-5000 

Ticket Offtcos; Airlines Terminal • Rockefeller 
Center • Hotel New Yorker • 120 Broadway 

AMERICAN 
AIRLINES 



LAUGHING-STOCK! 

Something Now in Comedy Material 
for M.C.'s, Acti, and Dite Jocks 

Lauoliino-Stock Series I t» 5 ....lit*. 

Rapid Fire Routines (Dauatts) I it 3..$2ea. 

Master Monologues ! to 4 $2 ta. 

Hits and Bits 1 to 3 II ta. 

SAM PERRY 
1650 Broadway, New Yark Is. N. V. 



FOR SALE OR RENTAL 

Manhasset on souinl. Near club with 
rlrti'k privileges, awlmminK pool. Mas- 
terpiece of modernity by international 
architect. Radiant healing. Ijand- 
acaped. Garage. Others. Bxcen- 
llonal buys and sublets ?300 to Jl.000 
monthly. 

Mary Smith, 147 Kant 501b Street, 
Neiv York City. IM.ara 3-8081 



JUNIOR JAMBOREE 
W th Burr Tillstrom, Fran Allison 
Producer: Benlah Zacbary 
Director: Lewis Gomowitz 

GO Mtns.: Mon. thru Fri., 5 p.m. 
RCA-VICTOR DISTRIBUTING 

CORP. 
WBKB, Chicago 

U. Walter Thompson) 

"Junior Jamboree," touted as the 
first 60-minute tele series on a five- 
day sked, is cued at kids in the 6-16 
bracket. RCA-Victor dealers are 
urging youngsters to visit nabe 
stores and see the show, idea being 
that small fry may wheedle mom 
and pop into buying a receiver. All 
of which is smart promotion, even 
though some double-crossing parents 
may buy another brand. 

Kukla, a puppet voiced by Burr 
Tillstrom, emcees J.J., performing 
on a stage that simulates screen in 
RCA receiver. Continuity includes 
film shorts, animated cartoons, dem- 
onstrations of juve hobbies, and in- 
terviews by Fran Allison. Mail pull 
has kids telling why they want a 
dog, with barker awarded weekly 
for best letter. Miss Allison also 
appears with lost dog for possible 
recognition by kid viewer. 

Dialog, ad libbad from an outline, 
ran smoothly. Miss Allison, known 
to radio fans as Aun{. Fanny of the 
"Breakfast Club," is a veteran at 
off-the-cuff repartee, while Tillstrom 
has been puppet chattering for 
more than a decade. 

Show, which preemed Oct.- 13, 
seems tailor-made for a juve audi- 
ence, especially with format calling 
for grid stars and other kid heroes 
in interview spot. Sponsor might 
well consider use of dog trademark 
(His Master's Voice) somewhere in 
this stanza. Baxt, 



WBKB WILL TEECAST 
FROM BOTH LINK ENDS 

Chicago. Oct. 21. 

As indicated last week, WBKB 
will telecast from both ends of its 
relay link between Chicago and 
South Bend. Move is authorized by 
the FCC, which granted a tempor- 
ary license for operation of an ex- 
perimental station, W9XDF, at the 
South Bend terminus of the relay 
link. The license is for the Oct. 15- 
Nov. 23 period. 

W9XDF will preem Oct. 25, with 
the Notre Dame-Iowa game, using a 
20-watt transmitter on Channel 13. 
Station also will telecast ND' games 
with Army (Nov. 8) and Tulane 
(Nov. 22). 



D.C. Current Stymies 



Tele of Hollywood Probe 

New York television outlets, origi- 
nally hoping to transmit live pick- 
ups of the House UnArnerican Ac- 
tivities Committee probe of Holly- 
wood, were forced to cancel their 
plans at the last minute because of 
an equipment shortage. 

Electric outlets in the old House 
office building in Washington, where 
the hearings are being held, have 
only direct current Most of the 
tele equipment operates on alternat- 
ing current. Cost of installing spe- 
cial converters was believed too high 
for the operation, so broadcasters 
decided to settle for filmed news- 
reel shots for later transmission. 



Tele Bids 

! Continued from page 35 ; 




NBC producer Ernie Colling made 
an invisible man out of Col. Robert 
S. Allen on "Author Meets the 
Critics" over WNBT Sunday (19) 
night. Allen, scheduled to appear on 
the show to discuss his bestselling 
"Lucky Forward," cancelled out at 
the last minute through inability to 
make the trip from Washington. 

Allen consented, however, to take 



l 

I 



"ornTftRGEi 



i MEANS INTELLIGENT AND PROMPT SERVICE TO 

{ THE WORLD'S LARGEST ADVERTISING AGENCIES 
I 



Year after year we read into our record f 



or 



consistently satisfactory service words like 
( these from America's leading agencies . . . 

we have always enjoyed your intelligent 



it is a pleasure to work 
is the kind of "rep" rela- 



I 
I 

J and prompt service . 

I with Weed . . . this 

J fionship we like 

J The harmonious relationship that exists between 

| Weed men and agency contacts is the measure 

I of success for a radio representative, 
i 



<§> 



WEED 

ano company 



RADIO STATION REPRESENTATIVES 

*mim-mm-m(Ato-mimi-mmMnw-MUim-iMniw» 



the bidders pulls out. Empire Coil 
proposes to operate with a high- 
powered 25.6 kw picture and a 13.5 
kw sound transmitter. From the 
balance sheet it would appear this 
company is not as well-heeled as 
Boston Metropolitan, though it has 
bids on tap for Waterbury and Par- 
ma, Ohio. Empire Coil is a New 
Rochelle, N.Y., manufacturer of coils 
and transformers. President is Her- 
bert Mayer. He and his - wife own 
all the stock. Mayer indicated to 
FCC he would withdraw in Boston 
if either his Parma or Waterbury 
bids is granted and FCC is not sat- 
isfied that he can finance all three 
operations. 

Waterbury Conflict 

Another bid from the Fairfield 
Broadcasting Co. for Waterbury is 
in conflict with Empire Coil's bid 
there. Fairfield '-application, which 
arrived at FCC yesterday (20), is 
headed by the Lee Brothers, makers 
of Lee Hats and sponsors of Drew 
Pearson on ABC. Frank Lee is 
president of the company, which pro- 
poses to operate on Ch. 12 with a 
5 kw visual transmitter. Charles 
E. Kibling would manage their sta- 
tion. The brothers are already bid- 
ding for AM and FM stations in 
Danbury. 

Second bid for Harrisburg was 
filed by Harold O. Bishop, radio-ra- 
dar engineer and long-time opera- 
tor of WABX, Harrisburg. He ex- 
pects to put his station on the air 
for $100,000, buy equipment on 
credit from DuMont. and start out 
with relatively low-powered opera- 
tion. He is asking for a 500-watt 
picture. and a 250-watt sound trans- 
mitter on the No. 8 channel. First 
bid for Harrisburg was filed a few 
weeks back by WHP, Inc., owners of 
the Daily Telegraph . 



Tele Acad Meets 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

The Academy of Television Arts 
and Sciences expects the biggest 
meeting in its year's history at the 
next monthly gathering, Nov. 11, 
when Lorcn Ryder, returned from 
the SMPE convention in the east, 
is scheduled to speak. Over 1,000 
are expected, following the issuing 
of invitations to persons in every 
related business and art. 

Ryder, prexy of the SMPE and 
sound director at Paramount,^ ex- 
pected to give a detailed report on 
theatce television, plus other' facets 
of the medium covered at the SMPE 
convention. 



FCC COLD-SHOURS 
RADIO-PHONE IS CLAIM 

Chicago, Oct. 21. 

Complaint that the FCC pets tele- 
vision but cold-shoulders radio- 
telephone was voiced here last week 
by E. H. B, Bartelink, speaking be- 
fore 2,000 conventioneers of the 
U. S. Independent Telephone Assn. 
Bartelink, radio engineer for the 
General Telephone Co., criticized 
the FCC's proposed 12 channels for 
video- as against three for radio- 
phone set vice. 

Acording to him, "definite proof 
is needed that a television industry 
of this size will be needed when the 
newness wears' oil'. In sharp con- 
trast, the telephone industry's pres- 
ent known demand indicates a need 
for frequency assignments approxi- 
mately five to 10 times larger than 
the present assignment in small 
cities and rural areas, and approxi- 
mately 30 times larger for urban 
areas." 

Bartelink noted that FCC hear- 
ings on future policy for mobile 
radio-telephone service have been 
postponed three times, with Dec- 8 
set as the next date. 



Film Net Seen 

— Continued from pace 35 = 

transcriptions are used. Camera, first 
to overcome the difficult obstacle of 
reducing' the 30 frames-per-second 
speed of film to tele's 24 frames- 
per-second, was developed by East- 
man in cooperation with NBC and 
DuMont. 

Main uses of the new camera, ac- 
cording to Eastman engineers, will 
be: (1) to enable recorded shows to 
be re-used by the sponsor for in- 
stitutional public relations; (2) to 
record transmitted shows for billing 
requirements, and (3) to record all 
live shows that go out on the air. 
This, it's believed, will be most im- 
portant for legal purposes, as in the 
case of a libel suit filed against a 
broadcaster. 

Most important use, however, and 
one still in the experimental stage, 
may be the establishment of a film 
network. Live shows photographed 
off a monitoring tube in a major 
studio could be shipped on film to 
affiliate stations throughout the 
country, supplementing the present 
limited and expensive tele network 
systems of coaxial cable or radio 
relay. 

Film engineers at the SMPE meet 
will also get a chance to see RCA's 
large-screen tele, furnishing pictures 
48 square feet in size, at a session 
tomorrow (Thurs.) night. Projector 
to be used is the same as that now 
being experimented with "by both 
20th-Fox and Warners in coopera- 
tion with HCA. 



Balto. Beer Sponsors 

D. C. Basketballers 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

National Brewing Co. of Baltimore 
has signed contracts with Dumont 
station WTTG, Washington, to spon- 
sor telecasts of all home games of 
the Washington Capitols basketball 
team. First home game will orig- 
inate from Uline Arena here, Oct. 27. 

Bob Wolff, sportscaster who han- 
dled telecasts of the Washington 
Senators baseball games this past 
season, will do the narration, as- 
sisted by Howard Williams. Account 
was placed by Owen & Chappell 
agency of New York. 



Hub $WBZ Sets Sights 
For March 1 as It Lays 
New Bldg. Cornerstone 

Boston, Oct. 21. 

WBZ planted the cornerstone of 
its new radio and television center 
in suburban Allston this week, an- 
nouncing it figured to be on the air 
with video by March 1 at the latest 

W. H. Hauser, chief engineer of 
the NBC outlet now located in the 
downtown Bradford " ho'tel, stated 
that the technical apparatus includes 
a 5,000 watt picture transmitter and 
a 2,500 watt sound transmitter, both 
units operating as one, and servic- 
ing the 2,500,000 people of Greater 
Boston with video. Station plans its 
own video programs plus relays 
from NBC, N. Y. 

Building, consisting of 38,000 
square feet of floor space, offers 
seven studios including one espe- 
cially set up for television, an audi- 
torium studio, plus equipment 
rooms, six control rooms and 30 
offices. 



WTVT Bows in Spring 

Detroit, Oct. 21. 
Fort Industries, which owns and 
operates a string of stations, has set 
April 1, '48 as the air debut date for 
WTVT in Toledo. The station's foun- 
dations are in and all the equipment 
plus a mobile video truck are on 
order. 

Company has no idea when it will 
get going on its Detroit outlet, 
WTVO, although it's picked a site 
for the tower. 



From Hollywood 




mot*** 



cMeoAxi by most ... 

most 

in the BUYING Ark-La-Tex 



Write for Availabilities 




74c 

Sitevtpmt 
"Tuna StdUoH 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



■AMO 



41 



Hie Boys Have At It 

Washington, Oct. 21. 

Regional broadcasters and reps for the biglime clear channel stations 
fondled over the weekend, even before FCC's final round of hearings on 
fclear channel operation opened here yesterday (20). 

The Regional Broadcasters' Committee, representing 99 stations 
jn 42 states and tile District of Columbia, issued a strong press release 
claiming their testimony had "conclusively demonstrated" feasibility 
of providing better broadcasting service to rural areas by spotting two 
iulltime stations on channels now reserved exclusively at night for one 
nigh-powered clear channel outlet. 

Same technique, plus modern engineering improvements, the Re- 
gional Broadcasters Committee claimed would go further toward im- 
proving service than giving one clear-channel station power up to 750 
kilowatts. The Clear Channel Broadcasting Service is sponsoring the 
push for this kind of superpower operation. 

To which Vic Sholic, director of CCBS replied sharply: "I wish 
the Damm-Craven-Shephard-Craney holding company would actually 
introduce into the record at least a particle of the evidence they so 
glibly discuss in their press release." 

feholis was referring to Regional Committee members Walter Damm, 
WTMJ, Milwaukee; T.A.M. Craven, manager of WOL, Washington; 
John Shephard of Yankee Network,, chairman of the Regional Com- 
mittee, and Ed Craney, Montana broadcaster. 



Coronet Takes Crack At 
Block Disk Sponsorship 
With One-Week Tryout 

Efforts of Mutual's salesmen to 
turn up sponsors for the Martin 
Block strip haven't been too fruitful, 
partly due to the hampering factor 
of not being able to sign on sponsors 
whose products compete with those 
using his WNEW (N. Y.) stanzas. 
Partly, too, it's said, because Block 
refuses to plug certain types of 
products. Kreml finally signed on 
for a quarter-hour segment, effec- 
tive starting last week. Next week 
the platter twirler will get a crack 
it selling a second web sponsor. 

Coronet magazine, via the 
Schwimmer & Scott agency, Chi- 
cago, will run a one-week test using 
the 2:45-3 p.m. slice of Block's hour 
Oct. 27 through 31 in an intensive 
circulation drive. Newsstand sales 
will be checked and compared with 
the mag's normal sales curve. If 
there's an appreciable gain, it's said, 
Coronet will consider picking up the 
quarter-hour on a regular basis. 



Boston — Boston Post in its first 
radio tieup, now being "read" in an 
early morning half hour airer over 
WBZ-WBZA. Paper has the biggest 
circulation in New England (nearly 
400,000) with most of it rural, so 
show is beamed to the station's 5:30 
a.m. audiences in the stix. Paper is 
read by Malcolm McCormack in a 
Monday-through-Saturday show in- 
terspersed' with music. 



PUEBLO STATION SNAGS 
NAME STAR FOR AIRER 

Denver, Oct. - 21, 
Stealing plenty of bases on sports- 
conscious major stations in the 
Rocky Mountain region, KGHF, 
ABC affiliate in Pueblo, signed up 
area's biggest football name for a 
weekly crystal gaze session through- 
out The pigskin season. 

Heard "Thursday nights. 7-7:30 
p.m., show features Earl ("Dutch") 
Clark, for 20 years an outstanding 
pro quarterback and coach. 



Farmers Ask One Channel Exclusively 
For Stix In Tie With Edue. Stations 



Pay Hike 



KWK's. 

St. Louis, Oct. 21. 

KWK, owned and operated by the 
Thomas Patrick, Inc., and local Mu- 
tual outlet, last week granted all of 
its employees a 5% wage increase 
for the six-month period ending 
June 30, last, to compensate for a 
4.5% increase in the cost of living 
during that half of the year. 

Increase will be paid, according to 
an announcement, in the form of Se- 
ries E government bonds rather than 
in cash. This is being done to keep 
from contributing to the inflationary 
spiral. 



Washington, Oct. 21. 

Future role of I'M played a big 
part in second-day arguments of the 
FCC's clear-channel bearing today 
(Tues.). CBS strongly protested the 
FCC decision last week not to weigh 
progress of FJt In deciding the 
i leal -channel case. CBS attorney 
Julius Brauner charged that this 
indicated an FCC weakening of 
faith in HI. 

Presiding Commissioner Rosel 
Hyde, however, denied this was the 
ease, declaring the FCC still be- 
lieved FM is the coming broadcast 
service and explaining that FM was 
not listed in the original hearing 
order, so the commission derided 
net to inject it at this late dale. 



Denver — Hugh Terry, manager of 
KLZ, has been named by Colorado 
Governor Lee Knous to be a mem- 
ber of the Governor's Committee on 
Resources Development. 



Washington, Oct. 21. 

The National Council of Farmer. 
Cooperatives called on the FCC yes- 
terday (201 to earmark one radio 
channel exclusively for the use of 
stations programming primarily for 
rural audiences. Request was made 
by C. Maurice Wieting, information 
director of the Council, which claims 
2.000.000 farmers in its membership. 
Wieting was testifying at the open- 
ing sessions of FCC's clear channel 
hearings. 

Wieting Wanted FCC to reserve 



the 540kc slot— shortly to be made 
available for standard broadcasting 
—for this purpose. He made strong 
plea for Iulltime hours of operation 
and power up to 5kw for land-grant 
college stations. Educational stations 
could be spotted on the 540kc band 
so that there would bp at least one 
in each state operating around-the- 
clock and delivering a farm radio 

I service. Educational stations, in re- 
turn for these favors, should then 
be obligated to give free time to 

'civic and welfare organizations and 
to candidates for political office. 

Other recommendations made by 
Wieting were: 

1. Each station serving rural areas 
should be required to devote a "fair 
portion" of its time to rural pro- 
grams. 

2. Individual with farm radio ex- 
perience should be named to FCC, 
either as a commissioner or on the 
staff level. 

3. Clear Channel stations should 
be equitably distributed throughout 
the U. S., not concentrated on east 
and west coasts. 

4. An Advisory Rural Radio Com- 
mittee should be set up to advise 
stations. 



Block Letters 

Hollywood. Oci 21. 
The networks with their fast- 
working name erasers have nothing 
on Warners* KFWB here where 
even the maintenance men appar- 
ently read Variety and are guided 
by it Reading of the exit of Martin 
Block from the station, one of the 
maintenance crew proceeded to re- 
move the door lettering on the disk 
jockey's office. He had to be re- 
strained and instructed that the de- 
parture was imminent and not im- 
mediate. 

Jockey winds up Nov. 1 and will 
'very probably be succeeded Nov. 
3 by Maurice Hart, his longtime re- 
lief man and sidekick, who pre- 
ceded him here from New York by 
request 



Code 



Continued from page 31 



over their position, realizing that 
when they're not taking shows from 
the nets, they're also in the indie 
category. 

Belief is that the indies will be 
given what they want in the mat- 
ter of provision changes in the pro- 
Posed code. NAB is expected short- 
ly to ask for an increase in dues, 
and realizes what a fight it faces in 
this regard unless it wins over the 
indies first. 



Coast Sends Rep 

Hollywood. Oct. 21. 
Cal Smith, KFAC general man 
*gcr, goes to Washington tomorrow 
(Wed.) to rep local indie broad- 
casters in the final drafting of the 
Proposed NAB code. He will be one 
c f a hastily formed eommiltee of % 
indie reps, and carries recommend 
eel changes in the code with him to 
the confab. Bill Beaton, prexy of 
the Southern California Broadcast 
c '"s Assn., says members are sup 
Ported in their objections Vv indie.s 
«? * the Coast General feeling is 
that the proposed code is too restric 
mvc and loo broad. Strongest ob 
lection is that too little lime was al- 
lowed for overall consideration of 
we code. 



Sail take City— Alvin G. Pack 
station manager of KALL. was ap- 
pointed executive vice president of 
the 17-station Intermountain Net- 
work, last week <16). Pack will 
CO " 1lnUe as manager of KALL. in 
addii 10n to his new job of handling 
*u operations for the net 



This is the Crossley rating 
for the World Series Game 
Sunday, October 5, 1947 



57.6 



This is the highest rating 
ever achieved by a 
daytime commercial shoiv 



World Series Broadcasts — Listening Box Score 



Tw-i -Wed 'iVf-d Thufi Thjts.-r-; 



zz< -Sjp S.-v-V.o- 



Share a' 
Audience 



72 7% of all homes in the U.S. heard I game or more 

Listened - c c 'zzv 
7 g~r^F 6 ac-fs 5ga~ei - ooTe; 3 oares ; gee' 

"aire-, l »f..--c 3b i 2 ;0 v 2 66.' 7e t 

Sc.. 'c- 1 t u T-c3':'e r vVc-lc ie-'e; Reco ?,.r.<e„ 



"With the "World Series, Mutual scored tlie highest rat- 
ing ever hit hy a daytime commercial show. ..Mutual 
also chalked up a new high in the average for the 
Series, 36.7 for the entire 7 games. 

That's LISTENING! 

With its 450-plus stations (some 150 of which were 
added in the past year) and with nearly 70 power 
increases (completed or under construction) Mutual 
now delivers a daytime coverage (including duals) of 
29,089,000 radio homes ... as computed hy a new, scien- 
tific and conservative Engineering method. 

Ttraf* USTENAMIJTY! 



Sponsored by Uiutue 

Xistcnahility and Listening... hoth at a new high. It's 
no co-incidence. It's the result of years of sweat, effort, 
building and program brains and expenditure. JtV, the 
result of better stations and bigger program names. 

What does it mean to the advertiser ? 

Just this. Listenability gives you the total of homes 
in which Mutual can be heard — with a signal good and 
clear enough to encourage regular listening. With a 
good program— an advertiser can turn homes which 
can listen into homes which do listen. And the better 
the show the more the homes which can be corralled. 
The World Series proves it. 

Would you like the whole story? 



Mutual Broadcasting System 

THE WORLD SERIES NETWORK 



42 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Radio Reviews 



Continued from page 34 



! 



string section is particularly fine in 
body and effective use is made of 
harp and chimes. Style is indicated 
bv choice of numbers— "Night Shall 
Be Filled With Music," "Waltz in 
Swingtime." "Stars Fell on Ala- 
bama," "Cheek to Cheek' and Or- 
chids in the Moonlight," all Gerow 
arrangements. Frayne Murr.ay .was 
in for "Remember" and 'Goodnight, 
Sweetheart." 

Whole program Is a very satisfy- 
ing half-hour segment of soothing 
and listenable late-night music, easy 
on the ears and holding excellent 
production qualities. McS>.ay. 



THE VETERAN'S REPORTER 

With Wally Sandack 

Writer: Sandack 

15 Mins.; Thurs., 10:30 p.m. 

Sustaining 

KDYL, Salt Lake City 

Wally Sandack is presented by the 
Utah Dept. of V.^'ersns Afla'rs, and 
he's the sort of vet commentator ex- 
GIs really go for. In addition to 
passing along news of interest to 
vets, and answering questions, San- 
dack is a crusader pulling few 
punches. 

Right now his programs are bat- 
tling for better housing and improved 
vocational training, so that he's no 
favorite with the local real estate 
Current housing problem in 



ing chores makes his reading potent 
and sincere. 

Sandack might do better by slow- 
ing down his delivery. His some- 
times too rapid-lire technique weak- 
ens the impact of his message. But 
all told it's a .solid show, really 
accomplishing something for the vet. 

fieri. 



board. - 

volves the completion of some 64 

dwellings tossed to the city by the and the stories are interestingly pre 
Fede»al Housing Authority 



IN THE DAYS OF GIANTS 
With Eart Hammer, Hank Fisher; 

Bert Little, organist 
Producer: Charles Lammers 
Writer: Alan Stern 
Sustaining 

15 Mins.: Sat.. 9:45 p.m. 
WLW, Cincinnati 

WLW's kidshow effort. "In the 
Days of Giants," based on the whole- 
some writings of Nathaniel Haw- 
thorne, . will have some tough com- 
petition to buck from the hordes of 
action stories that start after school 
lets out. It's a laudable effort in at- 
tempting to turn the tide against 
the blood-and-thunder school of kid- 
die entertainment, but results are 
apt to be a bit disconcerting, inas- 
much as the youngsters, by now ac- 
customed to the gory stuff, will find 
fairy tales much too tame. 

However, the moppets tuning into 
this session will get a diverting 15 
minutes that takes the peril of "re- 
quired reading 1 ' away from the 
Hawthorne classics and stresses their 
entertainment values. The enact- 
ments are good, direction is fast, 



CBS-Wiley Deal 



Continued from page 29 , 



Antwerp into a burst of temper that 
lent a razory shrillness to his voice. 

Local political experts have been 
figuring Van Antwerp as having a 
better than even chance, if only on 
the score that Jeffries has served 
four terms and lots of voters lean to 
the idea of giving some one else a 
chance. , Odec. 

Follow-up Comment! 

T :-.'."■<> 

Edward R. Murrow, on his Camp- 
bell soup commentary series last 
Wednesday evening (15) on CBS, d tf m8 

made an exception of the networks] CBS Radio Sales spot division 0 f 
no-recording rule to bring the , the web w m represent the HPL 
actual voice of Secretary of State a j rers for sales currently on the 11 
Marshall, as heard in a - speech | stations repped by the network. 



where they are except Drake, who'll 
be moved to WCBS, starting date 
and air time to be announced later. 
(Drake's Kello; -sponsored show 
on ABC, howevt , remains on that 
web.) 

HPL stanzas will be introed, as a 
result of the CBS-Wiley pact, on 
Columbia-owned WTOP, Washing- 
ton, and WCCO, Minneapolis, start- 
ing next Jan. 1, the net disclosed, 
and "other major markets will be 



DUTCH MAP COUNCIL 
TO ADMINISTER RADIO 

Hilversum, Netherlands, Oct. 21, 
Netherlands Radio Council has 
worked out a plan for handling 
radio in the nation, utilizing a Cen- 
tral Radio Institute which would 
direct programming and also con. 
trol transmitters. The plan has been 
submitted to the Minister of Educa- 
tion, Arts and Science, but appears 
likely to run into trouble from the 
Dutch Communists who have been 
demanding a transmission period of 
their own. 



San 

dack is laying it on the line, and 
fighting apathy on the part of the 
city as far as getting the needed 
$30,000 is concerned. 

Format of the show is simple, 
■with no fanfares, production or 
meaningless tossing of kudoes. San- 
dack does a straightforward report- 
ing job. and although he's a lawyer, 
his background of former announc- 



0, 



sented. Session heard had "The 
Magic Pitcher" in which a kindly 
old couple are rewarded for being 
hospitable to a pair of strangers. 
The naughty people in the village 
are turned into fish and their land 
becomes one vast lake. 

Despite all the effort put into the 
stanza, it would take a virtual coun- 
ter-revolution to put the fables on 
the kiddie hit-parade. 



The proposed Central Radio In- 
stitute would include a representa- 
tive from each of the existing radio 
organizations, but they would form 



as heard in a 

earlier in the day before the CIO | _ h ; Wilev''? stable of 

convention in Boston. The excerpts, I *f ch man .'" . w J/ h f^~', f °I 
apparently picked up by wire re- I p bbc " * s „„ sald f net hl P? e " t ? r t 

corder, were introduced by Bill least $50,000 yearly from the HPL , minoritv o£ the admini^o 

Downs, of the CBS news staff. It ! shows, in addition to incomes from \ only , a J? w ln0 '" y , ; °' 
was an effective spot, amply justi- j extra chores. Wheeler, for instance, I P ve . boalcL Penclm 8 creation of the 
tying the exception of the recording | does the "Amos 'n' Andy" commer- 
ban. Also on the same broadcast, i ciaISi wn i c h he'll continue to do. 
Murrow quoted some reassuring | D , d the Pillsbury commer . 
words from former Prime Minister. ' " ,. n „ Q „j n „„t r ., ct „ 

Churchill on the likelihood of war ! Cials on CBS Grand Central Sta- 
with Russia. I tl0n ' 111 addition to the ABC- 

Kellog/i deal. Adams does a CBS 
show for Omnibook from St. Louis. 
Wiley's negotiations with CBS 
on-again, off-again for 



"Archie Andrews," the half-hour 



Saturday morning dramatic serial is uave t 




Mot.: LOU CLAYTON 
UNITED K15XAI.I. ORUO CO 
Wednesday, KBC 10:30 P.M.. E.S.T 
M-G-M— "On the Island With Una" 
'THIS TIME FOR KEEPS" 



MAYORALTY DEBATE 
With Major Edward J. Jeffries, Eu- 
gene Van Antwerp, Matin Hayden 
30 Mins.; Wed. (15), 8 p.m. 
Sustaining 
WWJ, Detroit 

The Detroit News outlet can take 
a couple of public service bows for 
this one, and Eugene Van Antwerp, 
who is opposing the present incum- 
bent, Edward J. Jeffries, for the 
throne at Detroit City Hall, could, 
if he loses the" campaign, offer as a 
just alibi the fact that he let him- 
self be nudged into a series of radio 
debates. Regardless of the issues 
and his own standing as a politico, 
Van Antwerp, who is currently a 
city councilman, assumed no little 
handicap for the balance of the cam- 
paign in the single-mike joust with 
a seasoned mike craftsman and 
born-to-the-loudspeaker personality 
like the Mayor's. The contrast 
served to underscore a lesson learned 
long ago by politicians: don't tackle 
on the same broadcast with an op- 
ponent for office if his radio delivery 
gives him an edge. 

The opposing candidates crossfire 
at a single mike last Wednesday 
night (15) was an innovation for this 
town. WWJ knocked off the NBC- 
Dennis Day commercial to carry this 
first of three debates. The other 
two entail the elimination of the 
Firestone and Kraft-Al Jolson shows, 
Oct. 20 and 30, respectively. 

Martin Hayden, city hall reporter 
for the News, who suggested the de- 
bate idea, confines his moderator 
role to introducing the opponents. 
Each is allowed nine minutes for 
opening statement and five minutes 
for the rebuttal. It was particularly 
in the latter phase that Van Ant- 
werp showed to disadvantage. Ob- 
viously a master at keeping his de- 
livery at a controlled level and at 
sly needling, Jeffries provoked Van 



an innocuous dramatization of the 
"real life story," the escapades and 
misdeeds of this thoughtless and ir- 
responsible adolescenc, that ofien 
exceeds the bounas oi logic. . Show 
has been aired for some time but 
just recently was taken over by 
Swift for a buildup.- The meat- 
packing house may not be building 
up the strip's dramatic content but 
it can't be charged with wasting Op- 
portunities to puff its Brookfield 
sausage. "Actual sounds" of these 
tender morsels "sizzling in . the 
skillet" are brought to the dialer. 
Plugs' theme is 'it's just good rea- 
soning to get the sausage with the 
just right seasoning." Swift's pre- 
mium franks alto come in for a brief 
boost. 

Bob Hastings' characterization of 
Arc.iue is always a realistic bit of act- 
ing while Alice YoUrman and Arthur 
Kohl register as mom 'n' pop. Other 
cast members fill supporting bits in 
good style. Carl Jampel's script ap- 
parently is a faithful reflection of 
the bobby soxer's strata. However, 
it's none too original and is more 
than vaguely similar to Henry Al- 
drich and other shows of that ilk. 



James Mason clicked last week in 
a capsule dramatization of celebrated 
composer Wolfgang Mozart's career 
on CBS' "Radio Reader's Digest." 
Tastefully and discreetly the script 
unfolded a delicate tale of Mozart's 
early romance with his wife-to-be, 
C^nstanza, who becomes his inspira- 
tion. • • 

i^ason's performance was in his 
studied, typical vein. Eleanor Sher- 
man made a petite, "Stanzy," his 
devoted helpmate. Hallmark "host," 
Les Tremayn'e made an affable 
emcee. Jack Miller's musical ac- 
companiment helped sustain the 
mood distinctive of the airer. Marx 
Loeb production, direction and 
writing were top-drawer in this 
"prestige" dramat. 



several years, with the package 
flatly denying as recently as sev- 
eral weeks ago that the deal was 
again cooking. 

When he inked it, he also sold the 
web on continuing his highly suc- 
cessful gimmick oi maintaining so- 
Gulled testers' ouceavs in the eilJi'S 
where HPL snows are aired tr ptss 
upen all products to be advertised 
on the stanzas. At least o0% of a 
Cunimittee of 100 housewives in each 
locality must okrjy a product, re- 
gaidless of any other endorsements, 
before it is accepted. HPL airors in 
Chicago, Los ^n^elcs and St. Louis 
haa a total of >iZ national spot ad- 
vertisers in the .sast 12 months, CBS 
reports. 

Wiley began his show idea on 
KNX in 1934, airing an hour-long 
program early mornings, a half- 
hour show afternoons. He continued 
the stanzas when CBS took over the 
station in 1937. Then the late Ar- 
thur Dorrance, head of Campbell 
Soups, picked up the Wiley program 
as a 15-minute strip on CBS. Came 
the war and Campbell, trimming its 
radio-ad sails, dropped Wiley. Lat- 
ter then set about to" build an "as- 
sembly line" of local airers, all ac- 
tually written locally but sold and 
guided by Wiley, using Wiley- 
trained gabbers. 



Institute, it is recommended 1 st a 
national program be fed over one 
of the country's transmitters and 
joint organization programs over 
the others. 



Gotham 

Continued from page 251 ^ 

Hollywood remains the focal point, 
radio production and personalities 
will remain on the Coast. 



Alphonse-Gaston 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

The reciprocal guest-shot cycle in 
the still embryonic season moves in- 
to high gear early next month when 
Edgar Bergen brings his show east 
for at least four broadcasts. * 

He's already inked in for a guest 
stint on the Fred Allen airer, with 
which he's bracketed in the 60-min- 
ute Standard Brands Sunday night 
parlay. And Allen in turn moves 
into the Bergen slot for the Mc- 
Carthy heckling routine. 



MZ5Q31 




FOR SALE! 

"MR. PRESIDENT" 

' Starring." 

Edward Arnold 

Thursdays, 10 pm EST 

Fascinating, •nlighttning, unusual I Behind- 
the-scenes drama (non-political, of course) 
about the great men who have lived in the 
- White House. 

William Gorgon Saturdays, 1:00 pm EST 
w th Sammy Kay* . Mondays, 9:30 pm EST 
LANCE . Sundays, 5:00 pm EST 
. . Mondays. 9:00 pm EST 



PROGRAM DEPT. Circle 7-5700 



Detroit 

Continued from page 29 ; 



FM— Petrillo 

Continued from page 31 



that would again come through De- 
troit agency offices are the Chrys- 
ler, Dodge and Plymouth brands. 

Detroit itself as a spot source is 
pretty well confined to regional 
business these days. However, the 
national spot business in the other 
heavy industry cities covered out of 
Detroit has been on the rise, but 
it's still small stuff when compared 
to the days when the makers of 
durable goods in this sector had to 
compete. 

New accounts coming out of this 



origination of songstress Dona 
Mason and accompanist from Wash- 
ington's "King Cole Room" out 
of WASH, key station in the 28- 
.station FM hookup. This show was 
formerly carried on Wednesday 
nights but is temporarily off the net- 
work. And Petrillo uk,ase, of course, 
will not affect FM networking of 
military bands. • 

Affects WASH .Web Shows 
It does hit directly two Thursday 
night musical shows originated by 
WASH arid aired over the web. 
These* feature Abrasha Robofsky, 
baritone soloist, and an eight-piece 
band out of the Congo Room of the 
Carlton hotel. And it definitely halts 
further plans of the web to 
strengthen its music diet by origina- 
tions from other network points. 
Petrillo's wire to Dillard said: "Re- 
gret that your request to increase 
programs, for the Continental Net- 
work cannot be granted at this i 
time. We have no objection if these 



Ernest Anderson presents 
FRED ROBBINS' 

ONENITE STAND 

aAaJltidnigii Variety Concert 

The TrUB of the Ttnor . 



ILLINOIS 

JACQUET 



with RUSSELL JACQUET Shouting the KM* 
SIR CHARLES THOMPSON 

composer of Robbin's Nest 
J. J. JOHNSON . JOE NEWMAN • ML LUCAS 

SHADOW WILSON ft Others . 



SAVANNAH CHURCHILL 

and the LYNN PROCTOR TRIO 



Extra Added Attraction 



JACK CARTER 



Eleven-Thirty Saturday Night 



OCT. 25th 



eg TOWN HALL 

NOV. 15 - CARNEGIE HALL 
louis ARMSTRONG 

And His Concert Group 
Featurin g JACK TEAGABDEM 
"» 



sector are Jumbo Peanut Butter. 

minute announcements, Ralph H. I programs are broadcast by a single 



Jones agency; S. E. Meighton, Bed 
ford, O., dog foods, announcements; 
Swirl (H. J. Heinz), test campaign, 
eight markets, Maxon agency; 
Clarion Radio, three 15-minute re- 
corded shows with the King's Jes- , 
ters in about 50 markets, Gregory & | 
House, Cleveland, and Templeton's 
Razma, half-hour early a.m. local 
shows, flve-a-week, Armand S. Weill 
agency, Buffalo. 

Another spot entry, slated to start 
after the elections, is the Northern 
Appalachian Coal Assn. The original 
purpose of this announcement cam- 
paign, on 46 stations in Ohio, Penn- 
sylvania, New York, New Jersey, 
Maryland, Connecticut and District 
of Columbia, was to point out that 
the association's producers had 
plenty of coal for _ shipment, but 
they couldn't get the transportation. 
When the railroads heard of this 
copy line they asked the association 
to hold up its stuff so that they (the 
railroads) could get together with 
the producers and bankroll the spot 
campaign jointly. 



station." Dillard explained that costs 
of such live-music shows were gen- 
erally prohibitive for single-station 
FM sponsorship right now. 

On the question of permitting 
AM-FM duplication, the AFM chief 
wrote Dillard saying he was turn- 
ing the FM men down for 'the same 
reasons he had denied a similar re- 
quest from the four AM networks. 
Petrillo said webs had made the re- 
quest at a July 31 meeting in Chi- 
cago, and two parleys in New York 
City, Oct, 3 and 6. All three re- 
quests have been nixed. 



Cincinnati— In recognition of its 
accomplishment in merchandising 
and promotion of the retail meat in- 
dustry, WLW has received an award 
from the National Assn. of Retail 
Meat Dealers. It was made in St. 
Louis to Marshall Terry, the station's 
director of promotional activities, for 
helping to make dealers cognizant 
of the profit possibilities in meat 
and showing the way to tieins with 
national promotion at a local level. 



"The Yoke of long Island" 
FM Station 



WHNY 



98.3 



and 



WHLI 



1100 

on your dial 



Familiar Mask and News 



Selected Audition 
Material 

* 60 Actor's Auditions: Men, 

■ Women, Children, Character, 
\. Dialect— $1. 

* Personality-styled Announcer's 
Audition Material — $1. 

* Both for $1.75. 
NATIONAL SCRIPT SERVICE 
927 David Stott Bldg. Dei' 01 ' 



TMnewIay, October 22, 1947 



BA1IO 



43 



In-Again, Ont-Again FCC 
Mulling Its Fort Wayne 
Decision on Feldmans 

Fort Wayne, Oct. 21. 

Officials of Radio Fort Wayne are 
awaiting a decision of the FCC re- 
garding the granting of a license to 
operate a 250-watt station on 1,450 
kilocycles here, also requested by 
the Community Broadcasting Corp., 
owned by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Feld- 
man, of New York. . 

The commission tentatively had 
granted the application to the Feld- 
mans last May, buj; on July 28 it 
decided in favor of Radio Fort 
Wayne. However, it set aside its 
last decision when Feldman peti- 
tioned the FCC tor a rehearing. 

Paul A. Porter, in his first appear- 
ance before the FCC since he left 
his post at the Commission nearly 
two years ago, was counsel for the 
feldmans. • Feldman was widely 
known as a war correspondent for a 
national network, while his wife, 
Rhoda, is also well-known in radio 
circles. The couple owns 90% of the 
corporate stock, while a Fort Wayne 
lawyer holds the remainder. 

Porter argued that the Commission 
should decide the case on the basis 
of "what comes out of the loud- 
speaker and not on the accident of 
birth," and should not be bound by 
considerations of residence alone. 
George S. Smith, counsel for Radio 
Fort Wayne, argued that neither of 
the Feldmans had any manage- 
ment experience; neither is 
acquainted with the operation of a 
small station, and neither would live 
in Fort Wayne if their application 
were denied. 



FIRE DESTROYS WBIZ STUDIOS 

Des Moines, Oct. 21. 
Studios and radio station KBIZ 
on the third floor of the Anderson 
building. Ottumwa, Iowa, were de- 
stroyed by fire on Oct. 17. All 
broadcasting equipment of the sta- 
tion was destroyed but the station 
went on the air seven hours later 
from transmitter of the station lo- 
cated in another part of the city. 



BARRY GRAY TO JOCK 
AT MIAMI BEACH COPA 

Barry Gray, who recently ended 
his Mutual contract as a disk jockey, 
has been set on a 40-week jockey 
deal by Murray Weinger and Ben 
Slutsky for their Copacabana nitery 
in Miami Beach. He starts Nov. 1. 

It'll be a midnight to. 4 a.m. 
session, every night, and calls for 
Gray to spend 26 weeks in Miami, 
with the other 14 to be used up in 
some way yet to be determined. 
Slutsky also operates the Nevele 
Country Club in upstate New York, I 
and Gray may disk-jock up there 
after Florida. 

No station yet set for the Miami 
chore. 



ABC Wooing Sponsor For 
Joan Crawford 8G Show 

Joan Crawford has cut a half-hour 
nighttime show for ABC network, 
with the net at the moment holding 
an exclusive option on the package 
while trying to woo a potential 
sponsor. 

It has an $8,000 price tag attached 
to it. Show will star Miss Crawford 
in a weekly series reprising her vari- 
ous dramatic roles in films. 



Tyson Lands Pitt Disk 
Chore Vice Thompson 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 21. 
Dave Tyson, veteran disk jockey 
who recently switched to WCAE 
after spending nearly seven years 
on WWSW, ha* ,anded the m.c. berth 
on the Wilken"s Amateur Hour, 
which resumes on WCAE Nov. 9 
after laying off for several months. 
Jewelry firm had auditioned dozens 
of local performers and musicians 
for the spot vacated by Lang Thomp- 
son when he returned to Chicago re- 
cently to rejoin Frederick Brothers 
agency. 



Thick' Kelly to WCAU 

Philadelphia, Oct. 21. 
John J. (Chick) Kelly has been 
named publicity director of WCAU, 
local CBS outlet, effective next week. 

Kelly at' one time was head flack 
| for KYW here and resigned last year 
to join the Carl Byoir agency in New 
York. 

At the time Kelly was publicity 
boss at KYW he was often mistaken 
for another John J. Kelly, who 
headed the publicity department for 
WPEN. The latter Kelly was recent- 
ly named public relations director 
for La Salle College. 



FCC Okays First Rural 
FM Web, to Link Six 
Stations in N. Y. State 

. Washington, Oct. 21. 

In one of the first actions of its 
Kind, the FCC last week okayed con- 
struction of a six-station rural FM 
network in New York State. Grants 
went to the Rural Radio Foundation, 
a non-profit group made up of nine 
farm organizations and cooperatives. 
Lone dissent was registered by FCC 
Commissioner Robert F. Jones, who 
wanted a hearing on the farm bids. 

The six stations will cost an esti- 
mated $263,000 to put on the air and 
will be located as follows: Newfjeld, 
DeRuyter, Cherry Valley, Highmar- 
ket, South Bristol and Wethersfield, 
all in New York State. All six sta- 
tions will air the same shows, with 
each of the six undertaking some 
network origination*. Programs 
will feature weather and market re- 
ports, music and religion, crop news, 
quiz and children's shows. The six 
outlets will be financed by a $400,- 
000 loan from two of the nine farm 
groups. 

First AM station to be owned by 
! a farm cooperative is newly-acti- 
I vated WRFD, Columbus; WCFM, a 
consumers cooperative here, holds a 
franchise for an FM station due to 
go on the air in Jan., 1948. 



12-Station Jersey Hookup for Traffic 
Campaign Via Top-Talent Drama Series 



KMBC's Church Pushing 
FM With All Stops Out 

Kansas City, Oct. 21. 
While FM radio is having mid- 
dling luck locally, Arthur B. Church 
of KMBC and. the Midland Broad- 
casting Co. is pushing the radio 
baby to the utmyst. Latest move by 
Church is to petition the FCC for j 
a boost which would send the power j 
allotment of KMBC-FM to 465,000 ] 
watts. 

A second step by Church was to ! 
lengthen the broadcasting day of 
the FM outlet, and the station now | 
i.s on the air from 12:55 to 9 p.m. 
daily. These steps came early this 
month when KMBC-FM mover to 
its permanent dial position of 100.5 
megacycles in channel 263. 

WDAF, radio outlet of the Kansas 
City Star, meanwhile has passed up 
FM as having worthwhile possibili- 
ties locally. The station has had a 
license to set up a sizeable operation 
in FM and had plans to spend a wad 
of dough on the project. All the j 
plans were dropped, however, early 
this summer. 



Cleveland— WGAR is going to ex- 
tend its Monday through Saturday 
closing hour from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. 
Hal Morgan will keep the airways 
filled with his disk stanza called 
"Morgan's Musical Inn." 



Hunt NAB Meet Site 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Ben McGlashen has been named 
to head a committee to find lebens- 
raum for the NAB's proposed first 
national convention to be held here 
next spring. Group is to find a head- 
quarters site, plus convention and 
celebration quarters among the ho- 
tels here. 

Alternate cities are San Francisco 
or Cleveland but Coastites, particu- 
larly, and broadcslers generally, are 
said to favor the conclave's locating 
here. 



Trenton, Oct. 21. 

The State of New Jersey, con- 
cerned about the truffle problem and 
its offshoot of motor accidents, has 
recently adopted a three-pronged 
program of engineering, enforce- 
ment and education to reduce the 
losses in lives, health and property. 
Radio has come in for a major share 
of the campaign, and for strong 
praise as to the beneficial results. 

Stale uses spot announcements, 
news items, round table discussions 
and related methods. But the best 
way of telling the safety story, ac- 
cording to Director of Safety Educa- 
tion Leo R. Welch, has been through 
weekly 15-minute dramatizations. 
These programs are built around 
actual cases that happened in Jersey, 
with State showing how tragedies 
occurred, how they might have been 
prevented, and the effect so often 
left on so many other people. Titled 
"Highways to Safety," dramats are 
produced by the Motor Vehicles 
Commission and recorded at NBC. 

Typical human interest stories in- 
cluded the young girl whose funeral 
was held from the church where on 
the same day she was to have been 
married, but was killed crossing the 
street. Another concerned a young 
couple about to set up housekeeping, 
killed at a railroad crossing. An- 
other about a blind boy and his see- 
ing eye dog struck by a careless 
driver, etc. 

Top radio talent is used for these 
shows.. Twelve Jersey stations are 
carrying the program each week, 
with State convinced that traffic con- 
ditions have improved during the 
time the programs have been on the 
air. Arthur W. Magee, Commis- 
sioner of Motor Vehicles, has been a 
sparkplug behind these programs. 



Detroit ■ — Dick Connell and Fred 
Hopkins, former owners of WJBK 
in Detroit before selling it to Fort 
Industries, have opened WHRV at 
Ann Arbor. 



<?» CLELLAN CARD 



r ...H»'» WCCO's next sold-owt start 

' It has happened before. 

An advertiser wanted to sell in the Northwest. Naturally he picked WCCO. And 
naturally he wanted Cedric Adams, Larry Haeg or some other high-rated WCCO star. 

But we have had to say: "Sorry. He's sold out. With a long waiting list." 

That's why you better stake/a claim now on Clellan Card. As WCCO's newest star 
! —and next sell-out — he can be a gold mine for you! 

Back at WCCO for less than eight weeks, Clellan already is working for four 
sponsors* And no wonder. They know he gets the kind of results he got for other WCCO 
advertisers from 1934 to 1944: 16,000 box tops pulled in response to fifteen announce- 
ments; 15,700 jokes pulled in a nine-week story telling contest, etc. ono* etc. 

WCCO's winning Card is available for participating sponsorship as emcee of WCCO's 
"Spinner's Sanctum" (11 :30 p.m. to 1 :00 a.m., six days a week). Taking the place of "Night 
Owl," this new livelier show inherits 36% of the listening audience* and 100,000 "Night 
Owl" club members. 

To put your sales message on our Card and have it delivered personally throughout 
WCCO's territory with 906,600 radio families, better get an option quick on Clellan Card. 
Get in touch with us or Radio Sales. 



★ Butternut Coffee— "Man on the Street" 

Gold Seal Wax —"Open House" 

Colgate-Palmolive- Peet— "Quiz of the Twin Cities" 

Marshall- Wells Hardware —"The Marshall-Wells Show*' 
+CBS-WCCO Listener Diary. Av. quarter-hour share 

of audience (10%-100';' < , BMB Area) 

J0.000 WATTS -fcOlUMBIA OWNED 
Represented by Radio Salef ... Radio Stations Representative"! . . CBS: New York, 
Chicago, lot Angeles, Detroit, Jon Francisco, Atlanta 




Minneapolis 

WCCO 

St. Paul 



44 ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Seattle 


ONIM— Mums*) lafti 


V 

~e 
S 


N3XM— aasAoa uur 


Denver 


HAKIM— ajorav auaj) 


Dallas 


aiHH— uunni uiAiam 


tk 
IA 


OjISH— tolSuBi n»M 


Phila. 


V".I,I,U ADITJO 90f 


Cincy 




Charlotte 


XH4V— ^a?sqaAV 1-injl 


SAVA1 — sa.iinbg ozuo|V 


U 


9HM — itpaunaji qoa 


*5 


MAIM— »raosA\o N ho 


St. Le 


HOXH— s»q[8nH Hsna 


u 
e 
a 


OMirAV— puni ai.uoH 


Clevel 


MHM— l|apu»M pna 


Can. 


AMM3— »s«q3 aippa 


a 


MfAV— P!A«a ^qox 


u 

Q 


flOXAV — •«*HbII«D pa 


M 
01 

e 
< 




^vtw — sun uoff 

liT lit S HU 


w 
0 
—J 


3 VIM— aimSnniare q«a 


:ago 


afilAV— nojiimBH «>!f 


IE 
u 


arr 4v— ««>««!S »i«-«a 


York 




1 




WEEK OF 
OCT. 12 



•g .5 1 85 - § 
S ?| fc 3 u 



3? •Eh-, 0 



5 ? -2 « 3 

o o 2 il 

o 



I 

L 

O r o) 
i.8 »* 

V|| g 
° 

t» ^ m W 

* - s 3 § 
I s ! I 



ft I 

e w 

o 



•S -S-f s 



O .0) 

o 



•£•£•8 

o e a o o p. 



rfj •<•; "■*-» 

u h v> 5 is 

> 5f « a 

is s B ,« 

« fc S 2 S! 



88 | 
a, H * 



o s «» 
0<H & 



Oi © f< W m 



< lea 



; M 
' 5 
at 



I 



o 



>1 

to 

■9 i 



r* 



■a 



1-3 



e 



II 



S 
P 



I 
* 

» 



> 

e 
J 
— j 
"a 



o 

w 

a 
o 



! 



c 



s 



c 
V 



o 
+> 

a 

CO 

U 



C4 



e 

to 



ID 

o 
fe- 



es 

s 

c 
< 

IS 
J 

3 
3 
(M 

c 

O 



0 

3 
e 

*• 
s 
o 



I 

8 



•a 



3 

-J 



s 
o 

a 

.-a 
B 



U 



Wedn**<lay, October 22, 1947 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



45 



NO TANIC AMONG MAJOR DISKERS 



AFM Prods Copyright Act 

The newest Petrillo edict and the "showdown" fight on behalf 
of the music business — records, jukeboxes, bands, transcriptions, 
radio adjuncts, etc.— may finally force action on the Copyright 
Act of 1909. 

It's long been contended that the statute is obsolete; that there 
have been sundry costly litigations on sound "recording" which, 
for all practical purposes, kayoed the statutory 2c royalty to the 
copyright owner per disk "for home use"; that that legend of 
"licensed only for home use" on recordings, in itself, is a farce 
since these are the very phonograph records being utilized for 
etherization over the air by radio; disk jockeys, et al. 

The music business has long smarted over the inequities of the 
1909 law, which, naturally enough, couldn't foresee 1 ' the miracles 
of radio, television and its expanded showmanship and other 
uses with the rise of the coin-machine industry. 

The disk jocks, who earn more . on top of everyone else con- 
cerned with the making of records, by glib salesmanship of this 
or that commodity, via a mundane phonograph record selling for 
50c to 75c, under 1947 standards of radio-combined-with-records, 
direct-to-the-consumer sales-spieling, are a veritable big 
business. 

The National Assn. of Performing Artists, stymied in protect- 
ing interpretations of this or that composition against free use 
over the radio or in the jukes — latter collecting 5c to 10c per 
playing — long have been in the background of any legal maneu- 
ver along these lines. 

So — the wisdom of Petrillo's latest move put to one side— this 
may well achieve in Washington, through stress of union power, 
what sundry show business components couldn't achieve under 
less strenuous circumstances. All seem agreed that a new Copy- 
right Act, taking into consideration today's progress in the elec- 
tronics form of entertainment, is inevitable. Our solons have 
been remiss in formulating the amendments. Petrillo may hasten 
It. - Abel. 



PETRILLO BAN 
IS EXPECTED 

There is a noticeable lack of ex- 
citement, or, as some have put it, 
panic," among the major recording 
companies as the result of the 
American Federation of Musicians' 
announcement Saturday (18) that 
record-making by AFM members 
would halt once and for all after 
Dec. 31. Virtually every one of the 
company heads had accepted a long 
while back that James C. Petrillo, 
the AFM head, would take this 
course. 

Their major concern as of last 
week was whether the AFM would 
live up to the two-month cancellation 
clause in the royalty contract. Some 
diskers clearly expected the AFM 
to double-cross the companies and 
put a stop to recording immediately 
rather than give the two-month no- 
tice and allow the companies that 
(Continued on page 54) 



Pubs, Again in Middle of Disk Tiff, 
Forced Into Long-Range Time Plans 



Music publishers, who again will 
be in the middle of the American 
Federation of Musicians battle with 
the recording industry are going 
about planning for the disk con- 
tingency in a 'much more studied 
manner than they seemed to in pre- 
paring for the last strike of the mu- 
sicians against the diskers. Many 
■major pubs are actually blueprint- 
ing songs they will work on as far 
ahead as next fall. Unfortunately, 
whatever plans they make now are 
too closely subjected to the whim of 
the public's taste for tunes to make 
any sort of a plan stand up for long. 

All pubs are digging for material. 
In some cases writers are dipping 
into trunks containing tunes written 
years ago, rejected then by pubs and 
filed away. These are being brought 
out and passed around again for 
consideration. 

However, regardless of hdw many 
tunes accepted by publishers are 
passed on to disk companies for 
disking, and no matter how much 
publishers plan schedules of exploit- 
(Conlinued on page 50) 



Bob Bundy Moves to Gale 
To Set Up New Division 

Bob Bundy. long with Consolidat- 
ed Radio Artists as a concert and 
special event booker, moved to the 
Gale Agency Monday (20), in New 
York. His switch to Gale brings 
about creation of an entirely new 
department ,jr that office. 

Bundy's new duties will be sub- 
stantially the same as . those with 
CRA. He'll handle outdoor shows, 
et al. Prior to his CRA post he had 
been with the Sy Shribman setup 
and sundry other bookers. 



Existing Bull Market On Vocals 
A Break for Diskers, But Long 
Ban Can Bring About Deflation 



Keynote Reopens Coast 
Office With Guy Ward 



♦ The one thing that is to the ad- 
vantage of the recording 'companies 
during tne coming stoppage of disk- 
making by the American Federation 



21. 



of Musicians is that today's disk 



Hollywood. Oct 

Keynote Records, which John market is a singer's world. They 
Hammond bought into and reshuf- | are at the moment accounting f,.r 
„ . .. . * , i the vast majority of sales. Name 

fled-its setup, again has opened an . ^ can £ ^ t0 only a minor 

outpost here, with Guy Ward tit the | percentage of the overall figure on 
helm. Switch in policy also 
been effected. 



Dreyfus Puts 
Unique Twist 
On Deadtoe 



Instead of concentrating on jazi, 
Keynote henceforth will issue noth- 
ing but albums, few of which will be 
in the jazz idiom. Label has secured 
from the Czechoslovakian govern- 
ment the U. S. recording rights to 
Ultraphone and Esta catalogs, thick 
sheaves of standard Bohemian folk 
music, world publishing rights to 
which the government in Prague 
long has rightly clasped. 

Keynote plans to issue 10 albums 
of these polkas before Christinas, 
hoping to garner sales from a* type 
of folk tune seldom waxed in tnis 
country. 



In anticipation of the record ban 
finally set by' the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians over the weekend, 
music publishers have been working 
far ahead of themselves. It remained 
for Max Dreyfus' Chappell firm, 
however, to put the unusual twist 
to release dates on future music. 

Chappell firm will have the Cole In 1941 . the inability of various 
Porter score of Metro's "The Pirate," i recording companies to obtain, the 
which won't be released until some 1 materials they needed to produce 



Ban Will Stymie 
New Disk Talent 



'Hit Parade' In 
MPHC Settlement 



DISCUSS RECORDING 
IN NEARBY COUNTRIES 



time next year. 

Larry Spier, Dreyfus' general 
manager, last week asked recording 
companies to sign agreements that 
they would not record the score — 
until Chappell advised them of the 
date of the film's release. At the 
same time, each was supplied with 



recordings, because of the war, 
forced the manufacturers to refuse 
to take on new talent for develop- 
ment. Consequently, all during the 
war years and for some time after- 
wards, new talent in the vocal and 
band fields was almost completely 



has | major and minor labels alike. 

I While the disk companies them- 
selves have no fight with Petrillo, 
and would and are eager to continue 
to pay the union a royalty under "a" 
renewal of the existing contract, or 
under some alternative plan, they 
are prevented from doing so by the 
Taft-Hartley Act. However, that 
doesn't mean that they are not going 
to use every means possible to cir- 
cumvent PetriUo's musicians ban 
and record as much as they pan- 
after Dec. 31, using devices to ac- 
j company all the vocal names. If 
the recording men can develop a 
j suitable substitute for musical ac- 
I companiment to these oeople they'll 
■ be able to continue in the face of the 
music ban indefinitely. And some of 
the recording men have been work- 
ing for the past two or three months 
to develop ersatz sounds that closely 
approximate instruments they will 
not be able to use. 

During the last strike, singers 
were just bej^nning to overtake 
name bands in the disk" sales derby. 
They used vocal groups for back- 
ground. Most of their efforts were" 
weak attempts to substitute for in- 
struments. If they can achieve that 
aim this time the disk business will 
be in good shape. If they cannot, 
both the disk companies and the 
singers themselves will be* in plenty 
of trouble when their stock of pie- 
ban disks runs out. 



copies of the music they . are not j throttled*. The top names established 
supposed to eecord — even with the ! at the start of the war were frozen 
AFM's ban on disking after Dec. 31 j in their positions, 
staring them in the face. i The American Federation of 



Tradesmen believe that the cur- 
rent bullmarket on singers will be 
considerably deflated if their arrang- 
ers and recording men cannot sus- 
tain the same quality of instrumen- 
tal-background recordings. And if 
the singers are deflated by such 



Gimmick in the arrangement (and ', Musicians' forthcoming stoppage of j cause, name bands, may get a loe- 



all recording companies excepting j recording can achieve the same re- 
Capitol agreed to it), is that, while , su u. With no new recordings being 
the diskers formally agreed not to made there will be no way for such 
record the music until given the j entertainers as Frankic Laine 
reen light, Chappell expects them j (Mercury), Vic Damone <Mcr- 



to before Dec. 31 
it serve diskers 
pointed out. 
Answer to the unique arrangement 



Why else would 
with copies, it's 



cury), Mel Torme (Musierafti. and 
others who have made even a 
slight dent in public favor since the 
end of the war, to accelerate their 



is that any recording company which j start There are a i ways radio . films. 

and the stage, of course, but these 



tries to schedule a disking of one of 



American Tobacco, sponsor of the 
Lucky Strike "Hit Parade'' radio 
show, and Music Publishers Holding 
Corp., composed of the Warnei Bros, 
music publishing group, finally 
reached a settlement last week of 
the court action preferred by the 
publisher against the sponsor over 
the lalter's handling of its songs on 
the show. This out-of-court settle- 
ment of the case had been in nego- 
tiation for months. 

Terms of the disposition are un- , . 
, . . , vi i ■ r i here last weoK 

disclosed, and the explanation of ' _ 

them by both sides is vague. MPHC 

apparently has the right to huddle 

with the program people over 



j media of progress for new talent 



the tunes involved for release before 

Chappel gives an okay can bo sued ) snail . like in comparison to the 
for recording the tune ,n the face of skyrocketing cIimb a hit rccord can 
the signed agreement not to do so. example. Frankic I.ainc 



hold for a climb back up the ladder 
of favor. However, such an opening 
for them would be governed, of 
course, by the amount of material 
disk companies have in stock by 
then and how long it would last. But. 
again, many of these bands have 
standard diskings that could in re- 
issue help such a putsch back into 
favor. It's all a very possible com- 
plication of an extended refusal by 
the AFM to permit recordings. 



changes in the formula used to select 



First thing Monday < 20 > morning, 
when music and band business 
tradesmen got back to work and be- 
gan discussing the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians' latest move 
against recordings, talk began about 
recording in Mexico, Cuba. Canada, 
and other adjacent countries. In j the songs. In addition. MPHC has 
fact, one booker 'and one publisher the right to check the weekly corn- 
claimed to have been approached I putations any time it reels neccs- 
that same day by a Latin maestro \ sary. 

and a Latin songwriter, both of j MPHC's suit s gainst the "Hit 
whom were on the prowl for (i- j Parade'' was inaugurated several 
nancial assistance to sot up record- j years ago in behalf of Rcmick and 
ing studios south of the border via j Advance Music. One of the songs 
which they hoped to supply fresh involved was "Don't Sweetheart 
material to disk manufacturers Me." Suit was filed for $100,000' 



WOLL VICE PADWAY 
AS AFM ATTORNEY 

Chicago, Oct. 21, 
J. Albert Woll was appointed' at- 
torney for the American Federation 
of Musicians, James C. Petrillo said 
He succeeds the late 
Joseph Padway. of Whose law firm 
he was member. 

Woll was named by the union's 
international executive board, in 
session here last week. 



achieve. For exampl 
a year ago was a $75 a wec.K singer: 
today he's being sold at the head of 
package shows playing theatres" on 
heavy guarantees and percentage". 
By the same token a sustained disk 



IRVING FIELDS CITED 
UNFAIR BY MPCE 

Music Publishers Contact Em- 
ployees union continued its cam- 
I halt could conceivably bring back to ! paign against artists and clubs who 
. favor entertainers who by now d( . mand or condone the payment of 
i might he out of the b.o. picture but j money f or the performance of songs, 
' who , in the past have made record- i b y placing maestro Irving Fields, 
ings, If the disk companies ever ; llow at the Crest Room. New York, 
•reach the point where they are ! out „f bounds for membors. Reason 
forced' to dig into old masters for , Fields was. installed on the "unlair 
marketable material, it's possible i-lisi"' is not specified.' 
thi.t someone would break 'out. into | MpcE began it . s campaign, which, 
a disk seller, much in the way Al i inddentaUyi u sta tes w nl not be 



here. Both bids were rejected. 

On the angle of recording in 
other countries, no one has much 
to say. Recording men suspected 
during the last disk argument with 
the AFM that disks were made in 
Mexico and pressed here. But 
others looked upon talk concerning 
such origination points for the disks 
as a coverup for the fact that some 
were being made right In New- 
York in defiance of the then-exist- 
ing ban against disking. 



J. Dorsey Doesn't Plan 
Agency Pact for Awhile 

Jimmy Dorsey, whose contract 
with General Artists Corp. expired 
the latter part of last month, ap- 
parently has no intention of im- 
mediately signing a new one with 



Jo I son is again currently riding a 
crest as a result of "The Jo'.son j 
Story" film and his Decea record- j 
ings of tunes from it, plus others | 



not used in the film. 



GAC or any other agency. Before ' Uimbia Records' Hollywood office. 



damages in each case by attorney 
Lee Eastman. A lower court tossed 

it out, on the premise that it was im- jr ., ti()|1 of hi;; GAC agree- ' went to work Monday (20) for 

possible to fix damages in such an i , ^ 

action. Later, the N. Y. Suite court 



completed with Fields, by naming 
the Pelham Heath Inn., N. Y.. as "un- 
j fair" and forbidding members to 
i contact leaders that play the spot, 
j Herman Schubert, owner of the 
I suburban nitery. appeared before the 
j MPCE's council last week to protest 
the action. He spoke and answered 
' questions for two hours, and the 
: council subsequently agreed to let 
Bill Richards, former head of Co- , it* decision in his case stand. 



BILL RICHARDS JOINS 
BOURNE AS EXEC AIDE 



of. appeals decided that MPHC did 
have a cause of action. 



Harry Sanlly took over as head 
of the New York branch of George 
Pinion's music publishing outfit. 
Sanlly was with Mood Music. 



Dorsey gave the Now 
agency authorization lo 



Mus- 
book 



Case involving the MPCE's refusal 
to admit to membership Don Wall- 
Bourne Music in N. Y. He becomes ; mark, who Republic Music wanted to 
assistant to Saul Bernstein, head of , hire as its Coast rep, will go to arbi- 
tration. Wallmark had never been 
a MPCE man, and the union look 



men 
Art 

him fur fix M"i)ths on one-ni'ihters Bourne. 

and locations, and he made a deal I Richards will alternate between 
with Harry Romm to book him for N. ' Y. and Hollywood, in complete 



theatres. 

That agreement still stands and. 
it's claimed, it's likely to for a while 
I al least. 



charge of the publisher's afTairs. sub- 
ject, of course, to Bornstein himself. 



the attitude that it had men out of 
work and they should get first crack 
at Republic's job. Firm took its (ire- 



Arrangement will leave the latter . rogatiye for asking arbitration in the 
more free time for himself. ' matter. Date isn't set. 



46 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Disk Jockey Reviews 



"Refugee's Lullaby," which was 
given a buildup on the show and in 
newspaper ads. It helped Allen's 
Wood. 



YOUR BALLAD MAN 
With Alan Lomax 
Producer: Merton Koplin 
Supervisor: Elsie Dick 
39 Mins.: Wed., 12:30 p.m. 
Sustaining 

Mutual, from New York 

Alan Lomax, now Decca Records' 
folksong authority, is the Texan who 
toured the country for five years 
recording sectional folk music for 
the Library of , Congress. In this 
informal half-hour on Mutual, he is 
eomboing selections from these re- 
cordings with commercial platters first week greatly, 
by such balladeers as Susan Reed 
and Burl Ives and such exponents of 
specialized music as Pete Johnson, 
boogie pianist, in a session aimed at 
sharpening public appreciation of 
folk music. 

It's a formless, rambling stanza, 
with Lomax in the role of a folk- 
song disk jockey, but it holds plenty 
of pppeal, thanks to the variety and 
quaintness of the material used and, 
even more importantly, to the easy- 
going, offhand way in which Lomax 
explains the numbers, tells folklore 
surrounding them, etc. He even 
sings along with some of the tunes, 
and often repeats lyrics as a ballad 
is being sung, where *he words 
aren't distinct. 

On last week's (15) sequence, sec- 
ond of the series, for instance, 
Lomax chanted along with a back- 
woods balladeer known only as 
"Porkchops" through an early-day 
roundelay called "The Green Grass 
Grows All 'Round." He interpolated 
through a recording of Negro con- 
victs in a road gang stamping out 
"a rhythm song" -called "Ring, O 
Hammer." He described Americans 
as "masters of darned foolishness in 
song" and Susan Reed as "a little 
mocking bird singing in the morn- 
ing." He played a song of the Erie 
Canal Sailors waxed by Burl Ives, 
and then sang a verse he said Ives 
had forgotten to include in the 
platter. 

It's beautiful corn and. to borrow 
a Lomax phrase, "sweet as sugar 
cane." Manhattan's city slickers 

should get a chance to hear and period spent with now-defunct ARA 



Musicraft in Deal 

With Shep Fields Orch 



the-minute statistics on individual 
players, plays, etc. And it's fairly 
safe to assume that given time he 
will turn the same sort of trick to 
the people who make records. He 
must to survive. The disk jock 
derby of today is too swift a race. 

WINS is doing all that it can to 
aid its new spinner, however. For > .. 

the opening, series of shows it used \^:2^< ! 9 &Si^!SS^3ffi& 
a controversial recording titled 



Shep Fields' new orchestra has 
been signed by Musicraft Records to 
a term contract of undisclosed 
length. Agreement, however, calls 
for padding tne current instrumen- 
tation of Fields' combo for record- 
ing purposes. Whereas it now con- 



MUSICAL CLOCK 
With Stuart Wayne 
120 Mins.; 7 a.m.; Mon.-thru-Sat. 
Participating 
KYW, Philly 

Stu Wayne is one of the vets in 
the ever-changing disk jockey race 
around Philly. Last week he cele- j 
brated his 5th anni as platter-spinner i 
on KYW. His "Musical Clock" is^a ; 
waker-upper show, starting at 7 a.m. 
for two hours. 

Unlike th*e school of early-riser 
spielers which features the biisk 
"it's great-to-get-up-in the morning" 
style, Wayne wakes you up with a 
soothing Down East drawl (he's a 
New Englander). His selections of 



the group's string section of four 
will be increased to nine or 10 for 
each record date. Initial recordings 
will cut within the next two weeks. 

Fields, incidentally, is cutting the 
run oi his band at his own Glen 
Island Casino, New Rochelle, N. Y., 
from full-week to weekends only. 
Policy begins this week; the spot 
will be open only Friday and Satur- 
day evenings. - >'■-- 



Finley Settlement 
Denied by MCA 



Music Corp. of America denies 
that it has made any sort of settle- 
recordTnfrare based" ™ wi t" Larry Finley to wind up 

quests but he varies the pace by : the monopoly suit Finley lodged 



going heavy on novelty tunes. 

Wayne does most of his own com- 
mercials; others are transcriptions. 
Show has had virtually 100% spon- 
sorship since its inception. Shal. 



BOB CROSBY, DECCA 
WIND UP CONTRACT 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Bob Crosby and Decca Records 
have severed relations. Crosby has 
been with Decca for more than 12 
yerrs with the exception of war 
service in the Marines and a short 



judge this show (it originates in 
N. Y.. but isn't aired over WOR- 
only net). . Doan. 



RECORD REVEILLE 

With Bill Evans 

60 Mins.; 7 a.m., Mon.-thru-Sat. 

Participating 

WON, Chicago 

"Record Reveille". typifies the disk 
show keyed to metropolitan waking 
habits. Personality byplay and rec- 
ord chitchat are minimized in favor 
of useful information for folks 
who'ye got to be up and at 'em. 
There's five minutes of news, with 
time and weather data sandwiched 
between disks. Such shows go with 
toast and coffee in many a listener's 
morning ritual. 

Evans has been with this one since 
January, 1943. His manner is bouncy, 
brisk and workmanlike. There are 
disks to be spun, commercials to be 
read, and he doesn't get in the way 
of any late riser who might lose an- 
other minute by waiting to hear the 
outcome of a story. It's off to work 
for you, chum, and take your rain- 
coat 'cause showers are predicted. 

Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore and 
other top singers figure strong in the 
platter pattern, along with" the 
meatier orchestrations of name 
bands. Frenzied jive and freaks are 
generally bypassed. Baxt. 



diskery just after his release from 
uniform. 

Crosby is miffed because, in con- 
trast to over 100 disks released prior 
to his military service, there have 
been but two issued since his return 
to Decca over a year ago. However, 



against the agency last year. Fin- 
ley's attorneys had claimed last week 
in Hollywood that the transcription 
producer and former operator of 
Mission Beach Park, San Diego, Cal., 
had accepted $45,000 f rom the 
agency to drop his action. MCA as- 
serts that such a claim was made in 
an effort to induce a settlement. 

MCA also denies that Mike Falk, 
head of its Detroit branch (set up 
when the agency bought out Falk's 
agency), had quit during the new 
wave of resignations of MCA men 
last week. That he is still with MCA 
is pointed out by Falk himself. 
However, Falk had come close to 
splitting with the agency. 

Set Coast NAD J 

Hollywood, Oct. 
A Greater Los 



Band Reviews 



SHEP FIELDS ORCH (17) 
With Ton! Arden, Bill Johnstone 

Four Beaus and A Peep 
Glen Island Casino, New Rochelle, 

N. Y. 

Shep Fields' new orchestra, built 
a short time ago to take over the 
bandstand of Glen Island Casino, 
which he operates on lease from the 
Westchester County Park Commis- 
sion, is a good one. Based on a mod- 
ernized version of the "Rippling 
Rhythm" style which Fields devel- 
oped and rode to b.o. success more 
than 10 years ago, the band is com- 
posed of three trumpets, five sax, 
four fiddles, accordion, bass, drums 
and piano. And it is Fields' theory 
that >on the current market the 
"Rippling Rhythm" that he injects 
into his arrangements will be some- 
thing entirely "new" since a com- 
pletely fresh audience has grown 
up since his first "rippling" band. 

Fields' theory may be correct, and 
it may help him.push this new band 
up to a point where it will make 
money, but, .at the moment, what's 
more likely to help this combo is 
that it is a smart group both for 
listening and dancing. And its vocals 
are unusually good. He may be 
making a mistake, however, in plac- 
ing that "Rippling Rhythm" 
tag on this outfit since it is as far 
from the bubble-blowing, sticky- 
sweet approach that the early band 
used as 1947 is from 1935. This new 
combo is not sweet and it's not jump. 
It's a smart combination of the two, 
with the emphasis on a dance beat 
no matter what is being played. 
Fields is careful about the latter, 
and the dancers who patronize his 
spot apparently feel that it's worth 



of the National Association of Disk 



ARTIE SHAW BACKS OUT 
OF MUSICRAFT DEAL 

Musicraft Records, which was sup- 
posed to have signed Artie Shaw 
to a new recording contract several 
weeks ago, never completed the deal. 
After negotiations had reached the 
point where both sides had agreed 
to a deal and everything except 
the actual signing had been com- 
■wuua uci 21. pieted, Shaw backed out. It's under- 
Angelcs Chapter stood that Qne of the reasons he did 



, Jockeys was officially formed here 
Decca says no real friction existed tne night of 0ct 15 Majority of 



that the batoneer's pact expired and 
will not be renewed 



Robert M. Jones, Columbia Rec- 
ords' art director, will exhibit his 
paintings at a public exhibition in 
November in New York. 



MEL ALLEN SHOW 

180 Mins.; 2 p.m., Mon.-Sat. 

Participating 

WINS, N. Y. 

In following the trend of sporfs- 
casters, newscasters, announcers and 
just about every other type of 
broadcasters into disk jockeying. 
Mel Allen is getting a bit of a break 
with his new platter show. Allen 
does the play-by-play spiel of the 
New York Yankee baseball games 
on WINS air six months or so in 
approximately the same 2 to 5 p.m. 
slot now occupied by his disk deal. 
In filling that same period during 
the winter with disk jockeying it 
figures he's. being allowed a fair lead 
off the Hooper starting line in hav- 
ing a fair-sized audience trained to 
the WINS dial setting. 

That, plus a distinctive, extremely 
pleasant voice and style of delivery 
is all in Allen's favor. In addition 
he is being assisted by someone 
who's well aware of the current 
musical picture and who is setting 
up good programs. 

All that part of the setup is an 
advantage to Allen. But, the time 
break, record programming and 
similar basic items all in his favor, 
Allen himself will be the final factor 
in the success of the show. And, at 
the moment, he evidences in many 
ways that disk jockeying is a field 
with which he's vastly unfamiliar. 
There isn't much that makes one disk 
jockey distinctive from another aside 
from voice and that attention to 
basic details such as programming, 
etc. The difference lies in knowl- 
edge of bands, singers, the anecdotes 
and many other minor details about 
them that help to spice the between- 
disks conversation. That's where 
Allen is remiss so far. His spiels 
are hesitant, vague--briefly they de- 
note inexperience. 

However, Allen's baseball work is 
rotable for his attention to up-to- 



Local 50, including toppers, are go- 
ing in. 

With the . NADJ's national secr'e- 
ttary, Bill Leyden, presiding, Gene 
Norman was elected first temporary 
president, and Bob McLaughlin was 
named pro. tern secretary -treasurer. 



so was the impending disk-making 
hiatus a/id his preference not to be 
tied to a pact while *fc battle was 
going on. 

Shaw is not tied up anywhere for 
records. Musicraft last week released 
a Shaw record and it's claimed to 
be the last sides the company has 
by him. - 



1. NEAR YOU (6) (Supreme). 



•» ... 10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines % 



2. WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16 (14) (Shapiro-B) . 



3. 



J Francis Craig Bullet 

I Larry Green.. Victor 

( Perry Como Victor 

■ | Mills Bros Decca 

I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU (1, (Paramount)..:. ... [ ^ ^ 

I WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER NOW (6) (Marks) Perry Como Victor 

YOU DO (3) (BVC) I Wnah Shave.: Columbia 

• i i •V-'CtpitOt 

Victor 

} Andrews Sisters Decca 

; ; 7. I HAVE BUT ONE HEART (7) (Barton) \ ™ c Da ™?™ .Mercury 

1 ' I Fra»i k Sinatra Columbia 

I 8. PEG O' MY HEART (20) (Bobbins) . ( Harmonicats VitaCOUSttC 

' | Three Suns Victor 



(BVC) \ Dinah Shore 

{ Margaret Whiting 

i ; 6. LADY FROM 29 PALMS (7) (Martin) { £ redd « M «?"' in ( 



J Frankie Laine Mercury 

' " \ Sammy Kaye. Victor 

CIVILIZATION (1) (Morris) J Louis Prima ■ Victor 

\ Jack Smith Capitol <• 



!, 9. THAT'S MY DESIRE (26) (Mills) 



io. 



Coming Up 



APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING (Shapiro-B) 



KOKOMO, IND. (BVC) 



NAUGHTY ANGELINE (Simon) 



j Buddy Clark Columbia 

{Sammy Kaye Victor 

KATE (Berlin) $ Tommy Dorsey . . Victor 

) Eddy Howard Majestic 

( Bing Crosby Decca 

I Dinah Shore Columbia 

SUGAR BLUES (Williams) Johnny Mercer Capitol 

HOW SOON (Supreme) Jack Owens Tower 

WHIFFENPOOF SONG (Miller-Schirmcr) Bing Crosby Decca 

5 £ick Haymes Decca 

I Art Lund M-G-M 

SNATCH AND GRAB IT (Capitol) Julia Le'e Capitol 

ON THE AVENUE (Leeds) $ Andrews-Cavallaro Decca 

{Eddy Howard Majestic 

X BLACK AND BLUE (Mills) ; Frankie Laine Mercury 

BALLERINA (Jefferson) S Vaughn Monroe Victor 

I Jimmy Dorsey M-G-M 

PEGGY O'NEILL (Feist) Harmonicats Vitacoustic 

SERENADE OF THE BELLS (Morris) Sammy Kaye victor 

ALMOST LIKE BEING LOVE (Fox) J Frank Sinatra Columbia 

I Jo Stafford Capitol 

I MISS YOU SO (Leeds) 5 King Cole Trio ..Capitol 

(Cats and Fiddle Victor " 

CUMANA (Martin) Freddy Martin victor 

LAZY COUNTRYSIDE (Santly-Joy) S Dinah Shore Columbia 

* " I Margaret Whiting Capitol 

[Figures in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top 10.] 



* »"♦♦ I I II I I > i t , jlwrUingstag 8 " 65 * Charge ° f ^ 



while since they keep the dance 
floor crowded. As for listening, the 
combo works very smartly over ar- 
rangements that are without ques- 
tion the best a Fields-led band has 
ever used. They're modern, colorful 
and well-written, and every so often 
there's that "Rippling Rhythm" ac- 
cordion and fiddle note to identify 
'em. ' 

In the vocal division, Fields can 
boast of a better setup than most 
maestroes. He has Toni Arden, who's 
excellent; Bill Johnson, who adds a 
good-looking, smiling personality to 
his fine vocals (he was in the Copa- 
cabana, N. Y., show for months)- 
and the Four Beaus and a Peep a 
group that holds its end up strongly 
on novelties, standards, etc., with 
which the band's library is -well- 
equipped. In short, this new Fields 
band is quite capable of handling 
any sort of job. Wood. 

KING COLE TRIO 

With Nat Cole, Oscar Moore, and 

Johnny Miller 
Givic Opera House, Chicago 

After making a hit in radio, rec- 
ords, and vaude, the King Cole Trio 
has turned to "the concert' field, in 
which it should do equally well. 
During a 90-minute session they gave 
out with a varied program of pop, 
New Orleans jazz, and a segment of 
solo work which more slosely re- 
sembles the concert form. General 
format is one vocal number followed 
by an instrumental, and in the same 
order, one light beat and then one 
heavier. All in all, there's something 
for everyone, and not just — a session 
for — jazz critics or the average radio 
fan. 

Lighting and stage crew here did 
a fine job, incidentally on a large 
stage to create intimate atmosphere, 
with the trio working in one. Does 
pops it has recorded for Capitol and 
standards, such as "Tea for Two" 
to demonstrate individual abilities. 
Nat Cole takes long passages that 
show his fine piano fingering. He 
apes the technique of Chico Marx 
with one-finger work and the audi- 
ence enjoyed it immensely. Follow- 
ing 45 minutes of more familiar 
melodies, the combo does an inter- 
mission set, that features composi- 
tions of Cole and Oscar Moore. Who's 
leaving the group; his work on 
electric guitar gives the combo a 
real fullness. Johnny Miller, bassist, 
palms out a rapid tempo on "Breezy 
and the Bass." 

Trio finishes with a group of 
musical comedy favorites, switching 
at the end to two jazz classics, 
"Baby, I Need You" and "Miss 
Thing." Zabe. 



RICHARD HIMBER ORCH (14) 

Casino-on-the-Park 

Essex House, N. Y. 

Following the trend away from 
jive music back to the sweet, melodic 
variety, Richard Himber has come 
up with a new type of dansapation 
which he terms "accent on melodv." 
Style is an offshoot of the maestro 's 
old pyramiding rhythm and might 
be labeled "Kostelanetz with a 
dance beat." 

Style has the strings and reeds 
carry the melody, with the brass 
forming the background with a 
staccato-like counterpoint. Brass 
sometimes picks up the pyramid 
style, which lends a neat touch of 
novelty to arrangements. Idea is a 
good one, forming a halfway meet- 
ing' point between swing and sweet. 
Beat is strong and steady enough 
for good dance rhythm in a break- 
away from the usual hotel band's 
businessman's bounce. 

Himber's present orchestra com- 
prises three strings, four reed, four 
brass and four rhythm, with Himber 
coming in for a violin break at 
times. Makeup affords an evenly- 
balanced crew, with the volume 
uniform in all departments. Because 
the "accent on melody" requires 
plenty of brass, Himber holds back 
on most of it until after dinner, 
stressing soft, stock arrangements 
at that time. Intermixed are some 
okay Latin numbers for the rhumba 
and samba addicts. 

Regular songstress Nancy Niland 
was ill on night caught (26) and 
replaced by Carol Kay. She has a 
pleasant set of pipes and handles 
the vocals okay. For a slight change 
of pace, Himber goes through several 
of his w/k. magic tricks for the 
supper crowd nightly. Slal. 

New Waxery Inks Stars 
For Interview Disks 

Hbllywood, Oct. 21. 
Howard Helmick, general manager 
of Star Records, has lined up nu- 
merous film, radio and legit names 
for two-minute interviews to be re- 
corded for mail order sale. First of 
the platters will be ready for the 
Christmas trade. 

Eugene J. O'Brien, former direc- 
tor of radio activities for Universal 
Pictures, will handle the interviews, 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



47 'I 



Choosey Payola Kid 

Payola angle took a new twist in New York last week. A band- 
leader, accustomed to demanding and receiving payment from some 
publishers for arranging and performing tunes, changed his stance. 
He no longer will play anything for a publisher willing to underwrite 
arranging and copying expenses. He's now choosey— he won't do a 
prepaid song unless he likes the tune and. it does .his band some good. ■ 

That's a better angle on the payola system than the one of a couple 
years ago, when publishers were paying a maestro not to play their 
songs. This leader had a 1 to 1:30 a.m. air shot and. due to network 
rules, which prohibit the playing of a song more than once in two 
hours, he was being paid to refrain from clearing tunes for broadcast. 
If he did, they couldn't get clearance for performances for the 11:30 
p.m. to 1 a.m. slot, and the "sheet," which measures ''most played" 
tunes, includes coverage only up to 1 a.m. 



Publishers, Songwriters Clean Up 



Chester Resumes Names 
At New Kenmore, Albany 

Albany, Oct. 21. 

Bob Chester's orchestra opened 
Saturday (18) for two weeks in the 
redecorated Rainbow Room, New 
Kenmore hotel here resuming a 
policy of name bands. Russ Morgan, 
and Ray Eberle may follow, accord- 
ing to operator Bob Murphy. 

At one time, the Rainbow Room 
presented the country's top orches- 
tras regularly during the fall and 
winter months. 



JONES SET AS MUSIC 
DIR. FOR CR ON COAST 

Dick Jones, former arranger for 
Glen Gray's Casa Loma orchestra, 
has been assigned by Columbia Rec- 



CAPAC May Seek Boost in Theatre 
Revenue, Coincidingwith ASCAP Drive 



Montreal. Oct. 21. 
An increase in, music royalties 
from Canadian motion picture thea- 
tres may be sought by the Com- 
posers, Authors and Publishers Assn. 
of Canada. Organization, which cor- 
responds to the U.S. ASCAP, and the 
Performing Rights Society of Eng- 
land and is closely tied in with both, 
collects and distributes royalties 



meet shortly on the matter. 

When and if such moves are op- 
posed, a representative of the ob- 
jector is sent to state its case before 
the Copyright Appeal Board, which 
i usually meets in early December. 
| In Britain and in the U.S.. exhibitors 
j negotiate directly with the collection 
agency, but in Canada a government 
I board .decides the fees. According 



from all who use copyrighted' music ! to William S. Low. recently appoint- 

I ed general manager, CAPAC will 



and lyrics in Canada 

Request for a higher schedule of 
fees from theatres, .if it is to be- 
come effective next year, must be 
incorporated in the annual tariff 



Most Snags to New Contract d to hand " ie th '' iob ° £ . musicai ^^^^^o^^itt 



Music Publishers Protective Assn. 
and the Songwriters Protective Assn. 
leached a point last week in their 
year-old discussions over a new con- 
tract where the attorneys for both 
sides have been put to work to re- 
duce agreed-upon terms to contrac- 
tual language. So far" the two fac- 
tions have cleaned up most of the 
problems which have precluded es- 
tablishment of a new contract since 
last Jan. 1, when the old one expired. 
It has been renewed monthly dur- 
ing the discussions. 

One of the more important items, 
which has been partially settled, is 
the sliding-scale royalty demanded 
by the writers. Pubs, up until a 
month or so ago, were adamant 
against agreeing to any sort of a slid- 
ing royalty scale arrangement, but 
apparently have relaxed this attitude 
slightly. Now they seem agreeable 
to an optional method which calls 
for (a) sliding terms calling for 2V.;c 
per copy for the first 100,000 copies, 
8c for the second 100,000, 3%c for the 
third, and so on up to 4%c, or (b) a 
flat 3c a copy. Latter, while not a 
fixed rule, is generally accepted by 
pubs and songwriters as the basis of 
current agreement. Under the new 
scheme, if it's finally okayed, writers 
will have their choice of which 
method of computing royalties they 
want at the time they turn a song 
over to a publisher. 

This arrangement satisfies both 
sides, it seems. Many pubs feel things 
would work out even over a long 
run. There are many songs that do 
not suipass 300,000, which would be 
the figure a song must reach to aver- 
age the current 3c a copy deal, and 
the break the pubs would get in 
having to pay less than 3c per copy 



for a tune would be wiped out by 
one that went over 300,000. 

Both writer and publisher mem- 
bers of the respective negotiating 
committees fee] that two more meet- 
ings (one scheduled for this week) 



I director at the company's Coast | siderati 
branch. He'll work under Joe Hig- 
gins, who recently took over as boss 
of the Hollywood branch of CR. 

Jones, after parting with Gray, ar- 
! ranged for a number of bands. Dur- 
I ing the war he wrote for Artie 



contract into shape for signing. 



will suffice to finally whip the new shaw 's ^a™ 1 orchestra and was in 

the South Pacific with it, later doing 
the same job when Sam Donahue 
took over leadership of that band. 
It's his first post with a disk com- 
pany. He won't take up the job, in- 
cidentally, for a . month or so until 
Mitch Ayres. Columbia's top man in 
the east, who's now west conducting 
dates, returns to his own area. 



Olsen Settles for 2|G 
50G Suit in Death Of 
Fiddler in Road Crash 

Dallas, Oct. 21. 

Rather than continue the court 
| fight in defense of a $50,000' suit 
against him over the <jeath of one 
of his musicians on a road trip, 
maestro • George Olsen settled the 
action recently for $2,500. Suit had 
been tiled in Beaumont, Texas, low- 
er court several months ago and a 
verdict in Olsen's favor had been 
returned. Decision was appealed, 
however, and since the initial round 
had cost the leader close to $10,000 
in attorney's fees, etc., he settled 
rather than continue. 

Action was filed against Olsen by 
the family of Louis August, a fiddler 
with him, who was killed in a road 
crash in Texas a couple years ago 
while making a jump. 

Part of Olsen's defense, in the ac- 
tion was unique. He contended that 
since the American Federation of 
Musicians' Form B contract made 
musicians employees of those who 
hired his band, and not the employee 
of the leader, that he couldn't be re- 
sponsible. 



and approval. And 
CAPAC's board of 12 directors will 



Bands at Hotel B.O.'s 



On the Upbeat 



Itiinil ll.Xfl Flared 

Nat Brandwynne* .Waldorf (400; 41) 2 

Claude Thornhill. .Pennsylvania (500; $1-$1.50) 6 

Ray McKinley". ..New Worker (400; $1-$1.50) .. 4 

Johnny Pineapple. Lexington (300; $1-$1.50) - 49 

Guy Lombardo.... Roosevelt (400; $1-$1.50) 1 

Vaughn Monroe. . .Commodore (400; $1-$1.50) 2 



rovers Total 
Past , Covers 
WieU On Date 



2,300 
1,600 
1,425 ' 

879 
2,500 
2,200 



5,725 
11,775 
7,175 
45,325 
13,750 
5,725 



* Jean Sablon at Waldorf, Ice Show at New Yorker. 

Chicago 

Ray Heaiherton (Marine Room, Edgewater Beach; 700; $1.50-$2.50 min.). 
New revue with Gene Sheldon keeping room active; fine $4,800. 

Jose Melis (College Inn, Sherman; 700; $2-$3.50 min.). Dinning Sisters 
bowed in Friday (17), but Frankie Laine gets credit for boff 5,000. 

Bay Morton (Mayfair Room, Blackstone; 300; $3.50 min.). Peter Lind 
Hayes & Mary Healy making it hard to find an empty seat. Big 2,600. . 

Orrin Tucker (Boulevard Room, Stevens; 650; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Fall 
revue opened Friday (17) with Prof. Lamberti plus three conventions in 
town; sock 4,300. 

Griff Williams (Empire Room, Palmer; 550; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Still 
good; this week 3,900. 



Hollywood 

Stan Kenton cutting a batch of 
new biscuits for Capitol this week. 
Band's chirp, June Christy, also 
waxing, on her own... Freddy Mar- 
tin will etch a Latin-American al- 
bum for RCA-Victor. . . Janie 
Thompson new thrush with Ike 
Carpenter's crew. . .Carlos Gastel 
back from two weeks in east. . . 
Woody Herman inked for week of 
Jan. 1 at Million Dollar theatre, L. A. 
With three acts added to his band, 
Herman will get 50-50 slice of gross 
after house deduction of $2,500; 
Herman also likely will be signed 
this week at Palladium ballroom, 
starting around Feb. 10... Peggy Lee 
spending this week in hosp getting 
checkup on kidney ailment . . . 
Frankie Masters starts eastward 
jaunt this week with string of one- 
niters. Orch asking $750 per against 
60%... Audrey Young, who appeared 
in number of Abbott St Costello pix, 
joined Tommy Dorsey band as chirp 
...GAC booker Milt Krasny to 
Gotham for a week... Woody Her- 
man sliced his first Columbia sides 
with new band Sunday U9)...Desi 
Arnaz orchestra set for fortnite at 
Flamingo, Las Vegas, Jan. 15. . .MCA 
is pressuring Freddy Martin to go 
out on string of concert dates next 
spring, in the manner of Wayne 
King's current trek through mid- 
west. Plan is for Martin to close 
current location at Cocoanut Grove 
here around April 1, do skein of 
concerts, then follow-through with 
eastern vaudates for which he al- 
ready is committed for next sum- 
mer.. On dates, Martin would add a 
femme vocalist, choir and harpist 
and ask $2,500 guarantees against 
60% of grosses, and play key-city 
auditoriums. 



attempt to deal directly with ex- 
hibitors prior to filing requests for 
boosted fees if CAPAC decides to 
seek higher rates. 

CAPAC. which now gets about 
$70,000 annually from Canadian 
theatres, will double its rates if the 
boost goes through. British fees, al- 
ways higher; that CAPAC's. will be 
doubled at the beginning of 1948, 
while ASCAP has postponed for six 
months its intention of lipping that 
form of revenue, following vigorous 
opposition from exhibitors. 

At present, Canadian fees. are de- 
termined by the size of a theatre, 
but if ah increase is sought one 
British factor will likely be added— 
capital of the far I tno spreac i 0 f admission fees. The 
of Jalisco. Mexico's j per-seat per annum fee now is: 1,600 
seats and over, 15c; 801 to 1,599, 
12c; 900 and under 10c; 800 and 
under operating three days per week 
and under, 5c. Minimum fee is $10. 

Fee in the case of 16m films is $2 
for four films and another $2 for 
each additional four or fraction. 



Mexico Jails 15 Coin 
Box Ops for Failing 
To Pay Music Fees 



14. 



Mexico City. Oct 
Guadalajara 
western state 

second largest and most Spanish 
and religious city, has set another 
precedent for this republic. It has 
toughly taken the lead in behalf of 
songwriters in the matter of pay- 
ment of royalties to them. 

Fifteen juke box owners in 
Guadalajara saloons, beer parlors 
and restaurants were arrested and 
held in jail until they paid proper 
amounts demanded, for the public 
performance of copyrighted music 
on complaint of the music com- 
posers union. Among those jailed 
were four women. 

It's first time this has ever hap- 
pened in Mexico. Gleeful song- 
writers union is confident that the 
Guadalajara action will nave prof- 
itable results throughout this land 
for its members. 



Los Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1.50-$2). 
lipped cover tap last week. 
Jan Garber tBiltmore; 900; $1-$1.50). First week flashy 2,400 tabs. 



Dandy 3.100 covers; site 



Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 



Last week fine 14,000. Leigh- 



(Chicaoo) 

Tommy Carlyn (Trianon; $1-$1.25 adm.) 
ton Noble in tonight (Tuesday). 

Marty Gould (Chez Faree; 550; $3.50 min ). Better than most spots but 
below par here; 4,800. _ , 

Sherman Hayes (Blackhawk; 500; $2.50 rnin.). Kiddie mats Sundays 
perked gross here to solid 3,500. . <•■ , . . , 

Buddy Moreno (Aragon; $1-$1.25 adm.). Trim 16.000 for third week. 

Buddy Shaw (Latin Quarter; 700: $2.50 min.). Phil Foster headlined a 
new revue opening Friday (17), only fair so far; 3.000 on week. 



(Los Angeles) 
B, Ocean Park 3d 



wk.l. Satisfactory 5,000 



Marry Owens (Aragon 
admishes. . . 

Frankie Masters (Casino Gardens, B. Ocean Park. 8th wk.). Windup 
week, mild 4,000 stub-buyers. Beach site reverts to Saturday-only opera- 
tion for winter. ., „ , , . 

Alvino Bey and Joe Logins (Meadowbrook, B, Culver City, 2d wk.). 
Woeful 1.800 or thereabouts. . , 

Harry James (Palladium, B, Hollywood, 2d wk.).. Drooped somewhat 
from wow opening frame, but still excellent at 13,000 admishes. 



Chicago 

Jackson Gasney. advance man for 
Tommy Dorsey, in town on Mason 
club date for orchestra at the Me- 
dinah Temple; Audrey Young planed 
from Coast to join T. D. bafld... 
Lionel Hampton into Orpheum the- 
atre, Omaha, Dec. 4, followed by a 
week at the Riverside theatre, Mil- 
waukee. Band is also set for Xmas- 
week show at Regal theatre. . .James 
C. Petrillo conducted a 50-piece 
symphony orch at the Chi War Dead 
Memorial Sunday 1 19)... Ellen 
White, who recently cut disks with 
the Warren Durrett orchestra for 
Universal label, into the Ker.;ucky 
Club show as a single; Joannie 
Hiatt, "Miss Chicago," joins same 
revue Oct. 30 as .featured singer... 
Mel Torme follows the Dinning Sis 
ters into College Inn, Oct. 31 for 
two- week stint... Tex Beneke and 
Eddy Howard Bands will be the 
double-feature lure for the Trianon's 
25th anni fete Nov. 12. . .Mix Stewart 
opens at the Casa Loma Ballroom, 
St. Louis, Nov. 10. . .Mickey Downs 
of William Morris band department 
bedded after tooth surgery .. .Harry 
Cool one-nights in the middlewest 
after his LaMartinique run, ending 
Dec. 1. . .Duke Ellington at the Para 
dise theatre, week of Oct. 24... 



Patti Andrews Wed 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Patti Andrews, of the Andrews 
Sisters, was married here Sunday 
(19) afternoon to Marty Melcher, of 
Century Artists. Pair were rumored 
to have been married secretly for 
the past few years. 

Ceremony was performed at the 
Beverly Hills home of Lou Levy, 
husband of sister Maxine Andrews. 
Levy is manager of the sister trio 
and head of Leeds, Music. 

H»> ♦»»♦♦»♦♦♦♦»♦♦ »♦♦♦»!♦♦» 



; Songs With Largest Radio Audience ; 

• • . , 

The top 33 songs of the week, bused on the copyrighted Audience 
Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Ouer Radio 
Networks. Pu bli.sfied by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John G. 
Peatman, Director. 

Survey Week of October 19-16, 1947 

Ain'tcha Ever Comin' Back Sinatra 

An Apple Blossom Wedding Shapiro-B 

— And Mimi . Shapiro-B 

Almost Like Being In Love— *"Brigadoon" Sam Fox 

Ask Anyone Who Knows Witmark 

Christmas Dreaming Leeds 

Come To the Mardi Gras .• Southern 

Don't Tell Me— fThe Hucksters" Bobbins 

Don't You Love Me Anymore Oxford 

Feudin' And Fightui' ...Chappell 

Fun And Fancy Free — t"Fun And Fancy Free" Santly-Joy 

I Have But One Heart Barton 

I Wish I Didn't Love You So— f'Perils Pauline" Paramount 

I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now Marks 

Just Plain Love Morris 

Kate Berlin 

Kokomo, Ind.— t"Mother Wore Tights" BVC 

Lady From 29 Palms Martin 

Lazy Countryside — -"Fun And Fancy Free" Santly-Joy 

My Heart Is a Hobo— f 'Welcome Stranger" Burke-VH 

Naughty Angeline Simon 

Near You Supreme 

On the Avenue Leeds 

Peg O' My Heart ' Robbins 

Sipping Cider By the Zuyder Zee Bloom 

Smoke, Smoke, Smoke American 

So Far — '"Allegro" Williamson 

Stanley Steamer Warren 

Tallahassee Famous 

Too Marvelous For Words ' ..Harms 

You Do— fMother Wore Tights" BVC 

Ya Sure You Betcha. Patmar 

Whiffenpoof Song . . ..Miller 



The remaining 18 songs of the week, based on the copyrighted 
Audience Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over 
Radio Networks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John 
G. Peatman, Director 

A Fellow Needs a Girl — ^"Allegro" ...Williamson 

All My Love Harms 

All Of Me Bourne 

Ballerina Jefferson 

Best Things In Life Are Flee ...Crawford 

Civilization .', .Morris 

Every So Often Warren 

For Once In Your Life . . Dreyer 

Forgiving You ." Mellin 

Hills of Colorado London 

Home Is Where the Heart Is Advanced . 

It Happened .In Hawaii ... Crawford 

My. How Time Goes By Chappell 

Serenade Of the Bells Melrose 

That's My Desire Mills 

Turntable Song — ^"Something In the Wind'' Miller 

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve Famous 

Why Should I Cry Over You Feist 



iFiltnuttcal. "Leoit Musical. 



48 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Sammy Kaye Band To 
Work Southwest 1st 
Time; Astor Roof, N.Y. 

When it finishes a run at the Capi- 
tol theatre, New York, about March 
1 next, Sammy Kaye's orchestra will 
take off on a road trip through terri- 
tory it has' never played before. Kaye 
has never worked the southwest and 
he Intends setting up a fairly long 
trip through that area. His only 
trips into the south have been along 
the eastern seaboard into Florida. 

This angle of booking dates in ter- 
ritories which have never seen some 
name bands is being indulged by 
other name maestros, too, notably 
Woody Herman. He is taking his 
newly reorganized orchestra into the 
northwest for the first-time, prior to 
bringing the combo east. 

Kaye's orchestra, incidentally, is a 
good possibility to return to the 
Astor Roof, New York, next summer 
though he recently shifted agency 
affiliation from Music Corp. of 
America \o General Artists Corp. 
GAC has never booked a band into 
the Astor, which is Virtually an 
MCA exclusive, but managing direc- 
tor Bob Christenberry apparently 
wants Kaye. Band may both open 
and close the roof's season, which 
runs from June to September. 

Kaye, incidentally, opens at the 
New Yorker hotel, N. Y., next Mon- 
day (27),. and his run there will be 
in the nature of a test for the second 
straight year. Hotel will eliminate 
the usual ice show during Kaye's 
run, and if he does all right at the 
b.o. without it the blade revues may 
be dropped in favor of name bands 
after he closes. Last year, Kaye's 
first booking at the New Yorker, 
was in the nature of a test, too. 



I Another "PEC" 
1 by 
fjg Jerry Murad's 
HARMONICATS 

mm 



PEGGY 
O'NEIL 



Words ond Mu\;c by 
Harrv Pease, Ed G Neho 
and Ci,bt>'t Dodge 



15 Best Sheet Sellers 



(.Week Ending, Oct. 18) 



Title 



NEAR YOU 

YOU DO 

APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING 

WHIFFENPOOF SONG 

" I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU 
WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER 

LADY FROM 29 PALMS 

WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16. 

I FEUDIN* AND FIGHTIN' 

PEG O' MY HEART 

KOKOMO, IND 

KATE 

ON THE AVENUE 

I HAVE BUT ONE HEART . . 
SO FAR 



Writers ■ Publisher 

(Francis Craig-Kermit Goel!) Supreme 

(Joe Myrow-Mack Gordon)..., , BVC 

(Not Simon-Jimmy Kennedy) Shapiro -IS 

(Meode Minngerode-George Pomgroy-Tod Galloway) . Miller 

(Frank Loesser) Paramount 

(Will M. Hough-Frank Adams-Joseph E. Howard) .... Marks 

(Aliie WrubeD... Martin 

(James Thornton) Shapiro-B 

(Burton I.ane-Al Dubin) ... , . Chappell 

(Alfred Bryan-Fred Fisher) ..Bobbins 

(Joe Myrow-Mack Gordon) BVC 

(Irving Berlin) . ..' .....Berlin 

(Harold Rome-Fred Freed) Leeds 

( Johnny Farrow-Marty Symes) Barton 

(Richard Rodgers-Oscar Hammerstein II) . . . Williamson 



MM Iroodwiy • Ntw York, N. 1. |H f 
HARRY LINK, C«n. Prof. Mgr. % ; , </ 
GrOXGE DALIN, Prof. Mgr. !MK^ 



Shapiro-B. Checks 
Book Pub on Folio Of 
Copyrighted Music 

Shapiro-Bernstein, which has had 
many arguments over its ownership 
of the copyright to "Casey Jones," 
caught up with another infringement 
on the tune this week. It advised 
Simon & Schuster, New York pub- 
lishers of a new song book titled 
"Fireside Book of Folk Songs," that 
its unauthorized use of the "Casey" 
music and lyrics in the^ publication 
was a violation of its interests. 

Advices went to S. & S. by regis- 
tered mail Monday (20) and de- 
manding the withdrawal of the tune 
or suitable payment for its use. 

S-B has many times found itself 
so involved. It wasn't until some 
years ago that it finally drew a court 
decision citing it as the owner of 
the "Casey" copyright. What clouded 
the issue was that there are so 
many versions of the classic. Version | 
S.' & S. used, however, is the one 
S-B publishes. 



McCoy for Gumble 

. Jack McCoy, who's been with Mu- 
sic ..Publishers Holding Corp. for 
years as a member of the contact 
strff of Harms, has been named to 
take over the spot recently left open 
by the death of Mose Gumble, dean 
of the music biz. McCoy becomes 
head of standard-song exploitation 
and promotion. 

In the music business for some 35 
years, McCoy has been with Harms 
the past seven. 



CHERMOT BALLROOM 
DESTROYED BY FIRE 

Chicago, Oct. 21. 

Chermot Ballroom, Omaha, Ne- 
braska, burned to the ground last 
week. Dancery, constructed four 
years ago at an estimated $150,000, 
was owned by Tom Archer, operator 
of several other ballrooms. It orig- 
inally-replaced another dancery that 
was also destroyed by fire. Spot 
used name and territorial bands! " 

Archer plans to rebuild as soon as 
materials are available. 



MCA Agenting 
Band Arrangers 

Music Corp. of America has started 
agenting orchestra arrangers in a 
scheme to help bolster hotel use of 
musicians. Agency has found that 
numerous hostelries aren't using 
music in dining rooms because of the 
20% amusement tax slapped on if 
patrons dance or talent sings. 
Hence- MCA is painstakingly pointing 
out that diners may be entertained 
by straight, live music and that no 
tax is levied when patrons don't 
dance. 

Next, MCA advises that where 
scale musiciaTls are used, agency will 
supply a name arranger, providing 
he gets sub-billing under ork. As a 
lead name MCA now is using Frank 
DeVol, Capitol Records and Sealtest 
airshow conductor-arranger, who 
notches notes on dinner melodies 
which can honestly be termed "mu- 
sic from Hollywood." 

DeVol started first stint for Jac- 
ques Pollack's band at the Conti- 
nental, Cleveland. 



Suit by Promoter Vs. 
Gale Over Lateness 
Of Band Dismissed 

. Montgomery, N.Y., Oct. 21. 

Damage suit brought against the 
Gale Agency by promoter Philip 
Wick, Jr., growing out of the late 
arrival of Dizzy Gillespie's band and 
Ella Fitzgerald at a local date last 
November was dismissed last 'week 
by Supreme Court Justice Daniel 
F. Imire. Plaintiff had sought $5,000 
claiming loss of profits and damages 
to his prestige. 

Gillespie and Miss Fitzgerald were 
booked by Gale into the nearby Mo- 
hawk, N.Y., Armory last November 
on a one-nighter promoted by Wick. 
Transportation difficulties made 
them one hour late, but they played 
the prescribed number of hours. 
Andrew Weinberger represented 
Gale. 



T.D. Switches Casino 
Back to Sat. Only 
Policy; May Sell Spot 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Tommy Dorsey abruptly altered 
policy at his Casino Gardens ball- 
room, Ocean Park, Calif., over 
weekend. With exit of Frankie Mas- 
ters' orchestra, site reverts from full- 
week to Saturday-only policy for 
the winter.. Site had already booked 
Bobby Sherwood and Les Brown to 
follow Masters, but release from 
Music Corp. of America has been se- 
cured without any bicker at all, and 
American Federation of Musicians' 
Local 47 has okayed. Dorsey, who is 
himself booked by MCA, made no 
payoff to get out from under Sher- 
wood and .Brown contracts. 

Decision to change policy at his 
Terpalace was suddenly made by 
Dorsey late last week while playing 
vaudate in Milwaukee. Biz lately 
hasn't been too bright, although Dor- 
sey himself profited nicely when he 
played spot for 14 weeks, ending late 
in August. 

Sale Nibbles 

Indications grow, too, that the ba- 
toneer may unload the spot. At least 
he has had bids. Bernie Cohen, who 
at one time owned and operated the 
Casino for 16 years, tendered an 
offer. A nibble also was received 
from Gordon Satterup, operator of 
the nearby and highly competitive 
Aragon. Satterup's lease -on the 
rival spot expires next March. He 
has been paying a straight 10% of 
his boxoffice take to Charles Lick, 
owner of property, and Satterup 
would like to shunt his operations 
elsewhere when his lease loses life. 



ASCAP-RADI01TES STILL 
SNAGGED ON CONTRACT 

Meeting in New York last week 
between the radio committee of the 
American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers and the mu- 
sic committee of the National Assn. 
of Broadcasters, over the renewal 
of the existing contract between the 
two factions, developed nothing new. 
Talk over various points of the 
agreement is claimed to have been a 
pleasant, non-frictional affair cen- 
tering again around the problem that 
has stymied both sides—who is to 
pay the proper rate for cooperative 
broadcasts originating with a net- 
work station and sold locally by af- 
filiated indies. 

It's reiterated by ASCAPers that 
the problem will not reach the point 
where arbitration o;- a suit for a 
declaratory judgment will be neces- 
sary. '•They point out that both in- 
dependent outlet owners and net- 
work executives agree that ASCAP 
is entitled to more revenue than it 
now receives for such shows. But 
they also point out that there's still 
no clear decision as to who will un- 
derwrite the extra costs. 

Incidentally, the committee named 
by ASCAP to handle negotiations 
with radio people exits as of the end 
of this month. But since the prob- 
lem is still hanging fire and the men 
now on the committee are familiar 
with its angles, it's probable they 
will be renamed without exception. 

Rich, Morris Agcy. Sign 
After Snag With MCA 

Buddy Rich's orchestra signed 
with the William Morris agency last 
week after securing a release from 
Music Corp. of America. Shift fol- | 
lowed an argument between the 
leader and MCA two weeks ago over 
latter's withholding of one-nighter ! 
deposits. As a result the leader : 
called in the American Federation ' 
of Musicians. MCA promised Rich : 
his release then and reluctantly ful- ' 
filled the vow last week. 

Morris immediately set up a siring 
of eastern bookings for Rich. He 
is now at the Post Lodge, Larchmont. ! 
He also wound up with an M-G-M i 
recording contract. ! 



SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 

(That Cigarette) 
AMERICAN MUSIC, INC. 

» I Oil Sun. jSIkI., Gurrt Komero 
Hollywood 46, Clll. 68 W. 48 St., N.X.C. 



ELLIOT SHAPIRO 

SUGGESTS FOR YOUR PROGRAM 

E X-/VCXL Y 
LIKE 
YOU 

Music by . . . 
JIMMY MeHUCH 

SHAPIRO-BERNSTEIN 



Everyone Is Waiting to Hear 

WHAT ARE 
YOU DOING 
NEW YEAR'S EVE 



PERSONABLE YOUNG MAN. AGE 
28. UNHITCHED. DESIRES POSI- 
TION AS BAND. FILM OR TALENT 
SALESMAN. PLENTY OF EXPERI- 
ENCE; SALARY AND TITLE UN- 
IMPORTANT. 

Box 21, c o Variety. 
154 West 46th St.. New York 19 



I'M A LONELY LITTLE PETUNIA 

(IN AN ONION PATCH) 

LAWRENCE WELK — Deeea 
,L W0 ." T ? N " ,AKER — M««u.ry TOMMY TUCKER — Columbia 
THE HAPPY GANG — Victor HARMON AIRES — Embassy 

TOMMY TUCKER — Lang- Worth LAWRENCE WELK — Standard 

RYTVOC, INC., 1585 B'way, New York 19 

Thm Houm of "CHOO CHOO CM'BOOGIf " Fame 



TWO GREAT SONGS— 

Recorded 100% 




England's New Number One Song 




V* SHAPIRO, 


BERNSTEIN & CO., INC. 


Music Publishers 


LOUIS BERNSTEIN, President 


GEORGE PINCUS, Gen'l Mgr 


1270 Sixth Ave., New York 20, N Y. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



PftRwfr 




„ .... . _.„., - 



. .K m ■ - ■ ■ • ; " - m ,mm ~*^_ 



nam duh y presents 

A ROMANTIC MUSICAL P LAY 

based On An fcpisotfe In The Life Of 






US 



IN MY 

SONG OF THE 



Based on Tchaikovsky's "Troika" (home 



Based on Tchaikovsky's "Sweet Reverie*- 



LOVE 




Based on Tchaikovsky's "Song Without Words" 









THE BALALAIKA SERENADE 

Based on Tchaikovsky's "June BarcaroHe" and "Romance" 



Based on Themes from Tchaikovsky's "String Quartet" and from ihe "Swan take Suite" 



ONCE UPON A Tl 

Based on Theme, from Tchaikovsky's "Sieepincj Beauty Suite" and from "Piano Concer/o in Bb Minor" 




M 



Music Adapted by 
FRANZ STE1NINGER. 




lyrics by 

FORMAN BROWN 



Staged by 
HAS5ARD SHORT 



so 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



******************************************** 



Best British Sheet Sellers 

London. Oct. 17. 

(Week Ending OcL. 16) 

Now Is the Hour ,.'.>.;....,, Keith-P 

Sorrento ' Ricordi 

Little Old Mill Dash 

Chi-Ba-Ba ...Sun 

Guilty F. D. & H. 

I Believe Morris- 
Old Spanish Trail ... Maurice 

Danger Ahead Yale 

First Love Last Love' ■. * Dash 

Donegal ' Leeds 

Garden In the Rain : Connelly 

Mam'selle F. D. & H. 

Second 12 

People Will Say '. ......... Williamson ' 

I'll Make Up For Everything..^ Maurice 

Lovely World and You * Cinephonic 

Sun In the Morning Berlin 

Anniversary Song Connelly 

Souvenirs . . . L. Wright 

They Say It's Wonderful . '. Berlin 

Au Revoir Chappell 

Heartaches . ..... . .. Connelly 

What a Beautiful Morning, : Williamson 

That's My Desire....: Feldman 

■• Try Little Tenderness Connelly 

******************** ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦4 *********** 



Mpls. Critic Jockeying 
Longhair FM Disk Show 

Minneapolis, Oct. 21. 

John, K. Sherman, Minneapolis 
Star ' and Tribune arts critic, has 
joined ranks of disk jockeys. He 
will m.c. a series of Monday night 
half-hour longhair disk shows over 
WTCN's FM facilities, first FM show 
of its kind here. 

Local music company is sponsor. 



»"™"" ■"»■ Coming Up fast — 

IF IT'S TRUE 

Mills Brow. (Decra 25284) 
Johnny DeHiiHHMl-Piige <'uTnmiii£ti Trio 
(Victor 20-2312) 
Cootie WIMiiins (Majestic 11G5) 

— • 

WITCH Tunei Art You Going to 
Program for HALLOWE'EN? 

MR. GHOST GOES TO TOWN 



I DON'T STAND 
A GHOST OF A CHANCE 



MILLS MUSIC. Inc. 
1419 Broadway New York 19 




PERRY COMO 1 

w MP 

it doing his Wl 



CHRISTMAS DREAMING 



A LITTLE EARLY THIS YEAR 



HOW ABOUT YOU? 



OUR 
HOUR 

(The Puppy Love Song) 

SANTLY-JOY, INC. 

1619 Broadway, New York 

TOMMY VAI.ANDO. Gen. Pro. Mgr. 



SONGSMITH COOTS 
DEPRECATES 'ANGLES' 

New Rochelle, N. Y. 
Editor, Variety: 

Variety's front page had a long 
column, mildly describing the poor 
quality of -song contribution by the 
writers who have been turning out 
the major portion of the songs over 
the past few seasons, and correctly 
mentioning the known fact that the 
"oldie pop" creeps back on the Hit 
Parade, on nothing else but its 
merit. How true this is. Let me give 
you my opinion of the several fac- 
tors that produced this sad condi- 
tion along that famous thoroughfare 
called Tin Pan Alley, that you and 
myself ha.ve' 'known for over 30 
years, that won fame and prestige 
from the natural talents of such 
great songwriters, as Berlin, Don- 
aldson. Gus Kahn. Edgar Leslie, 
Jean Schwartz. Lewis & Young, 
Archie Gottler, Harry Von Tilzer, 
De Sylva, Brown & Henderson, 
George Meyer, and a selected group 
of their writing craftsman. In those 
days, a song was judged by the 
Publisher on the merit of the words 
and music, and not because Lopez 
or Whiteman were cut in for a 
third, of the rights, just to plug it 
on the air. And a hit song lasted a 
yeaT or longer, and everybody had 
song hits, and millions of copies of 
sheet music player piano roDs, and 
records were soldr It was paradise 
for everybody along Tin Pan Alley. 

In the past 10 years, I don't be- 
lieve there has been more than a 
half dozen, legitimate 1,000,000-copy 
popular song hits, and I believe the 
renson for this situation is due to 
that scurvy sounding word — "angle." 
It seems that everybody has a song, 
and to break through the critical 
conditions today. He gj°s searching 
for some nasal-toned baritone who 
has signed a contract to make re- 
cords for Cardinal Richeliue Records, 
or some other Hy-by-night label, and 
proceeds to "let the singer, record 
owner, and disk jockey cut up his 
rights Into 12 -parts, just to get his 
song played on the jukebox circuit. 
It probably never earns the original 
investment, but it sure holds back 
the solid song material that is writ- 
ten by the experienced songwriter, 
who won't go for angles, and who 
can't stand all the runaround handed 
out to him by the short-sighted 
music publisher who seems to be 
looking for the song with angles that 
I won't take any of his time, and none 
of his money. 

J. Fred Coots. 



Whiting Co. On Again 

Margaret Whiting is reported hav- 
ing received incorporation papers 
in New York state for the new music 
publishing firm she has been seeking 
to establish since last spring. Singer 
first cited her intention to set up a 
new firm, using many unpublished 
songs penned by her late father, 
Dick Whiting, as the basis of a cata- 
log, then later changed her mind. 
Change was then claimed to be due 
to the poor condition of music sales 
and a rather bleak outlook. 

Now that sales graphs have 
righted themselves and the biz again 
looks more normal, Miss Whiting 
apparently intends resuming her 
plans. ■. ' 



Pubs in Middle 



Continued from page 45 



ation, there is bound to be consider- 
able chaos if the recording ban is 
extended far into next year. Pubs 
and diskers will continually be in 
huddles to coincide promotion and 
disk releases of songs. Schedules 
won't be worth the paper they're 
planned on if, for example, a pub 
plans to begin work on a tune next 
May and disk company release dates 
are marked to coincide — ' and the 
tune immediately prior to it on the 
pub's schedule falls on its face. 

Costs of promoting and exploiting 
pops today run high and the minute 
a publisher is convinced he has tied 
a bankroll to a flop he cannot and. 
does not waste time waiting -for it to 
break into a sales hit or, break him. 
It is dropped immediately. In many 
cases, pubs who haven't extensive 
financial assistance are forced to 
drop songs that might have eventu- 
ally become hits, because they can- 
not sustain the losses while waiting.. 

Reissues and Other Benefits 

' At the same time, publishers might 
benefit somewhat from the reissuing 
by recording companies of old tunes 
if and when the diskers are forced 
that far down in the barrel for mar- 
ketable masters. There is a constant 
flow of revivals year in and year 
out of songs that are so old that 
they actually seem like new ma- 
terial to the younger generation and 
are nostalgic to the elders. These 
tunes often run into sales far sur- 
passing earnings of their original 
popularity. 

There are many pubs, too, who 
believe that a prolonged or cpmplete 
stoppage of recordings would help 
their business. For months now mu- 
sic executives have been convinced 
that disk jockeys and coin machines 
together did as much to cause the 
recent sales slump as they help get 
a new song rolling. They feel that 
the rise to prominence of the disk 
jock, with his planned "new disk," 
"request'' and other types of pro- 
grams, have hurt disk and sheet 
sales alike. And that the music busi- 
ness, if forced to go back into the 
exploitation methods of even 10 
years ago, would be better off in the 
long run. 

Publishing firms .that are subsidi- 
aries of or affiliated with Hollywood 
film companies will be vitally in- 
volved by a prolonged disk ban. 
They depend on recordings and radio 
performances to help exploit films 
containing pop-song scores. How- 
ever, it is an accepted fact among 
publishers that unless a film song 
carries so much appeal that it is an 
instant hit. such as "Atchison. To- 
peka, and Sante Fe" was a couple 
years ago, that all the plugging pos- 
sible can't help it as much as the 
film itself when it gets into the na- 
tion's neighborhood theatres. So, 
while the film-affiliated pubs seem 
to have much to lose during an ex- 
tended disk ban, they may in the 
long run be in a better position 
since they at least will have the 
powerful push of a film performance. 



Inside Orchestras-Music 

Capitol Records last week etched two sides which may have high nov- 
elty interest when released in December. Using an Til-piece combo 
tagged "Ten Cats and a Mouse," consisting of Peggy Lee, on drums; Dave 
Barbour, trumpet; Eddie Miller, alto; Dave Cavanaugh, baritone sax; Hal 
Derwin, guitar; Frank DeVol, bass; Paul Weston, clarinet; Benny Carter 
tenor; Billy May and Bobby Sherwood, trombones; Red Norvo, piano! 
Miss Lee and Derwin normally are vocalists. The others were sitting in 
on faintly unfamiliar instruments. One side scratched was the jazz ven- 
erable, "JaDa"; the other just a minor riff around which the pack curled 
improvisations. Although the session was staged as something of a lark 
for participants. Cap chieftains, after a playback, are planning to issLie 
the disk — probably on purple label. 



Metro studio exploitation chief has torn a leaf out of King Solomon's 
book in arranging music store tieups with RCA- Victor and 1 M-G-M label, 
both of which are issuing albums on Metro's "Song of Love." Rather than 
cooperate with one to the exclusion of the other and engage in a battle 
for window displays, it was agreed that both companies would receive 
equal billing on one poster blow-up for store windows, which will plug 
film and two albums. Artur Rubinstein played piano music for the picture 
and recorded score for Victor, because he's under contract to latter. Leo 
couldn't get him for the disk stint, which has been cut for M-G-M by 
Menahen Pressler. 



Publishers classification committee of the American Society of Com- 
posers, Authors and Publishers is still working weekly at the job of re- 
evaluating all catalogs that are members of the Society. Months ago, 
after availability-point squawks had pyramided to a high point, capped 
by the demand by Herman Starr, head of the three most powerful firms 
in ASCAP— Harms, Remick and Witmark— for higher ratings for his 
firms, the committee began measuring all catalogs. And they're still at it. 
So far, the group has not yet completed the 5,500-point Arms, the most 
valuable, point-wise, with the exception of Harms, which is rated 1 at 
11,000 points. It will be months before the job is completed. 



When AI JoLson okayed those Schaefer beer national ads he gave the 
plug to Decca Records rather than Columbia Pictures' "The Jolson Story," 
because of his pique over Larry Parks. Meantime Schaefer has approached 
Decca prexy Jadfc Kapp for a similar tieup, in a sort of "man of distinct- 
ion" campaign (new), but Kapp ruled himself out on the idea. Collier's, 
however, Is "profiling" him. - - 



BALTO FIRE WIPES OUT 
SHEROCK LIBRARY 

Baltimore. Oct. 21. 

Shorty Sherock. whose band has 
had troubles enough lately, was set 
back to scratch last week by a fire 
that hardly damaged the new Fa- 
mous Ballroom, Baltimore, but 
destroyed only the bandstand 1 — en- 
gulfing and completely eliminating 
Sherock's library of arrangements. 

Fire, which started during the 
night, was discovered in time to 
confine it to the bandstand and by- 
opening time next evening (Fri- 
day), the stand had been rebuilt. 
Meanwhile, Sherock's managers in 
N.Y. had scrambled around to music 
publishers to build a new library of 
stock arrangements to fly to the 
leader to enable the band to per- 
form. These will form the basis of 
a new arranged library, too. 



Marg Truman to Sing 
In Home Town Concert 

Kansas City. Oct. 21. 

Margaret Truman has been signed 
for her first professional concert in 
her home town. She will be pre- 
sented in a special concert by Wal- 
ter A. Fritschy, local impressario, 
Dec. 15 in Music Hall. Concert will 
be an extra to the regular series of 
six concerts which Fritschy presents 
each season. 

Fritschy is working out details of 
the date with Mrs. T. J. Stiickler, 
Miss Truman's voice coach and man- 
ager. 



Jackie Paris jazz combo was signed 
by M-G-M Records last week and 
will do its first session Friday (24) 
in N. Y. 



- SONG - 

IN MOTHER'S ARMS 

LYRIC AND MUSIC 
BY 

L. STEWART BARR 

SO CENTS A COPY 

Published by 

THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC CO. 
65 UNIVERSITY PLACE 

AI.. 4-8092 New York ( Hy S 



Soon to Be Released 
Columbia Record 

C-155 



'Eatless' Theme Song 

Scarcely had President Truman 
urged the nation to adopt a meat- 
less Tuesday and embark upon a 
voluntary rationing program of 
other foodstuffs when the songwrit- 
ing team of Lnnny and Ginger Grey 
came up with "Let's Eat a Little Bit 
Less." 

Published by Orange Music 
(BMI), song goes the President one 
better by suggesting heatless 
Wednesdays, eggless Thursdays and 
butterless Fridays. 



• MARUN BLADES • ADAM HATS • 



JUST RELEASED! 

OUR 

"HI-DIDDLE DIDDLE" 

KIDDIE RECORD ALBUM 
NUR8ERY RHYMES 
with • bounce: 
for 

ADVEN TURE RECO RD CO. 

Already spinning on too Dlae Jockey 
Shows and (HONEST) In JUKE 

boxes: 

LANNY & GINGER GREY 

Radio Productions and Jingles 
1352 Madison Avenue. New York 
ATwater 9-4020 



WRITE FOR BROCHURE 



A Great Song for Any Program! 




■ ii*mm i 



('ROUND, AN' 'ROUND, AN» 'ROUND) 

Lyrx oy Uo Robin Mustc by Jo^rmy -Greprt 

Featured song in Universal-International's "Something In The Wind" 



ILLCRt MHISIC • 1 619 Broadway, N. Y. 19 • norm an Foley, G*n. Prof. Mgr. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



New AGVA Committee of 25 Said To 
Oppose Shelveys Complete Control 



First major development by mem- + 
bership of the American Guild of 
Variety Artists on the forthcoming 
election for the first AGVA conven- 
tion to be held sometime in De- 
cember came last week with forma- 
tion of a Program Committee con- 
sisting of. 25 acts. While committee 
professes to be non-political and 
favoring no particular side, platform 
is said to be aimed against control 
of the convention by Matt Shelvey, 
AGVA's national administrator. 

Committee has adopted a platform 
•which calls for local autonomy in all 
AGVA branches with right to hire 
and fire vested with local officials, 
power to establish minimums in 
their own areas, franchise agents, 
conduct their own arbitrations, and 
establish new working conditions so 
long as minimums do not go below 
the standards set by the national of- 
fice. Other important planks in the 
committee's platform is the demand 
that the right to hire and fire na- 
tional officers be placed in the na- 
tional board, hold regular member- 
ship meetings, lower dues, institution 
of a regular publication listing peri- 
odic financial statements and all 
newly adopted legislation. 

Shelvey, previously, had demanded 
the sole, right to hire and fire, and 
has insisted upon retention of all 
controls over branch offices. 

Program Committee is sending 
letters to all nominees for post of 
delegate to the national convention 
in care of the AGVA local to which 
they are attached declaring that, 
the committee will support any can- 
didate that will support the program 
it has lined up. Inasmuch as elec- 
tion apparatus calls for a member- 
ship to vote for candidates in all 
cities, the committee* claiming a 
.sizable N. Y. following, can have a 
profound effect on . the election 
nationally. 

Committee 

The committee, so far, consists of 
Jack Guilford, Phil Leeds, Stanley 
Prager, Mark Feder, Jerry Brown, 
Nellie Lutcher, Dorothy Jarnac, 
Jerry Reed, Jay Marshall, Georgie 
Starr, Robert Penn, Louise Howard, 
the Duanos, Consolo & Melba, Irwin 
Corey, Franklin Twins, Eddie 
Kramer, Sybil Lewis, Jane Brown, 
Mark Robbins, Josh White, Timmie 
Rogers, Monte Hawley, Savannah 
Churchill, and Pigmeat Markham. 

The platform, other than the pre- 
viously mentioned planks, calls for 
• amendment to the Unemployment 
Insurance law so that performers' 
earnings in all states will be counted 
toward unemployment benefits in- 
stead of earnings only in the state of 
residence; right 'of the performer to 
determine whether he be considered 
an independent contractor or em- 
ployee in order that he may qualify 
for unemployment insurance if he so 
desires; AGVA hold regular audi- 
tions of members at which agents 
and bookers be invited; initiation of 
a national promotion campaign to 
bring live entertainment in more 
picture houses; and an end to all 
free performances. 

Regarding working conditions, 
committee calls for strict enforce- 
ment of all sanitary conditions, and 
safety in stage equipment and dance- 
floors, increase . in minimums to 
meet higher cost of living, .first class 
transportation for all travelling units, 
rigid enforcement of the no-mixing 
clauses and correction of abuses in 
resort engagements. Outfit also de- 
mands the complete organization of 
all circuses, rodeos, carnivals, fairs, 
ice-shows, as well as niteries and 
vaude houses. Committee would 
also work toward amalgamation of 
all Associated Actors and Artistes 
of America affiliates into one big 
union. 



SONJA HENIE ICER SET 
FOR EXTENDED TOUR 

Sonja Henie ice show will play one 
of the longest routes since the war 
starting Nov. 12 at Indianapolis. 
Schedule this year calls for five 
stands, with St. Louis Arena being 
added for the first time in several 
years. 

Show after closing at Indianapolis, 
Nov. 29, hits St. Louis, Dec. 3 to 20, 
following with the Madison Square 
Garden, N. Y., from Jam 22 to Feb. 
18. Tour closes at the Olympia, De- 
troit, Feb. 13 to 29. 

All arenas being played with the 
exception of the Madison Square 
Garden are controlled by Arthur 
Wirtz, who co-produces the show 
with Miss Henie. The St. Louis 
arena was acquired by Wirtz two 
months ago. 



r's Concert Tour 
Prior to Waldorf, N. Y. 

Lucienne Boyer, who closes to 
morrow (Thursday) at Cafe Society 
Uptown, N. Y., has been signed for 
the Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y.. Feb. 16. 
Shortly before the deal, Miss Boyer 
will switch from the William Morris 
agency to Music Corp. of America 
.exclusive booker of the Waldorf. 

Miss Boyer along with her hus- 
band, Jacques Peals, starts a Ca- 
nadian concert tour, which will be 
followed by a stand at Ciro's, Mexico 
City, and will play Monte Proser's 
in Hollywood if spot is completed 
in time. If not, she'll play the 
Chanticleer, Hollywood. She follows 
with the Blackstone hotel, Chicago, 
before, .cpmjrig bac.lt _tg Meyi .X°J#» 



George D. Tyson Setting 
Up Miami Branch 

George D. Tyson, executive di- 
rector of "Holiday on Ice" and "Ice 
Vogues," will open a Miami' Beach 
office next week. Move has been 
made necessary by the extensive 
playing time both shows have lined 
up in the south. 

Tyson revealed that he has relin- 
quished post as executive director 
of "Roller Follies" because of in- 
ability to'handle three shows. Man- 
agement of latter show .has been 
taken over by Harold Steinman, lay- 
out's producer. 



VAUDEVILLE 



51 



Mickey Rooney, O&J Signed 
For Honolulu Dates at 15G 

Honolulu, Oct. 21. 
The Royal Hawaiian Shows of 
Honolulu are going in for terrific 
talent splurge with the booking of 
Mickey Rooney and Olson and John- 
son. Each will get $15,000 for eight 
days plus transportation. Rooney 
starts Nov. 22, while O&J debut Nov. 
30; Royal Hawaiian Shows operates a 
large amusement park there. 

Outfit is also importing 63 other 
performers of various types. Plan 
is to show in Honolulu with the 
names and then take in adjacent is- 
lands without the toplines on a four- 
month tour. 

Idea is similar to that which was 
operated by E. K. Fernandez some 
years ago. 



Deane Janis Recovered, 
Rejoins Camp Shows Unit 

Deane Janis, singer, who broke 
her back while the USO Camp 
Shows edition of "Girl Crazy" was 
playing Korea, two years ago, now 
fully recovered, will resume the 
same role in a Camp Show version i 
now touring this country. | 

Harry Krivit, USO-Camp Shows 
production manager, planed out to 
San Francisco Saturday (18), to re- 
direct the show which will start an- 
other swing around vet hospitals. 

High Court Ruling 
Hits St. L Setups 

St. Louis, Oct. 21. 

How long local "set-up" niteries, 
where liquor is not sold, will con- 
tinue in biz is grabbing the concern 
of booking agents, etc., as a result of 
a decision last week by the U.S. Su- 
preme Court. Latter refused to re- 
view an appeal of George Graf, 
owner of the Club 400, from the Mis- 
souri State Supreme Court's decision 
that a state may regulate drinking at 
places that sell food, soft drinks and 
entertainment. 

Graf asked the court to rule that 
such regulation violates rights guar- 
anteed under the Federal Constitu- 
tion. He said his club sells no liquor, 
but that about 50% of the customers 
tote their own. He protested against 
a recently enacted Missouri state law 
that makes it a criminal offense for 
him to permit other persons to 
drink liquor in his place unless he 
obtains a license to do so. If so li- 
censed, Graff contends the act sets 
up regulations substantially the same 
as those governing places having a 
regular license to sell liquor by the 
drink. 

This means "set-up" establishments 
must observe the same closing 
hours as niteries, taverns, etc., which 
sell liquor. The state requires that 
they close at 1:30 a. m. on weekdays 
and at midnight on Saturday. For- 
merly the "set-up" spots stayed open 
all night. 

The state tribunal last April up- 
held the validity of the act after 
Circuit Judge Charles B. Williams, 
St. Louis issued a permanent injunc- 
tion restraining authorities from en- 
forcing the law.' 



AGVA, French Govt. Set Deal Whereby 
U S. Acts Get 50% U.S. Coin Takeout Pay 



Cooper Gets MCA Release 
For Vaude, Nitery Work 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 
Jackie Cooper has wangled a re- 
lease from Music Corp. of America 
representation for vaude and nitery 
work. Two years ago actor signed 
pact with agency, covering all forms 
of showbiz, but recently expressed 
dissatisfaction with handling of per- 
sonal appearances, which he now 
will seek himself, sans agenting. 

MCA will continue to rep Cooper 
tor radio and films. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 

^Saranac Lake. N. Y., Oct. 21. 

While on his 10-day furlough 
Victor ("IATSE") Gamba married 
Esther Morrisette. He'll back to the 
lodge to resume the rest period 
while his frau resumes duties at the 
Altavista lodge. 

Walter Titus, of the Republic Pic- 
tures N. Y. office, visiting Helen 
Grupp, former Republic Pix secre- 
tary, who is doing OK. 

Bernard Illion (Earl Hart), for- 
mer vaude performer, who took 
two years to beat the rap, planed 
to N.Y.C. to resume former duties 
with National Screen Service. 

William Southard back from 
Alaska and vacationing with his 
frau, Marie Southard, Will Rogers 
staffer. 

Robert Garver in to chat with 
George Fee. musician, who was re- 
cently appointed Librarian of the 
lodge. 

After a three-month siege in the 
infirmary, Sig -Mealy was moved to 
the up department. 

Sophie Medes has been appointed 
relief switchboard operator at the 
Rogers. 

William (Warner Bros.) Lalis in 
for a major operation, while Isabelle 
Rook was shot in to the general hos- 
pital for the second stage of the 
thoracoplasty operation. 

Show for Halloween party now in 
rehearsal under the direction of 
Helen Morris, Seni Okun and 
George Fee. This affair an outstand- 
ing yearly event at the Will Rogers. 
Taking part will be Carl Kessler 
(The Amaziing Mr. Ballahtine), Kit- 
ty Bernard, Walter Hoban. Forrest 
"Slim" Glenn, Sophie Mcde. Ben 
Schaffer, Sammy Schulman and G. 
Albert Smith. 

Alice Dudley, after a long period 
in the infirmary, has been moved to 
the up department and progressing 
OK. 

Write to those who are ill. 



McConkey Agcy. Revamps 
N.Y. Staff With Former 
Aides of Frederick Bros. 

The McConkey agency, which re- 
cently started to expand nationally, 
is revamping the New York setup 
with a new staff. Mack McConkey, 
agency head, is opening on a large 
scale in N. Y., Nov. 1 with a staff 
recruited largely from Frederick 
Bros. 

Switching from Fredericks are 
Hattie Althoff, of the act dept.; 
Larry Funk, band sector, and Larry 
Meyers, who recently joined as as- 
sistant to Funk. Miss Althoff will 
be the general manager, secretary- 
treasurer of the new office, while 
Funk and Meyers will be in charge 
of bands and cocktail units there. 
Tony Torre, who has been with Mc- 
Conkey's N. Y. office, will continue 
with the cocktail dept. 

The McConkey agency started in 
Kansas City some years ago and has 
since branched out with offices in 
Chicago and Hollywood. Each office 
constitutes a separate corporate 
entity. McConkey, who previously 
was in charge of the Kansas City 
operation, has delegated top KC 
spot to Paul Davis in order to be 
near the N. Y. setup. 

Meanwhile Frederick Bros. N. Y. 
office has started to replenish the 
manpower loss by hiring Aaron 
Kessler to head the act dept. Kess- 
ler was a vaude agent for many 
years, but has been away from the 
business for some time. Tom Ket- 
tering, head of the office, is now 
dickering for two more replace- 
ments. 



JIMMY SAVO'S WINSOME 
BOOK, 'LITTLE WORLD' 

By JOE LAURIE. JR. 

About 12 years ago little Jimmy 
Savo told The Lambs Clubmen about 
his visit to his wife's old Castle in 
Poggio, Italy. He told stories about 
the 1? peasants who lived in the 
village surrounding the castle and 
kept the boys smilingly interested. 
He now has put all in book form 
("Little World, Hello!"; Simon & 
Schuster, $2.75) and it is one of the 
most delightful travel-laughs you 
have ever taken to a mountain fairy- 
land. 

The story is about this broken- 
down, badly ben^ 13th century cas- 
tle, standing in a village without a 
frown and where God is kind to the 
comfortably poor people who have 
made it their home. It is all so far 
away from hustling, bustling Broad- 
way and show business as the moon. 
It is in this little Kingdom of Pog- 
gio that Jimmy Savo is named by 
the Baron Temistocle, The Lord of 
the Rock! Tough to imagine little 
wistful Jimmy Savo as the Lord of 
a Rock — or even a Pebble. The vil- 
lagers live in this nest of humor in 
the heart of the mountains and the 
way Savo tells about them makes 
one smile out loud. Gian-Domencio 
the Bellringer, Lorenzo, Elena, An- 
drea and Delfina, Alfreduzzo, Vene- 
randa, Old Joe, Marcellma, the 
Serenaders, the Sheep Herder . . . 
grand characters that are woven into 
a swell story by Savo, who on the 
stage is a panomimic paradox, a 
man who talks without speaking. 
What a picture it would make — no 
guns, no killing .... and Veneranda 
as a beautiful Italian hoyden. And 
what a swell title! 

Savo writes the way he acts, sim- 
ple, honest, gullible, charming. It 
is all as refreshing as sticking your 
bare feet in a cool stream on a hot 
day. This is his first book, and it 
looks like he is going to make a silk- 
lined living in this new field away 
from greasepaint. Savo may make 
the river stay away from his door, 
but,.he can't keep people that like to 
read a delightful story from making 
a path to the book stores for a 'copy 
of "Little World, Hello." 



Washington, Oct. 21. 

The French government and the 
American Guild of Variety Artist! 
have completed a reciprocal agree- 
ment which will permit U. S. acts 
playing France to have 50% of their 
salaries paid in U. S. dollars, while 
French acts playing America shall 
receive $20 daily for maintenance, 
plus incidental expenses, remainder 
will be remitted to the French 
Office des Change. 

Agreement recently reached set- 
tles a great many headaches in 
arranging performer fiscal affairs 
and is seen as hypoing the boohing 
of acts in both countries. 

The Office des Change and the 
union will act as clearing houses 
for the performers, and no cur- 
rency remittances will be valid un- 
less contracts are stamped either 
by AGVA or the ODC. 

As presently constituted, the 
French performer in contracting for 
an engagement in the U. S. with 
an American operator designates 
that from the gross weekly earn- 
ings will be deducted agents' com- 
missions, salaries paid to other 
members of his act, if any, and 
estimated U. S. income tax. Of the 
remainder, 50% or $20 daily, which- 
ever is greater is retained by the 
performer and the rest sent lo 
AGVA for remittance abroad. 

An American act playing France 
will have the following deductions 
made from salary: Agent's commis- 
sion, if paid in francs, salaries paid 
to other members of the act, if any, 
and estimated French income tax. 
Up to 50% must be left in that 
country for living expenses, pur- 
chases, etc., and balance will be re- 
mitted through the ODC to an 
American bank of the act's choos- 
ing, for withdrawal upon return to 
the U. S. 

By this method, France car. build 
up a dollar reserve in this country 
out of which American acts playing 
France will be paid. 

Agreement also stipulates that 
Office des Change and AGVA 
shall be the sole arbiters of any 
financial disputes arising from re- 
mittances. Another stipulation de- 
clares that agreement shall be in 
force during all times that present 
French currency laws are in effect, 
and pact cannot be altered without 
AGVA's consent. In the event of 
new French monetary regulations, 
agreement can be cancelled if, in 
AGVA's judgment, new laws work 
to the detriment of the .U. S. per- 
former. 



Phil Regan is set for the Persian 
Room of the Plaza hotel, N. Y., Nov. 
J 2Q„ following Jjbewce., - . . 



BELLE BAKER DISKING 
BETWEEN CAFE DATES 

Belle Baker will spend the inter- 
val between the Bachelor Club, 
Pittsburgh, engagement Oct. 29 and 
her Miami Beach dates, recording 
for National. She's making quite a 
series for that brand. 

Songstress opens at the Beach- 
comber, MB, Dec. 15. Jerry Rosen 
-bpoked 



Dean Martin and* Jerry Lewis into 
the Chez Paree, Chicago, Nov. 20. 



LIEBOW PACTING SHOWS 
FOR PANAMA NITERIES 

Panama, Oct. 21. 

Bill Liebow, operator of two local 
niteries, is set to resume talent op- 
erations in December. Liebow is 
planning to rotate his shows so that 
each will play both spots for five- 
week periods. 

Liebow operates Ciro's, Colon, and 
the International hotel, Panama 
City. Boots McKenna will produce 
the shows. 



LOEW 

BOOKING 
AGENCY 

01NHA1 ixteutivt orricit 
LOIW ■UllDINO ANNEX 

-!«• W. 4*k It, N.V.C • My** <t-7m 



52 



VAUDEVILLE 



Night Club Reviews 



Slapsy Maxlo-s, L.A. 

Los Angeles, Oct. 17. 
Ella Logon, Dean Murphy, Fred & 
Elaine Barry, Isabeltta. Joel Friend,. 
Mary Mullen. Mitchell Brother, Ruth 
Brady, Trudy Stevens, George Lloyd, 
the Don. Loper Girls and Boys (IS), 
Dick Stabile Orch (141, Rhumba 
Kings; minimum $3 weekdays; $4 
weekends. 



A slip of a Scottish miss walked 
out onto the floor of the refurbished 
Siapsy Maxie's on gala reopening 
liight and saved the new manage- 
ment from having a fiasco on its 
hands. 

Not that the decor wasn't lavish — 
or the costumes on the gals beauti- 
ful. But the inane decision to run 
both the dinner and supper shows 
together as one two-hour pot pourri 
w as a little too much to take. 

Besides, a whining public address 
system ruined the original score 
cleffed for the "Once Over Lightly" 
revue by Allan Roberts and Lester 
Lee. The few notes that penetrated, 



mm 



JEAN 
PARKER 

Currtntly 

RAJAH TH6ATR8 
READING. PA. 



Mm 



is 



m 

1 

Si; 

m 



Booked by 

HARRY A. ROMM 

38 E 57ih 5' , New York N Y 



JUDY MAGEE 

Panto-Mimicry 
CLOSING OCTOBER 26th 

SAMOVAR 

MONTREAL 

REPEAT ENGAGEMENT 
• OPENING DECEMtER 2? 



and the few words that could be 
heard, sounded good. And the Dick 
Stabile orch acquitted itself nobly 
despite the handicaps. 

The Don Loper production num- 
bers looked good at first. But they 
came too fast and too often. Lost in 
the shuttle and swirl of the fashion- 
able Loper gowns were Joel Friend 
and Mary Mullen who tried hard. 
So did Mitchell Brother. Trudy 
Stevens and Ruth Brady, but their 
vocalizing was drowned out by a 
battery of six mikes that were 
playing "air raid warning." 

It was just one of those things. 
Terp team Fred and Elaine Barry 
click with a couple of neat routines 
that even bad electrical effects 
couldn't spoil. But impersonator 
Dean Murphy failed to deliver in 
anything approaching his usual 
form and George Lloyd failed to 
register at all, 

Then this girl walked on stage to 
face an audience grown cold, almost 
hostile. Maybe there was something 
symbolic about her choice of "Show- 
business" as an opening number. 
Maybe not. Anyway, in the space of 
16 bars, a major miracle had 
occurred. 

The audience straightened up. The 
chatter died down. The table-hop- 
ping ceased. And the girl stood there 
and sang — and sold. 

It was her show. And if there is 
any showbiz equivalent of the 
Congressional Medal of Honor, it 
should go to Ella- Logan. She de- 
serves it. Her terrific showmanship 
and sock singing and salesmanship 
meant the difference between ennui 
and entertainment. Kop. 



4 million Room, IV. Y. 

(HOTEL PIERRE) 

McLerie & Butler, Wollon & 
O'Rourke, Chas. Reader Orch (11) 
with Stanley Worth, Van Smith 
Latins (5); $2 and $3 minimum 
iSat.-Sun.), no cover. 



Embassy Club, B. A. 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 15. 
Carlos Ramirez is a "natural" for 
the upper-class carriage trade at the 
deluxe Embassy and he knows how, 
to handle his audience, creating an 

intime atmosphere by singing a arld continue making the rounds, dis- 
Brazilian number and dedicating it pensing little trinkets and souvenirs. 



Maestro Charles Reader, who is 
also in charge of entertainment of 
the Hotel Pierre's Cotillion Room, 
has assembled one of the best little 
floorshows yet, and the tumaway 
trade here, of late, in face of gen- 
erally easing-off conditions else- 
where, reflects the realistic appre- 
ciation for value. And good value it 
is, with a good but not overpriced 
table d'hote and a $2-$3 minimum 
(latter Sat.-Sun.; the room is closed 
Mondays instead) after theatre. 
Shows are at 9:15 and 12:15, emceed 
by Reader. ■ 

Allyne McLerie & John Butler 
(New Acts) reflect their high-grade 
musicomedy background with a tip- 
top terp turn, and Walton & 
O'Rourke, long standard in th.' class 
hotels and niteries, with their pup- 
peteering, are standout here. They 
work with their puppets "exposed 1 ' 
but even with the visible strings 
and the rest of it their manipulations 
give rise to "how do they do it," 
such as the smoking business (Lazy 
Sam) and the cocktail-consuming 
dowager in a corking drunk se- 
quence. 

Two-man combo are personable 
and can stand the spotlight well on 
their own, hence they 'introduce 
themselves into the action, such as 
garconing for the stewed matron and 
foiling for the little colored boy 
character. The men make their 
own mannikins and manifest a fine 
sense of comedic-artistic conception 
in the design of these puppets, such 
as the hot piano man with the sepia 
siren of a songstress, among others. 

Above all, Walton .& O'Rourke 
seem to love their work to a rather 
unusual degree as they table-hop 
with their "lovebirds" puppets, dis- 
pensing little corsages to the femme 
guests, and even after the show is 
over they replenish the "lovebirds" 



Wednesday, OctoW 22, 1947 



medley which shows off hi* vocal- 
mimicry. A solid sequence. It fea- 
tures takeofls on Crosby, Kate 
Smith, Ink Spots and a hand-rotisinK 
topper in the version of "Pagliacei. 
Tees off with smartly arranged med- 
ley from ''Finian's Rainbow" and 
"Brigadoon" then changes pace with, 
the impressions. "Whiffenpopf Song" 
again shows know-how in the ar- 
rangement, brief and effective. En- 
cores with "Girl That I Marry," and 
tops with own lyric version of "Mi- 
serlou," which leads Aurora-Roche 
Carlyle Dancers on for their finale 
number. 

The troupe reaffirms impresh that 
they're one of the more imaginative 
groups to play this area. Opener is 
a tongue-in-cheek cake walk that 
makes for a bright applause-getting 
pace-setter. Closer is a Javanese Jive 
that blends straight and comedy 
dance values, enhanced by the cos- 
tuming and musical backgrounding. 
Features Aurora Roche and Carlyle 
in the head and arm movements, 
done with authentic expertness. 

In the middle terp slot, Ted and 
Denny Peters almost walked off 
with the show. Duo worked under 
tag, Theodore and Denise, in pre- 
war years. Smart blending includes 
a sock waltz that shows clever lifts 
and spins. Follow with fast rhumba- 
samba for more* palm-whacking. 
Tops, with comedy adagio that finds 
gal winding up in ringsider's lap. 

Lisita Alfonso, Cuban import, is 
only weak spot in the lineup. Essays 
the Latino chants in a hoarse, un- 
melodic voice and hip-swings around 
the stage to m^ld returns. - ,' : 

Tony Lopez and crew background 
the show in brisk fashion and do 
nicely by the dancers between 
shows. Lory. 

La Martinique, N. Y. 

Anne Francine, Franklin Twins, 
Lander & Holland, Joan Fields; Er- 
win Kent Orch. Maya Rhumba Band-, 
JVtcola Matthey Ensemble; $3.50 

minimum. 



to some prominent Brazilian in the 
audience. 

Arthur Kutscher, operator of this 
nitery, has cut down on his floor 
show, reducing it to a ballet num- 
ber and Ramirez. Georges Henri 
and his combo provide the Ramirez 
accompaniment and turn in a credit- 
able job. even to items like "I 
Barbieri" and other opera favorites. 

What strikes those who knew 
Ramirez in his last Buenos Aires 
performances, some six years ago, 
is that he has acquired poise and has 
lost the gaucherie so evident when 
he appeared briefly on the Colon 
Opera stage 



It's the type of mixing which always 
pays off but unfortunately has gone 
out of style with too many nitery 
acts who do their stints and run. 
It's been accented before that the 
best mixers with their following, 
before and/or after the shows, are 
the ones who are the saloon entre- 
preneurs' delight— and can always 
come back for that reason. That's 
been the secret of Harry Richman. 
Sophie Tucker, Morton Downey, 
Phil Regan among others. 

As for the rest, Reader is a leader 
who can handle himself as confer- 
encier besides dispensing OK dansa- 
pation. Van Smith's relief quintet for 



Ramirez has also learned how to i the Latin tunes is also OK for song- 



handle the mike and pegs the vol 
ume of his voice very aptly to the 
somewhat resonnant acoustics of the 
room. •'. Nid. 



and-dance. 



Abel. 



FOREIGN 

THEATRICAL 

DIRECTORY 

:o-Date Listing of Agencies 
I Bookers in Central America; 
. 'th America; Europe; South 
. Africa and Australia 

PRICE TWO DOLLARS 
F. LEWIS 

15 Thiem Ave, Rochelle Pit., New Jersey 



Cloud H00111, Portland 

Portland, Ore., 13. 
Polly Baker & Harry Carroll. Eve 
Mathews, Eddie Flenner Orch (5) 
with Bob Wellman; 85c. cover, $1.50 
I Sat. 



ALWAYS WORKING 

'WHITEY' ROBERTS 

W'k Oct. 24, Orpheum T., Omaha 
With Beatrice Kay 

Direction Wit. MOKRIS 



Leo Jaroff picked a winner in 
Polly Baker and Harry Carroll for 
opening his fall parade of name at- 
tractions. Pair, long time faves in 
the northwest, are playing to an 
advantage in this more intimate and 
smarter room. Miss Baker, blonde, 
slender eye opener, keeps customers 
laughing with her slick handling of 
, tongs. Carroll accompanies her on 
i the spinett piano and adds some fine 
humor. Open with some novelty 
tunes and original lyrics and close 
with .some of Carrolls pop tunes that 
are still hits. Best known is "By 
the Sea," "I'm Always Chasing Rain- 
bows" and "Blue Ridge Mountains of 
Virginia." Entire room joins in the 
singing led by Baker. Begged off 
after four encores. 

Eve Mathews, blonde looker, 
opens the show with some classy tap 
ballet work for good response. Eddie 
Flenner orch backs show neatly 
and also contribs danceable tunes 
for customer dansapation. Bob Well- 
man does okay on vocals. Feve. 



lse-length fur piece, until the ea- 
inttt* flolka with Wiich they 
r. Thei* routine*, all uniquely «ui> 



they beg 

w... a — uii.uuely rjifi 

ferent, are gracefully exeouted, and 
th* touch of Impressionistic terping, 
never overdone, is sock. 

Franklin Twins and Miss Fields 
are reviewed in New Acts, IfwifJ 
Kent orch backs the show neatl" 
and plays competently for danci: 



Maya's rhumba crew is in to fu 
msh the Latin tempos. Matthey eh, 
sembte plays only until the first 
show now, offering pleasant dinner 
music, Dario himself does a capable 
job of emceeing the present 



capable 



NashviU* Nitery 'Unfair* 

Club Brentwood, Nashville, wai 
oited unfair this week by American 
Guild of Variety Artists for refus- 
ing to sign minimum basic agree- 
ment and post bond with the union. 

Performers and agents have been 
bulletined to effect that they are not 
to do business with nitery while 
union ban is on. 



Currently Embassy Club 
Jacksonville, Florida 
Oct. 29, Olympics 
Theatre, Miami 




T«*rrace Room, Pitt. 

(WILLIAM PENN HOTEL) 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 22. 
Joan. Brooks, Debonaires (5), 
Biliy Catizone Orch. (8); M'arcelyn; 
$1 couer, $1.50 -weekends. 

Town's class supper room swung 
into the fall season, after a four- 
month shutdown, with a little show 
that fits the spot like a glove. Only 
two acts, but they're right up to Ter- 
race Room standard. 

For one of them, that was a fore- 
gone conclusion. Joan Brooks played 
here last January and was brought 
back on strength of heavy click then. 
Lush-voiced thrush is repeating with 
ease and has to give 'em a full cycle 
before they'll let her get off the 
floor. She puts a rich and easy qual- 
ity to the ballads; introduces a cou- 
ple of new ones from "Allegro"; does 
a bang-up job on "Fightin' and 
Feudin'" and "Mountain Gal" and 
sews it up with "If You Were the 
Only Girl," the themer she used for 
so long during her nighttime show 
over CBS. . Smartly gowned and 
makes a nice appearance. 

First time in a downtown club for 
the five dancing Debonaires although 
they've played here in theatres be- 
fore. Nattily outfitted in tails, they 
look formidable right at the outset 
and they keep up the good impres- 
sion all the way through. Their 
novelty "One Finger" gets them in 
solid immediately and boys' stand- 
ard Mechanical Ballet is still a cork- 
ing novelty. 

Billy Catizone (Band Reviews) in- 
troes the acts and looks after the 

tel " P end ' _____ Cohen - 

Clover Club, Miami 

. Miami, Oct. 18. 
Jan Bart, Ted & Denny Peters 
Luisita Alfonso, Aurora Roche-Car- 
lyle Dancers (8), To?iy Lope; Orch; 
minimum $2-$2.50. 



With the preem appearance of 
blues singer Anne Francine in the 
IT. S. since her highly-successful 
Paris stint, La Martinique boniface 
Dario has begun the club's recon- 
version to its straight nitery policy 
of last year. Closed all summer, the 
plush boite reopened several weeks 
ago as an expensive eatery with 
only the Nicola Matthey violin en- 
semble tor entertainment. Idea evi- 
dently didn't pay off and, while the 
tsiganes crew is still around, it's 
pulling out entirely at the end of 
the week in favor of the old two-a- 
night nitery routine. 

Choice of Miss Francine to tee off 
the reconversion policy is a wise 
one. Winner of a post-deb amateur 
contest staged by the old Coq 
Rouge. N. Y., when cafe society 
torchers were the vogue, she made 
quite a name for herself around 
Manhattan before doing an impres- 
sive round of the Paris niteries last 
year. Exploitation value in her 
name and career, plus her strong 
showmanship, should materially aid 
Dario in luring his old customers 
back. He's bulwarked her strongly 
with the comic Franklin Twins, 
balh oomologists Lander and Holland 
and tapster Joan Fields. 

Miss Francine, with a throaty 
voice, charming . personality and 
plenty of poise, has lots to offer. 
A tall girl, she wears a gown cut 
almost to her midriff that f. rnishes 
cleavage to the extreme, all of 
which helps sell her material. To 
make the most of her blue-blood 
aura, she wisely steers away from 
any pops, confining her offerings to 
unfamiliar tunes or specially-cleffed 
numbers. "I Happen to Like New 
York," in which she compares 
Gotham and Paris, is plenty corny 
but a surefire audience-pleaser. She 
naturally has one tune with French 
lyrics and begs off with a torcher, 
"Just Like a Man." that's well- 
tailored to her talents. 

Lander and Holland are undoubt- 
edly one of the smartest dance teams 
around today. After several years 
in Latin America they returned to 
the U. S. last month at the Chez 
Paree, Chicago, making this their 
second American appearance in 
some time. Duo has class all the 
way. from their interesting opening, 
in which the femme comes on in a 



PHIL FOSTER 

Nite-Ufe'i Newest latf-»en«a»ion 



I'M WITCHA, I'M WITCHA 

CVKRKNTLY APPKARINO: 

LATIN QUARTER 

CHICAGO 



"Fostered by" 
SOI TEPPER, RKO Bldg., New York 20 



EDDY 









"Helfetz of the 




harmonica." 




h. Currently: 



f PARK AVI. CLUB 

Miami Beach 



Margery Welles at the Piano 
Mgr.: Ben Upset 



M 
A 
N 

S 
0 
N 



GOWKS BS ERNESTO 




HELENE and HOWARD 

«. 'Comedy Dance Anties" 

. valley a "EN A 

Dir.: MATTY ROSEN 



COMEDY PATTER 

For All Branches of Theatricals 

FUN -MASTER 

"The Show Biz Gag File" 
Nos. 1 to 22 @ $1.00 ea. 
(22 for $18.00) 

10 PARODIES for $5.00 

"How to Bo an Emcee" 

$3.00 Including 2 Gag Files 

Semi far lint of material, parodies, 
eoiuedy songs, minstrel bits — black- 
outs, skits, et<-. 

NO C.O.B's 

PAULA SMITH 

BOO W. Mill St., New York 1* 



Addition of a top flight comic and 
elimination of one weak act could 
easily bring current package here 
into mid-season class. As presently 
set up, it still makes for solid en- 
tertainment. 

Jan Bart, in topliner spot, is play- 
ing a room in which he first showed 
his potentialities as a cafe attraction. 
Resultant building up of local fol- 
lowing led to many return engage- 
ments, with this one finding him in 
top vocal form and wisely introing 
plenty of new material to add to his 
potency with the patrons here. 

Only routine contained in present 
■aue^tom. ius. pueKiaus.stmts,.is.the. 



NANCY DONOVAN 

"Bit of Heaven in Song" 
Just Concluded 4 Record-Breaking Weeks 

ROXY, NEW YORK 

Thanks, SAMMY RAUCH 
(Milton Berle Was There. Too) 

OPENING: NOV. 10. BILTMORE. PROVIDENCE 
Future Engagements at 
COPLEY PLAZA, BOSTON; ST. CHARLES. NEW ORLEANS 

ALL RETURN ENGAGEMENTS 
Direction: MCA 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Dance Troupe Cancels 
So. American Tour 
In Payoff Snarl 

Rosario and Antonio dance troupe 
of 12, skedded to tour South America 
this winter, has cancelled contract 
(reportedly in amount of $55,000) 
because it couldn't get payment as- 
sured in American dollars. Can- 
cellation, however, may be only a 
postponement until June, as local 
managers in Buenos Aires are still 
trying to get a special dollar, permit 
to encourage the troupe to come. 
South American tour would cover 
12 to 14 weeks in Argentii.a, Chile 
gnd l*eru, with three weeks in B. A. 

Troupe is now in Havana, where 
it opened Oct. 6 at the Teatro 
America at $5,000 weekly. This 
weekend the unit is off to Cuban 
provinces and a tour of the Carib- 
bean for total of six weeks at $4,250 
weekly. It will return to the U. S. 
for a-- concert tour running from 
January to mid-May. 



VAUDEVILLE 



53 



VENTURA MADE BOOKER I Majestic/Paterson, N.J., 
OF HAVANA V AIDERS j Settles With Musicians 



The Majestic theatre, Paterson, 
N. J., vauder, will reopen Monday 
i27) following settlement of the six- 
week strike of the American Fed- 
eration of Musicians. Settlement 
was effected last week when musi- 
cians' pay scale was hiked from I 
$78.75 -to $84. 

Theatre was originally slated to i 
open Sept. 11. 



Marcel Ventura, N. Y. agent, has 
been appointed official rep in the 
U. S. for two of Cuba's ace vaud- 
film houses, the 1,900-seater Teatro 
America and 1,200-seater Radio City, 
both of Havana. Ventura, who just 
returned from a Havana trip, will 
try to line up U. S. attractions for 
the vauders. 

Houses, he says, are paying all 
talent in American dollars. About 
six months ago the Cuban govern- 
ment instituted a rule providing 
that all firstclass filmhouses must 
have concurrent vaude shows, in j (1/ ADDVIMr W1TEDV lArVC 
order to give employment to live VVUIVAI lilb llllllRl JUtlVO 
talent Ruling now permits foreign | Disk jockeys with programs 
imports. Tax on foreign salaries* emanating from N. Y. nitcries aren't 
Ventura also reports, has been re- : worried about the American Federa- 
duced to 5% to encourage talent to tion o{ Musicians, James C. Petrillo, 
make trek south. j^an on new recordings after Dec. 31. 

Ventura is personal manager in j The jocks claim tnat masic consti . 

tutes only a minor, part of their ses- 

gab 
the 



Miami Bistros Hope to Pry Tourist 
Coin With Highest Budgets in History 



PETRILLO'S UKASE NOT 



By LARRY SOLI.OWAY 

Miami Beach. Oct. 21. 

With the hurricane period on the 
wane, this winter "gold eoi.st" is 
girding itself 'or its annual "biggest 
season in history" with optimism 
running high, despite- some pessi- 
mistic predictions that "they'll come, 
all right, but they wen t spend;'' 

Rates in hotels and on apartment 
rentals are a bit higher than last 
year, based on increased operation 
costs. But the reservation* are com- 
ing in anyway. Majority of the 
luxury hotels are sold out for the 
period Jan, 15 to, March 13. w'-ih 



[the policy in November, followed by 
I Cross and Dunn and then a Jackie 
i Miles-Vagabonds parlay which adds 

up as one of the most potent draws 
I of the season. 

Smaller spots also are hypoing 

budgets. Paddock Club starts with 

Sally Rand in two weeks. Famous 
. Door is offering a salary plus deal to 
. Frances Faye. Brook Club will again 
' feature its class one name plus band 
) policy as an adjunct to the casino. 
The intime spots aren't worried. 

Blackamoor Room and Park Avenue 
, lounge have been packing them in 



U. S. for Mata & Hari, Rosario & 
Antonio, Ernesto Lecuona and others. 



ind expect to hold their own with 
many reporting heavy inquiries on , loea i, y established attractions such 

as Harry the Hipster and Charlie 



THANKS to 
JOE DANIELS 

far 4 wonderful waeki in Startle, 
Spokane, and Vancouver, I. C. 

HI, L0 
JACK 



and the 



DAME 

Now Playing 

GOLDEN GATE 

Son Francisco 

OPENING OCTOBER 31st 
NICOLLET, Minneapolis 

BOB KERR— R.K.O. BLDG. 
New York, N. Y. 



Patricia Windsor, From 
Concert, Into Niteries 



sions, inasmuch as most of the 
stems around personalities in 
cafes. 

Platter pilot, during the course of j 

an hour's program, rarely plays 

more than two or three waxings, j 

and the jockey often feels there's ! 

i little difference which recording is 1 
Patricia Windsor, lyric soprano, j u<:ect 



Washington, Oct. 21. 



making her nitery debut at the 
Shoreham hotel here this week, is a 
former San Francisco Opera song- 
stress, last with "Gypsy Lady" and 
"Song of the Vagabond." 

She never did a single, but is 
slated to open at the Hotel Pierre's 
Cotillion Room, N. Y., Dec. 9 with 
G. Ray Tyrrell, magico, and Landra 
& Verna. dancers. 



inasmuch as the sessions stress 
interviews and personality chitter. 

The disk-jockey in niteries is now : 
big business. Jack Eigen,' at the f 
Copacabana lounge. N. Y., started ; 
the idea earlier this year, and since | 
then some of the other spots that 



the preceding and post season 
! weeks. Apartment rentals are sky 
i high, with many owners refusing to 
1 rent unless on a seasonal basis, 
j Average season chatre is $XO00. Re- 
sult has been a. serious housing 
: shortage for people who live and 
i work here. • 

Nightclub picture is a rosy one for 
those running now. There'll be 
several heavily attended conventions 
in November and December. But 
come Christmas the competition will 
start as the larger rooms open up 
with the biggest "name" attractions 
in the area's history. 

All are following the policy set 
last year by one of the few prorit- 



Farrcll. Mother Kelly's, reopening 
under his sons' management will 
again feature cuisine plus smart, 
small shows. ^ 

Only Question mr.rk is Kitty 
Davis'. She's still trying to sell 1he 
i Continued on pat'e 54) 



have picked up the idea are Leon ; ab!e operatiollS- tne Beachcomber 



- Next Cotillion Show 

. Lucille & Eddie Roberts return to 
the Cotillion Room's next show Nov. 
| 11 with Fay & Gordon, dancers, 
booked by maestro Charles Reader, 
who handles the Hotel Pierre's en- 
tertainment. Henry Gordon is an ex- 
Los Angeles bank teller who met 
Fay at a dance contest, but went 
professional at the Mark Hopkins, 
Frisco, Royal Hawaii, Honolulu, and 
t v » Hotel Del Monte. Monterey. This 
is heir first N. Y. engagement. 



The Exclusive and Amusing 




LAURETTE and CLYMAS 



"DANCUHORISTS" 
JACK DAVIES PHIL TYRELL 

New York Chicago 



& Eddie's, N. Y., with Jerry Roberts 1 
at the turntable; the Riviera, Ft. Lee, 
N. J., with Bea Kalmus. (This pro- 
gram has since switched its origina- I 
tion point to the WHN studio), j 
Johnny Kane, N. Y. Enquirer nitery 
columnist has a wax-works at the 
Greenwich Village Inn. 
However, the most lucrative plat- 



ter pact has been signed by Barry j s 1 a t e d for 
Gray (see separate story) who gets i B a i; eri j cev 



l which had Sophie Tucker-Jackie 
j Miles-Harry Richman for an eight- 
I week run that set record grosses. 

This season Ned Schuyler, Beach- 
comber op. set Peter Lind Hayes. 
Mitzi Green, the Ritz brothers and 
I Sophie Tucker, with others being 
: lined up to bolster the three week 
and change policy. Spot kickoff 




Lovely 
Lady 

of 
Song 



JANE 

JOHNSON 



$50,000 at the Copacabana, Miami 
Beach for the winter season. 



Dec. 18, 
Adams. 



w i t h 
Mark 



Belle 
Plant, 



Billy Rose Gets Romantic 
With New Cafe Decor 

Billy Rose, operator of the Dia- 
mond Horseshoe, N. Y., after eight 
years of selling nostalgia, is set to 
change the current cafe setup. Rose 



Burley Chorine Held In 
St. Loo Taxi Stickup 

, St. Louis. Oct. 21. 

Mrs. Jane Newlon, 20, burlesque 
chorine is in the St. Louis County 
hoosegow charged with participating 
in a taxicab stickup two weeks ago. 



will close the Horseshoe starting Local cops have gone to Louisville, 
Nov. 29 for a complete job of redec- Ky.. to obtain custody of her hus- | 
orating. He'll reopen Dec. 26 with a band and two others for the same | 
show including Mata & Hara, a bal- job. 

let line to be staged by Esther! The quartet, according to cops, got I 



Gowns by 

E R N E S T. O 

fxefviivo Theatrical Creations 
254 W. 46th St. 
New York. N. Y. 
Assisted by NELLY de FREITAS 



Junger, an orchestra with 20 violins, I 
and a femme singing chorus. John I 
Murray Anderson will stage the 
show, using a double revolving plat- 
form. 

New decor will be by Herman 
Rossi, at « cost of $100,000. Accord- 
ing to Rose, that's more than he 
spent to open the Horseshoe origi- 
nally. Rose figures the new setup 
will attract local trade as well as 



into a cab driven by Louis Tabach- 
nick in St. .Louis and ordered him to 
drive to Overland in the county. 
There, when one drew a loaded re- 
volver and ordered Tabrchnick to 
hand over his dough he grabbed Mrs. 
Newlon. dragged her out of the cab 
and used her as a shield. The gun 
toter fired one shot that struck the 
taxi driver in the hip whereupon all 



Tony Canzonerj. another topper still 
to be added, plus the June Taylor 
girls and Dave Tyler's orch. Average 
weekly talent outlay will run $25,- 
000. 

Copacabana is completing a deal 
j with Maurice Chevalier and has ap- 
| proached Miiton Boric, with green- 
back lined carpets ready to roll out 
if they say yes. George Jesse! is al- 
ready set far .a February di.Xe at 
$12,500, while Hildegaide opens the 
spot for its winter run on Nov. 1. 
Budget here can hit as high as $30.- 
000, with a Wally Wariger produc- 
tion and Frank Linale's orch in- 
cluded. Barry Gray, New York disk 
jock, is set for the lounge. Ops Ben 
Slutsky and Murray Weinger also 
dickering to bring back Danny Kaye. 
who made dough for theiTi last year 
despite a $20,000 salary on a $10 and 
$12.50 minimum. 

Colonial Inn is again setting up a 
plush production with Joe E. Lewis 
in for the season. In a better posi- 
tion than the others to bid for lop- ■ 
pers, via the casino operation, it's 



Rack 

lo 
Boogie 
Hari in hi si 




GEORGE 

GUEST 



Sew York Rep.! KDIHK SMITH AfiKNCl 
Clii.BKO Ken.: l'Hll. TVHIcm.I. 



tourists. The Horseshoe, since its 

preem. has been a potent -tourist Grand theatre, local burlesk house, 
magnet. 



entered the cab and drove off. i expected that the huge Broward 

Mrs. Newlon was employed at the j county spot will again bring in 

Hollywood as' well 
with Jimmy 



Walk«?r Sets Up Agcy. 

George Walker, who left Music , 
Corp. of America last week, has ! 
opened his own agency, with the j 



Cynda Glenn's Camp Tour 



as Broadway ■ 
j names, with Jimmy Durante and i 
I Abbott & Costello among those inen- 
i tioned. An offer here of $25,000 for 
.an act is the usual. Latin Quarter j 
I has Myron Cohen and Martha Raye. I 
and E. M. Loew, who will run the j 
■room himself this year, is unfolding I 



JACK PARKER 




"VHE JACK 
OF CLUBS" 

. Currently 

RADIO CITY 
THEATRE 

Minneapolis, Minn. 

With DKSI AKNAZ 
hd(I Orrhewtrn 

Direction: ■ 
TOM FITZPATRICK 

130 W. <2d CI.. N. Y. 
Pittite: PE 6-t)9/6 



Pails, Oct. 21. 
Cvnda Glenn, American comedi- 

Three Suns as the first major act on j ™£ Z^^m^^i | a blank check offer to get the talent 
Jack OBovle another ex-MCA. I ? one io } ^^ankfort to enter- : he wants to help bring the Cass bis 

. , • .' . . . , tain this week. She will travel 

who left organization last year, has , .? , , ,. . „ . 

, ,„ ,, . ,.„ ,„ u ji throughout the American Zone of 
joined Walkers olfice. Hell handle !>*_„. ._ r - „ „ „„ :J 

one-nighters and concert dates. 



MAXINE 

SULLIVAN 

CURRENTLY 
LE RUBAN BLEU, New York 



RADIO: Sundays, 3-3:15 P.M.. WNEW 

Direction: 
MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 



Personal MunnKer 
.tOstfll MAKSOI. AIS 
t«»7 Hronriwii.T • New York 
Suite DII6 • CI. 5-<lti:U— 5 



Occupation in Germany as a paid 
I performer. Usually such junkets 

are gratis. 
Miss Glenn is due back here for. 
i a possible starring role in the new 

edition of the "Folies Bcrgeries," 



tro into the black. 

Clover Club is well set on names, 
though not spending as high as the 
$25,000 group. Gracie Barrie starts 



Parodies! Special Songs! Bits! 

4r Draw from our llhnir.v, our of the 
lurncKl. moht I'OinnrrtH'nplve In 
Showbiz! 

it mix t uiiiioic fkkk: 

it Kxfluhlve mnterlnl' our wpet'lnlly '• 

J. ft H. KLEINMAN 
25-31-K 30th Rood, I. I. City 2, N Y 
Telephone i Axtoriii K-«a«ii 



I McRae's N.Y. Strand Bow 

Gordon MacRae. radio singer, will 
j play his first N. Y. theatre date at 
the Strand, starting Oct. 24. 

MacRae. currently on the Teen- 
I Timers. NBC show, was the summer 
j replacement for Fannie Brice. He 
i has played vaude houses previously, 
but not on Broadway. 
I Harry Romm is lining up nearby 
i theatre dates after the Strand en- 
I eagement. 




THE INK SPOTS 




Currently for 6 Weeks 
London Casino, London, England 



Mgt.— UNIVERSAL ATTRACTIONS 
565 Fifth Avenue. New Yerk 



MERRIEL 
ABBOTT'S 
AUTUMN 
REVUE 



HOWARD DE COURCY 



AuiitMl by Canary 



GARBO 

EMPIRE ROOM, PALMER HOUSE, CHICAGO 



Represented by 

M.C.A. 

London 

Charles L Tucker 



t 

54 



Wednesday* October 22, 1947 



Variety Bills 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 23 



Numerals In connection with bills below Indicate opening day of show 
whether full or split week 

Letter In parentheses indicates circuit: (I) independent; (L) Loewf 
(P) Paramount; (It) RKO; <W) Warner 



XKH" YORK CITY 
Capitol (I.) 28 

Hal Melniyre Ore 
G'-nrude Nieaen 
.t'iteki-* Glearfon 
21 -ry liruiv 

Mmh Hull (1) 23 
K Talbot-Mar'in 
l'a,ul Franke 
Lucille fuinminss 
Dorothy Keller 
Rocket tea 
(Slips de Ballet 
Sym On* 

Paramoilitl <V) 2* 

Charlie Spivak Ore 
Al Kernte 
Tip Tap & Toe 
M*-U Torino 

Ko*y (1 )£S 
VpIoz & Yola nda 
Sid Caesar 

Stale (I.) 23 
Ga> itov & Kotfs ■ 
*The DunhHIft 
Jay Marshall 
Riiha Marie 
The I'ltr-hinen 
A & .1 I>i Gatann 
Strand (W) 24 
Ted Weents Ore 
Gordon MueRae' 
Mm ivy Amsterdam 
The (Sienna 

BROOKLYN 
riatbUHll (I) 24-20 
Bud.lv Walker 
Eddie, .lark. Betty 
Hob Douglas 
CarUHon & Dell 
0<»nS;alea .% 



JIadda Brooks 
10 Line Girls 
Coleridge Davis Ore 
Larry Steele 
H of tense Allen 
SliaRiue Dancers 
J Mason Viffal 
Tops & Wilda 
Aland Dixon 

LLMHCA 
Kenney (W) 22-23 
Blue Barron Ore 
HARTFORD 
Slate <I) 24-20 
Blue Barron Ore 
Francis Craig 
(Nmstance Moore 
Bob Kvans 
Chester Dolphin 
NEWARK 
Adams (1) 23 
Sugar C Robinson 
Buddy Morrow Ore 
t'y Reeves 
Body Jane Smith 
Ml A. MI 

Olympiu (P) 22 
L & J A inters 
Tucker & Gloria 
Eddie Man eon Co 
Radio Rogues 
Tommy Dix 

MINNEAPOLIS 
Radio City <P) 22 
Desi Amaz Bd 
Marion Button 
Bat Henning 
Jack Parker 
OMAHA 

Orpheum (K) 24 
Beatrice Kay 



THE FIVE GRAYS 

AMERICA'S FOREMOST DANCING FAMILY 

Currently LOEWS STATE 

NKW YORK 
Direction: MAX TISHMAN 
1674 Broadway, New York 



ItKONX 
Windaor (I) 21-2S 

l.oon Fields 
L & J. Bernard 
3 Pa rks 
Ada i,ynn 
The St Olalrs 
QUKKNS 
Jnmnien (I) K-2S 
Dennis Sis 
■ Alan Slnn£ 
I.cw & Joe 
Marilyn C'aites 
Fahian 

Yinre Carscn 
(three to Hill* 

BALTIMORE 
Hipiioilromr (I) 24 

Gene Krupa Ore 
I.hiyd 4- Willis 
Semi' Wenees 

Kesal (1) 21 
Herbie Fields. 



Del Courtney Bd 
Whitey Roberts 
Dietrich & Diane 

PATEJtSON 
Majestic (I) 27-29 
riobertu Welch 
BrookinK & Van 
Buddy Lewis 
B Wells & 4 Fays 
(one to fill) 
rHIL-ADEI-VHIA 
Caiman (I> 23 
Ross & Stone 
Bub & Diane 
Halloway Sis 
Fat Hill 

PROVIDENCE 
Capitol (I) 22 
Melino & HolIU 
Kugenie Baitd 
Tk Brink Hoffman 
.Terry Coe 
Jack Leonard 



1 Alias 
Adele 

SIlkl'KKS UI'SH 

RmVlre (I) 20 

Stand fCns? 
(' I'harlie Chester 
Ken Morris 
Arthur llaynes 
l.mi Marten 
Ramon St Clair 
Denim? tlllTford 
Leslie Noyes 



Dave & Mauiine 
Cranadas & Peter 
Monna Tyniga C'. 
WOOD t.ltlllN 
Umpire (I) 20 
Hilly Cotton Ore 
D ,t J otiormin 
Wally Wood 
Freddie Harrison 
Enrle & Babel to 
Jt.ek Meyand Co 
'I el ry 



Cabaret Bills 



NEW Y0EK CITY 



3 RAYS 

Returning Soon 
From USO Camp Shows Pacific Toar 

M«t.: BIIXY CBEEDON 
Dir.: KIHtlE SMITH AGENCT 
1501 Broadway, New York 



Bill Johnson 
Pngnieat Markham 
The Kanzawaa 
'1'he. Congeros 

Slnle (I) 28-25 
Homer ft Holly. 
Kan* Murlah 
Walter Nilsson 
A & J .lobnslon 

2B-29 
Bet t \ Sm wy er 
Del'osiu & Denoro 
Greene & Dooley 
Ross I.eBean 

: BOSTON 
Keltlli. (R) 23 

l^.ay Doiey 

!lal Ij>roy 

Alan Carney 

Rltsoletlo Bios 

Ainiee Sis 

tlwn to lill> 

CAMDEN 
Tower* (I) 21-21 

Beil' Hollow 



READING 
Rnjuh (I) 23-25 

Dolinoft &. Raya S 
Burton & Janet 
Jean Parker 
Johnny Morgan 
Ciro Rimac Co 
ROCKFORD 
Palate (I) 24 
5 MaschinoB 
Frank Radcllffe 
Trip & Fall 
.Taek.Merrltt 
1 McKeown Sis 
Paul Walker Ore 
SAN FRANCISCO 
Golden Gate (R) 22 
Nick Long Jr 
HS-Lo-Jack Dame 
"Vivian Blaine 
Phllharmonica 3 
(one to fill) 

SPRINGFIELD 
Court Sci (I) 23-20 
Roberta Circus 



CAUL ami FAITH 

SIMPSON 

Humor With Humanetres 

Stuebens, Bcsrcn 

Weeks Oct. 23-30 
Per. Mamigemeid TYLKR MASON 
LI > it I. SMITH AOKNCY 



Run Laue 
Nichols & Penny 
Biddij Sargent 
Liu'gti ok- Morpner 
(HK'A(M) 

( ttifiiKo (V) "M 
Fi anUlf Carle Ore 
,Nili Nelson 
Chirk Bros 

Oriental (I) 22 
Finnkie Lairn* 
Ihiviyll & Bowser 
W nitor Sis 
R:« > inoinl -Blkp Jr 
C-ai I Siinds ihc 

Regal (P) 22 
Smi t ri Affairs 



Morey & Baton 
Nikoli Paul Sharl 
'Neil Stanley 
Kitty Kalleri 
The Carnivalea 
1VA8HINOTON 
Ciipitol (L) 23 
Thf Apple^ons 
.lack Powell . 
Leslie & Carroll 
Bonny Youngman 
Howard (I) 24 
Jackie Robinson 
T Brads!iaw On- 
Hawley & Taylor 
11 »U Sis 
Steeplechasers 



Jiagntelle 

Poi othy Koas 
Blue Ainxel 

Alice }'earce 
Alare r,a wrehce 
Ania nttfl La lie 
:i Flames 
Ueorge Bauer 
Ellis LarlOn 3 
Belmont- Pla zn 

Russell Swann 
Bob Dixon 
Taylor Ling. 
Da rii a Ore 
BUdle Stone Ore 

Kuban Bleu 
George Kreislet* 
Maxlne Sullivan 
.leu n Paliuef 

Paul Villard 
Bill Dillard 
Harold Hastings 3 
Wally Blacker 
Cafe Society 

(I)owittnu n) 
Stanley Prager 
Dorothy Jariiac 
Hope Foyo 
Nellie Luti her 
Dave Martin Ore 
Cafe Society t'ptn 
J En tin v Shvo 
Abbey Albert Ore 

Cariilval 
Ray Bolger 
Heal rice K-raCt 
Kayo Ballard 
Wlere Bros 
Yvonne Adair 
Paul Gavotte 
Held Ore 

China Doll 
Ming & Ling 
Wong sis 
Laurie Long 
Beatrice Fung Oyc 
H CuHj.'Hu Die 
.lack Prase Ore 

Copnealmna 
Joe K Lewis 
Jet MacDonald 
Mario & FloHa 
Michael Dyrso Ore 
Fernando Alva rex O 
Ofamond lloiM'siior 
Ross & La Pierre 
Siri 

Uerntan Hydo 
Turner Twins 
Rosebuds 
Billy Banks 
Tables Davis 
Renald A: Rudy 
Jack Malhet'H 
Noble Sis»le Om 
Syd Strange Ore 

Kl Chifo 
Rosila Rios 
Pilar Gomea 

Barrel r a & 
M a rgn riia 
Los Shamulos 
Los Cabelleroa 
Enrique Aragon O 
Greenwich VII, Inn 
Jackie Phillips 
Jerry Cooper 
Shirley Allen 
Ned Barvey Ore 
Sonny Roberts O 

Harem 

Jack (.nh- Dcra 
Moore Lewsy 
Lucille Pane 
L(*e Barter 
Nevada Smith 
I'aul Beinos 
Fausto t'urliello O 
Art Roman O 

Hotel Kdlson 
Gay (Taridge Ore 
No 1 Fifth Ave 
Louise Howard 
Nype & t'ole 
Hazel Wobsief 
Downey ,v- Fonvillp 
Highlights 

lintel Bill more 

Lanny Ross 

Pal Whitney 
Mark David 
Sonny WelOott O 
Steuben K'lsley O 
Hotel Lexington 

AlOlJias Hawaiian^ 

llarnnn-Madrld 

Sony Morales Ore 
Rodrio'z A- PhjIItU 
Darnell Bros 
Refdia Trhrno 
Maxinto 
Sac«i:ns Ore 

Iceland 

Rose Ellin 



ENGLAND 



c AttOIl r 

New Ttieulre (I) 20 

Tim mm La> ton 
..Mm i in A Ciiwlvy 
K..|.\l (Ude 
Wiighj Marian 
Lup" t <r WlWi 

Phar.ts .v- Manna 
1MB :i * 

1 X- It Kendall 

11 VCKNKV 

F.mpiro (I)' 20 
TJ, . ,.|. ,m ,,1 't; 

1^ B 

Rlin.L'H t V- Vtittit 
Sil.i «V Soil 

2 M'»\era 



Vivian Co 

LF.'CLSTKR 
Palnco (I) 20 

(lang^a All Here 
Oiiggle Waketh-hl 
Darmora Imps;' 

Monnn lis 
.lop Waek 
Mills & Paulelte 

3IANCIIKSTKR 
Hippodrome (I) 2 

'Dave Moiiis t'o 
Charlie Rl eel 
Chailivels 
V:in Dock 
10 Starlets 
Billy Natchett 



Lynn Allison 
Tiny Clark 
Lou Mensrhel 
Martin Line 
F r a iik i e F ri ssa u ra 
Bllmpy Blank Ore 

La Ma ri Inline 
Franklin Twins 
Art lie Fruneine 
I-h win Kent Ore 
Maya Ore 

Nicola Mathey Ore 
Leon & Kd die's 

Ktldle Davis 
Art Waner Ore 
Shirley Powell 
S t<- S Artnurs 

Peggy McCue 
Dick Bain 
Lave me & Jon 
Faye & Andre 
Shcpard Line 

Old Roumanian 
Sadie Banks 
Lou Seller 
AH h ea 
Joey Dean 
Joe La Porte Ore 
D'Aciulla Ore 

F^«Hex House 
Richard Hiniher O 
Hotel New Vorker 
Kay Mi-Kinley Ore 
Marion Spelma,n 
Arnold Slioda 
Xaiena Norris 
( 'onttle Conn 
Hotel Pennsylraniu 
Claude Thornbill O 

Hotel Pierre 
Walton & O'Rourke 
M( Lerie & Butler 
• 'ha s Reader Ore 
Van Smith Ore 

Hof-el Plaxa 
M & G Ch:V-Piou 
Li heruee 

Joel Herron Ore 
Hotel Roosevelt 

Guy Lombardo O 
Hole) St Moritz 

I<Mo Lublch Ore 
Latin Ouarter 

Willie Howard 

Al Kelly 

Maxzone- Abbott D's 
Gloria Be Roy 
Kmile Boreo 
Piroska 

Miriam Owynne 
Bon Vivants 
Vincent Travers O 

Riviera 
Martin & Lewis 
Manor & Mignon 
Tony Bavaar 
Miriam La Velle 
Hotel St Regis 
Beryl Davis 
Milt Shaw 
Lfiszla & Pepito 
Marta Morales 
Darling Jt* Jones 
Paul Sparr Ore 
Hotel Tuft 
Vincent Lopez Ore 
Charlie. Drew 
Spivy's 

Spivy 

Shieta Barrett 
Rico Surroga 

Versa i lies 

Dwigh t Fiske 
Bob Grant Ore 
Pnnehfto Ore 

Village Barn 
Ann Dennis 
Lou Cecil 
Belly Percy 
Pappy Below 
Village Vanguard 
Chippy Bill 
Jay Marshall 
Jerry Reed 
Jimmy Shirley 8 
Bon Fr> e 

W aldorf- Astoriu 

Jean Sablon 

N'al Brandwvnne O 

Misha Bdir Ore 

Mlvel 
Bob Lee 
Kay Carole 

Hryniie Lorey 
Junta Scotl 
hauny . White 

/immfrmao'R 

Pa ul Stltil h 

Ja nczi Maliola 
XhIr'h Bela 
Pa ulcus 

Doi is Haywood 
Ucip' Kardos O 



CNo Disk Panic 
Continued from page 45 s= 

much time to lay in a stock of new 
material to bolster what has already 
been put on shelves. 

Of course, the seeming lack of 
excitement over the expected ban 
exists with the major firms. RCA- 
Victor, Decca and Columbia have 
vast backlogs of standard pop and 
classical material to fall back on 
when and if the ban results in tiyht 
going. And they are now working 
at fever pitch stocking fresh pops 
being supplied by music publishers. 
Each has asked pubs for anywhere 
from 25 to 50 songs apiece for im- 
mediate recording. This will mean 
that^publishers will be digging deep- 
ly into stocks of material they may 
have taken for publication years aj,o 
and never put to work. 

Where real bitterness lies is among 
the secondary labels, which in this 
case includes Capitoi. All of these 
firms, namely, M-G-M, Majestic, 
Musicraft and Mercury, won't hnve 
enough time to lay in enough ma- 
terial to'corne near competing with 
the majors over a long pull, and 
their lack of standard catalog, in the 
final analysis, will be a deatli blow 
to some if the ban is extended long 
enough or, as Petrillo intends at the 
moment, "forever." 

Of these outfits, M-G-M is the 
most vulnerable. Less than two 
years old, figured from the point 
where it first began marketing disks, 
the film subsidiary has been so busy 
since its inception with getting out 
pop tunes to get going into competi- 
tion with the majors, that it has 
been able to stock only a compara- 
tively small catalog. Next in line is 
Musicraft. which reorganized re- 
cently and is just now beginning to - 
show signs of getting on its feet. 
This company has virtually nothing 
at the moment compared to its ri- 
vals, and even the material it can 
get in between now and Dec. 31 will 
mean nothing if the ban is extended 
far beyond Dec. 31. Majestic isn't 
too far off the M-G-M and Musicraft 
picture. Mercury will be in a belter 
spot than- those three, and Capitol, 
of course, will be somewhere be- 
tween the major and the above 
firms. 

As of the moment, the major firms 
have enough material to last ap- 
proximately 18 months to two years; 
By the end of the year, at the pace i 
they are now scheduling disking 
dates with various top names, it's 
safe to assume they'll be able to de- 
liver to the public fairly regular re- 
leases of new songs for close to three 
years, depending, of course, on the 
sales success of individual tunes. 

Among the dozens of small indie 
firms the picture is vague. Only one 
thing seems certain; the labels that 
subsist on the production of jazz 
material alone will be hurt badly 
unless some method is devised by 
them to secure new masters while 
the ban goes on. Others, who deal in 
country-style music and the various 
other forms of interpretation may 
or may not be hurt. Some anticipate 
using non-union musicians, which 
the AFM cannot interfere with un- 
der the Taft-Hartley act. And in 
this way they may be able to keep 
going. There are college and high 
school bands, groups, etc.. sufficient- 
ly able for their purposes, too. 



Ice Show Reviews 



CHICAGO 



lllitt'kiia tvk 

Sherman Haves O 
Veto !.m,> 
ISnh Karl 

< lie/. I'uree 

Mttzl Oli'pii . 
.lackio .Miles 
M.i-rr> Could' Ore 
Hobby t'iHik 
.l.ieH NVIwm 
Hon flueMii 
t'ln-J! All urn hie - I 1 0 1 

I. icier Holland 

II I Blai'Uslone 

I'el ... I.mil. Ilnjea 

.Mai, Ileal;- 
It. I ■ Mo': ton Ore 
linlel lllaflltirh 

IV .1 ll.ini.-, In. una 

iV Annel'e 
T">iu. HU'.ii.l 
Ituuellhn 111, 
H"iii , 1 it . . n 

I II I . M.r-.. ,,, 

Mon K V' 

ll(*tr*lt>KH 
r.lnliel I'nililii 

Itulfli Cnolie 



O 



Mary Jane Pmlil 
AilHti-n I.inrnine 
II KtlKennler Itoltth 
it Heatlierlon Ott; 
Sol tirnuinan 
Arthur Nelson 
Ma i la It I'Vilele 

Sonit Klyll«i> f-n 
ii Ihhl Ilfinera (I!) 
Molel Sherman 

' .hi Murk. 
liiiniiK Sis f,1) 
K.I. lie Hiililmril 
■ lose .Melis 
.lenn Williams 

l.nlln ((mirier 

Pin l 

liil.ii. I.ovelie- (12) 
Uln lilt Still « Ore 
I'.i.v. Haun l)usl( 

I ■ 1, lljile 

I'n liner llotote 

C.i'n t\ illiliinn cue 
i 'loi enee neattioitrl 
\i.li-n x- < l iit(nsodo 
Iti- Malum- 
Ul liafd De C'oorcy' 



Miami Bistros 

i Conlitiued from page 53 ; 



spot, but if nothing jells, will install 
a top comic, plus minor supporting 
acts policy. 

Strangely, this is the first time in 
years that reform elements aren't 
raising a hue and cry about immi- 
nent taking over of the town by 
hoodlums and gamblers. Perhaps 
they're too interested watching the 
feud in the Miami police depart- 
ment, which has reached the courts. 

Miami Herald, some time ago, 
warned of influx of "outside" ele- 
ment which might try to take over 
Beach and lead to bloodshed. Beach 
officials, however, don't seem to be 
worried. Everyone Is too busy pre- 
paring for the season to pay any at- 
tention to who comes into town to 
"look around." They feel the status 
quo will obtain again. Whether, 
however, the heavy dough will be 
around as in former seasons is 
worrying some. They point to last 
season when the hotels cleaned up, 
but the clubs lost in most cases, with 
the ca.-lnos fighting to make the 
kind or dough they feel is their due. 
Whatever the outcome, it will be a 
hectic three months. With probably 
new alignments in nitery operations 
if the pinch hits sooner than ex- 
pected. . 



Holiday on I«e of 1948 

Cincinnati, Oct. 21. 
Fourth edition of ice extravagaza 
in two actt and 25 scenes. Features 
Murray Galbraith, Dorothy Goos, 
Betty Atkinson, Charles Haiti, Peggy 
Fahy, Ted Meza, Phil Hiser, Leo 
Freisinger, Fred Holly. Bob Day, 
Kay Farrelli, Tony LeMac, Karen 
Hal Ring, Kenny Lamb, Frank Saw- 
ers, Loismarie Goeller, Norman Sul- 
livan, Pete Carver, Line (36 flirls 
and 20 boys). Bill Parker, m.c. 
Produced by Holiday on Ice Shows, 
Inc., and staged by George D. Tyson. 
Directorial assistants: Marie Carr; 
Kitty Doner and Pauline Koner. 
Costumes, Billy Livingston; music, 
Paul Summey. Orchestra conducted 
by Carmen Nappo. Vocals, Lucille 
Fallon, Midge Cox and Parker. At 
Music Hall Arena, Cincinnati, Oct. 
18. '47, $3 top. 

Latest package of "Holiday On 
Ice" is keyed sharply for cities that 
do not have coliseums or auditor- 
iums with ice plants. For its fourth 
tour of a growing route of such 
towns, which laps from the States 
into Mexico, "Holiday" has stepped 
up in all departments. 

Show's portable refrigeration 
equipment can freeze a surface 125 
by 65 feet and had to be dwarfed 
for a space of 85 by 60 feet in Cincy's 
4,000-seat Music Hall arena and 
mounted on a platform of boxing 
ring level. This gave the advantage 
of a two-sided audience and greater 
seating capacity than last year. 

New edition has a sufficiency of 
diversified talent, including hold- 
overs of most of last season's lineup. 
Costuming of featured artists and 
the line is bigtime, ditto for lighting 
and music, and there is little drag 
and plenty classy, funny -and thrill- 
ing entertainment for a full two and 
one-half hours. 

Carmen Nappo, with four key mu- 
sicians and local fillins for a full- 
size orch, kicks off with direction of 
a sprightly overture of "Oklahoma!" 
tunes, backed vocally by Bill Parker, 
Lucille Fallon and Midge Cox, who 
work via mike from the pit. 

Production numbers are "It's A 
Good Day," Introducing the line in 
snappy pony style; "Dance of the 
Penguins," spotlighting the Glamour - 
icers; "In A Persian Market." a lav- 
ish Oriental presentation with Betty 
Atkinson, Charles Hain and Frank 
Sawers in solo specialties; "Show- 
boat Tonight," colorful minstrelsy 
parcel featuring Dorothy Goos, 
Tony LeMac and Norman Sullivan 
and Bill Parker; "Gypsy Caravan, 
in which Murray Galbraith and 
Dorothy Goos team for a* beautiful 
dance routine. 

LeMac scores in solo spins and 
Kay Farrelli, a newcomer from 
Sweden, does likewise with juggling 
of clubs and balls and catching and 
balancing a. rubber ball, tossed from 
the audience, on a woodpiece heid 
in mouth. 

Peggy Fahy, comedienne, rings the 
rafters with impish and a maid of 
the Ozarks takeoffs. Fred Holly and 
Bob Day almost stop proceedings 
with a slambang as comedy brick- 
layers. More fun is provided by Ted 
Meza and Phil Hiser as Snooksy and 
Proud Papa, and by Meza and Pete 
Carver as a trained donkey and Sy- 
bil Winter doing a cute job as 
trainer. Another top display of 
comedy is mat of Hal Ring and Ken- 
ny Lamb as knockabout sailors. 
Hiser, Holly and Day combine ior 
burlesque ballet stuff that registers. 

Leo Freisinger has 'em gasping 
with high and broad leaps. His 
five-year-old daughter Joan, unbilled 
but announced, delights with sur- 
prising skill on the blades, appearing 
in white rabbit dress. Karen, blonde, 
treats the eye while fast and fancy 
biackskatjng, and again as red hot 
Riding Hood in clever teaming with 
Sawers. 

A novelty that clicks with adults 
and juves is that of Loismarie Goel- 
ler as a Mary Jane playing with 
three pals in grotesque snowman 
giddaps. Koll. 



little Prince instead of the skaters 
that chased her. Little Prince wants 
to waken her but King > and Queen 
stop him~" When she awakens, King 
and Queen are overjoyed, and as 
she arises, clothes change to beauti- 
ful garb. She has been transformed 
into a Princess. Princess' skating is 
interrupted by fanfare introducing 
court to her. Royal family watch 
court entertain. Finally Princess 
performs for court. Ragamuffin be- 
gins to regain consciousness. All 
personages in her dream disappear 
and she finds herself in the park. 
She finds everyone kind and sympa- 
thetic and she is overwhelmed with 
joy. 

"Twinkle" Lee, of the films, shows 
expert bladesmanship in her dif- 
ficult routines. Her ballet training 
adds to making her one of the top 
skaters in the business. She also 
wins the payees with her panto- 
mime. Buddie Schroff comes in for 
some nifty and flashy speed ballet. 
Long-legged youth exhibits plenty 
of skill and class in some torrid 
leaps, inside turns and flips. Jimmie 
Kelly adds comedy touch with him 
tom-foolery and eccentric skating. 
Gene Thesloff and Vivi Anne Hulten 
show grace aha skill in some dif- 
ficult adagio iifts and spins. Thesloff 
was featured with Sonje Heine 
while Hulten was figure skating 
champ of Sweden. Young, blonde 
and beautiful Helen Smith, billed as 
the fastest spinning girl on ice. lives 
up to her reputation. Displays some 
nifty figure-skating in addition to a 
number of fast spins. Charles Had- 
lett does some terrific jumping lor 
small area. A bevy of youthful, 
good looking boy and girl skaters 
fill the chorus and production num- 
bers in satisfactory manner. 

Producers have spared no expense 
in producing the show and the ter- 
rific cost shows up in the outstand- 
ing wardrobe, scenery, lighting, 
staging and music. Joe Venuti and 
the 20-picce orchestra in the pit 
backs show neatly. Feve. 

!«•«' VoggHP's of MM a 

Dayton, O., Oct. 19. 
Produced ■ by Holiday On Ice 
Shows. Inc., George D. Tyson, execu- 
tive director. Choreography, Marie 
Carr; costumes. Billy Livingston; 
musical score. Charlie Cook. Milton 
Blakeley, musical director. Ray Car- 
ter, master of ceremonies and vocal- 
ist. At Fair Grounds, Dayton, O., 
Oct. 18. '47. . , . 



Hollywood*!* Winter 
Wouilerlsiiiil 

Portland, Ore., Oct. 17. 
Poluzi & Watts production of mu- 
sical pantomime on ice in two parts 
(four scenes), Staged and directed 
by Val Raset; story. Jack Roberts; 
scenery, Kenneth MacClellund; cos- 
tumes, Tommy Ladd; music, Joe 
Venuti; lighting. Sol Cornbery, Stars 
Jami "Twinkle" . Lee, Jimmy Kelly. 
Helen I. Smith, La Maye Moore, Bud- 
die Schroff, Charles Hadlett. Gene 
Thesloff and Vivi Anne Hulten. At 
Civic Auditorium. Oct. 15, '47; $3 (op. 

Format of this ice show closely 
resembles a Broadway legit play 
transplanted to ice and done in pan- 
tomine. Idea is new insofar as this 
ice show is presented on the sage 
and has a definite story in two parts. 
Story deals with Ragamuffin Jann 
("Twinkle") Leo, who goes to ice 
skating carnival In Hit- village park. 
Having no" skates, she steals pair 
from rich boy. Polite spot stolen 
skates and chase- follows. Tuckered 
out, Ragamuffin collapses in middle 
of rink. 

As curtain arises on part two. 
Ragamuffin is discovered in Crvstal 
Garden surrounded bv Snow Fairies, 
King Crystal, his Queen and the 



"Ice Vogues of 1948" premiered 
for the current season in the Fair 
Grounds Coliseum here last night 
with a fast-moving show that won 
the enthusiastic approval of a ca- 
pacity audience. The show is in for 
a run through Oct. 26 with two 
Sunday matinees. 

The show carries 20 principals and 
a 16-girl line of VGlamericers," with 
six male "Icesquires." Opening is 
"Winter Carnival" ensemble with the 
group in attractive blue and red 
costumes. Marie Krall as a snow- 
flake and George Von Birgelen as 
winter man. In an adagio bit. 

Dick Price with splits and high 
kicks, billed as the "bombshell of the 
ice," follows. Then comes Diana 
Grafton in a Bowery bit as 
"Frivolous Sal" with a barbershop 
quartet on skates. 

Marilyn Quinn. good-looking and 
well-shaped blonde, is the femme 
star of the troupe. She solos first 
with "Fascinating Rhythm" and 
later comes back to duet with Jack 
Richardson in a "Northwest 
Romance" number. Richardson, an 
amateur champion in figure skating, 
does some fine work on his own. 

Georg Von Birgelen is introduced 
as soloist in his stilt skating and 
later comes back to thrill the crowd 
with his jumps over chairs, conclud- 
ing by jumping through a hoop to 
an unseen landing beyond. 

Bob and Peggy White please and 
Ray Abney and Paul Andre set the 
crowd in an uproar with their per- 
formance as "Tea Biscuit," a horse 
stunt. 

Two of the "glamericers.'' June 
Payne and Sonia Rashkoff. do a 
neat bit, but give way to the she- 
nanigans of Andre when he inter- 
rupts as a drunken sailor supposedly 
from the audience. 

Bobby B'lake. with Diana Grafton 
in "A Bit of Old Erin" just before 
closing wows the crowd with swing 
measures. Miss Grafton on her own 
presents a red hot rhythm number. 

Don Condon and Mary Bohland 
stage an Apache number that could 
stand a little more throwing around. 
A beautiTul number is "Symphonv 
m Motion." which drifts Into a huqe 
feather fan chorus and introduces 
Dick Price, Marie Krall and Wnllr-r 
MrCorrnack as a tango trio. Another 
trio, Ray Abney. Bob Werschin and 
Joe Yurmanovie then horse the idea 
up with a burlesque "symphonetle." 

Andre and Abney come on for a 
1 Three O'clock in the Morning" 
routine. A swing octette skates niceK 
to waltz "measures. 

The production numbers reach a 
climax with "Holiday in Hong Kong." 
which dazzles with its glitter. The 
second half opens with a horse show 
number and the show closes with a 
Scotch dre.ss parade in which the 
'glamericers" beat the drums with 
remarkable precision and Jay C'anl- 
well does some expert baton twirl- 
ing, 

Show is sock all the way. Kany. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Paramount, N. Y. 

Charlie Spivak • Orch (16) with 
Iren« Doye, Mel Torme, Al Bernie, 
Tip, Tap & Toe; "Variety Girl" 
(Par), reviewed in Variety, July 
16, '47. 



The end of the swoon era is here 
it the current Paramount show' is 
any criterion. The wartime genera- 
tion of bobbysoxers are now in the 
long-shirt class and it seems glis- 
sando passages that once caused 
feverish excitement are something 
that they can. look back and laugh 
at as one of their youthful follies. 
Now that the war is over and the 
men-folk are back, the vicarious ex- 
citement offered, by pashy trouba- 
dours are no longer necessary. 

These facts are borne out with 
Mel Torme's first N. Y. theatre ap- 
pearance. This youngster has gone 
a long way via his waxings, en- 
larged his audiences with his Toni 
airshow and his nitery click at the 
Copacabana, N. Y., and is a consid- 
erable draw. Built up as the "Vel- 
vet Fog," he's extremely personable, 
registers with the rhythm numbers, 
but unfortunately, the bedside of- 
ferings are something that incites 
various degrees of risibility in the 
audience. In fact, there's much out- 
right laughter and frequently it's 
difficult to tell whether Torme is 
burlesquing the swoon-singers or if 
he's playing it straight. However, the 
latter seems more probable, espe- 
cially in view of the soulful lighting 
these sections of his turn get. 

However, his rhythm songs genu- 
inely get the mob. He shows a 
sapient handling of these tunes and 
they hit audiences with solid impact. 
He goes very far for a guy without 
an essentially strong voice, and he's 
probably one of the more controver- 
sial pipers in the, pop-realm, which 
makes him good b.o. Walter Gross 
does his piano and Celeste accomps. 

In contrast, the rest of the show 
consists of solid staples with a high 
degree of entertainment value. The 
lineup with the Spivak band, Al 
Bernie and Tip, Tap and Toe offers 
nicely paced variety that gets solid 
reception. 

Spivak's band with an instru- 
mentation of eight brass, five reeds 
and three rhythm, plus the leader's 
trumpet, shows nice all-around mu- 
sicianship with showmanly arrange- 
ments. Leader's trumpet offerings 
get good orchestral support for a 
fine effect. Items such as Kreisler's 
"Schc-en-Rosemarin" and "J'Alousie" 
hit the mark. On this trip Spivak 
carries only a femme vocalist, Irene 
Daye, whose two numbers. "Near 
You k and- "WistvFDidn't Love You 
So get nice returns. 

Bernie, a previous theatre click, 
does a solid job at this house. He 
has some mad bits of business, com- 
bined with some literate humor 
tnats good for a couple of encores 

Tip, Tap and Toe offer a prime 
dance exhibit. The sepia trio has 
diminished sliding steps that caused 
audiences to fear for the terpsters' 
safety, but newer dance designs are 
as effective for audience values. 

Jose. 

Oriental, Chi 

Chicago, Oct. 16. 
Frankie Laine, Winter Sisters (3) 
Howell & Bowser. Raymond Pike, 
Jr. (Bobby Winters). Carl Fischer, 
Carl Sands Orch (14). "Her Hus- 
band's Affairs" (Col). 



Frankie Laine is a welcome 
change from the usual line of croon- 
ers who drape themselves over a 
mike and whisper to the first three 
rows. He opens with a stepped-up 
version of "By the River St. Marie," 
*nd then swings into his best selling 
platter, "That's My Desire." Laine 
punches all the way. He rocks 'em 
with Fats Waller's "Black & Blue" 
and then segues into "All of Me," 
and "Two Loves Have I," for terrif 
response. Encores with. "Sunny Side 
of the Street" for additional salvos. 

Bill opens with Carl Saiids orch 
playing "Whiffenpoof Song" bright- 
ened by neat vocal job of Smith 
Howard, drummer. Winter Sisters 
follow with aero terping to good re- 
ception. Howell & Bowser, sepia 
comics, score well with comedies 
and vocals. Bobby Winters, who is 
using his real name, Raymond Pike, 
Jr., to avoid conflict with Winter 
Sisters, is one of the more refresh- 
ing jugglers in the biz. While his 
routines are just a bit above the 
ordinary, his deadpan antics win 
heavy applause. Zabe. 



Apollo, X. V. 

Jackie Robinson with Johnny Tay- 
lor, Monte Hawley. Tiny Bradsliaw 
Orch with Maybelle. Butterbeans k 
Susie. Harris Bros. (2). Hon & Burl- 
"!/; "Sport of Kings" (Col). 



inclusion of two similar type terp 
turns with Harris Bros, and Hon 
and Bunny. The Harris Bros, are a 
pair of energetic tapsters that have 
some applause-winning tricks with' 
break up of team work with in- 
dividual stints. The pair make out 
well, Hun and Bunny are two at- 
tractive femmes who similarly work 
along energetic lines, but whose rou- 
tines need inclusion of trick steps. 
They get by nicely, mainly on their 
personality. 

The Bradshaw band reflects the 
leader's, ebullience. Although there's 
a diminished personnel with an' in- 
strumentation of five brass, four 
reeds and three rhythms, plus an 
infrequently-used vibes, the crew 
makes with some hard-riding pieces 
that Apollo patronage likes. Brad- 
shaw contributes with some musical 
impressions that go over nicely and 
does a bouncy piano stint. 

The band chirper is Maybelle, of 
mastodonic proportions, who can get 
yocks merely through wriggling her 
king-sized torso. Her voice is fair- 
ish, but once she goes into the cooch 
sessions, the mob is floored. 

The comedy by Butterbeans and 
Susie is in the vein liked best in 
this theatre. This vet comedy pair 
have come in this trip with a turn 
centering around rhymed jive talk, 
and they've no trouble in getting 
the utmost from the crowd. Jose. 



The major draw of the Apollo ses- 
sion, is provided by the first vaude 
appearance of the Dodgers' first- 
sacker, Jackie Robinson (New- Acts) 
who having caused major excite- 
ment in his initial year in the big 
leagues, is following the path trod 
by other baseband's, who capital- 
ized their winter layoffs with per- 
sonal appearance- stints. 

Naturally, Robinson isn't expected 
to entertain— that's left up to the 
other sections of the bill, and it's, 
done effectively with a lineup con- 
sisting of Tiny Bradshaw's orch. a 
P-iir of dance acts, BuUorbcan.s and 
Susie for comcriv. Bill would have 
better effect had' it not been for the 



State, Pf. Y. 

Joan Roberts, Ben Bert, Angie 
Bond Trio, Buck & Bubbles, Paul 
Haakon, with Nina Novak; The 5 
Grays, Sammy Fidler House Orch; 
"Monsieur Verdoux" (UA). 



PfiniETT 



HOUSE REVIEWS 



55 



Capitol, N. Y. 

Hal Mylntyre Orch (16) with 
Frankie Lester & Johnnie Turnbull, 
Betty Bruce, Jackie Gleason, Ger- 
trude Niesen; "The Swordsman" 
(Col), reviewed in current issue oj 
Vareity. 



The State, N. Y., has another slick 
layout in current bill, that's swift in 
pace and entertaining all the way. 
Coupled with the Chaplin pic, "Mon- 
sieur Verdoux," it should do plenty 
business. 

Five Grays, family act comprising 
brother and four sisters, pace show 
in solid terp routine, giving all an 
opportunity for solo displays as well 
as ensemble work and registering for 
nice response. Angie Bond Trio, 
doubling from the Mermaid Roofti 
of the Park Central hotel, N. Y., 
duplicate their nitery click with 
bouncy jnstrumentals and vocals. 
Femme combo comprises piano, ac- 
cordion and bass and really cook on 
"Wish I Didn't Love You" and other 
items for solid returns. Ben Beri, 
one of the slickest jugglers around, 
also merits resounding applause for 
his clever manipulation of balls, 
clubs, etc., with stunts interlarded 
with comedy. 

Joan Roberts, original lead of 
"Oklahoma!" and "Are You With 
It?" scores in her song session. Nift- 
ily gowned^nd coiffed, she tees off 
with "Almost Like Being in Love," 
from "Brigadoon," which sets her 
pretty, and segues into medley of 
"Who Knows How Much I Love 
You" — "Ask Anyone Who Knows" 
for additional patty-cakes. Then, of 
course, a medley of "Oklahoma!" 
tunes that really rocks 'em. Encores 
with Irish ditty, "How I Envied Mc- 
Ginty" for more salvos and begoff. 

Buck & Bubbles, Negro comics, get 
over as sock as ever with their 
clowning, pianoing and hoofing. Paul 
Haakon, assisted by Nina Novak, ex- 
udes class and talent in ballet terp- 
ing stanza. They work well together 
in several imaginative routines, 
topped by Haakon's topflight solo 
work. 

Sammy Fidler and house orch 
gives show neat backing. Edbfl. 



On paper this bill reads like some- 
thing—but it doesn't play as well. 
Only a single performer, Betty 
Bruce, socks over. 

Gertrude Niesen was nursing 
aryngitis on the opening night, so 
that's a partial excuse. But when 
is she going to get rid of that extra- 
curricular byplay. Alright, so she 
can rhumba. But the billing says 
she's a singer. And Miss Niesen is 
still employing a bad choice of 
tunes, such as opening with "Free- 
dom Train," which is certainly not 
the type for an opening number but 
more of a pace-changer after a rou- 
tine is already going. And the oldie 
"Coax Me Little Bit" should be 
mothballed by now. 

Miss Niesen still is one of the fine 
rhythm singers of the times but, as 
has been true in the recent past, she 
needs counseling on routines, and 
needs it badly. She has a cute flair 
for comedy, but the Capitol has no 
book show, and when she improvises 
her comedy, it just isn't so funny, 
namely on the now moth-edten Jol- 
son takeoff. 

Jackie Gleason is another disap- 
pointment. Especially so because 
the stout comedian has talent but is 
| wasting most of it on poor or old 
material. At Loew's State he could 
get away with much of the stuff he's 
using here — but at the Capitol he's 
hardly doing anything more than he 
used some months ago at the vaud- 
filmer. Of the two Loew houses, 
the Cap, as the flagship of the chain, 
requires much more. 

Miss Bruce remains a classy 
hoofer. Everything that she does is 
ultra, and she's sock with the pew- 
holders all the way. 

Mclntyre's orch has little chance 
to project, being called on mostly to 
play for the show. The leader him- 
self fails to sell as well as his ex- 
perience should suggest, especially 
in a bit with Gleason, Singer- 
guitarist Frankie Lester, with the 
band, is just a stage wait. Kahn. 



cannot be denied that the boys like 
it, 

In addition to operating with the 
band and soloing Krupa also docs a 
number, "Dark Eyes," as part of the 
Jazz Trio. Other two are also sax 
Charles Kennedy and pianist Billy 
Baker. Generally speaking, the full 
orchestra numbers come in loud and 
strong and, with Krupa setting the 



New Acts 



JACKIE ROBINSON 
With Monte Hawley, Johnny Taylor 
Talk, corned]) 
, 28 Mins. 

tempo, make everything sound like a : Apollo, N. Y. 
convention of jungle drummers. | Jackie Robinson, who during his 
Even "Valse Triste" discovers to its initial year in major baseball has be- 
surpnse that it comes out stomping ] come one of the more colorful fig- 



boogie. 



Loire. 



Casino, London 

Loudon, bet. 14. 
Borrah Mineuitc/i's Harmonica 
Rascals, Gil Lamb, Jack Train. Billy 
Russell. Jewel & Warriss, Roily Roll.';, 
Charlie Wood, Marie Louise & 
Charles, Horlobagyi Troupe. Eli-, 
saweta, Harold Collins and Casino 
Orcli. 



Circle, Indpls. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 18. 
Ted Weems Orch with Elmo Tan- 
ner; Beverly Tyler, Herb Shriner, 
Ladd Lyon; "Second Chance" (20th). 



Olyinpia, Miami 

Miami, Oct. 17. 
Smiley" Burnette, Steve Murray, 
Jack Hoist & Milady, Senor Fran- 
cisco, Vince & Gloria Haydock, Les 
Rhode House Orch; "Welcome 
Stranger" (Par). 



Combo of Smiley Burnette, Gene 
Autry's movie pal, and "Welcome 
Stranger" on the screen makes for 
double-barreled draw here this 
week, with supporting lineup adding 
diversified supftort to make for well 
paced bill. 

The corn-laden humor Burnette 
purveys is of the brand regulars in 
this town go for, and the drawler 
could have stayed on longer than 
allotted time. Stuff is old enough 
to creak, but they went for it in 
palm pounding fashion to make for 
begoff. Tops with self-accomp on 
accordion. 

In contrast, emcee Steve Murray s 
fast paced gaggery gets a gcod re- 
turn on laughs, though a lot of it 
sailed away. Comedic nuances are 
carefully worked out in his violin 
foolery, to get full values from that 
section of his stint, but slowing up 
on patter would strengthen overall 
effect. ^ 

Vince and Gloria Haydock tee off 
layout in brisk 'manner. Refreshing 
youngsters shW imagination in ap- 
proach to standard duo hoofery and 
score vwith version of old time tap- 
sters. Neat costuming adds to sight 
values. On the whole a deftly con' 
trived turn, that earns neat returns. 

Senor' Francisco goes well with his 
juggling and ball balancing inter- 
lined with comedy angles to garner 
series of mitts, with ciggie trick a 
nifty boWoff. 

Closers are Jack Hoist and Milady. 
Horizontal bar work is played for 
laughs and gasp*. Stuff is effective 
for good returns. 

Les Rhode and house orch back 
show in capable manner. Lary. 



The same nostalgic appeal that 
made Ted Weems a threat again on 
disks is getting him plenty of atten- 
tion from local band fans in his cur- 
rent week at the Circle. His own 
stuff is solid, and he gets plenty of 
help from Beverly Tyler, Herb 
Shriner and Ladd Lyon in strategic 
spots on bill. Show is a little heavy 
on vocals .but makes up for it by 
carrying a comedy punch. 

Weems' best sellers are the old 
ones — "Mickey," Heartaches" and 
"The Martins and the Coys," the 
latter given a regular production, 
with sound effects and action flashed 
on a transparent curtain. Whistling 
Elmo Tanner does "Heartaches" just 
right, along with "Nola," "Indian 
Love Call" and "When You Were 
Sweet Sixteen." Battery of vocalists, 
including Bob Edwards, Shirley 
Richards and trio, gets a nice recep- 
tion. Weems coatinues to produce 
good listening music and customers 
obviously like it. 

Shriner offers a fresh and funny 
line of chatter in a Hoosier drawl 
and gets a warm reception for his 
effort. He clicks on the harmonica, 
too. Miss Tyler looks pretty and 
proves she really can sing by 
wartfling a Strauss waltz and Gersh- 
win's "Summertime" with class. 
Ladd Lyon's acrobatic hi-jinks add 
to the laughs. His trick of tap- 
dancing on his hands is a good one. 
Biz better than average when 
caught. Corb. 



tires on a highly colorful team, is 
making the rounds of a lew vaude 
houses during the diamond off-sea- 
son at a weekly salary far greater 
than his baseball earnings. He im- 
presses as an unassuming gentlemen 
whose actions are bound to reflect 
considerable credit on his race. 

He's hitting the trails blazed by 
other diamond artists, Al Schacht, 
Nick Altrock and Joe E. Brown 
among others. In those . instances 
there was definite comedic talent 
Witn the exception of Borrah j that could be exploited on variety 
Minevitehs Harmonica Rascals— the stages. Had the stagers of Robin- 
only act to arouse any enthusiasm son's turn been able to devise a 
—and to a much minor degree Gil method whereby Robinson's rattling 
Lamb, this is a very moderate bill tactics, when attempting to steal 
tor the West End. Too much de- I bases could have been used, there 
pends on the Minevitch troupe, and flight have been a different type 
an absence of many years and en- [ ac t. 

Since no such imagination was 
shown, Robinson's turn is confined 
to a question and answer period 
with Monte Hawley throwing the 
questions. The intent of putting 
Hawley, an ofay performer, in that 
spot, was good but unfortunately 
he goes overboard in making Rob- 
inson the subject of adulation, which 
impresses as being embarrassing to 
the ballplayer and for many sec- 
tions of the house as' well. 

Robinson speaks briefly of his 
background at UCLA, a bit with the 
National Youth Administration, and 
his hopes of continuing with youth 1 
work when he winds up in baseball. 
Turn could be livened up with in- 
clusion of anecdote material. From 



forced lack of publicity can hardly 
be made up by word of mouth dur- 
ing the two weeks they are playing 
here. As usual Johnny Puleo pan- 
ics the audience, and the Rascals 
were responsible for the only real 
laughter of the session. A sock turn. 

Gil Lamb suffered too from lack 
of publicity and from following a 
series of solo acts. He needs ac- 
climatizing before he. can give his 
best, but his artistry was appreci- 
ated. 

Jewel and Warriss, popular com- 
ics here, do not improve on ac- 
quaintance and two spots in the bill 
is one too many. Roily Rolls, the 
"boogie-woogie" pianist, repeats his 
act from the former program; Marie 

Louise, trapeze.artist; Charlie Wood, i Brooklyn could come lots of funny 
juggler on the unicycle and the st0 ries. For historians, Robinson 
springboard Hortobagyi troupe, all denied any animus from the rest of 



win moderate applause for good 
work. 

Of the rest, the radio- comic Jack 
Train gets over nicely, and comedi- 
an Billy Russell well earned his 
place with his topical humor. The 
lackadaisical Casino Girls who open 
both halves of the program deserved 
the solitary hand or two they re- 
ceived. Cane. 



Capitol, Wash. 

Gene Krupa Orch (16) with Joey 
Rardin, Folie Miller, Buddy Hughes, 
DWores Hawkins; "Undercover 
Maisie" IM-G). 



|\ Puzzle of the week here is what 
j. has caused Gene Krupa's D. C. 'draw- 
i to "-fall off so sriarply. The take is 
I far below what was expected and 
| what other recent band visits have 
i pulled into Loew's flagship here. 
Answer does not seem to be in the 
show which is about as usual. The 
maestro of the drums still makes the 
skins laugh, cry and roar out in pain: 
and he* is supported by a good gal 
singer, Dolores Hawkins; a hard- 
working live-wire comic, Joey Rar- 
din, who lays 'em in the aisles, and 
a flock of other stuff, including, a 
I band which is heavy on the brass. 
! ' Aside from Krupa, who racks up 
his top score with the hot "Drum 
I Boogie." which he solos at a furious 
' pace, the show belongs to Rardin. 
; who displays enough virtuosity to 
I run a show of his own. He sings, 
i dances, tells jokes and does imita- 
tions of everything from Jimmy Cag- 
ney to automobile horns. He offers 
a fast-moving piece of business which 
rates second only to the Krupa 
boogie finale. 

Miss Hawkins keeps the singing 
end rolling moje to the tasjte of the 
customers .. than' baritone Buddy 
Hughes. '•..'■ 
• Folie Miller does neat taps. She 
gets mere hip weaving into taps than 
anyone seen in these parts, and it 



RKO, Boston 

Boston, Oct. 17. 
Ella Fitzgerald, The . ShyreUos, 
Lucien & Ashour, frauds Craig, Bob 
Lamb, Senor Wences, Larry Flint 
'House Orch; "Singapore" (Ul). 



Another neat layout of straight 
vaude acts — three in a row — testifies 
to the dearth of bands for this nom- 
inally bandshow house. 

Shyrettos, standard bike act, tee- 
off with the conventional assort- 
ment of tricks no less skillfull for 
the familiarity of the routine. Lu- 
cienne & Ashour, likewise standard, 
repeat usual click with a smooth 
assortment of terps and apache, and 
Senor Wences, always a sock per- 
former, wows as usual with his ven- 
trilgquial skill, pulling feats few 
others on the stage try to pull off. 
He makes ventriloquism^rather than 
gags his act, and it proves plenty 
impressive. 

Other acts are less familiar. Fran- 
cis Craig and Bob Lamb combine 
following their wow with the re- 
cording of "Near You." and turn up 
an act that's accomplished but not 
slickly professional. As a matter of 
fact, plenty of evidence they hadn't 
been out along these lines too much, 
but they handled it with easy in- 
formality. Craig fools around at the 
piano using a straight melodic line 
With his right hand, a strictly ac- 
cented bass with his left. Lamb, be- 
sides doing a trumpet solo on "Mar- 
gie," does the vocals and they reg- 
ister fine. 

Ella Fitzgerald in the ace spot 
scores as usual with a nice program 
of pops including "Almost Like 
Being in Love," "That's My Desire." 
"A-Tisket," etc. Audience went big 
for her. Elie. 



the club for colored players. 

Robinson's bit is preceded by a 
baseball pitching pantomime by 
comedian Johnny Taylor that ap- 
pears labored and has too few sock 
laughs to justify the long-running 
time. Bit is also open to criticism 
inasmuch as Brooklyn has a Negro 
pitcher, Dan Bankhead, and there 
could be some construction that the 
burlesque is aimed at him. Jose. 
; 

FRANKLIN TWINS 

Comedy 

12 Mins. 

La Martinique. N. Y 

These two lads, identical twins, 
will definitely be arotlnd for some 
lime. Bearing a striking resemblance 
to Danny Kaye (except that their 
schnozzes are slightly more pro- 
nounced), they tailor their material 
along the zany Kaye lines, which 
right now looks like their chief fault. 
They handle the stuff okay, getting 
plenty of yocks from the audience, 
but they're certainly not up to Kaye's 
standards — yet — and suffer from 
comparison. 

Material, most of it specially- 
written, is good, giving the twins 
full opportunity to exercise their 
scat vocalistics and facial contor- 
tions. Fast teeoff is a gagged-up im- 
pressionistic routine of natives in 
foreign lands, highlighted by a 
French film parody titled "The 
Bagel Baker's Daughter." "Jekyll 
and Hyde" number, in which one 
pantomimes while the other makes 
with sound effects at the mike, is 
also good, but the choice of a swish 
routine to close it is questionable. 
They incorporate a raft of hilarious 
throwaway lines, delivered rapidly 
enough to keep the laughs piling in. 

Although newcomers, the lads have 
acquired plenty of poise and stage 
presence. Their raucous humor 
would make them unfit for the class 
spots but they're primed now for 
any other big nitery or vaude dates. 

Stal. 



Hippodrome, Hallo. 

Baltimore, Oct. 19. 



JOAN FIELDS 

Dance 

5 Mins. 

La Martinique, N. Y. 

A lithe tapster with routines suf- 
ficiently different to maintain in- 
terest, Joan Fields pleases in her 
bigtime nitery bow here. She's a 
pretty gal, with a pleasant, expres- 



Connee Bosmell, Joe E. Howard, , - . - ■ ., . . • _ . 
Betty Jane Smith, Stan Irwin. Jo PY« face which she employs well to 



Louibdrdi House Orch (12); 
the Blue" (EL). 



"Out of 



help sell her terping. 

Numbers emphasize fast spins, 
which she executes gracefully, and 
her offhand touches- of interpreta- 
tive dancing, in which she makes 
with the hands as well as the feet, 
are neatly done. Her best attribute, 



Strong layout is topheavy with 
vocals but potent in name value and 
style contrasts. Joe E. Howard and 

Connee Boswell are spelled nicely . ... 
•with telling niches smartly separated though, is the fact that her routines 
for maximum return's Ooeriin^ is : are out-of-the-ordinary. which 
alotteT STOTtthto a^fast ^"j^S* simH * r ^ 
and flashy spot of hoofery with , or vaude bo okings. 
Howard taking hold next. Vet gives 

out with the old familiars, everyone^JMcLERIE & BUTLER 

a signal for applause and everyone Dance 



Stal. 



sold to the hilt. Final bit of cake 
walking and impression of George 
M. Cohan is surefire for abegoff. 

Stan Irwin in a tough spot next 
registers nevertheless with calm 
style of gagging, highlighted with 
parody and impressions, all adding 
up to pleasing interlude just to bring 
on Connee Boswell to close. Top 
flight songstress handles typical, ar- 
rangements of "Peg O' My Heart," 
"Frudin' and FightinV "Stardust" 



f 



20 Mins. 

Cotill on Room, N. Y. 

Allyne McLerie. ex-"On the 
Town" and "0ne Touch of Venus." 
and John Butler, ex^'Oklahoma!." 
are among the fresh faces in terp 
teams to come out of the ballet- 
mania school of contemporary musi- 
comedy. They're not ballroomolo- 
gists in the accepted style, their 
routines instead being off the stand- 
ard path. They do "Paper Moon" to 



and a "Show Boat" medley, all solid i rhythmic arrangement; an impres- 
and groovey. j sion of Irene & Vernon Castle; an 

Biz all right. Burm I (Continued on page 62) 



56 



LEGITIMATE— CONCERT 



Wednesday, Oclober 22, 1947 



Of Ruth Goode's Impresario' Suit 

Rulh Goode won her case against* ; ; 

Sol Hurok in N. V. supreme court ; TT - . . „, 
last Wednesday H5i, when, just be- j JHaoimah JDlfeCtOr 10 ; .' 



Hurok Pays Foil $8,125 Settlement ! LyteH-Greaza Regular Ticket 



fore a jury was impaneled, Judge 
Bernard Botein brought the parties 
involved together and effected a set- 
tlement. Miss Goode, former press- j 
a-.ent lor Hurok and collaborator 
last year on his book of memoirs. ! 
"Impresario," had sued Hurok for | 
$.M25. which she claimed was due 
her as balance of her half of $25,000 , 
option money paid to the impresario ■ 
by 20lh-Fox. which at one time j 
planned a film based on the book, j 

Miss Goode was awarded full j 
$8 125 in cash. In addition, if any pix ' 
sale on the book is effected, she gets ' 
$6,750 more, this amount being in ' 
trust as the first monies from any 
said film sale. In return, she released j 
her 50"o claim of any film rights. , ' 

When, book was being plannecf. 
agreement was made to split all 
royalties from book and film sales, j 
Option of $25,000 was paid to Hurok i 
by 20th-Fox for a contract which I 
called for payment of $50,000 more 
for his book, and additional $50,000.: 
for his personal services, should it i 
film the book. Subsequently, film 1 
company decided that cost of hiring | 
the artists involved in filming the i 
book .would be too costly, and 
dropped theoption. 

Miss Goode received two $1,500 
payments from Hurok on the option 
money, Hurok claiming this deal was 
not included in the original arrange- 
ment, and refused further payments. 
Hence the suit, which covered bal- 
ance of 50% due her, less agent fees. 
Bertram Mayers, of Fitelson, Mayers 
.& London represented Miss Goode, 
with Elias Lieberman as Hurok's at- 
torney. 

Book royalties were not involved 
in the suit. Miss Goode has already 
received about $7,000 in book royal- 
ties, not including foreign rights. 
Book, published in May, -1946, and 



Stage for Ballet Theatre 

Jerusalem, Oct. 9. 

Zvi Friendland, Habimah director, 
who just came back from New York, 
will return there in December to 
stage a group of ballets for Ballet 
Theatre. Friendland is the first di- 
rector of the Hebrew theatre in Pal- 
estine to be invited to direct on the 
American stage. 

"I am going to start with a special 
ballet based on the theme of the 
oldest and most popular play ever 
staged by Habimah, An-sky's 'The 
Dybbuk,' " said Friendland. "It's to 
serve as background for a ballet 
with music by Leonard Bernstein 
and decor by Marc Chagall. Nora 
Kaye will dance the main role." 
Friendland added that he expected 
the ballet to be done at Ballet Thea- 
tre's season at the Metropolitan 
Opera House, N. Y., next spring. 

Before Friendland leaves for the 
States, he'll finish production of two 
new plays for Habimah, Sholon 
Ash's "Kiddush Hashem" and Max 
Zweig's "Shaul." Both have been 
translated into Hebrew by Jakob 
Horowitz. 

Habimah itself will leave for a 
two-month engagement in the States 
in March... 



Hollywood, Oct. 21 
Veteran radio show, "Brewster 
Boys," last heard on CBS, is being" 
converted to legiter by authoress 
Pauline Hopkins under commission 
from Samuel French. 

She's combing about 10 ether 
scripts into three-acter for release 
to schools, organizations, and little 
theatre groups, etc., under deal 
whereby minimum of 60% of returns 
revert to her on royalty basis. 



Wins Lambs Club Election 4-1 



Adrian Royalty 
Tiff on Taney 



There is a controversy between 
Henry Adrian, who produced "A 
on the bestseller list for a while, has I Young Man's Fancy," and the com- 
recentlx been published in England, | e dy's authors, Harry Thurschwell, an 
and sold for French and Spanish j attorney ; and A]{red Golden> Qne 



publication as well. Meantime, Miss 
Goode is writing a historical novel 
for Random House, to be ready next 
fall. She had a novel published about 
10 years ago by Covici Friede, titled 
"Lady Buyer." 



HEIFETZ ELECTED 

VEEPEE OF AGMA 

Jascha Heifetz, one of the original 1 
founders of American Guild of Musi- 
cal Artists 10 years ago, has been 
elected an AGMA veepee, replacing 
Martha Lipton, who resigned. 

Heifetz. currently a member of 
AGMA's governing board, was for- 
merly an officer of AGMA, being 
veepee at time of the dispute with 
James C. Petrillo over AGMA in- 
strumentalists joining the American 
Federation of Musicians. There are 
five AGMA veepees and Lawrence 
Tibbett is president. Heifetz is cur- 
rently In Europe on a benefit tour 
and will return to the U.S. in mid- 
November. 



'FmianY Warmly Received 
In London Premiere 

London, Oct. 21 
"Finian's Rainbow," opening at the 
Palace tonight (21), presented by 
Emile Littler, and excellently staged 
by James Gelb, was splendidly re- 
ceived but it's not a knockout simi- 
lar to "Oklahoma" and "Annie. 



reaction was an announcement of 
the play's closing but that was 
withdrawn. Adrian said he would 
yank the show because of his "an- 
noyance with unaccommodating au- 
thors," the latter averring they had 
not received royalties for five weeks. 
"Fancy" is current at the Cort, hav- 
ing moved there from the Plymouth. 

Writers state they have com- 
plained to the Dramatists Guild not 
only because royalties were overdue 
but it's alleged that the manager 
changed portions of the script and 
replaced the leads without consult- 
ing them. Also, that they were 
barred from the theatre when at- 
tempting to check up on the changes. 
Understood that Adrian wrote the 
Guild asking its aid in getting the 
authors to reduce the royalties. 

Manager stresses it is usual for 
authors to slice royalties when the 
grosses drop, and avers he paid them 
the usual percentage -"out of his own 
pocket." That was during the sum- 
mer when, according to his own 
figures, "Fancy" lost $28,000. He ex- 
pects to recoup the red during the 
fall. Business did improve last 
week. Play has a low operating 
nut, which explains continuance at 
modest grosses. 



Radio Drama Skedded 

For College Stage 



Felix Gerstman will produce the 
first stage performance of a pro- 
i gram from NBC's radio series, "The 
Chorus is the outstanding success. 1 Eternal Light," when he presents 
with Alan Gilbert and Beryl Seton j "Undeterred," a drama about DP's, 
well liked as the lovers. Also Patrick at Hunter College Playhouse, N.Y., 
Kelly, who replaced Arthur Sin-, Nov. h Frank Papp, NBC producer 
clair as Finian due to tatter's illness. ! on "Light," will direct, with Mitzi 

| Gould playing lead. Morton Wish- 

nr „ r m n«. i engrad is scripter and Morris Mam- 

25 Women TOO Much | orsky composer of the incidental 

For Columbus Commish '"performance, a benefit for Ameri . 

Columbus, O, Oct. 21. | can Council of Jews from Austria, 
Franklin County Commissioners j will be preceded by a concert i'eatur- 
will never underestimate the power j ing Frieda Hempel, one time Met 
of women— particularly 25 of them. '. soprano; Paul Wittgenstein. one- 
Besieged by a delegation of 25 t armed pianist; John Garris, Met 
women, the commissioners reluc- tenor, and Greta Keller, Austrian 
tantly agreed to cut the rental on diseuse. 

Memorial Hall from $50 to $25 on j ■ 

nights when the Columbus Phil- \ Wildberg Returns Nov. 5 ' 

harmonic Orchestra performs. j With the successful opening of 

The women, led by Betty Wilson. ' Anna Lucasta"in Oxford, in prep- 
of the orchestra's board of directors, aration for its London presentation, 
told the commissioners of the or- 'John Wildberg is readying his rr- 



'Revolution in American 
Drama' Called Liberal 
Theatrical Education 

By JOE LAURIE, JR. ' 

The title, "Revolution in Ameri- 
can Drama," inspired the thought 
maybe here was a book about actors 
who, at long last, decided to get 
away from the old stage habits of 
pouring out drinks, never drinking 
them but smacking their lips, or of 
stopping running their hand up and 
down a piece of paper when writing 
a letter on the stage, and then read- 
ing a note it would take a half hour 
to write. Or maybe stage butlers 
had revolted against having the 
name of Jenkins, Judkins and James, 
and so many more things that needed 
revolutionizing in our Drama. But, 
instead, it's a pleasant surprise to find 
that the erudite and theatrically in- 
formed Edmond M. Cagey has writ- 
ten a fascinating book of the theatre 
(Columbia University Press; $3.75). 

In this book the author shows the 
changes that have gradually come 
into the theatre until American 
Drama came of age — the changing 
of manners, scenery, lighting and 
writing. A chapter is set aside for 
j Eugene O'Neill, and rightly so," be- 
j cause of his great contributions to 
the Revolution. O'Neill, more than 
: anyone, threw word-grenades for 
! the insurgent movement in the 
, American Drama. -The author also 
devotes much space to Maxwell 
Anderson, and again rightly so, for 
his contributions to the poetical and 
imaginative drama. 

The book is a Who's Who and 
what they did of the great and near 
great playwrights, librettists, com- 
posers, actors, scenic artists and 
managers who have helped bombard 
the old forts of blood-and-thunder 
melodrama and histrionics of tho 
Bulwer-Lytton school, making our 
drama less romantic and more schol- 
arly and realistic, and our musical 
comedies more entertaining for the 
ear and eye. He writes about Equity, 
censorship, prohibition, Negro drama, 
radio whodunits, quotes lines and 
gives plots in capsule form. In fact 
he writes about everything pertain- 
ing to the theatre. 

In his last chapter "The State of 
the Theatre," Gagey sums up by 
saying he has "great hopes that the 
Second World War will produce a 
[group of dramatists worthy to inter- 
pret the great issues of the day and 
give us a new drama for a new era 
. .It is important to remember that 
contemporary American Drama was 
formed by three great Revolutionary 
] drives — the revolution in manners 
and morals that broke down the re- 
straints and inhibitions of tho 19th 
century, the artistic revolution that 
invested a pedestrian theatre with 
color, poetry and beauty. And leftist 
of the '30s that brought missionary 
fervor and social consciousness in a 
crusade against war, poverty and in- 
justice. Some other revolution must 
come if Broadway (meaning all of 
show biz) is not to return to the 
| 1912 status of escapist show business, 
for the theatre needs enthusiasm 



! and ideals to endow it with power 
to stir men's minds and imagina- 
tion." 

It's a dandy book of and for the 
theatre. It's a must on the book 
shelf of every theatre enthusiast, ac- 
tor, manager and student because 
the reading of "Revolution in Amer- 
ican Drama" is a liberal theatrical 
education. 



chestra's financial difficulties and 
pleaded with them to cut the rent. 
Commissioners afterward complained 
that $25 ,was not sufficient to pay 
the cost of heating, lighting, and 
cleaning the building after a per- 
formance. 



turn to the U. S. Producer sails 
Nov. 5 on the Queen Mary. 

Meanwhile, Philip Yordan, author, 
of the play, has sold the screen 
rights to Columbia, which plans star- 
ring Puulette Goddard iu the pro- 
duction. 



Would Arrange For 

Anouilh Plays in U.S. 

Max Chopnick, N. Y. attorney w.ho 
clippered to Paris over the week- 
end, will huddle with French play- 
wright Jean Anouilh 'whose "Anti- 
gone" was done by Katharine Cor- 
nell two seasons ago. 

The barrister wants to arrange for 
U. S. productions of Anouilh 
"Leocadia" and "Rendezvous in 
Stamford." Both of these were 
adapted by Lyttle Frederickson, who 
has been bedded in U. S. Marine 
Hospital, but is now able to resume 
theatrical activity. 



Gosch Gets Coin 
To Start Mens' 



Having 'finally obtained sufficient 
backing, Martin Gosch is proceeding 
immediately with the production of 
the Emmet Lavery play, "A Gentle- 
man frorn Athens." He will be asso- 
ciated in the production with Eunice 
HeaJey, musicomedy and vaude dan- 
cer and actress, who brought in the 
required financing. She will not be 
in the cast. 

With the author due Friday (24) 
from Hollywood, rehearsals are 
slated to start Nov. 3, provided the 
desired script revisions can be com- 
pleted in time. Sam Wanamaker is 
to direct and Anthony Quinn play 
the title lead. Other casting isn't set. 

Even with the money brought in 
by Miss Healey, there still isn't 
enough financing to give the show 
an out-of-town tryout, but if suf- 
ficient additional coin can be raised 
in time, the road engagement will 
be booked. As of the moment, how- 
ever, Jules J. Leventhal has prom- 
ised to put up the Equity and other 
bonds and to guarantee a week's run 
on Broadway. No theatre is set, but 
the premiere is tentatively slated for 
the final week of November. 

"A Gentleman from Athens" is the 
basis of a pending libel suit for 
$2,000,000 brought by Lavery and 
Gosch against Mrs. Lela Rogers, 
mother of Ginger Rogers. The plain- 
tiffs charge that, as a result of Mrs. 
Rogers' statement on a "Town Meet- 
ing" radio broadcast that the play 
contains Communist propaganda, 
$46,500 of promised backing was 
withdrawn. Mrs. Rogers has since 
admitted under oath that at the time 
she made the charge she had not 
read the play. 

Lavery's previous Broadway plays 
include "The First Legion," dealing 
with a faith cure at a Jesuit institu- 
tion, and "The Magnificent Yankee," 
based on the career of the late Su- 
preme Court Justice Oliver Wendell 
Holmes. The author was among 
those named Monday (20)* by Jack 
L. Warner, vice-president of Warner 
Bros., at the Thomas committee 
hearing in Washington, as having 
"un-American leanings." Lavery, the 
president of the Screen Writers 
Guild, later asserted he would sue 
the^ producer for libel if he made the 
charge outside the committee hear- 
ing, where he has Congressional im- 
munity. 



Lambs Club election last Thurs- 
day (16) resulted in an easy victory 
for the regular ticket headed by 
Bert Lytell and Walter N. Greaza, 
who got 442 votes as against 247 for 
the opposition. There was no com- 
parable contest in the history of the 
club, both sides electioneering 
throughout the day' and until mid- 
night, when the "polls" closed. 

The balloting against the opposi- 
tion was four to one until well on in 
the evening, when it was certain the 
regulars would romp in. It was then 
decided not to contest some 80-odd 
questioned votes, mostly from the 
Coast, where opposition ballots were 
sent four days before the regular 
ticket slips. It was claimed that 
that tactic violated the Lambs rules, 
but the contention was not upheld 
because of loose bylaws. It was felt 
by clubmen that by permitting the 
questionable ballots to be counted in 
favor of the opposition slate, it 
wouid make the election seen? less of 
a walkover; also to temper bitterness 
among the membership, at least 400 
of whom declined to vote. 

Volunteer committee that worked 
for the regulars won the satisfaction 
of soundly trouncing a small min- 
ority of Lambs who are alleged to 
have sought to inject a racial tinge 
into club matters. At one of the 
pre-election meetings of clubmen 
electioneering for the Lytell-Gteaza 
ticket, Gene Buck plainly declared 
there is no place for intolerance 
within the Lambs. Opposition 
"workers" were charged with 
"shameful agitation" against regular 
candidates on religious grounds. 

Those who worked hardest for the 
regulars included W. J. Kelly. John 
Golden, Emil Friedlander, Walter 
Vincent. William Gaxton, Joe Laurie, 
Jr.. William Morris, Jr., Joseph 
Buhler, George Buck, Louis Lmie 
and Ward Wilson. Well-knowns 
who rarely go to the club, but 
turned out to vote the regular 
ticket included Bernard Baruch, 
Albert Lasker, Vinton Freedley, 
Marcus Heitnan, Irving Berlin, Max 
Gordon and David Warfield. who left 
a sickbed to cast his ballot. Around 
300 votes came from the Coast and 
it was figured that at least one-third 
of that segment of Lambs was un- 
aware there was any contest. When 
word of the situation reached Hol- 
lywood a number of Lambs are said 
to have changed their ballots. 

Lytell as Shepherd and Greaza as 
Boy are actually president and vice- 
president, other officers being Bobby 
Clark, James E. Meighan, Sr., and 
Bob Hawk. Elected to the council 
for thsee years: Elliott Nugent. Ken- 
neth Webb, Russ Brown, William J. 
Kelly and Bruce Evdns. Defeated 
were Raymond Pack, Jay Joystyn, 
Averell Harris, William Wilson, 
Charles G. Stewart, William David 
and Vaughan Glaser. John Mc- 
Manus' name was on the opposition 
ticket but he declared he had not 
agreed to run, demanding that his 
name be scratched. He is on the 
council. 



'Union' for Interstate 

Dallas, Oct. 21. 

Interstate Theatres have an- 
nounced "-.State of the Union" for 
the Melba Dec. 3 and 4 in a com- 
pany probably being headed by Kay 
Francis. Production will also play 
other key" Interstate legits through , 
the state. This and the Veloz and \ 
Yolanda dance concert on Feb. 6 
and 7 are now the only road show 
events on the Interstate calendar. 

According to Charles J. Freeman, 
booker for the circuit, "cancellations 
have come' thick and fast. Eastern 
producers, say that the costs of tour- j 
j ing are now prohibitive." 



Deadline Set for Equity 
Staffers' Affidavits 

Deadline of Nov. 15 has been set 
by Actors Equity Assn. for the re- ., 
turn of signed non-communist and 
non-fascist affidavits now required 
of officers^ councillors and employ- 
ees of th? union. Date was decided 
by the- association's council yester- i 
day (Tues.), when it was reported 
that the signed oaths have not been 
coming in as rapidly as expected. 

Resolution to require the affida- 
vits was voted by the council some 
weeks ago, over tjie strong objec- 
tion of several members, who 
argued that the step would involve 
an invasion of civil rights. Certain 
of the objectors said at the time 
that they would refuse to sign such 
statements, as a matter of principle. 

Detroit Opera's School 

Detroit, Oct. 21. 
The Detroit Civic Light Opera 
Assn. will sponsor a School of Thea- 
tre Arts beginning Nov. 3, according 
to Barrie O'Daniels, managing di- 
rector. Auditions will be held 
throughout Michigan. 



EQUITY OKAYS SUNDAY 
SPECIAL L'VILLE RATE 

Permission to play Sunday per- 
formances at the regular single- 
performance weekday rate was 
granted yesterday (Tues.) by Equity 
to the Louisville Parks Assn., 
effective next season. The Louis- 
ville management presents open-air 
operetta on a Monday-Saturday 
basis. The Sunday shows at the 
weekday performance rate would 
be permissible only in case a regu- 
lar performance were rained out. 
The okay applies only to next sea- 
son and was granted as an experi- 
ment. 

Appearing for the Louisville or- 
ganization at the Equity council 
meeting were Dennis Dufor and 
William Gann. 



Margo Jones Readies 

Theatre '47 in Dallas 

Dallas. Oct. 21. . 
Margo Jones, managing director 
of Theatre '47, local repertory group, 
has signed her entire company for 
the fall season of 20 weeks, opening 
Nov. 3 at the Gulf Oil Playhouse. 
These include Vaughan Glaser, 
Katherine Squire, Tod Andrews, 
Frances Wallers. George Mitchell, 
Wilson Brooks. Mary Finney. Clint 
Anderson, Becky Hargis and Jack 
Warden. 

Initial play will be Ibsen's "The 
Master Builder." 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



LEGITIMATE 



57 



30-Week Clause Designed to Up 
Juniors Defeated in Equity Vote 



Amendment to Equity's constitu- 
tion designed to permit junior mem- 
bers to become eligible for regular 
membership, which carries voting 
privileges, was surprisingly defeated 
when the referendum votes were 
counted last Thursday <!«). A sim- 
ple majority was necessary but the 
count in favor of adoption was 116 
votes shy. 

Those opposed to the measure 
campaigned against it mostly 
through the mails, echoing views 
expressed at the annual meeting 
early in the summer. At that time 
the junior amendment would have 
been adopted, according to indica- 
tions, but so many actors walked 
out that the required 750 senior 
members did not participate in the 
voting. 

It was contended that a joker had 
been added to • the amendment, 
whereby the council could give 
juniors the right to vote at its dis- 
cretion. If and when that clause is 
deleted., the amendment will be 
okayed, it's believed. 

At pfesent juniors cannot become 
seniors unless having professionally 
appeared for 50 weeks, and they 
must be members of Equity for at 
least two years, while the amend- 
ment would have reduced the re- 
quirement to 30 weeks with the 
two-year stipulation retained. Num- 
ber of weeks includes rehearsal 
time, since partial pay of $25 per 
week must be given legit actors by 
managers prior to opening. 



Gielgud Involved Status 
In Int'l Tax Setup Cue 
To Lengthened U.S. 



Stay 



DALRYMPLE NEEDS 30G 
MORE FOR TASTURES' 

William McCleery, ex-PM editor 
turned playwright, is revising his 
new play, "A Play for Mary," which 
Jean Dalrymple bought, with script- 
ing to be competed this week. No 
production plans yet. Miss Dal- 
rymple staged McCleery's "Hope for 
the Best," in 1946, with Franchot 
Tone and Jane Wyatt. 

Miss Dalrymple has $70,000 raised 
towards the $100,000 needed to stage 
a revival of Marc Connelly's "Green 
Pastures." Connelly is standing by as 
director for the revival, when ready. 
Meantime, Miss Dalrymple is making 
plans to extend run of "Burlesque," 
which has perked up at the Bclasco, 
N. Y. There is no deal contemplated 
for her co-sponsorship of the Deems 
Taylor-James Carhart musical, "Moll ! 
Flanders," which Frank 
(husband of Gladys Swarthout) 
wants to stage. 



Mae's 'Diamond LiP 

Opens in Manchester 

London, Oct. 21. 

Mae West debuted in "Diamond 
I_.il" at Manchester yesterday (20), 
with general-press report that pro- 
duction was "outmoded." 

Meantime, "Tuppence Colored," ! 
intimate, unpietentious revue star- ! 
ring Joyce GrenfeU, Elisabeth Welch I 
and Max Adrian, which bowed at 
the Globe here last Wednesday (15), 
looks to be successful. Show trans- 
ferred from Lyric, Hammersmith, 
where it scored heavily. 



'Bean' Flouts Petriflo, Opens in Chi 
Without Pit Orch Under T-H Edict 



Ensemble Ms 
Seen Plenty Big 



Library Theatre 
Maps Go-Ahead 
Despite Brushoff j 

Backers of the Equity Library , 
Theatre project, informally quite! 
peeved over brushoff from N. Y. j 
c"hapnian I City's libraries on auditorium use for 
its plays, have decided to go ahead | 
with the project. They've picked up 
several small houses for use in stag- I 
ing productions, while still seeking 
better playhouses for their purpose. 
ELT name is being retained. 

George Freedley, director of N. Y. 
Public Library's theatre division, 
and former ELT co-director, is out, 
but Sam Jaffe, other co-director, 
will continue as chairman of the 



'COUNTER' B'WAY RED 
BEING SHARED 3 WAYS 

"Under the Counter" is due to 
quit the Shubert, N. Y., on Saturday 
(25), British import flopping out 
after slightly more than three weeks 
of tepid business. Understood the 
musical is slated to play Canada be- 
fore being shipped back. Although 
the production and cast were 
brought over intact, "Counter" is 
marked down as a costly, red ven- 
ture, financial slap being mostly 
taken by Lee Ephraim, Lee Shubert, 
and Louis J. Singer. 

New musical click, "High Button 
Shoes," selling out at the Century, 
is slated to be moved to the Shubert 
but not until late December, and the 
latter house may be dark till then 
unless a stop-gap attraction is ob- 
tained; Switch downtown will be de- 
layed because of "Shoes" - theatre 
parties, capacity of the Shubert not 
being enough to take care of the 
number of party tickets disposed of. 
Century will get the D'Oyly Garte 
troupe of Gilbert and Sullivan spe- 
cialists, due in from London around 
Christmas. 



board of directors. John Golden, 
There is some fretting among ac- lELT sparkplug and financial backer, 
tors over the slowness of the season j will be treasurer of new setup, 
productively and because a number I Attred Warding, Equity exec, will 

. : handle ELT details, 
of managers who seasonally present! _ . ,, 

. ... For its forthcoming fifth season, 
shows are not yet .n action. Ind.-J ELT has set up a committe e of 

cations are, however, that members ; directors and sponsors, with Ruth 
of the ensemble will have more en- Hammond as temporary chairman. 



John Gielgud's decision to re- 
main for some time in'' the U. S. on 
this visit is understood to stem from 
his involved status under the inter- 
national tax situation. He had orig- 
inally planned to be here only long 
enough to stage the Robinson Jeffers 
"Medea" for Robert Whitehead and 
Oliver Rea, but now intends staying 
a matter of months, possibly as long 
as a year. It depends on how his 
various commitments work out. 

The actor's shift in plans resulted 
from the British government's re- 
vised tax regulations, particularly 
Involving international monetary ex- 
change. The new setup was an- 
nounced and became effective while 
Gielgud was on the ship coming to 
New York, so he had no choice in 
changing his schedule. Conse- 
quently he must stay in the U. S. 
long enough to earn a sizable 
amount of tax money. Then he in- 
tends returning to the London 
stage. 

He has told business associates 
that he's particularly anxious to do 
a new, modern play, so as to demon- 
strate his ability beyond the clas- 
sics, especially character roles. As 
a result of his performance in 
Shakespeare, Wilde and other re- 
vivals in recent seasons, he's re- 
garded by the public and profes- 
sion as being more or less in com- 
petition with Laurence Olivier. 
Ralph Richardson and the Old Vic 
Co. 

If none of his various current 
approaches from Hollywood works 
out and he doesn't get a new show 
for Broadway, he figures on appear- 
ing in a new Terence Rattigan play 
in London next season. He prob- 
ably won't do it in New York first. 

Meanwhile, chiefly at the urging 
of Judith Anderson, the femme star 
of the production, he is playing the 
part of Jason in the Jeffers "Medea," 
in addition to staging the show. 

After a few weeks in "Medea" on 
Broadway, he'll act in and direct a 
revival of Dostoyevsky's "Crime and 
Punishment" and then, if satisfac- 
tory terms are offered, will take a 
Hollywood acting assignment, pref- 
erably with a say about direction. 
It would be his first appearance on 
the screen. 



gagements than last year. Chorus 
Equity records show that up to date 
the number of members having jobs 
now are only 15 less than a year ago, 
and the outlook is for heavy mu- 
sical production to come in 
autumn and winter 



Group includes Vera Allen, Mady 
Christians, Alexander Clark, Kath- 
arine Cornell, Clarence Derwent, 
Lynn Fontanne, Benne Franklin, 
Emil Friedlander, Margalo Gillmore, 
late | John Golden, Walter Greaza, Ruth 
Hammond, Alfred Harding, Helen 



There are more musicals playing \ "ayes, Josephine Hull Sam Jaffe. 
now than at the same time last fall, l° h " Kennedy, Bert Lahr, Jessie 



and no less than 10 are in various 



| Royce Landis, Gertrude Lawrence, 



Howard Lindsay, Alfred Lunt, Aline 

luth- 



stages of production. Mostly younger , _ , , 

*v™,™„„ „„„ „ i , .i 7,, 'MacMahon, Raymond Massey, G 

showmen are concerned with the McC lintic, Paul McGrath Elliott 
oncoming crop a i fact that is prom- y , 

King in itself, judging from the sue- , « E Sau » Jja Q . SJdn _ 

cess scored by High Button Shoes. ' j Doroth stickney , Ricnard 

presented by Monte Proser and Jo- ; Taber an(J Webster . 
seph Kipness (Lee Shubert has an i „ , ,, ... . , 

! Some of the group, it s reported, 



■ have offered to sponsor individual 
productions for ELT. 



interest). There is no theatre short- 
age for^straight plays but there may 
be a scramble for large-capacity 
houses, although three or four cur- ! ELT has already accepted offers 
rent song and dancers are due to ' for ufe °* the Theatre of the Guild 
leave Broadway soon. , Ior tne Blind, Theatre of the Society 

„, , , . j- j ,.T .j of Illustrators and the Greenwich 

Musicals being readied: Inside 

U. S. A.," to be presented by Arthur 

Schwartz; "Break It Up," James W. 

Gardiner; "Bonzana Bound." Paul 1 

Feigay and Oliver Smith; "Look. ] 



Mews Playhouse, for its plays, 
i Registration of producers, direc- 
tors and players for ELT are going 
on all this week. 

Monday (20), 481 applications 
were registered by ELT. Classifica- 
tions were as follows; actors, 117; 
actresses, 184; stage managers, 19; 
directors. 59; producers, 70; produ- 
cer-directors, 27; scene designers, 4; 
lighting technicians, 1. Applications 
are received ai the Equity office. 

It's figured the first ELT show 
will probably go into rehearsal some 
Incidentally, because of musical j time in November, but the list of 
production activity Ruth Richmond, j possible plays to be presented hasn't 
who heads Equity's chorus . branch, j been revealed, 
did not attend the American Fed- 
eration of Labor convention, al- 
though slated to be a delegate. She 
remained in New York to see that 
ne"w regulations in the contract with 
the managers were carried out. such 
as the rule whereby only present 
members of the chorus union are to 
be included in the first call for en- 
semble people. 



Forest' Road Hop 
A Wow Surprise 

Closing of "Another Part of the 
Forest" Saturday (25) in Chicago, 
after two weeks, is one of the most 
surprising road failures so far this 
season. Lillian Hellman drama 
spanned a season on Broadway, and 
judging from the business drawn at 
j tryouts out of town last year, "For- 
: est" looked like n big grosser during 
! W7-48. At Detroit last fall takings 
! topped $20,000 and the gross in 
i Baltimore was $18,000, prior to open- 
| ing on Broadway- at the Fulton. 

"Forest" recently started an ex- 
I pected tour in Philadelphia, where 
i the reviewers raved over the play, 
j but takings the first week (six per- 
| formances).were only $6;000 and the 
j second week's count • was $13,700. 
i which didn't provide an operation 
I profit. Last week "Forest" opened 
j in Chi. where the notices were not 
| regarded favorably for the boxofflce, 
| and the gross was a disappointing 
i $12,000. As a venture the show was 
I a money maker, particularly because 
; of the picture rights money. 



Chicago. Oct. 21. 
| For the first time in 20 years here, 
: a legit show went on without a pit 
band.' "The Late Christopher Bean" 
j opened last night (20) at the C,\ic 
! theatre. Wackcr Corp.. which 
operates theatre and adjoining Civic 
Opera House, took its cue from the 
Taft-Hartley Law, saying the show 
1 was not a musical and therefore 
eight musicians were unnecessary. 
I Retaliating, James C. Pctrillo pulled 
i out the 45 piece orchestra ot the 
I Sail Carlo Opera Co. at the Opera 
! House, but following a huddle they 
I played. 

| Petrjllo advised James Thompson, 
' manager of the Wackcr Corp., tq 
j appear before the board of Chicago 
j Local 10 to show cause why both 
| theatres-should not be declared un- 
I /ai r to the local and national AFM. 
! Theatres' agreement with the Chi 
I local is verbal and extends to Jan. 
i 16 of next year. 

j This is the first time that a Chi- 
cago theatre has breached an AFM 
I pact. 

James C. Petrillo, as proxy of the 
j American Federation of Musicians 
and its Local 10, was charged with 
I featherbedding, in violation of the 
Taft-Hartley Law, in a'', complaint, 
tiled last week with the National 
Labor Relations Board by the Shu- 
bert Corp., through " its operating 
subsidiary. Select Lake City thea- 
tres. Complaint charges that Select 
was forced to hire musicians who 
were not needed and did not render 
any service. 

Specifically, the complaint states 
that for dramatic presentations Se- 
lect was forced to hire at least eight 
musicians who didn't sound a single 
note. On one occasion, the com- 
plaint continues, a musician had to 
be hired because a phonograph 
played onstage. 

If the featherbedding charge sticks, 
similar complaints will be filed 
! throughout the country wherein the 
! Shubert legit houses are concerned. 
I David Katz, counsel for Petrillo. de- 
i nies the validity of the complaint on 
| the grounds that theatres are not 
j engaged in interstate commerce and 
; consequently are outside the scope of 
, the T-H Act. 



Ma, I'm Dancing."- George Abbott: 
"Heaven Help the Angels." Marjorie 
and Sherman Ewing; "Make Mine 
Manhattan," Joseph Hyman: "The 
Richest Girl in the World." Stanley 
Gilkey; "The Gay Masquerade." 
Theodore Bachenheimer; "Sally." 
Hunt Stromberg, Jr.; "The Firefly." 
Shuberts (latter two are revivals). 



Prince Littler Sets 
'Brigadoon for London 



"Brigadoon" will be produced in 
London next spring under his aus- 
pices. British producer Prince Lit- 
tler declared prior to sailing home 
Miss Richmond pointed" out that f 1 " 0 ," 1 New York onjhe Queen Eliza 
the listing of understudies in pro 



Plan San Francisco Run 
For 'Dark of the Moon' 

Los Angeles. Oct. 21. 

Pelican Productions will close its 
local "Dark of the Moon" stand 
Nov. 2 and move to San Francisco 
for an indefinite run, either at the 
Curran or the Geary. 

Tour calls for the entire cast, in- 
cluding Carol Stone. Hurd Hatfield. 
Jane Darwell and Pete Singer, bal- , 
ladoer, who is making his legit debut. Don Moll 



grams is one of the concessions 
granted by the managers when the 
contract was negotiated. Equity ex- 
tended .its basic agreement with the 
showmen without asking any in- 
crease in minimum but that doesn't 
go for Chorus Equity. On Broad- 
way the minimum for Equity and 
CE is $60 but on the road the latter 
get no less than $65. which tops ac- 
tors playing bits in straight plays or 
musicals. Nearly all choristers go- 
ing to the road are paid over the 
scale, so the higher minimum is 
more or loss technical. 

Pitt Theatre's New Director 

Pittsburgh. Oct. 21. 
"Y" (M. and W. H. A.) Playhouse 
will have a new director this season, 
for first time in nearly a decade. 
He'.s Richard Lodge, replacing S 



beth last week. The producer, who 
! had been in N. Y. for two weeks to 
: close the deal, was reluctant to dis- 
[ close the terms of the transaction. 
' In his brief stay he also looked over 
variety acts with an eye to import- 
ing some. through the William Morris 
I Agency. 

Confirming the "Brigadoon" sale, 
'show's producer, Cheryl Crawford. 
I was equally reluctant to disclose the 
i financial terms aside from observing 
:that "she received Mr. Littler's 
check four days ago." The London 
producer has not yet formed his 
casting' plans but it's understood 
ithat next spring's British production 
' may include !wn American princi- 
. pals. 

i Rights to the musical, said Miss 
Crawford, have already been dis- 
posed of for all of the Scandinavian 
countries. Other deals are pending 
tor productions in France and Aus- 
tralia. 



NCAC Forms Negro 
Rep Troupe for Tour 

The American Negro Repertory 
Players has been formed by National 
Concert & Artists Corp. to do a sea- 
son of plays on tour. Group has 
been booked primarily for dates at 
Negro schools, colleges, clubs, fra- 
ternal and cultural organizations, as 
a special educational project. It 
won't play regular theatres. 

Tour started in Keystone. W. Va.. 
Sunday (19). and will make one- 
night stands through the south and 
midwest. Group will reach the 
Coast by Christmas, then work back 
east to finish in March. Repertoire 
includes "Angel Street," "Private 
Lives" and "Springtime for Henry," 
with "Angel Street" omitted on the 
Coast because of that play's prior 
commitments there, and "Henry" 
added after Christmas. Talent con- 
sists of Milton Wood- (who is direc- 
tor, company manager and actor), 
Jacqueline Levy, Roman- Hender- 
son, Geri Bryan and Ann Flagg. 
Elwood Smith is accompanying in a 
general capacity. 

Group did two performances of 
"Angel Street" in New York last 
week to benefit the West Virginia 
State College Club. Last year NCAC 
experimented with a similar Negro 
group for a short tour in the south. 



GRANT MITCHELL IN 'APLEY' 

Pittsburgh. Oct. 21. 
Grant Mitchell, stage and screen 
' character actor, is coming on from 
Hollywood next month to guest-star 
: in Pittsburgh Playhouse's second 
i production of the season. "The Late 
George Apley." under the direction 
' of Fred Burleigh. 

1 Mitchell played the same role for 
Burleigh at Cohasset, Mass.. in sum- 
mer of '46 while touring the straw- 

1 hat circuit. 



Shuberts Cancel 7 
Ciecy Musicals In 
Row With Musicians 

Cincinnati. Oct. 21. 

Tl'e Shuberts cancelled bookings 
for seven attractions listed to play 
here this season, because of a dis- 
pute with the musicians' union. Ar- 
gument arose over Shubcrt's refusal 
to use orchestras for dramatic 
shows, breaking Cincy precedent. 

Lee McDonald, Shubert represen- 
tative, estimates theatre employees 
will lose $50,000 in salaries. $20,000 
of it by musicians, because nf the 
disagreement. 

Three dramatic shows have played 
Cox theatre so far this season. Pick- 
eting by union being ignored by 
members of affiliated AFL locals. 
House is dark this week. 

Next week "Anthony and Cleo- 
patra" plays here and there will be 
no music, ordinarily used by show 
backstage. 

" -* ■ : 

4 LEGIT AGENTS GET 
EQUITY FRANCHISES 

Four new legit agents were fran- 
chiscd by Equity recently, although 
17 had applied lor permits. It was a 
matter of elimination; those who 
presented the best recommendations 
from managers and actors were 
chosen. 

Only three new permits were ac- 
tually issued; Equity could not lo-i 
cate Meyer Noith. whose applica- 
tion was okayed, but he's on the 
Coast. It will be necessary for him 
to make certain contract changes be- 
fore the license will be signatured 
by Equity. Those who received 
permits are Howard 'Hoyt, Paul 
Small and Jerry Rosen. 

Eve Ginchei, ail agent suspended 
for. one year for allegedjy charging 
higher commissions than permitted 
by Equity, insists that she did not 
collect the excess money. However, 
she paid a fine of $880. said to have 
been the amount of the overage. 



58 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Plays Out of Town 



All Kaul Is Divided 

Detroit, Oct. 19. 
John p. Golden and John Michael I-iim- 
lrur ^induction oi comedy in three acts 
<n\e a'cenea) by John MeGiver. Features 
William Terry. Doris Powllng, Kdward An- 
drews, Hilda Vaughn. Silngrert by Walter 
Kerrj ; settings by Davie'. Ffolkes. opened 
ai Shubert Lafoyette, Detroit, Oil. 1!', '-IT; 
*:( ti>n. 

Captain John Magruder. . . . . . .Judson Italic 

Master Set. Richard bostrop. Kdw. Andrews 
Corp. Francis X. Ciilhouley. Joseph Cunueen 
lid I.ieut. Eustace Custer ...... William Terry 

M. Polveuote Darnntiere. .Anthony Messuri 

Little. Margot." i Patricia Wright 

Jhw. Georgette Yenald Hilda Vaughn 

M. Henri Suubise Waller Armln 

Wile. Jacqueline Soobise Doris DawtlnR 

Kiaff Sgt. Homer Tlnk'ers Peter Dane 

Staff Sgt. Knottrtef elder;.,. Michael Everett 

Major George Uoosey ...William Lee 

A Soldier Paul Byron 

Slajur Gen. Klopstock Joe E. Maries 

While it's sprinkled with some 
good theatre and well propped with 
a final act that's strong on slapstick 
mirth, there's much doubt whether 
"All Caul Is Divided" can make the 
b'iglime grade. Rewriting may lift 
the second act into some semblance 
Of sustained life and punch and pro- 
vide a more provocative bridge to 
the payoff scene, but that wouldn't 
be an easy surgical job. Anyway, as 
it stands. "Gaul" is not $3 worth of 
show, even in these inflationary days. 

Kite with heavyhanded cynicism, 
"Caul" relates the efforts of succes- 
sive commands at an army supply 
depot in southern France to smash 
the black market, only to be out- 
witted and defeated by a combina- 
tion of khaki subordinates and French 
townsmen. The proceedings shuttle 
between l&ht comedy , and "Irish 
justice" farce, and it's this uncer- 
tainty of mood that marks the scriDt 
a' La weakest level. 

Considering the weakness of the 
second act, Walter Kerr has done a 
skillful job at working the plot and 
humor into a free-flowing recital and 
making the most of his materials. 
Some of the sock laughs that burst 
through the first two acts are due 
largely to adroit direction of the 
business. 

Aside from Joe E. Marks, who does 
a hangup routine of the pint-sized 
general, the major generators of 
laughs are Edward Andrews, as the 
topkick who, with blase disregard for 
brass and property rights, uses the 
blackmarket to garner himself an 
art collection, and William Lee, who 
p.'ays a blustering, conniving major 
As the dim-witted boy lieutenant 
who meets frustration in trying • to 
stem the blackmarket and also in ro- 
mance, William Terry about manages 
to pass muster. On the other hand, 
it there's any sympathetic character 
in the lineup it's his, and that can be 
attributed to his likeability as a per- 
sonality. Doris Dowling as the grand- 
daughter of the French town's per- 
sonage and ringleader of the black- 
market hasn't much of a solid nature 
to work with but she's always win- 
some for the optics. Hilda Vaughn, 
as the French dame who, as civilian 
employee in the post, procures the 
art objects for the looting top ser- 
geant, collects most of her laughs 
from the fact that in each scene she 
has a different-colored hairdo. 

Waller Armin carves out a splid 
chunk of character acting and humor 
compounding as topman of the local 
blackmarket. Joseph Cunneen con- 
tributes several bellywoppers in the 
part of the dumb corporal who's got 
the points that make him eligible for 
discharge from the service but can't 
escape the topkick's determination to 
keep him around as a stooge for the 
chicanery, and Anthony Messuri gets 
over a small but effective bit as an- 
other of the local blackmarketeers. 

Probably the smoothest exhibition 
of trouping is the brief stand in the 
beginning of the play of Judson 
La ire. " 

. David Ffolkes has designed an ar- 
resting set for the headquarters office 
of the army supply post. It's solid 
atmospheric stuff. His other set — the 
French livingroom — has plenty of 
color and sense of intimacy. All the 
sets need are a jacked-up play. 

Odec 



number of pithy phrases, some 
amusing situations and generally 
good acting, but the sum total seems 
headed for only limited success. 

Improved chances hinge primarily 
on the possibility of added sparkling 
dialog, inasmuch as the play itself 
is lightweight. Author has demon- 
strated that he can write laugh lines. 
A major prpblem here is to create 
more of them. Also, a hackneyed 
phrase here and there needs dele- 
tion, for example, such lines as the 
oldie about "having a choice," when 
the subject of honorable or dishonor- 
able intentions is mentioned. 

Plot, routined along the May- 
December romance angle, needs bol- 
stering along about Labor Day. It's 
a fairly familiar tale and in this case, 
while familiarity will not actually 
breed contempt, it will probably at 
least engender indifference as far as 
the story is concerned. 

Play traces a week in the life of 
Preston Mitchell, aging matinee idol 
who has just lost his wife. She was | 
the. victim of a 10-year stretch of 
paralysis, the result of an accident 
when she was deserting Mitchell for 
a lover who was killed in the same 
crash. Mitchell's code of ethics had 
prevented him from' leaving her in 
her helpless condition, and to out- 
siders the situation looked like a 
case of^marital devotion while in 
truth it was a thorn in Mitchell's 
side. — a thorn that was finally re- 
moved by her death. 

While seeking solitude in his Long 
Island home on the evening of his 
wife's funeral, Mitchell's privacy is 
invaded by an attractive young girl, 
Janet Blake, who bursts in to evade 
an automobile wolf who has been 
escorting her home in the rain from 
a party. On the spur of the moment, 
and somewhat a result of the brandy 
indulged in to offset the girl's . ex- 
terior drenching, an arrangement is 
effected whereby Janet stays on to 
occupy the guest room as Mitchell's 
secretary. The plan is anything but 
Fgreeable to Nita Havemeyer, Mitch- 
ell's leading lady and mistress dur- 
ing his wife's confinement. Nita 
doesn't approve the ripening ro- 
mance between the actor and his 
new secretary because she has ideas 
of her own about snaring Mitchell. 
Matters are complicated further by 
Bill Tremaine, youthful neighbor 
who has ideas about snaring Janet. 

Several swords-crossing scenes fol- 
low, involving first one duo then an- 
other, but it all ends up with Janet 
turning down young Bill in favor of 
Mitchell, despite a 22-year difference 
in their ages. 

Production is not without its good 
performances. John Loder is thor- 
oughly competent as the actor- 
widower. The role requires polish, 
and he furnishes it. June Lockhart 
has a completely captivating way 
about her as she plays the youthful 
intruder who ends up. in the number 
one romance spot. Vicki Cummings 
is well cast as Loder's leading lady- 
mistress, getting off various acid- 
dipned barbs to good advantage. 
Mark O'Daniels is fair enough in a 
stock part, and Grover Burgess 
carves a bit cameo as a hired man of 
the Percy Kilbride school. Others 
tender adequate support. • 

Show is a one-setter, this being 
an extremely attractive drawing 
room which crowds a fireplace, ele- 
vated exit doors, a bay window with 
an exterior view, spacious living 
quarters, and two staircases all into 
the single set. Staging is competent, 
with ' perhaps a leaning to the 
leisurely in pace. - Bone. 




Mcdcn 

Robert Whitehead anil Oliver Rae pro* 
duct ion of tragedy in two acts, adapted by 
Robinson Joft'crs from Euripides. Stars 
Judith Anderson. John Gielgud. Florence 
Reed. Staged by Gielgud; setting, Ben Ed- 
wards: costumes. Castillo: lighting. Peggy 
Clark. Opened at National. N. Y., Oct. lip, 
•47; 1M.80 top ($7.1:0 opening). 

Xurse....; Florence Reed 

Tutor Don MeHenry 

Children Gene Lee. Peter Muss 

Woman of coilnth Grace Mills 

Another Woman Kathryn Grill 

Third Woman. „ Leone Wilson 

Medea. Judith Anderson 

Creon.. Albert 1-lecht 

Jason John Gielgud 

AegeUS ■• J-lugh Franklin 

Jason's Slave ....Richard Hyltou 

Attendants to Medea Martha Downes, 

M-;rrian Seldes 

.Soldiers: Ren Morse. Jon Dawson, Richard 
Boone. Dennis McCarthy. 



For Love or Money 

New Haven, Oct. 16. 
Rarnnrd Straus production of comedy In 
three acts (ti scenes) by F. Hugh Herbert. 
Features John Lotler, Vicki Cumntings. 
June Lockhttrt, Mar); O'Daniels. Stage.! by 
Harry Ellerbe: setting. Raymond Sovey: 
'costumes, Anna Hill Johnstone. Opened at 
Shubert. New Haven. Oct. K. '.7; $:; top. 

Nlia Havemeyer Vicki Cumihlngs 

Mrs. Knrly Maidtl Read,- 

©lieenle Elizabeth Rrew 

Vilhur Grover Burgess 

Wis. Tremaine ."...Paula Truelnnn 

»1>. Tremaine Kirk Brown 

Bill Tre'malne Mark OJD.iniels 

Preplan Mitchell John Loder 

Janet Blake June Lockhart 



i aly pso 

Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 

Samuel T.. Manning and Adolph Then- 
stead production of musical revue in two 
acts, siars Pearl Primus; features Joseph- 
ine Prentice. Claude Marchant. Duke of 
Iron. Staged by Manning: settings. Her- 
bert LrodklhV dances l.y Miss Primus; cos- 
tumes. Lou Eisele; sketches, lyrics, music. 
Manning ttc Thenstcad: orchestrations. Ken 
Macomber. ' Opened at Shubert. Philadel- 
phia. Oct. Ml. '47: St.liO top. 

Cast also includes Peggy Watson, Eddie 
Taliaferro. Cuban Troubadours, Sam Man- 
ning. Thela Mears. Helen Tinsley, Dorothy 
MeDaVid, Candido Anttomattei. Richard 
Silvern, Smith Kids, Curtis James, Alex 
Young, Gem Boiling, Dorothy Graham. 
Eloise Hill. Andrew King. Lillfe Peace. 
Charles (jlliiiun, Mildred Thomas. 



Whether or not it earns a sub- 
stantial financial profit, "Medea" js 
an excellent production start for the 1 
new firm of Robert Whitehead and 
Oliver Rae. The show is a distin- 
guished one, not merely on the 
strength of its classic material and 
marquee glitter, but on the quality 
of the production and performance. 
The presentation should at least 
break even monetarily. 

This version of the Euripides trag- 
edy, "freely adapted" oy Robinson 
Jeffers, is a distinct improvement 
over E. P. Coleridge's traditional one. 
It is more succinct, with added move- 
ment, pace and facility, and has 
greater theatrical and poetic value. 
The author adapted it specifically for 
Judith Anderson after she had played 
Clytemnestra in his "Tower Beyond 
Tragedy" six years ago on the Coast. 

Several other managements have 
had the script, and it was published 
in book form by Random House, but 
Whitehead and Rae finally succeed- 
ed in getting it on the stage by get- 
ting Miss Anderson to play the title 
part and persuading John Gielgud 
to direct it. Gielgud's decision to 
play the rigid, pompous and unre- 
warding role of Jason, reportedly as 
Miss Anderson's urging, certainly 
won't hurt him professionally, since 
he's given so many and such varied 
click performances on Broadway in 
the past. N6 one could be good in 
the part, but he at least avoids be- 
ing bad in a bad role. • 

"Medea" is not, of course, inher- 
ently good boxoffice material. Its 
story of corroding hatred and mur- 
derous vengeance is starkly tragic in 
the truest manner of Greek drama. 
However, this production, with Giel- 
gud's deceptively simple direction 
and Miss Anderson's overpowering 
performance, is impressive and fairly 
stirring. On the crest of critical ac- 
claim and potent word-of-mouth 
comment, the show should draw 
hefty business for awhile, getting at 
least a moderate run and paying a 
modest profit. 

Naturally, "Medea" «is not a per- 
fect show. It is not "entertainment" 
for popular taste, even with Jeffers' 
greatly improved version. There are 
still dull spots in the script, such as 
certain wailing passages by the three 
Corinthian women who comprise the 
traditional Greek chorus. The end- 
ing, in which Medea carries the 
bodies of her slain sons slowly off- 
stage, seems anti-climactic. 

Miss Anderson's passionate per- 
formance, though superbly sustained, 
occasionally seems slightly dis- 
traught. Gielgud naturally doesn't 
succeed in making Jason more than 
a hypocritical figurehead, and Flor- 
ence Reed's portrayal of the nurse 
is strong but sometimes overdrawn. 

The script doesn't allow much lati- 
tude for the women of Corinth, 
played by Grace Mills, Kathryn Grill 
and Leone Wilson. Don MeHenry as 
the tutor, Albert Hecht as Creon, 
Hugh Franklin as Aegeus, and Gene 
Lee and Peter Moss as the doomed 
children have no chance to be more 
than competent. 

Ben Edwards' single setting is 
conventional, and the music and 
sound effects seem intrusive. Hobe. 



Inside Stuff— Legit 

Pre-premiere interest in "Allegro" and 1 the avalanche of patronage 
backfired on the boxoffice of the Majestic immediately after the new 
musical opened on Broadway, where it has jumped to gross leadership. 
Many playgoers wrote for tickets, with the proper remittances, but they 
were returned, with a rubber-stamp notation that no tickets would be 
available until April. 

Some of the disappointed customers wrote letters of complaint to the 
N, Y. Times, Sunday's (19) "Drama Mailbag" being devoted to th,e squawks 
and an explanation of the ticket jam by Lawrence Langner, co-director 
Of the Theatre Guild, which produced the new Rodgers and Hammer- 
stein show. At least one prospective patron stated that she wrote in 
again after getting her check back, with the same negative result, and one 
reply from the theatre was to the effect that no "Allegro" tickets could 
be had, until next June. Another complainant" figured that the "Allegro" 
ticket situation has "all the earmarks of a huge 'scalper' deal." 

Theatre party deals, averaging three weekly, had been made covering 
a three-month period. Guild's subscriptions extend for the first month, 
with ticket agencies then getting regular allotments. Langner's letter to 
the Times said that the complaints "are symptoms of the heaviest de- 
mand for tickets in theatre history," that the Guild is doing its utmost 
to meet the situation. He stated that the advance sale amounted to 
$750,000, meaning that 250,000 persons had already gotten tickets but the 
figures include parties and the broker allotments. Guild .executive also 
estimated that 75,000 mail orders had already been taken care of, eight 
clerks having been employed in that department. Every fifth week all 
tickets will go to patrons direct, no tickets going to the agencies, that 
system having been started with "Oklahoma" and used by other clicks. 

During the tryout of "Allegro" the show played to capacity but oper- 
ated in the red because of the heavy stagehand and musician bills that 
accompanied rehearsals almost daily. Show is performed mostly on a 
virtually bare stage but electrical effects require the use of a dozen 
backstage switchboards, which partly explains the claimed heavy pro- 
duction cost. 



Touring "Annie Get Your Gun," starring Mary Martin, is rated one of 
the best attractions ever sent to the road, an entirely new production 
being made available through the guarantee given by the Texas State Fair 
Assn., show highlighting the fair at Dallas. For the premiere, flowers cost- 
ing $1,500 were planed in from California and used to decorate the lobby 
of the auditorium, which seats atound 4,500. Road "Annie" cost $180,000 
and the approximate gross for the 25 performances was $255,000, takings 
topping $13,000 per performance. Original "Annie," still selling out at the 
Imperial, N. Y., cost over $300,000. 

Show's producers, Rodgers & Hammerstein, were guaranteed $175,000, 
Dallas deal calling for the fair to receive the next $50,000, while the 
following $25,000 went to R.&H. Their share was profitable but the show-, 
men paid salaries and royalties in addition to partly writing off the pro- 
duction nut. Fair's profit was estimated at around $5,000, and the Dallas 
group was reported to have been satisfied. 

Robert Garland, critic of the N. Y. Journal-American, covered "Annie" 
in Dallas. 

John Montague, in advance of "Aiirie," reports that leading merchants 
in Omaha are displaying "Welcome to Mary Martin in 'Annie Get Your 
Gun' " in their ads this week, musical playing the stand after completing 
the Dallas date Saturday (18) on its way to Chicago. Stated, that the 
gesture is an acknowledgment of increased trade from visitors attracted 
to Omaha because of the "Annie" engagement. 



Appropriation of $53,753 by the N. Y. City Board of Estimate recently 
to revamp an obsolete school- building on W. 46th street will provide 
dramatic and other theatrical instruction for some 300 students of high 
school age when the premises are ready for occupancy in about six months. 
According to the Board of Education's plans, the structure henceforth 
will be known as a School of Performing Art's and will be a branch of the 
existing Metropolitan Vocational H. S. Eventually, a board spokesman 
said, the school's free training program for talented person* may be ex- 
tended to adults in the form of evening Classes. Faculty, it's understood, 
will be taken from teachers ijlready on the board's instructor rolls. 



"For Love Or Money" is one of 
those moderately entertaining theat- 
rical offerings which a play-catcher 
•would like to pull for, due to certain 
diverting elements, but which can 
not be given the green light of sub- 
stantial approval because of a short- 
age of standout material. It's one of 
those plays wherein the comedy con- 
tent is not riotous enough for a rave 
or rancid enough for a roast. This 
automatically places it in the in- 
between category, and as such its 
chances are extremely limited. 

There is a modicum of charm at- 
tached to the production in the char- 
acter of a naive young girl who 
\eitds her way into the affections of 
« ■Btured widower. There are a 



Styled in the program as a "Carib- 
bean Dancing and Mirth Revue," a 
somewhat new type of • entertain- 
ment, was disclosed to Philly first- 
nighters at the Shubert under the 
title of 'Calypso," formerly known 
as "S.S. Calypso" and to be known 
after the local engagement as 
"Bongo." Sum total of opinion here 
was definitely on the n.s.g. side with 
plenty of the large crowd walking 
out early in the second act. 

Main trouble seems to be • that 
there has been an attempt to fuse 
the native dance type of show, such 
as Katherine Dunham has offered 
here on two occasions, with the more 
conventional kind of colored revue. 
The result is a hodge-podge which 
didn't please anybody at the preem 
and isn't likely to anywhere else it 
show is continued in its present 
form, 

" There are, to be sure, some high- 
lights in the piece which are worthy 
of a better vehicle; The star, Pearl 
Primus, has an established reputa- 
tion which she maintains if she isn't 
able to enhance it here. This skilled 
exponent of native dancing has four 
numbers, opening and closing both 
(Continued on page 60) 



THE CLEVELAND 500 O 
PLANNING 3 OPERETTAS 

Cleveland, Oct. 21. 

Promoters of a new repertory com- 
pany, tagged the Cleveland 500, had 
a nip-and-tuck time raising suffi- 
cient capital- for their first fall 
festival of operettas and musical 
comedies. However, the project is 
now well under way, with six guest- 
stars inked. 

Allan Jones and Dorothy Sandlin 
have been set for leads in a revival 
of "Merry Widow," to open the 
series in civic auditorium Nov. 10, 
for a five-day run. Gertrude Niesen 
and George Brittnn will topline 
"Roberta," Nov. 17-22, and Helena 
Bliss and Edward Roecker are signed 
for "Desert Song," Nov. 24-29. Con- 
tracts were confirmed last week by 
Isaac Van Grove, the group's artistic 
director, whose last Broadway chore 
was the music for the Ben Hecht- 
Kurt Weill "A Flag Is Born." 



Recent Saturday matinee of "Annie Get Your GUn" was cancelled be- 
cause Mary Jane Walsh was indisposed, due to her fiance's death. Ticket- 
holders were critical of the house management's action in permitting the 
lobby to be filled, then announcing that the show was off. Near the in- 
side entrance doors of the Imperial an unidentified spokesman told 1 the 
throng that their tickets would be honored at the Shubert ("Under the 
Counter") or the Plymouth ("Call Me Mister"), other Broadway shows, 
but refunds would be made if requested. Most of th» disappointed patrons 
got their money back, some asking for tickets to a subsequent "Annie" 
performance. * 



John O'Shaughnessy, who won almost unanimous press raves for his 
direction of the new Broadway click, "Command Decision," was first 
spotted as a comer by Warners' eastern studio representative Jake Wilk. 

Wilk saw O'Shaughnessy's work at the Mt. Kisco, N. Y., strawhat theatre 
in 1946 and tried to sign him for Warners. O'Shaughnessy turned down 
the bid, desiring instead to continue with legit work, so Wilk recom- 
mended him to Kermit Bloomgarden, "Decision" producer. O'Shaughnessy 
is a, former actor. 



If "John Loves Mary" runs a year on Broadway, as is now indicated, 
the production percentage of Rodgers and Hammerstein will be 1,000. 
Their "Happy Birthday" at the Broadhurst will pass the 52-week mark 
next week, "Annie Get Your Gun" (authored by Irving Berlin, Dorothy 
and Herbert Fields) has been running at the Imperial for a year and one 
half, while their initial production, "I Remember Mama," played two 
years in the metropolis. In addition, of course. R. & H. wrote "Okla- 
homa!," "Carousel" and the new Broadway gross leader, "Allegro." 



Settings for Katharine Cornell's revival of "Antony and Cleopatra" 
involve a new arrangement of elevations and steps which revolve in dif- 
ferent directions simultaneously, thereby creating various designs and 
patterns for the numerous scenes. Idea is to speed the change of scenes 
during performance, and also to simplify traveling the show on the road. 
Production was designed by % Leo Kerz and is his first major Broadway 
assignment. "Antony" is currently tuning up on the road, preliminary to 
New York. *- 



Barney Klawans avers that when he negotiated the booking contract 
for "The Heiress," at the Biltmore, N. Y., which he manages, his deal- 
ings with Jed Harris were amicable. Manager adds that certain re- 
marks between them were merely banter. Harris, who directed the 
drama, presented by Fred Finklehoffe, took over managerial chores at the 
latter's persuasian and in "admiration" of Finklehoffe's nerve in bank- 
rolling a play that was dubbed a flop when tried out last season. "Heiress" 
is selling out. 



Rules have been adopted at Equity on passes to unemployed members 
after some went to theatres and found there -were no seats available. 
Slips for the courtesy tickets are being issued on the day of perform- 
ance, after a staff member checks with the respective boxoffices. Man- 
agers of half a dozen shows admit 10 Equityites cuffo for some per- 
formances during the week, although the regulation federal tax must be 
paid. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



LEGITIMATE 



89 



Closing Notice Ups 'Carousel' in Chi 
To 35G, Torest' 12G, Tailu SRO 22G 



Chicago, Oct. 21. 4. 

Biggest grossers this week are the 
musicals, with "Carousel" hitting an 
estimated $33,000. Rush of Yast- 
mirtute buying before show closes 
Nov. 1 jacked up take. "Chocolate 
Soldier" is doing heavy biz, with 
$24,500 for second week. -Return of 
Tallulah Bankhead to "Private 
Lives" left the ticket . racks empty 
with top $22,000. Big surprise in re- 
verse, is "Another Part of the For- 
est" and the poor b.o. Only $12,000 
for six days. Closing Sat. (25). 

November calendar looks heavy in 
the hit category with the newest ad- 
dition, "All My Sons," set for the 
Erlanger, Nov. 17. The Lunts will 
open on Nov. 3 at the Selwyn in ''O' 
Mistress Mine," with- Mary Martin 
competing for first-night honors at 
the Shubert with "Annie Get Your 
Gun." 

"Late Mr. Christopher Bean," at 
the Civic theatre, opened Monday 
(20). 

Estimates for Last Week 

"Another Part of the Forest," Er- 
langer (1,334; $3.60). First six per- 
formances just moderate $12,000. 

"Carousel," Shubert (2,100; $4.80) 
(21st week). Biz jumped to terrif 
$35,000. Last two weeks. 

"Chocolate Soldier," Blackstone 
(2nd week) (1,359; $4.80). Fancy 
$24,500. Mail advance very heavy. 

"Private Lives," Harris ( 12th 
week) (1,000; $3.60). With return of 
Miss Bankhead house has no empty 
seats. Perfect $22,000. 

"This Time Tomorrow," Selwyn 
(2nd week) (1,000; $3.60). Profitable 
$15,000. 



Nut Almost Prohibitive 
For Mpls. Little Theatres 

Minneapolis, Oct. 21. 

Soaring costs have raised the nut 
so much for civic drama groups that 
It's no longer "little theatre." There's 
the same difficult problem, compar- 
atively, to crack the investment, 
even though actors are unpaid, as 
on Broadway. And it all may add up 
to the demise of the "little theatre" 
on anything approximating a pre- 
tentious scale- unless endowment, 
like for local symphony orchestra, is 
forthcoming. 

Taking a whirl at the business 
management of the North Star 
Drama Guild, leading Minneapolis 



'MuT OK $26,500, Pitt 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 21. 
"Red Mill" finished to around 
$26,500 in its second week at Nixon. 
That was about $1,500 better than its 
opening session, which was over- 
estimated. Although the week 
started slowly, it built to near ca- 
pacity, doing almost $5,000 on final 
Saturday night (18) and enabling 
the show to leave town with a small 
profit. 

Katharine Cornell's "Antony and 
Cleopatra" is current, with Black- 
stone preceding the three-week run 
of Joe E. Brown's "Harvey" begin- 
ning Nov. 3 and "Song of~Norway" 
to follow. 



KATH CORNELL'S 'CLEO' 
WHAM $25,000, CLEVE. 

Cleveland, Oct. 21. 
Katharine Cornell's third road 
stand in the new production of "An- 
tony and Cleopatra" gave the 1,400- 
seated Hanna a huge turnout of her 
followers for boffo nearly $25,000. 

Cast's timing was a bit sluggish 
and Godfrey Tearle's performance 
of Antony drew some criticism, but 
tragedy was acclaimed by crix. 
Although two sets arrived too late 
to be used by Guthrie McClintic, 
here to tighten up action, their 
omission did not seriously detract 
from play's richly spectacular effect. 

Hanna's current, offering, "Har- 
vey." with Joe E. Brown, seems 
headed for the SRO sign on the basis 
of the big advance sale. It's a two- 
week stand. 



Current Road Shows 

(Period covering Oct. 20-A'ou. 1) 

"All Gaul Is Divided'*— Shubert- 
Lafayette, Det. (20-1). 

"Angel Street"— Geary, Frisco 
(20-1). 

. "Anna Lucasla" — Opera House, 
Newark (20-25); His Majestys, 
Mont'l (27-1). 

"Annie Get Your Gun"— Music 
Hall, K. C. (20-25); Omaha, Omaha 
(28-1). 

"Another Part of the Forest"— 

Erlanger, Chi. (20-25) 



Antony and Cleopatra" — Nixon, 

^t»lTVl^w»*^rtJw e - Tfai^T"*-^ Pitt - (20-25); Aud., Cincy (27-1). 
bttle theatre outfit, Harry KaU, Theatre _ wisc * Madison 

(21-22); Davidson. Milw. (23-25); 
Temple, Det. (26-28): Aud., Bloom- 
ington (29-30); Armory, Akron (31). 

"Blackouts of 1947" — El Capitan, 
Hollywood (20-1). 

Blackstone— Rajah, 'Reading (20); 
Aud., Lancaster (21); Mosque, Har- 
risburg (22): Playhouse, Wilm. (23- 
25); Nixon, Pitt. (27-1). 

"Call Me Mister" — Curran, Frisco 
(20-1). 

"Calvpso"— Shubert. Philly (20-1). 
"Carousel"— Shubert, Chi. (20-1). 
"Chocolate Soldier"— Blackstone 
Chi. (20-1). 

"Fatal Weakness" — Lyceum. Mpls. 
(20-23); Aud., St. Paul (24-25); 
Orpheum. Davenport (27); KRNT, 
Des Moines (29); Music Hall, K. C. 
(30-1). 

"For Love Or Money"— Wilbur, 
Bost. (20-1). 
"Harvey"— Hanna. Cleve. (20-1). 
"I Remember Mama"— American, 
St. Louis (20-1). 

"Ladv Windermere's Fan"— For- 
rest. .Philly (20-1). 

"O Mistress Mine" — Cass, Det. 



erstwhile burlesque impresario, 
reached the aforementioned conclu- 
sions. ' 

Cost of each North Star Drama 
Guild presentation averages approx- 
imately $3,500, he says. With only 
10 performances for each show and 
a $1.20-$1.50 scale, including tax, in 
the 650-seat Woman's club audi- 
torium, the best available theatre, 
it's not an easy gross to hit, accord- 
ing to Katz. 

The Guild, with a former Broad- 
way director, Arthur Sircom, just 
opened its season with "Years Ago" 
and has "Deep Are the Roots" slated 
to follow. 



'Winslow Boy' Into 

Balto on Subscription 

Baltimore, Oct. 21. 
"The Winslow Boy" is in currently 
at Ford's as the second of five plays 
promised under American Theatre I (20-1) 
Society-Theatre Guild subscription. I ,, n , , a " 
Town was dark last week but list of j v c" / 



'Norway' Boff $32,000, 
'Mama' Current, St. Loo 

St, Louis, Oct. 21. 
Song- of Norway" piled up a hefty 
$32,000 in eight performances last 
week at the American theatre. 
House has 1,700 seats and was 
scaled to $4.27. It was SRO biz three 
days after opening. 

Charlotte Greenwood in John Van 
Druten's comedy, "I Remember 
Mama" opened Sunday (20) for a 
two-week run at the American. 
House is scaled to $3.66. 

'Inspector' $11,000, 
'Druid' NSG$6, 
'Okla SRO, Boston 

Boston, Oct. 21. 
There Were no openings here last 
week but four houses were lighted. ! 
Two did sock biz and the other two, 
both with tryouts, got fair attend- 
ance. Opening last night (Mon.) was 

j "For Love or Money" at the Wilbur, 
and tonight (Tues.) "Trial Honey- 

! moon" at the Plymouth. "Show 
Boat" arrives Oct. 27 at the Opera 
House, and "A Streetcar Named 
Desire" at the Wilbur and "Calypso" 
Nov. 3 at the Shubert. "Eastward in 
Eden" is set back to Nov. 4 at the 

I Plymouth. 

Estimates for Last Week 
"An Inspector Calls," Plymouth 
(1.461; $3.60). Second and final 

| week of British importation gained, 
slightly over first; estimated $11,000, 
fairly good. 

"Druid Circle," Wilbur (1,241; $3). 
Second and final week slid to esti- 
mated $6,000 alter unenthusiastic 
notices. 

"Oklahoma," Colonial (1.500; $4.20) 
—Second week remains sellout at 
$31,000. To more weeks to go, both 
SRO. 

"Sweethearts," Shubert (1,713; 
$4.20> — Second week of four-frame 
engagement climbed to a sweet esti- 
mated $30,000, very big. 

'LOVE-MONEY' FAIR 
7G IN NEW HAVEN 

New Haven, Oct. 21. 

Premier of "For Love Or Money" 
drew a mild press at Shubert last 
week (16-18) but came through with 
a fair enough gross. On four per- 
formances at $3 top, approximate 
figure was $7,000. 

House has pix this week, then 
takes on breakin of "Streetcar 
Named Desire" for the last half 
starting Oct. 30. "Lady Windermere's 
Fan" comes in for four days Nov. 
5-8, "Tonight at 8:30" having been 
cancelled out of this period when it 
was learned it would not Tpe ready 
in time. The "Rose Marie-Merry 
Widow" combo is due in mid- 
November, and preem of "Bonanza 
Bound" is on the fire for a later date. 



B way Li ve^ 'Allegro' at $45,500 
Attains Leadership, 'Shoes Big 42G, 
Ian 31G Now Paces Straight Plays 



Colonial, Bost. 



on solidly 



San Carlo Opera Co.— Civic Op. 
Hse., Chi. (20-26); Shea's, Erie (27); 



bookings now reach 
through Christmas. 
"This Time Tomorrow" is set for P- |« ' ^ Hart 

next week with Shubert repertory I 0oe S r h a °H b " Bost (27-1) 
ti-nnnp cnUHino -...ooir nf Mm., a , Upera Hse. BOSl. 



(20-25); 



troupe, splitting week of Nov. 3, 
with "Rose Marie" and "The Merry 
Widow. 



Shows in Rehearsal 

"The Firefly" (revival >— Shuberts. 

"Tonight at 8:30 (revival, road"! — 
Homer Curran, Russell Lewis and 
Howard Young. 

"The First Mrs. Fraser" (revival) 
— Gant Gaither. 

"Streetcar Named Desire" — Irene 
Selznick. 

"Eastward in Eden" — Nancy Stern. 



'State' 9G, Buffalo 

"Slate of the Union" featuring 
Kay Francis, played three days at 
the Erlanger last week and pulled 
a neat $9,000 at $3.60 top. 



""SonK of Norway" — Coliseum 
Evartsville (20); English, Indpls. 
(21-25); Hartman. Col. (27-1). 

"State of the Union"— Town Hall. 
Toledo (20-22); Michigan.. Ann Arbor 
(23); Palace.. Flint (24); Temple. 
Saginaw (25): Michigan, Jackson 
(27); Michigan; Lansing (28): Bijou. 
Battle Creek (29); State, Kalamazoo 
(30): Keiths. Gr. Rapids (31-1). 

"Street Car Named Desire - '— Shu- 
bert. N. Haven (30-1). 

"Sweethearts" — Shubert, Bost. 
(20-1). 

"The Fireflv"— Opera Hse.. Bost. 
(20-25); Lyric, Bdgport. (31-1). 

"The First Mrs. Fraser';— Locust, 
Philly (27-1). 

"The Red Mill" — Park, Youngs- 
town (20-22): Aud.. Roch. (23-25); 
Royal Alex.. Toronto (27-1). 

"This Time Tomorrow" — Selwyn, 
Chi. (20-25): Ford's, Balto. (27-1). 

"Tobacco Road"— Walnut, Philly 
(20-1), 

"Trial Honeymoon" — Plymouth, 
Bost. (20-H. 
"Voice of the Turtle"— Aud., Sac- 
amenlo i20>: White. Fresno (211 



'Winslow Boy' Gains 
In Washington to 22G 

Washington, Oct. 21. 
Terence Rattigan's "Winslow Boy," 
new Broadway-bound British im- 
port, gained momentum in its sec- 
ond and final stanza at the National, 
grossing better than $22,000. a boost 
of $2,500 over its initial week. Show 
seems well launched towards a good 
Broadway run, with 10 minutes 
lopped off the script by playwright 
I Rattigan.. 

i Two Shubert revivals. "Rose- 
I Marie" and Merry Widow," skedded 
| for a week each starting yesterday 
| (20). look sock, with a hefty mail 
1 order and constant activity around 
] b.o. reaching amazing proportions. 
Maurice Chevalier follows for a 
single week starting Nov. 3. 



Turtle' 14G, S. F. 

San Francisco. Oct. 21. 
' Voice of the Turtle" with Haila 
Stoddard completed its 11 -day run I 
! at the 1,550-seat Geary Saturday | 
■ (18) with take of $14,000. "Angel j 
i Street." with Laraine Day and Greg- 
ory Peck, opens at that house to- 
night. Tuesday (21). 

' Girl of the Golden West." with 
music by Vincent Youman. starring 
James Ellison, Victor Jory and Dor- 
othy Craig, chalked up a final week's 
gross of $7,000 at the 1.776-seat Cur- 
ran. "Call Me Mister" bowed into 
the- Curran Monday (20). 



'Mama' 13G, 3 days, Port., Ore. 

Portland, Ore., Oct. 21. 
"I Remember Mama" wound up a Aud.. San Gabriel (22); Tracy, Long 
three-day stand at the Mayfair last Beach (231- 



week with a bulging $13,000. Star- 
ring Charlotte Greenwood and Kurt 
Katch, play had huge advance. 



Biltmore. L. 

"Winslow 
(20-25), 



And.. San Diego ( 25 > 
A. (27-1). 
Boy"— Ford's, Balto. 



Ballet Theatre 8G 

Minneapolis. Oct. 21. 
Playing its annual local engage- 
ment. Ballet Theatre at $3.60 top; in 
the 1.700-scat Lyceum, grossed a fair 
«8.000 for three performances. There 
,vere Saturday and Sunday night 
performances and a Saturday mati- 
nee. 

Troupe won critics' and custom- 
1 ers acclaim. 



Broadway's business started with 
a rush over the Columbus Day week- 
end, and with hotels jammed at- 
tendance .was heavy, surprising to 
showmen who could have played 
a holiday matinee profitably. Only 
two did. Business in general was 1 
okay and although the midweek I 
tapered there were some increases! 
in grosses. 

Despite a difference of opinion 
" Allegro" . went, boxofl'ice leader- j 
ship, and first full week approxi- 
mated $45,500. "High Button Shoes", 
drew S.R.O.. getting nearly $42,000. 
"Man and Superman'', topped all' 
straight shows, as indicated, topping ; 
$31,000 the first full week. "Dear, 
Judas." a doubtful recent starter. ! 
stopped Saturday (18). No new shows : 
last week but three bow in currently: j 
"Medea." "An Inspector Calls" and 1 
"The Druid Circle." 

Estimates for Last Week 

Keys: C {Comedy), O (Druma) , j 
CD (Cotnody-Druiiiu), R (Rccjic), I 
M (Musical), O (Operetta). 

"All My Sons," Coronet (38th 
week) (D-1,095: $4.80). Last three 
Weeks for postwar drama that at- 
tracted attention last season; still 
profitable at $13,500. 

"Allegro," Majestic (1st week) 
(M-1.659; $6). Great advance sale for 
newest musical that is a departure 
in production, and first full week 
figured over $45,500 topping all: 
should be higher when subscription 
(Theatre Guild) period is over. 

"An Inspector Calls," Booth 
(D-712: $4.80). Presented by Court- 
ney Burr and Lassor H. Grosberg; 
written by J. B. Priestley: English 
melodrama opened Tuesday (21). 

"Annie Get Your Gun." Imperial 
(75th week) (M-1.472; $6.60). Ethel 
Merman returned to cast: business 
during absence of star not much 
affected, and takings last week well j 
over $44,500. 

"Born Yesterday," Lyceum (90th : 
week) (C-993: $4,801. Only midweek j 
matinee business off and long runner j 
is slated through another season; 
$19,000. 

"Brlgadoon," Ziegfeld (32d week) 
(M-1.626: $6). Attendance claimed to j 
be "better than ever" and takings 
for standout musical over $43,000. 

"Command Decision," Fulton (3d 
week) (D-968: $4.80). Paul Kelly 
given star billing after postwar play I 
laudins: selling out virtually all j 
times: $21,000 quoted. 

"Call Me Mister," Plvmouth (79th 1 
week) (M-1.075: $4,801. GI revue is | 
among the holdover successes, with j 
business fairly strong; around i 
$24,000. i 

"Dear Judas," Mansfield. Taken off j 
Saturday (18) after two tepid weeks; 
no new attraction booked to date. 

"Finian's Ra nbow," 46th Street 
(41st week) (M-1.319: $6). Popularity 
of run musical undiminished; 
standees at all times: $42,000. 

"Happv Birlhdav," Broadhurst 
(51st week) (C-l. 160: $4.80). Strength 
of comedy an eye-opener and it's 
counted on to stick well through new 
season: up to $28,000. 

"Harvey," 48th St. (156th week) 
(C-920: $4.20). Runner-up to "Okla- 
homa!" in length of Broadway stay 
among current attractions; around 
$18,000 right along. 

"Hish Button Shoes," Conlurv (3d 
week) (M-1.670: $4.80). Mostly strong 
press figures in excellent draw of 
new musical: approached $42,000, 
first full week. 

"How I Wonder." Hudson (3d" 
week) (CD-1.057: $4.80). Again five, 
theatre parties, some being partial j 
sellouts: little directly at boxoffice; 
$17,000: may stay another month. ! 

"Icclime of 1948." Center (21st 
week) (M-2.994: $2.40>. Started with ; 
more than $10,000 last week with j 
scale at holiday rate: rink revue 
around $46,000 quoted. 

"John Loves Mary," Music Box . 
(37th week) (C-979: $4.80). More; 
than held its own and now figured 1 
to stay through winter: over $18,000. ; 

"Music in Mv Heart," Adelphi (3d , 
week) (0-1.434: $4.80): Operetta do-! 
ing fairly Hood business with thea- | 
tre parties figuring; $27,500. 
. "Oklahoma!," St. ...James (235th j 
week) tM- 1.505: $4.80). Aiming for; 
completion of filth vear on Broad- 
way and should attain that mark; 
record-run musical very profitable: 
up to $27,000 last week. 

"Our LanV Rovale (4th week) 
(D-1.035; $4.80). Went up close to 
$16,000: four sellout parties the fac- 
tor in betterment: run chances are 
not definite. 

"The Heiress," Biltniore (3d week) 
CD-920: $4.80). Close to capacity for 
drama that evoked difference of 
opinion, when opening, and takings 
again quoted nearly $22,500 .capacity 
gait. 

"The Druid Circle," Morosco 
(D-935: $4.80). Presented bv Alfred 
de Liagre. jr.: written by John van 
Druten; opens tonight (22). 

"The Medium," and "The Tele- 
phone. " Bairymore (25th week) 
iM-1,064: $4.20). Goes out after an- ' 
other week: business mild: $12,500: 1 
"This Time Tomorrow" due Nov. 3. , 

"The Voice of the Turtle," Beck I 
(184th week) (C-1.214: $3.fi0>. Picked 1 



up to around $11,000. $1,000 better 
than previous week's underestimated 
figure. 

"Under the Counter," Shubert (3d 
week) (R-1,387; $4.80>. Had a break 
from Columbus Day influx but 
dipped last week; figured around 
$14,000, poor for imported musical. 

"Young Man's Fancv," Cort (25th 
week) (C-1.064; $3.60). Because of- 
low operating expense, claimed to 
be profitable with small grosses; 
$8,000; best gross in months. - 
REVIVALS 

"Medea," National (D-1.164: $4,801. 
Presented by Robert Whitehead and 
Oliver Rae: "adapted from Enripedes 
tragedy by Robinson Jeffers; opened 
Monday (20): Judith Anderson 
lauded. 

"Man and Superman," Ah in (2d 
week) tCD-1,331; $4.80). Capacity 
business being drawn by G. B. 
Shaw's comedy, nearly $31,000 indi- 
cated; best gross among straight 
plays. 

"Burlesque," Belasco (43d week) 
(C-1.077; $4.80). All last season's 
other revivals went off but this one 
continued; business fairly good; 
$14,000, 



'Medea' Smash 
$21,500 in Philly 

Philadelphia, Oct. 21. 

"Medea," as previously indicated, 
went into the smash-hit. sellout class 
in the second week of its fortnight's 
trvout engagement at the Locust 
with a smashing $21,500. The Greek 
classic could have held easily for an- 
other session, perhaps two; it was 
just starting to get a big and logical 
college and school play towards the 
end of the stay. 

In addition to this SRO offering, 
there was plenty of good biz in town 
last week. "Lady Windermere's Fan," 
first ATS subscription offering of the 
year, reported $23,000 in its first ses- 
sion of three at the Forrest. The final 
week will be without the subscribers' 
basis. Wilde revival got good but not 
entirely rave notices here. 

Blackstone pulled $9,500 in his 
second of two weeks at the Walnut, 
and "The Merry Widow," second of 
two Shubert light opera revivals at. 
the Shubert, got a satisfactory $18.- 
000. Incidentally, the crix (second- 
stringers) liked this one better than 
"Rose Marie," which was offered the 
week before. 



'ICE FOLLIES' BOFF 555G 
IN MONTH'S LA. STAND 

Los Angeles. Oct. 21. 
Three attractions wound up their 
local stands over the weekend, 
leaving that many local spots dark, 
"Ice Follies of 1948" closed its 32- 
day stint at the Pan-Pacific Aud go- 
ing away, best week's, tally of the 
run helping boost the total to a 
tremendous estimated $555,500. Two 
other departures, "Call Me MisTer" 
and Kolb and Dill's "High Cost of 
Loving," also found their final 
week's take the best. 

Only newcomer last week was 
"Three Men On a Horse," presented 
by Pelican Productions in associa- 
tion with the Actors' Lab; it began 
a three-weeker Thursday (16) at the 
Las Palmas. Nothing is due in this 
week but the BiJtmore relights Oct, 
27 with "Voice of the Turtle." 
, Estimates for Last Week 
"Blackouts of 1947," El Capitan 
(278th wk) (1,142; $2.40). Same as 
ever, $17,000. 

"Call Me Mister," Biltmore (2d 
wk) (1,636; $3.60). Clofed on a 
stronger note with $19,000. still only 
fair. Two weeks and four days 
totaled $54,500— not quite covering 
the nut. 

"Dark of the Moon," Coronet (2d 
wk) (255; $3.60). Tapered a trifle to 
$4,200, about 90"{, capacity. 

"Ice Follies of 1948," Pan Pacific 
Aud (4th wk) f 8 days ) (6.000: $3.60). 
Finalcd with best week yet, approxi- 
mately $153,600 for $555,500 total. 

"The High Cost of Loving," 
Belasco (2d wk) (1,061; $3). Bowed 
out on a stronger note with $7,200 
but two-week total was a faint 
$12,900. 

"Three Men on a Horse," Las Pal- 
mas (3 days) (388; $3). Opened to 
critical acclaim and almost capacity 
crowds with $2,700 in till for first 
three nights. 



'Harvey' Bam 24G, Toronto 

Toronto. Oct. 21. 

On. a near-capacity week's engage- 
ment of "Harvey," with Joe E. 
Brown, the Royal Alexandra (1,525) 
did a socko $24,000 at $3.60 top. 

House hopes for a return engage- 
ment if possible this season. 



60 



■JMSITIMATE 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Plays Abroad 



Msm in ■ !««' S.ireH 

London, Oct. , 10. 



BiHlsli Theatre Grou 
comedy in (href ni'ls 
I>irerleJ lij- U:i>i\ V* 
lhi^alre. London, Oft. 

J.mly HMknlons 

Sir JOtlnTlnl llnllialong 

MaiiKla Sllillh. 

Hairy Smltli. 

I.;iulu HflH'kill '. . 

].nr.i Manileil> 

Arthur Blight 

Tiuioihy KehHeiKli. . . . 
Johnny Templelon . . . .. 

l'Ynrter 

HenrifUU Moulding. . 



p |>ro,Ch!''lion Of Hi 

liy (.JeoH'ivy Kerr. 
Un. At St. J.unrs' 
I>, '47. 

Miiry M-avllew 

....... Lloyil Ptmrsnn 

.......Helen Chrli.lt* 

...... .Itobby Huwes 

....... Beryl Measor 

. . .Kynastnii .Iteeves 

Deamonrt Keith 

Ciiaflew Lloyd P:iel< 
. . . .'. ..Iieerlng "Wells 
. .Edwnrii Jewesunry 
.Uitii Alkinson 



Good vehicle for ex-musical 
comedy comedian, Bobby Howes, but 
subject already is too hackneyed to 
bring any breath of novelty to the 
stage. Despite many amusing lines 
and situations, the story drags even 
with good all-round acting support. 
Fate of show will depend on the 
star's popularity and drawing power. 
Its prospects in the U. S. appear 
nil. 

A young couple, the Smiths, liv- 
ing a monotonous suburban exist- 
ence, are visited by the wife's 
mother. She nags at her bank clerk 
. son-in-law and commiserates with 
her daughter for a humdrum exist- 
ence and lack of social position. Out 
of the blue come reporters, photog- 
raphers, etc. invading their privacy, 
hubby having won the title of the 
best average man. Wifie has sub- 
mitted her husband's entry uhkndwn 
to him and he furiously resents be- 
ing held up to ridicule as the most 
ordinary man in the country. 

A week in London at a luxury 
hotel is the prize, plus doing the 
town, culminating in a<broadcast in- 
terview with the BBC. Meeting up 



with an old Army buddy, the victim 
of all this ballyhoo goes out and 
gets plastered. He becomes involved 
with a blonde in a nightclub fracas 
and their pictures and doings be- 
come front-page news. Instead of 
reading carefully the prepared script 
on the air, Smith gives all the wrong 
answers as to what he thinks of 
his job. employers, etc., nearly giv- 
ing the newspaper owner and banker 
apoplexy as they listen in. 

Public opinion reacts favorably to 
"the man in the street's" views. In- 
stead of being fired, the worm turns 
and demands a bank managership, 
having turned down film offers and 
other prospects. He triumphs in 
the end. of course. 

Bobby Howes brings all his dif- 
fident charm to the chief role with 
Helen Christie a natural, little wife 
as his main support. Mary Martlew 
looks entrancing as the blonde and 
the other rharacters are nicely con- 
trasted. Direction is up to standard. 

Clem. 



NATIONAL 
PUBLICITY 
ASSOCIATES " 

DAVID LIPSKY' PHILLIP BLOOM 

208 W. 4IM St., N. Y.. CH 4-5185—6—7 



"The First Mrs. Fraser" 

Starring JANE COWL 

and HENRY DANIEU 

Opening PHILA., OCT. 28 

PRE-BROADWAY 



Time of Your life 

Budapest. Oct. 1. 

Vltff»zii'h:i5! .production of play In three 
arts by William Saniyimi .Diteeied \>y le- 
vari K$cry. Translation. CSyovffy Rucz-t "set, 
"Mitilos NeoKra-ly. At Budapest. 

Joe Oyula Benko 

Tom ; .. . Snndor S'/.abo 

Kitty Dii'vnl ...Marglt Dayka 

Nick UibkIv Paloczy 

Arab. .Odon Hardy 

Kit Carson Laszlo Keleli 

Mnof'Hiihy (iyula .lusth 

Krupp lstvan Palotay 

Hnrry Robert Ruthonyi 

Wesley .To/seE (iatby 

Oudlev : Gyorgy Hardy 

MM* Krai BaloKh 

l.orenne Smith Rozsi Volcsey 

Mary • • .Terl Naray 



William Saroyan play has drawn 
much attention in the local press, 
which generally praised it highly. 
Some crix likened it to Gorki's 
"Night Shelter," adapted to the 
American heath. Opening night (19) 
had President Zoltan Tildy and 
high ranking government officials at- 
tending. Crix blamed lack of action, 
though remarking that play is so 
beautiful that it doesn't matter very 
. much. 

j Director lstvan Egry has shown 
j tremendous faith and talent in stag- 
ing it. He has directed a perform- 
| ance which will be remembered for 
a long time. 

Robert Rathonyi, in the role of 
Harry, gives a touchingly tragic 
portrayal. Another surprise is Jozsef 
Gathy in role of Wesley, the Negro. 
Laszlo Keleti as Kit Carson is also 



brilliant. Nick, acted by Laszlo 
Paloczy, is again a surprise and 
acted well. 

Gyula Benko as Joe and Sandor 
Szabo as Tom are fine acting talents, 
Gyula Kamaras as Blick is a great 
success. Margit Dayka plays the 
feminine lead of Kitty Duval very 
touchingly. Klari Deak and Agi 
Arvay, two newcomers, are also 
good in their brief roles. 

Whole performance is touching 
and fascinating, and something that 
Budapest had not seen for a long 
time. Gaat. 



Cupid and Mars 

London, Oct. 2. 

Client Newport Theatre Committee Ltd. 
presentation of comedy in three nets by 
Hodhey Aekbunl. Robert CI. Newton. .1>I- 
retted by lvter Powell. At Arts Theatre 
Club, Oct. 1, 47. 

Lily Skitlrell Jessie Evans 

Vivien Pllklu:;ton Susan Rirhmond 

Lady Cooksey . . t .Helen Hnye 

Cynthia Cooksey Mary Jones 

Helen Pouiter Mon'a Washbournc 

Charles Pouiter dive Morton 

Mabel Si'moox Viola. Lye! 

Christopher Macintosh Jan Carmtrhnel 

Tex Michael Kelly 

Wilfred Furby Harry Herbert 



Plays Out of Town 



Continued from page 58 , 



A Cavalcade of the Modern 
American Theatre 

Revolution 
in American 
Drama 

By EDMOND ML GAGEY 



This unique survey of the American theatre describes and evalu- 
ates every important dramatic work from 1917 through the 1 945- 
46 season, discussing the outstanding playwrights and every type 
of modern drama. A brilliant analysis of the forces, within and 
without, that have revolutionized the professional theatre in this 
period, it traces the changes in manners, morals and tastes; the 
influence of Europe; the little theatre movement; new stagecraft 
techniques, etc. A fascinating book for every theatre enthusiast. 



A1 All 
Bookstores 

$3.75 




COLUMBIA 
UNIVERSITY 
PRESS 

Morningside Heights 
Mow York 27 



Not quite the type of entertain- 
ment usual to this serious-minded 
theatre club. It would have made a 
good companion piece to some of 
the light comedies popular during 
the war, but to a peace-time Lon- 
don its appeal may be negligible. 
It's fun and games in a bomb- 
scarred mansion with, as title sug- 
gests, the winged boy cutting capers 
with the warrior god. 

A titled woman visits her sister in 
the blitzed family home in London 
and is appalled at the disintegration 
of morals from her own daughter 
down to the kitchen slavey. Cynthia 
has forgotten social barriers and 
drinks and dances with all ranks and 
nationalities. - 

A vjsiting niece plans an illicit 
weekend with a Polish officer, leav- 
ing her husband to spend his Army 
leave in dubious, shabby nightclubs. 
The housemaid chews gum, goes out 
with" GI's and dresses like a trollop. 
The daughter falls in love with a 
young airman being shown round 
the town by a breezy middleaged 
War Office secretary, also a guest, 
with an arch manner and confident 
of a budding romance. 

The boy, though attracted to 
Cynthia, doesn't wish to get seri- 
ously involved, but after a little dis- 
creet advance on her part he suc- 
cumbs. A disclosure of an amorous 
indiscretion on mamma's part in 
World War I brings her censure 
about her ears and everything 
smoothes out. 

Buzz bombs overhead occasionally 
liven the proceedings, and everyone 
works very hard to recapture the 
air of wartime camaraderie. There 
are some witty lines and characters 
are all human and understandable. 

Helen Haye is all charm and grace 
as the aristocratic mother with 
Susan Richmond scoring equally as 
her tolerant spinster sister who 
blames the two gods for the up- 
heaval of emotions. Mary Jones is 
appealing as the gadabout daughter, 
and Mona Washbourne excellent as 
the bored wile thirsting for ex- 
marital adventure. Rest of cast 
render good support. Play had a 
warm reception. Its prospects in 
the outside world lie in the lap of 
the gods. Clem. 



Calypso 

acts I and II. To most of the on- 
lookers there is a sameness about 
the numbers — one of them a substi- 
tution from the "Firefly" routine 
programmed, but there is no ques- 
tioning the husky gal's art in her 
own field. 

Highest in the audience's favor is 
Josephine Premice, a tall, willowy 
and slumberous person who sings 
two numbers, one programmed as 
"Love, Plaything of Fate" but sung 
with quite different lyrics, and the 
other, "Ice Cream Brick," both very 
effective and pleasant interludes that 
don't interfere too much with the 
atmosphere of the show. Also, the 
Duke of Iron clicks with a group of 
"Calypso" songs after appearing 
briefly in the beginning. -Unfortu- 
nately his real spot in the show 
comes after the audience has re- 
lapsed into a lethargic trance. 

Having extended a hand to Miss 
Primus and the Duke of Iron, and a 
few cheers to Miss Premice, there 
is not much to say about the prin- 
cipals. Claude Marchant is authori- 
tative in a couple of dance sequences, 
and the chorus conducts itself with 
definite credit. Peggy Watson also 
acquits herself well on the dance 
side. 

Unfortunately there are a number 
of misguided efforts to drag in com- 
edy, which are purely on the 
pathetic order. Sam Manning, pro- 
grammed as one of the producers, 
has two painful comedy skits which 
he helped write, arid to make the 
dismal proceedings worse there is 
an unprogrammed number towards 
the end that had the first-nighters 
parading to the exits in a hurry. . 

The music, credited to Manning 
and Adolph Thenstead, has a couple 
of possibilities in the Premice num- 
bers, and Miss Primus has done an 
imaginative job with the chore- 
ography. The scenic designs are 
fairly effective but not notable. 

This one won't satisfy the dance 
devotees and it certainly doesn't 
make any hit with the regular first- 
nighters. Woters. 



in case of Miss Pitts and Kibbee, 
who are best in comedy that hews to 
the line. Miss Pitts is required to 
sound a poignant note as the drab, 
who had a fleeting moment of hap- 
piness, while Kibbee must vacillate 
as the benign country doc and 
money-hungry schemer. 

Counteraction between comedy 
and heavy drama tends to neutralize 
overall effect, so that play neither 
arouses tears nor bellylaffs. Impact 
is consequently diffused. 

Late Sidney Howard adapted^ 
"Bean" from French of Rene Fau- 
chois, who intended it to be a farce 
of bourgeois manners. Produced in 
depression time, with Broadway run 
of 224 performances, it represents a 
cautious compromise with theatre 
values of the day. 

Supporting cast and single set are 
satisfactory. Ba.rt. 



Elsa Shelley Recuping 

Elsa Shelley is reported recover- 
ing at Mt. Sinai hospital, N. Y., after 
a major operation. Author was 
taken ill shortly after finishing a 
new drama, "Tomorrow Is a Secret." 

Miss Shelley was last represented 
on Broadway by "Pick-Up Girl." 



KloinsiaiH-Zauber 

('Small Town Charm') 

Zurich, Oct. 7. 

■furleaut.'in, Inc., ftroclurl ion of mtixiuil 
comedy with lyrics ana .music by Ralph 
Benatzky; hook based in pari on (toacl's 
''The Kcviser." Directed by Karl Ferber. 
Sets and costumes, Ludwig Knlner; musical 
direction, IV a ler Kreuder. At Corso, Zurich. 

fast Includes Max SChipper, Fritz Steiner, 
Maria HurslwlK. fSusi Xiroleltl, Hernia Var- 
nay, Harald Tauber. Claire Adelmann, 
Helena J.unpanl, Alfred SchllUz; Hans Du- 
ran, Melanie Mucnzer. • Nelly Grafton, 
Glympe Ane, Thelma Thurston, Madeleine 
Pascal. Waiter Haense, Waliber Gloor, Sig- 
frit Steiner, Kuuen Fischer, Karl Aiehiimer, 
Robert SeWnrst, Ouslav Goehm, Eugen 
Jensen, t'hiislel UiampiPtrPi Renn Ballet, 



The *Lafe Christopher 
Bean 

Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Michael Myevberg (in association with 
Gilbert Miller) production of comedy by- 
Sidney Howard In three acta. Slars ZaSu 
Pitts, Guy Kibbee; features Bertha Bel- 
more. Slaged by Myerberg; settings, Louis 
Kehnell. Opened at Civic theatre, Chicago, 
Oct. 20, '47; S3.60 top. 

Dr. Haggett Guy Kibboe 

Susan Haggett.... Nancy Davis 

Abby ZaSu Pitts 

Mrs. Haggett Bertha Belmore 

Ada Haggett.... Kmily Dormun 

Warren Creamer E. I.awson Schmidt 

Tallant William Swetland 

Rosen Marvin Home 

Davenport Francis C'ompton 



"The Late Christopher Bean" 
emerges from the warehouse un- 
marred by dust or cobwebs. ZaSu 
Pitts and Guy Kibbee extract as 
much from the 15-year-old Sidney 
Howard comedy as it afforded Paul- 
ine Lord and Walter Connolly when 
it»"was first produced in October, 
1932. As much but no more. It 
should do at least moderately well. 

Play deals with a wistful slavey 
in a doctor's family who once be- 
friended a dying artist. Her timid 
affair with him is the only bright 
chapter in her pots-and-pans exis- 
tence. Through the years she has 
treasured his paintings. When the 
family learns that the supposed 
daubs are valuable, they get greedy. 
Payoff comes when she announces 
herself as his widow and incontest- 
able owner of canvases. 

Fifteen years haven't altered 
play's underlying defect, in that it 
wavers between comedy and heavy 
drama. This is particularly a defect 



NOW IS THE TIME 
TO PUT YOUR 
"BEST FOOT FORWARD" 

The eyes of the theatrical 
profession are f ocussed on 
photographs by 

JO MERMEL 

Creator of light! and Shadows 

You pay no more for photo- 
graphs by America's lead- 
ing creative theatrical pho- 
tographer. 

DO IT TODAY! 

WRITE— WIRE— TELEPHONE 
FOR APPOINTMENT 

JO MERMEL 

480 Lexington Ave. at 46th St. 
New York, N. Y. 
Tel. Plata 3-5791 



PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER 

AT LIBERTY 

Have handled same of the largest 
musical shows and plays on Broad- 
way. 

Address Box 91, c/o Variety 
154 W. 48th St., New Vork IB, N. V. 



CLEVER COMPOSER 

of many effective film and radio 
scores looking for producer who will 
appreciate talent. 

Write Box 440, Variety 
154 West 46th Street. New York 19 



! • 

& World preem of new musical by 
Ralph Benatzky, who wrote "The 
White Horse Inn" and many other 
hits, is a distinct disappointment. 
Premiere had been highly touted 
for weeks, with Corso also in 
debut as a legiter after trans- 
formation from town's largest dance- 
| hall and vaude showplace. Play is 
J expected to run eight weeks, but no 

•.morje.-v -.. .. , M . • 

[ Libretto is based partly on Gogol's 
T classic Russian comedy, "The Re- 
j viser," and .tells about a young bar-. 
| ber's assistant in a small town of 
I Russia, around 1910. Assistant is 
! mistaken for an important official 
] about to visit the town, and book 
j concerns itself with civic and amor- 
i ous corruption in the city. 
I Book is confused and badly 
worked out. Characters are stock 
I and don't develop. Lyrics are in- 
| credibly silly, and rhyme badly. The 
i few jokes and laughs in the play 
; are from grandmother's time. Score 
I is just so-so, and even includes one 
of Benatzky's songs of 25 years ago. 
1 Leads came from Vienna to play 
j in the musical, occasioning some 
I derogatory comment in town. Per- 
. formances are only average, except 
j Fritz Steiner, as the real visiting 
official, who is a favorite in Zurich 
; and Vienna. Ludwig Kainer's sets 
! and costumes, really beautiful, are 
] the play's one redeeming feature, 
i Mczo. 





i Your card of admission to the entrancing 
world behind the footlights— your opportunity 
to sit in the dressing-rooms and look deep 

- into the hearts and heartaches of the people 
of the theatre. A star-studded collection of the 
32 most brilliant and intimate stories ever 
written about the theatre and the theatrical 
profession, including gems by Noel Coward, 
Anton Chekhov, John Galsworthy, Booth Tark- 
ington, Ludwig Bemelmans and others. If you 
enjoy the theatre, you'll love... 



ALL-STAR CAST 

A Foothght Anthology - Edited by SALLY DEUTSCH 



ZIFF 

rUSUSHING COMPANY 



DAVIS 

CHICAGO • NEW YORK 



At all booltsfo'et 
$3.75 



Wfdgtfday, October 22, 1947 



P^Sriett 



LITERATI 



61 




%♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦»♦»♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦4 ♦♦♦■»+♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ 



Hammerstein Renominated . more than twice the gross of 1939 
Oscar Hammerstein, 2d, incum- | Paper use in 1945 fell to 798,000 



bent, has been nominated for re- 
election as president of the Authors 
League of 'America. He represents 
yie affiliate Dramatists Guild. John 
Hersey, protem incumbent, is the 
vice-presidential nominee, repre- 
senting the Authors Guild. Peter 
Lyon, of the Radio Writers Guild, is 
the nominee for secretary and Ar- 
thur Schwartz, of the Dramatists, is 
nominee for League treasurer. 

Paul Gallico has been nominated 
for ' the presidency of the Authors 
Guild, to succeed Christopher La- 
Farge. Helen Hull is nominated for 
the Guild vice-presidency and Gil- 
bert W. Gabriel as secretary. Nom- 
inated to serve on the AG council 
until 1950 are Margaret Culkin 
Banning, Jacques Barzun, Thomas B. 
Costain, Annalee Jacoby, LaFarge, 
Richard Lockridge, Cord Meyer, Jr., 
Gretta Palmer, Maude Parker and 
Grace Zaring Stone, and, to serve 
until 1948, Jerome Weidman. 

Nominees for AG representatives 
on the League council, to serve until 
1949, are Bernard De Voto, Arthur 
Garfield Hays, Laura Hobson, La- 
Farge, Margaret Leech, Frances 
Lockridge, John Marquand, Fulton 
Oursler, Rex Stout, John Vander- 
cook, Glenway Wescott and Theo- 
dore H. White. 

AG nominating committee in- 
cluded R. L. Duffus. Irmengarde 
tberle, Alan Gleen. Mary Margaret 
McBride, John Marquand, Gretta 
Palmer and Glenway Wescott. In- 
dependent nominations may be made 
toy the membership; if signed by 15 
or more members in good standing 
" and filed by Nov. 10. The annual 
meeting and election, with absentee 
members voting by mail, will be 
Dec. 9 in New York, 



Mag Publishing- Terr if in '45 

The gross dollar volume of re- 
eeipts in the magazine publishing 
biz hit a terrific $739,000,000 in 1945, 



tons, or 13.3% under that of 1942 
according to Department of Com- 
merce tabulation. 

Figures show that the 22 largest 
publishing firms, each of whose 
magazines aggregate a gross of 
$5,000j)00 or more annually, had an 
increase of 116% in revenue between 
1939 and 1945. The publishers, whose 
firms do a mag biz of between 
$2,500,000 and $5,000,000 annually, 
had a jump of 187% in doMar volume. 
The smallest increases were reported 
by the small firms. For instance, 
those publishers whose gross take 
amounts to under $50,000 annually 
had a revenue increase of only 17%. 

In circulation, the Department of 
C ommerce found that there are 22 
motion picture fan mags with a 
total circulation of 7.617,126; and 
there are 39 art, music and drama 
magazines whose aggregate circu- 
lation is 2,589,540. The film books 
are the money ones. 

The breakdown shows that five of 
these are operated by publishers 
whose total dollar receipts were 
$5,000,000 and up in 1945. Another 
three were put out by firms doing 
a business Of from $2,500,000 to $5,- 
000,000. Only six of the 22 were put 
out by publishers doing a business 
of under $50,000. 

On the other hand, the art. music 
and drama books are generally from 
hunger. None of the 39 reporting 
is put out by a firm doing as much 
as $1,000,000 a year dollar business 
and no less than 24 are issued by 
publishers who took in under 
$50,000 in the bonanza year of 1945. 



Stars Shine Home 

Henry Gris, Hollywood foreign 
editor for United Press, has arranged 
a series of radio interviews between 
UP representatives in foreign coun- 
tries and film stars in Hollywood. 
Idea is to send messages from the 
stars to their native lands to offset 



KM 




alii*** 



1 ISL**^ 




MARGARET WIISTIRt 

"FaKinating. Inflection it «« 
important at pronunciation. 
Should bo on invaluable aid 
to acton." 

JOSi FERRIRi 

"Should bo of s r ">t holp to 
actor* called on to uto dia- 
UcH." . 

MARJORIE MORROW, 
C.R.S. Casting Director! 
"So complete... invaluable.:, 
convenient and ready refer- 
ence where authentic Ameri- 
can Dialect it required." 

Manual «f 

AMERICAN 

DIALECTS 

by 

LEWIS HERMAN 
and . 

MARGUERITE S. HERMAN 



Iffiw' The 
first Practical 

guide to 
AMERICAN 
I DIALECTS 

I . FOR RADIO. STAGE 
I AND SCREEN 



THIS BOOK will help you 
reproduce the true speech 
flavor of almost every sectional 
dialect in the U.S. A. --with all 
its lilts and stresses— all its gram- 
matical, vowel and consonant 
„ changes ... all the authentic 
characteristics of its use and all 
its local idioms. 

This is definitely a "How-to-do- 
it" book which teaches the use 
of dialects by easy-to-follow vis- 
ual phonetic symbols; with illus- 
trations of tongue and lip posi- 
tions for pronunciation and with 
a special musical notation to 
guide the entertainer in master- 
ing inflections of dialects of 
every regional group. Also con- 
tains hundreds of monologs for 
practise. 



CHATTEB 

The Greenwich Village Digest has 
given up the ghost. 

James W. Zarbroek new book edi- 
tor for Robert M. McBride. 

Marco A. Almanzan, Latin Ameri- 
can editor for South, new travel 
magazine. 

Earl Wilson, the syndicated col 



Communistic propaganda against the 

American picture industry. j I » 

Thus far Ingrid Bergman and Alf : | C^f TT f Y'Q C^R APROOK " 
Kjellin have sent messages through * Ov^lJAjJU 1 O O^J-lUTJL JJ> VJ V/JLV " 

UP to Sweden; Philip Dorri to Hoi- \ 

land and Alida Valli to Italy. By Frank Scully >♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ M -H* 

Castle Garden, Oct. 18. 
Long, long ago there was a castle in a Hollywood studio. It was a set 
and had spread itself all over a high-budget flop. 

After the melancholy grosses were in, one producer after another was 
told by the front office to absorb the nut. of this grandiose decor. One 
producer, in fact, began taking writers in teams to the set and telling 
them, "Write me an original around this. Get your first yellow to my 
office in 10 days." Six teams learned so much about the building they 
became carpenters when fired as writers. 

I was with the producer on one of these pilgrimages. As he ordered 



umnist, is writing a story on George I new writers to pull the set out of the red and off his overhead, 1 asked, 



Jessel for the American mag. 

Ernest Hoberecnt, novelist and 
United Press foreign correspondent, 
in New York on his first visit in ' 
five years. 

The Tiger's Eye, new arts and ' 
letters quarterly starts at $1 a throw, I 
Ruth Stephens, editor, from West- I 
port, Conn. ; 

Eric Hodgins in Hollywood for 
conferences on the filming of his 
novel, "Mr. Blandings Builds His 
Dream House." 

Novelist Ted Key and radio writer 
Robert Cenedelja collabing on a 
play based on the former's Sateve- 
post character. ' 

Leo Miller, film and radio ed of 
the Bridgeport Herald, upped to 
managing editor. He's also Vap.ibtv 
mugg in Bridgeport. 

New Ziff Davis mag under way, 
called Plastics, Michael A. Brown. 
Jr.,- editor; mostly staff-written 
about the industry. 

Screenwriter Richard English's 
first novel, "The Sugarplum Stair- 
case," will be published in November 
by Simon & Schuster. 

Mike Fessier's new book about 



"Why?" 

He looked at me as you've seen housewives look at cockroaches. 
"If I should see this Castle Gargoyle in another picture," I said 1 , "I'd go 
screaming out of the theatre. And don't tell me as you tell these sad 
sacks, that you only want your money back. You've made a fortune off 
this set. I've seen it in at least six pictures since the flop it originally 
appeared in." 

I later met the writers in the studio dining room. "Why don't you get 
all the other teams on this turk assignment," I said, -."and throw all your 
scripts in one sack, and call it, 'If I Had a Castle?' If you finish on a tire 
it will make enough dough to bring the 'whoops' back to Jack Benny." 
How Ahout .loan For a Switch? 
"If I had a castle." said the producer, who happened along. "You're a 
dope. People might think it was about Irene!" 
"I wouldn't," I said. 

"You," he said, "Who makes pictures for you?" 
Right there I let him have it. 

Afterward he went around telling people that two of Scully's trained 
fleas from heaven pinned his arms back while I swung a right hook on 
his eye'from behind. He said the writers, communists obviously, seeing 
a chance to escape, joined in the melee and beat him with their chains. 

Actually, all I did was to stick one of my duraluminum elbow crutches 
between his legs. This pitched him on his puss and his right eye hit one 
of the writer's chains.- The writers did nothing except to beg me to re- 
lease them from their platinum chains and gold-plated handcuffs. This I 
did. After all, they w'ere human beings. 

The Ficht That Failed 
In fact, 1 became so human myself 1 gave the producer a barber's ad- 
dress near. Chatham Square where they've been fixing shiners for three 
generations. I told him he could fly there from Hollywood over the week- 
, end and be back by Monday. He'd be in New York Saturday noon, and 
Hollywood, '"The Adventures of j T- d get n i m nxed , up r (ght away as tney hired internes from Bellevue to 
Clqvis," will be published next pic ^ up ^tra change on account Saturday nights and Sundays were their 
spring by Dial Press. j busiest days. As a matter of history that's where the term "black market'' 

Fred Rosen, former director of . comes from, 
international editions for Magazine | But the producer preferred to hang around Hollywood, hoping his 
Digest, resigned to become execu- "light" would make the Sunday afternoon edition of the ex-communicated 
tive-director of Asia Institute. | Examiner's Monday morning paper. ' He never did make it, because a 

Shaemus O'Sheel has signed a ' real king died that day in a fight — the first fight a king had been in since 
contract with Lippincott for a book , the days of Charles II. Naturally the late monarch got the eight-column 
on the history of Irish immigration ; banner. 

to this country, from earliest times. | I cite these details for one reason only. I suspect I've seen that castle 
No title as yet. I again. Not only once but twice. It looked like the original in Doug 

Leverett S. Gleason. publisher of j Fairbanks. Jr.'s, production of "The Exile" and with its face lifted to look 
Readers Scope, to the Coast to ■ like a southern mansion for "The Foxes of Harrow." 

dicker on film rights of the serial, | Twentieth Century-Fox is releasing the harrowed Foxes as a single 

feature, but it breaks so nicely in the middle they could make lots more 
money releasing one part as "The Foxes ot Harlem," and the other part 
as "The Harrows of-Foxhills." That way they'd gel two Maureen O'Haras 
for the price of one Rexall Harrison. 
Or aren't you interested in shopping news? 



currently 



"The Way and the Life : 
running in the mag. 

Partisan Review, little mag. will 
turn into a commercial monthly in 
January. Editors are William Phil- 
lips and Philip Rahv; Catherine 
Carver is m. e. 

Richard Brooks' new novel, "The 
Boiling Point," due from Harpers in 
February. Same pub issuing "Dan 
Owen and the Angel Joe," by 
Ronald Mitchell, Theatre Directoi 
of the University of Wisconsin. 



Symph with Dinner 



Continued from page 1 



from the Lakes to the Gulf, 
favor this policy, firstly because 
of its 20';. Federal tax saving, 
and secondly, it's a sop to the 
music-lovers. There is a size- 
able audience of middle-bvow 
fans, and this type of symphonic 
syncopation and concert music 
fills the hunger for good music 
by a segment of good-income 
clientele. In another manner 
it has been tried with gypsy fid- 
dles in the L'AigJon, Beverly 
Hills (successful), and La Mar- 
tinique, N. Y. 'not so V'Bcing a 
variation of the Monscigncur, 
Paris, policy. 1 

Policy was suggested by Merle 
Jacobs, of local Music Corp. of 



Peck's Bad Boy Breaks Recordlp^ 

As one who attended Mickey Mouse's 20th birthday and' subsequently 
found myself classed among the 500 "youngsters" who celebrated the 
quick Mick's party I came home with four treasures: (1) the startling 
discovery that Mickey, by human standards, would be 350 to 500 years 
old, (2) the exclusive news that the Mickey Mouse wristwatch, hich the 
heir of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Peck won as a door prize, was smashed 
within six hours, (3) the confirmation that Eddie Bracken and I went to 
the same Mt. Carmel School in Astoria, and <4) a cold in the head from 
shaking hands with Edgar Bergen, who had been drinking an iced coke. 

Every star either arrived with an heir or dispatched the darling with 
friends. Eddie Bracken had two beautiful little Brackettes, Bergen had 
his Candy, Joan Bennett Wanger was there with Stephanie and' Lana 
Turner's Cheryl. Children of Garry Moore, Joan Crawford, Paul Hen- 
I reid, Hedy Lamarr, Bill Goodwin, Sheilah Graham Westbrook. Jimmy 
Fidler, and others too noisy to be mentioned in this soundproof depart- 
ment, were here, there and all over the place. Everybody got goofy hats, 
balloons, bubblegum. hotdogs, cold mustard, soda pop and that cotton 



candy that looks as if Whistler had painted it in mauve for a cloud effect. 
Each child also received a copy of "Mickey and the Bean Stalk." 



Though only 500 kids were present, Mickey and Minnie could have filled 
| the place with their own relations many times over* Mice, you know, 
breed six times a year and •specialize on sextets, especially in Lucia. That 
I means 65,778 mice at the end of two years. Mick's brand of mice, 
i incidentally, are known as '.'hamsters." iNo kidding.) If they rub against 
humans, all you have to do is to say "boo" to frighten them half to death. 
Many of these believe everything they hear on the radio— especially my old 
pal Walter Winchell, who is now specializing in the boogie woogie of 
international relations. 

• Winchell was around town' and was supposed to lend his Peter Pun 

quality to the party, but he was busy adding terror to his radio program, 

j |J '/- "i i ' est the Jergen's Lotion program appear too one-sided. t ■ 

America office, who sold it to Carl I _ . .. ,. _ 

Hanna and Tim W. Grogan, opera- ' \ 

tors of the swank downtown dance- . admit the solid musical showman 

dinery. Idea of a concert orchestra ' ship di. play d by Pollack is refresh-. 



in such a spot sounded so radical to 
rival bonifaces that they snickered 
openly at first. They began wliis- 



ingly different.. Although all of his 
.musicians double in the Cleveland 
'• Symphony Orchestra or the Hanna's 



= (ling another tune after Pollack's legit theatre pit band, which Jacque.' 



I ZIFF 
nflUWMG COMPANY 
II 



$7.50 

At all bookstores 



MAVIS 

CHICAGO • HIW 10H 



certize simple Irish lullabies or 
"Three o'clock in the Morning.'' 

More cheesecake appeal is given 
the outfit by violinist Teresa Testa," 
who has plenty of pulchritude as 
well as i.ilent in solos, and Valerie. 

S I two-hour programs of light-keyed ' also conducts, there isn't anything j Vitalc, another looker who plays 
Arfnr* writers and teachers of * symphonic syncopation, arranged a long-hairish about their cafe con- ! harp. Latter frequently guest -stars 
W1 ... . . n , 1 la Frank DeVo) aiid Dave Rose, certs. 'in Severance Hall's Symphony Or- 

dramatlCS Will use tnis manual g started to drastically cut into their' Using arrangements airmailed | chestra and tho Minneapolis Sym- 
as a pratycal text and source 
book for improving their inter- 
pretations ... distinguishing the 
authentic in dialect from the 
caricature... providing better 
performances in many roles. 

Written by the authors of the 
successful MANUAL OF 
FOREIGN DIALECTS-a book 
which has helped thousands of 
entertainers master foreign roles. 



HHHrHIIIIIHIUWIHIIIIIIiHII 



HUlHIIIinilHIIIIIHIIIIHIIIII 



11 y cut into their! Using arrangements airmailed 1 chestra and the Minncapoli: 
own trade. ' weekly from the West Coast by 1 phony. Twenty-one pieces crowd 

One major reason for the boffo re- Fiahk.DeVol. the Capitol recording ! the cafe's tiny stage, cutting down 
actions, according to Hanna. is that maestro, the Continental crew spe- : visibility a bit, but a terraced stage 
the new policy ingeniously circum- cializes in show-tunes, outstanding ' is being built to make' band look 
vents the Federal 20'ii amusement ' songs by American composers and • more effective. 

tax up to 9:15 p.m. That tap seems i the lighter sort of classics. They are , Following dinner pi p concerts anil 
to be resented by Cleveland diners all handled in a lushly-orehest rated, an interlude filled by Miss V'ilalc's 
as much as the English tea tax ear-soothing fashion by the expert- solos. Pollack returns with a 10- 
burned up Bostanians in Colonial , ly synchronized ensemble. piece dance band. It comes tip to 

.lays, what 'with Ihe rising food' Instrumentation of 'nine violiiis, a the calibre of his major unit in .its 
costs. Another factor is that there , tuba, eight reeds, harp and piano en- extremely urbane but 
.ire a lot of conservatives here Who able leader to do full justice to such ; 
don't want to be bothered by fiance classy pieces as "Pavanne," the en- ' 
bands or noisy floor revues at dinner ! I ire "Finian's Rainbow" ' score and 
time. 'opera 'extracts in an ingratiating 

This faction, and even the visiiiug manner. It's all extra-good li.-ten- 
flremen not concert-minded, had to ing music, even when the boys con- 



rhythms for customer hooting. A 
15-minute program by his «ymphon- 
ette outfit is now being piped from 
the Continental nightly on the 7:15 
p.m. slot for the Mutual network via 
WHK, as result of its clicko. 



62 



CHATTER 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



Broadway 



Wilbur Evans joining Morton 
Gould's concert tour as soloist. 

Arthur Pine reprising as lecturer 
on publicity at CCNY this semester. 

Ziegfeld Club's 12th anniversary 
dinner-dance at Waldorf-Astoria 
Nov. 15. 

Jules Levey returns to the Coast 
over the weekend for huddles on 
new production. ' » 

Samuel Antek. violinist in NBC 
Symphony Orchestra, appointed 
conductor of N. J. Symph. 

Eddie O'Keefe, back with "Our 
Lan', " lost brother, who was a de- 
tective on the N. Y. police force. 

Sarah Burton leaving radio pro- 
grams to appear in "Tonight at 8:30" 
in support o£ Gertrude Lawrence. 

Sidney Franklin (Frumkin), "the 
toreador from Brooklyn," to be 
written up in The New Yorker, 

RKO scrTpter Walter Reilly o.o.lng 
Tin Pan Alley for a music-show biz 
yarn he's doing for Dore Schary. 

Herman Bernstein recovered swift- 
ly from complicated appendectomy 
and left hospital early this week. 

The Oscar Hammersteins 2d being 
bon-voyaged with a party at 21 by 
Jean Tennyson and Bernard Sobel. 
" J. Arthur Warner, Wall streeter- 
showman-racetrack capitalist, to the 
Coast on a Tanforan (Frisco) track 
deal. 

Exhibition of the history of British 
and American boxing opens at the 
Museum of the City of New York, 
Nov. 18. 

Fred Finklehoffe flew to the Coast 
for his wife, Ella Logan's opening 
at Slapsie Maxie's, and back again 
by plane. 

Irving Shiffrin, RKO publicity de- 
partment, back from attending his 
first hurricane during vacation in 
Miami Beach, Fla. 

Raul Viarengo, headwaiter at the 
Algonquin, again raising production 
financing for play scripts written by 
residents at the hotel. 

Hal Hunter, Jack Powell's son, 
now touring the USO-Camp Shows 
hospital circuit, is David Powell, pro- 
fessionally, henceforth. 

Christopher Smith, 2d, producer of 
"Bathsheba," with James Mason, has 
" signed up the new comedy, "Funny 
Side Up" by Beth Brown. 

Tom Kettering, head of the Fred- 
erick Bros, office in N. Y., entering 
St. Luke's hosp in Chicago Saturday 
(25) for an appendectomy. 

Stuart H. Aarons, Warners' legal 
staffer, reelected president of na- 
tional Warner Club at annual meet- 
ing Saturday (18) in N. Y 

Jake Wilk, Warners' eastern pro- 
duction chief, back from Boston 
after looking over the new John 
van Druten play, "Druid Circle." 

The Bugs Baers' daughter, Atra, 
who works in the "Cholly Knicker- 
bocker" office on the Journal- 
American, engaged to a songsmith. 

Joe Ehrlich, formerly with 28th- 
Fox publicity department as syndi- 
cate contact, appointed account exec 
for Alfred Black ad agency, Boston. 

Bill Brandt, head of the theatre 
chain bearing his name, discharged 
from Doctor's Hospital, New York, 
and due back at his desk this week. 

Lew Grade, British percenter and 
brother of Bernard Delfont, opera- 
tor of the Casino theatre, London, 
planed in from England Monday 
(20). • 

Sig Rogell in town last week from 
Mexico City where he produced 
"Mystery in Mexico" for RKO. His 
•wife came on later in week from 
Coast. 

Mme. Reine. East 57th street cou- 
turier, cocktailery for Maurice 
Chevalier will tie in her "chapeaux 
creations as inspired by Chevalier's 
songs." 

John Charles Sacco now musical 
director of the Paper Mill play- 
house, Milburn, N. J., succeeding 
Richard Alan Gordon, who died re- 
cently. 

Sam Geisen, Columbia Pictures' 
flack in charge of Broadway col- 
umns and syndicates, stepping out 
of the company Nov. 14 after a six- 
year stint. 

Frank Tait, head of concert divi- 
sion of Williamson-Tait (Australia) 
interests, tied up in London on biz 
and not due in New York till late 
Nivember. 

Vanya Manley (DeAngelo & 
Manley) back from Paris, nixing 
European bookings because of 
weather, food and general condi- 
tions. Jed Harris in on the same 
plane. 

Alan Corelli, Theatre Authority 
executive secretary, named chairman 
of the newly organized League The- 
atre which aims to dramatize He- 
brew problems in Europe and Pal- 
estine. 

Mrs. Henry Sherek bedded by flu 
since stepping off the Queen Eliza- 
beth, but expects to accompany her 
London legit producer-husband to 
the Coast this weekend for a 10-day 
quickie. 

Stephen Brener, former publicity 
head for Walter Reade circuit, joined 
his brother's realty firm, Daniel A. 
Brener & Co., to assume charge of 
sales and promotion. 

Mrs. W^atson Barratt recuperating 
from pneumonia. . She's the wife of 
the scene designer and writes-edits 
The Visitor, N. Y. entertainment 
monthly distributed on N. Y. Cen- 
tral crack trains. 

E. V. Richards, Paramount's New 
Orleans theatre partner, in New 
York for several weeks, mainly to 
gander new equipment at the annual 



convention of the Society of Motion 
Picture Engineers. 

Janis Carter, Marc Piatt and Ster- 
ling Holloway planed to Italy from 
LaGuardia field Monday (20) to ap- 
pear in Columbia's "The Eternal 
Melody," being produced by Gregor 
Rabinovitch in Rome. 

Bernard Sobel will conduct a five- 
week course, starting Nov. 7, on 
theatrical publicity at the New 
School for Social Research. Sobel, 
former Ziegfeld p.a., is with the 
Metro press department. 
• Willie Howard, marking his 40th 
year in show business, will be pre- 
sented with a scroll by the Friars 
club, and a watch by Lou Walters 
and E. M. Loew, at a party being 
held for him at the Latin Quarter 
Sunday (26). 

Steve Miller clippered back to 
London, relieving Jock Lawrence 
whom he represents there on be- 
half of special J. Arthur Rank ex- 
ploitation. Mrs. Miller, British, made 
her first trip to the U. S., including 
a Coast visit. 

Paul Small plans concentrating 
more on the Coast, building his own 
agency on the Strip, so Jack Rob- 
bins has taken over Small's spacious 
N. Y. offices for his music pub busi- 
ness. Small has shifted to the 48th 
St. Playhouse. 

Paul Barbuto, art dire-tor with 
Donahue & Coe agency for the past 
eight years, r.am;d executive assist- 
ant to William H. Schneider, com- 
pany veepee and its creative head. 
Frank V. Droesch also upped as art 
dept. manager. 

Recent operation undergone by 
Antonita, of Spanish, dance team of 
Juan Martinez & Antonita, long 
starred at El Chico, Havana-Madrid 
and La Conga, has led them to re- 
tire. They'll devote fulltime to their 
Castilian restaurant, El Flamenco. 

Matty Fox has his new penthouse 
atop the new University Pictures 
(Tishman) bldg., and Jules C. Stein 
plans building an apartment for per- 
sonal use in the new MCA bldg. on 
57th and Madison, of which he can't 
take possession for a year or more. 

Charlie Schlaifer came back with 
a 10-gallon cowboy hat from his 
western trek and finally discovered 
he was getting the brushoff, 
wherever he went, being suspected 
as a round-haircut character. Even 
a N. Y. cabbie tried to give him the 
by-way-of-Yonkers routine. 



London 



Lyn Harding celebrated his 80th 
birthday, Oct. 12. 

Bill Ward, general manager of 
Lawrence Wright Music Co., elected 
to board of Performing Right 
Society. 

Stewart McPherson, BBC commen- 
tator, planning a vacation ' in his 
native Canada next year. He is 
scheduled to do some broadcasting 
there. 

Charles Goldner out of "Noose" 
at the Saville to go to Italy to ap- 
pear in "Dr. Cagliostro" film for 
Gregory Ratoff. Reginald Tate re- 
placed him. 

Jascha Heifetz will make his first 
appearance here in 10 years at a 
concert at Royal Albert Hall, Nov. 4, 
in aid of the National Assn. of Girls' 
and Mixed Clubs. 

Matthew. Harbinson, appointed 
new Latin-American representative 
for London Film Productions, oper- 
ating from Buenos Aires, planed 
from here Oct. 15 to take up the 
post. 

Angela Baddeley and Richard Ain- 
ley are toco-star in Gordon Daviot's 
biblical play titled "The Little Dry 
Thorn," which opens at Stratford 
Oct. 27 before coming to the Lyric, 
Hammersmith. 

W. J. McCarthy left "Oklahoma" 
cast, replaced by Walter Peterson. 
Marek Windheim planed home, his 
role of the Peddler being taken over 
by an English actor. Show still do- 
ing sell-out trade with all Saturday 
nights booked solid until May. 

Jack Buchanan to appear in Firth 
Shephard's revival Of Frederick 
Lonsdale's "Canaries Sometimes 
Sing," supported by Coral Browne, 
Austin Trevor, Heather Thatcher. 
Show opens in Blackpool next month 
before coming to the West End. 

In addition to the revival of Fred- 
erick Lonsdale's "Canaries Some- 
times Sing," starring Jack Buchanan, 
Firth Shephard has another forth- 
coming production, "Honor and 
Obey," a new play by Hagar Wilde, 
starring Nora Swinburne and Naun- 
ton Wayne. 



with biz bright. Davey is under ra- 
dio contract to Colgate-Palmolive. 

John Evans and Herbie Hayward 
have been lookseeing the South 
Australian field for Greater Union 
Theatres. Norman B. Rydge recently 
swung a top deal here with taking 
over Clifford cinema circuit. 



South Africa 

By Joe Hanson 

Joan Hammond, famed Australian 
inger, arrived in Johannesburg for 
concert tour of major towns. 

Terence Rattigan's "The Winslow 
Boy" scheduled for Oct. 31 week at 
Alhambra theatre. Cape Town. 

Standard theatre, Johannesburg, 
one of oldest houses in South Africa, 
being demolished after City Council 
had condemned it as fire menace. 

"Simon Beyers," latest full-length 
Afrikaans film made at African 
Films Productions Studios, generally 
eleased and proving strong attrac- 
tion. *» 

Ivor Novello's "Perchance to 
Dream" slated as Christmas attrac- 
tion at His Majesty's, Johannesburg. 
Will be first complete imported 
musical show since war. 

After long absence, only two cir- 
cuses in South Africa, Pagels and 
Bosweils, hit Cape Town together 
and occupied adjoining lots. Both 
did capacity, for week's stand. 

Another arrival is New Zealand- 
born conductor Warwick Braith- 
waite, who will wield baton in series 
of concerts with combined Johannes- 
burg Symphony and Broadactsing 
Orchestras. 

Alex Raysman, Cape Town boy 
who has made good as Alexis Ra's- 
sine, leading dancer with Sadler 
Wells Ballet in London, here on 
holiday. Will give three perform 
ances with South African Ballet 
Club at Cape Town City Hall. 



Cleveland 



By Les Bees 

Wayne King at St. Paul Auditorium 
this week. 

Robert Helmerson, Universal sales 
man, father of girl. 

Bert Wheeler at Hotel Nicollet 
Minnesota Terrace. 

Bob Smith now handling Daily 
Times film reviews. 

Edyth Bush Little Theatre offering 
"Late Christopher Bean." 

Desi Arnez to play second Radio 
City engagement week of Oct. 24. 

New' Richfield suburban theatre, 
first since war, opened with "Variety 
Girl." 

Hotel Radisson Flame Room has 
Frakson, magician, and Johnny 
Knapp, singer. 

Mike Adcock, Warner Brothers' 
salesman, in Swedish hospital for 
major operation. 

Casting difficulties compelling 
North Star Drama League to shelve 
"Deep Are the Roots." 

John Constantino, Film Classics' 
homeoffice auditor, to New York be- 
cause of the death of his mother. 



By Glenn C. Pnllen 

"Home of Brave" kicking off sea- 
son for Playhouse's Brooks audi- 
torium. 

Jackie Green to follow Willie 
Shore into Borselliho's Club, open 
ing Nov. 3. 

Lloyd Myers inked Louis Prima 
for Nov. 2 at his Aragon hoofery; 
Laurence Welk for Nov. 9. 

Mervyn Nelson, Skybar mimic, 
had his new play, tagged "Bonnie 
Boz," optioned by Monte Proser. 

Gene Erwin, Golden Dragon nitery 
owner and batoner, brought in Don 
Cortez's erew to give his own band 
a vacation. 

Insurance claims filed by victims 
of Mounds Club holdup, which 
netted a reputed $500,000 for robbers, 
have already passed the $50,000 mark 
and are still mounting. 



Brandt Agrees 



Continued from page 1 



Vienna 



protest raging around it, including 
picketing of the theatre, the film did 
comparatively good biz at the out-of- 
the-way house. It garnered slightly 
under $6,000. Brandt explained: 
"An unfortunate thing happened. 
The more they picketed, the better 
business got." 

Theatreman said ads had been 
running for an entire week prior to 
the film's Saturday opening, with- 
out a protest being received. He was 
away for the weekend and when he 
got back he looked at the picture 
as a result of squawks and a call 
from Walter White, exec secretary 
of the National Assn. for the Ad- 
vancement of Colored People. He 
said he found it "a pure glorification 
of the Ku Klux Klan and everything 
anti-American in the book." 

Film is owned by the Epoch Re- 
leasing Corp. of Milwaukee, Wis. 
Outfit operates through a postoffice 
box in New York, and a salesman 
who occasionally comes into Man- 
hattan. 

Unfortunate effect of the revival 
of the picture on the entire indus- 
try was seen in such comment as 
appeared in. Frank Conniff's column 
in the N. Y. Journal American last 
week. He stated: "I would ante a 
pretty penny to fathom the mental 
processes which influenced the 
Hollywood big-brains to release the 
picture at this particular time . , . 
The Hollywood big-brains, of course, 
know as much about . . . the release 
of the picture at this particular time 
as they do about what goes on in. 
the Kremlin. , . ." 



By Emil W. Maass 

Viktor Maiwald appointed chief of 
the State Opera chorus. 

Max Graf back from exile and 
now music critic on newspapers. 

Capitol Gramophone Co., stopped 
production, due to financial diffi- 
culties. 

William Kapell, U. S. pianist, giv 
ing recitals in Konzerthaus to excel 
lent reception. 

Lintz theatre. Upper Austria, will 
present "Samum," opera by Amer 
ican composer Frederic Block. 

Hans Peters and Metro staff off to 
Italy after taking shots here for 
"Vespers in Vienna" production 
Rudolf Sieczinski, composer 
"Wien Nur Du Allein," has written 
two books, "Old Vienna Comedy 
and "Vienna Songs, Wine and Lan 
guage." 



New Acts 

; Continued from page 55 ; 



excerpt from the "Oklahoma!" barn 
dance routine, and the like. 

She sports Grecian-type hairdo, 
with characteristic sandals to match, 
but otherwise changes her costuming 
in front-of-audience, as does he, via 
the simple expedient of a Daliesque 
clothes-tree on which are perched 
their unusual costume props. 

Butler is a tall manly dancer of 
the ballet school and she's a pert 
vis-a-vis. In private life Miss Mc- 
Lerie is Mrs. Adolph Green who, 
with Betty Comden (The Revuers) 
authored "On the Town," etc. Team 
is going into the new Green-Comden 
musical, slated for early rehearsal, 
but can play in the best of the class 
saloons. .Abel. 



Hollywood 



Hoagy Carmichael in from New 
York. o 

Danny Kaye aired in from Man- 
hattan. 

Norman Rivkin joined the RKO 
flackery. 

Barry Sullivan laid up*with throat 
infection. 

Director George Marshall laid up 
with bronchitis. 

Director Mitchell Leisen returned 
from Manhattan. 

Leonard Picker, Columbia pro- 
ducer, sued for divorce. 

Fredric March and Florence Eld- 
ridge in from Manhattan. 

Anthony Jochim, New York legit 
actor, due here Oct. 26. 

James Stewart aired in from In- 
diana, Penn., his hometown. 

Tim Huntley is the new film name 
for actor G. P. Huntley, Jr. 

Nunnally Johnson returned from 
a tour of England and France. 

Screen Writers Guild will hold its 
annual election of officers Nov. 16. 

Producer William Thomas back on 
the job after five days of illness. 

Claude Jarman, Jr., to his Nash- 
ville home until after the Christmas 
holidays. 

Producer Bryan Foy to Chicago 
for the opening of "Love From a 
Stranger." 

J. H. Laeri, National City Bank 
veepee, huddling at Universal - In- 
ternational. 

Louis Lipstone, Paramount con- 
ductor-arranger, planed to Chicago, 
his hometown. 

Chas De Cruz in town to represent 
the Argentine Academy of Motion 
Picture Arts and Sciences. 

Lois Andrews and Steve Brody 
went through a church ceremony to 
supplement their Mexican civil wed. 
ding. 

Glenn Ford and Gregory Peck do- 
ing narration for a documentary 
story on the atom bomb for the 
Univ. of So. Cal. 

Sir Cedric Hardwicke planed in 
from Boston for. the Sir Lancelot 
role in "A Connecticut Yankee." He's 
been staging J. B. Priestley's "The 
Inspector Calls" for Broadway pres- 
entation. 



EVIE & JOE SLACK 

Comedy 

10 Mins. 

Stevens Hotel, Chicago 

This is one of Merriel Abbott's 
Importations as result of her recent 
European trip, and the producer for 
the Hilton Hotels chain has found 
another sock act in this pair. Miss 
Slack has one of the most elastic 
bodies in existence and with her 
facial mugging scores in her initial 
appearance in America. Her part- 
ner is effective as the foil for her 
physical mayhem, but it's her show 
.all the way. 

Act starts with Joe Slack dragging 
heavy trunk into the spot. After it 
opens to disclose rear end of Miss 
Slack,- male tries to limber up 
femme, who constantly entangles 
herself or folds up. Duo then do a 
dance with gal getting herself in 
amazing positions. She works in a 
jumper outfit, man in sweater and 
slacks. It might add to the comic 
possibilities if both wore dinner 
clothes making it more incongruous. 

Zabe. 



Bv Larry Solloway 

Alan Ga'le follows Hildegarde into 
the Copacabana Nov. 8. 

Gene Baylos added to Gracie 
Barrie-Clover Club show. 

Freddie Bernard and Barbara 
Long in new show at Famous Door. 

Clyde Lucas, former orch leader, 
newest disc jock in area, via station 
WBAY, Coral Gables. 

Belle Baker added to the BBach- 
comber's opening show December 18, 
with Joey Adams, Mark Plant and 
Tony Canzoneri. 

Gracie Barrie, set for a November 
date at the Clover Club, is to be a 
topliner in the. Olympia theatre's 
Christmas show. 

Sally Rand and troupe set for 
Paddock Club two-week run, begin- 
ning November 9, after contractual 
snarl was ironed out by the local 
arbitration board. 

Milton Berle mulling $17,500 offer 
from Copa's Murray Weinger and 
Ben Slutsky for mid-season date. 
Last year's deal resulted in Berle 
asking out of commitment of the 
same kind, when radio show came 
up. Danny Kaye replaced. 



Tokyo 



By Eric Gorrick 

"No, No, Nanette" revived again 
by Williamson-Tait in Sydney. 

Harry Gulbransen is due here 
shortly to make a deal for "Duel in 
the Sun." 

Jack Davey, radio star, is doing a 
vaude tour for Harry Wren in 
Queensland. 

Seymour Mayer, manager of Me- 
tro's 16m dept., is lookseeing the 
Aussie zone. 

Princess, Melbourne, is booked out 
for first week of Ballet Rambert, to 
preem Oct. 17. 

"No, No, Nanette" revival looks 
oke here for Williamson-Tait. Chas. 
Norman heads local cast. 

Eric Williams, Aussie production 
chief for Ealing, is due to leave 
London soon for Sydney to get 
"Eureka Stockade" before the cam- 
eras. 

Alan Williamson, Gaumont-British 
exec here, will be given a dinner 
by branches of the film industry 
next month to celebrate his 50 years 
in show biz. 

George Formby, British comic, 
preemed in Sydney last week for the 
Dave Martin Tivoli loop to score 
heavily. Looks set for six weeks 
straight here. 

Jack Davey, No, 1 radio compere 
in this area, is toijrlng the stlx for 
Harry Wren in local vaiide troupe, 



Chevalier 

SB Continued from page 1 

be signed this week. Pact calls for 
a maximum two-weeks engagement 
at $10,000 plus 50% of the gross af- 
ter nitery's expenses are taken out. 
He'll be the sole performer on the 
bill. . 

According to Arthur Lesser, Che- 
valier's producer, the Gallic singer 
is. taking on the nitery date as part 
of his one-man concert tour. Inas- 
much as Florida hasn't a theatre 
suitable for Chevalier's concert, the 
nitery was settled upon. 

Chevalier is slated to resume his 
concert tour at the National, Wash- 
ington, Nov. 3, and will continue at 
the^Erlanger, Chicago, Nov. 10; La- 
fayette. Detroit, Nov. 17; New Or- 
leans, Nov. 24; San Francisco, Dec. 4; 
and Los Angeles for two weeks 
starting Dec. 22.- 

Following the Florida date, Che 
valier may do a four-week coricert 
stint in New York. 

Chevalier may also do a film in 
Hollywood. His "Man About Town" 
made for RKO and Pathe-France 
was a one-time, deal and actor is 
now freelancing. If current plans 
materialize, Chevalier will star in a 
film to be made -on the Coast for an 
undisclosed studio. 



Thomas N. Evans, Manchester, 
Conn., wields the baton for the 
296th Army Ground Forces band. 

"Hucksters" got its Pacific preem 
Oct. 10 at opening of new film house 
in Washington Heights, U. S. Army 
housing area in Tokyo. 

Bill Carty, Paramount newsreel 
reD, guested when Armed Forces 
Station WVTR began its "Foreign 
Correspondents" air series. 

Fumiko Kawabata, Japan's leading 
jazz singer, departed for her first 
visit to U. S. in 10 years. Plans 
stopover in native Hawaii to teach 
singing and dancing. 

Chang Jen-Chung, Union Daily 
News of China scribe and author of 
Japan's current bestseller, "Ledo 
Road," signed book's film rights over 
to Oizumi picture company. 

Planing for Korea last week were 
James Hansen and Bon Kocivar, 
Look mag; Keyes Beech, Chicago 
Daily News; Horace Bristol. Fortune, 
and Walter A. Simmons, Chi Tribune. 



Univ. of Chi Little Theatre opened 
season with "R.U.R." 

Iva Withers out of "Carousel" for 
a few days at doctor's orders. 

Roby Parks now managing Hol- 
lywood's Wonderland Ice show. 

"All My Sons," Critics' prize win- 
ner, to open Nov. 17 at Erlanger. 

Marie McDonald and husband. 
Harry Karl, honeymooning in Chi- 
cago. 

Frankie Harmon, nitery owner 
and Mercury Records exec, in Au- 
gustana Hospital. 

Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne 
in for checkups at local hospital be- 
fore opening Nov. 3 in "O, Mistress 
Mine." 

Peter Lind Hayes, Mary Healy, 
Billy Gilbert, Elinor Ross, Bank 
Grant, Phil Foster, Oren Morehouse 
and Jimmy Costello in the entertain- 
ment lineup for the Tub Thumpers 
Hallowe'en party. 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



P^RMETf 



63 



OBITUARIES 



OITZ RICE 

GHz Rice, compear of "Madamoi- 
selle from Armentiers" and other 
songs of the first World War, died 
Oct. 1C in New York. While in the 
Canadian Army he rearranged , an 
old popular French tune, to which, 
in collaboration with a singer from 
the London music halls, he wrote 
the original words of "Madamoi- 
selle." Later, Allied soldiers added 
hundreds of informal verses. Rice 
also wrote such World War I hits as I 
"Dear Old Pal of Mine" and "Keep 
Your Head Down, Fritzie Boy." 
■ Born in New Glasgow, N. S., and 
educated in Montreal, Rice did not 
turn to songwriting until he was 
given an entertainment assignment 
with the Canadian Army. -He was a 
lieutenant and, was gassed and in- 
valided home. In 1918 he appeared 
at (he Lyric theatre, N. Y., in a revue 
"Getting Together," in which sev- 
eral of his war songs had been in- 
corporated. 

Rice was co-author with B. C. 
Hillian of "Princess Virtue," a mu- 
sical produced at the Central the- 
atre, N. V., in 1921, and with Werner 
Janssen wrote the music for a revue, 
"Nick-Nacks," produced at the Cort, 
N. Y., in 1928, also heing in the cast 
of the show. During a long career 
•in vaudeville, Rice appeared with 
Frank Fay, Irene Bordoni, Blanche 
Ring, Hal Forde and the late Flor- 
ence Moore. He also toured for sev- 
eral seasons in his own vaude revue. 
During the first World War, while 
on sick leave in London, he wrote 
songs for Gertrude Lawrence and 
Beatrice Lillie. 

Among his compositions were "I 
Want to Go Home," "Mother, I Love 
You," "Under the Roof Where 
Laughter Rings," "Because You're 
Here," "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp 
Along Together," "By My Fireside," 
"Waiting For You," "Cherry Blos- 
som Land" and "I Have Forgotten 
You." Several of his songs were 
published In England and France. 
Rice had made his home .in New 
York since 1919. He was a member 
ef ASCAP and The Lambs. 

Wife, son and daughter survive. 



JOHN HALLIDAY 

John Hallid'ay, 67, legit and film 
actor, died Oct. 17 of a heart ailment 
at his home in Honolulu. He had 
appeared in many Broadway hits, 
the most recent being "Tovarich" in 
1936-37. Among his notable films 
were "The Philadelphia Story," "In- 
termezzo" and "Westward Passage." 
He had made his home in Honolulu 
since 1939. 

Born in Brooklyn, Halliday was 
educated in London. Upon his re- 
turn to the U. S. he became a pros- 
pector and is said to have made a 
fortune from the Jumbo Mine in 
Goldfield, Nev., only to lose it later. 
Later he became an actor and 
toured the U. S. with the late Nate 
Goodwin's company and subse- 
. qucntly the Far East and Australia 
with T. Daniel Frawley's troupe. In 
1915 he played on Broadway in 
"Stolen Orders" and "The Ware 
Casc,5" and later in many other 
••-hows. 

He began his screen career in 1930. 
His pictures included "Captain Ap- 
plejack." "Fifty Million Frenchmen," 
"Bird of Paradise," "Age of Con- 
sent," "Weekends Only," "The Spy," 
"Transatlantic;" "The Woman Ac- 
cused," "The House on Fifty-sixth 
Street," "Registered Nurse," "The 
Dark Angel," ,! The Melody Lingers 
On," "Peter Ibbetson," "Desire," 
"That Certain Age," "Blockade," 
"Intermezzo," "The Philadelphia 
Story," "Lydia" and "Submarine 
Zone." . 

Wile, the former Eleanor Griffith, 
actress, and a son, John Jr., survive. 



HALE NORCROSS 

Hale Norcross. 70. legit actor, died 
Oct. 15 of bronchial pneumonia in 
New York. He was . born in San 
Francisco, and after graduating from 
Harvard, made his stage debut in 
George Ade's comedy, "The College 
Widow." He also appeased in vaude- 
ville between legit assignments. 

Appearing chiefly in supporting 
roles, he had important parts in 
"Road to Rome." , "Is Zat So," Helen 
Hayes' production of "Caesar and 
Cleopatra." "Ah. Wilderness," "Abie's 
Irish Rose" and "Life With Father," 
among others. His la.st Broadway 
appearance was- in "DunnigT* s 
Daughter" in 1945. 

In 1903 he married Florence Sim- 
mons, an actress, who died six years 
ago. Daughter survives. 



SAM HOWE 

Sam Howe. 70, vaude and bur- 
lesque comedian, died Oct. 18 at his 
home in Rockaway, L. I. He had 
been ill for sonie time. He retired 
15 years ago. 

Howe was a comedian-producer on 
the old Columbia Circuit burlesque 
wheel, where he headed his shows 
for many seasons, including "Sam 
Howe's Love Makers" and "Rialto 
Rounders," among others. Prior to 
entering burlesque, he had appeared 
in vaude, partnered in the comedy 
act, Howe & Scott. 

Wife, Vera Howe, who had ap- 
peared with him in many of his 
shows, survives. 



ALLAN BROWN 

Allan Brown, 89, musician, and 
father of "The Six Brown Brothers," 
former sax act, died Oct. 17, at his 
daughter's home in Toronto. Apart 
from three seasons ' as cornetist at 
the Princess, Toronto, "Allie" Brown 
devoted his talents to military bands 
in Canada. He was bandmaster of 
the 45th Regiment and later of the 
Governor-General's Foot Guards, 
Ottawa, until his retirement 22 years 
ago. 

Wife, four sons. Tom, Fred and 
Vern, of Chicago, and Alex, of Jer- 
sey City, and two daughters, survive. 

MRS. JAY JOHNSON ANDERSON 

Mrs. Jay Johnson Anderson, 70, 
stepmother of Eddie. "Rochester" 
Anderson, died Oct. 13 in Mexico, 
Mo. She. had been in ill health for 
several years. 

Some years ago Mrs. Anderson 
gained a reputation as "Whistlin" Jay 
Johnson in Chautauqua and minstrel 
shows. She met and married Ed An- 
derson, father of the radio comedian, 
while he was singing bass in the 
Rusco and Hockwal Georgia min- 
strels. 



EMILE J. GOUGH 

Emile J. Gough, 58, retired Hearst 
newspaper and radio executive, died 
Oct. 15 in San Francisco. He began 
newspaper work on the San Fran- 
cisco Evening Post in 1907, and later 
was sports editor of The Globe in 
that city. He was also managing 
editor of the Call-Bulletin there. 

After having been associated with 
Hearst radio enterprises and King 
Features, he retired in 1937 and re- 
turned to San Francisco. 



ada. For a time he managed the 
Copley Square theatre, Boston. 
Daughter survives. 

NASTIA POLIAKOVA 

Nastia Poliakova, 71, Russian 
gypsy singer, died Oct. 18 in New 
York. She had appeared on stages 
and in night clubs throughout Eu- 
rope and America. In 1930 she was 
brought to the U. S. by Sol Hurok, 
and for many years sang at the 
Russian Kretchma restaurant on 
New York's east side. 

Brother survives. 



Fort Wayne, Ind„ died Oct. 14 in 
that city. Wife and several nieces 
and nephews survive. 



Roy C, Miller, 56, died Oct. 19 in 
Los Angeles, after a stroke. He was 
candy and popcorn warehouse fore- 
man for Fox West Coast. 



ROBERT KALLOCH 

Robert Kalloch. 54, RKO fashion 
designer, died, of heart failure Oct. 
19, in Hollywood. He recently com- 
pleted Myrna Loy's wardrobe for 
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream 
House." He left Metro two years 
ago and had since designed a com- 
plete line of clothes for the House 
of Mendelsohn, San Francisco. 



GEORGE WORTHINGTON POST 

George Worthington Post, 40, for- 
mer magazine editor and radio 
writer, died in New York, Oct. 17. 

After having been editor of sev- 
eral magazines, including Argosy, he 
turned to radio scripting, working 
two years on the Kate Smith pro- 
gram and also was co-author of 
"Appointment With Life," radio 
serial. 



GRANT BOLMAR 

Grant Bolmar, 79, exhibitor, died 
last week at his home in Franklin, 
Pa. His Dome theatre was the first 
nickelodeon in Franklin. Later he 
opened the SJ.ar and It theatres in 
the same town and for a long period 
owned and managed the three 
houses. Two sons and two daughters 
survive. 



HARRY BRADLEY 

Harry Bradley, 78, character actor, 
died of a heart attack Oct. 18, in 
Hollywood. He had freelanced in 
films for the last 15 years. He was 
a member of the original "Abie's 
Irish Rose" cast and played it in 
New York five years. Wife, former 
Lorena Atwood, died four months 
ago. 



Mother Of Martha Rave, died Oct. 
20, i, Los Angeles, following an 
emergency appendectomy. 

Mother of the Barry Sisters, radio \ 
singers, died Oct. 16 in New York. [ 

I 



Make-or-Break 



Continued from page 1 



And in the radio field, he and the 
majority of lus membership have 
watched network .shows and disks 
eliminate the need for studio or- 
chestras in the majority of radio 
Stations. 

And in each ease the AFM was 
stymied. The Paul Whiteman- 
Philadelphia radio station court de- 
cision — a test ease— plainly made it 
clear that no one could attempt to 
control the use of a recording after 
it was bought. This past summer, 
the' passage of the Taft-Hartley bill 
eliminated the royalty arrangement 
with disk manufacturers, the one 
deal that had satisfied the AFM. ^ 

So, the coming fight with the disk 
people, radio interests (AFM is fully 
expected to walk out of that medium 
Feb. 1 at the expiration of con- 



idea is that only a comparative 
handful of musicians would be in- 
volved. But, It's also pointed out 
that the "handful" of men represent 
the majority of the overall earnings 
of the union membership. Too, 
those traveling name bands, via 
taxes paid to each • local within 
whose jurisdiction they play, vir- 
tually support these locals, That 
was proven during the war. •when 
transportation difficulties, prevent- 
ing name bands from making their 
periodic tours, resulted in a lack of 
tax collections and many locals 
verged on bankruptcy as a result. 
That will give a general idea of how 
much the name band anil the high- 
salaried musician means to the AFM. 
Majority Behind Pctrillo 
At the same time, the vast ma- 
jority of the AFM membership, 
numbering those musicians who. do 
not record as. Cited above, are solidly 
behind Petrillo. Observers at the 
union's annual. convention in' Detroit 
last June witnessed a demonstration 
never before shown by convention, 
delegates when Petri Ho asserted 
then that the imminent T-H act 
would cause a shutdown in record- 
ing. Though a heavy portion of the 
members represented: by the dele- 
gates at the union do not record 
lin fact, many are only - part-time 
tooters), they feel that disks have 
thrown them out of jobs in radio 
stations, etc. They would cheer if 
recording was completely and final- 
ly banned. And as far as Petrillo 
is concerned, these are the men he 
is fighting to take care of. They're 
the ones who voted him in and hold 
him in his job. . ' 



LEN SMITH 

Len Smith, 53, Metro cameraman 
and winner of the Academy Award 
for his work on "The Yearling," died. 
Oct. 20 of a heart attack, at Bev- 
erly Hills. He had been ill for a 
year, but his physician had just 
okayed his return to work. Wife 
survives. 



JAMES LEE FARLEY 

James Lee Farley, film actor, died 
Oct. 12 in a sanitarium at Pacoima, 
Cal., after a long illness. He ap- 
peared in Several DeMille pictures 
and numerous westerns before the 
advent of sound. His last role was 
in "Texas Manhunt." 



MRS. J. A. DOLEZAI MURRAY 

Mrs. Jutien A. Dolezai Murray, 
Bl. former musical comedy star and 
film actress, died Oct. 18 in Mon- 
mouth Memorial hospital, Long 
Branch, N. J. Known on the stage 
as Julien Beaubien, she appeared in 
Broadway shows before . the first 
World War with such stars as Jus- 
line Johnston, whom she under- 
studied in "The Silver Slipper." She 
later took over the role. 

She also was seen in "Watch Your 
Step," with Irene Bordoni and Ver- 
non and Irene Castle. She also ap- 
peared in "Stop, Look and Listen" 
for Ziegfeld. During the 1920s she 
played in a number of Charles Dil- 
lingham productions. In Hollywood 
site had roles in "The Winning 
Stroke." "Checkers" and "Main 
Street." 

Husband, two sisters and brother 
survive. 



CULLEN D. TATE 

Cullen D. Tate, 51, film director, 
died Oct. 12 of coronary thrombosis 
at his home in Hollywood. Starting 
as a prop boy in 1915. Tate was as- 
sociated with Cecil B. DeMille as 
first assistant director for 20 years. 
Later he became a second unit direc- 
tor and headed numerous companies 
on location. He was a veteran of 
both World Wars and was released 
from the Naval Hospital at Long 
Beach about a year ago. 

EDNA WOODRUFF MONTAGUE 

Edna Woodrufr Montague, 73, for- 
mer legit actress and later a novelist, 
died Oct. 16 of a heart attack in 
Los Angeles. As Edna Woodruff 
in her youth she appeared on the 
stage with Sir Henry Irving, Ellen 
Terry, Lillian Russell, and served 
as a model for Howard Chandler 
Christy and other artists. Her best 
known novel, written after her mar- 
riage in Los Angeles, was "All's 
Well That Ends Well." 

KENNETH T. FLEMING 

Kenneth T. Fleming, 58, actor in 
stock and travelling rep shows, died 
Sept. 30 after a heart attack at his 
tmme in Cambridge. Mass. He en- 
tered show business in 1907. and suc- 
cessively played with stocks 
throughout Now* England and Can- 



SAUL SILVERMAN 

* Saul Silverman, 47, exhibitor, died 
Oct. 18, in Hollywood, of a kidney 
ailment. He was formerly with 
Warners in Pittsburgh and the 
Schine Theatres in Rochester. He 
had recently been operating the 
Majestic, Santa Monica. 



RALPH T. GREEN 

Ralph T. Green. 55, music store 
owner who was organizer of the old 
Marine Band and played trombone 
with the Thayer Military and the 
old Grand Army bands, died Oct. 15 
in Canton, O. Wife and two sons 



ADAM FEDERLEIN 

Adam Federlein. 84, conductor of 
the orchestra at the old Star (legit) 
theatre, Buffalo, for 26 years until 
its closing in 1924, died last week at 
Niagara Falls, after a week's illness. 



LILLIAN MARIE LUTY 

Mrs. Lillian Marie Luty, 50, the 
former Lillian Bessent, singer, who 
j served as double for Mable Nor- 
| mand, died Oct. 12 in Los Angeles. 
Husband, brother and sister survive. 



H. D. HOLLAND 

H. D. Holland. 71, theatre elec- 
trician, died Oct. 14 in Omaha. He 
was at the switchboard of the Or- 
pheum in that city when stricken. 



Wife of Harry "Pop" Wessel, film 
delivery servicer in the Cincinnati 
area and former chief barker of the 
Variety Club Tent Three, died Oct. 
20 in that city. 

Mother of R. X. Williams, retiring 
president of Motion Picture Theatre 
1 Owners of Arkansas. Mississippi and 
i Tennessee, died recently at her 
I home at Taylor, Miss. 



Harry E. Dunfee, 77. for 63 years 
a stage manager and stagehand in 



Not a 'Strike'? 

James C. Petrillo was very 
careful in announcing the stop- 
page of recordings as of Dec. 31 
to avoid the use of the word 
"strike" in his communique, Al- 
though the music and record- 
ing phases of the ..entertainment 
biz have for weeks been refer- 
ring to> any quitting action Pe- 
trillo and AFM heads might 
order as a ^feike," the move he 
has made actually is not. It is 
simply a refusal to continue to 
work. 

Petrillo is not demanding any- 
thing so he cannot be striking 
his men to attain it. He ordered 
the halt without delivering .any 
"its". 



tracts) is rated by trade attorneys, 
recording men and others remotely 
involved, as the*daddy of them all— 
the final round. And Petrillo, they 
feel, is shooting for one objective — • 
Government action which somehow 
would give the AFM an equity in 
the use of their canned product, by 
radio, coin machines or any other 
medium that may in the future be 
developed. 

Music Not a Basic Industry 
Failing in achieving such Govern- 
mental action, Petrillo is expected 
by these people to steadfastly cling 
to the ban on recordings. The AFM 
has nothing to lose. Music,, it's felt, ' 
is not a basic industry within the 
purview of the T-H act. and an in- 
junction cannot be gotten to force 
musicians back to work. And there 
are many people within the music 
publishing and band promotion 
fields who might at the moment 
have cause to disagree with the 
AFM's action, who feel that an ul- 
timate complete stoppage of the flow 
of recordings would in the long run 
benefit their particular endeavors. 
They express this opinion even at 
the same time that they point out 
that progress is a difficult thing to 
stop. 

An Opposition Union? 

However, if the AFM does fail to 
entice Governmental intervention in 
the situation and continues its 
"once and for all" ban against re- 
cordings, it is risking destruction." 
While a majority of recording mu- 
sicians may at the moment be behind 
Petrillo at the outset of his fight, it's 
quite possible lhat a lengthy exten- 
sion of the ban would cause them 
to revise opinions. At the moment 
only approximately 5,200 musicians 
out of the AFM's overall member- 
ship, claimed to be 225,000, make 
I recordings. Petrillo is not interested 
j in them, he's interested only in the 
welfare of the remaining 220,000. But 
they may be sufficiently interested 
in themselves to form another union.. 
Too, there are 5.500 members of 
"name" bands (many of whom are 
among the 5.200) who record. These 
men depend on recording salaries to 
some, extent for a living. They 
'could be driven by. necessity to a 
point where another union idea 
wquld be entertained. The possi- 
, bilities of such an event seem at 
| the moment remote — but they're pos- 
' sible. 

Another angle of that "new union" 



MARRIAGES 

Opal Erne to Tony Lombardo. Riv- 
erside, Cal., Oct. 12. Bride is , * 
film stunt woman; he's a prop ma' s 
at RKO. ''a 

Rita Connors to David Lcopolc*" 
Buffalo, N. Y., Oct. 18. Bride is wi 1 ™ 
music library of WE'BR, Buffalo; hi 1 "' 
with same station's promotion def?' 

Eleanor Pitt to Mickey Grai '' 
Hollywood, Oct. 21. He's construct!;, 
superintendent at 20th-Fox. • % . 

Helen Jaffurs to John C. Cacer ns 
Pittsburgh, Oct. 5. Bride's the daugh- 
ter of James Jaffurs, Pitt, theatre- 
owner. , e 

Virginia Alexander to Waltrf- 
Coots, Pittsburgh, Oct. 4.. Bride's tht- 
daughter of James Alexander, P,ne 
indie distributor. js 

Minnie Brill to Charles Irv><">- 
Oct. 18 in New York. Bride is actrco- 
and dramatic teacher; groom is apos- 
dio actor-announcer-director. hem 

Diana Gould to Yehudi Mein ttin S 
London, Oct. 20. Bride is Br 8 to 
ballet dancer; he's the concei" 
linist. * 

Frances Stillman to Michaej , 
New York, Oct. 17. Both are||| 
agents. 

Jeanne Goltman to Mikity A 
Ford. Memphis, Oct. 11. H "* 
jockey with WDC, Washiiif.ll ■ II 

Patti Andrews to Martin ilOl IlC 
Holly wood^-Qct.. 19. SheV) e t 28 
the Andrews Sisters, singir 
he's a radio agent. \ 



former 
_ .' coining 
*• Jsh lan- 
D1DTUC here 

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Norman, > y 
Hollywood, Oct. 11. Father is a r'w an t 
announcer. ?hey 

Mr. and Mrs. David Ballaiv^. 
daughter, Hollywood, Oct. 8. Father 
is a radio announcer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lcrner. son, 
Hollywood, Oct. 16. Mother is a nov- 
elist; father a film editor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Myron Wallace, son, 
Chicago, Oct. 12. Father is radio 
actor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stan Widncy: daugh- 
ter, Des Moines, Oct. 16. Father is 
radio producer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jules Kallen. son, 
New York, Oct. 14. Parents are 
magicians, known as Jules & Tita. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Derbyshire, 
daughter, Germantown, Pa., recent- 
ly. Father is KYW. Philly. producer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harkncss, 
son, Washington, D. C, Oct. 13. 
Father is an NBC commentator. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wade H. Skinner, 
Jr., daughter, Washington, D. C, 
Oct. 9. Father is secretary to John 
J. Payette, Warner Bros, zone man- 
ager. 

Mr. anjl Mrs. Richard Mann, son, 
Hollywood, Oct. 20. Father is busi- 
ness manager of RKO Hackery. 

Mr. and Mrs. Laurence A. Peters, 
daughter, Pasadena. Cal.. Oct. 18, 
Father is in Fox West Coast legal 
department. 



Eddy Manson, harmonica player, 
! is slated for a concert at the Brook- 
i lyn Academy of Music, Nov. 8, in 
| which he'll play premiere of Darius 
Milhaud's "Suite for Harmonica and 
1 Piano." 



64 



Wednesday, October 22, 1947 



*0esi— chock ful of showmanship 



c»<* WAITER WINCHELL — 



and entertainment 

"today * " XmC ncan r"J \ 



it 



-Variety 



tionaV AroaZ otcn 

ot the !*» 



lC*%° 




RECORDS 




Olfaction — 

GENERAL ARTISTS CORPORATION 

THOMAS 8 ROCKWELL. President ^ 
NEW YORK • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD • CINCINNA'I • LONDON 




RADIO 



MUSIC 



STAGE 




Published Weekly at 164 West 46th Street, New Tork 19, N. T„ by Variety, toe Annual 
Enteied <ra second -class matter December 22, 1906, at the Post OKlcji^fit New Yor 



y, inc. Annuir^ubicrlpl 
i>£t New York, N; Tv. 



lptlon, 110. Single copies, 26 cents, 
»rndejt_*h«^K$_^f— itarch 6, 187* 
COPYRIGHT, 1947, BY VARIETY, INC. ALT, RIGHTS BESKKVJKD. 



PRICE/25 CENTS 



•VOL. 168 No. 8 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1947 



T 



LIFT LAUGH LID ON RADIO COMICS 




0 



Anti-Petrillo Feeling in Disk Ban 



James C. Petrillo, head of the 



American Federation of Musicians, jjf* 
ii inducing the same adverse public 
reaction to his latest move against 
'recordings that has characterized 
? past AFM campaigns. Now eveJ? 
*^«>re prominent musician members", 
Pot his organization, are loudly, critir 
< citing his lack of public relations- 
» They feel that had. the AFM, at .last. 
June's convention, gone through 
with plans to establish a public re- 
: iatipns department, the current re- 
-' action by newspapers and the. public 
; would- not have been so dead set. 
; against whatever Petrillo wants to 

£ gain. 

Newspaper; magazine and other 
•rtieles on Petrillo and his general 
demeanor on the stand, during last 
summer's - Senate Labor Committee 
investigation, into the AFM, make 
the possibilities of winning the 
forthcoming, argument that much 
slimmer. The public is well aware 
that mentioning Petrillo before cer- 
taituD. C. legislators is like flaunting 
the red flag. 
' this reason his men bemoan 

k WW! picture;" they don't see Govern- 
' tntSht intervention in an all-out fight 
t (Continued on page 63) 



Hit Man Friday? 

- "* Hollywood, Oct. 28: N 
Larry Parks is getting a crack 
at iherAl Jolson NBC show for 
Kra'tt;. '*' It will mark the first 
tiRJeijjthat Parks, who played the 
Jolson. role in the Columbia film, 
has. been .on the air. 

Question intriguing the trade 
is: Will Jolson also do the dub- 
bing honors when Parks goes 
into a song routine? 





Jalpi's $2,(KM),000 
'Capital Gain ? 



Going All Out 
So's Every Commoner 
Hears Royal Wedding 

Princess Elizabeth's wedding next 
month has been put on a plane with 
the Bikini atom-tests as far as radio 
coverage is concerned. 

Not since Bikini have the four 
major U. S. networks got together 
for a airing of an overseas special 
event. It's estimated the four webs 
will lay out a total of approximately 
$25,000 for their two-hour pickup of 
the royal nuptials from London 
Nov. 20. 

The- wedding ceremonies will 
Come off at a fortunate time for the 
. webs, sponsor-wise, however. No 
, commercial shows will have to be 
!. cancelled, the broadcast being set 
. for 6-8 a.rti. (EST) which only 
means the webs opening their lines 
two hours earlier than usual. 

The rub, though, is that most sta- 
tions west of the eastern time zone 
will have to switch on their trans- 
■ miners earlier than usual or call 
out staffers to platter the two-hour- 
long proceedings for later playback, 
and there's some question about the 
importance that inland and Coast 
broadcasters will attach to such an 
undertaking, The webs apparently 
view it as a prestige project, but 
(Continued on page 63) 

\Legit Talent Pool For 
' Pic Thesps- at Liberty 

Sacramento, Oct. 28. 
Corporation papers were filed here 
for Macklin Megley Productions, or- 
ganized to round up film thesps for 
eastern and Coast legit shows. 
Megley describes the project as a 
-.clearing house for picture players 
who have been washed out by the 
economy wave in the studios. 



Al v Jotson is "taking $2,000,000 on 
account^ from Columbia Pictures as 
part,6f.;nis share from Col.'s "The 
Jolson Story," and will put it aside 
for r«ady accounting to Uncle Sam. 
However, the actor plans contesting 
the Internal Revenue's straight tax 
claims*, contending that, since his 
Hollywood career is so limited, it 
should ; constitute a capital-gain, 
henee^ subject only to 25% tax. 

Once before, Jolson got a turn- 
down," on that claim, since there was 
no pre»contractual proviso to stagger 
payments, but he Is adamant on the 
pointdfhat his career constitutes an 
accumulative value for pix, just like 
a loijgjtime-held investment can be 
ruled a capital-gain. 

Incidentally, Jolson has just for- 
mally: ."signed for a "Jolson Story" 
(Continued on page 63) 



ON OLD TUBUS 



By GEORGE ROSEN 

NBC is preparing to set up a "Code 
of Practices" for its flock of top- 
priced comedians. 

In a far-reaching n}gve patterned, 
to the new "accent on youth" format 
and revolutionary techniques that 
have characterized network thinking 
in recent months, NBC is ready to 
discard a lot of the old-fashioned 
tabus of past years. As far as the 
comics are concerned, there will be a 
definite liberalization in network 
I policy. There won't be* 1 , any letting 
I down of the bars whenjit comes to 
I violating good taste or perpetuating 
I off-color material, but if a comedian, 
I for example, wants to kid the pants 
| off a network veepee, NBC says, in 
effect, "Go to it, boys— as long as 
you think it adds up to good com- 
edy." 

Similarly, other straight-laced 
(Continued on page 61) , 



Truman Invites Tele 
Show Into White House 

Washington, Oct. 28. 
President Truman, indicating his 
increased interest in television, has 
issued a special invitation to WMAL- 
TV, Evening Star tele station here, 
to transmit the first showing of a 
special highway safety film directly 
to the White House on Nov. 10. Film 
will be made available immediately 
afterwards for public showings 
throughout the country. 

Mr. Truman, who's been televised 
himself several times in the past, 
expressed considerable interest in 
the medium two weeks ago when 
tele cameras were permitted in the 
White House for the ^ftrst time to air 
his food conservation speech. At 
that time, the President peered over 
the Shoulders of tele cameramen 
^hanUling the event while he himself 
was not on the air and asked for a 
full explanation of how the medium 
works. 

Film, a 16m documentary titled 
"In the Driver's Scat," was produced 
by ABC television under the super- 
vision of Paul B. Mowrey, the web's 
national video director. Harvey 
Marlowe, former ABC .production 
chief, directed. Mowrey has been 
invited by the President to sit in on 
the White House screening. He 
accepted. 



Crime Does Pay, 
For Pic-Makers 



Hollywood, Oct. 28< 
Despite radio edict which recently 
shoved back airing of crime pro- 
j grams until later in evening, so 
I childish ears wouldn't be "polluted," 
| Hollwood film studios are embark- 
j ing upon a wave of gangster pictures 
likely to match any cycle in the 
past of this type of screen fare. 

King Brothers lead the procession, 
with "'The Gangster" just completed 
and "Last of the Gangsters" on the 
way to celluloid. The Kings have 
| been going in heavily for this form 
' of entertainment. 

| Most of the other production com- 
panies have been steering clear of 
these gangster films, on theory that 
they are bit passe and public isn't 
interested in such fare. Radio, how- 
(Continued on page 61) 



Theatre Television Eyed by Rank 
To Replace Embargoed U S. Pix 



Screen-Happy Sitters 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Babysitters in River Forest, 
swank Chi suburb, are doing the 
pick-and-choose among clients 
on a television basis. 

Girls reportedly, snub non- 
video homes in favor of domi- 
ciles that provide the galloping 
images. . 



'Rigjitist' Gable 
Pix Nixed in Buda 

By GEORGE F. GAAL 

Budapest, Oct. 15: 
. Thousands of Hungarian Clark 
Gable fans won't 1>e able to see their 
favorite on the screen, due to the 
boycott by Film Trade Union work- 
ers, who refused to work at cinemas 
where Gable pix would be screened 
— on the grounds that Gable has 
Rightist political views: 

No Clark Gable picture has ap- 
peared in Hungarian cinemas since 
1940. His last was ."Boom Town," 
which had a terrific success. But as 
(Continued on page 56) 



Boxer Wins Decision 

On Tune Authorship 

Capitol Music last week cut a 
song, "Save the Bones for Henry 
Jones (For Henry Don't. Eat No 
Meat)." Cut in was Henry Jones, 
whose name was added to those of 
Danny Barker and Vernon Lee as 
a writer of the tune. He's- due a third 
split. 

, Jones' name was added because he, 
(Continued on page 63) 



British theatres, which will be on 
the lookout for any kiijd, of addi- 
tional entertainment. }f the U. S, in- 
dustry's embargo on fllni shipments 
continues, might turn to - theatre 
television to round oiij. -their pro- 
grams. That thought is definitely jn 
the back of J. Arthur Rank's mind, 
according to"Capt. A. X-f; fli j^est, 
director of Cinema Television) Md-» 
one of Rank's subsidiaries.. 

For that reason, West/said in New 
York, Rank is pushing. development 
of his theatre tele, and now; has plans 
to. begin daily operation of. a" "sam- 
ple" system in six Of , his theatres 
early in,1948. Idea awaits only the 
granting of "a license by the. .post- 
master general. West expressed con- 
fidence that the license wbuld come 
through because the ?system is 
good." BBC, despite its own non- 
commercial policy; wants to co- 
operate with Rank as much as pos- 
sible because it would^ help, them 
finance some events, sucl) as getting 
together with sports promoters to 
• (Continued on page! 60) 



D.^I)ean^nrtlMMjl , 

ToRoosJii^ 

Mere 50C Annually, Not He 

•T ■> Villas, Oct. '28." 
Jerome H. ,(t>izzjrk D>an, fowrier 
baseball pitching gEeat'now- coining 
dough murdering th* v : English lan- 
guage on radio, has revealed Jfiere 
that he's a fugitive,. if rom fa $50,000 
a year job as a radio disk, jockey. 

"I told . them folk? 1 .); didn't wa nt 
no part of it," Saicr JDean; "They 
wanted me to play. record j' of this— '■ 
what do you call :?it? t- sympathy 
music and eomniuta^ev.«bbut : all 
them foreign composers.;- Me, wm> 
(Continued on page 86)' ' 



Rift in Loot Of 
Double-Uppers, 
Judge Calls Foul 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 
Newlyweds with a yen for all the 
loot they can get on radio giveaway 
shows have been having a field day 
making the rounds. Especially at- 
tractive were "Bride and Groom" 
and "Hope Chest" -and the double- 
uppers have been reaping a rich 
• harvest of household effects. But the | 
| fun is over for the altar-bound ! 
\ benedicts and hereafter they'll have j 
■ to make a choice of one or the other. ' 
j One such couple, caught red- i 
i handed at double dealing, got can- | 
! celled off "B & G" after making an 
appearance day before on "HC." So . 
' they sued for $17,000 and got kicked ' 
out of court. A friendly judge 
agreed that two-timing wasn't fair 
to "B & G" and so ruled. 



^ PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT 

ct**- 9 ^natmaa tote 




SILENT NIGHT 
'TWAS THE MIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 

WESTEODEUS 
GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN 

CAROL Of THE BELLS 
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING 
OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM 

JOY TO THE WORLD 
'.:'.'' THE FIRST NOEL 



L tlu HOUR OF CHARM 

' ALL-GIRL ORCHESTRA »j CHOIR 

(W»r lf>* direcfion xi Wffl. SWTAtWY 

11— 1CHARM RECORDS, Ine. 
I». O. fcW^gadjo City Station. N«w York 19. N. T. 



' s 



BlISiEIXANl 



Pfttofflft 




Shews Cites Lastfogel 
For Top Job in GI Entertainment 



In recognition for piloting • the ♦ 
"greatest theatrical organization the 
■world has"" jver known," Abe Last- 
fogel, president of USO-Camp Shows 
and. general manager of the William 
Morris agency, was. awarded a cita- 
tion at a luncheon »t the Waldorf- 
Astoria hotel, Friday (24) by the six 
member agencies comprising the 
USO. 

Randall J. LeBoeuf, representing 
the National Travellers Aid Assn., 
one of the USO participants, pre- 
sented Lastfogel with an illuminated 
leather bound scroll citing his war- 
time accomplishment in the field of 
service entertainment. 

Lastfogel's citation said: "As assist- 
ant to the president and subsequent- 
ly as president of USO-Camp Shows 
Inc.,' from its organization in No- 
vember, 1941, to the present time, 
you successfully piloted the greatest 
.theatrical enterprise the world has 
ever known. Y6u brought untold 
pleasure sind satisfaction to the men 
and women of the' Armed Forces in 
every training camp, in every hos- 
pital on' every fighting front and in 
every quarter of the globe. Outstand- 
ing in the entertainment world, you 
were "chosen to set up, correlate and 
bring together almost over night the 
potential entertainment talent of 
stage and screen. Your unusual 
quality of leadership enabled y*ou to 
secure universal support. 

"You personally undertook two 
arduous trips to the European Thea- 
tre of Operations to" assure the 
highest quality of entertainment, 
following V-J Day you continued 
your enthusiastic work by seeing to 
Jt that the battle of boredom was 
minimized. The disabled in hospitals 
are still cheered immeasurably by 
the product of your effort. 

'Incalculable . . . Unselfish* 
! "The total effect of your work on 
the winning of. the war is incalcul- 
able. Your deep understanding and 
your, great humanity have brought 
into closer, sympathy the, ideals and 
purposes ojt six national welfare or- 
ganizations and the . ' whole enter- 
tainment industry. 

"the unselfish, courageous, and 
undeviatihg service which you have 
rendered through these years has 
won the respect and affection of the 
six member agencies, and we present 
.this citation as a token of well-de- 
served appreciation.!' 

Others honored at the dinner Were 
Thomas D'Arcy BrOphy, president of 
Kenyon . & Eckhart, for" his work as 
chairman of the National Advertis- 
ing -Committee; Mrs. Dwight W. 
Morrow, Mrs. Maurice T. Moore, 
John.D. Rockefeller, Jr., Harper 
Sibley, Thomas- J, Ross, John F. 
Hickey, Prescott S. Bush, Euclid W. 
McBride, and; Walter Hoving. Bro- 
phy, received his award in- absentia, 
."being, on the. Coast : in . connection 
with' the Freedom Train. '• 

Rockefeller made a plea for world 
peace in his speech in behalf of the 
citation recipients. 

'. The . six • organizations sponsoring 
the meeting "were:. Young Men's and 
Young . Women's 'Christian Assns., 
Travellers- Aid, Jewish Welfare 
Board, National Catholic Community 
Service and the Salvation Army. 

$25,000,000 Maine 
Holocaust Leaves 
Pic Theatres Intact 

; Portland, Me.. Oct. 28. 
The $25,000,0*00 forest fire disaster 
which hit Maine last week left thea- 
tre properties intact, limiting itself 
mostly to hinterland communities 
not sizable enough to boast'theatres. 
The Bar Harbor holocaust stopped 
short of the business district of that 
resort town, with the indie exhibs' 
property there left physically un- 
scathed. 

However, $25,000,000 Is quite a 
Chunk out of a state whose entire 
population is hardly that of Boston, 
with reflection of catastrophe at the 
pic boxofflces sure to be felt. Also, 
it is doubtful if summer biz will ever 
fully redover from the blow, with 
swank hotels and summer homes un- 
likely to be rebuilt in a hurry due to 
present prices of materials. The Bar 
"Harbor region is likely to be worst 
sufferer, with scenic attractions gone 
with the blaze and palatial homes 
levelled. Bulk of year-round popu- 
. latlon subsists by servicing the now- 
destroyed estates, so a considerable 
exodus is expected. 

Paramount partner Sam Pinanski 
(& Mullin) cut . short a New York 
sojourn veek to rush back to 



L'AFFAIRE LflFAR ENDED 
ON A NO-DANCE BASIS 

. - , Paris, {jet. 21. 
L' Affaire Lifair, whfettf^reatened 
to deprive the Paris Opera of all. 
ballets, with the stagehands object- 
ing to Serge Lifar's presence, has 
been compromised. - «s'. {-,^ ;? 

Lifar, back in his prewar post as 
ballet master, will remain ,to .stage 
the ballets .but will not be able to 
perform himself. This satisfies both 
the stagehands and the dancers, who 
had petitioned for his return, and 
were about to look for another hall 
to give ballets, . . , 

Lifar, " who- had been suspended; 
for 18 months after Liberation be- 
cause of collaboration activities, and 
had tried to. appear after that in 
Paris,., has already played Monte 
Carlo last season. It is reported that 
he danced there for prestige pur- 
poses to help stage a comeback, pay- 



ing his 
salary, 



way instead of 



Willie Howard, Honored 




280th WEEK ! • y 

KEN MURRAY'S 

"BLACKOUTS OF 1947" 
El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, Cal, 

Watch for KEN MURRAY'S new 
feature length film production "BILL 
AND COO." 

Released through Republic Pictures 



Comedy's Lasting Powers 

Vgillie and Eugene Howard first 
came to the attention of Vabdsty's 
New Acts dept., May 28, 1913, which 
also carried banner headlines point- 
ing up the fact that "Vaudeville 
Managers Find Acts Are Raising 
Salaries", "Film Cos. Trying Hard 
to Be Friendly" and "Managers and 
Union People Getting Lined Up for 
Fray* 

It could be that . times haven't 
changed too much. Not only are- 
the same headlines applicable today, 
but Willie- Howard, then a click at 
the Winter Garden, N. Y. r is still 
socko today working down the street 
at the nearby Latin Quarter, where 
he celebrate"d his 40th . anniversary 
in showbusiness as a headliner at a 
party thrown for hith. Sunday (26) 
by Lou Walters and E. M. Loew with 
show • business . potables paying 
tribute. ' . 

The intervening- time may have 
wrought many changes in showbusi- 
ness; but durable acts, like all dur- 
able issues, still merit .public atten- 
tion. V- .. ■-•,'. .. ■ ;.:•'.: i.' 

As Sime said in his. first New Act 
analysis of Willie and Eugene How- 
ard, "it's unusual for such a versa- 
tile performer as Willie Howard to 
possess a voice, but he has one and 
it could have earned his way through 
life if he had not combined funmak- 
ing with it. , . .If there is a Hebrew 
comedian'' in the world who can 
touch; Howard then trot him out. 
And Willie can give his challenger 
all those things a Hebrew comedian 
is supposed to have including crepe 
harr, for Willie has none of these, 
nor does he heed them." 

Howard has since dropped most of 
his Hebrew dialect. He now does a 
phoney French dialect, and he's still 
capable of singing a song, as witness 
his {burlesque of the "Quartet from 
Rigoletto" and his rib of Jolson sing- 
ing "April Showers." 

By the same process, Eugene has 
dropped out "of tile act, but reunited 
at Sunday's party for th*. occasion. 
Since then, Al Kelly, the double- 
talking assistant, has taken his place. 
But the essential fact remains that 
Willie is still a top comic earning 
from $2,600 to $4,000 weekly. 

Milton Berle. emceeing the show, 
agreed that modern day comedians 
have much to learn from Willie 
Howard. After all, the essentials of 
comedy haven't changed too much, 
and Willie having that backlog of 
40 years is a recognised master. 

Among those showing ^jp at the 
fete were Greer Garson, Belle Baker, 
Adah (Mrs. Ted) Lewi?, Frank Fay, 
A. J. Balaban, as well as. virtually 
every comic around. N. Y, 

Howard was presented, with a 
scroll by the Friars and a watch by 
the LQ management. Jose. 



'Pagan' U.S. Cited 
For 'Outlaw' Pic 



Manila, Oct. 20. 
Exhibition of a watered-down ver- 
sion of "The Outlaw" here has pro- 
voked a torrid exchange of note? be- 
tween a local college- rector and 
Secretary of the Interior Jose 
Zulueta, who also functions as the 
Philippines censorial head. Father 
Honorio Munoz of Letran College 
protested showings of the Howard 
Hughes film and added that the U. S. 
was a "pagan country" for producing 
and distributing such a picture. 

In refuting the Father's charges, 
Zulueta pointed out that the film 
"was reviewed not less than eight 
times by our board of censors and 
after much deliberation it was de- 
cided by a vote of six to five to 
allow the showing of the film." He 
also emphasized that "if you can 
cite to me a case of immorality in its 
censored version, I shall be glad to 
agree with you that I made a mis- 
take." Regarding America's "pagan- 
ism," the Interior chief said that he 
decidedly differed on that point 



'Outlaw for Pitt 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 28. 

Shea's Fulton has grabbed How- 
ard Hughes' "Outlaw" for its local 
first-run and will hook the picture 
in some time next month, hoping for 
a' run up to Christmas. Pic was only 
recently okayed by Pennsylvania 
Board of Censors and since then UA 
has been working out deals for it. 

Understood Fulton, got the nod 1 
when . Harris circuit couldn't work 
out any preferred playing time for 
it and wanted ' to spot, film into its 
downtown moveover site, the Sen- 
ator. Hughes nixed that' so Fulton 
got "Outlaw." House will play .one 
more picture after run of "Walter 
Mitty," now in third week, before 
putting in "Outlaw." 



his home state of Massachusetts. His 
sudden exodus was sparked by news 
that timberlands which he owns in 
Mass. were ablaze in the current 
forest fires scattered • throughout 
New England. 

Pinanski had come to New York 
to' visit the annual Convention of 
the Society "of Motion Picture En 
gineers. His partner, Martin Mullin, 
also in Gotham, stayed on. 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



This Week s Football 



-By Harry Wismer- 



(JSports Director, ABC Network) ') 

College / 

GAMES WINNERS^ "POINTS 

Washington *: Lee-Army . Anhy /. 44 

Georgetown-Boston College Boston College ' | T 

Holy Cross-Brown Holy Cross _][ 3 

Colgate-Pent* State ..............J.....,,.. . Penn State !* tl 

Columbia-Cornell v, ! . , v.. Columbia 19 

Dartmouth-Yale '.....Yah> ........... u 

Sniffers-Harvard Harvard . . . ; 3 

West Virginia-Maryland ;.' West Va. v, . , . . ... M ' 

Penn-Prlnceton ..Penh. ....,...',., ... %1: 

Oklahoma A*M-Temple Temple ' 7 

Nayy-Notre Dame , Notre* Dame \ gi- 
st 

6 
7 
8 
14 
7 
6 
7 
3 
1 
1 
10 
14 



Pitt-Minnesota •••'.• Minnesota. 

Michigan-Illinois '... t '. ..... Michigan .... 

Indiana-Ohio State • • Indiana ..... 

Iowa-Purdue ,..'........... Purdue *. 

Iowa State-Oklahoma • ■ • Oklahoma . . . 

Kansas State-Kansas Kansas ...... 

Marquette-Mtch. State .Mioh. State >. 

Nebraska-Missouri Missouri 

Wisconsin-Northwestern ... C... Wisconsin .... 

Utah-Colorado ....,.:...>...,.,..... .Utah •.;.'....'. 

California-UCLA . . ... ..... & ..... 7, ...... .UCLA ....... 

Southern CaL-Washington ... Southern Cal. 

Stanford -Oregon State ... Oregon State 

Oregon-Idaho \ ■ . ..... .«V . . v .> ..... i Oregon 9 

Texas AAM-Arkansai Tex. ASM j 

Texas Christian-Baylor . , , ,TCU ...... . 6 

Texas Tech-Rice .......Rice n 

Texas-SMU ....rf... Texas 8 

Alabama-Kentucky Kentucky 3 

Duke-Georgia Tech . ...... Georgia Tech .'.,', 7 

Clemsen-Georgia .(Frl nite) ...Georgia to 

Mlsslssippl-L.S.U. (nite) L;S.U. J 

Miss. State-Tulane Miss, State „....' ye 

Tenn-North Carolina Tenn 

Wake Forest- William and Mary Wake Forest ........... 

(Games are played Saturday afternoon, unless otherwise stated.) 



Pro Football 

NATIONAL LEAGUE 
GAMES WINNERS POINTS 

N. Y. Giants-Detroit Lions Lions 7 

Pitt Sleelers-Green Bay Packers .Packers 

Philly Eagles-Wash. Redskins Eagles 7 

CM Bears-Boston Yanks ....Bears 19 

L. A. Rams-Chi Cards . .. .. Cards , « 



ALL-AMEBICA CONFERENCE 
GAMES WINNERS POINTS 

Chi Rockets-Brooklyn Dodgers (Frl nite) .. Sockets' 1 

Baltimore Colts-N. T. Yankees ...Yankees 20 

Cleveland Browns-Buffalo Bills Browns 0 

San Fran '49r*-L. A. Dons Dons * 

. : (Games are played Sunday afternoon, unless otherwise' staied) 
Whis, 137; Losses, 73; Ties, 11; Pet., .655. 
(Ties don't county 
•Points represent predicted margin of victory, not the official odds. 



Know Who You Are? 
Get On A&C Show 
And Swing the Swag 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

If this doesn't shame giveaway 
shows it should at least embarrass 
them. On one of their co-op shows 
recently cut, Abbott & Costello carry 
on a routine with a gal from the 
audience along these lines: 

Costello: "What's your name?" 

Contestant: "Susie Glutz." 

Costello: "Give the lady a refrige- 
rator. 

Costello: "Where are you from?" 

Glutz: "San Diego." 

Costello: "Give the lady an elec- 
tric range." 

Etc., etc., etc., etc. 

Before the lady got through tell- 
ing all about herself she had enough 
loot to fill a van. But it didn't cost 
the comics as much as you think. 
Mostly tieups. 



CHEVALIER ANGLING 
FOR OWN RADIO SHOW 

Unusual terms being set by 
Maurice Chevalier for his guest ap- 
pearances on network shows would 
seem to indicate that the French 
singer is definitely in the market for 
a coast-to-coast show of his own. For 
a while last summer negotiations 
were on between Chevalier and 
Kraft for the former to take over 
the Thursday . night "Kraft Music 
Hall" on NBC, but the plans fell 
through, with the subsequent inking 
of Al Jolson for the spot. 

Chevalier does his initial guest 
shot of the season on Fred Allen's 
show this Sunday (2). And in all 
deals being arranged for him, he's 
stipulating that it be done on a re- 
ciprocal basis, with Allen, et al., to 
guest on his own show — if and when. 



Manson Heads AVG 

Alan Manson, of the cast of "Call 
Me Mister," was named chairman of 
the Theatre Chapter of the Ameri- 
can Veterans Committee* at an elec- 
tion held last week. Manson suc- 
ceeds Jonas T. Silverstone, national 
counsel for the American Guild of 
Variety Artists, who declined to run 
for the post after, serving three 
terms. Silverstone was elected vice 
chairman .along with Hal Gerson, 
legit press-agent, and Bill Ross, legit 
actor. 

Vernon Rice, drama editor of the 
N.Y. Post, was elected recording 
secretary. • 



U.S. Talent Gets in the Act 
For Brit. Royal Family 

London, Ot ' 28. 

American performers will be in- 
cluded in the cast of the Royal Va- 
riety Performance, to be held at the 
Palladium Nov. 3, in addition to the 
U. S. film, "The Bishop's Wife," 
chosen for the Command Film Per- 
formance Nov; 25. 

Americans are Stan Laurel and 
Oliver Hardy, Jack Durant, Wally 
Boag. Borrah Minevitch Harmonica 
Rascals, Dolores Gray and Bill 
Johnston. Latter two are current in 
the London production of "Annie 
Get Your Gun," while the others 
were imported to Britain for dates 
at the Casino theatre and otlbr 
English variety houses. 

List of artists for performance also 
includes the following: Wilson, Kep- 
pel and Betty, Billy Russell, Gracie 
Fields, Tommy Trinder, Skyrockets 
prchestra, Norman Evans, Les Zoris, 
Jimmy Currie's Water Act, Dagen- 
ham Girl Pipers, Vic and Joe Cras- 
tonian, Crazy Gang (Bud Flanagan, 
Naughton and Gold, Nervo and 
Knox)," Bobby Kimber, Levanda, 
Marilyn Hightower and Alec Thomas 
Octet. 



Jessel's New 20th-Fox 
Deal Permits Him 6 Mos. 
Per Year for Trouping 

George Jessel's contract at 20th- 
Fox, modified recently, now permits 
the. producer-comedian to do six 
months of personal apperances, with 
an equal period devoted to picture- 
making, It's expected that Jessel 
thus can gross around $250,000 an- 
nually, about equally divided. 

In the in-person field, Jessel has 
already made a hefty start with t 
dates at the Hippodrome, Baltimore; 
Carnival, N. Y., and Copacabana, 
Miami Beach. The Hipp date is at 
a straight 50% of the take with 
Jessel paying three supporting acts. 
Theatre's usual gross hovers around 
$15,000. Carnival date, to start Nov. 
27, calls for $7,500 plus 50% of the 
take above $44,000, and the Copa 
deal has been pacted at a straight 
$12,500. Latter date hasn't been set 
yet, tout it's expected that it will be 
around mid-January or February. 
Copa is required to give Jessel two 
weeks' notification. > 

Jessel's picture plans call for pro- 
duction of the film versions of two 
Broadway hits,- "Call Me Mister" and 
"Burlesque." Latter will be in color 
with Betty Grable and Dan Dailcy. 



Field.' Widow Sue* 

Los Angeles, Oct. 28. 

W. C. Fields' widow, Harriet, filed 
suit in L. A. superior court demand- 
ing the return of $241,225 by the 
late comedian's estate and the bene- 
ficiaries of his various cash gifts. 

Widow declares she was Fields 
legal wife at the time of his death, 
and that the money he gave away 
was community property. 

MULLS DESLYS BI0G 

Biopic en" the late Gaby Deslys, 
once considered by Metro, is being 
mulled by other studios, according 
to Harry Pilcer, onetime dancing 
partner of the French singer and 
dancer. Pilcer, who is American 
albeit long domiciled in Paris, re- 
turned to the U. S. a week ago (IB) 
after several . months in France 
gathering^ further, story material. 



Wed»»d*y, Ottoher 29, 1947 



Pft&t&TY 



9^ 



FILMS' NET TO DATE 




Profits 9% Under Record 1946 

Here's the pro/it* seorecard to date of the seven majors (United 

Artists excepted) for the current fiscal year. It discloses a moderate 
dip of 9% over 194«'s record profits. v 
Company Period Reported '41 Total Compar. '46 Total 

Paramount . 1st 6 mo. $17,407,000 $21,792,000 

Warner Bros.,...'. 1st 9 mo. 19,134,000 14,749,000 

/, • (ended 5/31/47) 

20th-Fox. ......... 1st 6 mo. 8,401,778 11,449,449 

Metro 40 wks. 10,904,821 12,579,245 

. (ended 6/5/47) 

RKO. 1st 6 mo. 5,107,347 . 6,881,352 

Universal.......... 39 wks. 2,470,167 3,206,354 

(ended 8/2/47) 

Columbia. year ended 6/30/47 3,707,000 3,450,000 



Balaban Sees Tight Squeeze m '48 
With Rising Costs and Levelling B.O. 



Only if domestic boxoffice receipts -f 
hold to their present levels and if 
"there's luck in the quality of pic- 
tures released," will Paramount (and 
by inference, other companies), 
squeeze out a profitable return from 
the production-distribution end of 
the biz in 1948. That's the opinion 
of Barney Balaban, Par's prexy. He 
added that current economy steps in 
production will have no substantial 
effect on operation costs until late 
in 1949 or the beginning of 1950. 

While stressing the uncertainties 
of current predictions on what will 
happen next year, Par's prexy tabu- 
lated the following factors. 

1. The foreign situation (as illus- 
trated by Sweden's clampdown last 
week on American pic imports), 
shows no signs of improving. On the 
contrary, it continues to deteriorate. 

2. Pictures released next year 
' will be 33 1/3% costlier than those 

hitting the screen during the current 
stanza. That would be an absolute 
peak in the history of the industry. 

3. A 10% dip in Par's theatre biz, 
previously forecast by Leonard 
Goldenson, company's veepee in 
charge' of theatres, doesn't mean only 
a 10% drop in profits. Because ex- 
penses do not decline corresponding- 
continued on page 18) 



New Move to Ameliorate 
Skouras Chain's Stymie 
On Getting Par Product 

Mediator to help him resolve the 
dispute which Is keeping Paramount 
pictures out of the Skouras Theatres 
circuit in the New York area has 
been called in by George Skouras, 
prexy of the chain, it has been 
learned. Go-between is Edwin F. 
Zabel, head film buyfer' for National 
Theatres, who has been in New York 
from Los Angeles on the assignment 
for the past five or six weeks. 

National Theatres is 'a wholly- 
owned subsid of 20th-Fox and has 
no connection with the Skouras 
chain, although 20th toppers Spyros 
and Charles Skouras are said to be 
part owners of the circuit with their 
brother George. Zabel's activities, 
therefore, are in the nature of a 
favor. 

Keeping Par product out of the 
Skouras web is said to be a clash 
between Charles Reagan, Par v.p. 
in charge of sales, * and George 
Skouras, Zabel's task is to work out 
a deal between them so that. the 
circuit can obtain the Par films, 
which it now needs because of the 
decreasing quantity of product 
available. 



FILM PREX1ES HUDDLE 
THURS. AGAIN ON 75% 

Presidents of the member compa- 
nies of the Motion Picture Assn. are 
slated to meet In Washington tomor- 
row (Thursday) with Eric John- 
ston, following the huddle of the 
MPA prez today with reps of the 
British Cinematographic Exhibitors 
Assn. 

Latter are Walter R. Fuller, sec- 
retary genoral, and B. T. Davis, 
president, who arrived over the 
weekend from London. They are to 
confab .on the British 75% ad va- 
lorem tax and are said to have the 
(Continued on page 22) 



Blimey! 

■ Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Scotland and the U.S.A. have 
one complaint in common, ac- 
cording to Sir Alexander King, 
Scottish circuit chief, currently 
in town to discuss the British 
film tax. 

When a Hollywood newsman 
complained that American audi- 
ences can't understand'the lingo 
of English actors he answered: 
" "We" have the same trouble in 
Scotland." 



DistribsKill 
Move to Reveal 
Their Earnings 

Move to break industry precedent 
by publicizing a breakdown of major 
company distribution nets fof the 
year was vetoed at a recent Motion 
Picture Assn. meeting of company 
prexies, it's been learned. The re- 
ports, submitted by seven prexies 
(all except United Artists), would 
have disclosed that some major dis- 
tributors are already operating in 
the red, at least, on their distrib- 
operations. • • 

Strong sentiment was expressed by 
a number of toppers in favor of air- 
ing the current distribution score- 
cards as an answer to critics within 
and outside of the industry to pre- 
sent economy axings. Prexies vot- 
ing affirmatively also pressed the 
argument that disclosure of losses 
would help build pressure on State 
Dept. officials to move against over- 
seas restrictions on Yank pix. 
Number of companies, it's said, 
(Continued on page 22) 



SHOW BIZ UP IN AUG., 
TAX FIGURES REVEAL 

Washington, Oct. 28. 

Despite beefs of bad boxoffice, 
August was a terrific month at the 
turnstiles, on the basis of tax figures 
just announced by the Internal Rev- 
enue Bureau. The September tax on 
general admission, reflecting almost 
entirely August boxoffice, was a tre- 
mendous $37,068,543, compared to the 
$32,732,527 for September, 1946, and 
the $29,309,491 in taxes received dur- 
ing August, 1947. Roughly 80% of 
these figures are estimated to come 
from pictures. 

Even nitery biz was hypoed in 
August. The 20% bite collected on' 
tabs in September was $5,181,324, up 
more than $1,000,000 from the pre- 
vious month. There was, however, a 
drop of over $600,000 in nitery taxes 
from September, 1946, collections. 
Generally, this has been a year of 
sharp decline in nightclub takes. 

New York's 3rd Internal Revenue 
District, which Includes the ^Broad- 
way sector, was very big in August. 
The September tax take on admis- 
sions was a fat $5,547,112, roughly 
$2,500,000 over the preceding month. 
The nightclub bite of $568,141 on 
August biz stood better than twice 
the collections lor the previous 
I month. 



NET CLOSE TO 
LAST YEAR'S P£AK 

While film biggies are sighting 
down the barrel at darkening pix 
prospects, financial reports trickling 
from major companies still show a 
remarkable buoyancy in the profits 
column. In fiscal 1947, with all 
majors, (except United Artists) now 
at least past the six-month mark, 
the net take has officially hit a total 
of $67,130,000. That's less than 10% 
under the peak $74,106,000 snared by 
the majors for the comparative pe- 
riod last year, the highwater mark 
in the history of the industry. 

Total was reached last week when 
Universal reported $2,470,167 for the 
39 weeks ended Aug. 2 after all 
charges including federal income 
taxes. Figure compares with $3,206,- 
354 for the corresponding period of 
the preceding fiscal year. It's some 
22% under U's top take. 

Since the British situation isn't 
expected to exact much of a toll for 
the balance of the year; industry 
circles are now forecasting a second 
year in which the seven majors will 
break across the magic $100,000,000 
mark. This is all the more probable 
because affiliated chains are still 
racking up scores which are only 
10% or so under lush business turned 
in during the big postwar stretch. 

No such prospects are open to the 
industry in '48, both film toppers and 
informed Wall street sources are 
convinced. Overseas, it's pointed out, 
country after country is fixing re- 
strictions on American films which 
are , drastically dimming profit 
chances. 

Brightening the future, however, 
is the domestic setup. Theatre end of 
the Big Five's biz has been turning 
in 50% and more of current profits. 
Unless attendance takes a sharp dip 
—and that's unlikely with the pres- 
ent income levels of the public— the 
majors are expected to report sub- 
stantial profits. 



Feared Norsk Film 
Freeze Would Blackout 
U.S From AH Scandia 

_ A Scandinavian blackout on Amer- 
ican pix is falling fast. Sweden's ac- 
tion of last week which froze remit- 
tances on Yank film imports is ex- 
pected momentarily in carbon by 
Norway, according to word received 
this week by foreign dept. chiefs of 
major, companies. That would com- 
pletely close the door in the Norse 
countries to American films since 
Denmark has also backed away. 
Norwegian government is current- 
(Continued on page 22) 



Writers and Producers Continue Open 
Balk at Red Probers' Quiz Tactics 



'Censorship of Fear' 

Fears of many impatrial ob- 
servers of the effect the House 
Un-American Activities Com- 
mittee investigation will have 
on filmmaking were best ex- 
pressed by director John Huston 
in Washington Sunday (26/) 

The committee's activities, 
Hustqn said, had resulted in a 
"censorship of fear" — a fear that 
means "The Best Years of Our 
Lives" would not be produced in 
Hollywood today because some 
committee members have ex- 
pressed disapproval of it. 



Present Time Is 
Unripe to Expand 
Brit Prod.-Rank 

London, Oct. 27. 

J. Arthur Rank has informed film 
employees that he considers the 
present time is unripe for any ex- 
pansion of British film production 
despite the fact that Hollywood may 
continue its export ban. His state- 
ment came as a blow to the Film 
Industry Employees Council which is 
seeking more work for the 25,000 
studio workers it represents. Coun- 
cil is now asking trie head of the 
British Board Of Trade for an inter- 
view on the subject. 

Representatives of the employees, 
who met Rank and other producers, 
offered increased production to re- 
place lost American product. As a 
means of accomplishing greater 
quantity in 'filmmaking they sug- 
gested night work, charging that only 
three out of 12 studios -are now fully 
working. One reason why domestic 
production is held back, the em- 
ployee reps maintained, is that some 
films are overly ambitious. 

On the other hand, producers claim 
that the workers are ' not pulling 
their fair ihare of the load and in 
addition their unethical methods are 
interfering with production. 



LUCIANO — FILM PRODUCER 

Naples, Oct.' 28. 
Charles (Lucky) Luciano, de- 
ported New York mobster, is con- 
sidering turning film producer here, 
it's reported. Luciano wants to take 
over a .small studio with several 
stages plus lab equipment. 



National Boxoffice Survey 

Biz Spurts in Several Keys — 'Amber,' 'Unconquered,' 
'Song,' Tun,' 'Mitty,' 'Foxes' Top Field 



Biz in key cities this week shapes 
up strong, with launching of "For- 
ever Amber" (20th) actually giving 
competing houses an uplift in some 
spots. In others, however, this 
widely ballyhooed film is cutting 
into competing bills. Result is that 
business is badly split up among 
the strongest pictures, with "Amber" 
far out ahead in first place. 

Second spot is being captured by 
"Unconquered" (Par), as this pic is 
being gradually released at upped 
scale in an increasing number of 
cities each week. Third is "Song 
of Love" (M-G). Others in the Big 
Six are "Fun and- Fancy Free" 
(RKO), "Walter Mitty" ' (RKO) and 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) in order 
named. After two weeks running in 
first slot, "Foxes" slipped down to 
sixth this session. 

Leading films in runner-up class 
are "Variety Girl" (Par), "It Had 
To Be You" (Col>, "This Time For 
Keeps" (M-G), ^Golden Earrings" 
(Par) and "Spirit of West Point" 
(FC). Last-named, while not play- 
ing in many big houses, is big to sock 
in many places where opened in the 
past week. ' 

."Mitty," which , hit • sock session 
in Detroit, also is doing well in 



Philadelphia and N. Y. "Fun" is 
standout in Boston and fancy in 
Cleveland. "Foxes" is dropping back 
this round because mainly holdover. 

"Had To Be," a newcomer, al- 
though mildish in Louisville, looks 
steady in K. C, fancy in Indianapolis 
and big in St. Louis. Another new 
entry, "For Keeps,'" shapes as stout. 

"Mons. Verdoux" (UA) looks 
sturdy in Chicago and nice on San 
Francisco second week. "Earrings" 
is shaping up better currently than 
in .-previous sessions. "Man About 
Town" (RKO), opening in a former 
legit house in N. Y., did- not start 
out too well. "Hagen Girl" (WB), 
which also teed off in N. Y. during 
the past week, likewise is moderate. 
However, both had to contend with 
terrific opposition from launching 
of "Amber" at the vast Roxy, where 
it hit a new all-time high of $180,000. 

"Ride Pink Horse" (U) is on mild 
side currently. "Nightmare AJley" 
(20th), while nice in Denver, looks 
moderate in St. Louis and offish 
in N..Y. "Christmas Eve" (UA), be- 
ing tested in Philadelphia this week, 
is going to land an okay $24,500, suf- 
fering there apparently from "Am- 
ber" competition. 

(Complete Boxoffice Reports 
on Paget 12-13) 



Washington, Oct. 28. 

Following identically the pattern 
of non-cooperation set by scripter 
John Howard Lawson at the House 
Un-American . Activities Committee 
hearings yesterday (Monday), three 
more screen writers, Dalton Trumbo, 
Albert Maltz and Alvah Bessie, were 
cited today (Tuesday) in contempt 
of Congress for refusing to answer 
the question: "Are you, or were you 
ever, a member of the Communist 
Party." According to present indi- 
cations, the full roster of 19. wit- 
nesses, subpoenaed to testify this 
week, are expected tov follow the 
same tactic of not disclosing", their 
political affiliations. "•■ ' . 

From§ the film producers' , corner, . 
Paul V. McNutt, special counsel for 
the Motion Picture Assn., entered a 
statement in the record today (Tues.) 
sharply, attacking allegations made 
by committee chairman Rep. J. Par- 
nell. Thomas (R., N. J.) that the film 
industry had tried to interfere with 
the hearings. He said: "Yesterday- 
afternoon, the organizations I repre- 
sented were accused of having tried 
to stifle this inquiry.. This charge 
has , been made against us without 
proof and on the basis of insinua- 
tion and innuendo.' 

"This is a charge which does great 
damage, to our industry and seri- 
ously reflects On the personal in- 
tegrity and patriotism of individuals 
associated with it. We cannot stand 
by and allow these various charges 
to go unchallenged before the pub- 
continued on page 20) 



Tom Connors Would Like i 
Cash Payoff From 20th 
Before Setting New Deal 

Tom Connors, 20th-Fox's former 
sales chief, has asked that company 
for a cash- settlement of his employ- 
ment pact which still gives him 
$1,000 weekly for almost Ave years 
more. Paychecks still go* to Connors 
for filling the role as an adviser. 

So far, it's understood, he's been 
unsuccessful in his quest for the 
lump payoff. Hence, he's been 
stmyied in efforts. to connect with 
another company since, he can't make 
a deal without risking forfeiture oj 
the advisory salary. 

Agreement between Connors and 
20th-Fox would probably greenlight 
a deal with Film Classics, which has 
been discussed for some time. 




Trade Mark Registered 
FOUNDED BY SIMS SILVERMAN 
rublished Weekly by VARIETY, Inc. 

Bid Silverman, President 
151 West 46tll St., New York 10, ■ N, Y. 



SUBSCBIPTIOK 
Annual (10 Foreign «! 

Slnsle Cojiife . ' 25 Cerils 



Vol.168 No. 8 

INDEX 

Bills .............. 55 

Chatter S3 

Concert ; : .. 58 

Film Reviews 15 

Foreign , 17 

House Reviews 56 

Inside Legit 58 

Inside Music 50 

Inside Pictures 18 

Inside Radio 38 

Legitimate 57 

Literati 61 

Music 42 

New Acts 55 

Night Club Reviews 52 

Obituaries 63 

Orchestras , 42 

Pictures 3 

Pre-.Production News 11 

Radio 25 

Radio Reviews 28 

Records 44 

Frank' Scully 61 

Television 29 

Unit Reviews 55 

Vaudeville 52 

DAILY VARIETY 
(Published In Holljmod tcr 
Datlr Vatietr. Ltd.) - 
tit • Year— III Foreign 



HCTOUES 



WeoWftfay, October 29, 1947 



Tactics of '41 'Warmongering' Plrobe 
And Now Put Pix Biz in Eclipse in '47 



By HERB GOLDEN 

Washington, Oct. 28. 
Comparison become* Inevitable, 
for those who attended the film 
"warmongering" "probe in this same 
House caucus room in 1941, between 
the industry's handling of that in- 
vestigation and its tactics in the 
current whodunit. 

The contrast is immediately per- 
ceptible. Then the industry was con- 
fident of its strategy and immedi- 
mtely took the offensive away from 
the investigators. So much so that 
the hearings soon were ."postponed" 
and then forgotten about when, 
three months later, Pearl Harbor 
made the "warmongering" charge 
evidently silly. . i- " . 

Last week the strategy appeared 
uncertain, although it seems to be 
clearing and strengthening now. 
Paul V. McNutt, special counsel for 
the Motion Picture Assn., took the 
stance that the Un-American Activi- 
ties Committee was acting illegally 
and. was a threat to freedom of 
speech and. press. Previously, how- 
ever, Eric Johnston? Jack Warner 
and Louis "B. Mayer had all stated' 
that they favored the probe, that 
they "were as anxious as the com- 
mittee to get the Communists out 
e-f Hollywood." 
' Newsmen were quick to point out 
this inconsistency to McNutt when 
he first stated his opposition to the 
investigating body in an impromptu 
post-hearing press conference last 
zeek. McNutihad no ready answer 
ad finally just resorted to bis very 
pclrsonable smile. ' '. ' 

He, later admitted -privately that 
he was hamstrung as were Mayer 
And Warner, by the testimony given 
the committee in California by in- 
dustry toppers last spring. That 
was in private and, they thought, off 
Jthc record. Much to their discomfi- 
. ' "(Continued on page 18) 



t ♦»♦♦»♦»♦♦♦«« ♦♦♦ » ♦♦♦♦♦♦ 



8-Man Steering Group 

Eight-man brain trusters who 
mapped industry strategy in the 

current investigation by the 
House Un-American Committee 
comprises' the same members, 
with two additions, as laid out 
the plan of attack in the 1941 
probe of film "warmongering." 
. Members are J. Robert Hub in, 
Metro- v.p. and general counsel; 
Joseph Hazen, .former general 
counsel for Warner Bros., now 
an independent producer; Her- 
bert Freston (and Files), v.p. and 
Coast counsel for Warner Bros.; 
Mendel Silberberg, . Holly wood 
attorney; Maurice Benjamin, of 
Loeb and Loeb, Coast counsel 
for Metro; Austin Keough, v.p. 
and general counsel of Para- 
mount; Alfred Wright, attorney 
for 20th-Fox; and Nate Spingbld, 
v.p. in charge of publicity-ad- 
vertfsing for Columbia. Spingold 
and Wright are new members 
of the group. ' 



By FLORENCE LOWE 

Washington, Oct. 28. 

Tense press conference" by the 
First Amendment Committee reps 
-was lightened by Danny Kaye'b in- J 
traduction of himself. 

"Gene Kelly is a hoofer with - a j 
broken leg," he said, "And I'm a 
comedian with no jokes today." 

"How about a wisecrack?" a re- 
porter coaxed. 

"Not today," was the reply. "I 
clon't feel funny now." f 

Hollywood stars vied with their 
tans for seats at Monday afternoon's 
<27) session ot the probe. Those of 
the First Amendment delegation who 
returned .for the afternoon festivi- 
ties did a lot of seat hopping to get 
close enough to hear Eric Johnston's 
testimony. It was definitely "no 
special privilege day" for the stars-. 

Generally conceded unkindest cut 
in afternoon of poisoned verbal darts 
was the parting crack by Rep. J. 
Parnell Thomas. Warning that he 
intended to keep on the investiga- 
tion, he added with a glance at the 
spectator pews, "No matter how 
many glamor girls you stack up in 
the rear of (hit room." 

Eric Jofcastoir was in rare forsn. 
Bis snappy comebacks" fretaently 
L'sed committee members for a 
five- yard toss. He was quizzed »y 
■en. Richard B. V»U fit. III.) about 
state censorship. VaU asked, "Jsnt 
it true scripts your organization 
passes are frequently rejected by 
, state censors?"- • 

"Yes, and frequently for ridiculous 
reasons." was the nifty from the 
MPA topper. "In Memphis, for ex- 
ample, one film was rejected for 
having- a colored boy playing with 
white boys." 

Vail hesitated and agreed, "Yes, 
that does seem a little ridiculous." 

At another point, in one of the 
few friendly exchanges of the day, 
Thomas asked how many films 
Johnston saw a week' and the latter 
replied, "One, maybe two movies a 
week." 

"Why I see more than thai" re- 
marked Thomas: 

"I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Chair- 
man," was Johnston's comeback, 
"since you pay for yours. I don't." 

For the first time in the hearings 
sex reared its head yesterday, as 
Eric Johnston reviewed provisions of 
the MPA censorship code. 

Ridden raw by committee counsel 
Robert Stripling, Johnston who was 
explaining the decency clause, 
quipped, "iliat's about sex. You've 
tieard of that, I presume." 



Only M in Broadway 
Plays Is That Found In 
Ledgers, Say Legiters 

Contention of Esquire's film re- 
viewer; Jack Moffit, during the Con- 
gressional un-American inquiry last 
week, that 44 out of 100 plays on 
Broadway during 10 years (1936-46) 
were of a "Red" nature, met varied 
and humorous reaction "in legit cir- 
cles. One comment was that a 
higher percentage . of attractions 
ended in the red rather than having 
that color in their texts. 

N. Y. Evening Post sought Broad- j 
way opinions' but only Brock Pern-, 
berton agreed that the statement 
was correct, in a measure: He was ' 
c/uoted saying that "party liners" or 
fellow travelers who are regarded as 
sympathetic to Communism figure 
on Broadway which is "shot through 
with such people, that group includ- 
ing, authors, directors and actors." 
Showman later said such allegations 
were hard to prove and conceded 
that- the claimed Bed bits in shows 
was implied rather than direct 
propaganda. Richard Rodgers said 
that Broadway "isn't dominated by 
Communists or anyone else." Gar- 
son Kan in said "there are more im- 
portant things to worry about in the 
world." 



McNUTT WANTS THOMAS 
TO CALL SAM GOLDWYN 

Washington, Oct. 28. 

Paul V. McNutt, MPA attorney, 
yesterday (27) urged the House 
Un-American Activities Committee 
to call Samuel Gbldwyn to the Wit- 
ness stand. McNutt, who has been 
trying to get action on this since last 
Wednesday, did not make clear what 
he has in mind. However, it is prob- 
ably in connection with Goldwyn's 
two pix, "North Star" and "Best 
Years of Our Lives," which are on 
the committee list of films with 
Communist propaganda. 

"North ' Star" was the same type 
picture as "Mission to Moscow" and 
"Song of Russia." All three have 
been named unfavorably by the com- 
mittee and some witnesses. "Best 
Years" has not yet gotten publicly 
into the sessions, but it is on the 
secret iist. 



Radios Big .Coverage 

Radio networks -are doing a job 
of coverage, both live and via wire 
recorder, on the Hollywood probe. 

Mutual is carrying a live pickup 
of the hearings at 10:30-11 -a.wu on 
the days the committee is in session. 
ABC is airing interviews with 
committee members and witnesses 
on "Headline Edition" at 7 -p.m. 
nightly. Wire-recorded playbacks: 

Mutual: 4:30-4:45 p.m. and 11-11:15 
p,m. every day of hearings. ' 

ABC: 11:35-13 midnight, Monday 
through Friday, except Thursday 
10:30-11 pjn. s: : 

NBC: Some recorded playbacks on 
the 12 noon, 6 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. 
news periods. .. . 

CBS: 11:15-11:45 or 11:30-12 mid- 
night on WCBS, N. Y.; 10:30-11 a.m. 
daily on WTOP, Washington; 11:30 
p.m. (PST) on the Columbia Pacific 
Net. via KNX, L A. 

B'way and H wood 
Hit Back at Probe 

New York and Hollywood pro- 
gressives, assertedly fearful that the 
House" Un - American Activities' 
probe is the beginning of a "fascist" 
attempt to set up "thought police" 
for all media of communications, 
rose up over the weekend to fight 
back. In a two-day program spon- 
sored by the Progressive Citizens of 
America, they presented talks by 
some of the 19 "unfriendly wit- 
nesses" at forums and press inter- 
views and brought all their guns to 
bear in a mass rally staged Satur- 
day (25) night at St. Nicholas Arena, 
N. Y. 

More than 6,000 people jampacked 
their way into the . arena and 3,000 
more were disappointed at the door 
— and at $1.80 tops. Number of well- 
dressed people and those who pulled 
up to the door in limousines evi- 
denced that it was more than just a 
left-wing group or those that had 
been brought out by the promise of 
seeing Hollywood stars in person. 

With Hartley Crum reported ill in 
Washington, actor Larry Parks read 
his prepared speech titled "Behind 
the Glamor Curtain.". Crum as- 
serted that "Hiaer's slickest tricks 
are being unveiled in Washington to 
pull this country, down the road to 
fascism." Speech noted a number 
of "coincidences" leading Crum' to 
believe the probe has other over- 
tones.. 

Lillian Hellman derided Adolph 
Menjou, Gary Cooper and other wit- 
nesses, declaring she couldn't figure 
out -why the film industry had been 
chosen as the butt of a smear cam- 
paign. "There's never been a single 
word of Communism in any Ameri- 
can picture," she averred. "In fact 
(Continued on page 18) 



Broadway Legiters Form 
"Stop Censorship' Body 

The Stop Censorship Committee 
of Broadway, formed impromptu by 
Broadway legiters Sunday (26) 
night' to support the 19 Un-American 
Committee subpoenaed Coast names, 
has set a meeting of theatre people 
at the International theatre, N. Y., 
tomorrow (Thurs.) at 11:15 p.m., to 
discuss the situation. 

John Garfield will speak, and Sun- 
day's (26) ABC protest program will 
be rebroadcast. Sponsors of com- 
mittee include Garson Katiin, Oscar 
Serlin, Louis Calhern, William L. 
Shirer, Edith Atwater, Uta Hagen, 
Robert P. Heller, Goodman Ace, 
Jerome Chodorov. Harold J, Rome, 
Martin Gabel and Irwin Shaw. 



Lawsons Statement 'Silenced' 

Washington, Oct. 28. 

Here's the statement that John Howard Lawson wss not permited to 
make before the House Un-American Commutes. He gave copies to 
reporters- later. B read: * . 

"Rational people don't argue with dirt, I feel like a man who has 
had ti uckloads of filth, heaped upon him; I am now asked to struggle 
to my feet and talk while more truckloads pour more filth around my 
head. . - . ■ 

"No, you don't argue with dirt. But you try to find out where it 
comes from. And to stop the evil deluge before it buries you— and 
others. The immediate source is obvious. Let these people live with 
their consciences, with the knowledge that they have violated their 
country's most sacred principles; : 

"These individuals are not important. As an individual, I am hot 
important. The obvious fact that the committee is trying to destroy 
me personally and professionally, to deprive me of my livelihood and 
what is far dearer to me — my honor as an American—gains significance 
onty_ because, it. opens the way to similar destruction of any citizen 
whom the committee selects for annihilation. 

"I am not going to touch on the gross violation of the Constitution 
of the United States, and specially of its First and Fifth amendments, 
that, is taking place here. The proof is so overwhelming that it needs 
no elaboration. The un-American activities committee stands con- 
victed in the court of public opinion. 

"I am not suggesting that J. Parnell Thomas aspires to be the man 
on horseback. He is a petty politician, serving more powerful forces. 
Those forces are trying to introduce Fascism in this country. They 
know that the only way to trick the American people into abandoning 
their rights and liberties is to manufacture an imaginary danger, to 
frighten the people into accepting repressive laws which are supposed- 
ly for their protection." '. '';'<■'• \' " 



Weird Samples of How Italo and Yugo 
Commies Naine-Drop U^, Stars Abroad 



Revive 'Ninokhka' 

With the current spotlight on Rus- 
sian activities, Metro is taking ad- 
vantage of the times with the re- 
issue of the 1939 Greta Gar bo starrer 
"Ninotchka" which will open tomor- 
row (Thursday) at the Columbia 
theatre, Washington. This is the 
film which kids the Russians. 

They're, billing it as "The Pic- 
ture That Shook the Commissar." 



CAROL BRANDT TO LONDON 

Metro eastern story editor Carol 
Brandt is scheduled to leave for 
London Saturday (1) for -huddles 
with authors and publishers in 
Europe. 

Shell spend five or six weeks in 
England and on the Continent and 
will then head for the Coast to dis- 
cuss the outcome of her trip with 
M-G studio execs. 



Cole, Stewart at M-G 

Two writers whose names have 
figured prominently in the cur- 
rent Washington hearings on 
Communism have recently been 
pacted by Metro. 

Lester Cole had his option 
lifted by the studio the same 
day he was subpoenaed by the 
Un-American Committee. Don- 
ald Ogden Stewart, only about a 
month ago, was placed under 
contract to do the screenplay 
of the London hit legiter, "Ed- 
ward, My Son" and is now in 
England for the studio, gander- 
ing the original. 

Incidentally, Cole was one of 
the writers of "The High Wall," 
forthcoming Robert Taylor pic- 
ture, although the actor testified 
last week that he wouldn't work 
on a film with anyone suspected 
of Communistic .tendencies. 



. Washington, Oct. 28. 

Tremendous significance in interna- 
tional affairs of Hollywood pictures 
and players was demonstrated be- 
fore the House Un-American Com- 
mittee here last week — as it was 
during the war— by the propaganda 
built around toe stars for local con- 
sumption in foreign countries. 

Japs, , during the hostilities, re- 
ported to the homefolk at various 
times the names of stars allegedly 
killed in . Nip attacks, including 
Deanna Durbin and Shirley Temple. 
There was apparently an idea among 
the propagandists that death of these 
players, 'was a tremendous blow to 
the morale ot the XT. S. 

And the Communists of Italy and 
Yugoslavia at present apparently are 
flunking that they can get some of 
their own uninitiated countrymen to 
go along with "the cause" by saying: 
"See, even your hero, Gary Cooper, 
is one of us." 

' Two fantastic propaganda stories 
issued by the Commies and provided 
to the Un-American Committee by 
the State Dept. -were read into the 
record last week. Cooper himself 
was called upon by toe Committee 
to read aloud one in which he fig- 
ured. A pamphlet distributed in 
Rome, it said, in part: 

"Gary Cooper, who took part in 
the fights for the independence of 
Spain, held a speech before a crowd 
of 90,000 in Philadelphia on the oc- 
casion of the consecration of the 
banner of the Philadelphia Com- 
munist Federation. Between other 
things, he said: 'It is the greatest 
honor to be a Communist.' 

"Tyrone Power is a member of the 
'angels' sections of the - American 
Communist Party. Tyrone Power is 
not a passive, but an active member. 
He presided in February of this year 
at the Communist Congress in Kan- 
sas City. He gave a press interview 
at which he said: 'I am a Com- 
munist deeply convinced of the 
righteousness M my ideals.'" 

In answer to a Committee query, 
Cooper said he had never been in 
Philadelphia. He added: "The 90,000 
audience is a little hard to disre- 
gard, but it isn't true." 

Zagreb's Dream Yarn 
A Zagreb, Yugoslavia, newspaper, 
The People's Letter, carried even 
more of a yak-getter July 19, 1947. It 
said: 

"In the middle of June, in Holly- 
wood, Gary Cooper, Tyrone Power 
and Alan Ladd were -imprisoned be- 
cause they were marked as "leftists' 
and denounced un - American. But 
before that happened, something 
else was going on about which the 
American newspaper agencies did 
not speak. 

"Buster Crabbe lost his life in a 
mysterious way. The background of 
this tragic and mysterious death 
was set forth by the New York 
newspaper. Red Star. From the ar- 
ticles of Immy Stendath we can see 
that Crabbe was very popular. He 
organized a movement in the Army 
to protest against the investigation 
of un-Americans activities against 
Cooper, Chaplin and other film stars 

"The beginning of Crabbe's trag- 
edy was when he found valuable 
documents,, through which he could 
give light and prove the criminal 



and aggressive plans of reactionary 
circles in America. 

'On May 31, Crabbe came to the 
apartment of the well-known film 
actor. Spencer Tracy, also well, 
known as a 'leftist/ and they had a 
(Continued on page 18) 



L. A. to N. Y. 

June Allyson 
Robert Attwool 
B. H. Bender 
Edgar Bergen 
Joseph Bernard 
Harry Brand 
Steve Broidy 
Clarence 'Brown 
Nat Brown 
George Callahan 
Alan Carney 
Joan Crawford 
Roy Del Ruth 
Jack Donohue 
Irene Dunne 
Earl Ebi 
Charles Einfeld 
Mark Eyans 
Mike Fessier 
Larry Finley 
Arlene Francis 
Groer Garson 
Edward Golden 
Benny Goodman 
Anita Gordon 
Bob Haas 
Van Heflin 
George Hill 
Robert Joseph 
Joe Kaufman 
Charles Laughton 
Cliff Lewis 
Gene Lockhart , 
Joseph Losey 
David Loew 
Archie Mayo 
Harold Mirisch 
Constance Moore 
Ray Noble 
Pat Patrick 
Jane Powell 
Hal Roach 
Ann Rosenthal 
Robert M. Savini 
John Swope 
Bob Taplinger 
Ted Tetzlaff 
Regis Toomey 
Lana Turner 
Frederic •Jllman, Jr. 

N. Y. toL. A. 

Ben Berk 
Norman Collins 
Stephen Fry 
Cesar Girosi 
Marcello Girosi 
Jack Kapp 
Milton Karsny 
Henry Koster 
E. J. Mannix 
Alan Meltzer 
Gottfried Reinhardt 

Europe to N. Y. 

Leo Cotonatas 
Harry Foster 
Stella Grecca 
Joan Leslie 
Lilli Palmer 
Emeric Pressburger 
Henry Stephenson 

N. Y. to Europe 

Carol Brandt, 
Arthur Christiansen 
Morris Ernst 



Wednodgy, October 29, 1947 



s 



N ABES HIT THE COMEBACK TRAIL 



Indiscriminate Red Brand on Films 
Goads MPA Into Fight on D.C. Probers 



Washington, Oct. 28. ♦ 
The Motion Picture Assn., which 
10 days ago was "welcoming" the 
probe of Communism in Hollywood, 
was out of its corner swinging with 
both lists this week against the 
House Un-American Activities Com- 
mittee. , 

The sharp reversal of the indus- 
try stand' in a single week points 
up what was obviously the House 
Committee's biggest blunder of last 
week. The committee had an op- 
portunity to hammer away at the 
small Red fraction in pictures. Ia- 
stead, hungry for headlines, it chose, 
to permit the impression that a 
very large part of the industry was 
wrapped in a red flag. The result 
was a nationwide impression that 
much was wrong with Hollywood— 
an impression that smeared the in- 
dustry from Maine to California 
and may conceivably cause a loss of 
millions of dollars at the boxoffice 
in coming months. 

Almost as a reflex action thfe 
Committee alienated the most sub- 
stantial film interests. 

It was well known' in advance 
that the very large part of the in- 
dustry, including company* and stu- 
dio toppers, was anti-Communist 
On the opening day, Louis B. Mayer 
declared in a statement that he 
"welcomed the opportunity to be of 
any service possible to bring out 
the true facts." Jack L. Warner an- 
nounced he was "happy to speak 
openly and honestly in' an inquiry 
which has fpr its purpose the re- 
affirmation of American ideals and 
democratic processes.' 1 

But before that first day had 
ended, Mayer and Warner had been 
riddled because they failed to re- 
alize in 1942 that a film friendly 
(Continued on page 20) 

Rialto, Top Broadway 
Horror Showcase, May 
Switch to Class Lingos 

The Rialto, New York's last bas- 
tion of commercialized horror in 
celluloid, may refurbish Its policy. 
Arthur Mayer, Rialtote operator, is 
currently pondering a switch to for- 
eign-lingo pix in place of the goose- 
flesh fare which it's dished out for 
years. If the change is made the 
house will vie for the spot as top 
first-run, showcase for a substantial 
part of the overseas imports now 
rushing the customs. 

Mayer is now considering a tempt- 
ing offer to preem a heavy entry in 
the foreign field, it's understood. 
He's been stretching out ' the deci- 
sion-date because acceptance of that 
pic would necessitate a complete 
52-week diet of foreign pix since he 
doesn't think the house can be suc- 
cessfully operated on a part-horror, 
part-arty basis. 

If the conversion is effected, 
Rialto will probably book a move- 
over the "Open City." Italian-made 
sensational grosser in its second year 
at the World. He may also take on 
"Paisa," another Italo-import han- 
dled by the Burstyn-Mayer distri- 
buting company. He'd like to latch 
onto foreign pix which are steeped 
in a reminiscent flavor of action and 
sex so that the drop-ins continue to 
haunt his theatre. 

Mayer, who champs at the word 
'esoteric," is considering becoming 
that and more because the sock box- 
office (for him), thrillers Universal 
and Columbia used to pour out went 
the way of most B's. Hence, his 
house has suffered a dip in revenues 
with its forced evolution to watered- 
down actioners. 



Glamor Strikes Back 

Washington, Oct. 28. 
Goaded . by Rep. J. Parnell 
Thomas' cracks about the "glam- 
or girls" sitting in the audi- 
ence, Hollywood contingent of 
the Committee For the First 
Amendment has decided to stick 
it out in Washington instead of 
heading back to the . Coast , to- 
morrow (Wednesday) as. origi- 
nally planned. 

Group arrived at the hearing 
room at 9:30 a.m. today (Tues- 
day), one hour before opening 
. in order to get seats. Although 
maintaining perfect order, 
they're the obvious attraction of 
the milling crowds who don't 
bother to attend unless some 
stars are in attendance. Lauren 
Bat-all and Humphrey Bogart 
are acting as spokesmen in the 
committee's relations with the 
press. ' '..'•: •...'■• . • ' 



See Byrnes' Hand 
.In Move to Settle 
M Versus 'Big 5' 

The Big Five are renewing efforts 
<to ; settle the Government anti-trust 
action on the basis of a new consent 
decree, it's ■ reported. Hush-hush 
dickerings are being carried on in 
behalf of the theatre-owning com- 
panies by James F. Byrnes, attorney 
for 20th-Fox in the 'pivotal action. 
That's one of the reasons why argu- 
ment of the appeal before the U. S. 
Supreme Court was postponed last 
week until January, It's said. 

Understood that Byrnes is nibbling 
at Dept. of Justice attorneys with a 
proposition which would continue 
the current decree, handed down 
early this year by the three-judge 
statutory court. It would be done 
by both sides dropping their cross- 
appeals. The Little Three aren't 
participating in the negotiations and 
would be presumably left to wage 
their own fight or come in under the 
terms of a consent decree. 

The move, it's said, is being 
fronted, by 20th and is consistent 
with that company's policy from the 
beginning. During pre-appeal hud- 
dles, attorneys for the company 
strongly opposed filing of any ap- 
peal by the majors. It subsequently 
was the only distrib to battle agaijist 
a stay of the decree pending hear- 
ings before the U. S. Supreme Court. 

Postponement of argument of the 
appeal was granted on request of 
the Big Five but with the express 
approval of the Government. 



Axe Poised at RKO 

Hollywood, •Oct. 28. 

Wave of retrenchment continues 
at RKO, where Dore Schary is un- 
derstood to be sharpening the axe 
for a number of high-salaried ex- 
ecutives*. Studio payroll is carrying 
2+ producers with only 11 produc- 
tions on the immediate schedule, 

Nat Holt recently shifted to 20th- 
Fox on a three-picture deal, starting 
with "Canadian Pacific." 



Morris Agency's Weber 
Denies Moffit Charge 

John Weber, head of the William 
Morris literary dept. on the Coast, 
in an affidavit forwarded to the Un- 
American Committee, issued a 
categorical denial of the charges 
made against him by John Chayles 
Moffit, former Esquire film mtic, 
that he had succeeded "in getting 
secret information on supersonic 
craft from Chalmers "Slick" Good- 
lin, former test pilot for Bell Air- 
craft. 

In his affidavit, forwarded this 
week by William Morris, Jr., presi- 
dent of the agency, to Sen. Thomas 
with the request that it be inserted 
in the record, Weber declared that 
Goodlin "did not in any of my 
conversations with him ever give 
me any written material, nor did 
he orally discuss in any detail his 
materials or his experiences as a 
test pilot. I understand that Mr. 
Goodlin did submit to my associ- 
ates certain written material which 
he had prepared with the knowl- 
edge of the Army Air Forces and 
Bell Aircraft Corp., and this mate- 
rial, never read by me and which 
(Continued on page 18) 



UP 1 5-90% OVER 
PREVIOUS AVI. 

Key city first runs, which to date 
have accounted for an average 86% 
of the total domestic gross of films, 
may be losing part of their im- 
portance to subsequent run houses 
and to smaller towns. » 

Several films that fell compara- 
tively flat in first run engagements 
during the last year have gone on 
to become top grossers once they've 
reached the sticks. Majors, while 
not certain yet that this presages a 
new industry trend, feel that it's 
definitely a situation, to be reckoned 
with in the immediate future. Top- 
ping the list of such "surprise" pic- 
tures is Metro's "Yearling." 

Film opened last winter at Radio 
City Music Hall, N. Y., to a disap- 
pointing five-week gross, doing less 
than the usual Metro film that plays 
there. It also disappointed in most 
other key Cities, with Chicago and 
Oklahoma City among the few keys 
in which it showed any strength. 
Once "Yearling" got into the smaller 
towns, however, it perked up tre- 
mendously, with most situations do- 
ing anywhere from 115-190%. of 
average business for a film that 
grossed enough to pay Metro 40% 
on a sliding scale. 0 Film may even- 
tually, in fact, become Metro's No. 2 
grosser, running second only to 
"Gone With the Wind." 

"Till the Clouds Roll By" per- 
formed similarly for Metro at the 
boxoffice. Twentieth-Fox's "Mother 
(Continued on page 18) 



Metro 'Casts' Writers, 
Fitting Each Man to Job, 
In Cost-Saving Measure 

In its current efforts to cut pro- 
duction costs, Metro is giving much 
greater attention to "casting" writ 7 
ters, according to story editor 
been east for the past month inter- 
been east for the past minth inter- 
viewing many young scriveners for 
prospective assignments at the stu- 
dio and talking with authors and 
publishers. .." . 

"No longer do we toss a book or 
story idea to a writer who we'think 
'might' be able to' do the job," Mac- 
Kenna explained. "We wait now 
until exactly the. right -writer is 
available,' one who we know can 
turn out a screenplay with the min- 
imum time wasted in rewriting and 
polishing." 

Formery, Metro story ed said, a 
writer would often be handed an 
assignment merely because he was 
on the payroll anyway and not do- 
ing anything at the moment and 
despite the fact that it was fairly 
certain other writers would eventu- 
ally have to be put on the job, too. 
Present policy frequently means 
more waiting time before a script 
can be put into work, but a lot less 
writing time after work has started, 
MacKenna said. 

"One thing we're very particular 
about now in 'casting' writers," he 
added, "is that the person assigned 
really wants to do that particular 
(Continued on page 22) 



Despite Justice Dept. 0.0., 
See Naify Deal Okayed 

Washington, Oct. 28. 

Dept. of Justice is continuing its 
investigation of the source of coin 
with which Mike Naify is buying 
out the interest of his partners in 
the Golden State "circuit in Cali- 
fornia, although the deal is expected 
to be consummated in San Fran- 
cisco tomorrow (Wednesday). Anti- 
trusters' probe is understood to have 
broadened somewhat to take in 
stock ownership of United Artists 
Theatre Circuit, N. Y. 

Naify holds an option to take 
over the 116-theatre circuit from 
Eugene Emmick and Robert Mc- 
Neill for about $12,600,000. Julian 
Levi, attorney for Robert Lippert 
and Milton Reynolds, who claimed 
their offer to buy the circuit was 
refused,, claimed to Justice Dept. 
that coin was put up by George 
Skouras and Joseph M. Schenck, 
acting for UATC. 



Legions V Rating on 'Amber Makes 
It Tough to Recoup That $6,000,' 



'Amber' Very in the Black 

"Forever Amber," being 
launched 1 nationwide at upped 
scale this week, is soaring to 
slightly better than $700,000 in 
key cities covered' by Variety-. 
This represents 17 theatres, and 
is by far the greatest amount of 
money racked up by one pic- 
ture first week since Variett 
has been tabulating grosses 
across the country. 

Picture is topping K.C., Louis- 
ville, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, 
Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland, 
Buffalo, Philadelphia, N. Y. and 
Baltimore. It is hitting new 
highs in Louisville, K.C., Chi., 
Cincy, Philly, N. Y. and Balti- 
more.. Film ranges from big to 
colossal in all spots covered. 



Stall Par Execs' 
Bonus Plan Until 
Test Suits Trial 

Paramount's new bonus plan for 
key execs is being tabled pending 
judicial determination of a number 
of stockholders' actions which were 
brought to restrain the company 
from putting .through the plan, Bar- 
ney Balaban, Par's prexy, said last 
week. The proposal, recommended 
by , company's top-drawer -officials 
and approved at this year's annual 
stockholders' meet, had called for 
the formation of a separate invest- 
ment companytb deal in Paramount 
stock only, with the parent organi- 
zation guaranteeing loans made by 
banks to the new outfit, 

While no injunction preliminary 
to trial had been granted against 
Par, bringing of the- actions has 
put the company oh notice by the 
raising of a question on the legality 
of the move, Balaban said. To avoid 
the possibility of liability, should 
the complaining "Stockholders be upr 
held, he added, decision was made 
to wait out a ruling on the litigation. 

Stock of the new outfit was to be 
made available to some 45 key com- 
pany employees. -Par' intended to 
foot part of the costs of the stock 
while the selected execs were to 
divide, on a per-share basis, any 
profits derived from the sale or 
dividends of Paramount common 
stock held by the investment com- 
pany. 



Mono To Vote Nov. 12 On 
AA-British Pathe Prod. 

Board meeting of Monogram Pic- 
tures is scheduled to be held in 
Hollywood Nov. 12 to consider a 
joint filmmaking arrangement be- 
tween Mono-Allied Artists and 
Pathe Pictures, Ltd., of Britain. 
Plan for the companies to set up 
mutually owned producing subsids 
in the U. S. and England was re- 
cently outlined by Mono-AA prexy 
Steve Broidy. .It's understood that 
the official green light will be af- 
fixed to the project. 

Meanwhile, Broidy is in Washing- 
ton, where he arrived from the 
Coast over the weekend for hud- 
dles with MPA prez Eric Johnston. 
Mono veepee Harold Mirisch also 
came in to New York yesterday 
(Tuesday) to work out sales' and 
exploitation plans on AA's "Song of 
My Heart." He'll also attend the 
preem of the King Bros:' "The 
Gangster," which opens at the "Vic- 
toria, N. Y., tomorrow (Thursday). 



Orsatti Building 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Orsatti & Co., the talent agency, is 
building new headquarters on Bev- 
erly Drive to accommodate increased 
activities and new departments. 

New building will be equipped 
with a private theatre, music library, 
enlarged literary department and 
parking lot. 



Condemnation of "Forever Amber? 
by the'Legion of Decency and the 
hierarchy of the Catholic Church 
puts in serious jeopatdy 20th-Fox's 
$6,000,000 investment in the film. 
Few pictures — much less one of the 
costliest ever made — have been able 
to show a profit with the efficient or- 
ganization of the Church lined up 
against them.. 

In "Amber's" favor for earning 
back part of its cost is the fact that 
Fox had already set some 3,000 en- 
gagements. However, cancellations 
of many of these may be expected 
when the Legion machinery gets 
rolling. And 20th's sales force will 
undoubtedly have to do plenty of 
scratching to get many more, if 
"Amber's" experience is similar to 
that of other pix handed the deadly 
"C" rating by the L. of D. 

Howard Hughes' film, "The .Out- 
law," is a prime example: No exlub 
in the, country, probably, holds any 
doubt about the tremendous biz it 
could amass for him. Last week, its 
seventh in New York, it was still do- 
ing $22,000 at the Broadway, after 
virtually every other pic in' the 
house during the past six months 
flopped. It's equally sock at the b;o. 
wherever it opens. Yet it's dying 
of malnutrition for lack of playdates. 
In more than 18 months of release, It 
has had fewer than 3,000 dates. ' 

J. Arthur Rank's "Black 1 Nar- 
cissus" is a more recent example. 
It got excellent reviews when it 
opened at the Fulton on Broadway 
during the summer and it enjoyed 
a highly successful engagement. Yet 
it's getting practically no other dates. 

Priests -and prominent Catholic 
laymen in each territory get word 
through official organs of the Church 
when a film is nixed. They im- 
mediately contact local, theatre own- 
ers and inform them of the Catholic 
stance. In most cases, there's a 
friendly relationship of long stand- 
ing ' between the exhib and local 
church reps. It's a relationship that 
few theatremen are willing to jeop- 
(Continued on page 18) 

CR's 300,000 Days Of 
Checking in 1947 Vs. 
500,000 Tabbed in '46 

Decrease in checking' of theatre 
engagements by distribs this year 
is highly evident in figures on ac- 
tivity of Confidential Reports. Co-op 
agency maintained by . 11 companies 
will have provided slightly over 300,- 
000 days of checking service for 1947 
as against almost 500,000 last year, 
it has been learned. 

Since the cost of checking is cur- 
rently $10.83 a day, distribs will 
spend only about $3,400,000 with 
Confidential this year, as against 
about $5,000,000 in 1946. These fig- 
ures include checking Service for 
all the majors exceptr Metro, which 
does its own Sherlocking, and for 
virtually all the minors. 

Confidential bills its member-com- 
panies for the actual $6.60 per day 
it pays its operatives in the field, 
plus an overhead -charge adjusted 
quarterly. Present overhead nick is 
$4.23 per checking day. It has been 
as high as, $4.66. 

Checking agency was started in 
1945 with five original members, 
20th - Fox, Universal, Paramount, 
RKO and Columbia, each advancing 
coin. Fox, for instance, advanced 
$57,510 in 1945 and followed this 
with an advance of $149,424 on Jan. 
15, 1946, for service to be rendered 
during that year. It also loaned 
Confidential $21,922,, at 2% interest, 
payable January, 1950, for office 
equipment, supplies, etc. 

Frisco Trust Suit Vs. UA 

San Francisco, Oct. 28. 

Edward C. Raftery, former United 
Artists prexy, is repping here for 
the eight majors in the $1,540,000 
triple damage anti-trust suit brought 
against them by Theatco, Inc.. Raf- 
tery pulled into Frisco last week and 
is currently conducting depositions 
in preparation of trial. - 

He'll remain several weeks and 
will take an active part in the trial 
of the action in behalf of the distribi. 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



CSU Strike Nears Fadeontas Studio 
Painters Local Votes Return to Work 



Hollywood, Oct. 28. -♦- 

Curtains for the long-drawn juris- 
dictional battle here' was indicated 
when members of Studio Painters 
Local 644 voted in favor of a return 
to work without penalty this morn- 
ing (28). Actual count on a stand- 
ing vote was 261 to 243. Same prop- 
osition will be put to the Carpenters, 
Set Designers and Machinists this 
week and if acceptable to them will 
mean the fplding Of the bitter fight 
with the International Alliance of 
Theatrical Stage Employees over set 
erection jurisdiction. 

As it is, the vote takes away one 
of the major props' that held the 
Conference of Studio Unions to- 
gether .for the last 13 months. It 
paves .the way for reopening collec- 
tive bargaining negotiations broken 
off last May when this local rejected 
the possibility of passing through; 
.picket lines of other crafts. 

Vote does not mean mass return 
to jobs. • Action is in form of a 
recommendation that, due to an 
economic crisis caused by the long 
struggle, members be permitted to 
seek jobs anywhere without preju- 
dice to their local standing; without 
fear of fine or assessment Same 
recommendation was voted down by 
non-AFL machinists last week but 
may be brought up again this Thurs- 
day- ■,' - 

Job return is expected to be 
gradual as spots open in studios. 
Indicated at a meeting that every 
effort will be made to lessen heavy 
fines placed, on "boss" painters when 
they returned to work some time 
ago. This would assure those re- 
turning to work now of proper 
treatment from foremen. 

Herbert SorreU, CSU head, told 
members he expects to get part- 
time work outside of the studios 
while, continuing as union official. 

Paving way forjthe painters' ac- 
tion were- sidestepping of jurisdic- 
tional problem by AFL convention 
and lack of results from meetings 
held by Rep. Carroll Reams. 

CHI SHOWMEN USING 
PK TO FIGIT NEW TAX 

Chicago, Oct. 28-. 

Operators of pic and legit houses 
here are eying apprehensively a new 
4% amusement tax that went into 
effect yesterday (Mon.) in Bloom' 
ingt'on, Jll. City tax is first in 
Illinois, and theatre men here, bat 
tling -a proposed 3% leyy^ are pre- 
paring trailers. show In various 
other '; communities "Contemplating 
similar action. ... 

Chicago 'tHe&tres are! currently 
showing shorts,, featuring Bay Mil- 
land,, opposing the tax. Over 110,- 
000 names have been signed to anti- 
tax- petitions to be sent to aldermen. 

Sam Gardner's Month 
In N.Y. for M-G Huddle 

Samuel J. Gardner, -field assistant 
to' Metro's west coast sales manager 
George A- HicKey, has been selected 
as the fifth M-G sales exec to spend 
a month at the homeoffice under the 
rotating plan recently announced, by 
veepee jjver sales William F. Bodgers. 
Gardner is pinchhitting.for Hickey, 
detained by business in Los Angeles. 

WJiile in New York, Gardner will 
sit in on sales cabinet huddles. Metro 
midwestem sales manager Burtus 
Bishop, Jr., left Friday (24) for his 
Chicago headquarters after five 
weeks at the h.o. under the plan. 



Pitch for 10% Tax Cat 

Washington, Oct. 28. 
Ted Gamble, . prez of Theatre 
Owners of America, and Bobert 
Coyne, exec sec'y, huddled today 
with Treasury Dept. officials and 
presented their pitch for a' reduc- 
tion in Federal admissions taxes. 
Gamble is out to restore the bite 
to 10%, rates in effect in pre-war 
days. '" " ; 

Gamble also attended a confer- 
ence of » business men at which 
Secretary of State George Marshall 
outlined the European aid problem. 



Hollywood, Oct 28. 
Independent Motion Picture Con- 
trollers elected Thomas W. Parham 
president fpr the third successive 
term. 

Other winning candidates were 
Mike Simon, veepee and treasurer, 
and Henrietta Tepe, Earl Beaman 
and Art Campfleld, directors. 



Rene Clair Cautions 



Adult Fan Clubs Urged 
By Emily Kimbrough 

Minneapolis, Oct. 28. 

Speaking before the Minneapolis 
and St. Paul divisions of the Min- 
nesota Education Assn., Emily Kim- 
brough, author and Hollywood 
scripter, urged school teachers to 
write letters to Hollywood express- 
ing their views on current pictures 
and to create adult fan clubs in an 
effort to improve screen standards. 

"Bobby soxers and juvenile fan 
clubs write letters by the thousands," 
Miss Kimbrough pointed out. "Holly- 
wood is in business to produce a 
product that will sell, just like re- 
frigerators „ or automobiles. And 
what it produces depends, on the 
public. The trouble is that thinking: 
people, dont write the studios about 
their movies, while foolish r-ople- 
do "by the thousands . . ." 



ue 

Despite laurels generally handed 
him for developing a new technique 
which may broaden the field for 
foreign-language .pix, Bene Clair, 
producer r director - -writer of "Man 
About Town," -the Maurice Chevalier 
starrer, thinks his all-French pic 
("Silence D'Or") is better than the 
hybrid English - French version 
which preemed last week at the 
Bijou (N. Y). "I doubt whether the 
second version would have won the 
Brussels Film Festival prize which 
'Silence D'Or' captured," the French 
triple-threat man said. 

"If we' wanted to show the critics 
the most artistic one, we would have 
shown the original," Clair added, ig- 
noring the fave reviews which New 
York critics accorded the BKO re- 
lease. "We .made -the second' for 
those who don't like to read sub- 
titles." (Second version, reviewed 
in the Oct 22 issue of Variety, gets 
the action across by inserting clips 
of 'Chevalier explaining the story 
in English.) 

Whether BKO will use the tech- 
nique again on other foreign-lingo 
pix .will depend on- the b.o. per- 
formance of "Man" at ordinary nape 
houses, Clair said. He warns against 
the temptation of following the new 
pattern too frequently, even if suc- 
cessful, because he has no doubts 
that the public would tire of it 
quickly. 

Clair disclosed that BKO will also 
release the all-French 'version in the 
U. S. simultaneously with the two- 
language pic: Former, of course, will 
plajr pnly.-art houses; while the lat- 
ter is booked in regular circuits. 

"It's rather unfortunate that the 
first trial' of this new method was 
such, a severe test," Clair said. 
"Actually, this film depends more on 
dialog than action. The method 
should be more effective with an 
action film that thas no subtleties of 
language. We've made some errors, 
but now we'll know how to do it 
even -better. 

"Production costs in France are 
now 12 times what they were in pre- 
war days," Clair asserted. Skyrock- 
eting nut for pix has taken its toll so 
that while French producers made 
between 50-60 films last year, much 
less are being turned out currently. 
"Silence", cost 100,000,000 francs 
(about $800,000), Clair said. 

Producer returns to the Coast the 
end of this week. He has another 
film to do for BKO under his two 
pic commitment. Meanwhile, he 
said. Chevalier, who's just arrived 
in the U. S., will precede preems of 
his pic in a number of key cities by 
concert appearances in those towns. 

Thesps' Air Chores Nip 
Pic Shooting Schedules 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 
Film thesps with radio chores are 
causing much juggling of shooting 
schedules on three of the four pic-: 
tures currently at work at Univer- 
sal-International, 

Actors doubling between film and 
air shows are Vincent Price and 
Dick Haymes in "Up in Central 
Park", Tony Martin in "Casbah 
Howard Duff in "All My Sons" and 
Lew Parker in "Are You With It? 



UA Going Ahead 
With British Prod. 

United Artists maj fie iable to go 
ahead with its plans for production 
of six^pictures in England within 
the next two years, despite new 
British financial restrictions, Arthur 
W. Kelly, exec v. p.,- said last week. 
Kelly stated he did not think the 
plan UA was formulating came un- 
der the new rules, and he is hoping 
that it gets British Treasury ap- 
proval. , ' ..;•'. 

It will take about 30 days to get 
the project in shape for presenta- 
tion to the Treasury, the UA exec 
said, and he expects an answer 
within 10 days after that. He re- 
fused to go into detail on the plan, 
which he started under way when 
he was in Engtend recently. 

The new regulations provide that 
U. S. companies cannot borrow from 
either American or British basks for 
production in England without first 
getting British Treasury approval. 
It's taken for granted that such ap- 
proval will not be given unless the 
American companies want to have 
their banks here transfer dollars to 
the English Treasury, which in turn 
will issue pound "credits. In other 
words, the British are saying: "Send 
over dollars to do the job" Ameri- 
can companies are -not inclined to do 
that or -to avoid borrowing altogether 
by using their current British in- 
come. 

KY. EXHIBS DISCUSS 
CO-OP AT 2-DAY MEET 

Louisville, Oct. 28. 
Kentucky Theatre Owners- Assn. 
held two-day convention Thursday- 
Friday (23-24) at which a theatre- 
owners co-op. was discussed, . to get 
independent iheatreowners a better 
deal on films. Suggestion was made 
by Lew Weithe, head of a Cincin- 
nati theatreowners cooperative, in a 
speech before the convention Thurs- 
day (23). Under the plan, Weithe 
said, indie exhibitors can rent films 
as economically .as the chains. Said 
group cental plan also eliminates 
considerable B product which the 
independent is forced to take in' or- 
der to get the better product 

Also addressing the. convention 
was Leon J. Bamberger, BKO sales 
promotion manager. Friday's (24) 
session heard Ted- Gamble, prez of 
Theatre Owners of America. W. A. 
Carroll, executive secretary of the 
Associated Theatre Owners of In- 
diana, also spoke. 

By a narrow vote the KTQ. de- 
cided to affiliate with the TOA, pri- 
marily to combat increased film- 
royalty demands by ASCAP. 



Senja Skates Back 

HoUywood, Oct. 28. 

Sonja Henie will return to the 
screen as star' in a picture to be pro- 
duced in.Cmecolor by Hunt Strom 
berg for Eagle. Lion release. Strom- 
berg is currently in New York to 
close the deal with EL. 

Dennis O'Keefe will play the male 
lead in the film, based on a yarn 
by Eddie Jan1.es and Jack Emanuel 



Foreign fib Rentals from 16m 
Market Now $1,000,600 a Year 



Col's SF Sales 



New Orleans, Oct. 28. 
. Second of Columbia Picture's 
series of three sectional sales meets 
opened today '(Tuesday) at the 
Roosevelt hotel here, with general 
sales manager A. Montague pre- 
siding. Attending the conclave are 
homeoffice execs and sales person- 
nel ,in addition to division man- 
agers from six exchanges, com- 
prising the southeastern arid south- 
western divisions. ,. 
. Concluding sales meet is sched- 
uled in San Francisco next week. 



Canadian Theatre Fire 
Loss4176,178 in 1946; 



Montreal, Oet. 28. 
Loss from theatre fires in Canada- 
in 1946 totalled $178,178, compared 
to only about $75,000 during -1944, 
according to official figures just. an- 
nounced. This rise, more or less 
parallels the trend in all fire losses 
in the Dominion during the last 10 
years. . 

There were fewer fires in 1946 than 
in 9 several previous years, but the 
aggregate loss was greater. Ontario 
had 15 theatre fires last year, .ac- 
counting for $34,737 loss. -However, 
an estimated $3,474,000- damage was 
caused during the year by 18,964 
cases of carelessness of smokers in 
smokirig-prohibited sections of the- 
atres. Increased fire drills, more 
stringent restrictions and more vigi- 
lant inspection are being Harried 
out. ..'•'.- 



Fire Dept. Shutters Texas House 

Silsbee, Texas, Oct. 28. 

The fire department and city com- 
missioners here condemned the 
building housing the "" Jefferson 
Amusement Co. theatre here, dos- 
ing, the house and leaving this com- 
munity without, a •theatre for first 
time in 25 years. 

According to D. H. Suitt, manager 
herp for the -company, has planned 
a new house for town arid is waiting 
federal permission to start construc- 
tion. 



Export Assn. Enlarges 
To Include Co. Prexies 

Motion Picture Export Assn. 
yesterday (Tuesday) unanimously 
voted to enlarge its board by in- 
cluding prexies or other top execs 
of its nine company members. The 
action was taken to build a larger 
body to pass on important policy 
problems confronting the industry 
Newly named top-drawer reps will 
act as an executive committee to 
meet- with MPEA's prexy, Eric 
Johnston, on a regular basis. 

• Biggies designated are Barney 
Balaban, Paramount's prez; N. J. 
Blumberg, Universal; Nicholas M. 
Schehck, Metro; Grad Sears, United 
Artists; Steve Broidy, Allied Artists; 
Jack Cohn, Columbia's exec veepee; 
Ned Depinet, BKO's exec veepee; 
and Sam Schneider, v.p. for Warner 
Bros. Board heretofore consisted of 
the foreign dept. heads alone. 



KAMBEE'S KOI 

Add Broadway columnists: 
Bernie Kamber, flack for indie 

producer Benedict Bogeaus, has 

started a twice-a-week Main Stem 

pillar for the Honesdale (Pa.) 

Wayne County Democrat. It's labeled 

"Kamber's Korner." 
P. S. Kamber is part owner of the 

Wayne County Country Club near 

Honesdale. 



ITs Rieger Brings Back 



Comprehensive survey of Univer 
sal International's European actlvl 
ties has been made by -Ferdinand 
Bieger, company's manager of for- 
eign branch operations, who re 
cently returned to his New York 
headquarters after a sixmonth stay 
at the firm's Paris office. His find- 
ings, which included certain recom- 
mendations, were incorporated in a 
report Submitted to homeoffice top 
pers last week. Nature of the recom- 
mendations was not disclosed.. 

While abroad Bieger also set up 
U-I's Paris auditing staff, which now 
is designed to handle branch opera 
tions on a more uniform basis. With 
blocked remittances and severe in 
flation in France, he said, the busi- 
ness' outlook for U. S. film companies 
is decidedly uncertain. He also was 
unable to throw further light on the 
company's future French production 
plans. . • 

Commenting on the recent action 
of the French government in ban- 
ning all dubbing, then rescinding 
the order a month later, Bieger felt 
that the ukase did not disturb the 
U. S. majors as much as it did the 
independent film importers. Dub- 
bing ban presumably was to con-, 
serve raw stock. However, U. S. 
majors each annually import on the 
average about 15 pix and their dub- 
bing is done on stock bought in 
America and paid for in dollars at 
the source. 

According to the foreign branch 
chief the order was not aimed so 
much at the U. S. majors as it was 
at the indies for the dubbing sus- 
pension gave the government an op- 
portunity to investigate the small 
importers' raw stock sources and 
any dollar leakages that their activi- 
ties may have caused. 



t- Business, of servicing commercial 
16m theatres abroad, . into which 
some of the U. S, majors entered 
following the war, has now de- 
veloped to the point where rentals 
are amounting to more: than $1,000,- 
000 a year. Not much more than 
half that sum, however, is'being re- 
mitted to the U. S., as the narrow- 
gauge income is subject to the same 
currency restrictions, in various 
countries as is the 35m. 

With easing of the equipment 
situation, number of theatres using 
16m instead of standard film has 
been increasing tremendously. Slow- 
down is faced now, however, as more . 
and more countries run into a dollar 
shortage and put 1 a clamp on re- 
mittances to the U. S, Since this 
country is the major source of new 
projectors, .there will be no more 
acquired by prospective exhibs in 
nations with currency blocks. 

Machines, which were virtually 
impossible to obtain ft year ago, are 
now available within 30 days of 
placing an order. Bell & Howell is 
the only make for which there is a 
longer wait. Distribs in the 16m 
market have been aiding potential 
exhibs to get the machines at a 
wholesale price. That's from $300 
to $350. 

Companies now active are BKO, . 
Metro, Columbia and Universal. 
Warner Bros, is going ahead slowly 
and Paramount is at. a standstill ex- . 
cept for some prints it already has 
in the field. United Artists and 
20th-Fox are doing nothing at the 
moment Of the minors, Republic-is 
operating through Metro, while 
Monogram has-recently started to 
get active. - , . 

-Philippines Best Market 
Philippines are proving the best 
market for /the 16m product and is 
especially attractive since 100% of 
tire profits can be remitted to the 
U. "S, Most of the Latin American 
countries also have a fairish sprink- 
ling of the substandard theatres and 
most of them, too, allow money to 
be sent out Loew's, Universal and 
Columbia are also operating on a 
moderately large scale in England. 
They're getting their coin out now, 
of course, but how long that will go 
on is dubious. 

France has a tremendous number 
of 16m houses and billings are high 
there, but no money's being remitted. 
Exchange rate has become so low 
and restrictions so tough, that most 
companies have stopped doing, busi- 
ness with China,- although there are 
quite a few 16m accounts there. 
Other territories with -which busi- 
ness is being done are Siam, Singa- 
pore, Palestine, India and Belgium, 
with Italy just getting under way 
and promising to be quite produc- 
tive. 

In addition to these countries, the 
13 which are serviced fpr the indus- 
try by the cooperative Motion Pic- 
ture Export Assn. are about to be 
qpened.to 16m. MPEA is starting to 
requisition prints from the com- 
panies and review them for suita- 
bility. First countries that Export 
is intending to go into in 16m- are 
Holland arid Hungary. 

While U. S. distribs have no in- 
tention of advancing dollars to buy 
projection machines for prospective 
exhibs in those countries with dol- 
lar restrictions, they will continue 
their efforts in every other way to 
develop further , 16m business in 
these territories. Despite the fact 
coin can't be exported to the U. S., 
the 'distribs feel that by developing 
16m theatres to supplement the 
standard houses they are building 
for the future. 

, New product is being made avail- 
able in 16m. However, managers in 
each territory, who do the initial 
selection of films, are mostly going 
into backlogs piled up during the 
war to include in the group of pix 
best suited for their area. 



Ben Holzman Kecupes 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Ben Holsman of the William 
Morris office, showed a marked im- 
provement after blood transfusion. 

Underwent abdominal operation 
Friday. 



SAG W ANTS ELECTION 
ON STUDIO GUILD SHOP 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

First application'by a union in this 
area for a special election under the 
Taft-Hartley law was filed yester- 
day (Mon.) by the Screen Actprs 
Guild with the National Labor Rela- 
tions Board; 

Petition calls for a vote .to prove 
that a majority of actors favor the 
guild shop in studios. It . also cer- 
tifies that SAG has complied with 
all requirements of the new law, in- 
cluding an annua^ financial state- 
ment and non-Communist affidavits 
by its officers. * 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 P ftliiEfY 



7 



An Editorial from the Motion Picture Herald 



MM 



m 



'ay 



of 



solid 



to 



be 



mte t 



have; HA- 



on 



Main * °* es o/ 







Sas 't«r- 



" S K c 



18 



Your statement eloquently sums up the excitement that has per- 
meated the entire industry over 20th's current and coming product. 

Typical of the anticipation with which the motion picture world is r 
looking toward 20th is the fact that, over a month before release 
date, "Forever Amber" was booked by more than 3,000 of the fore- 
most theatres in the United States and Canada! 

NO OTHER COMPANY HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO SAY THAT 
ABOUT ANY PICTU RE IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE INDUSTR Y! 

The confidence of theatremen in the potentialities of "Forever 
Amber" will be matched by the succeeding attractions from the 
leading figure in the industry, 20th Century-Fox! 

Sea the following pages , 



lilll 

-mm 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



9 




Vtf # % * * $ 





1 Iw 

ffl §§§|1_ 

lis as 



iCHNICOLOR 






CENTURY-FOX 




W«anee(Tny. October 29, 1947 



I 




FOREVER AMBER* Technicolor . l/ixfa Dome// • Cornei Wlkh • Webord Greene • George Santkrs 

■ * ./• ■ ' . 

"DAISY KEN YON" Joan Crawford . Dona Andrews . Homy Fonda 
"GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT Gregory Peck . Dorothy AkGuire . John GarMd 
CAPTAIN FROM CASTILE" Technicolor . Tyrone PcVer . Jean Potors . Ceior Romero 
THUNDER IN THE VALLEY" Technicolor . ion McCallhtor . Edmund Gwenn . Peooy Ann Oarntr 
"YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME" Jeanne Cro/n Don Dailoy 

"THE BALLAD OF FURNACE CREEK" Victor Motor* . George Montgomery . Co/een Gray 
GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY" Technicolor. Dan Dailty. Charles Wlnnhger. Nancy Gutfd 
'CALL NORTHSIDE 777' James Stewart . He/en Walker . Richard Conte 
"WALLS OF JERICHO" l/nda Dome// . Corne/ Wi'/cte . Anne Baxter 
"SITTING PRETTY" Maureen O'Hara . Robert Young . C/tfton Webb 

"GREEN GRASS OF WYOMING" Technicolor . Peggy Cummins . CMes Coburn . Robert Arthur 

■ ' • \ 

"THE SNAKE PIT" Olivia de Havilhnd also starring Mark Stevens andUoGenn 

"SUMMER LIGHTNING" Technicolor . June Haver . ton McCallkter 

"THIS IS THE MOMENT" Technicolor .. Betty Grable * Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. * 



■ 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



PRE-PRODUCTION 



11 



March of Time WouW Co-Produce 
Features East With H wood Majors 



Plan by which March of. Time 4- 
would become, a co-producer with 
studios- desiring to make films in 
the east was' announced to his staff 
Monday (27) night by Bichard de 
Bochemont, MOT topper 
disclosed plans of the documentary 
organization to make four features 
on its own. 

De Bochemont's idea is for the 
Coast studio or indie producer to 
provide a package including story, 
stars and director. MOT will take 
it from there, providing the screen- 
play (or 'adaptation of the screenplay 
to fit conditions, if one is already 
available), the supporting cast and 
assistant directors, as well as the. 
entire technical staff. - 

Upon submission of the script, 
MOT will give the producer a firm 
estimate on the cost of its end of 
making the, film, including editing 
and scoring. Outfit is also prepared-, 
if the. producer desires, to assist" in 
financing in return for participation 
in the film's profits. 

De- Bochemont' said he is now 
dickering with four producers who 
desire - -to take advantage of the 
service^ Immediately available, he 
declared, are assignments to make 
four. B pictures for a major studio, 
but he prefers to participate in high - 
budgeters. only. It's understood 
studio to which he referred is 20th- 
Fox, -which distribs the March of 
Time reel. MOT chief figures he- 
couid'eo-produce five films a year, in 
addition" to turning out the regular, 
monthly documentary- two-reeler 
and the .commercial films the outfit 
has been making. 

De Bochemont's pitch to the 
studios is that he can save them 
plenty of coin on pictures which 
lend themselves to eastern produc- 
tion. He said many of the units 
which have worked out of New York 
in the past have discovered it cost 
them just as much as it does in Hol- 
lywood because there is much waste 
motion in moving their organization 
and then having it operate in un- 
familiar territory. MOT's IS years 
of experience in location shooting in 
and around New York, can cut that 
tremendously, he claims. - Likewise 
a saving is the fact that MOT has 
no studio overhead, but has Fox- 
. (Continued on page 18) 



Q. and A. 

Vic Levitt, amusement editor 
of Trade Union Service, has a 
He also y' scheme which he believes will 
save exhibs and distribs the 
trouble of going through the 
rash of current surveys to deter- 
mine whether the public will "go 
lor advanced admissions. In a 
communique to Variett, Levitt 
writes: .. "-•' 

"Be your stories about surveys 
of how customers like to pay 
higher admissions for super- 
specials like ... we can save 
them money. Next Thanksgiv- 
ing just ask the turkey how he 
likes the axe." ,- 



WeUes to Edit 'Macbeth' 
By Remote Control in Italy 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Orson Welles will, complete his, 
editing -of "Macbeth" by remote 
control, in Italy, through an ar- 
rangement with Herbert Yates, Be- 
public prexy. 

Currently Welles is shearing the 
film but does not expect to finish it 
by Nov. 4, when he leaves for Borne 
to play in Edward Small's "Caglios- 
tro." Yates wants "Macbeth" ready 
for December, showings in Los An- 
geles, to make it eligible for the 
Oscar Derby. 




Exhibs Now Partners 
With Prods., Goldwyn's 



N Y. INDIES FEAR 16M'S 
GROWING OPPOSITION 

Burgeoning 16m competition in 
New York and the surrounding hin- 
terlands have local exhib orgs up in 
arms to put a clamperon narrow- 
gauge operations; Distribs have al- 
ready- been approached by the 
Metropolitan, Motion Picture The- 
atres Assn. with a request to taper 
on licensing of 16m pix for com- 
mercial ; purposes. Independent The- 
atre Owners' Assn., another local 
theatre group has authorized its 
legislative committee to block wide- 
spread 1 ., operations by seeking en- 
forcement of building codes. 

Survey by an MMPTA committee 
consisting of Manny Frisch ;Band- 
force Amusement Co.), Sam Bosen 
.(Fabian circuit) and Fred Schwartz 
(Century circuit) indicates/ it's 
claimed, that chief cause for mush- 
rooming of narrow-gauges ar > coin- 
raising activities by vet organiza- 
tions and churches. Sporadic prac- 
tice wouldn't hurt, it's said, but 
many vet outfits are regularly book- 
ing feature films at 10c and 20c per 
throw. It's beginning to cut into 
nabe patronage, squawk goes. 

Number of major distribs have ad- 
vised MMPTA that they'll cooperate 
to slash narrow-gauge performances, 
It's Understood, but several others 
have pooh-poohed their being a 
threat ' to commercial 35m tbewrs. 
Committee • is currently mulling 
recommendations to be made to the 
general body of the MMPTA. 

Theatre Owners of America, \t 
their recent Washington meei, con- 
demned all peddling of 16m pix for 
theatrical purposes. 

Bacall and Morgan 

Teamed for Comedy 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 
Lauren Bacall breaks away from 
Humphrey Bogart, cinematically, to 
co-star with Dennis Morgan in 
Cleopatra Arms," a tale of a Man- 
hattan apartment hotel, at Warners. 

Picture will be screenplayed and 
produced by Harry Kurnitz from an 
original by Everett Freeman. 



Industry would be. much better 
off if it had many more upped-ad- 
mission pictures; rather than fewer, 
Samuel Goldwyn declared in New 
York yesterday (Tuesday). Pro- 
ducer said that no film could com- 
pete in the market on an increased 
price basis unless it was worth the 
money — and thus more such films 
would indicate that there are more 
good films. 

Highly critical of exhibs who ob- 
ject to outstanding pictures sold at 
the tilted tap when the public is 
obviously willing to pay for- them, 
Goldwyn. said that theatremen "must 
realize they are in partnership with 
Hollywood."-' He . emphasized pro- 
ducers were taking all the gamble 
on making films, not exhibs who 
don't book them until they've seen 
them, at tradeshows and then 
(Continued on page 22) 

H'WOOD NAMES AT PITT 
VARIETY CLUB DINNER 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 28; 
More than 700 showmen from 
Pittsburgh as well as both coasts 
paid $20 a plate to take in the 20th 
anniversary banquet of Variety 
Club's Tent No. 1 here Sunday 
night (26)v Affair ~was being re- 
sumed again 7 after wartime lapse of 
six years, and a feature was the 
adoption of Catherine Variety Sheri- 
dan III, the eighth waif the club has 
eared for ip 20 years. 

John H. Harris, one of founders 
of Variety Club and now its life- 
time Big Boss, was general chairman 
of the banquet. Present from Holly- 
wood were Walter Pidgeon, Gene 
Kelly, Regis Toomey and Vlhce 
Barnett, latter three all home-town 
actors. Also on the dais, in addi- 
tion to three "roastmasters," Nor- 
man Frescott, Harold Hoffman and 
William McCraw, was Joe E. Brown, 
who came from Cleveland, where 
he's appearing in 'Harvey." Others 
present were U. S. Senator Edward 
Martin, of Pennsylvania; Congress- 
man Dewey Short, of Missouri; 
Babbi Benjamin Glazer, of" Detroit, 
one of Variety Club's original 
chaplains; Manuel de Moya, min- 
ister consul of Dominican Republic, 
and Myron Cohen and Bob Hall. 

Show from the center ring fol- 
lowing the speeches was m.c.'d by 
Joey Adams and included the Bus- 
ter Shaver revue, Paul Wincheii, 
Elgins, Calgary Brothers, Velve- 
tones, Randolph the Magician; Lois 
Lee, of the Broadway cast of "High 
Button Shoes," and the bands of 
(Continued on page 22) 



Joseph-Bergman Huddle 
On TJ Pub-Ad Campaigns 

John Joseph, Universal's ad-pub- 
licity chief, is in New York for 
homeofflce confabs and to personal- 
ly supervise campaigns on several 
forthcoming releases. He will set 
campaigns on "A Double Life," 
"Senator Was Indiscreet," "Naked 
City" and other U-I productions 
soon to go out on distribution. 

Joseph is conferring with Maurice 
Bergman, eastern ad-publicity di- 
rector, on these campaigns. Berg- 
man was able to return to his office 
this week after being bedded by a 
severe attack of gallstones which 
kept him off his feet for over two 
weeks. Joseph will be in N. Y. about 
16 days before returning to the 
Coast. 



Brass Map Prod 

Metro's top brass batted ideas 
around _last week on ways to perk 
up product quality but they're not 
talking on any plans they might 
have mapped out. 

Indications that the concerted 
huddles at the homeofflce were out 
of the ordinary, however, were 
seen in the number of top studio 
executives that converged on New 
York at the same time. Coast con- 
tingent was led by production chief 
Louis B. Mayer and included, in 
addition to Strickling, exec produ- 
cers Benjamin K. Thau, E. J. Man- 
nix and James K. McGuinness. Se- 
ries of discussions with, prexy Nich- 
olas M. Schenck and other h.o. 
officials began Wednesday '(22), 
winding up Friday (24) when Thau 
and Mannix trained " back to the 
Coast. 

Eeluctance to divulge the out- 
come of their huddles is considered 
obvious. Any statement along those 
lines, it's pointed out, would neces- 
sarily entail an admission that films 
turned out during the last -Several 
years have not been up to par. 
Suggestion that one of the methods 
decided upon to improve quality 
was the purchase of more bestsell- 
ing novels and stage hits was de- 
nied by studio publicity chief How- 
ard Strickling, who pointed outthat 
Metro has always bought the best 
properties it can in a competitive 
market. 

After viewing some of the new 
Broadway shows for the last week, 
Mayer .and Strickling went Up to 
Boston yesterday (Tuesday) to see 
•some that are still in the tryout 
stage on the road. They're slated 
to return to the Coast Friday (31). 



Set Italian Director 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Carmine Gallone, pioneer Italian 
film director, will direct "The Eter- 
nal Melody" in Bome, according to 
word received at Columbia, which 
will release the picture. 

Film co-stars Jan Kiepura, Marta 
Eggerth end Janis Carter, and is 
produced by Gregor Babinovitch. 



Metro and Par Decisions on Dolphin/ 
Unconquered' Cue Fewer Upped Pix 



For Cutting Film Lengths 

Metro sales chief William F. 
Bodgers, besides taking a stand 
against increased admission 
prices for films during present 
conditions, also went out on a 
limb last week .by taking a swipe 
at the overlong playing time of 
many current pictures. 

Rodgerss declared he'd be defi- 
• nitely in favor . of trimming 
"Green Dolphin Street" down to 
about two hours from its pres- 
ent two hour and 20-minute run- 
ning time. Noting that other 
Metro pictures had run that long 
in the past and still raked in top 
grosses, Rodgers declared no de- . 
cision had yet been reached on 
trimming' "Dolphin." Present 
length, he stressed, won't inter- 
fere with its ultimate gross. 



Rodgers Discusses M-G 
Print Orders, Selling; 
Kudoses Exhibs' Bally 

Metro sales chief William R. -Rod- 
gers. last week scoffed at reports 
that M-G is supplying less prints 
now on each picture in order to 
pinch pennies or to get longer run- 
ning time for its product. Company 
makes just as many prints available 
as ever, he said, adding that many 
of them probably receive less circu- 
lation now than they did .five years 
ago because of the single sales 
policy. 

Rodgers admitted that the prob- 
lem of getting Technicolor prints is 
still a tough one and that this might 
have something to do. with the print- 
pinching rumors. After "Gone with 
the Wind" had demonstrated its 
(Continued on page 18) 



WALLIS HAS 4 TO GO 
IN MONTH OF DEC. 

Hollywood, Oct/ 28. 
Hal Wallis is planning a busy 
Christmas season, with four pix 
slated to go between Dec. 1 and 
Jan. 1. 

First is "Sorry, -Wrong Number," 
screenplayed by Lucille Fletcher 
from airshow. Anatole Litvak is to 
direct and co-produce. Barbara 
Stanwyck and Wendell Corey will 
star in "Be Still, My Love." "House 
of Mist" is tentatively slated for 
lerising in England with mixed cast 
of Americans and Britons. "Bope 
of Sand" is to be a Burt Lancaster 
starrer. 

Wallis is also pencilling in two 
more for spring. 



Briefs From the Lots 



' Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Alan Hale checked in at Warners 
for "The Adventures of Don Juan," 
his 11th .role with Errol Flynn... 
Vincent Sherman is using a mobile 
shortwave set to direct widespread 
scenes; for "The Adventures of Don 
Juan" . . . Scripture Films bought 
"The Frontier Parson and God's 
Animals," authored by Herman 
Hack, for 10m production. . .Richard 
Haydn assigned to a comedy role in 
"Sitting Pretty" at 20th-Fox.. .Bar- 
ton MacLane signed as a heavy in 
"The Walls of Jericho". . .John Hoyt 
moved into "Winter Meeting" after 
finishing "Christopher Blake"" at 
Warners. . .Seymour Nebenzal and 
Charles R. Rogers will start "Queen 
of Hearts" Dec. 8 on the Goldwyn 
lot, with Maria Montez starring. 

Richard Kohlmar draws produc- 
tion reins on "That Beautiful Urge," 
a remake of "Love Is News," first 
filmed in 1937 at 20th-Fox. . .Curt 
Furberg, French character actor, 
comes out of retirement for a role in 
"To the Victor" at Warners. . .Wil- 
liam Bishop draws the male lead in 
"Adventures of Silverado" at Co- 
lumbia. . .Trevor Bardette signed 
for a character part in "The Beturn 
of . the Whistler" at Columbia. . . 
Dorothy Vaughn plays a mother role 
in "Song of Idaho" at Columbia. 

Republic, has the heaviest cellu- 
loid backlog In -its history, with the 
completion of "Old Los Angeles" 
and "Dangers of the Canadian 
Mounted" making a total of 18 pic- 
tures. . .Jeanne ' Stuart makes her 
American screen bow in "The Ad- 



ventures of Don Juan" at Warners. . . 
Metro started a series of shorts,. 
"Martin Block's Merry-Go-Bound," 
with Keenan Wynn as guest star and 
Freddy Martin's band featured. 

Enterprise purchased "Tuesday to 
Bed," a novel by Francis Sill Wick- 
ware. . . RKO's second picture to be 
filmed in England in association with 
J. Arthur Rank is "The Captain 
Was a Lady," to be produced next 
summer by William Pereira. . .With 
the Hopalong Cassidy series shut- 
tered until next spring, Lewis Rach- 
mil, producer for William Boyd, has 
swung over temporarily to Frank 
Seltzer Productions in an executive 
capacity. . .Charles Bennett goes to 
London in February to script and 
direct "The Miracle of Peille" for 
Associated British . . . Otto Kruger 
signed for "Lulu Belle," which Les- 
lie Fenton will direct for • Benedict 
Bogeaus. . .Louis Bromfleld sold his 
novel, "Colorado," to Metro for a 
reported $125,000. . .Th i r d of the 
Allen Lane outers, "Oklahoma Bad- 
lands," will be produced by Gordon 
Kay, starting Nov. 10 at Eepublic . . . 
RKO's editors are working on 15 
features and three shorts, with five 
features still 'shooting. 

Ralph Steiner drew "Evening in 
Modesto" for his 1948 production 
schedule at RKO. . .Alexander. Knox 
terminated his player contract with 
Columbia and will freelance. . . 
George Montgomery will co-star 
with Dorothy Latnour in "Lulu 
Belle," to be produced by Benedict 
Bogeaus for Columbia release... 
(Continued on page 22) 



General tapering off in the majors' 
plans to earmark their top-budgeted 
films for increased admission prices 
is seen in the decision of Metro 
sales veepee William F. Rodgers not 
to ask for upped scales on M-G's 
high - budgeted "Green Dolphin 
Street." Metro plans to leave it up 
to individual exhibs to" decide 
whether they want to boost their 
ticket tabs. Paramount likewise cut 
its $1.80 scale for "Unconquered" at 
the Rivoli, N.Y., to $1.50. 

In announcing his decision at a 
trade press conference last week, 
Rodgers declared that policy was set 
for "Dolphin" alone. Pointing out 
that Metro had probably played 
more roadshow films in the past 
than any other company, 'Rodgers 
listed some of Metro's forthcoming 
product and implied the company 
might ask for upped scales on such 
pix as "The Pirate," "Kissing Ban- 
dit," "State of the Union," "Easter 
Parade" or "Annie Get Your Gun." 

Rodgers declared he always fa- 
vored roadshowing a film where cir- 
cumstances and the picture in ques- 
tion would deem such a policy ad- 
visable. Because of the mass of 
other films now being shown -at 
upped prices, plus general boxoffice 
conditions, he decided the time 
wasn't, propitious for following that 
procedure on "Dolphin." Film 
preemed two weeks ago at the 
Broadway Criterion, where it re- 
ceived a generally mediocre press. 

Instead of pressing- for boosted 
scales. Metro will insist on extended 
playing time for "Dolphin," based 
on some sort of control figure. Quot- 
ing a letter he sent to all Metro 
branch and district sales chiefs, he 
declared the film will be available 
Nov. 27 for first showings and "ob- 
viously exchange centers should be 
sold and dated first and -we hope for 
a maximum number of exchange 
city openings to include Thanksgiv- 
ing. Thereafter first efforts should 
be directed to .those localities who 
offer one week or longer engage- 
ments." It's to be sold generally, on 
either a sliding scale or top partici- 
pation' basis. 

N. Y. RivoU Back to $1.50 

Despite good business, Paramount 
slashed admission scales on Cecil B. 
DeMille's "Unconquered" at the Riv, 
playing the pic on a test first-run. 
Theatre lopped its $1.80 top, spe- 
cially set for "Unconquered," and 
returned to its regular 80c-95c-$1.50 
Picture, too, fell off sharply in both 
second and third weeks, feeling the 
competition of the nearby Roxy with 
"Forever Amber." 

Par braintrusters felt that while 
the pic was garnering a heaithy take 
the public was resisting the upped 
price level, hence numerical attend- 
ance "wasn't up to expectations. 
Parites also noted that the Rivoli's 
$1.80 top was considerably higher 
than that of other key city first- 
runs playing "Unconquered" at ad- ' 
vanced prices. . 

Times Sq. amusement chasers* 
allergy to boosted scales was first 
noted last -year when Samuel Gold- 
wyn was forced to whittle his $2.20 
(Continued on page 22) 



U-I STARTS 9TH YEAR 
OF MUSICAL SHORTS 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Carlos Molina's orch is. winding 
up U-I's eighth year of two-reel-mu- 
sical short productions, , Crew went 
before the cameras last week. : 

Tex Beneke group will lead off on 
ninth year of featurettes, with Jim- 
my Dorsey, Frahkie Carle, -» Les 
Browrt and Bob Wills set to follow. 

Hatry James started the series in 
1940. Will Cowan, who produced the 
series for the first six years, is now 
handling direction chores as well. 



Beaucoup Bodies Join 
'Soul' Preem on B'way 

If numbers mean anything, Enter- 
prise will probably have the biggest 
opening ever when its "Body and 
Soul" preems at the Globe, N. ,Y., 
next month. David Loew arrived 
east Monday (27) and will be joined 
by Charles Einfeld, his pard in Ent 
on Friday (31). 

Others in or coming in to New 
York are Robert Taplinger, chief 
flack; Bobert Boberts, "Body" pro- 
ducer; Bobert Bosseh,' director; Ab« 
Polansky, writer; John . Garfield, 
Hazel Brooks, Lili Palmer and Can- 
ada Lee, players, and Rudy Polk, 
musical director. 



12 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



H.0.'s Km LA; Tun' Fancy $46,000 
In 5 Spots, 'Crossfire' Lively 32G, 
2; 'Kids West'-Les Brown Dull 15G 



Los Angeles, Oct. 28. - 

With firstruns loaded up with 
holdovers this week, the current out- 
look is not bright. Only one top new 
bill, "Fun and Fancy Free," is around 
to .help swell total take. This looks 
solid $46,000 in five theatres. Next 
week will see virtually complete 
lineup- of new films including upped 
scale showing of "Forever Amber?' . , 

Third week of "Crossfire" appears 
neat $32,000 in- two houses. Final 
five days of third stanza for "Foxes 
of Harrow" is strong $34,000 in five 
spots. "Ride Pink Horse" shapes as 
mildish in. second round. 

Estimates for This Week 

Belmont (FWC) (1,532; 5Q-$1)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) and "Ad- 
Ventures Don Coyote" (UA). Sharp 
$7,000. Last week, "Black Gold 1 ' 
(Mono) and "High Conquest" (Mono) 
(2d wk), $3,100. . 

Beverly Hills Music Hall (G&S- 
Blumenfeld) (826; 65-$l )— "Lured" 
(UA) (2d wk). Slow $3,000. Last 
week, light $4,000. ' 

Carthay Circle (FWC) (1,518; 60- 
$1)— "Foxes of Harrow" (20fh) (3d 
wk). Near $4,500. Last week, fancy 
$6,200. 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2,048; 60- 
$1 )r~"FoxesJHarrow" (20th) (3dwk). 
Finales at $7,000 in 5. days. Last 
week, 'sturdy $lO,4f#>y A y ■ , i. 
v vWvw -(mm- tl.145: 60-$l )— "Fun, 
Free" iRKO) and "Don Coyote" 
(UA). Good $6,500. Last week, "Ride 
Pink Horse" (U) and "Winter Won- 
derland" (Rep) (6 days), $5,200. , 

Downtown . (WB) (1,800; 60-$D— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (3d., wk-5 
days). Oke $10,000. Last week, $16,- 

800. .: ■■■■<■ : • 

Downtown Music Hall (Blumen- 
feld) (872; 60-$l)— "Lured" (UA) (2d 
wk). Fair $8,000. Last week, $9,700. 

Egyptian (FWC) (1,538; 60-$D— 
"Desire Me" (M-G) . (2d wk). Only 
$6,500. Last week, modest $8,400. 

El Bey (FWC) (861; 50-$D— "Fun, 
Fancy Free" (RKO) and "Don Coy- 
ote" (UA). Brisk $6,000. Last week, 
"Black Gold" (Mono) and "High 
Conquest" (Mono) (2d wk), $3,200. 

Esquire (Rosener) (685; 85)— "Cap- 
tive Heart" (U) (2d wk). Only $2,- 
003. Last week, okay. $2,600. ■ 

Four Star (UA-WC) (900; 60-$l)— 
"The Women" (M-G) (reissue). Nice 
$7,000. Last week, "Gone With Wind" 
(M-G) (reissue) (10th wk), good 
$3,500. 

Guild (FWC) (968; 60-$D— "Ride 
Pink Horse" (U) and "Winter Won- 
derland" (Rep) (2dwk). Oke $3,500. 
Last week, fair $5,400. 

Hawaii (G&S-Blumenfeld) (956; 
60-SD— "Lured" (UA) (2d wk). Near 
$2,500. Last week, mild $4,000. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 60-$D— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (2d wk-5 
days). Okay $7,500. Last week, $10,- 
400. ,. •• • 

Hollywood Music Hall (Blumen- 
feld) (475; 60-85)— "Lured" (UA) (2d 
wl-). About $3,000. Last week, $3,800. 

Itis (FWC) (828; 60-85)— "Ride 
Pink Horse" (U) (2d wk), Looks $3,- 
500. Last week, fair $5,400.- . 

Laurel (Rosener) (£90; 85)^ 
"Things to Come" (PC) and "Man 
Work Miracles" (FC) (reissues) .(5th 
wk). Nice $2,500x Last week, $3,000. 

Loew State (Loew-WC) (2,404-. 60- 
$1)— "Foxes Harrow" (20th) and "In- 
visible Wall" (20th) (3d wk). Good 
$12 a"'! in 5 days). Last week, solid 
$20,000. 

Los Angeles (D'town-WC) (2,097; 
60-$D— "Desire Me" (M-G) (2d Wk). 
Steady. $12,000. Last week, slow $18,- 
S00. 

Loyola (FWC) „(1,248; 60-$l)— 
"Foxes Harrow" (20th)- (3d wk). 
Good $4,500. Last week, sturdy $7,- 
600. . . 

Marcal (G&S) (900; 50-$D— "Sev- 
enth Veil" (U) (3d wk). Near $2,200. 
Last week, neat $3,100. 

Orpheum (D'town-WC) (2.210; 60- 
$.D— "Fun, Fancy Free". (RKO) and 
"Don Coyote" (UA). Brisk $21,000. 
Last week, "Blpck Gold" (Mono) 
and "High Conquest" (.Mono) (2d 
wk). $10,600. 

Million* Dollar (D'town) (2,122; 
55-98) — "Gas House Kids West" 
(EL) with Les Brown orch, Irene 
Ryan on stage. Dull $15,000. Last 
week, "Heartache" (EL) with Jim- 
my Dorsey orch on stage, scant #12,- 
200. 

Pantages (Pan) (2,812: 50-$l) — 
"Crossfire" (RKO) and "When 
Girl's Beautiful" (Col) (3d wk). 
Bt'irdy $16,000. Last week. $19,100. 

Paramount (F&M) (3,398: 60-$l) 
—"Variety Girl" (Par) and "I Cover 
Ei" Town" (Par) (3d wk). Light 
$13,000. Last week, slow $16,900. 

Paramount Hollywood (F.&M) (1,- 
451; 60-$l) — "Variety Girl" (Par) 
(3d wk). Good $9,500. Last week, 
oke $12,400. 

RKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2,890; 50- 
80)— "Crossfire" (RKO) and "When 
Girl's Beautiful'-' (Col) (3d wk). 
Stout $16,000. Last week, $20,200. 

Rite. (FWC) (1,370; S0*$1>— "Ride 
Pink Horso" (U) and "Winter Won-, 
derland" (Rep) (2d wk). Near 
$7,500, fine. Last week, $8,800. 

Studio City (FWC) (880; 60-$D— 



Broadway Grosses 



Estimated Total Gross 

This Week "... .$787,008 

. (Based on 22 theatres) 
Last Tear ............ $648,000 

(Based on 18 theatres) 



'Amber' Soars To 
45G, 4 K.C. Spots 

Kansas City, Oct. 28. 

"Forever Amber" is leading the 
town with a new gross record for 
firstruns. Fox Midwest has revised 
its setup for this one, using it day- 
date in four theatres. Carver the- 
atre, for colored trade, opened 
along with Tower, Uptown and 
Fairway, regular flrstrun trio, add- 
ing 650 seats to lineup. With upped 
scale, film looks a cinch for sock 
$45,090;' Of V the regular price en- 
tries, "It Had To Be You," at the 
Midland, is about the only one 
making much of^ajnark, being nice. 
Estimates for Thi* Week 

Esquire (Fox Midwest) (820; 
45-65)— "Along Oregon Trail" (Rep) 
and "Western Union" (20th) (reis- 
sue). Nice $5,000. Last week, "Kpxes 
of Harrow" (20th) (m.o.), $4,500. 

Kimo (Dickinson) (550; 65)— "Ad- 
venture in Music" (Indie). Usual 
take of $1,500. Last week, "Mayer- 
ling" (Indie), about same. 

Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 45-65)— 
"Had To Be You" (Col) and "Blondie 
in Dough" (Col). Steady $16,000. 
Last week; "This Time for Keeps" 
(M-G) arid "Key Witness" (Col), 
$15,00(1. . 

Orpheum (RKO) (1,900; 45-65)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) (2d wk). 
Off to $8,000. Last week, strong 
$13,000. 

Paramount (Par) (L900; 45-65)— 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (2d wk). Neat 
$12,000 in 10 days. First week was 
modest $14,000. "Unconquefed" at 
upped admissions of 75c and $1.20 
is next in. , 

Boxy (Durwood) (900; 45-65)— 
"Trouble With Women" (Par) (2d 
wk). Good $5,000. Last week, strong 
$6,500. 

Tower - Uptown - Fairway - Carver 

(Fox Midwest) (2,100, 2,043, 700, 650; 
75-$1.20)— "Forever Amber" (20th). 
Opened day-date in this expanded 
•first-rrun combo. Looks to land big- 
gest money ever here, all-time rec- 
ord at smash $45,000. Last week, 
"Wistful Widow Wagon Gap" (U), 
pleasant $17,000 at 45-65c scale. 



s. Soars; Arnaz Lifts 
'IHerton' to Lusty 27G, 
'Amber' Big 31G, 2 Spots 

■Minneapolis, Oct. 28. 

There's' boxoffice dynamite galore 
this week. Unusual situation not 
only finds a strong stageshow, topped 
by Desi Arnaz band and Marion Hut- 
ton, with "Merton of the Movies,' at 
Radio City, but also no less than 
three $1.20 roadshow dates. "Forever 
Amber," at Century and Lyric, looks 
great $31,000. The other upped scale 
house, the World, has "Best Years of 
Our Lives," back for third loop road- 
show run, "Gone With the Wind," at 
legit Lyceum, looks tremendous at 
85c top. ; , . 

Despite this opposition, two other 
newcomers, "Carnegie Hail" and 
"Dark Passage," are anything but 
boxoffice weaklings. Down in the 
dumps the last fortnight, probably 
because of unseasonably'hot weather, 
business now is skyrocketing with 
this powerful array. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aster (Far) (900; 30-44)— "Bush 
Pilot" (SG) and "Philo Vance's Se- 
cret" (E-L). Satisfactory $2,000 in 5 
days. Last week, "Scared to Doath" 
(SG) (reissue) and "Untamed Fury' 
(EL) split with "Keeper of Bees 
(Col), and "Bells, of San Fernando" 
(SG), $3,500 in 8 days. 

Century (Par) (1,600; 76-$I.20)- 
"Forever Amber" (20th). Day-date 
with Lyric and getting great .play at 
both spots. Tremendous. $18,000 in- 
dicated. Last week, "Moss Rose" 
(20th), light $4,500 at 50-70c scale. 

Gopher (Par) (1,000; 44)— "Spirit 
West Point" (EL). Considering tough 
(Continued on page 24) 



'Singapore* Nice $11,000, 
Omaha* 'Town' Solid 9G 

Omaha, Oct, 28. 

"That Way With Women" plus 
Beatrice Kay and Del Courtney 
heading stagebill is rolling up a 
great session .at the Orpheum, with 
Kay carrying most of show. "Singa- 
pore" at Paramount looks nice and 
"Magic Town" is solid at the 
Brandeis. Intermittent cold Tains 
first hurt and then helped^.business.. 
Estimates for This Week 

Brandeis (RKO) (1,500; 16-65)— 
"Magic Town" (RKO) and "Seven 
Keys to Baldpate" (RKO). Solid 
$9,000 and holds. Last week, "Deep 
Valley" (WB) and "Last of the Red- 
men" (Col), $9,200. . 

Omaha (Tristates) (2,100; 16-65)— 
"Brute Force" (U) (m.o.) and "13th 
Hour" (Col.). Fair $9,500. Last week, 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) (m.o.) and 
"Philo Vance Returns" (EL), good 
$10,500. 

Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000- 20-85) 
—"Way With Women" (WB) and 
Beatrice Kay-Del Courtney topping 
stagebill. Very heavy $21,000. Last 
week, "Imperfect Lady" (Par) plus 
Marion Hutton-Tex Williams on 
stage, very good $20*000. 

Paramount (Tristates) (2,800; 16- 
65)— "Singapore" (U). Nice $11,000. 
Last week, "Brute Force" (U), big 
$13,200. 

State (Goldberg) (865; 16-65)— 
"Romance of Rosy Ridge" . (M-G). 
Sturdy $7,000. Last week, "Fiesta" 
(M-G) (2d wk), very good $4,000. 



Despite Grid Games, 'Amber' Smash 
in Del; IWitty' Terrif 27G 



Esther Williams PA's Up 'For Keeps' 
Tall $39,000, Huh; 'Fun' Mighty 30G 



Key City Grosses 



Estimated Total Grow 
Thli Week $2,918,000 

(Based on 19 cities 192 thea- 
tres, chiefly flrjt rung, tnctudina 
N. Y.) ■ ' . 

Total Gross Same Weelr 
Last Year ...... ... . . . $3,000,000 

(Based on 22 cities 192 theatres) 



Detroit, Oct. 28. 

It's taking the walloping good 
pictures to give biz downtown a shot 
in the arm in the face of sellout 
football games that are making Sat- 
urday anemic for the film houses. 
University of Michigan's 85.000 
crowd at Ann Arbor, on,ly 35 miles 
from Detroit, really hurt. Top 
films ■ like "Forever Amber" and 
"Secret Life of Walter Mitty" are 
doing sock business despite this, 
but holdovers and run-of-mine pix 
are suffering. 

Estimates for This Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1,740; 70-95) — 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO). Standing up 



"Ride Pink Horse" (U) (2d wk). 
Oke $4,000. Last week, $6,000. 

United Artists (UA) (2,100; 60-$l) 
—"Ride Pink Horse" (U) and "Win- 
ter Wonderland" (Rep) (2d wk). 
Good $10,000. Last week, slow $13,- 
700. 

Uptown (FWC) (1.719; 60-$l) — 
"Foxes Harrow" (20th) and "In- 
visible Wall" (20th) (3d wk). Trim 
$5,500 in 5 days. Last week, smart 
$9,000. 

Vogue (FWC) (885; 60-$l)— "Fun, 
Fancy Free" (RKO) and "Don 
Coyote" ' (UA). Fast $7,500. Last 
week, "Black Gold" (Mono) and 
"High Conquest" iMono) (2d wk), 
$3,600 on blowoff. 

Wilshire (FWC) (2,296; 60-$l) — 
"Desire Me" (M-G) (2d wk). Scant 
$5,500. Last week, only $7,500. 

Wiltern (WB) C2,300; 60-$l) — 
"Dark Passage" (WB) (3d wk-5 
days). Down to $7,500, Last week, 
fair $10,600. 



to see it, terrif $27,000. Last week, 
"Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer" (RKO), 
$6,000. 

Broad way-Cap tol (United Detroit) 
(3.309; 70-95)— "Red Stallion" (EL) 
and "The Adventuress' 1 (EL). 
Passable $15,000. Last week, "New 
Orleans" (UA) and "Killer Dill" 
(SGP), $16,000. 

Cinema (Marten) (250: 60-90)— 
"The Raider" (Indie). Okay $2,000. 
Last week. "Cage Nightingales"' 
(Indie). $2,200. 

Downtown (Balaban) (2,683; 70- 
95) — "Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer"' 
(RKO) (m.o.). Modest $6,000 for 
seventh downtown week. Last week, 
"Merton of Movies" (M-G) and 
"Arnelo Affair" (M-G), $8,000 for 
second week. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,100: 90- 
$1.201— "Forever Amber" (20th). 
Smash $50,000 or better for a new 
record at house. Last week. "Widow 
of Wagon Gap" (U) and "Riff-Raff" 
(RKO). fair $21,000. 

Madison (United Detroit) (1.866; 
50-60)— "Fiesta" (M-G) and "Corpse 
Came COD." (Col). Reasonable 
$2,400 in 3 days. Last week, "Dear 
Ruth" (Par) and "Great Expecta- 
tions" (U), $2,400 in 3 days. 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,039: 
70-95)— "Golden Earrings" (Par) and 
"Railroaded" (EL). Comfortable 
$25,000. Last week, "Down to Earth" 
(Col) (2d wk). big $22,000. 

Paints-State (United Detroit) (2,976; 
70-95)— "Long Night'* (RKO) and 
"Springtime Sierras" (Rep) (2d wk), 
Nice $14,000. Last week, $19,000. 

United Artists (United Detroit) 
(1,951; 70-95)— "Song of Love" 
(M-G) (2d wk). Great $16,000. Last 
week; strong $20,000. 



'Amber' Huge 37G, 
Indpk; Tnry' 12G 

Indianapolis, Oct. 28. 

"Forever Amber" is hotter than 
the record October temperatures 
here, zooming to terrific session and 
holdover in plush-price run at Circle. 
"It Had to Be You" is extra strong 
at Loew's, and "Desert Fury" looks 
steady at Indiana in good all-around 
week here. 

Estimates for This Week 

Circle (Gamble-Dolle) (2,800; 75- 
$1.20)— "Forever Amber" (20th). 
Wham $37,000. Last week, "Second 
Chance" (20th) with Ted Weems 
orch, Beverly Tyler, Herb Shriner, 
others, on stage. Dandy $22,000 at 
48c~74rC scslc * ■ 

Indiana (Gamble-Dolle) (3,300; 40- 
60)-7-"Desert Fury" (Par) and "Un- 
der Tonto Rim" (RKO). Nice $12,000. 
Last week, "Dark Passage" (WB) and 
"Exposed" (Rep), $14,000. 

Keith's (Gamble-Dolle) (1,300; 40- 
60)— "Dark Passage" (WB) (m.o.). 
Average $5,000. Last week, "Wel- 
come Stranger" • (Par) (m.o.), same 
in third week flrstrun. • 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 40-80)— 
"Had to Be You" (Col) and "Blondie 
in Dough'" (Col). Fancy $14,000. Last 
week, "This' Time for Keeps" (M-G) 
and "Key Witness" (M-GT). $12,000. 

Lyric (Gamble-Dolle) (1,600; 40- 
60)— "Woman on Beach" (20th) and 
"Born to Km" (Rep). So-so $6,000. 
Last week, "Wyoming" ■ (Rep) and 
"San D,emetrio, London" (20th). 
Slow $5. 000. 

'Amber' Biggest News In 
LVilIe,35G;'HadtoBe' 
Mild 14G, Island' 6G 

Louisvjlle, Oct. 28. 
Hitting town after lengthy and 
powerful advance bally, "Forever 
Amber" at $1.30 top looks to set a 
high mark at the big-seater Rialto. 
Doing five shows a day, it likely will 
hit a terrific $35,000. Customers are 
paying the upped scale without p"ro- 
test.- "It Had to Be You" is only 
mild at the State. 

But "Adventure Island 5 ' and 
"Blackmail" at the Strand is a 
bright spot. Biz in downtown sector 
otherwise is slow. 

Estimates for This Week 
Brown (Fourth Avenue) (1,200; 
40-60)— "Crossfire" (RKO) and "Pre- 
tender" (Rep) (m.o.). Reportedly 
feeling effect of adverse comments 
in letters to dailies. Low $3,000. 
Last week, "Welcome Stranger" 
(Par) (4th wk), sturdy $4,500. . 

Kentucky (Switow)' (1,200; 30-40) 
— "Happened 5th Ave." (Mono) and 
"Song of Thin Man" (M-G). Fair 
$3,200. Last week, "Variety Girl" 
(Par) and "Woman on Beach" 
(RKO), $3,500. 

Mary Anderson (People's) (1,100; 
40-60)— "Bad Men Missouri" (WB) 
(reissue). Mild $7.0Q0. Last week, 
"Unsuspected" (WB), medium, $7,500. 
National (Standard) (2,400: 60-80) 
"Philo Vance's Gamble 



i • Boston, Oct, M. 

Fairly good biz reported for most 
spots this week with "Fun and Fancv 
Free" leading the town at the Me- 
morial. "This Time for Keeps" at the 
State and Orpheum shapes as solid 
"Unsuspected" at the Met is okay 
and other spots are encouraging. 
Esther .Williams, personaling at 
State and Orpheum house, Monday 
and today (27-28), is boosting take 
at these spots. : . 

Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (2,900; ""f>0-$1.10)— 
"Singapore" (U) (2d wk) and Alan 
Carney, Ray Dorey, Hal LeRoy, Jean 
Darling, others, on stage. Film h.o. 
cuts, into overall as a rule and this 
is no exception. Mild $21,000. Last 
week, with pila Fitzgerald, Senor 
Wences, Bob Lamb, others, $24,000, 

Esquire (M-P) (700; 75-1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (Wfi) (9th wk). 
Remains even at about; $4,000, very 
profitable. Last week, ,$4,200. 

Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 40-80)— 
"Welcome. Stranger". /Par) (m.o.) 
(2d wk). Still lively &t $6,000 after 
$8,000 last. 

Kenmore (Indie) (700; 40-65)— 
"Overlanders" (U) and "Johnny 
Frenchman" (U) (reissue). Excel- 
lent $2,800. Last week, "Brief En- 
counter" (U) and "Know Where 
I'm Going" (U) (2d wk), $2,500. 

Memorial iRKO) (2,985; 40-80— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) and 
"Drummond at Bay" (Col). Begins 
second week (Tues.) after great 
$30,000 for first. 

Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367; 40-80) 
—"Unsuspected" (WB) and "Stork 
Bite* Man" (UA). Fairly good 
$26,000. Last, week, "Dark Passage" 
(WB) and, "When Girl's Beautiful* 
(Col) (2d wk), $24,000. 

Modern (M-P) (900; 75-$1.25)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (9th wk). 
Back up to $5,000 again after $4,500 
last, both very solid. 

Old South (Siritsky) (700; 40-65)— 
'Under Red Robe" (Indie) and "Ac- 
tion for Slander" (Indie) (reissues). 
So-so . $2,500. Last week, "King's 
Jester" (Indie) (2d wk), $2,000. 

Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 40-80)— 
"This Time For Keeps" (M-G) and 
"Key Witness" (Col). Nice opening 
plus Esther Williams in person two 
days hypoing take to solid $26,000. 
Last week "Song of Love" (M-G), 
$23,000. 

Paramount (M-P) (1,700; 40-80)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (2d wk). 
Still strong after two weeks at Met, 
with powerful $16,000 after big 
$17,500 in first. 

State (Loew) (3,500; 40-80)— 
'fThis Time For Keeps" (M-G) and 
"Key Witness" (Col). Esther WiU 
liams on stage two days of run 
building this to nice $13,000. Last 
week, "Song of Love" (M-G) $12,000. 

Translux (Translux) (900; 30-74—" 
"Spirit West Point" (FC) and "Ex- 
posed" (Rep) (2d wk). Nice $4,000 
after sturdy $5,500 first. 



vaude headed by Max Baer and 
Maxie Rosenbloom, others. Under 
hopes at fair $9,000. Last week, 
"Slave Girl" (U) and "Shoot to 
Kill" (SG) <2d wk), $4,500. 

Bialto (FA) (3,400; 80-$1.30) — 
"Forever Amber" (20th). Living up 
to fondest expectations, with patrons 
eager to see much-talked-about pic 
and not squawking at upped prices. 
Looks like one of best weeks in 
theatres history, terrific $35,000 or 
near. Last week, "Crossfire" (RKO) 
and •- "Pretender" (Rep), received 
press attention and some contro- 
versy, which didn't help the wicket 
past a mild $12,000. 

Scoop (Louisville Theatre) (700; 
40-60 )— "Things to Come" (FC) (re- 
issue). Thin $2,400. Last week, 
"King's Jester" (Indie), $2,200. 

State (Loew's) (3,300; 40-60)— 
"Had to Be You" (Col) and "Last 
Round-Up" (Col). Moderate $14,000. 
Last week, "This Time for Keeps" 
(M-G) and "Key Witness" (Col), 
$15,000. 

Strand (FA) (l,400i 40-60)— "Ad- 
venture Island" (Par A and "Black- 
mail" (Rep). Winning combo for 
this house, fine $6,000. Last week, 
"Arizona" (Col) and "Texas" (Col) 
(reissues), $4,500 in 5 days. 



Pitt Picks Up; 'Amber' 
Wow $38,000, 'Crossfire 
Fast 14G, 'Desire' 12iG 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 28. 
"Forever Amber," playing at ad- 
vanced scale at the Harris, looks 
standout with sock week.- "Crossfire" 
also Ts stout at regular prices at (he 
Warner. "Desire Me" looks slow at 
the Penn. 

Estimates for This Week 
Fulton (Shea) (1,700; 40-70)— 
"Walter Mitty" (RKO) (4th wkl. 
Falling off but drop isn't too sharp. 
Trim $9,000 or over, and may stay 
another. Last week, big $12,000. 

Harris (Harris) (2,200; 75-$1.20)— 
"Forever Amber" (20th). Book and 
the stacks o£ publicity "have pre- 
sold this one. Terrific $38,000, and 
looks in for several weeks. Last 
week, "Moss Rose" (20th), oke $7,000 
(EL) and I in 4 days, at 40-70c scale.. 



Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 40-70)— 
"Desire Me" (M-G). Crix really took 
out their hammers on this Greer 
Garson picture. Stiff competition 
also is pushing this down to dull $i2,- 
500. Last, week, third of "Uncon- 
quered" (Par) at upped prices, big 
$17,500. 

Ritz (Loew's) (800; 74-$1.20l— "Un- 
conquered" (Par) (m.o.). Will get 
by fairly well at $4,500, not too bad 
at this bandbox house. Last week, 
"Vacation from Marriage" 'M-('i) 
(reissue) and "Danger Street" (Part, 
$1,500. 

Senator (Harris) (1,750; 40-70)— 
"Call It Murder" (SG) and "Racket- 
eers" (SG) (reissues). Sturdy $4.0(10. 
Last week, "Foxes of Harrow" (201 h) 
<m.o.) (3d wk), big $5,000 for fifth 
week downtown. 

Stanley (WB) (3.800; 40-70)— "Each 
Dawn I Die" (WB) and "Bad Men 
Missouri" (WB) (reissues). Strong 
$13,500. Last week, "Unsuspected" 
(WB). $14,500. • 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 40-70)— 
"Crossfire" (RKO). Trumpetings of 
crix, together with swell word-of- 
mouth. helping this one to stout $14.- 
000. Holds. Last week, "Long Night" 
(RKO), $9,000. 



Wednesday, October 29» 1947 



'Amber Brightens CM, Record $67,000; 
'Verdoux 25G, %conquere<F 45G, 2d 



PICTURE GROSSES 



13 



Chicago, Oct; 28. ♦ 
Although they were only two new 
entries this week, grosses are^ the 
highest her« 1,1 months.; ;. While 
uDDed prices might apply in several 
cases, huge press campajgns and 
word-of-mouth are bringing, the big 
crowds. Racking . up.- this great biz 
despite International Harvesters 
100th year free celebration at Sol- 
dier's Field and Shipstead & Olsen s 
"Ice Follies." 

"Forever Amber" at the State- 
Lake looks to hit a new house rec- 
ord with .$67,000 at $1.25 top. "Mon- 
sieur Verdoux," bucked by heavy 
anti-Chaplin. Hearst press, is gaining 
momentum at Grand and will land 
lusty $25,000. 

"Unconquered" . at the United 
Artists topped all expectations last 
■week with $54,000 and promises 
giant $45,000 this frame. "Magic 
Town" opened moderately at Woods 
but built well and for second week 
should do big $20,000. Re-issue of 
"Gone With Wind" at pop prices 
has long lines and second stanza at 
Garrick. should bring terrif $17,000, 
Estimates for This Week 
Apollo (B&K) (900; 95)— "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). Robust 
$20,000. Last week, $25,000. 

Chicago (B&K) (3,900; 95)— 
"Variety Girl" (Par) with Frankie 
Carle orch on stage (3d wk). Brisk 
$40,000. Last week, $53,000. 

Garrick (B&K) (900; 95)— "Gone 
With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) (2d 
wk) Terrift $17,000. Last week, 
$18,500. ~ s . 

Grand (RKO) (1,500; 95)— "Mons. 
Verdoux" (UA). Lusty $25,000. Last 
week, "Carnegie Hall" ,(UA) (3d 
wk), nice $17,000. 

Oriental (Essaness) (3,400; 95) — 
"Husband's Affairs*-' (Col) with 
Frankie Laine on stage (2d. wk). 
Firm $43,000. Last week, $55,000. 

Palace (RKO) (2.500: 95)— "Fun, 
Fancy Free" (RKO) and "Bulldog 
Drummond Strikes" (Col) (2d wk). 
Moderate $20,000. Last ..week, $23,000. 

Rialto (Indie) (1.700; 95)— "Con- 
gorilla" (Indie) and "Borneo" (Indie) 
(reissues) " (2d wk). Light $9,500. 
Last week, $14,500. 

Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500: 95) — 
"Desert Fury" (Par) (4th wk). 
Staunch $17,000. Last- week. $22,000. 

State-Lake (B&K) (2,700: $1.25)— 
"Forever Amber" (20th).- Looks set 
for record $67,000, with early-bird 
lines helping to new high. Last 
week "Wild Harvest" (Par) (2d 
wk), good $20,000. 

• United Artists (B&K) (1.700; $1.25) 
—"Unconquered" (Par) -(2d wk). 
Massive $45,000 or hear. Last week, 
sock $54,000 and way over hopes. 

Woods (Essaness) (T.073; 95)— 
"Magic Town" (RKO) (2d wk). Big 
$20,000. Last week, smart $23,000. 

World (Indie) (567; 75)— "Chil- 
dren of Paradise" (Indie) (4th wk). 
Neat $2,700. Last week, $3,000. 

'Unconquered' Sock 34G 
In Gbe,; 'Amber' Huge 
55G, 'Song' Average 16G 

Cleveland, Oct. 28. 
Other attractions wpre given a 
sharp set-back by "Forever Amber," 
which is terrific at Palace", matching 
Perry Como's attendance record. It 
is slowing, up "Unconquered," al 
though latter's coming close to Still 
man's house record. "Song of Love' 
looks average at State. Same is true 
of "Down to Earth" at Hipp. 
Estimates for This Week 
Allen (RKO) (3,000; 55-70)— "Fun 
Fancy Free" (RKO) (2d wk). Ex- 
cellent $14,500 after great $22,000 
opener. 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700: 55-70)— 
"Down to Earth" (Col). Okay $15, 
000. Last week,- "Unsuspected 
(WB), oke $19,000. 

lake (Warners) (800; 55-70)- 
"Unsuspected" (WB) (m.o.). Good 
$3,500. Last week, "Foxes of Har 
row" (20th) (m.o.), very neat $3,500 
in 6 days. 

Lower Mall (Community) (570 
55-70)— "Shoe Shine" (Indie). Ital- 
ian film produced by Clevelander, 
Paolo W. Tramburilla, returned 
house to foreign policy but slow tee- 
Qff augurs only $4,500. Last week 
"Frieda" (U) (Indie), $3,000. 

Ohio (Loew's) (1.200: 55-70)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) (m.o.). Good 
$7,000. Last week, "Wyoming" (Rep), 
$6,800. . 

Palace (RKO) (3,000: 75-$1.19) — 
Forever Amber" (20th). Smash 
$55,000. Last week, "Adventuress" 
(EL) plus Jack Haley, Constance 
Moore, Hal LeRoy on stage, exlra- 
hright at $32,000. 

State (Loew's) (3.450; 55-70)— 
Song of Love" (M-G >. Middling 
$16,000. Last week, "Wild Harvest" 
(Par), $18,000. ■ 

Stillinan (Loew's) (2,700; 75-$1.25) 
— "Unconquered" (Par). Rip-roaring 
$34,000. Last week, "Desire Me" 
(M-G) (m.o.), mild $G,000 in 5 days 
at 55-70c scale. 



Grosses Are Net 

Film gross estimates;-- as re«- 
ported herewith from the vari- 
ous key cities, are net, i.e., with* 
out the 20% tax. Distributors 
share on net take, when playing 
percentage, hence the estimated 
figures are net income. 

The parenthetic admission 
prices, however, as indicated, in- 
clude the U.S. amusement tax. 



'Amber Glows In 
Philly, Lush 60G 

Philadelphia, Oct. 28. 

All-time record at the Fox is be- 
ing smashed this week by "Forever 
Amber," which will hit colossal 
$60,000 there. Remainder of city is 
mainly slow, with the number of 
holdovers, of course, slowing pace. 
"Spirit of West Point," at Stanton, is 
overcoming offish trend with socko 
session, while "Christmas Eve", looks' 
okay at Earle. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aldine (WB) (1.303: 50-94) — 
"Long Night" (RKO) (2d wk). Thin 
$8,000 -after $13,000 last week. 

Arcadia (Sablosky) (700: 50-94)— 
"Repeat Performance" (EL). Mild 
$6,000 or close. Last week. "Dark 
Passage" (WB) (2d .run), oke $7,500 
in 9 days. 

Boyd (WB) (2,350; 50-94)— "Gold- 
en Earrings" (Par) (2d wk). Pale 
$15,500 after $22,500 for last week. 

Earle (WB) (2.760; 50-94) — 
"Christmas Eve" (UA). Okay $24,- 
500. Last week, "Singapore" (U) 
(2d wk), $15,000. 

Fox (20th) (2,250; 50-94)— "For- 
ever Amber" (20th). Colossal $60.- 
000. Last week. "Foxes of Harrow" 
(20th) (3d wk), down to $18,000, 
nice. 

Goldman (Goldman) (1.300; 50- 
94) — "Desire Me" (M-G) (2d wk). 
Fairish $19,000 after solid $24,000 
last week. 

Karlton (Goldman) (1,000; 50-94) 
— "Song Thin Man" (M-G) (4th 
wk). Modest $7,000 after $9,000 last, 
week. 

Keith's (Goldman) (1,300; 50-94) 
—"Wild Harvest" (Par) (2d run). 
Pallid $4,500. Last week, "Down to 
Earth" (Col) (2d run), $6,800. 

Mastbanm (WB) (4,360; 50-94)— 
"Unsuspected"- (WB) (3d-wk). Fair 
$17,000 after $23,000 for last week. 

Fix (Cummins) (500; 50-$1.25)— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue) 
(4th wk). Okay $12,000 after $13,- 
000 for last week. 

Stanley (WB) (2.950; 50-94) - — 
"Walter Mrtty" (RKO> (2d wk). 
Neat $25,500 after big $32,500 last 
week. 

Stanton (WB) (1.475; 50-94) — 
"Spirit of West Point" (FC). Socko 
$18,000. Last week, "Bad Men Mis- 
souri" (WB) and "Each Dawn I 
Die" (WB) (reissues) (2d wk), $7,- 
500. 



'West Point' Spirited 
11G, 2 Seattle Spots 

Seattle, Oct. 28. * 

Recovery from recent prolonged 
heavy rains and stormy weather is 
helping some here, but holdovers 
will curb overall total this week. 
"Spirit of West Point" is day^and- 
date at Music Halt and Music Box. 
— Estimates for This Week" " ~~ * 

Blue Mouse (H-E) (800; 45-80)— 
"Down to Earth" (Col) (m.oO. Good 
$4,500. Last week. "Dark Passage" 
(WB) (m.o.), fair $3,000 in six days: 

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,349; 45-80) 
—"Foxes of Harrow" (20th). - (2d 
wk). Solid $9,000 in 5 days after 
sturdy $14,300 opener. 

Liberty (J & vH) (1,650; 45-80 V- 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (5th wk). 
Swell $10,000. Last week, $11,300. 

Music Box (H-E) (850; 45-80)— 
"Spirit of West Point" (FC) and 
"Dragnet" (SG ). Day-date with 
Music Hall. Big $5,000 in 5 days. 
Lest week, "Crossfire" (RKO) and 
"That's My Gal" (Rep) (2d wk). 
Good $5,200. 

Music Hall (H-E) (2,200; 45-80)— 
"Spirit West Point" (FC) and "Drag- 
net" (SG). Good $6,000 in 4 days. 
Last week, "Verdoux" (UA), weak 
$7,000. 

Orpheum (H-E) (2,600; 45-80)— 
"Singapore" XU) and ."Web of 
Danger" (Rep) (2d Wk). Fairly good 
$8,500. Last week, hefty $14,800. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 45-80)— 
"One Million BC"'(FC) and "House- 
keeper's Daughter" (FC) (reissues). 
Okay $6,000. Last week, "Destry 
Rides" (U) and "Where Daltons 
Rode" (U), okay $6,800. 

Paramount (H-E) (3,039; 45-80)— 
"Thief of Bagdad" (FC) and "West- 
ern Union" (20th) (reissues). Slow 
$6,000: Last week, "Down to Earth" 
(Col) (2d wk), mild $6,800. 

Roosevelt (Sterling) (800; 45-80)— 
"Destry" (U) and "Daltons Rode" 
(U) (m.o.). Good $4,000. Last week, 
"Wyoming" (Rep) and "Bringing Up 
Father" (Mono) (2d wk), solid 
$3,500. 



'Nightmare' Stout 20G, 
Denver; 'Harvest' 13G, 2d 

Denver. Oct. 28. 

Two days of school vacation 
coupled with teachers' convention is 
lifting biz to some extent. This up- 
beat is in face of many holdovers 
and reissues. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aladdin (Fox) (1.400: 35-74)— 
"Leave to Heaven" (20th) and 
"Arsenic Old Lace" (WB) (reissues). 
Big $5,000. Last week, "Carnegie 
Hall" (UA) (m.o.), $4,500. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,750: 35-70)— 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) (2d wk). Fine 
$13,000. and holds. Last week, 
$13,500, 

Denver (Fox) (2.525: 35-74)— 
"Nightmare Alley" (20th) and 
"Sweet Genevieve'' (Col), day-date 
with Webber. Stout $17,000. Last 
week, "Black Gold" (Mono), $12,000. 

Esquire (Fox) (742: 35-74)--"Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). Day- 
date with Paramount. Down to 
$2,000. Last week, fine $3,500. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600: 35-74)— 
"Fun, Fancy Free" (RKO) and 
"Heartaches" (EL) (2d wk). Trim 
$12,000. Last week, fine $15,500. 

Paramount (Fox) (2.200; 35-74)— 
"Foxes of Harrow" (20th > (2d wk), 
also Esquire. Oke $9,000. Last 
Week, sturdy $12,500. 

Rialto (Fox) (878; 35-74)— "Black 
Gold" (Mono) (m.o.) and "Bowery 
Buckaroos" (Mono). Nice $4,000. 
Last week. "Slave Girl" (U) and 
"Philo Vance Returns" (EL) (m.o.), 
$2,000. 

Tabor (Fox) (1.967; 35-74)— 
"Texas" (Col) and "Arizona" (Col) 
(reissues). Fast $11,000. Last week, 
"Marked Woman" (WB) and "Dust 
Be Destiny" (WB) (reissues), $10,000. 

Webber (Fox) (750: 35-74)— 
"Nightmare Alley" (20th) and 
"Sweet Genevieve" (Col ), also Den- 
ver. Good $3,000. Last week, "Black 
Gold" (Mono), $3,500. 



'Amber Ups Cincy, 
New High, 

Cincinnati, Oct. 28. 
Backed by a tilted scale, "Forever 
Amber" is racking up an all-time 
high for the Palace and topping the 
town with enough black to turn an 
otherwise modest week into a solid 
one for most downtown houses. Of 
the other new bills currently, "De- 
sire Me" is fronting "Song of Love" 
and "Unfinished Dance" by a close 
margin, all thre» trailing "Uncon- 
quered" in its - third round. 

Estimates for This Week 
. Albee (RKO) (3,100; 50-75)— "De- 
sire Me" (M-G). Moderate $12,500. 
Last week, "Golden Earrings" (Par), 
okay $14,000. 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 75-$1.19)— 
"Unconquered" (Par) (3d wk). 
Strong $13,000 after great $19,000 
second round. 

Grand (RKO) (1.400; 50-75)— 
"Song of Love" (M-G). Stout $11,- 
000. Holds again. Last week, "Fun, 
Fancy Free" (RKO) (2d wk), nice 
$7,500. 

Keith's (CI) (1.542; 50-75)— "Un- 
finished Dance" (M-G). Good $11,- 
000, warranting holdover. Last week, 
''Carnegie Hall" (UA) (2d wk), 
swell $10,000. 

Lyric (RKO) (1.400; 50-75)— 
"Swamp Water" (20th) and "Pris- 
oner Shark Island" (20th) (reissues). 
Snappy $6,000. Last week, "Foxes 
of Harrow" (20th) (m.o.), slick $7,- 
000. 

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 75-$1.19) — 
"Forever Amber" (20th). Zooming 
to a new house record of $40,000, 
with aid of upped scale. Last week, 
"Husband's Affairs" (Col), fairish 
$12,500 at 50-75c scale. 

Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 50-75)— 
"Golden Earrings'' (Par) (m.o.). So- 
so $5,000. Last week. "Dark Pas- 
sage" (WB) (m.o.), $5,500. 

'West Point' Clicks In 
Port, $7,500; 'Kiss' 9»/ 2 G 

Portland, Ore., Oct. 23. 

Out-of-town crowds in for Ore- 
gon-Washington football game is 
keeping the boxoffice in the higher 
brackets currently. "Spirit of West 
Point," at J. J. Parker's Mayfair is 
keeping the grid fans In line to see 
the Army football opus. "Kiss of 
Death" at the Orpheum looks leader. 
Rest of town is holdover. 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (1,832; 40-80) 
—"Slave .Girl." (U) and "Blackmail" 
(Rep) (2d wk). Fancy $9,500 or near. 
Last week, torrid $14,200. 

Guild (Parker) (427; 65-$1.00)— 
"Pagliacci" (Indie).). Good $2,400. 
Last week, "This Happy Breed" (U), 
about same. 

Mayfair (Parker) (1,500; 40-80)— 
"Spirit of West Point" (FC) and 
"Last of Redmen" (Col). Nifty $7,500 
or close. Last week, "Western Union" 
(20th) and "Frisco Kid" (WB) (re- 
issues) (6 days), okay $5,700. 

Music Box (H-E) (1,000; 40-80)— 
"Dark Passage" (WB) and "Vig- 
ilantes Return" (RKO) (m.o.). So- 
so $3,500 or over. Last week, 
(Continued on page 24) 



N.Y. Mild But 'Amher'-Veloz-Yolanda 
All-Time High 180G; 'Hagen' -Weems 
Plus Amsterdam 50G; Chevalier NSG 9G 



Return of unseasonably warm 
weather after brief spell of cooler 
fall temperatures and the number 
of holdovers prevalent are making 
the Broadway firstrun situation 
spotty this .session. Most top de- 
liixers are definitely off. currently. 
Few theatres launched new fare 
in the same week with preem of 
"Forever Amber" at the Roxy. Im- 
pact of this widely-publicized pic- 
ture obviously is being felt at sev- 
eral Times Square houses, espe- 
cially those near that theatre. 

"Amber," with compact stageshow 
headed by Veloz & Yolanda, Sid 
Caesar and H. Leopold Spitalny 
choral group, is soaring to new all- 
time Roxy house record of $180,000 
or slightly better. Theatre is show- 
ing film six times daily, and natu- 
rally is being helped by upped scale, 
which gives house $1.80 top even on 
weekday nights. This figure beats 
the $175,500 registered by "Razor's 
Edge" last December for Christmas- 
New Year's Eve week. "Edge" hung 
this up in sixth week of its run. 
"Amber" mark tops the best at 
Roxy either for non-holiday or any 
holiday week; when unusually high 
prices, such as last New Year's Eve, 
are id force. 

"Amber" had benefit of an ex- 
cellent advance campaign, including 
radio and newspaper coverage of 
topflight variety. Crix were gen- 
erally in favor of picture, with even 
the super-critical ones saying things 
that would encourage seeing the 
film. 

Principal other opening was "That 
Hagen Girl," with Ted Weems band, 
Morey Amsterdam and Gordon Mac- 
Rae heading stageshow at the 
Strand. Strong stageshow is fail- 
ing to overcome the competition and 
house will show only a modest $50.- 
000 for initial week ending tomor- 
row (Thurs.). "Man About Town," 
which had teed off at Bijou on 
Monday (20), wound up its first six 
days at disappointing $9,000. House 
ends business week on Sunday 
nights. Fact that it was the- first 
week for this spot as a film opera- 
tion doubtlessly hurt. 

Gotham is doing nicely with re- 
issue combo of "Man in Iron Mask" 
and "Gentleman After Dark," being 
$11,000 for session ending next Fri- 
day (31). Combo holds. "Bury Me 
Dead," at Rialto, shapes as above- 
par at $7,500. r 

Capitol, Broadway and Rivoli all 
felt the severe competition of "Am- 
ber," being down sharply from pre- 
vious weeks. Music Hall, too, is off 
at $118,000 for third week of "Song 
of Love" as against nice $131,000 
for second. Holds a fourth, with 
"Cass Timberlane" due in Nov. 6. 
Paramount, with "Variety Girl" and 
Charlie Spivak and Mel Torme 
heading stagebill. is down to $70,000 
in its second week. 

Victoria opens "The Gangster" 
tomorrow (Thurs.). Park Avenue 
brings in "Beware of Pity" on Fri- 
day (31). "Unfinished Dance," with 
Jane Powell, Shep Fields band and 
Buck & Bubbles opens also on 
Thursday at the CapitoL 

Estimates for This Week 

Astor (City Inv.) (1,300; 80-$1.80) 
—"Walter Mitty." (RKO) (11th wk). 
Sliding with many others ttri week 
to $23,000, still strong, after $27,000 
last session. Stays further. 

Bijou (City Inv.) (650; 85-$1.50) 
—"Man About Town" (RKO) (2d 
wk). In first six days ended last 
Sunday (26) night, this French- 
made Maurice Chevalier starrer was 
far under hopes at mild $9,000. Pre- 
viously was legit operation. 

Broadway (UA) (1,895; 70-$1.50) 
—"The Outlaw" (7th wk). On skids 
with $18,000 or less likely this frame 
after fine $22,000 last week. Holds. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4,820; 70-$1.50) 
— "Swordsman" (Col) and Gertrude 
Niesen. Betty Bruce, Jackie Glea- 
son. Hal Mclntyre orch (2d-final 
wk). Way off at $61,000 or less after 
average $70,000 fipener. "Unfinished 
Dance" (M-G) with Jane Powell, 
Shep Fields orch, Buck & Bubbles 
on stage opens tomorrow (Thurs.), 
B&B having been at Loew's State 
down the street only two weeks 
ago. 

Criterion (Loew's) (1,700; 60-$l .25) 
— "Dolphin Street" (M-G) (3d wk). 
Second round ended last (Tues.) 
night held up nicely at $38,000 in 
view of conditions on street after 
big $50,000 opening stanza. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,500; 70-$1.20) — 
"Fun and Fancy Free" (RKO) (5th 
wk). Still going at fair clip with 
$16,500 likely this round after solid 
$23,000 for fourth. Continues, with 
"Body and Soul" (UA) opening 
Nov. 8. 

Gotham (Brandt) (900; 70-S1.40)— 
"Man in Iron Mask" (EL) and "Gen- 
tleman After Dark" (EL) (reissues). 
Sturdy $11,000 or better in week 
ending next Friday (31). Holds over. 
Last week, "Adventure Island" 
(Par) was thin $7,500. 

Wttle Carnegie (Indie) (4BO: 



$1.20) — "Tawny Pipit" (U) (8th 
wk). Down to $5,000 or less after 
$5,500 for seventh week. Nearing. 
end of run but no new picture set 
yet. 

Mayfair (Brandt) (1,736; 70-$1.50) 
—"Nightmare Alley" (20th) (3d Wk). 
Also way down at $17,000 after mild 
$24,000 in second stanza,- both dis- 
appointing. "Gentleman's Agree- 
ment^ (20Jh> opens Nov. 11. 

Park Avenue (U) (583; $t.20-$1.50) 
—"Hungry Hill" (U) (3d-final wk). 
In third session ending tonforrow 
(Thurs.) this is falling to around 
$4,500; second .also thin at $6,000. 
"Beware of Pity" (U) opens next 
Friday (31), with Universal not set 
so far on whether it will release this 
nationally, current engagement to be 
guide. 

Paramount (Par) (31664; 55-$1.50) 
—"Variety Girl" (Par) and Charlie 
Spivak orch, Mel Torme, Al Bernie 
topping stageshow (3d wk). Second 
frame ended last (Tues.) night was 
off to okay $70,000 after nice $86,000 
opener, albeit a bit below hopes. 
Stays only two weeks more, with 
"Wild Harvest" (Par) set to open 
Nov. 12. 

Palace (RKO) (1,700; 60-$1.20)— 
"Magic Town" (RKO) (4th-final wk). 
Off to $17,500 in third week ended' 
last Monday (27) night; second okay 
$22,700. Stays only this fourth week 
with "So Well Remembered" (RKO) 
opening. Nov. 4. 

Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- 
fellers) (5,945; 70-$2.40)— "Song of 
Love" (M-G) and stageshow (3d 
wk): Sagging a bit to mild $118,000 
this session after $131,000 for second. 
Holds a fourth, with "Cas_s Timber- 
lane" (M-G) due in next. 

Rialto (Mayer) (594: 35-85)— "Bury 
Me Dead" (EL). Nice $7,500. Last 
week, "Crimson Key" (20th>, $6,200. 
"Invisible Wall" (20th) opens Fri- 
day (31). 

Rivoli (UAT-Par) (2,092; 60-$1.25> 
—"Unconquered" (Par) (3d wk). 
Third week winding up tomorrow 
(Thurs.) plainly is showing nearby 
Roxy competition but still stout at 
$48,000 or close; second was big $64,- 
000, albeit way off from first and be- 
low hopes by wide margin. Dropping 
of scale from $1.80 top naturally cut 
in on last two weeks. 

Roxy (20th) . (5,886; 80-$1.80)— 
"Eprever Amber" (20th) and Veloz 
& Yolanda, Sid Caesar heading stage- 
bill (2d wk). Setting new all -time 
record here, holiday or nott-holiday, 
at $1*0,000 or better in first week 
ending yesterday (Tues.). Fact that 
scale has been, upped all along line, 
with house getting $1.80 weekday 
iii.phts helping to" colossal total. Get- 
ting in four stageshows, six screen- 
ings daily, with picture starting at 
10 a.m. and final after midnight. In 
ahead, "Foxes Harrow" (20th) and 
Milton Berle revue (4th wk), big * 
$89,000. 

State (Loew's) (3,450; 43-$1.10)— 
"Down To Earth" (Col) (2d run) 
with vaude headed by Rose Marie, 
The Pitchmen, Adam & Jayne Di 
Gatano. Good $27,000. Last week, 
"Mons. Verdoux" (UA) (2d run) 
plus vaude headed by Joan Roberts, 
Paul Haakon, Buck & Bubbles, nice 
$29,500, a bit over hopes. 

Strand (WB) (2,756; 75-$1.50)— 
"Hagen Girl" (WB) with Ted Weems 
orch, Morey Amsterdam, Gordon 
MacRae" heading stageshow. First 
week ending tomorrow (Thurs.) 
looks moderate $50,000. Holds. Last 
week, "Unsuspected" (WB) and Blue 
Barron orch, Joey Adams, Tony 
Canzoneri on stage (3d wk), $34,000. 

Sutton (Rugoff-Becker) (561; 70- 
$1.25)— "Know Where I'm Going" 
(U) (11th wk). Tenth week ended 
last Monday (27) night was fancy 
$9,000; ninth was $9,500. Stays on 
indef. 

Victoria (City Inv.) (720; 70-$1.20) 
—"Spirit of West Point" (FC) (3d 
wk). Down to $8,500; second was 
$13,000. "Gangster" (Mono) opens 
tomorrow (Thurs.). 

Warner (WB) (1,499; 90-$1.50)— 
"Life With Father" (WB) (11th wk). 
Nice $22,000 but off from solid $27,- 
000 of 10th week. Holds again. 

Winter Garden (UA) (1,312; 60- 
$1.20)— "Ride Pink Horse" (U) (4th 
wk). In third week ended last 
(Tues.) night held fairly well at 
$21,000; second was rugged $27,000. 
"Upturned Glass" (U) opens on 
Nov. 4. 



20th Shooting 7 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

With the resumption of shooting 
on "The Snake Pit" and the start 
of lensing on "The Walls of Jericho," 
20th-Fox has seven pictures in work 
on the Westwood lot. 

Others are "Sitting Pretty," "You 
Were Meant For Me," "The Ballad 
of Furnace Creek." "Call Northsid^ 
777" and "This Is the Moment." 
Later in the week the "Deep Water* 
troupe will return from Main$, 
making a total of eu»ht. 



WHO'S Un-American? 



Hollywood in Washington 



The first two days o£ testimony upon 
Communism in Hollywood, before the 
House un-American Activities Committee 
have produced exactly what was expected 
of them: an abundance o£ unsubstantiated 
charges,' some dizzying new definitions o£ 

-Communism and a satisfactory collection 
of clippings for Mr. J. Parnell Thomas's 
scrapbook. A good many citizens of Holly- 
wood have been called Commxinists, to the 
evident delight of Mr. Thomas and his 
witnesses. One man has already, been 

' thrown bodily from the hearing room, and 
Mr. Bartley Crum escaped the same fate 
only, because he was able to swallow his 
sense of indignity just before Mr. Thomas 
struck. 

There' are, without, doubt, circumstances 
under which such an investigation as this . 
one would be proper. If the moving pic- 
tures were . .undermining the American 
form of government and menacing it by 
their content, It might become tKe duty of 
Congress to ferret out the responsible per- ' 
sons. But clearly this is not the case— not 
even the committee's own witnesses are 
willii.g to make so fantastic a charge. 
And since no such ganger exists, the be- 
liefs of men and women who write for the 
screen are, like the beliefs of any" ordinary 
men and women, nobody's business but . 
their own, as the Bill of Rights mentions. 
Neither Mr. ThomaJS nor the Congress in' 
which he sits is empowered to dictate what 
Americans shall think. • 

Some attempt was made to "snow "that "~ 

Communism was being permitted to creep 
into films, but in each case the attempt' 
dissolved into the ludicrous. Mr. John 
Moffit, for example, cited as an example 
uf the party line a scene in which a banker 
. is portrayed as an unsympathetic man— a 
typical Hollywood stereotype that has 
been ^.written into moving pictures since 
long before any Communist menace was 
noticed on the west coast. Mr. Moffit also 
firmly assured the committee that forty- 
four of a hundred Broadway plays con- 
stituted Communist propaganda, without 
mentioning how the fact has so far es- 
caped the notice of Broadway. 

No doubt the r^iiue is still only in its 
preliminary scenes, and Mr. Thomas has 
a good many more acts to trot out before 
he rings down the curtain. To date he has 
brought forth nothing to make the whole 
affair seem anything more than an at- 
tempt to seek personal aggrandizement on 
the taxpayer's funds. Not Hollywood but 
Congress is being investigated here, and - 
once again the testimony indicates that 
the system of Congressional investigating 
committees needs overhauling. The entire 
process, in which a committee chairman is 
allowed unlimited freedom and his targets 
must remain simply targets, is inherently 
offensive and should be changed to bring 
some degree of equity into the proceed- 
ings. 



We, the undersigned, as American citizens who be-- 
lieve in constitutional democratic government, are disgusted 
and outraged by the continuing attempts of the House Un- 
American Activities Committee to smear the motion pic- 
ture industry and Broadway. 

We hold that these hearings are morally wrong be- 
cause: Any investigation into the political beliefs of the in- 
dividual is contrary to the basic principles of our democracy. 
Any attempts to curb freedom of expression, and to set 
arbitrary standards of Americanism, are in themselves dis- 
loyal to both the spirit and the letter of our Constitution. 



Reprinted in Whole from Editorial Page 
HERALD TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 22. 1947 



Goodman Ace * Luther Adler * Edith Atwater \* AVnold AuerbacK * 
Aline Bernstein ''Leonard Bernstein * Kermit Bloomgarden * Helen 
Brooks * Louis Calhern * Eddie Cantor * Jerome Chodoroy " Harold 
Clurman * Betty Comden " Philip Coplidge * Richard Conte " 
Norman Corwin * Cheryl Crawford * Agnes De Mille * Olin Dowries 

• Alfred Drake * Paul Draper * Philip Dunne * Lehman. Engel * 
Julius Epstein " Philip Epstein " Jose Ferrer * Henry Fonda • Sylvia 
Friedlander * Martin Gabel ' Ava Gardner • John Garfield * 
Sheridan Gibney * Paulette Goddard * Robert Gordon * Dolly Haas 

• Uta Hagen * Jed Harris * Bernard Hart * Moss Hart * Van Heflin 

• Robert Heller " Lillian Hellman * Paul Henreid • Katharine 
Hepburn • Albert Hirschfeid * Judy Holliday * John Houseman • 
Marsha Hunt • John Huston * Walter Huston ' Irving Kolodin • 
Garson Kanin * GeOrge S. Kaufman * Elia Kazan * George Keane 

• Gene Kelly • Norman Krasna • Peg La Centra *. Canada Lee • 
Goddard Lieberson ' Ariatole Litvak * Philip Loeb '• Myrna Lay # 
Aline MacMahon * Richard Maney * Irving Mansfield * Hugh 
Marlowe * Byron McGrath " Dorothy McGuire * Burgess Meredith 

• Arthur Miller • Erin O'Brien Moore * William Morris * Lyn Murray 

• Doris Nolan * Sono Osato • Paul Osborn * John O'Shaughhessy " 
Berenice Parks * Gregory Peck • S. J. Perelman • Otto Preminger 

. * James D. Proctor " Jerome Robbins * Gladys Robinson * Madeleine 
Robinson * Harold Rome * Daniel Saidenberg * Fred Saidy * Gerald 
Savory * Budd Schulberg * Artie Shaw * Irwin Shaw *■: Oscar Serlin 

• Robert Shayon * Ann Shepherd • Hiram Sherman • Herman 
Shumlin * Allan Sloane * Bella Spewaek * Harvey Stephens * 
Donald Ogden Stewart * Paul Stewart * Lee Strasberg * Sheppard 
Strudwick f Barry Sullivan • Deems Taylor • Virgil Thomson • Peter 
Viertel * Thomas Ward .* Richard Watts, Jr. • Cornel Wilde * 
Betty Winkler * Kathleen Winsor • William Wyler » Collier Young 



This is what PAUL V. McNUTT says, in part: 

"It became perfectly apparent, during the chairman's questioning 
of Mr. McGuinness, that the purpose was to try to dictate and control, 
through the device of the hearings, what goes on the screen of 
America. 

"This is no concern of any Congressional committee, it is the con- 
cern solely of those who produce motion pictures. 

"We shall fight to continue a free screen in America." 



We<Wl»y, October 29, 1947 



FILM REVIEWS 



15 



So Well Bemew&ered 

(BRITISH-MADE) 

R.KO release of Adrian Scott <J. Arthur 
n-SS) production. Stars John Mills, Martha 
Ivott Patricia Roo; Trevor Howard, Rich- 
ard Carlson; faatureo Reginald Tate, *"rcd- 
a It* Deliter, Beatrke Varley. Directed by 
iMwnrd Dtnytryk. Screenplay, John Fax- 
lon from novel by James Milton; camera, 
•Frederick A. young; score, Humis Klslor; 
m, Steal director. O. BakalelnlkoK : editor. 
HirrV Geratad. Tradechown N. Y„ Oct, 
?7 %. Running time, US MIN8. 

f. ' ,I» J° h n »»1« 

}ih vfa • • • Martha Scott 

V'lYl Patrioia Roc 

w Mtesidc ; •' Trevor Howard 

<m,«S Richard Carlson 

„' „il„; i i .Kottinald Tate 

A.mle . . .. ..... ••••• Beatrice Vnrlcy 

chaining Frederick Delator 

ffi " . , . . ■ ■ » f Wor Barnard 

Wetherall . J»'«an D'Alblo 

?„by Julie. . . * •^•• T " llet „ M , ,1Ui 

Librarian Bnddy Hughes 

MraJJbi John Turnbull 

SS: Wei Watts 

Woman Kathleen Boutnll 

SSlon ...James Hilton 



A mature, thoughtful story, plus 
intelligent, skilled and tasteful han- 
dling, make "So Well Remembered" 
an entertaining, impressive picture. 
It is likely to get favorable reviews, 
which, with the probable word-of- 
mouth recommendation, should pull 
good grosses in larger communities, 
particularly in first-runs and class 
neighborhoods. The lack of top mar- 
quee names and the-absence of read- 
fly-exploitable romantic elements 
may limit appeal In smaller towns 
and subsequent-runs. 

"So Well Remembered" is pri- 
marily a film for adults. Based upon 
James Hilton's novel of life in a 
Lancashire mill town between the 
two world wars, it is a flashback 
story of interplay of characters, an 
amalgam of varied personalities and 
emotions in a provocative basic, situ- 
ation. It has topical elements, some 
of 'which have interesting special 
values' of the present highly-charged 
. moment. But the picture is, above 
all, plausible story-telling and ab- 
sorbing human drama. 

The yarn's chief characters, rep- 
resenting the. main opposing forces, 
• are the quiet, earnest, liberal-minded, 
stubbornly idealistic local editor, and 
the possessive, ruthless, but pretty 
and; deceptively appealing daughter 
of a- notorious -factory-owner. Stem- 
ming 'from opposite social and eco- 
nomic poles in the town, their lives 
meet, merge. for a time and, as the 
highly charged circumstances bring 
out their contrasting characters, they 
separate arid finally become deadly 
enemies. '• 

At the finale, as they face each 
other in middle age, they represent 
not'jnerely adversaries in a human 
drama, but the personifications of 
two ■ eternally opposing social, eco- 
nomic, political, and, indeed, moral 
philosophies. Since the man, the 
sympathetic character, is triumphant, 
at least for the moment, over the 
woman, who is unsympathetic, the 
picture ends on a pleasant note, and 
will probably satisfy popular taste. 

Ai adapted by John Paxton, the 
Hilton story is a skillful blend of 
apparently authentic English coun. 
try . atmosphere, believable charac 
tersj' stimulative situations, steady 
pace and mounting suspense, without 
undue dramatic license. And, though 
the .picture's lack of romantic em- 
phasis and its concern with serious 
matters may limit its mass popular 
ity, they add stature and depth. 

From a directorial viewpoint, "So 
Well Remembered" might be a trifle 
less unhurried, but it is .eloquently 
understated and its vital scenes are 
properly projected. The perform- 
ances are unusually creditable for 
every one of the principals. John 
Mills has an expressive reticence as 
the editor and Martha Scott gives 
one of the top performances of her 
career as the possessive wife-and- 
mother, particularly in the unsym- 
pathetic latter scenes, when her 
American accent is less noticeable. 

Trevor Howard is excellent in the 
juicy part of a drunker* village doc- 
tor, and Patricia Roc and Richard 
Carlson are effective as the young 
love interest. Harms Eisler's score, 
consisting chiefly of mood-setting 
scene bridges, is unobtrusive and 
occasionally seems to add dramatic 
dimension. Hobe 



Killer- McCoy 

.Hollywood, Oct. 24. 

Metro release of Sam /.imhalist prndui 
ti"". Slurs Mickey Rooney, TSriair Dot. 
levy; Aim Blyth; features James Dunn, 
Tom Tully, Sum l^vene. Directed by Roy 
Rowland, Screenplay, 'Frederick Haziitt 
ijiciiniin; based on story and srreennjay by 
1 iiomas Lfthnon, (tonrge Bruce, uoorge 
Upponhelmer ; I curaern, Jiisoph Huticnnerg 
si'ore, David Snell: "Swaueo River" nutn 
L>w' by Stanley Donen: editor, Hall* W 
winters. Trndpshmvn Oct. 21, '47. Run 
"'"K time, 108 MINK. 

Tommy McCoy Mickey Rooney 

•]"n C'alghn ..Brian D.mlovy 

Sheila Carrson Ami Myth 

Thlan McCoy James Dunn 

pell Y. Walsh Tom Tully 

Jlappy Sam J.eveiki 

I. ill Thome Waller Sande 

Johnny Martin Mn-lcov Knox 

father Ryan lurries Bell 

Mrs. McCoy lllorla Hoklen 

Mrs. Martin Kvc March 

Waitress. . . .... lutv Storey 

Danny Horns Douglas Crof 

Sailor Craves Bob Steel,, 

1'ete Marlola. David Clarke 



Miniature Reviews 

"So Well Remembered" (Brit- 
ish) (RKO-Rank). Mature, im- 
pressive adaptation of James 
Hilton's novel will draw. 

"Killer McCoy" (M-G). Fast 
action melodrama of prize ring. 
Sturdy Mickey Rodney vehicle 
with good b.o. prospects. 

"tt Had to Be You" (Col). 
Fine farce with Ginger Rogers 
and Cornel Wilde that should 
please plenty. 

"Christmas Eve" (UA). George 
Raft, George Brent, Randolph- 
Scott, Ann Harding, in overly- 
contrived episodic _pic; sq-so b.o, 

"Road to" the "Big House" 
(SG). Dull melodrama of the 
pitfalls of crime; strictly for 
secondary houses. 

"Linda Be Good" (Songs) 
(PRC). Lightweight comedy 
okay for lesser situations. 



rectiori and smart production guid- 
ance of Sam Zimbalist, 

Rooney makes much of his tailor- 
made assignment in the title role. 
He's a tough kid who comes up to 
ring prominence after accidentally 
killing his friend; the ex-champ, who 
had started him on the road up. 
There's nothing that's- very original 
with the story but scripting by 
Frederick Haziitt Brennan has given 
it realistic dialog that pays off. 

Plot .develops from time Rooney 
and his sot of a father, James Dunn, 
become a song-and-dance team to 
jad out vaude tour being made by a 
ightweight champion. Through this 
association Rooney moves into the 
ring and after killing his friend ties 
up with a gambler to cash in on his 
fistic prowess. He falls in love with 
the gambler's daughter and quits the 
ring after a smash battling climax: 

Highlights are "Swanee River" 
soft-shoed by Rooney and Dunn; 
sweet, sentimental courting of 
Rooney and Ann Blyth; and the fis- 
tic finale that features plenty of 
rugged action. . In handling of the 
romance Roy Rowland's direction 
keeps it on a believable plane that 
registers strongly. He is equally at 
home m pulling all strings to keep 
action high and sentiment on the 
proper hokum level. Only fault is 
overlength in some top sequences, 
notably the finale fight. 

Brian Donlevy gives strong touch 
to the gambler role and Miss Blyth 
gets the most out of every scene. 
Dunn hokes up assignment as the 
drunken actor-father with just the 
right a m o u n tsOf overplaying to 
stress "ham" character. Sam 
Levene as the trainer, Tom Tully, 
Mickey Knox, very good as the 
champ, Gloria Holden, Bob Steele, 
standing out -as a fighter, Eve March 
and others turn in. sturdy, support. 
June, Storey, in a single scene, makes 
it register big. 

Sam Zimbalist production values 
are spotlighted by ace lensing of 
Joseph Ruttenberg, the art direction 
and settings. Brog. 



school,. The male-Cinderella role, 
played by the proud fire laddie and 
quondam Injun, Cornel Wilde, is a 
refreshing idea. The Injun stuff goes 
back into Miss Rogers' childhood 
when a 6-year-old lad in an Indian 
suit was her first sweetheart. That's 
been her dreamlover . through the 
years, and unwittingly the hurdle 
three times, as she jilts her 'grooms- 
to-be at the altar. It's gotten so that 
the No. 4 prospect's father complains 
that "the boys at the club are laying 
5-1 this one also won't go through." 

Miss Rogers sculpts. Returning 
from a Maine hiatus, convinced she 
was going through with it, this 
dream-prince' with the Indian sign 
on her is discovered in her compart- 
ment, and from then on it's a curious 
mixture of realistic dialog , with 
psychologic overtones. Confused and 
screwball as it frequently is, the 
identities are always sharp, and be- 
fore long it captures the auditor. 
The laugh results are frequently 
boffo. 

Percy Waram, Spring Byington 
and Thurston Hall are capital as the 
distrait parents, and Ron Randell 
doesn't over-do his slightly sap as- 
signment as the No. 4 to-be-jilted-at- 
the-altar. The rest are likewise ex- 
pert. 

Norman Panama and Melvin Frank 
have writteri some sprightly dialog 
to match the nicely tempoed action. 
The locales and atmosphere are 
otherwise of a modern ■ mood and 
mode to keep everything in a ro- 
mantically appealing groove.. Camera 
values especially good. Abel. 



rhriwtiiiMS Eve 

United Artists release of Benedict Bogeaus 
production. StnrsAnn JTardlnfr, George Haft, 
George Brent, Randolph Scott; features 
Joan lllondell, Virginia Field, Dolores. Mo- 
ron. Directed by Kdwln I.. Marin. Screen- 
play, I.aurenee stallings, adapted from 
original stories by Stalling*, Richard H. 
Landaii; camera, Gordon Avil; editor, 
James Smith; music, -Heinz Roemheld. 
Tyadoshoivn N. Y., Oct. 28, '47. Running 
time. 90 M1XS. 

Mario •..George Raft 

Michael George Brent 

Jonathan Randolph Scoft 

Ann. * ...Joo'n Blondell 

Claire..' Virginia Field 

Jean Dolores Mcran 

Aunt Malilila Ann Harding 

Phillip ...Reginald Denny 

Doctor Douglass Dumhrllle 

Psychologist Carl Harbord 

Butler .....Dennis Ho/»y 

Judge Alston Clarence Kolb 

Harriett Molly Damunt 

FBI Audit John Lite? 

Hood Walter Sando 

Gimlet Joe Sawyer 

Reichman '.Konstantin Shayno 

Auctioneer Andrew Tombes 

Dr.'s Wife Claire Whitney 



'Beware of Pity' 

"Beware of Pity," Two Cities 
(J. Arthur Rank) film trade- 
screened by Universal yester- 
day (Tues.) in New York, was 
reviewed by .Variety from Lon- 
don, June 12, 1946. Critic Rege, 
terming the film a "sure coin- 
getter for England," declared it 
"has possibilities for U. S., es- 
pecially in view of cast." 

Cast includes Lilli Palmer, Sir 
Cedric Hardwicke, Gladys Coo- 
per and Albert Lieven. Story, 
adapted from Stefan Zweig's 
bestseller of the same title, re- 
volves around a crippled baron- 
ness who falls in love with a 
good-looking lieutenant only to 
learn that his constant attentions 
aie purely sympathetic. When 
the lieutenant finally denies a 
rumored engagement between 
the two, the baroness tragically 
commits suicide. 



old gal's okay and they all sit down 
to Christmas dinner. Sound con- 
fusing? 

Director Edwin L. Marin must 
have had his hands full in covering 
such a wide range of characters but 
makes out okay in guidjng them 
through their paces. Miss Harding, 
burdened with an ungainly makeup 
job, throws plenty of corn into her 
spinster's role and is seldom believ- 
able. Raft gets, most of the action 
in a rough-and-tumble with" the 
Nazis, playing the part in his usual 
deadpan. Brent and Scott, plus the 
three ingenues, make out okay with 
their share of the melodramatics. 
Supporting cast, though not stand- 
out, is capable. 

Multiplicity of sets, some of which 
are fairly ornate, indicates Bogeaus 
must have spent a tidy sum on the 
picture. Technical credits are in 
line with the rest of tbe film, some- 
times good and sometimes bad. 

Seal. 



It Had To Be You 

Columbia release of Don Harlmnn pro- 
duction. Slars Ginger Rogers, Cornel 
Wilde; features Percy tVnram, Spring By- 
ington, Ran Randell, Thurston Hall, Charles 
Evans, William Bcvnn, Frank Ortli. Di- 
rected by Don Hartinan and Rudolph Mate. 
Screenplay, Norman Panama and Melvin 
Frank; story, Hartinan and Allen Horetz; 
camera, Rudolph Mate" and Vincent Farrar; 
editor, Gene Havlick: asst. director, Sam 
Nelson; musie, M. W. Stoloff; asst. to the 
producer. Noi-maii Deming. Previewed in 
N. Y.. Oct. 17. '47. Running tim». I>8 MINN. 
Victoria Stafford Ginger Rogers 

"George" . ' Cornel Wilde 

Johnny Blaine \ 

Mr. Stafford Percy Waram 

Mrs. Satfford Spring Byington 

Oliver H. P. Harrington Ron Randell 

Mr, Harrington Thurston Hull 

Dr. Parkinson Charles Evans 

Bvans -William Devon' 

Conductor Brown Frank Ortli 

.George Benson Harry Hays Morgan 

Mr. Kimberly Douglas Wood 

Mrs. Kimberly Alary Forbes 



Metro has concocted a fast action 
melodrama in "Killer McCoy" to in- 
troduce Mickey Rooney to adult 
roles. It all comes off neatly and 
should give a good account of itself 
at the boxofficc. Sentimental hoke 
is mixe.i with prize vm-i action but 
"ever gets too far out . of hand by 
virtue of Roy Rowland's careful di- 



"It Had to Be You" is farce of the 
broadest genre. There are psy- 
chological and whimsical overtones 
in this comedy and if the customers 
accept it in that idiom they will get 
plenty of bellylaughs. It's a one- 
woman show for Ginger Rogers 
whose fine sense of comedy is ever 
to the fore; and for that matter, the 
entire cast, from Cornel Wilde, her 
co-star, to the rest of the act, it's a 
troupers' delight. Once Rogers-Wilde 
bring them in. it's certain to please. 

This is one of those fantastic 
comedies which can't be taken dead- 
pan. Critical endorsement and/or 
word-of-mouth will have decided 
influences in certain consumer mar- 
kets. The Columbia studio, which 
has been partial to whimsy and 
fantasy (viz.. "Mi". Jordan" and 
"Down to Earth"), was particularly 
adventurous with this one, but as 
Don Hartman & Co. have devised it 
pic it comes off in tiptop manner. As 
with Miss Rogers' histrionic domi- 
nance, so it is a one-man Hartman 
undertaking, since he officiates as 
producer, co-director and co-author 
of the original. In turn, his co- 
director, Rudolph Mate, also doubles 
as co-cinematographer with Vincent 
Farrar. In fact, somehow this Wend 
of interlocking talents and credits 
points the way to something or other 
in future cinematurgy. 

"It Had to Be You," incidentally, 
points up a thing or two as a Holly- 
wood entry. It has a quality which 
smacks of the best of the French 



"Christmas Eve" runs the gamut 
from a sentimental old lady who 
plays with her grownup kids' elec- 
tric trains on the dining room table 
to a rodeo cowboy, to the baby- 
adoption racket, to Nazis who es- 
caped from Eurone on the prowl 
for their hidden loot. And all that, 
plus much" more, in 90 minute's. Re- 
sult of the overcrowded conditions 
is a disjointed picture that will have 
to depend almost entirely on cast 
names for lure. B.o. prospects only 
fair. 

"Eve" probably rates first run 
playdates on the basis of its star 
value, if nothing else. Story of three 
orphan boys who've jDeen taken 
under the wing of a rich spinster, 
the picture has George Raft, George 
Brent, Randolph Scott and Ann 
Harding in the four leads. In addi- 
tion, there are Virginia Field, Joan 
Blondell and Dolores Moran as the 
three vis-a-vis, respectively. Even 
with these names, though, the aver- 
age exhib will have to do plenty of 
selling. 

Producer Benedict Bogeaus prob- 
ably had something like the episodic 
narration of "Tales of Manhattan" 
in mind when he assigned Laurence 
Stallings to the scripting job. While 
"Eve" has as much of a story line 
to tie the eoisodes together as did 
"Manhattan," it's the individual 
tales themselves that are so widely 
divergent that militate against the 
film's plausibility. Overflow of 
widely-separated themes will prob- 
ably have the customers scratching 
their heads in confusion long before 
the tale is wrapped up in the last 
reel. Stallings probably deserves a 
vote of (hanks for not having left 
any loose ends lying around, even 
though he did take an obvious short- 
cut in reaching the fadeout for sev- 
eral of the characters. 

As the wealthy and eccentric old 
spinster. Miss Harding is beset by 
her stuffed-shirt nephew, Reginald 
Denny, to let him take over adminis- 
tration of the entire estate. She per- 
suades a skeptical but friendly 
judge to desist until Christmas Eve, 
however, so that she can round up 
her three adopted sons to come to 
| her aid. Tale then swings into her 
I search for the trio and episodic 
| stories of their activities since they 
went out to make their own in the 
world. 

.Brent js disposed of first as a 
he'er-do-well playboy who's into 
Denny for 75G in rubber checks. 
Raft then takes over as a guy on 
the lam from the FBI. who's become 
a wealthy cafe op in South America. 
He's the one who gets tangled up 
with the bad Nazis. Scott enters the 
.scene as a slightly dipso cowboy 
who's naively lured into a hassle 
with a couple of baby racketeers. 
Anyway, they all finally get together 
at the old lady's mansion on Christ- 
mas Eve. where it's revealed that 
Raft actually took the rap for Denny, 
who's both stupid and dishonest. The 
judge meets the boys, decides the 



Koari U» the Big ffonse 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 
Screen Guild release of Somerset * Pic- 
tures; Solwyn LevinBOn-Walter Cohnes 
production, directed by Counts. Keaturos 
John Shelton, Ann Doran. Glitm Williams, 
Dkd; Bailey, Joe Allen, Jr. Original 
screenplay. Aubrey Wisberg; camera, Wal- 
ter Strenge: editor, * Jason Bcraic. Pro- 
viewed Oct. 24, '47. Running lime, 
7* MINS. ' . 

Kddie. ■ John Shelton 

Agne» Aim D*iran 

Butch Guilin Williams 

Sutter Dick Bailey 

lyrics,....'. ,*.I<»e Alien, Jr. 

Fred Rory MaUluson 

Kelvin Kddy Melds 

Prosec-u lor ' ;..Wn Iden Boylo 

Harvey : Keith Richards 

Collins V.' ; Jaek Conrad 

Benson ('barb's Jordan 

Judge O. Molilaguft Shaw 

Danny .lolin' Doueetto 

Case Silckey Simpson 

"Road to the Big House" is trite 
melodrama, unfolded in • uninterest- 
ing manner. It will get by only as 
filler product for secondary book- 
ings. Production values marshaled 
by Walter Colmes show a short 
budget and his direction is inept in 
handling melodrama. • 

Story concerns a bank clerk -who 
gets tired of being poor and lifts 
$200,000 from the vault. He hides 
coin and is jailed, figuring on pay- 
ing debt to society and then, getting 
out to enjoy his spoils. He's target 
of other cons in stir who are inter- 
ested in money. There's an en- 
gineered jail break by ajf outside 
gang which wants the money but the 
clerk is captured. Finale has him a 
free man without his loot* His wife 
had found the hiding place and re- 
turned it to the bank. 

John Shelton fights his way 
through corny dialog and situations 
to register fairly well. Ann Doran, 
his long-suffering wife, also is hand- 
icanped by triteness of lines in the 
Aubrey Wisberg script. Guinn Wil- 
liams, a con, Dick Bailey, Joe Al- 
len, Jr., Eddy Fields, and others 
get by in support. 

Walter Colmes' production and di- 
rection doesn't build interest, Sel- 
vyn Levinson served as associate 
producer on the Somerset Pictures 
production. Lensing by Walter 
Strenge is adequate'but film is way 
overlength at 74 minutes. Brog. 

Linda Be C*o<id 

(SONGS) 

Hollywood. Oct. 25. 

PRC release or Mal ty Kemp product ion. 
Slars Klyee Knox, Marie Wilson, John 
Hubbard: features Gordon Richards, Jack 
Norton, Ralph Sanfovd, Sir Lancelot. Pro- 
fessor Lambeij-I. Directed by FranH Mc- 
Donald. Screenplay, Leslie Vale, George 
nalasK; original, Dick Irring I-lylEimt. 
Howard Harris; eamera, G'-orge Robinson;' 
songs, Charles Herbert, ami Jai Ic Mason, 
Sir Lancelot": editor, Norman A. Cerf. Pre 



biK Jfcelp in spotting number of enter* 
taining sequences. 

Two calypso tunes written and 
sung by Sir Lancelot give some pep 
to the score. . Numbers are "Old 
Woman with the Rolling Pin" and 
"Young Girls' of Today." Miss Wil- 
son sings "My Mother Says I 
Mustn't," by Jack Mason. Latter 
also collaborated with Charles Her- 
bert on the title tune. 

Frank McDonald's direction does 
its best with awkward script by Les- 
lie Vale and George Halasz. Plot 
has authoress Elyse Knox joining a 
burlesque show to get color for a 
new novel. John Hubbard, her hus- 
band, is out of town and unaware of 
situation. Complications are intro- 
duced when the husband's boss and 
a friend date Miss Wilson, burley 
strip queen, and Miss Knox. Slap- 
stick, moves forward to keep the 
husband and wife in hot water while 
identities are mixed. Windup has 
Miss Knox blackmailing the boss 
into giving her husband a vice presi- 
dency so she won't squeal about 
burlesque adventures to his wife. 

Miss Knox and Hubberd are okay 
as husband-wife team but it's Miss 
Wilson who sparks the piece. Gor- 
don Richards, Jack Norton, Ralph 
Sanford, Lenny Bremen, Bryon Foul- 
ger and others make for acceptable 
support. Professor Lamberti spots 
a neat specialty. 

Matty Kemp's production circum- 
vents short budget adequately. 
Camera work by George Robinson 
is good and editing is tight. Brog. 

Elixir of Love 

(ITALIAN-MADE) 

Film Rights latornatfonf;! release of 
Lux Films production. Stats Margherita 
Carooio, .' Rtberto Villa. Armando Falcon!. 
Directed by Amleto Kcttonl. Screenplay, 
I,. Ronelli and G. Spollani: mu.t|c, Gae- 
tano Donizetti; camera, Horatrioc; JQngllsh 
titles, Samuel .A. Datlov.0. At Cinema 
Vordl, N. Y., Oct. -1, 'IT. Running time, 
KS MINS. • ' 

Adina. .Margherita Caroalo 

Dr. Dulcamara .Armando Falcon! 

Beleore ...Carlo Romano 

Notary .*Lur£i Almirante 

Pauzunella Silvia . Bacplfoi 

Innkeeper's wife Carmen Navascues 

Nemorino , . . . . .Roberto Villa - 

Giannotta Jones Salinas 

Dolores , . : ,Pjna Renzl 

Don Alvaro Olinlo C.rlatina 

Innkeeper Claudio Krmelll 

Rosario Livla Minelli' 



111!. '47. 



\ lewed Oct. 
80 MINS. 

Linda Prentiss , 

Roger Prentiss. . 

Margie LaVitte 

Sam Thompson 

Jim Berijjftm 

XunnnHy LaVitte... 

Mrs. IrfVltle 

Kildie Morgan 

Sir Lancelot 

Sergeant Hrubichka. 
Butler 

Book Shop Owner... 

Frankle 

Maitre d'hote! 

Mrs. Thompson . . . 



Running time, 



Klype Kilos 

John Hubbard 

,. r Mai ie Wilson 

Gordon Richards 

I;iek Norton 

Ralph Sanford 

loyi-e Coinpton 

Prank Seanneli 

Sir Lancelot 

Lenny Bremen 

Gerald Oliver Smith 

Claire Carlton 

Alan Nixon 

Bryon X'oulgor 

FMuard (.tnrgon 

Muni Serotf 

Myra McKinncy 



<In Italian; English Titles) 

Donizetti's opera, "L'EUsir d'- 
Amore," is us6d as main support for 
this film, in the form of ah exten- 
sive flashback. Voices of opera 
singers Ferrucio Tagliavini and Vin- 
censo Bettoni are used for the chief 
arias sung, with former's name be- 
ing counted on as a draw because of 
his present Metopera tieup. ,Film, 
however, is slow and static, its oc- 
casional amusing moments helping 
to give its simple story the aura of 
a lavender-and-old-lace enromo. 
Aside from Italian enthusiasts, it's 
unlikely that even other type op- 
era-goers will go for it. ■ - 

Story is the slim one of a travel- 
ing quack who helps a bashful vil- 
lage suitor to win' his highstrung 
maid by the aid of a magic potion, 
an "elixir of love." Quack revisits 
a certain village, to be met by a 
youngster who recalls to the aged 
charlatan the time he brought the 
lad's parents together years ago. 
Which enables film to flash back 
into - the opera setting of "L'Elisir," 
when the quack helped the lad's 
father out of pique against "the lat- 
ter's rival, who had crossed the doc. 

Story is dramatized, with the 
principals' only occasionally : slipping 
into song, to present the opera's 
well-known arias. Voice dubbing is 
obvious, especially in the case of the 
hero, who is kept half-hidden in 
various shadows, or with his back 
to the camera, while his arias are 
being sung. It's difficult to tell 
whether leading femme is doing her 
own singing, due to faulty synchron- 
ization, although no femme singer is 
listed in supporting credits, as are 
Tagliavini and Bettoni.- 

A bad job of subtitling has been 
done on the film, the titles occasion- 
ally showing up twice, and some- 
times obviously not being timed 
properly with the original dialog or 
with the action. 

Film has . some charm, while the 
singing is good and music well per- 
formed. Armando Falconi, playing 
the role of the likeable rascal, Dr. 
Dulcamara, gives it a meaty, engag- 
ing portrayal. Margherita Carosio 
is an attractive undecided Adina, 
and Roberto Villa a handsome bash- 
ful suitor. Carlo Romano as the 
braggart Sergeant Beleore, Luigi 
Almirante as the notary, Claudio 
Ermelli as the innkeeper, are good 
support. Bron. 



Professor Lambert; 

'Linda Be Good"- is fair comedy 
with music that will rate sufficient 
chuckles in lesser situations to get 
by. It hasn't been tod~skillfully put 
together and dialog is awkward but 
trojan efforts of Marie Wilson play- 
ing her dumb chorine character is a 



Somlo Vamps Two Cities 
Leaving St. John on Own 

London, Oct. 28. 

Josef Somlo has relinquished his 
post as joint managing director of 
Two Cities Films which he shared 
with Earl St, John. 

First two films under new control 
of St. John will be an adaptation of 
Hugh Walpole's novel, "Mr. Perrin 
and Mr. Trail," and a remake of 
"Rome Express." Former will be 
directed by Lawrence Huntington, 
Marius' Goring and Greta Gynt will 
have chief roles. 

John Paddy Carstairs will direct 
"Rome Express," with shooting to 
start in January. Albert Lieven will 
probably be signed up for the Con- 
rad Veidt part. 



1« 



*>dur«J.y. October 29, 1947 



IT'S TIME 
FOR BLUNT 
TALK: 



the Thomas-Rankin 
Un-American Committee 

must go! 



j ,^-;«;,, •• • . u , ,■. un p rec edented .atrocit 



r^qiiullveekwel 



i whose 



levelled not only o« 



unionist* ov4 citi- 



ty ^ idicuMed lory of men in and '» ra d. 

^ ** ^ of every 
sUder *e rn.o. U r.^» ^ , can „ ..e. to hear. 1o>*od. to 

y^mm^ !5«£ ^| to *eo.. 'to ass.**.., to - 

All rights of cross-exom.not.on hove . fc ^ ^ act „ > v.,shes 



been denied to os. 



Our counsel hove 



been ejected or silenced when they 
have sought to speok out in our V>.- 

fcalf. It hos been specificoHy urged 
uppn the committed thot we, ond oil 
irs who disagree with its vvewond 
• degraded s.ondords of Amer.conism, 
b e prevented from «orVmg ol our 
chosen professions, thot we be 
pipped of our citizenship; *». we be 
exi led to foreign countriesvthot we o. 
bonded over to mobs ond murdered 

The committee hos approved such 
proposals by commending the potr, 

otism of those who advanced them. 



think, to s| 
gdniie, to vote 

Within the law. 



After the most search- 
ing : consideration of what has hop- 
pened here in Washington, we or. 
Lced to the inevitable^conclus^ 
jhat the committee has become the 
pctive and conscious agent of Amer, 

can Fascism. 

We therefore propose to use every 

legal means within ^P^A 
stro y ,his evil thing which colls .tself 

» he House Committee on Un-Amert- 
con Activities ond to put an end 
and for all. to the uncontrolled 
for which it stonds. 



once 
tyranny 



(Signed) 

Alvah Bessie 
Herbert Biberman 
Berthotd Brecht 
Uster Cole 
Richard Colli" 
Ed word Dmytryk 



Gordon Kohn 
Howard Koch 
Ring lordner, if. 
John Howard lowion 
Albert Malt* 
lewis Milestone 
Samuel Cvnil* 



larry Pork* 
Irving Pichel 
Robert Rossen 
Waldo Salt 
Adrian Scott 
Dalton Trumbo 



action: 



Write your Congressman now to vote 
for the Sabath Resolution (HR No. 46) 
to abolish the House Un-American 
Activities Committee. 



Arts, Sciences and Professions Council of 



P 



ROGRESSIVE ClTIZENS OF HMERICA 

205 East 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y. 



A. 



You can't "reform" a committee that 
seeks to destroy freedom of speech, 
press, radio, screen, science and litera- 
ture.. You can't, "reform" a committee 
that violates freedom of thought guar- 
anteed by the First Amendment to the 
Constitution, that makes a mockery of 
even elemental justice and fair play. 



PCA 



stands firmly behind the 19 
Hollywood craftsmen now facing the 
Thomas- Ran kin Committee. We urge, 
eyery American to read their statement 
at the left, to act now against the "Reich- 
' stag fire" that threatens to consume us all. 

PROGRESSIVE CITIZENS OF AMERICA 



HONORARY CHAIRMAN 
Jo Davidson 

CO-CHAIRMEN * 
Robert W. Kenny 
frank Kingdon 
SECRETARY > . 
Herman Shumlin 
TREASURER 
Michael M. Nisselson 

EXECUTIVE 
VICE-CHAIRMAN 
C. B. Baldwin 
VICE-CHAIRMEN 
Elmer Benton 
Van Wyck Biooks 



Norman Corwin 
John Cromw.H 
Bartley C. Crum 
Dr. Marshall Otmock 
Hannah Oerner 
Clark Foreman 
UDian HeHman 
Gen. Kelly 
Carey McWIHiams 
Dr. John P. Peter* 
Paul Rob. ion 
Dr. Harlow Shapley 
Paul Tubman 
J. Raymond WaltK 
A. F. Whitney . 
Bishop R. R. Wright, Jr. 

"I know of no more deserving organ- 
ization which has given more splendid 
leadership to the progressive forces 
of America than the Progressive Citi- 
zens of America. Today the P.C.A. 
is entitled not only to the gratitude 
but the- confidence and the support of 
the people of America who believe in 
democracy and are ready to fight for 
it in this crucial phase of its struggle." 
— Senator CLAUDE PEPPER to 
P.C.A.'s Conference on Cultural 
Freedom and Civil Liberties. 
October 26, 1947. 

HELP SPREAD THIS MESSAGE 



! 



I 



♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ + ♦♦♦♦»»♦♦♦ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦>»♦♦«♦».♦♦♦♦ 

V 

PROGRESSIVE CITIZENS OF AMERICA 
205 East 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y. 

I agree with PCA that the Un-American Thomat- 
| Rankin Commitee 10 violate! basic civil rights that It 
should be abolished and I want to help bring this im- 
portant message to the American people. 

Therefore, I am enclosing a contribution of $ 

to go toward publishing this message in other news- 
papers throughout the country. 



NAME 



STREET 



; C,TY ZONE . . . STATE ' 

, \ □ Please send membership information about PCA. 



I. 



INTERNATIONAL 



If 



Cant See 'little H wood' in Aussie 
Resulting From 30% Coin Holdback 



Sydney, Oct. ,16. + 



Despite the pact between IT. S 
film companies and the Australian 
government about aid to local fllm 
production via that 30% distribution 
revenue holdback, an impartial sur- 
vey indicates that there is Binall 
chance of American companies ..jet- 
ting up picture production here for 
a long time, if ever. It's figured that 
the 30% rental coin temporary 
freeze will amount to about $2,000,- 
000 annually. 

- U S. film companies fully realize 
that any full-scale feature film mak- 
ing down here would entajl ship- 
ping of up-to-date equipment, possi- 
bly building new studios and im- 
porting of talent before the first 
scepe could be shot. Yank com- 
panies always have avoided going }n 
for Aussie production for that very 
reason. 

They also realiza that once started 
it would have to be carried on in- 
definitely in order to break even on* 
the initial production outlay. There's 
also the angle of the precedent it 
would set since it would undoubt- 
edly bring demands from' other 
countries that U. S. producers 
launch full-scale film-making in 
their lands. 

There's hardly one modern studio 
in , Australia today. Cinesound- 
Pagewood, operated by J. Arthur 
Bank-Norman B. Rydge interests, 
halted production as soon as the 
British government invoked that 
75% tax since this impost' would 
cover pictures made in Aussie. 
While the Rahk-Rycfge setup 'report- 
edly is heartily in favor of making 
pictures here- and ready to spend 
heavy coin for technical equipment 
and talent, it's ' economically , un- 
sound right now. ^ Rydge, who is 
rated a shrewd business man both 
in the Australian- film industry and 
other business down here, naturally 
is watching the purse-strings on any 
extensive production just now sinpe 
tht new British tax is rated too 
much of problem to hurdle. 

Obviously, any pictures made 
down here by U. S. companies also 
would come under the 75% British 
tax handicap. 

LONDON SEES SURE BET 
IN STARLIGHT ROOF 

London, Oct. 28. 
Looking like a surefire success, 
"Starlight Roof," a lavish twice- 
nightly revue, bowed at -the Hippo- 
drome Thursday : (23). As produced 
by Val Parnell and Robert Nesbitt, 
show is a pleasant and engaging 
mixture with one of its stars, Vic 
Oliver, in his best form in years: 
Pat Kirkwood is a welcome return 
from Hollywood but Fred Emney's 
cdmedy material needs strengthen- 
ing. Especially radiant is 12-year- 
old Julie Andrews, daughter of the 
Canadian vaude team of Ed- and 
Barbara Andrews, who outshone the 
stars opening night in a prima donna 
debut. 

• Wally Boag scores as the balloon 
bugler, while blonde Hollywood 
dancer Barbara Perry and American 
ballerina Marilyn Hightower also 
rate acclaim. Michael Bentine, a 
new British comedy discovery, reg- 
isters with a novel act. Music is by 
George Melachrino, who also leads 
the Starlight orchestra, while Eric 
Maschwitz authored some of" the 
lyrics. Latter collabed with Matt 
Brooks on the sketches. Nesbitt 
• staged and Joan Davis handled the 
dance arrangements. 

In the only other opening of the 
Week, "AU Over the Town" preemed 
at the Playhouse theatre last Tues- 
day (21). Piece is an entertaining 
newspaper comedy by R. F. Delder- 
field, who authored the successful 
"Worm's Eye View," now in its 26th 
week. Play, although well acted and 
well received, is unlikely to repeat 
Hie lengthy run of "Worm's." 



London Legit Protests 

Proposed Tax Boost 

London, Oct. 21. 
Theatrical Managers Assn. is con- 
sidering sending a deputation to 
Chancellor of the Exchequer Hugh 
Da It on , to protest a proposed boost 
in the legit entertainment tax. Or- 
ganization contends that not even 
the most successful show could run 
in the West End or anywhere else 
if the present impost is hiked. Any 
increases would also tend to widen 
the gap between ordinary commer- 
cial productions and those ventures 
backed by the tax-free Arts Council. 

Currently, top seat tariffs in the 
West End are about $2;75. Any new 
tax would up' this bite to at least 
$3.25. Patrons have, already 
squawked against some theatres 
which have abolished their gallery 
and made the upper circle their 
cheapest seats at 75c, In the event 
of a heavier tax theatregoers would 
find themselves forking. over at. least 
a minimum of $1.20 for admission. 



Maas' 8-Week Junket 

Irving Maas, vice-prexy and gen- 
eral manager of Motion Picture Ex- 
port Assn., leaves Friday (31) for 
an eight-week global junket cover- 
ing MPEA territories.. Itinerary will 
take him first to the Orient for in- 
spection of the .MPEA's offices in 
Tokyo, Seoul and Batavia. 

While in Berlin, Maas expects to 
hold confabs with American Mili- 
tary Government officials with a 
view to expediting transfer of film 
distribution controls to MPEA. 



Burma, Eire 
Add to Freeze 



With more and more business 
being lost as a result of Great Brit- 
ain's crackdown, not only in England 
but in countries under British rule, 
American film, company foreign 
chiefs this week are trying to single 
out just what foreign lands today 
don't have some sort of '.coin freeze 
or ther restriction. 

Foreign toppers Wefe informed 
that no permits to import pictures 
into Burma are being allowed by 
the new Burmese government. No 
remittances are coming out of the 
country either. This is another part 
of the British Empire. While not a 
big market, it is merely another loss 
to be chalked up on the dwindling 
foreign account side of the ledger. 

It was also revealed in N. Y. that 
Ireland was tied up oh U. S. films' 
just as much as England. American 
distributors find they can't ship to 
Ireland since that part of the Brit- 
ish Isles in unable to pay except 
through the British treasury. How- 
ever, Yank distribs are getting 
money out on old shipments already 
in Ireland. 

Recap by foreign chiefs this week 
reveals that even in; Latin-America 
only Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, 
Panama, Venezuela and Colombia 
currently freely remit co.in on busi- 
ness done by American companies in 
that market. Restrictions of one 
sort or other prevail in all other 
Latin-American countries. 

Brazil at present remits most of 
rental money but in recent months 
it has been at a spasmodic rate. 



PARIS LEGIT GETS OKAY 
ON 33$ TILT ON TIX 

Paris, Oct. 23. 
The Prefect of Police has author- 
ized legit managers to tilt admissions 
from 15% to 33%, according to the 
kind of show. Top increase is for 
revues such as Folies Bergere. with 
a 400"Tranc ($3.20) ceiling. Straight 
comedy only gets a 15%' increase 
while vaude gets 20%. 

Cost of operating theatres is in- 
creasing to such an extent that 
managers complain that they barely 
cover expenses. Current raise of all 
salaries by 11% is already deemed 
insufficient against high cost of liv- 
ing and most unions are insisting on 
a 57% increase on current level. 

The transportation strike which 
blanketed Paris during the Sunday 
(19) weekend for four days affected 
showbiz variously according to the 
type of house. On the Champs 
Elysees it was a practical snafii, 
class patronage refusing to walk 
there and back. Nabes were far 
less affected, as shown by the Gau- 
mont and hex, both playing "Best 
Years" for the third week, register- 
ing together over >20,000 admissions 
on Sunday (19) against 22,000 for 
the first stanza's Sunday. • 



Italo Activity 
Up 50% DueTo 
U.S. Fixer Influx 



Recent trend of Hollywood film- 
makers to produce in Italy has re- 
sulted in a 50% increase in studio 
activity there, according to Emil 
Lustig, exec-veepee of the newly 
organized Westport - International 
Films, Inc. Just back from a seven- 
week junket . to Paris, Rome and 
Prague, the foreign fllm distributor 
pointed out that there were other 
advantages in making pix there 
aside from utilizing blocked remit- 
tances. 

Beauty of current Italian produc- 
tion, Lusltig declared, lies in its 
cheap labor and ample, studio facili- 
ties, along with a 16% cash rebate 
given producers by the Italian gov- 
ernment on domestic grosses of their 
Italian-made films.' 

In his recent trip' Lustig acquired 
the U. S. distribution rights to four 
French and Italian films and has 
options on three others. Pix already 
pacted include the Annabella star- 
rer, "My Name Was Lili," which 
will be dubbed into English in 
France. Produced this year by 
Francilex, the picture will be re- 
leased in the U. S. as "Lili.". His 
other French purchase was "Le 
Corbeau," made during the occupa- 
tion. Italian buys are "Prelude 
d'Amour" {"Prelude to Love") and 
"The Wandering Jew," directed by 
Geoff redo -Alessendrini. . 

TuVning to French production 
difficulties, Lustig ' said that costs 
have leaped more than 100% in com- 
parision with 1936. French film men 
also find financing a knotty problem 
chiefly because they have lost a 
large portion : of the European 
market as far as distribution is con- 
cerned. Most of eastern Europe is 
under the -Russian sphere and then, 
too, Britain has been written off 
since the advent of the ad valorem 
tax. In addition, French producers 
contend with labor unrest and 
electricity is apt to be shut off at 
any hour of the day. 

Nationalization of the Czech . fllm 
industry has created a paradox, 
Lustig observed. The government 
invited him to produce there and is 
interested in turning some of its 
facilities .over to foreign filmmakers. 
But despite the fact that the Bar- 
andorf studio in Prague is the 
largest and most modern in ali 
Europe, the situation there is im- 
possible, Lustig declared. Chief 
damper on the interest -of foreign 
film men is the strict regimentation 
of artists and technicians by the 
state. 



Exhibs Map Trans-Canada Drive To 
Nix 20% Amuse. Tax as War Measure 



Budapest Hands Out 

First Legit Oscars 

Budapest, Oct. 15. 
First awards of the Hungarian 
Artistic Council for outstanding act- 
ing' nv legit 'went to Laszlo Keieti 
for ;his performance as Kit Carson 
in William Saroyan's "Time of Your 
Life," and Maria Sulyok who re- 
cently played Hippia in Imre 
Madach's "The Tragedy of Man:" 
Each prize amounts to 1,000 forints 
(about $»'.5) and is contributed by 
the . Zoltan Tildy "Artistic Fund, 
named for 'the President of the Re- 
public. 

Award is based on a report of a 
committee of the ' Council which 
covers all shows. Prizes to deserv- 
ing thespians are expected to con- 
tinue as a permanent policy of the 
Council. Prior to turning to drama 
Keieti was a comic. He switched 
last year when he appeared in J. B. 
Priestley's "Unknown City." Miss 
Sulyok is a veteran Shakespearean 
actress. 



Italy Puts U.S. Pix Funds 
In Special Category 

Rome. Oct. 28. 

Frank McCarthy, European repre- 
sentative for the Motion Picture 
Assn. has obtained concession from 
the Italian tax commission exempt- 
ing American picture funds from the 
4% patrimony tax levied last No- 
vember, to succeed Louis Lazar as haad of 

Tax covers all capital in Italy, but Paramount's continental theaties. 
frozen U. S. funds have been put ; Lazar returns to New York in De- 
into special category. i ccmber. 



Edelstein s Par Post 

Paris. Oct. 28. 
Richard Edelstein has been named 



Current London Shows 

London, Oct. 28. 
(Figure shows weeks oj run) 

"Annie Get Gun," Col'sm (21). 

"Bless the Bride," Adelphi (27). 

"Born Yesterday," Garrick (40). 

"Chiltern Hundreds," Vaude (9). 

"Crime of Foley," Comedy <16). 

"Deep Are Roots," Criter'n (16). 

"Dr. Angelus," Phoenix (13). 

"Du Barry," Princess (3). 

"Edward My Son," Lyric (22). 

"Finian's Rainbow," Palace (2). 

"Fly Away Peter," Fortune (12). 

"Girl Quite," St. Martin's (10). 

"Here There," Palladium (30). 

"Life With Father," Savoy (21). 

"Linden Tree," Duchess (ID. 

"Man in Street", St. James (3). 

"Never Can Tell," Wynd. (4). 
'"Noose," Spville (19). 

"Off Record," Piccadilly (22). 

"Oklahoma!," Drury Lane (26). 

"One, Two, Three," Yoiks (7). 

"Peace In' Our Time," Aldw'h (12). 

"Piccadilly Hay ride," Wales (33) 

"Present Laughter," Haym'kt (28). 

"Separate Rooms," Strand' (10). 

' Sweetest Lowest," Ambsss. (78). 

••Together Again," Vic Palace (28). 
' 'Trespass," Apollo (15). 

"Tuppence,'! Globe (3). 

"Woims View", Whitehall (26). 



Eire Takes Huge 
Bite in Taxes 



Dublin, Oct. 21. 
Within six months of hiking tax 
bite on cinema exhibs in Eire, 
Finance Minister Frank Aiken has 
announced his decision to take an- 
other bite. As from mid-January 
next, the tax on admissions to cine- 
mas in Eire will be upped very con- 
siderably; the last raise — the first 
in 10 years— only became effective 
in mid-August. 

In his Supplementary Budget, state- 
ment Aiken announced the raising 
of the present 60c. seat — the current 
top price in Dublin firstrun houses— 
to $1. This will have the effect of 
giving the government 60c of every 
dollar seat sold in the house, 

Exhibs are putting up a squawk 
through the Theatre and Cinema 
Assn., sending representatives to 
plead with Finance Dept. "officials 
this week. Reception. was somewhat 
stony but officials promised to con- 
sider alternative scales to be sub- 
mitted by the association. Spokes- 
men of exhibs, however, are ;not 
hopeful of any appreciable change in 
the tax scale and are already cpn- 
sidering what adjustments must be 
made in admission prices. 

Never before in the history of 
cinema entertainment has the price 
been as high as the 60c level and 
there has been an undoubted falling-, 
off in the number of admissions to 
the high-priced seats. It is difficult 
to tell, however, just how far the 
falling-off is due to the higher 
prices because there has been a road 
transport strike and virtually un- 
broken fine weather since the new 
level was introduced Aug. 15. 

One government spokesman, Min- 
ister for Industry and Commerce 
Sean Lemass, is being severely criti- 
cized for a remark in the bail 
(House of Representatives) for say- 
ing that the current level of taxation 
has not taken a "yard off the 
queues." 



Toronto, Oct. 28. " 

In the belief that the current 20% 
federal amusement tax on filmhouse 
admissions was a wartime emer- 
gency measure, exhibitor associa- 
tions have started a trans-Canada 
drive to have the tax elminated in 
the forthcoming federal budget how 
being prepared for announcement 
next March. 

Lead was taken at annual meeting 
here of.Tsotion Picture Theatres 
Assn. of Ontario, representing 325. 
chain and independent houses in this 
province, when a resolution to this 
effect was unanimously carried and 
then forwarded to ■ Minister of 
Finance D. C- Abbott. Unfortunate- 
ly, as pointed out by Morris Stein, 
Famous Players Canadian executive, 
there is no national association of 
exhibitors in Canada,, although each 
of the nine" provinces has its. own 
member group. 

Important meetings of these sep- 
arate exhibitor" associations from 
coast to coast are now being held 
on premise that the time has come 
to remove the 20% amusement tax 
and intimations were that the other 
eight provinces, particularly Que- 
bec, will swiftly fall into line with 
the Ontario action. 

In seeking elimination of this tax 
at the earliest possible date, the 
MPT AO resolution- pointed out that 
the wartime emergency tax was be- 
yond what any government could, 
reasonably expect Its citizens to pay 
in peacetime. Also that the tax was 
levied for the prosecuting of the war, 
that the national emergency has 
ceased to exist and present living 
conditions make trie tax increasingly 
onerous. Film entertainment, name- 
ly, is an essential part of the life of 
the people and should not be unduly 
restricted ' by a ; discriminatory tax 
which affects people in the smaller 
inebme brackets. 

N, A. Taylor, president of 20th 
Century Theatres, told the meeting 
that theatre rates for copyright 
music will not be increased during 
1948, according to current negotia- 
tions with the Composers, Authors 
and Publishers Assn. of Canada. 
However, these' may be increased 
400 to 500% the following year -by 
CAPAC. Present annual tariff gives 
CAPAC approximately $70,000 a 
year but it's pointed out that no 
change lias been made in rate sched- 
ule by CAPAC since 1936. This is 
also one reason for getting rid of 
the federal 20% amusement tax. 



'BORN' OUT IN FRONT 
IN STOCKHOLM LEGIT 

Stockholm, Oct. 17. 

Five foreign plays are currently 
heading the Swedish legit season. 
Best b.o. success in many years is 
Garson Kanin's "Born Yesterday." 
Produced at the Nya Teatern here, 
it draws capacity audiences nightly. 
Stars of the piece are Gunn Wall- 
gren and Sven Lindberg, while Per- 
Axel Branner directed. 

Other plays doing well are "Lady 
Windermere's Fan" at the Vasa the- 
atre: "Playboy of the Western 
World" at the Royal Dramatical 
Theatre; "Cyrano de Bergerac" at 
the Oscars, and a British operetta, 
"Me and My Gal," at the Southern. 



Mex Bank Helps Pix 

Mexico City, Oct. 21. 

Pic trade got financial hypo to the 
tune ot $11,019,887.81 (Mex) (about 
$2,204,000 U.S.), this year up to Sept. 
30 from its own bank, the. Banco 
Nacional Cinematografico. >' 

Government . recently reorganized 
it and made it a national bank. 



UA-Distrib Argentine * 
Film's World Preem In 
Brazil Sets Precedent 

World preem of the United Artists' 
distributed Argentine • film, "Mirad 
Los Lirios del Campo," held Monday 
(27) at Porto Alegre, Brazil, marks 
a precedent inasmuch as its re- 
portedly the first time an Argentine 
picture, released by an American 
company, has had its initial screen- 
ing in Brazil. Decision to open 
"Mirad" in Porto Alegre was a nat- 
ural exploitation move since the 
city is the birthplace and home of 
novelist Erico Verissimo upon whose 
bestseller the film. is based. . 

Produced by Manuel Pen'a Rodri- 
quez, "Mirad" is the first of five 
Argentine-made pictures which UA 
will distribute throughout Latin 
America. Special print of the film, 
with Brazilian titles, was used for 
the preem. Much fanfare marked 
the opening with Brazilian govern- 
ment officials, Argentine film stars 
and execs as well as a horde of 
flacks on hand for " the festivities. 
English translation of the Verissimo 
novel, incidentally, was published in 
the U. S. last April under the title, 
"Consider the Lilies of the Field." 



Vet Norwegian Distrib 
Firm Going Gut of Biz 

Oslo, Oct. 15. 
Bio-Film-Compagni, one of Nor- 
way's oldest distributing companies, 
having been founded in 1913, is dis- 
solving soo.n. Firm recently hand- 
led bookings on some six Swedish 
films as well as a halt dozen U. S. 
reissues, all produced by Sol Lesser 
before the war for RKO. 
• Bio's product in the future will 
be distributed by the AS Fotorama 
Co. and the Merkur Film Co. 
Fotorama, founded in 1911. is the 
country's oldest fllm company. Out 
| of business during the German oc- 
' cupation. it reopened early this 
year. Finn represents Monogram 
Pictures and Swedish Europa Film. 



18 



ncrinns 



Vr<Tn«4l-y, October. 29, 1947 



*C Rating On 'Amber' 



Continued from pace 5 , 



ardize lor the profits, no matter how 
high they promise to be, of a single 
picture. 

Cardinal Spellman's 2d Nix 
Effect of a "condemned" classifica- 
tion is usually to hypo biz in those 
cities where an exhib chooses to 
flaunt Catholic pressure. In this 
case, however, 20th faces not only 
the "C" rating, but' specific word 
from Cardinal SpeUman of New 
York. He declared in a letter to 
pastors in his archdiocese, read at 
all masses Sunday (26): "I advise 
that Catholics may not see this pro- 
duction with a safe conscience." . ■ 
Only once before had the Cardinal 
singled out a film for such condem- 
nation. In November, 1941, he de- 
nounced Metro's Greta Garbo 
starrer, "The Two-Faced Woman." 

David O. Selznick, confronted 
early this year with the same prob- 
lem that now faces Fox, took a much 
more conciliatory attitude. As a 
matter of fact, with an investment 
in production and advertising on 
"Duel in the Sun" of upwards of 
$7,000,000, he was completely con- 
trite. He came to New York and 
went into lengthy huddles with 
L. of D. execs, making all the 
changes they requested. "Duel," as a 
result, got a passable rating. 

On the other hand, Spyros Skouras, 
20th's prexy, issued a statement de- 
claring: "I must "disagree very firmly 
with and protest a* unfair and harsh 
the position taken by the Legion Of 
Decency that 'Forever Amber' is a 
.'glorification of immorality and 
licentiousness' .' . . I believe it (the 
Legion) has erred in taking an ex- 
treme stand in this instance and that 
the final verdifct must come from 
the public." 

Skouras' Stance 
Skouras' firmness undoubtedly fol- 
lowed huddles With, or representa- 
tions to Legion execs. Apparently, 
latter feel that no quantity; of cuts 
could bring the film into the pale,, 
because of the inherent nature of the 
yarn. That's indicated in the word- 
ing of the reason given for the "C" 
rating: "This film in the nature of 
the story it tells and the manner in 
which the behavior of the central 
character is presented constitutes, a 
glorification of . immorality and 
licentiousness." ; 

Pic has a seal from Joe Breed's 
Production Code- Administration and 
has been okayed by .the censor' 
boards in six of the seven states that 
maintain such' bodies. They are 
New York, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland 
Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Ac- 
tion is awaited in Kansas. Local 
censors have let -it go in Memphis, 
Chicago and. Milwaukee. License 
■was withheld by the police theatrl 
cal censor in Providence, where 
• "Amber" was scheduled to unveil 
last Thursday (23). 

A secondary effect of the Legion's 
kayo, of course, is to make doubly 
alert and cautious the. censoring or- 
ganizations of those areas which 
have not' already giye,ii approval, 

* Hub Future Uncertain 

*.'. \- : •■, • Bosion, Oct. 28.. 
■ Considerable speculation on the 

future of the film "Forever Amber" 

. 'here as result of special request by 
the Boston city censor for a pre- 
view this week. Fact it has been 
condemned by the Catholic National 

\ Legion of Decency, and attacked by 
Cardinal Spellman, .points to plenty 

, of -trouble in this largely . Catholic 
center. . . 

In novel form "Forever Amber" 
figured in a sensational Mass. Su- 
preme Court case last May. It was 
cleared of obscenity charge by 
J.udge Frank J. Donahue, who ruled 
the bestseller was a "soporific rather 
than an aphrodisiac." Ruling paved 
the way for a revision of Massachu- 
setts procedure in book censorship, 
resulting in books themselves being 
prosecuted, not the booksellers. 

Formerly booksellers, afraid to 
tangle with the bluenoses, got to- 
gether and banned bonks tacitly of 
their own accord. Resulting slogan 
"banned in Boston" really meant the 
books had not been officially banned 
at all, merely prevented from reach- 
ing the bookstalls by the sellers 
themselves. 



ing big business throughout terri- 
tory. Newspaper reviewers here, are 
finding it inoffensive, ; : .... V 
. Roily Hill, . onetime Minneapolis 
mayoralty candidate on wide-open 
town platform and now p-esidetrt 
of a motion picture research.. > st * 
ciety In Hollywood, is here trying 
to get Archbishop Murray of this 
Catholic diocese to condemn "Am- 
ber", and to back up his plan to 
set up a registry system for fllmdom 
divorces. Hill would ban s$«es whP' 
take marriage vows .''top Jightly" 
and would campaign to halt casting 
of George Raft as a priest in a 
forthcoming picture. ,.'.. 



ludplft. Squawk 

Indianapolis, Oct. 2fc 
"Forever Amber" opened to 
standees here " Thursday (23) de- 
spite effort by Legion of Decency- 
to have city authorities prevent 
showing in Indianapolis. Msgr. Hen- 
ry, F. Dugan, executive secretary 
of ' Legion in Indianapolis archdi- 
ocese, wrote letter to Mayor Denny 
asking that action be taken. Denny 
referred matter to corporation 
counsel, who replied city has no 
statute enabling him to~ intervene. 

Mser, Dugan also wrote to Dem- 
ocratic and Republican mayoralty 
candidates, in November elections 
asking them what steps they would 
take should the situation arise in 
the future.. : , .- 



Balaban Sees 

; Continued from page 1 aSS 

in grosses 



Rank's 4 Un-Am.' Parlay 

Trade press reps at the screen- 
ing Monday (27) in New York 
of J. Arthur Rank's new "So 
Well Remembered" (RKO), 
wondered if the British pro- 
ducer had somehow anticipated 
the results of Congressional un- 
American Activities Committee 
hearings on alleged Communist 
influence in Hollywood. It 
looked almost as if Rank had 
.decided to make a publicity 
parlay of persons named in the 

v probe. ;."n''v' \ 
: 'There was audible comment 
among the reviewers as the pic- 
ture's screen credits, listed 
Adrian' JScott as producer, Ed- 
ward'- Djbytryk, director; John 

: Paxtpn,' scenarist, and Hanns 
Eisler, composer. All are among 
those recently mentioned by the . 
Thomas committee. 



Northwest Protests 

Minneapolis, Oct. 28. 
Protestant ministerial groups? in 
Fargo, N. D., and Winona and 
Rochester, Minn., have protested to 
the Minnesota Amus. Co. against 
showing of "Forever Amber." Com- 
pany replied it would be impractical 
to call off engagements already un- 
der way. City officials also have 
refused to interfere. Picture is do- 



ly, the loss of even 10% 
spells a 40% in net. 

'A recent, analysis showed us, : 
Balaban explained, "that whereas 
the average negative cost of Para- 
mount films was $486,000 six years 
ago, they're now at an all time high 
of $2,200,000. In all fairness, I want 
to qualify that statement by conced 
ing that we then made some B's and 
we don't any more. Without the B's, 
six years ago, our overage 
wouldn't have exceeded 
$700,000.' 

Referring to the climb in costs in 
'48 and the impossibility of immedi- 
ately improving the profit potential 
of films, Balaban emphasized re- 
peatedly industry practices which 
made mandatory a two-year stretch 
between scripting and casting "teeoff 
on a film and its complete amortiza- 
tion. He noted the period required 
preliminary to shooting; the time 
stretch for lensing; the three months 
or so for cutting, editing and setting 
up the pre-selling campaign; and the 
18 months allotted to distribution 
Hence, films released next year were 
budgeted two years prior and long 
before ■ the British, crisis spurred 
economy efforts. 

"Even now,' Balaban declared, 
"there are too, many who aren't: put- 
ting their houses in order. There 
are many content, in face of the sit 
ustion, to coast along. And if there's 
one certainty, it's that those neg- 
lecting to economize are going to 
feel it They'll find themselves ex- 
hausting, their- cash reserves and 
their bank credits, to boot. In- this 
industry, you must act promptly to 
meet . exigencies or else the con se 
quences are certain.' 

Because scripts and casting were 
complet* on productions slated - for 
early shooting, there's been a neces- 
sary 90-day hiatus.between the Brit 
ish crisis and Paramount's revamp- 
ing of budget expenses at the studio 
according to Balaban. "Yes, we can 
cut down the shooting time a bit and 
save a little here and there, but the 
main costs have been fixed so far in 
advance that the company hasn't 
been able to do too much with them." 

Fixing his sights on the conten- 
tion current in some trade circles, 
that Hollywood should have pre- 
viously and can still make pix at a 
cost which would net them a fair 
profit in the domestic market alone, 
Par's prexy said: 

"If there's one point where that 
argument becomes a bit thin, it's in 
the fact it ignores the tremendous 
pyramiding of costs which took 
place in recent years. We' must work 
at the base of these costs but reduc- 
tions will be necessarily slow. Be- 
cause of the two-year lapse between 
planning and amortization, we can't 
count on having an immediate stock 
of films for the domestic market 
alone. 

"There's a tremendous leverage in 
this business. Everything is fine 
when the companies are amortizing 
their product on a rising market. 
But we're playing with different 
chips now. The market is declining, 
but the costs remain high.' 



§ Probe Tactics 
Continued from page 4 as 

ture— and the industry's in making 
a case against the committee— that 
record was thrown at them every 
time they showed signs of stalling. 

Tactics originally appeared to be 
to keep the probers focused on a 
few pictures and a small group of 
writers, who could be. disclaimed, 
and thus keep the rest of the in- 
dustry unsullied. It quickly became 
evident that that wasn't working and 
all Hollywood was being smeared. 
Industry's Aboat-Face 
As a result, there's been a shift to 
attacking the, committee itself, fol- 
lowing McNutt's lead. Johnston, in a 
statement to; the press Sunday (26), 
which was reprinted in full-page 
newspaper ads by the MPA Mon- 
day, and in his testimony that day 
smacked the tactics of the Thomas 
group. 

A peculiar aspect of the industry's 
attitude, so far as newspaper cor- 
respondents ' and spectators in the 
hearing room were concerned, was 
the apparent coldness between the 
official MPA side and the so-called 
"19 unfriendly witnesses," as well 
the contingent of players and 
execs who came to Washington from 
Hollywood Monday. The strained re- 
lationship wa^/perfectly understand- 
able, of course, in light of the back- 
ground. The 19 included "suspected 
Commies" and the others were con- 
sidered friends of theirs, so the in- 
dustry was disassociating itself from 
them, although both groups opposed 
the committee. 

Comparison between McNutt and 
Wendell Willkie, who served so bril- 
liantly as counsel in the 1941 probe, 
is as inevitable as the comparison 
of strategy. Actually, no fair con- 
trasting of McNutt and Willkie is 
possible,- since McNutt is rigidly re- 
stricted by the committee to sideline 
activity, with no "opportunity to put 
on a show. The only chance he gets 
to say anything publicly is when re- 
porters crowd around him after the 
hearings. In those sessions, if they 
can be used as any criteria, he shows 
little of the drive and -vigor and 
deep feeling for ; civil liberties that 
made Willkie the dominating figure 
at the- pre-Pearl Harbor sessions. 



B'way and H'wood 

- — - Continued from pace 4 • 



Montgomery, Murphy And 
Reagan's Fine Impressions* 

Washington, Oct. 28. 
It took a trio of actors last week 
to" lend some balance to the testi- 
mony piling up in the Hollywood 
Commie probe. With the impression 
mounting that half a dozen people in 
the film colony and the Un-Ameri- 
n Activities Committee were all 
that stood between the industry and 
its absorption by Moscow,- Robert 
Montgomery, George Murphy and 
Ronald Reagan presented a thor- 
oughly balanced view for the first 
time. 

Making a deep impression upon 
the committee with their sincerity, 
they brought the message that Holly- 
wood is mostly a place where a lot 
of real Americans work and live and 
that there are a few Reds among 
them but that these are kept pretty 
much «nder control. It actually inay 
have been a turning, point of the 
hearings, for even the committee got 
a new impression of -what went on 
in the celluloid colony. 

Still the House Committee was not 
thoroughly sold. It said to Murphy, 
It is fortunate for the American film 
industry that a group of you fellows 
are out there who had the courage 
of your convictions and stood up and 
fought for what is right." 

"Don't forget," retorted Murphy, 
we have the backing of the large 
majority, of our members." Reagan 
also expressed his "great pride in 
the film industry." All in all, the 
trio expressed, for : the first time 
during the sessions, a real faith in 
the industry and plaqe in which they 
worked. . 1 



Rodgers Discusses 



Continued from page 



there's seldom been an idea of any 
kind." 

Earlier Saturday, Albert -.. Maltz, 
Ring Lardner, Jr., Richard' Collins, 
Larry Parks, Kenny, radio producer 
Robert Lewis Shayon, Paul Robeson, 
Kingdon and commentator J. Ray- 
mond Walsh led a counter-attack 
against the probe, pointing out its al- 
leged attempt to quash free thought 
regiment the arts and impose "fas- 
cist" forms on American life. Lard- 
ner declared that "we're already sub- 
ject'to censorship, which is partially 
responsible for the insipid arti- 
ficiality of so many of our pictures." 
He added that "when J. Parnell 
Thomas is given the right of script 
approval, any resemblance to Ameri- 
can life or democratic notions will 
be strictly an oversight." 



pulling power in several test engage- 
ments, requests for bookings rolled 
in so fast that Metro was forced to 
ask Techni for 50 more prints. To 
get these, Rodgers said it was neces- 
sary to settle for 78 prints less on 
'Yearling." Company then need ed 
an additional 100 prints on "GWTW" 
and so was forced to compromise 
again by deferring, release of a new 
Techni picture for five months. 

Commenting on biz in general, 
Rodgers said it depends on each 
picture and the section in which It 
plays. He noted that "Yearling," 
despite its poor record in key city 
first runs, was cleaning up in the 
smaller situations and ' eventually 
might rank second only to "GWTW" 
as Metro's all-time top grosser. He 
also gave a nod to exhibs, declaring 
their expressed desire to hop back 
on the showmanship bandwagon with 
both feet is an ^encouraging" sign. 

Rodgers reiterated previous de- 
nials of a wholesale cut in Metro's 
domestic sales staff. Conceding he'd 
laid off about 25 salesmen through- 
out the country, the M-G exec de- 
clared this was strictly an endeavor 
to streamline^ the domestic opera- 
tion and had nothing to do with gen- 
eral*' worldwide market conditions. 
He pointed out that Metro , now has 
about T.OOO accounts that pay the 
company only $50. or less on each 
picture and about 3,000 of these pay 
$25 or less. "It would be economi- 
cal- suicide," he said, "to send a 
salesman out to sell one picture at a 
time to each such exhibitor." 

Rodgers definitely ruled out the 
possibility of selling via mail order, 
however. Even if field' salesmen 
don't do too much soliciting of biz, he 
declared, it's still necessary for them 
to huddle periodically with exhibs 
on mutual exhibition-distribution 
problems. Before a salesman goes 
out on the road now, though, he 
waits until there are enough films 
available to make his trip worth- 
while. 



Nabes Hit 

Continued from pace 5 



Defer B-K Answers 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Balaban & Katz, pic house chain 
here, and the major distributors 
have until Nov. 6 to answer charges 
of nabe house, DeLuxe, that B&K 
and majors had conspired to set 
minimum prices and establish pre- 
ferred booking practices. Time ex- 
tension was granted in federal dis- 
trict court last week. 

Nabe, besides seeking damages, is 
asking for an injunction against "un- 
fair" practices. 



Weber Denies 

s Continued from pace 3 ; 



Wore Tights," while strong in most 
key city first runs,. also outstripped 
the keys when it got to the smaller 
towns, and there are instances of 
several other pictures that have 
.acted in the same way. In addi- 
tion, it's noted that very few pic- 
tures are running as long in the 
keys as they used to, whereas b« 
in subsequent run houses and the 
small towns is on the increase. 
Bypass Higher Prices? 

Majors are reluctant to hazard a 
guess on why this situation has 
come about. It's been suggested that 
the public, in shopping for enter- 
tainment, might have become averse 
to paying the high admission prices 
usually charged by the big first run 
houses. In answer to this, however, 
its noted that several films have 
played at upped prices in all situ- 
ations and have done just as much 
biz in small towns as in the keys. 
A more reasonable view may be 
that there's been a swing by the 
public back to nabe houses, such aa 
happened .once before in th; indus- 
try. What's causing the swing, how- 
ever, isn't known. 

If the situation continues, mean- 
while, .the majors believe they'll 
have to revise their marketing and, 
advertising plans to cope yrith it. If 
small town theatres that have been 
buying films on a flat rental deal are 
making more money now, it's to be 
expected that the majors will de- 
mand either a boost in the rental or 
a Switch to percentage terms. As 
far as advertising is concerned, the 
national magazine and radio cam- 
paigns that are now slanted to take 
full advantage of key city first run 
openings, may have to be revised to 
take the subsequent runs and 
smaller towns into account 



was not in fact sold through me or 
the William Morris Agency, is ap- 
pearing in the January issue of Air 
Trails magazine and in a condensed 
version in Reader's Digest for that 
month." 

Weber's affidavit was buttressed 
by a similar document from Helen 
Strauss, head of the N. Y. Morris 
office literary dept. Miss Strauss 
described her association with Chal- 
mers and his manager, Frank 
Nichols. She declared that Good- 
lin's material consisted of general- 
ized statements which had no re- 
lationship with supersonic flight. 
Collier's magazine subsequently 
turned down the material. 



Weird Samples 

Continued from .page 4 ^ 

long talk in the presence of Tyrone 
Power. The next day, Crabbe, w#h 
Power and Cooper, left for New 
York to set Henry Wallace. When 
Crabbe came back home, someone 
called him on the phone and ad- 
vised him to stop his activities be- 
cause it might cause 'unpleasant' re- 
sults, but Crabbe was not afraid. 

"From New York, he left by plane 
for Washington, intending to see 
Truman and to show the results of 
his discovery. But Truman did not 
receive him. Then Crabbe, in ac- 
cordance with Wallace, Elliot Roose- 
velt, Eleanor Roosevelt, LaGuardia 
and Stetinius, decided to publish 
the documents. 

"On June 3, on Broadway, on the 
corner of Seventh avenue, Crabbe 
was riddled with bullets from a 
machine gun from a closed car. This 
tragic death of Crabbe provoked 
terrific unrest in Hollywood. At the 
funeral of Crabbe, 150,000 were pres- 
ent, and the coffin was carried by 
comrades Gary Cooper, Tyrone 
Power, George Brent -and Al St. 
John. 

"Cooper and Power, before they 
were imprisoned, stated their im- 
prisonment would not kill the ideals 
for which they fought Cooper said, 
'I go to prison, but I will came back 
from prison and Bilbo, Hearst, 
Baruch and Rockefeller will not be 
for long masters of this country . . .' 
Alan Ladd, on this occasion, said: 
'Very soon you will hear the real 
truth about the persons who are 
putting me in prison.'" 

In reply to Chairman Thomas' 
question as to whether Crabbe were 
actually dead, Cooper declared: 
'He's a very healthy specimen." 



March of Time 

Continued from paga 11 

Movietone lot available to It on a 
daily rental basis. 

Plans for MOT'S own productions, 
which will be distributed by 20th, 
hinge on how much of the Holly- 
wood co-production it gets. Idea is 
to schedule its own production be- 
tween the other assignments to keep 
personnel occupied on a year-round 
basis. 

Occasion of the de Rochemont an- 
nouncement was a dinner for the 87 
members of the production staff to 
celebrate the most prolific month in 
the organization's history. It turned 
out 8<£ reels in 22 working days. 
These comprised two editions of the 
MOT, plus a two reeler for Standard 
Oil of Indiana and two-and-one-half 
reeler for Cleveland-Electric Illum- 
inating Co. 



<1. 



First 4 daya broke 

y • ^ All roadshow * . ,'. ? . Rivolr all-time 

'• ' . ' v . attendance records record in 

topped in New York 

Pittsburgh 7 ^ ^ 



CE^ ** rst weeIc break*. 



jpp^ ^ jtt every record in 

>v 30% ovcr blggest ^ Ba timore 

(♦} current upped- ^ W,B 

Jt'P^^^^ V»«/ admission hits in > ^ 

^Cincinnati 

And Now In V / 

CHICAGO V ;r ^' 

■■mhhhmhh ' Atlanta 

FIRST 5 DAYS BEAT BIGGEST 
PREVIOUS WEEK'S BUSINESS 
IN HISTORY OF U. A. THEATRE ! 



20 



PICTURES 



Wedtt<*dar, October 29, 1947 



Johnston Says 'Hands-Off To M Who 
Threaten Gov't Control of Film hoi 



Washington, Oct. 28. 

It was Eric Johnston Day yester- 
day afternoon (27) in Washington, 
as the Motion Picture Association 
prexy dressed down the House un- 
American Activities Committee for 
smearing the fllm industry without 
giving it a chance to defend itself 
and slugged toe-to-toe with a com- 
mittee which was obviously out to 
rough him up. 

For more than an" hour, 'Johnston 
hit out in all directions, both punch- 
ing and counter-punching in the 
shrewdest exhibition staged thus far 
on behalf of the producers. He 
claimed- the committee was hurting 
the box office at home and abroad 
and declared he would fight off ef- 
forts by the Committee or any other 
Governmental body to tell the in- 
dustry the kind of films it should 
make. He' demanded that the com- 
mittee make public its secret list of 
Communist-tinged pictures so that 
the industry could answer the loose 
charges, and challenged the com- 
mittee to fight Communism by demo- 
cratic methods. 

The House Committee was spoiling 
to get at Johnston. MPA, in its 
opinion, had welched on its early 
promise to cooperate so the legis- 
lators figured that mussing its 
prexy's hair would be nice retalia- 
tion. One bit-of retaliation could be 
chalked up as the picayune spite of 
the -week, •, . "■■ - " • \. 

Among the highlights, of the ses- 
sion:-, , ' • ' ' ■ 

1. Questioning of Johnston brought 
out that he went to Hollywood a few 
months ago with a three-point pro- 
gram in connection with the probe. 
The industry toppers approved two 
of the points— rcall for. a f air investi- 
gation jind for ihe employment of 
former' Secretary of State James F. 
Byrnes as special counsel to aid in 
preparing the case. But they vetoed 
the point under which proven Com 



sia and withdrew from the party in 
1939. 

Stripling asserted that CheyBtz 
followed this party line in February, 
1941, in denouncing lend-lease and 
the war powers- bill, and that the 
Dally Worker reported favorably 
in May, 1941, that Cheyfitz was op- 
posing a Presidential speech on pre- 
paredness. 

"Pm not here to defend Cheyfitz," 
declared Johnston. "He's in towa 
Why don't you call;hitt>?" Johnston 
also produced a shea! of letters en- 
dorsing Cheyfitz and declaring that 
he was completely clear of Com- 
munism. These came from clergy- 
men and business leaders. They 
were one to two weeks old. 

"You sort of had a suspicion this 
was coming up," commented Rep. 
Thomas in some surprise. 

"Knowing Mr. Stripling, . I was 
prepared for anything," was the re- 
tort. Stripling asked whether John- 
ston would employ John Howard 
Lawson on the basis of the morning 
information. ■ 

"If all the evidence in your state- 
ment this morning was /rue," said 
Johnston, "I would not employ Mr. 
Lawson. Communists are a disrup- 
tive influence. I have never ob- 
jected to investigating Hollywood. 

"I have objected to some of the 
committee's methods." • " 

"..'••'•.• •■Pa* For the Industry - 
' At this point the industry got one 
of its few pats on the back of the 
day from Rep. John McDowell (R., 
Pa.). -■ 

"There was evidence last week"," 
he said, "that your producers were 
disturbed by Communist influe/ice, 
What disturbs me is your charge 
that the industry is being smeared 
"here. I am disturbed that you feel 
the testimony of these producers 
hurt them. ; I feel the motion picture 
industry has come out of this hear- 
ing in good shape. The movie, in- 



any position -where, they , might affect 
the.'coirtent of -pictures. ., ="'•" 

2. Disclosure that Edward T. Chey- 
fitz, assistant to Johnston, is a former 
Communist party member. . y . 

3. A ; claim by Hep.' JV ParneU 
Thomas; committee chairman, that 
some industry figures sought to in- 
fluence the committee in advance of. 
the heatings; ; - ■;;> '.. 

The roughing of Johnston started 
as" soon as he. reached the witness 
stand and even before 'he had an 
opportunity to read his prepared 
statement.. Robert Stripling, clerk and 
chief inquisitor of the committee, 
wanted to know if Johnston felt he 
needed a lawyer; Thomas chimed in 
with, "Well/it's alfrigbt if it makes 
him feel any better." ■„* . . . 

immediately after ^Johnston had 
read his prepared statement, Strip- 
ling went to work with questions 
about whether the MPA prexy had 
found any Commies in Hollywood. 
At one place he snapped at John- 
ston, "I wouldn't be surprised from 
statements you have made during 
the past, few days that, you have 
been .trying to Tun this committee." 

This was the cue for Thomas to 
charge that MPA had promised a 
lot of cooperation -and was hot giv- 
ing any; Thomas also claimed the 
producers had tried to . pressure the 
hearings before they began. 

"We _had prominent people come 
to us to postpone our hearings," he 
said. "We had persons, some of 
dubious character, ask us not to put 
on certain witnesses. We had others 
get in touch with our investigators 
to try and learn what we were going 
to do. I don't know if any bribes 
were actually offered but one man 
- gave all the signs of an offer. 

"And your counsel has been giv- 
ing out statements on the hour and 
off the hour critical of the commit- 
tefe. Is that the kind of cooperation 
you promised." 

"I' told you we'd give cooperation 
and we did," snapped Johnston. "I 
never sought to get any witness off. 
When one witness did try to get ex- 
cused I hrd him write .you a letter 
askii^ to be called." 

Stripling then shifted his attack 
to demand why McNutt was "sub- 
stituting for Byrnes." Johnston said 
the deal with Byrnes provided that 
he would not appear before a Con- 
gressional committee. Tonight 
Byrnes issued a statement corrobo- 
rating this point. 

Tlien Stripling swung about to ask 
Johnston if Edward Cheyfitz had 
ever been a member of the Com- 
munist party. Johnston said Chey- 
fitz had been, but had become "dis- 
illusionized" when he went to Rus- 



Kansas City Operator 
Bows in Union Suit 

Kansas City, Kans., Oct. 281 
Joe D. Gicante, operator . at the 
Kansas theatre here, lost his court 
battle to prevent Local No. 498, In- 
ternational Alliance of Theatrical 
Stage Employees, and Motion Pic- 
ture Operators, AFL, from replacing 
him on the job, but for the time be- 
ing has retained his job. Judge Rus- 
sell G. Hardy, Wyandotte County 
District Court, last week sustained 
a demurrer by the defending union 
wherein it was contended that 
Gicante had failed to establish -a 
cause of action against the union. 
' Gicante has been, in the booth at 
the Kansas- theatre; for several 
years but has operated under a 
special agreement whereby the union 
has listed him as a registered ap- 
prentice. He went to court when a 
recent ruling of the union sought to 
eliminate the rating under which he 
worked. 

Attorney for the union said that 
the contract with the theatre for 
only union operators e:lpired last 
June. Union testimony also showed 
that Gicante never had been initiated 
into the organization an3 that his 
membership had been rejected sev- 
eral months ago. 

Theatre officials testified they 
were satisfied with Gicante's work, 
and he is continuing on the job for 
the time being. A new contract be- 
tween the theatre and the union is 
under consideration, however. 



Red Brand Goads MPA 



Continued from page 5 > 



MPA Stand 

Continued from page S ; 



munists: would not W employed industry, with a few exceptions, has 

come out of here in a splendid po- 
sition. 

"We are' not concerned with tell- 
ing the industry what pictures to 
make.. It has been suggested that 
Hollywood make anti-Soviet pic- 
tures. ; I abhor the -word. I am not 
anti or pro anything. The action of 
ihis committee will be only by a 
vote of its members and we have 
not taken any action."' ' 
"I might say that just as there are 
good " and bad writers," replied 
Johnston, "there are different kinds 
of congressmen. You're the kind 
we like." " 



NovehVs 'Perchance' To 
Tour S. Afr.; Rank to Film 

J. Arthur Rank has acquired the 
film rights to Ivor Novello's recent 
London legit musical, "Perchance to 
Dream," the British writer-actor dis- 
closed upon arriving in New York 
last -week aboard the Queen Mary. 
Deal for , the- show, which ran two 
and a half years, did not involve a 
fiat sum but calls for Novello to re- 
ceive a percentage of the gross. 
Picture is scheduled to be made .at 
the end of next year. . 

Meanwhile Novello plans a three- 
week stay in New York then goes 
to Jamaica, B. W. I., prior to trek- 
ing to South Africa... London com- 
pany' of "Perchance" is now en 
route to • Johannesburg where the 
play jg slated to open Dec. 23. No- 
vello will join it there. Following 
South African bookings, the company 
will return to England where a 
provincial tour, has been lined up. 
After that there's a possibility that 
the show may be brought to the 
U. S. 



Small Skeds Another 

For Italian Leasing 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Edward Small is readying - a sec- 
ond picture, "Clementine," for pro- 
duction in Italy to utilize some of 
his coin, impounded in that country. 

Currently the Small production, 
"Cagliostro," is ih work at Scalero 
Studios, Rome. 



Colman-Cukor Indie 



Hollywood, Oct 28. 
Ronald Colman is going fn for 
indie production, with George Cukor 
as a partner. They have acquired 
a story property for filming next 
spring. 

Colman recently starred in "A 
Double Life," produced by Cukor 
for Univer-sal-International release. 



to the Russians would be bad form 
in 1947. Names ami reputations of 
valuable motion picture properties 
had- been kicked sky-high. That 
committee was serving notiee~'that 
it intended to put nearly -the whole 
industry in the same can of red 
paint.- r ,' ■> ';• 

Out For These Headlines 
The idea, according to some news- 
papermen, was obvious. The com- 
mittee would get a much better 
play; by claiming that Hollywood 
was 99% Communist - controlled, 
with only a. 'few persons fighting 
the Reds, rather than that it was 
American -with a small group 
of .Commies agitating trouble. 

By the second ,day, Paul V. Mc- 
Nutt,. special counsel for the in- 
dustry, was demanding that the 
committee look at pictures before it 
allowed them to be smeared as 
Communistic. By the third day he 
was hammering . at Rep. J. Par- 
neU Thomas's group as a challenge 
to free speech. 

MPA prexy Eric Johnston fol- 
lowed up with an attack oh proce- 
dures of all Congressional investi- 
gating committees. He declared, in 
a statement issued fo'tbe press Sun- 
day (26) and published in full-page 
newspaper ads paid for by the MPA 
Monday: "Too often individuals and" 
institutions have been condemned 
without a hearing or a chance to 
speak in self-defense; slandered and 
libeled by hostile witnesses not sub- 
ject to cross-examination and im- 
mune from subsequent suit and 
prosecution."- - 

The MPA topper followed up 
right away with the strongest in- 
dustry attack yet made on the com- 
mittee. .He read it preceding his 
testimony before the group Monday 
morning. It was clear evidence of 
the industry's ire at the general 
idea given by the. previous week's 
goings-on that Hollywood was "run- 
ning over with Communists and 
Communism."' 

McNutt, in the meantime, was 
still pounding at the committee to 
see pictures before smearing them. 
In a letter to each member of the 
committee Sunday, he called upon 
them to make public their list of 
alleged Commie-propaganda-loaded 
films. He pointed out that merely 
blind talk about a "list" was spread- 
ing smears over a large number of 
films. 

By that time the industry's of- 
ficial "line" was not sounding very 
different from what Bartley Crum 
and Robert W. Kenny, counsel for 
the so-called "left-wing" group of 
witnesses, have been stating to 
newspapermen all along. 

As the curtain went up on the 
second week of hearings yesterday 
(Monday), it appeared the commit- 
tee had the large majority of the 
industry united against it, a combi- 
nation of "strange bedfellows" — 
execs and writers, for instance — 
which was a great surprise in most 
quarters. Only group which re- 
mained favorable to the probers was 
Hollywood's ultra-right-wing Al- 
liance for the Preservation of Amer- 
ican Ideals. 



lie," McNutt continued. Pointing 
out that the film producers were 
anxious to give the committee every 
chance to proceed, McNutt said , he 
wanted "this' investigation to end all 
investigations of Hollywood by the 
committee." 

Thomas, after needling McNutt 
with questions about whom' exactly 
he represented, said, "The chair will 
Teply in a full and detailed state- 
ment." McNutt had difficulty in re- 
calling the member companies in the 
MPA, hesitantly- naming- Warner 
Bros., 20th-Fox, Universal, then the 
"Metro Brosi" and winding up with 
the phrase, "and several others." 

Like Lawson, Trumbo during the 
morning session was refused permis- 
sion to read a prepared statement 
because. Thomas said it was not per- 
tinent to the business of the .com- 
mittee. Trumbo, however,, was 
calmer and less hostile than Law- 
son giving, at least, an outward 
show of respect for the committee. 
Nevertheless, he imitated Lawson's 
line of answering committee counsel 
Robert E. Stripling's questions, with 
long statements of his own. 

After the first- tangle, resulting 
from Trumbo's refusal to answer 
the question of any Communist Party 
affiliations, he made numerous at- 
tempts to introduce into the record 
the content of 20 films written by 
him so that, he said, "The committee 
may see what it proposed to keep 
from the American public." Thomas 
refused to admit it into the record 
because of its length. 



Trumbo OuUhouU Chair 

Shouting over objections of the 
chairman, Trumbo managed to inter- 
ject into his testimony that he had 
statements from "responsible people 
concerning my work." These, he 
said, included General H. H. Arnold, 
air force head, judges of juvenile 
courts, Chief of the Film Section of 
UNRRA and the Chief Army Chap- 
plain in Charge of Films. Led from 
the stand by six uniformed guards 
amid mingled boos and cheers, 
Trumbo shouted. "This is the be- 
ginning of an American concentra- 
tion camp." ... "• 

Following Trumbo, a committee 
investigator, Lewis Russell, read a 
nine-page list of Communist affilia- 
tions of Trumbo along the lines set 
by the -dossier on Lawson. List in- 
cluded a' photostatic copy of 
Trumbo's alleged Communist Party 
card under -the name of "Dalt T.", 
wliich Russell stated, had been iden- 
tified by handwriting experts as the 
signature of Trumbo. 

Also introduced in the record was 
an article from Variety of March 14, 
1941, stating that Trumbo had au- 
thored a story, "Remarkable An- 
drew,"" which was so antUBritish 
and so anti-war that Paramount re- 
fused to continue with .the picture 
after paying him f 27,000 for the 
screenplay. 

Maltz, Bessie's Statements 



Without softening its attitude, the 
coihmittee switched its policy with 
regard to the unsympathetic witnes- 
ses and permitted both Albert Maltz 
and Alvah Bessie to read their pre- 
pared statements into the record after 
examination of the scripts by the 
committee. Both Maltz and Bessie 
reiterated Trumbo's attack against 
the objectives and tactics of the 
hearings which, they claimed, in- 
fringed on their constitutional rights. 

However, after both witnesses re- 
fused to answer the query on the 
alleged Communist Party member- 
ship, they were subjected to the con- 
tempt citation. Bessie, in counter- 
ing the ' committee's questioning, 
said: "Gen. Eisenhower has refused 
to reveal his political affiliations and 
what's good enough for him is good 
enough for me." Thomas repri 
manded the scripter by remarking 
that Gen. Eisenhower would be 
ashamed to be a member of a sub- 
versive organization. Dossiers on 
Bessie and Maltz were also pro- 
duced to show that they were al- 
legedly party card holders. 

Thomas Reads Own Piece 

In a statement that concluded the 
day's session, Thomas said, "We've 
had four very prominent writers be- 
fore us. It's evident that they don't 
want to answer questions. It's" 
also evident that they have extensive 
Communist or Communist-front af- 
filiations. Yet these people are 
writing motion picture scripts. This 
is definite proof that there is a real 
reason for investigating Communist 
influence in Hollywood." All 'this talk 
of these hearings being a witchhunt 
is nonsense, I don't think this com- 
mittee has ever looked into any- 



thing where it found more Commu- 
nism than in Hollywood." 

Meanwhile, the Hollywood con- 
tingent organized into the Commit- 
tee for the First Amendment, drew 
up a petition in Rep. Chet Holli- 
fleld's office to Speaker bf. s the House, 
Rep. Joseph Martin, asking him to 
kill the House Un-American Activi- 
ties Committee, 

Brewer's Attack on Sorrel 
Roy M. Brewer, Coast rep for the 
International Alliance of Theatrical 
Stage Employees/ took the stand at 
the outset of today's afternoon ses- 
sion with a prepared statement 
which the committee permitted to 
get into the record. Substance of 
his testimony was a complete indict- 
ment of the Conference of Studio 
Unions as Communist-controlled and 
instigator of strikes. 

He named CSU head Herbert K. 
Sorrel as spearhead of an alleged 
Communist labor drive in Holly- 
wood. He also fingered Larry Ad- 
ler and John Garfield, both present 
as members of the Committee for 
the First Amendment, as participat- 
ing on an alleged red-inspired picket 
line in the studio labor battle. 

Lawson and Thomas 

Clash at Hearing 

AH the wraps were taken off by 
the committee yesterday as it went 
to work on Lawson, first of the 
group of "unfriendly" witnesses 
whom the committee hopes to prove 
are, either, commits or fellow-trav- 
elers. In a dingdong session, screen 
writer LawsoH^and Thomas bawled 
and shouted at each other, Lawson 
took honors in the battle of words 
but Thomas got «the final brass ring 
as the committee disclosed Law- 
son's, alleged "Communistic" record 
and wound up by citing him for con- 
tempt of Congress for his refusal to 
disclose- whether he was a member 
of the Communist party. 

Thomas called for the statement 
as he "had for all statements. Thomas 
handed it back after reading one 
paragraph with a refusal because 
the statement was "not pertinent." 
Then the row started. 

"You spend one week vilifying me 
before the American public and re- 
fuse me the right to read a state- 
ment," Lawson said in a very loud 
voice. He continued talking while 
Thomas banged his gavel for silence. 

Pausing a moment, Lawson took 
up again, -"I know my rights as an 
American. citizen and I stand up and 
protest the refusal to permit me to 
read a statement." More gaveling 
With Thomas, _ a red-faced man, 
growing redder" all the time. Law- 
son finally agreed to- answer ques- 
tions about his name, place and date 
of birth. Asked if he were a mem- 
ber of the Screen Writers Guild, he 
immediately, in the same loud voice, 
challenged the committee's authority 
"to raise any question of political 
beliefs." 



Lawson Refuses Gag 

Thomas shut him up briefly and 
Lawson sounded off again, "last 
week you permitted -witnesses to 
answer questions in three, four and 
"500 words. And you want brief 
answers from me." 

"You'll be responsive," shouted 
Thomas, whacking "the gavel some 
more. 

"I'm fit on trial here, the com- 
mittee is on trial," shouted Lawson. 
"It is outside the purview of this 
committee to inquire into what or- 
ganizations I belong to." 

"You're just making a big scene," 
declared Thomas, "you're no better 
than, the rest. .." 

Lawson interrupted again and 
Thomas shouted, "if you're trying to 
force me to put you in contempt of 
Congress you won't have to try much 
harder." Lawson answered another 
question or two and then Stripling 
asked: "Are you now or have you 
even been a member of the Com- 
munist party in the United States?'^ 
"The question is not pertinent," 
said Lawson in a very loud tone. 
"The committee is trying to invade 
my rights..." The gavel worked 
overtime and Thomas demanded, "do 
you care to answer the question?'' 
"It is unfortunate and tragic' 
Lawson declared like a pontifical 
lecturer, "that I have to teach the 
committee the basic rights of Ameri- 
canism." Refusing again to answer, 
Lawson was lecturing away when 
uniformed police closed in on him 
and removed him from the witness 
stand and back to his seat with his 
fellow witnesses. 

Mixed hoping and applause went 
up in the jammed hearing room. 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 P^RIE*tY 21 

THtSt LINES WILL CONTINUE 


B ■ 11 - >'; * *^ ! inUBB flu n IvI 
m B SBB/*1£**- »'f *^jHHBj^^^feaBBk'' BfH6faLray?B 


K7 ♦ SbM - WmL TcaBJr BaB ^kzi 

B^^w^^aBBBi ^KSJII BhH 1 1 ^Ski"t 


Bpj^dlBTl Bi BB^ jB? 
^^^^^^^^^BBBSj^ j^i^^ 


MRBL^B^kliBr^'BS BhB^m 

1 Kfc J 


TO MOVE INTO RADIO CITY 




P*^K-*^EXb! ■ BW Gi w%piBi > 4mW^' m 
r BEE ^BBBBBBr'^BBBBfcSr JhBL^BrL-^4 ^Bv*. m ■ 

m k 1 B" i^bbBHmbmV KlL I** 

(An BLtW^M Kag-fci J 






MUSIC HALL FROM NOW 


BBjB] j^BBBJBBBBBBJpa < V.'^ - - -'mw> J^Sp* 


* k BH JvJ iBCt"* ■ 9h ' BbWAT HkvArP^sB "* BB 


UNTIL AFTER NEW YEAR'S 1948 


BB^^BBl BHBBtS H BBE^^*BJB *. ■hh iiMBHflfl *• BBBn St 
L. ^ ^2 BBflMBflVJ ^Bm BttBtBvJ » BVsvJ BY/ 


■BvJ -\ *-'/;^f*B' - .\ " BB¥iflfcBL.>ik t* 'BPVvl 
* BnnBifBl ■- BB^Bfl 1 1 BilJBBBfiBB-BSiKfrvff» 


TO SEE 3 M 


-G-M PICTURES 


L ■ bkvSbHbI3¥^r^^U ^■P^B .|^MBfejKa^^3 

i« Bljl IliKllH IP^hH b»bL^ 

IFIbb ^raiBfl 1 1 1 iBigiH bbbbsbbI . jawi IH * K£rc»fl 

L^flBj * • ■*« « BKaBH BKBBj BE BBRk •BBl^' BW^ "'^^^^^^(Bh 
Fflfl WA"" BBI BBCSfl Bfl * "~t5p .^Hsi 5 ' BB^flBBBRS^ ■ 
fmVBB9 BBS *m. HP^BPMB^BvJPr^ : ' :: - •' Bt 
nHVPjHBvJMBnHMIVMMHh 


**-:':: ' '* B&l B^^BBHBVATAVi 


1 Bl BBSBBflli; ^'^^^^ 

Bl 3 


in a row: 


SONG OF LOVE" 

(NOW PLAYING) 


Ifl^Br' 4BH BkL aMMC PfTflHfl BTjvL^^BwVi BB 
>• BBbmKBb BWai^BMK-^'JBfri'-' %ft?**BBMBB: jAjflp&BBj 1 BB£^BBU.-^BBVv ^BBSBBBBBE • /SB Bl * 
^BBBHBBBBBBa BBe&3K»s3aS^ 

BBBBJ ^Pjrd^fc * .Bp^aSZHBWT; * aW^W> "' ^BaBBP " ^BW^BBE BIVHyBI 

HctBbpIB^IP Jrlt wff 

E^Bb/' B 1 S^BaB^BliHHB pSIPw 

Bt^BJ }-^> ^ *^ ,V BJ Bv-i^vB » "s* * 55*'? l^Bl l«^B HB^Kfl 
BJmBI Bj Bf 1' «■ BrBEmWP^BBI BBvJI fl BBr^^tt^iaBHBl 


MB^Bm* 1 BBBvAb Bl BB^v^ BJB^. . BB^ t w4 *j| 
Br9BmBBJ Bw' :: < : ^9B Bw^njfi^^KBBJ ^ ;: sB£^S 
■ ■ 1 . ■ <bT1 HJi ' BW9bV A d 
BMflfl 1 BTi^Min WSb^B^bV B^BBM 

BbB^Br^BI BB^BBB^V-^«BB^9^^BjB^flvJ BK-' : ' : ^iflH 






rt //V (TfCHNfCOLOR} // 

CASS TIMBERLANE * GOOD NEWS 

(COMINq.NEXT) (COMING XMAS — NE\f YEAR'S) 



PARDON MY 
BLUSHES! 




22 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Inside Stuff— Pictures 

If all of Jerry Wald's production assignments at Warner Bros. 
Water iallze he'll set some sort of a marathon record. He has three 
shooting now, "Don Juan," "Johnny Belinda" and "To the Victor." 
In 10 days "Act of Violence" starts, Raoul Walsh directing; two weeks 
after that comes "Key Largo" (Bogart-Bacall), John Houston directing; 
three weeks thereafter he expects to kick off "Until Proven Guilty" 
(Crawford); 10 days thereafter "Flamingo Hoad" (Ann Sheridan) is 
supposed- to go. Three weeks after that June Haver is supposed to report 
»t Burbank for the "Marilyn Miller" filmusical; thence he has "The 
Patriots," from the Sidney Kingsley play, and Norman Krasna's "John 
Loves Mary" in that sequence. And just to ieeep out of mischief Wald 
Is supposed to supervise Danny Kaye's pictures in association with the 
comedian's wife, Sylvia Fine. ;',- 

Film columnist reported on Monday (27) that the Broadway revue, "Call 
Me Mister," had been bought by 20th-Fox for "a sum said to be over 
$200,000" and that Darryl F. Zanuck would use only ex-servicemen in 
the cast to offset "the pink tinge so many people thought was indicated in 
this Broadway hit musical." To which "Mister" producer Herman Levin 
had this to say: 

~"*'A, I wish it were $200,000 and, B, I wish I had thought of the idea of 
having only ex-servicemen in the cast;" 

Actually, the amount was $75,000 and, of course, the very basis of the 
"Mister" idea was that the cast consisted entirely of vets. There was very 
little effort, incidentally, to camouflage the fact that the revue was- def- 
initely on the "liberal" side. 



Stack of Hollywood stars, or at least their reasonable facsimiles, found 
themselves together in Macy's window when the emporium yesterday 
(Tuesday) unveiled a display of self-portraits. Collection is to be printed 
in the N. Y. Herald Tribune's This -Week mag. •- 

Uncoincidentally, photos are mainly those of RK,0 personalities. In- 
cluded are Raymond Massey, Rosalind Russell, Barbara Bel Geddes; Jane 
Greer, Ann Sheridan, Fred MacMurray, William Powell, •Frank'" Sinatra 
and Valli, among others. Latter's the Italian actress, under contract to 
David O. Selznick, loaned by DO S. to RKO for "Miracle of the Bells." 
Stunt was engineered by Paul Hollister, RKO's publicity chief, formerly 
a Macy's Dept. Store exec. ..• ,, . 



Few in the trade were willing to believe that that startling wording 
in the giant "Forever Amber" signboard at 43d street and Broadway last 
week was entirely a painter's "aecjjjent." There seemed to be too many 
coincidences. It . proved a 'terrific attention-getter, filling Times square 
with amateur photogs, but the public relations angle, with "Amber" 
already under Legion of Decency attack, appeared dubious. . 

Signboard was being repainted for the opening of the 20th-Fox film 
at the Roxy. Words "'Forever Amb'er' plays until 12:30 every night" 
were being placed on the rooftop board, when the painters knocked 1 off 
at noon. Unfinished sign just "happened*' to read pornographieally. 



With both Walt Disney and Lou Bunin producing animated versions 
of ttie Lewis Carroll classic, "Alice in. Wonderland;" the "race to hit 
the market first is 'shifting, into high gear. Aiming to rush his "Alice" 
out before next June, Bunin has interviewed more than 200' French 
technicians for training in puppet animation under his chief camera- 
animator, Erwin Broner. ' 

Currently in production in France, Bunin's "Alice" will be- a plastic 
puppet version. The technique reportedly will introduce the medium 
of three-dimensional puppet animation combined with live action. Pro- 
ducer's plans call for. a quartet of camera crews to lens on as many 
stages simultaneously. - • •. 



When conditions warrant, Universal' s private dinery, for company 
toppers and their guests, located at ITs new Park avenue hq, will follow 
the same monetary rules' laid down .by Metro, whereby the.-toppers will 
share costs pro rata, but pay individually for guests and drinks. 20th- 
Fox, which closed its : club recently in the wake of an economy drive, 
was cuffo 100%., the company absorbing the charges. U, like 20th, doesn't 
think any private dining room is propitious right now and won't open 
it for some tinie. .• " ? ' 



Republic's Veepee-salesmanager James R. Grainger Is backing up his 
producer-son's "Fabulous Texan" by getting somewhat fabulous play- 
dates for Eddie Grainger's first "picture since coming out of the service. 
Opening Nov. 15 day-dates in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and 1 
Fort Worth, in top-money Interstate houses, with 279 dates slated, for 
the circuit. Rep's westerner, which costs a rather unusually high $995,000, 
also has Thanksgiving playdates in Paramount's two Los Angeles show- 
cases, etc. 



D 



Metro and Par 



Continued from pxsc 11 sas 

top for "Best Years" to $1.80 at the 
Astor. Goldwyn's retreat was made 
in the first few days and was no re- 
flection on the staying power of the 
film since it went ahead for 80 
weeks of peak biz. 

Meanwhile, Par has plunked for a 
policy of* advanced prices for "Un- 
cottquered" though the .y test en- 
gagements have yet to be completely- 
polished off. Strategy fixed by 
Charles M, Reagan, v.p. in charge of 
sales, is to get the . roadshow book- 
ings, under the wire and. then send 
the pic on -its regular first-runs 
without too much' time lapse. Film 
is doing heavy biz in its Pittsburgh, 
Cincinnati, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chi- 
cago and Cleveland testers and has 
smashed house records in almost all 
these situations! > L 

Midway mark in. DeMiUVs 12-city 
p.a. tour was reached this week. He's 
attended all preems.so far on an 18,- 
000-mile junket. . Still on his itiner- 
ary are openings in Detroit, Kansas 
City, Dallas, Denver and San Fran- 
cisco. DeMille has made three to 
five speeches in every town. 



Briefs From Lots 



Continued from page 11 



Robert Mitchum joined Frank Sin- 
atra, Cary Grant and Tim Holt as 

one of the stars in RKO's episode 
picture, "Honored Glory". . .Dorothy 
Adams, currently with. the Pasadena 
Community Players, cast in "The 
Sainted Sisters" at .Paramount... 
20th-Fox resumed shooting on "Deep 
Water" after a two-week shutdown 
caused by the $250,000 fire. 

Frank McDonald will direct "Hard 
to Kill" for Pine-Thomas. ..Michael 
Curtis' third production for. Warners 
release, a musical still untitled, goes 
before the lenses Nov. 10 with Doris 
Day, Jack Carson and Michael North 
in top roles... RKO editors are 
shearing the English-language ver- 
sion of "The Pearl," produced in co- 
operation with Aguila Productions 
in Mexico..: Mai St. Clair will di- 
rect "Arthur Takes Over," first Sol 
M. WurUel production under bis 
new releasing pact with 20th-Fox. . . 
John O'Dea sold Spanish rights to 
his original, "Scar Tissue*" to Paul 
Kohner, who will produce H in 
Mexico under . the banner of Mer- 
curio Films. 

Battle McDanie) plays her 83d 
maid role and her 275th^ picture In 
"Mickey" at Eagle Lion. . .Bwt Lan- 
caster will produce "Advance Man," 
a story of the big top, as his second 
indie venture ... Republic b o u g h t 
"Byes of Texas," authored by Sloan 
NlWey^ as a starrer for Hoy Rogers. 



Norway Pix Houses Did 
$10,600,000 Gross in '46 

Oslo, Oct, 15. , 
Norway's 364 film theatres grossed 
a total of $10,600,000 in 1946, accord- 
ing to statistics compiled by the 
state-controlled film organization, 
Kommunale Ktoematografers Lands- 
forbund (KKL), in connection with 
its recently celebrated 30th anni- 
versary. KKL, owning or controlling 
160 theatres, garnered about 9&% of 
the total b.o. takings, . 

Other film circuits control 99 
houses while the remaining 105 the-, 
atres are operated by independents. 
With a seating capacity of 70,000 
•KKL*s houses drew more than -20,- 
700,000 patrons last year, or 80% 
capacity.. Some 20 houses are op- 
erating here in Oslo, with a popu- 
lation pi 300,000 to draw upon. 



□ 



Swedish Freeze 



Continued from page 3 



Metro 'Casts 

Continued from page 5 



script. That eliminates desultory 
writing, gives a punch to a screen- 
play that only, enthusiasm can, and 
cuts writing time." ' ' 
' MacKenna said that, the number 
of scripters on the lot now averages 
65- weekly, as against a top of 128 a 
few years ago. Thaf s been made 
possible partially, he explained, by 
the reduction in the, number of films 
being made, but also in large meas- 
ure by elimination of waste effort. 

Economy campaign and careful at- 
tention to getting the right man for 
the job is the reason he didn't 
actually hire any of the young 
writers he spoke to this trip, as he 
might have done in the past, Mac- 
Kenna said. Rather than have them 
come out to the studio and just sit 
around, he declared, .they won't be 
called until there is an assignment 
available to make best possible use 
of their particular talents. 



ly contemplating the freeze, and for- 
eign dept.- biggies see little hope 
that the ukase will wait out the com- 
ing week. Eight majors garner $1,- 
000,000 in -grosses from Norway an- 
nually or some, $600,000 in net prof- 
its. 

Sweden's freeze blocked a yearly 
$2,500i000 to the big American dis^ 
tribs which they customarily netted 
from a. $4,000,000 gross. No official 
word of the Swedish clamp has yet 
been received, but there's little doubt 
that official confirmation will follow 
newspaper stories emanating from 
Stockholm. • . - ; ; - .. ' ' 

Danish situation continues in a 
stalemate which can only spell no 
revenues from ttat country. Den- 
mark; recently slapped a prohibitive 
tax on American pix; and U. S. dis- 
tribs countered by banning film ship-, 
ments. Annual income of $750,000 is 
involved in the hassle, 
' Meanwhile, the important Indian 
market is being eyed anxiously by 
major company execs. Ifs ' freely 
predicted that restrictions are going 
to come quickly in light of the in- 
creasingly tough attitude taken to- 
wards films by government officials 
of India. . 

Far East, situation deteriorated 
recently when' Burma clapped a 
freeze on remittances several weeks 
ago. 

Although U. S. distributors have 
been advised that they can't con- 
tinue operating in Norway, Oslo in.-'- 
terests suggest that, instead of halt- 
ing the. distribution of all American 
films at once only 50% be withheld 
from distribution channels for the 
present. 

It's not known whether the sug- 
gestion came from exhibitor or dis- 
tributor sources, according to word 
received in N. Y n but it appears 
that some setup is being sought to 
cover the next few months of opera- 
tion. In this way Norwegian inter- 
ests are hopeful that the influx of 
American screen fare wouldn't be 
halted entirely, . 



Film Prexies 

Continued from page 3 



blessing of British conservatives as 
well as of the Labor party cabinet. 

Meeting with the major company 
toppers tomorrow will be reps of 
the Society of Independent Motion 
Picture Producers. Effort will be 
made to reach- agreement on a tax 
compromise that will permit the in- 
dustry to present a united front to 
the British. Present will be Donald 
Nelson, SIMPP prez; James A. Mul- 
vey, prez of Samuel Goldwyn Pro- 
ductions, and Milton Kramer, exec 
v.p. of Selznick Releasing Organi- 
zation. 

Thursday meet will settle the 
prexies' plans to go to London with 
Johnston in early November on the 
75% situation. 



Distribs Kill I 

ss Continued from page 3 sSSSm 

hadn't realized that their present 
operations were below the profit 
level until the up-to-the-minute re- 
ports were, readied. Publicizing step 
was nixed, however, when several 
biggies expressed fear that action 
would have an untoward effect on 
stockholders. 

Chief reason for the drop in dis- 
tribution profits, reports disclosed, is 
a decline in the take from the key 
British market. Though the 75% 
ad valorem tax has yet to be felt, re- 
ports showed that the overall slump 
in remittances from Britain will 
come to 25% for the year. Seasonal 
dives in British biz have been as 
high as 40%, particularly during the 
summer, the surveys showed. 



i=sas 



Exhifas Partners 



Continued from p*i • 11 



watched their b.o. performance in 
early runs. 

Goldwyn arrived in New York 
from Hollywood Monday (27). He'll 
remain east for three or' four months 
working on scripts, In preparation 
April. He'll leave "tor England Dec. 
12 for a three- or four-week stay. 

Cost should not be a factor in de- 
termining whether a film should be 
-sold at increased admissions, said 
the maker of "Best Years of Our 
Lives," currently being sold at $1.20. 
On the matter of costs, he said that 
his "Walter M»tv"--"or any film 
costing $3,000,000 or more"— could 
not get its investment back in the 
domestic market alone, since at 
least $6,000,000 in rentals is needed 
to break even; ^ . 

He asserted that he had scrapped 
almost $1,000,080 worth of film on 
"The Bishop's Wife" when he de- 
cided that results were not up to his 
standard. While changes were made 
in director and script, he said th.it 
Cary -Grant was drawing $30,000 a 
week and Loretta Young . $10,000 a 
week for doing nothing but waiting. 

Making a plea ^for better pictures 
to solve the present crisis, Goldwyn 
said the - producers had their choice 
of making quickies or setting for 
themselves "the hard pull of turn- 
ing out pictures of outstanding 
quality." '. .'»■'-. 



H 'wood Names 

— Continued from page U.33 

Tommy Carlyh, Baron Elliott and 
Maurice Spitalny. 

Banquet honored outgoing Chief.. 
Barker, Cliff Daniel, manager . of 
station WCAE, as well as wartime 
heads of Club, Joe Hfller, Moe Sil- 
ver, Harry Feinstein, Brian Mc- 
Donald and Mike Gallagher. 



Chi Variety Club Elects 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 
New board of canvasmen was 
elected by the Chicago tent of Va- 
riety Club of Illinois last week. 
Jack Rose was chosen national can- 
vasman and Henri Elman and Wal- 
ter Immerman were- nominated as 
delegates to the next national con- 
vention. 

New directors are: Rose, Elman, ' 
Immerman, John Balaban, Irving 
Mack, Arthur Schoehstadt, Moe 
Wells; Tom Flannery, Irving Man- 
del, J. Harold Stevens, Robert 
Lubliner and James E. Coston. 
Chief barker will be. elected in 30 
days. Members -also voted to re- 
duce chib service 'personnel and 
elected new exec secretory, Juanita 
Creed. 




Unffod't now DC-6 Motnilnor 

aobfiftht 
OVERNIGHT TO LOS ANGELES I 

tv. 11:30 p.m..;. or. 7«46 a.m. 



UNITED 

AIR iS*MfI5 



Alrliiras Terminal, 80 £ 42nd St. or 
P«nn»ylvonla Hotel or 1 Wall St. 

Coll Murray. HM 2-7300 
or an authorized travel agent 




MITCHELL MAY JR. CO., INC. 

OF CALIFORNIA 
Is Pleated to Announce Hie Affiliation 

MR. JOHN HASKELL 

A*, a Vice-President 

October 15. 1947 
510 W. Sixth Street, Los Angeles. Calif. 
FRANK D. MAGGIO ALBERT G. RUBEN 

• Insurance Specialist for the Motion Picture Industry 



Profession®* Photograph* by ~~ 

JOHN E. REED 

IN HOLLYWOOD 

are ccrside'ed 
by the trade 




Ir4 



Wh<3 r> o 1 the cocs 1 . v 1 s i i 

JOHN E. REED STUDIO 

6633 SUBSET BOULEVARD 
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 



is proud to welcome 




wlio it as given the 
public many of its most 
memorable film experiences, 
combining box-office 
entertainment witb 
liigh artistic purpose. 





*3 r w - 



24 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Shreiber and Mann Groups Spark 
Hotter Product Bidding in Mpk 



Minneapolis. 

The Minn. Amus. Co. and RKO 
Theatres, which have been in vir- 
tual control of the downtown first- 
tun situation here, face increasing 
competition for pictures. Rivalry 
will come as- the Alex Shreiber in- 
terest of Detroit, which has the 
legitimate roadshow Lyceum the- 
atre in Minneapolis, and Ted Mann, 
head of another group, enter the lo- 
cal film field more actively. Both 
announce they'll bid competitively 
for product. 

Shreiber wants to utilize the Ly- 
ceum for pictures between road- 
shows. He far outbid the Minn. 
Amus. Co. and others to land "Gone 
With the Wind," now set into the 
Lyceum for a month run at 85c top. 
It's reported his bid was $17,500 
with a guarantee and percentage 
split 

Setting in "Gone With the Wind," 
however, cost the house "Annie Get 
Your Gun" this month. The musical 
was offered after the picture had 
been set. A promise has been made 
that it will be booked here later in 
the season. , "Gone With the Wind" 
will, continue until the legit "Spring- 
time for Henry" arrives in mid-No- 
vember. "Gone" is doing smash 
business. 

The Mann group bought the sure- 
aeater World and the Alvin, down- 
town houses, 'from the estate of the 
late W. A. Steffes. The Minnesota 
lease on the. Alvin, a 1,400-seater, ex- 
pires in six months, and Mann says 
he's going to operate the house him- 
self with pictures. It had been sub- 
let by the MAC for burlesque. The 
World, a 350-seater, now playing 
firstruns, moveovers and reissues, 
will be devoted mainly to foreign 
films, he asserts. 

One difficulty in connection with 
a "sideline" picture policy at the Ly- 
ceum, Shreiber admits, is the fact 
that the United Booking Office oc- 
casionally has last-minute touring 
productions to shove in and wants 
the house available for them. Also, 
picture runs must be halted for 
roadshow bookings. Shreiber and 



his" associates have picture theatres 
in Detroit and other Michigan cities. 

Rechetnlk's New Duties 

Sid Kcchetnik appointed exhibitor 
and- trade press representative for 
Warner Bros., replacing Don Carle 
Gillette, granted a leave of . absence. 
In addition, according to pub-ad 



chief Mart Blumenstock, Rechetnik" American Legion Post No. t>b», com 



will be in charge of publicity for 
Warner Pathe News and short sub- 
jects. He's been editor of the com- 
pany's house organ and press book 
manager for past several years. 

Managers Reelect 

Motion Picture Theatre Operating 
Managers & Assistant Managers 
Guild, indie union of house staffs in 
N. Y. and Westchester area, held its 
annual election Sunday (26) at the 
Hotel Empire, N. Y. Entire slate of 
officers reelected for another year, 
also six trustees and delegates-at- 
large. 

George Dunn is prexy; Leon Kel- 
mer, veepee; George Baldwin, re- 
cording secretary; Maxwell Levine, 
secretary -treasurer; Joseph Aber- 
nethy. sergt.-at-arms. Trustees: Har- 
old Daly, John Thompson. Fred 
Smith. Joe Tully, Harold Heller and 
Jerome Baker. 



Max Roth Resigns EL 

Max Roth, Eagle Lion's district 
manager for the Chicago-Indianapo- 
lis-Milwaukee-Minneapolis territory, 
has resigned. His replacement has 
yet to be named. Roth served in 
his now vacated spot since the in- 
ception of the company last year. 

Herbert Kaufman to Selxnick 

Seattle. 

Herbert Kaufman, former local 
branch manager for •' Paramount, 
has been named branch manager for 
Selznick Releasing Organization 'in 
this territory. 



• Marcus Exits Nat'l Screen 

Walter Marcus, assistant to Don 
Velde, National Screen Service ac- 



New York Theatres 





IlHE WITH 
FATHER 



IRENE 



POWELL DUNNE 

ELIZABETH TAYLOR 
EDMUND GWENN.ZASU PITTS 



WARNER 



THEATRE • SAAY oh: 

:Fc>i »W : ' 5:45 



t ATE MIDNIGHT f IM • CONTINUOUS 



PALACE 



James Sitohkt* JaneWhian 

» ROBERT SISKIN'S 

MAGIC TOWN 



Dlntty at kit kattl"— Hlrrw 



COLOR BY 
TECHNICOLOR 




Di«trlbut«d by RKO Radlt Pletorn 



'RADIO CITY MUSIC HAH' 

Kockefcller Center 



Katharine 
HEPBURN 



Paul 
• HENREID 

In M-G-M'h 



Robert - 

walker: 



"SONG OF LOVE" 

SPECTACULAR STAGE PRESENTATION 



WAKNKR BBOS. PBK8KNT8 
Ronald REAGAN • Shirley TEMPLE 

"THAT HAGEN GIRL" 

with 

HORY CALHOUN , 

In Person * . - " 
TED WBEMS and His Orchestra 
Special Attraction 
MOBEY AMSTERDAM 
Extra Added Attraction 
GORDON MAO KAB 

BROADWAY WARNER BROS. 

AT 47TH STREET STRAND 



cessory chiel in New York, has re- 
signed, effective this week, Hell 
take a month's vacation. 

O. B, Thomas to Mayo Clinlo 

San Antonio. 
Lawrence Bernard has been 
named temporary manager of the 
State theatre, an Interstate house, 
while Oliver B. Thomas, regular 
manager, is undergoing treatment at 
the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. 
Bill Williams is the new treasurer 
at the State. . , ... 

Clarence H. Moss, aide of the 
local city manager for Interstate 
Theatres, has been elected com- 
mander of the local Adkins Lenoir 





/ . SAMUEL GOLDWYN prueaM 

! DANNY KAYE • VIRGINIA MAYO j 

orA *. GoMwy/i Girl, in 





rn RENE CLAIR'S 



Bi 0ot/ 45ih st - wes> 

i of 6 wiy ■ 




it * M CWtTOUS 



ON SCREEN 
iThurs., Oct. 30 
IBING CROSBY 
Barry Flbaerald 
Joan Caulfteld 
'WELCOME 
STRANGER' 



IN PERSON 
SLATE 
BROS. 

Extra! 
YVETTE 

Plus OTHKKS 



COOPER • GODDARD 



ftlVOU ~" A PARAMOUNT flCtlM, 



posed of veterans from local thea- 
tres and radio stations. He succeeds 
Jack Chalman, publicity head for 
local Interstate Theatres. . 

Gene Kenyon, formerly with the 
Sadler theatre, Kileen has been 
named manager of the Village 
theatre, Port Arthur, owned and 
operated by Charles Brent. He suc- 
ceeds Jim Hewitt, resigned. 

M A Gallia is the new owner and 
operator of the Dawn theatre, 
Natalia, Texas, formerly operated by 

J 'aI' D?°Hicks and M. L. Feldman 
have purchased the Dale theatre, 
Springtown, Texas, from J. L. Eat- 
mon, and have renames jt the 
Springtown. 

r. n. Smith has purchased the 
Lantex theatre, Llano, Texas, from 
Carl Garner. , 

W. M. Hinson is owner and oper- 
ator of the new Lorene theatre, 
Lorene, Texas. 

Gene Rich Quits Metro, Omaha 

: Omaha. 
Gene Rich, M-G-M exploiter for 
this area, is quitting to open a theat- 
rical print shop and promotion bust- 
nGss* - 

Allan Kohan is resigning his ad- 
vertising and exploitation job with 
Ralph Goldberg theatres. He'll go 
into business in South Omaha. 

Court Order Vs. Ohio- Drive-In 

Columbus, O. 

Temporary restraining order was 
granted Oct. 25 to halt construction 
of an " outdoor theatre on Morse 
Road, near Columbus. Order was 
requested by property owners 
against Frank Yassenoff, Harold J. 
Schwartz and Virginia' B. Coe. 
Householders claimed the construc- 
tion of the drive-in would impair 
the value of their property. 

City Council of Salem, O., has de- 
cided against enacting an amuse- 
ment tax, which was abandoned 
Oct 1 by the state. 

Joe . Burns, Gloversville, N. Y., 
has become manager of Van Wert 
Schine's theatre, Van Wert, O., re- 
placing John Makemson, who has 
gone to Spencerville, O., where he 
will manage the Ohio theatre he re- 
cently bought. 

Fox Midwest Shuffle* Msrs. 

— . Kansas City. 

Shift of managers in several Fox 
Midwest theatres 'in the'downstate 
territory has just been completed 
by Ed Haas, district manager. New 
city manager for Carthage, Mo., 
handling the Tiger and Crane thea- 
tres, is Charles Mohler, from the 
Peoples theatre, Chanute, Kans. He 
is succeeded by Richard Fryer, from 
Joplin, Mo. Harold Foster, formerly 
of the Fox, Joplin, moved in to re- 
place Fryer at the Paramount in the 
same town. Darrell Ray replaces 
Foster, and Robert Rothrock takes 
Ray's old stand at the Orpheum, 
Joplin. Rothrock had been assistant 
manager at the Midland, Pittsburg, 
Kans. The step-ups stemmed from 
the resignation of William Laughlin, 
as Carthage city manager, to enter 
the insurance business. 

Commonwealth circuit has named 
Glen Deeter manager of the Up- 
town theatre, Columbia, Mo. He 
was manager of the Gillioz, Monet, 
Mo., for the circuit. 

Cozy theatre, Girard, Kans., was 
acquired by Jesse Musgrave from 
Max Shelton, and the Strand, Mt. 
Vernon, Mo., was purchased "by 
Meyers & Peyton from Mrs. Thelma 
Richardson. 

J. M. Wooten is the new assistant 
manager of the Electric theatre, 
Kansas City, Kans., succeeding 
Dwight Borin, who resigned to man- 
age the new Go~-Sho theatre now 
being completed by the J. T. Ghosen 
circuit in Clinton, Mo. Ghosen 
operates theatres in Sedalia, Waynes- 
ville, Tipton and Versailles, Mo. 

Adelman-Magill Get A. C. House 

Philadelphia. 

Stanley Adelman and Mort Magill 
have acquired the Palace, Atlantic 
City. Magill is local branch mana- 
ger Film Classics and former UA 
boss here. He will not be active in 
operating the house. 

Eli Ginsberg has been elected 
president of the Coliseum of Motion 
Picture Salesmen. Sam Palan is 
the new treasurer and Joseph 
Schaeffer secretary. 

Baldridge Quits Flexer, Memphis 

Memphis. 

Thomas Baldridge has left Flexer 
Theatres exploitation post after a 
year, with the outfit's abandonment 
of prestige picture policy at its nabe 
flagship here, the Ritz. He trained 
Sunday night (26) to Louisville on 
three-week exploitation stint for UA 
on "Body and Soul." 

Expects to open own office here 
soon.- 



Picture Grosses 



MINNEAPOLIS 

(Continued from page 12 )~ 

opposition, delivering fairly well. 
Trim $4,000. Last week, "Dillinger" 
(Mono) and "Mutiny (Big House" 
(Mono) (reissue), f 3,500. 

Lyceum (Murray) (1,700; 60-85)— 
"Gone With Wind" (M-G) (reissue). 
Plenty of interest in this oldie. Price 
scale slightly higher than at regular 
A Loop .houses. Soaring to wow $20,- 
000. Last week, not a plx house oper- 
ation. 

Lyrlo (Par) (1,000; 76-$1.20)— 
"Forever Amber" (20th). Also at 
Century. Sock $13,000 in sight. Last 
week, "Kiss of Death" (20th) (2d 
wk), mild $5,000. 

Pix (Corwin) (300; 50-70)— "Burn- 
ing Cross" (SG). Fair $1,800. Last 
week, "Duel in Sun" (SRO) (75c- 
$1.20) (4th run), good $3,500, 

Radio City' (Par) (4,400; 50-85)— 
"Merton of Movies" -(M-G) and Desi 
Arnaz orch, Marion Hutton, Pat Hen- 
hing, others, on stage. Fine stagebiU 
helping this to lively; $27,000. Last 
week, ^'Unsuspected" (WB) (50-70c), 
light $11,000. - 

RKO-Orpheam (RKO) (2,800; 50- 
70)— "Dark Passage" (WB). Big 
$13,000 Jn 8 days. Last week, "Down 
to Earth" (Col), solid $13,000. 

RKO-Pan (RKO) (1,600; 50-70)— 
"Down to Earth" (Col) (m o.). Still 
strong at $7,000. Last week, "Fun, 
Fancy Free" (RKO) (2d wk). okay 
$6,500. 

State (Par) (2,300; 50-70)— "Car- 
negie Hall" (UA). Robust at $11,000; 
Last week, "Deep Valley" (WB), $9,- 
500. 

Uptown (Par) (2,300: 50-70)— 
"Who's Kissing Her" (20th). First 
nabe showing. Good $4,000. Last 
week. "Desert Fury" (Par), $3,800. 

World (Mann) (350; . 75-$1.20)— 
"Best Years" (RKO) (3d run). Still 
some life left in this. $4,500. Last 
week, "Adventuress" (EL) (2d.wk), 
okay $2,000. * 

BUFF. LED BY 'AMBER' 
GREAT 27G, 'KISS' 16G 

Buffalo, Oct. 28. 

Big news in current session is sock 
trade being done by "Forever Am- 
ber" at the Hipp, 2,100-seat house. 
"Kiss of Death" looks okay and 
"Foxes of Harrow" is big in .its 
second frame. 

Estimates for This Week 

Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 40-70)— 
"Kiss of Death" (20th) and "Adven- 
tures Don Coyote" (UA). Nice 
$16,000. Last week, "Merton of 
Movies" (M-G) and "The Women" 
(M-G) (reissues), $13,000. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 40-70) 
—"Foxes of Harrow" (20th) (2d wk). 
Big $15,000, Last week, strotig 
$19,500. 

Hipp (Shea.) (2,100; 74-$1.20)— 
"Forever Amber" (20th). Terrific 
$27,000. Last week, "Dark Passage" 
<WB) (m.o.), fine $9,000 at 40-70c 
scale.' 

Teck (Shea) (1,400; 40-70)— "Mer- 
ton of Movies" (M-G) and "The 
Women" (M-G) (reissue), (m.o.). 
Oke $4,500. Last week, "Grapes of 
Wrath" (20th) and "Tobacco Road" 
(20th) (reissues), solid $5,500. 

Lafayette (Basil) (3,000; 40-70)— 
"Widow of Wagon Gap" (U) and 
"Bulldog Drummond Strikes" (Col) 
(2d wk). Neat $15,000. Last week, 
sock $19,000, „ 

20th Century (20th Cent.) (3,000; 
40-70)— "Lured" (UA) and "Knock- 
out" (Mono). Trim $11,000. Last 
week, "Crossfire" (RKO) and "Mag- 
nificent Rogue" (Mono) (2d wk), 
fancy $10,800. 



Esther Williams' PA 
Ups Tor Keeps' Sturdy 
24G,Prov.; < Copa'12G 

Providence, Oct. 28. 

"This Time for Keeps," at Loew's 
State, is hefty hereabouts, and got 
an additional shot via Esther Wil- 
liams' personal appearance one day. 
Also hefty is Majestic's "Unsuspect- 
ed." "Copacabana," with vaude, is 
giving the Met a fairly good stanza. 
Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (2,200; 44-65)— 
"Singapore" (U) and "Sarge Goes to 
College" (Mono) (2d wk). Fairly 
nice $12,000. First week was nifty 
$16,000.. 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 44-65) 
—"Each Dawn I Die" (WB) and "Bad 
Men Missouri" (WB) (reissues). 
Steady. $4,000. Last week, "Mark of 
Zorro" (20th) and "Drums Along 
Mohawk" (20th) (reissues) (2d wk), 
good $3,500. 

Fay'a (Fay) (1,400; 44-65)— "No- 
torious" (RKO) (reissue) and vaude 
on stage. Steady $6,500. Last week, 
"Spiral Staircase" (RKO) (reissue) 
and vaude, $7,000. 

Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 44-65)— "Un- 
suspected" (WB) and "Invisible 
Wall" (20th). Hefty $18,000. Last 
week, "Foxes of Harrow" (20th) (2d 
wk). groovy $15,000. 

Metropolitan (Snider) (3,100; 65) 
— "Copacabana" (UA) and vaude on 
stage. Fairly good at $12,000. Last 
week, "Repeat Performance" (EL) 
and vaude; $11,000. 

State (Loew) (3,200; 44-65)— "This 
Time for Keeps" (M-G) and "Key 
Witness" (MrG). One-day personal 
by Esther Williams, star of film, 
helped to lift this to sturdy $24,000. 
Last week, "Song of Love" (M-G), 
$21,000. 

Strand (Silverman) (2,200; 44-65) 
—"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (4th 
wk). Started Monday (27). Third 
sesh slowed up for fairish $10,000 
while second was happy $14,000, 

PORTLAND 

(Continued on page 13) 

"Carnegie Hall" (UA) and "Cry 
Wolf" (WB), $3,600. 

Oriental (H-E) (2,000; 40-80)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (3d wk), 
day-date with Paramount. Holding 
up to $5,000 or near. Last week, 
strong $6,300. 

Orpheum' (H-E) (1,750; 40-80)— 
"Kiss of .Death" (20th) and "Too 
Many Winners" (Mono) (8 days); 
Lofty $9,500. Last week, "Dark 
Passage" (WB) .and "Kilroy Was 
Here" (Mono) (2d wk), okay $7,600. 

Paramount (H-E> (3,400; 40-80)— 
"Welcome Stranger" (Par) (3d wk), 
also at Oriental. Solid $9,000. Last 
week, staunch $11,000. 

United . Artists (Parker) (895; 
40-80)— "Unfinished Dance" (M-G) 
(2d wk). Fair $6,500. Last week, 
nice $9,000. 



Rep. Activity Slows 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Completion of "Old Los Angeles" 
and "Dangers of the Canadian 
Mounted" leaves only two pictures 
in production on the Republic lot 
this week. 

Films are "Madonna of the Des- 
ert," produced by Stephen Auer, 
and "Under California Stars," a Roy 
Rogers starrer with Edward J. White 
producing. 



RICHARD 



HE'S 

MUSICAL 

ABRACADABRA 

A SMASH HIT! 

(See Page 35) 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



RADIO 25 



NBC USES STARS IN PRESTIGE BID 

- — • 1 ; ' ' ! ' ! -f" - •* 1 ! — 

Wayne Coy Projected Into Spotlight 
For FCC Chairmanship on the Heels 
Of Pressure for Practical B caster 



When It's a Capella Time In.... 

The a capella boys are riding high and handsome. They're coining 
out of hiding in full force and, as some trade gagsters are putting it: 
They're eating at Toots Shor's and the Brown Derby for the first 
time in years." 

Where they hibernate when the musical status quo prevails in radio 
is something nobody's been able as yet to figure out. But when a 
petrillo crisis arises, as at present, the vocal quartets and singing 
groups brush up on their musical bridges and wait for the offers to 
pour in. 

And today they're crossing plenty, of bridges— thanks chiefly to 
James C. Petrillo's banning of musicians on co-op programming. Al- 
ready the a capella standbys are shouting their hosannahs on the Joan 
Davis CBS show, the Abbott & Costello ABC program and the Park- 
yakarkas co-oper on Mutual, 

But it looks like only the beginning: Come Jan. 31, and if Petrillo 
carries out his threat "to ban all musicians off the networks, it'll be a 
capella time in spades. The report is that in New York, Hollywood 
and in Chicago the vocal groups are rehearsing like mad — waiting only 
for the signal to step into the musical bridge breach. 

As die Witch Hunt Spreads, Radio 
Wonders If It Too, Will Get Burned 



Radio is sitting tight in the current 
probe of Hollywood Communist in- 
filtration by the House Un-American 
Activities Committee. But the con- 
viction is ■ growing daily that com- 
mercial programming will feel the 
effects of the probe; that radio bank- 
rollers will take their cue from the 
Washington revelations and act ac- 
cordingly 

Among the 79 listed at the D.C. 
hearings as active in Hollywood 
Communist work are a number of 
stars who are no strangers to the 
guest star circuit on top commercial 
shows, as well as some writers who 
have also done considerable script- 
ing for radio. Feeling in some quar- 
ters is that, as the House Committee 
continues to put on the pressure, the 
reaction will spill over into radio, 
with sponsors barring from their 
shows those personalities who are 
rendered suspect by the probe. 

For some time now there's been 
talk that the House Committee has 
a probe of radio on its forthcoming 
agenda. Whether or not the commit- 
tee intends getting around to a gen- 
eral sifting of radio however, is still 
in the' conjectural stage. 



Berle Whirl 
Poses Query 

No sooner had the Milton Biow 
agency announced that it was buy- 
ing a new Horace Heidt talent 
build up show as replacement for 
the Milton Berle-Philip Morris com- 
edy stanza on NBC, than things be- 
gan to happen to the Berle program. 
In the past few weeks it's been riding 
high and wide, chalking up a 9.4 
on the last Hooper tally for a 2.3 
Increase. As the curtain-raiser for 
the web's fabulous Tuesday comedy 
parlay, the show today is perhaps 
more solidly entrenched than at any 
previous time. 

All of which poses a problem on 
the upcoming Heidt show. It isn't 
inked in until December, when the 
current Berle cycle winds up, but 
general impression now is that Berle 
will stay put. William Morris office, 
which handles Berle, says it hasn't 
received official notice one way or 
other as to cancellation or renewal, 
but similarly shares the view that, 
if the Berle whirl continues, don't 
look for any exiting this season. 

Such an eventuality would mean 
finding another spot for Heidt. Which 
would probably take it to another 
network. NBC happens to be sold 
out. 



Shirer Gets a Sponsor 

Mutual's annexing of William L. 
Shirer paid off sponsorship in short 
order. Piedmont Shirt Co., via the 
William H. Weintraub agency, is 
picking up the tab for Shirer's new 
weekly stint effective Jan. 4 on 
"about 200" stations. 

Web is giving the ex-CBS com- 
mentator and author the Sunday 
1-1:15 p.m. spot on a sustaining ba6is 
starting Nov. 30. 



LUCKMAN DRAFTS EDITOR 



Elwood Hoffman of CBS on Special 
Fortnight Loan to Washington 



Elwood C. Hoffman, one of the 
four script editors in CBS Division 
of Program Writing in New York, 
went to Washington over the week- 
end to spend two weeks there under 
the Charles Luckman Citizens Food 
Advisory Committee. Hoffman* did 
radio propaganda - work during the 
war. His services were requested of 
CBS by Michael Boach and William 
Spire who are working directly un- 
der the Lever Brothers head man. 

Hoffman will help organize a'num- 
ber of radio documentaries for the 
Luckmanites. 



Jolson Upsurge 
Gives Him Top 
Vocalist billing 

Big talk throughout the trade is 
Al Jolson's ranking as radio's No. 1 
singer. Latest Hooper rating (made 
on the Oct. 16 show) gives his "Kraft 
Music Hall" a full point hike over 
his previous 18.8 tally, not only as- 
suring him a ride in the upper- 
bracketed Top • 15 sweepstakes, but 
giving him the lead off spot among 
musical shows on the air. And with 
the Bing Crosby-Philco show taking 
a nosedive to 13.7, it looks like Jol- 
son alone among the singers will 
wind up in the coveted Top 15 bri-> 
gade in the upcoming listings. 

As of the moment, it's Jolson 
against the whole field of male sing- 
ers. That goes for Crosby, Frank 
Sinatra, Dick Haymes, Perry Como 
and the rest. Sinatra's v Saturday 
night "Hit Parade" on NBC knocked 
off a 12.0 rating; Haymes, slotted on 
CBS in the time period opposite 
Jolson, came off with no better than 
a 7.1, while Como's Chesterfield 
"Supper Club" averaged a 9.9. 

Looks like Haymes' Auto-Lite 
show is taking the brunt of the pun- 
ishment in the Jolson upsurge. 
Prior to Jolson's takeover of the 
Kraft stanza this season, Haymes 
frequently passed the Kraft show 
rating. But he's finding the Jolson 
9-9:30 Thursday opposition too 
tough an obstacle to hurdle. 





SE 

PUBLIC SERVICES 

On the basis of its blueprinted 
plans, NBC's all-out plunge into 
public service will explore new pro- 
gramming concepts. 

In its bid to match the documen- 
tary-public affairs prestige pro- 
gramming that has put the rival 
CBS into the forefront in the past 
year or more, NBC, it's now learned, 
is moving in new directions to cap- 
ture a sizeable segment of the radio 
prestige" audience. 

Behind the announcement by NBC 
that it has named a Public Affairs 
Board to mastermind its public serv- 
ice shows, which for the first time 
will correlate the activities of all the 
web's program divisions, is a sweep- 
ing, all embracive plan designed to 
utilize the talent of NBC's come- 
dians and other top personalities. 

In view of the fact the network 
has practically cornered the top tal- 
ent market, why, figures the web 
echelon, shouldn't we corral that 
talent, whenever possible? Thus, 
it's planned, when a specific public 
service program would show up to 
added advantage with a^i assist from 
Fibber McGee & Molly, Gilder- 
sleeve, etc., the network will nego- 
tiate for their appearance on the 
program, And so on down the line. 
•World' Is First 

First series on the web's new pub- 
lic service agenda will be titled "The 
World We Face," which will be suf- 
ficiently flexible in format to per- 
mit for documentary or straight 
dramatic exposition. While inked 
for the Sunday afternoon 4:30-5 pe- 
riod, again it's been designed to" per- 
mit for evening showcasing in cream 
time (with commercials, as in the 
case of CBS, to be knocked off), 
whenever deemed essential. Title 
will permit for a wide range of vital 
problems confronting the nation) and 
the world. •' 

All decisions will be left in the 
hands of the Public ' Affairs Board, 
whose "thinking" will be integrated 
with that of other policy-makers on 
the network. 

Fact that CBS, and in some in- 
stances ABC, have been grabbing 
off all the public service laurel 
wreaths while NBC has been chalk- 
ing up its enviable SRO record on 
commercial time, has beenfno small 
factor in the web's decision to climb 
aboard the public service band- 
wagon in a big way. 



Durr: 'Man of the Year' 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

FCC Commissioner Clifford J, 
Durr was named educational ra- 
dio's "man of the year" by the 
advisory committee of the School 
Broadcast Conference in session 
in Chicago this week. Durr was 
backpatted as "a friend at 
court" and for his efforts in the 
FCC grant of additional FM fre- 
quencies for educational radio. 

Conference drew more than 
1,500, with nets represented by 
Robert Hudson (CBS), Dwight 
Herrick (NBC) and Robert Sau- 
dek (ABC). CBS originated its 
"American School of the Air" 
(27) before conferencers and 
special local shows were staged 
by WLS, WJJD, WIND and 
WBEZ. 



GRAIN SHORTAGE PINCH 
AXES TENNESSEE JED' 

"Tennessee Jed," one of the ad*> 
venture strips in ABC's late-after- 
nooh block of kid stanzas, is headed 
for a fadeout the end of next week. 
It's a case of. Ward Baking Co., 
which sponsors the serial in 27 .ma- 
jor markets, pulling in its purse- 
strings because of the grain short- 
age. "Jed" has been co-oped where 
not bankrolled by the bakir . out- 
fit. 

Net will move "Dick Tracy" back 
from 4:45 to 5 p.m. to fill the gap 
left by "Jed's" exit and expand the 
current Treasury Band series at 
4:30 into a half -hour cross-the-board. 



Doug Coulter a Veepee 

Foote, Cone & Belding agency 
yesterday (Tuesday) announced ap- 
pointment of Douglas Coulter as a 
vice-president. 

He's been in charge of New York 
radio for the agency since the resig- 
nation a few months back of Hub- 
bell Robinson, Jr. Latter is now 
programming veepee of CBS. 



Beer Sponsors 
Enmeshed in 
Food Crisis 



Clampdown on grain cued to food 
crisis has come at a time when sev- 
eral beer companies, including Bal- 
lantine, were contemplating a return 
to radio program bankrolling, with 
the new shift in events practically 
snafuing such plans. 

Ballantihe, via J. Walter Thomp- 
son agency, last sponsored a Monday 
nigh^ musical show on CBS. 

Situation may have a drastic ef- 
fect on local bankrolling of shows. 
B^er companies in many major mar- 
kets represent some of local radio's 
heaviest clients, including co-op 
shows. It's, considered likely that a 
clamp on production will force a 
tightening of the coin reins on bank- 
rolling shows. 



WNBC'S GAINES UPPING 
NORMAN TO SALES MGR. 

Jim Gaines, general manager of 
WNBC, New York flagship station 
for NBC, this week appointed a new 
sales manager. He's Don Norman, 
who's been moved over from na- 
tional spot sales. 

Norman succeeds W. O. Tilenius, 
who has resigned to join the John 
Blair station rep outfit, effective 
Nov. 10. Tilenius had been with 
the station for 14 years. 



CBS Ratner Veepee Pact Reprises 
Onetime Sock Promotional Setup 



After practically despairing of 
moving its sales promotion-advertis- 
ing operation into the same high 
gear which characterized the Paul 
Kesten-Victor Ratner-Frank. Stan- 
ton teamup of years ago, CBS in a 
sudden move last week brought Rat- 
ner back into the organization as a 
veepee. He becomes director of 
sales-promotion and advertising ef- 
fective Nov. 3. 

During the years from 1936 to 
1941 Ratner 'was the web's director 
of sales promotion, .having been 
brought into the organization and 
trained by Kesten, then exec veepee 
of the web, who gained wide indus- 
try recognition for his promotional 
techniques. The Ratner - Stanton 
promotion parlay under Kesten 
(with Stanton on the research end) 
was the enviable teamup among the 
networks. Thus the Ratner appoint- 
ment reprises a two-way association 



Washington, Oct. 28. 
Plenty of support has been 
drummed up here within the past 
10 days to have Wayne Coy, gen- 
eral manager of Washington Post 
stations WINX and WINX-FM and 
former assistant to President Roose- 
velt, named to the FCC chairman- 
ship. Definite word on White House 
intentions toward the FCC may be 
upcoming shortly, since Democratic 
Committee Chairman Harold Mc- 
Grath is back in town for a Demo 
Committee meeting here tomorrow 
(29). 

Pressures have been exerted at 
the White House for a speedy, ap- 
pointment in view of the absence of 
Commissioners Edward Webster and 
E. K. Jett during, the winter months 
and a heavy schedule of work ahead 
at FCC. 

White House spokesmen admit 
that the WINX manager is a "likely 
candidate." Whether the appoint- 
ment has been cleared with Presi- 
dent Truman js still not known. 
Coy himself is non-committal be- 
yond pointing out that nobody who 
is "in a position to offer him the 
job" has talked to him about it. 
Acceptance would entail a consid- 
erable financial loss for him. 

Other names still being mentioned 
for the FCC vacancy are Democratic 
ex-Senators James Mead of New 
York and Hugh Mitchell of Wash- 
ington. Appointment of Brig. Gen, 
Telford Taylor, ex-FCC general 
counsel, and Presidential radio ad- 
viser Leonard Reinsch are also be- 
ing urged in some quarters. 

Coy's appointment would be 
warmly received by broadcasters 
and government men, it is believed. 
The industry has definitely put the 
pressure on President Truman to 
name a "practical broadcaster" to 
the post. He also fills the bill as . a 
good- Democrat and has the reputa- 
tion of being an able administrator. 

Starting out as regional admin- 
istrator of the WPA in 1935, Coy 
has served in a half-dozen top gov- 
ernment positions', including a three- 
year stint as head of President 
Roosevelt's Office of Emergency 
Management (1941-43) and as an 
Assistant Director of the Bureau of 
the Budget. . In the same period he 
was an executive assistant to Mr. 
Roosevelt. 



activity between 1930, when Ratner 
joined the network, and 1941, 

Actually Ratner has been doing 
considerable freelance promotional 
work for CBS in recent years, since 
opening his own offices. Only re- 
cently he was commissioned by web 
prexy Stanton to draw up the modus 
operandi for the industry's partici- 
pation in Charles Luckman's food 
campaign, reportedly grabbing him- 
self a fast $3,000 for the job. 

Ratner left CBS in '41 to join the 
now defunct Lord & Thomas agency, 
later moving into the OPA operation 
for the War Dept. He then went in 
on his own. 

In recent years there had been a 
succession of promotion directors at 
CBS, but none was deemed capable 
of filling the bill. Since the departure 
of Dave Fredericks a few months 
back, William Golden, art director, 
has been filling in. Golden remains 
as an associate promotion director, 
as well as art director, with Lou 
Housman also moving into the pic- 
ture as an associate director. 



ABC Shows Slip 
Despite Plugs 

In the face of one of the most in- 
tensive single evening programming 
buildups given by the network in 
recent years — the Wednesday eve- 
ning ABC parlay— the latest Hooper 
tallies for that evening (Oct. 15) 
have provoked considerable eyebrow 
raising in the trade. 

For one thing, the $22,500-weekly 
budgeted Bing Crosby-Philco show 
(which is exclusive of the top coin 
being channelled into ads publicizing 
"Bingsday") nosedived to a 13.7 
rating, representing a 1.8 drop. But 
Crosby had a lot of company in the 
downward trend of all the net's 
Wednesday shows for that evening. 

Jack Paar, in the pre-Crosby slot, 
dropped to a 5.4 off 2.3 points; Henry 
Morgan, in the post-Crosby period, 
came off with a 6.8, down 1.9 points. 
Abbott & Costello wound up with 
5.4, off 0.7; Vox Pop hit a 5.0, off 0.9, 
while the Lone Ranger's 8.1 repre- 
sented a drop of 1.5. "Mayor of the 
Town," part of the Wednesday se- 
quencing, copped an initial rating 
of. 6.6. 

While it's true that the Hooper 
charts show a noticeable drop in 
sets-in-use for the date, which the 
trade attributes to the unseasonable 
mildness in the weather (even "Gil- 
dersleeve" on NBC took a 5.0 rating 
nosedive on Oct. 15), the fact re- 
I mains that the ABC 8 to 10:30 brack- 
I eted shows took it on the chin. 



t6 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Holocaust Coverage Gives listeners 
"A Bad Case of Radio-Schizophrenia 



By bob Mcdonough 

Portland, Me., Oct. 28. 

The $25,000,000 .forest .fire holo- 
caust which struck Maine last week 
•was given such terrific competitive 
coverage by radio stations in the 
urea that it may constitute an ex- 
pensive Object lesson in how not to 
handle a disaster, Commercial com- 
mitments were killed without cere- 
mony. Crews — from station manag- 
ers down through recipe-gabbers to 
the business dept. gals— took to the 
many firefronts for eyewitness 
stories. Engineers worked tricks in 
terms of calendar segments instead 
of hours without relief. And yet the 
net result to the general welfare 
must see the mercy elements of the 
radio-gathered food and clothing for 
the sufferers totted up against the 
confusion if not panic engendered 
in the minds of the average listener. 

They would be told one moment 
(between be -bop sides by the Har- 
monicats) that every reported blaze 
•was out of control, only to find that 
contradictory stories, made sensa- 
tional by other angles, were being 
offered by the first station's com- 
petitors. One outlet would advise 
him to stay put alongside his radio, 
another would appeal for his assist- 
ance in quelling a blaze three miles 
from his home, a third would reas- 
sure him that the nearby blaze was 
a false report but wouldn't his wife 
make sandwiches for distribution by 
the Red Cross, and the fourth, by 
the time he reached it across the 
dial, would be beseeching all listen- 
ers to lay off sandwich-making, but 
to rake leaves from the sides of 
their dwellings while contributing 
old brooms to a Legidri Post 85 miles 
away. Net result was a new disease, 
clubbed radio-schizophrenia, ; mani- 
fested by the more impressionable 
listeners running around like chick- 
ens who had "been recently axed, 
and induced by competitive news 
gathering at time of disaster. : 

If the NAB wishes to rise from 
the trivial to the important at this 

(Continued on page 35) . 

WAT Grabs Some Kudos 
For 'March of Progress'; 
'Sinatra Day' Thurs. (30) 

•'.'•,• Paterson, N: J., Oct., 28, 
WPAT, : Paterson, N. J., has 
grabbed all the honors in the monthr 
Jong civic festivities centering 
around the theme • of ' Hoboken 's 
"March of ■ ' Progress.-" Conceived, 
organized and directed by WPAT 
personnel in cooperation with the 
Hoboken Chamber of Commerce, the 
affair has turned into a firstrate 
promotion job for the community as 
•well as for the station. WPAT has 
managed to get a banner with its 
letters to be displayed from every 
public utility pole and lamppost and 
in the window, of every store and 
bank in the city. 

Big hoopla is Thursday (30) when 
Frank Sinatra is guest of honor for 
a "homecoming' 1 shindig, which will 
include a torchlight parade in Which 
he and his father, a captain in the 
Hoboken Fire Dept., will get top 
billing. Event will be aired by 
WPAT, with "Hoboken to go all out 
In welcoming home the singer. 
They'll even name a street after him. 

Divided into four weekly . events, 
the "March of Progress" opened 
•with Hoboken Civic Week in which 
the school system was the center 
of activity. Second week was de 
voted to the town merchants with 
a general 10% discount on all goods 
advertised in the dailies with prom- 
inent mention of WPAT. Third week 
was dedicated to transportation with 
participation of more than 35 rail 
road and steamship companies 
Windup event is industry week with 
most of the. manufacturing outfits in 
the area pitching in the civic drive. 

Dave Golden spearheaded WPAT 
promotion activity. 



Dinah-James Strictly 

A Biow Production 

Although idea for the new Dinah 
Shore-Harry James show for Philip 
Morris was projected by CBS, cued 
to the ciggie company's bid to reach 
a younger ^market, Milton Biow 
agency, rather than CBS, takes over 
production reins when program 
preems on Jan. 1. Show, tabbed 
Call for Music," will replace "It 
Pays To Be Ignorant" in the Friday- 
night CBS period. 

Milton Biow, agency president,, 
left for the Coast last Thursday (24) 
to. set a producer for the show. CBS 
is recommending that Larry Berns, 
of the network's Coast production^ 
staff, get the producer-writer assign- 
ment, which would mark a' reuniting 
of the Shore-Berns teamup. It's re- 
called that when the singer branched 
out into radio with her own 15- 
minute weekly show for Bristol- 
Myers, Berns produced the program 
for Young & Rubicam. 

While Miss Shore and James now 
look set for the new musical stanza, 
there's still a question whether Art 
Lund will wind up on the program. 
Biow agency head at the moment is 
primarily- concerned with setting the 
two principal segments. In addition 
there will be a novelty element, via 
the top recording quartet of the 
week. 

Biow will extend his stay on the 
Coast to Nov. 10, now that most of 
the agency shows are 'emanating 
from Hollywood. 




Delivers the News 

BOB PETRE 

KLZ does an exacting job of 
tailoring the news for the Denver 
area, then turns It over to veteran 
newscaster Bob'Petre to deliver it 
to listeners over the air. 

KLZ, DENVER. 



BBC Revamp 
In the forks 

London, Oct. 21. 
Sir William Haley, director gen- 
eral of the British Broadcasting 
Corp., is preparing a reorganization 
of his departmental chiefs. He has 
been, dissatisfied for some time with 
the clashes of star shows that fre,- 
quently occur between the three 
main BBC transmissions — Home, 
Light and Third/ Changes are ex- 
pected to be made in the variety^nd 
music divisions, including reshuffling 
variety director Michael Standing's 
sectipn. 

Norman Collins, controller of the 
Light Program and best-seller 
novelist, is likely to be promoted to 
controller of entertainment. This 
would give him overriding authority 
over the three main transmissions, 
enabling him to arrange better 
balance in the arrangement Of peak 
program times. 

Maurice Gorham, present con- 
troller of television, is -also down 
for an even higher appointment. If 
his new assignment is finally ap- 
proved, Cecil McGivern will prob- 
ably fill the television vacancy. 
McGivern recently returned to 
television from the J. Arthur Rank 
Organization. 

Another appointment expected is 
that of R. J. F. Hqwgill to the 
$15,000 a year post of BBC director 
of music. 



TROUT LIKELY TO LAND 
IN NBC JOB HATCHERY 

Negotiations are going on between 
Bob Trout and NBC, with likelihood 
that the CBS newsman will move 
over when he : . returns from his 
cruise in Bermuda waters. Just what 
spot Trout will occupy in NBC's 
heavily-laden schedule of commen- 
tators hasn't been determined as yet. 

Trout recently exited from the 
Campbell Soup cross-the-board ses- 
sion on CBS, when Ed Murrow took 
over the slot. 



Frisco Hoopla for KGO 
Fete With ABC's Noble, 
Kintner Due to Join In 

San Francisco, Oct. 28. 

There will be plenty of hoopla 
here Dec. 1, When KGO, the ABC 
owned-and-operated Frisco station, 
hits the 50,000-watt bigtime. 

Ed Noble, ABC boura chairman, is 
flying out, with likelihood of exec 
veepee Bob Kintner joining him for 
the full-day celebration, which will 
include a number of local origina- 
tions of coast-to-coast airers, includ- 
ing the Paul Whiteman show. 

There will be a historical dra- 
matic show, bas^d on San Francisco, 
with Gregory Peck starring. 



Charles Irvings 
75G in 8-Show 
Network Parlay 

Signing of Charles Irving as direp- 
tor of the new "This Is Nora Drake" 
daytime serial ori NBC for Toni 
shampoo illustrates once more the 
fallacy of the frequently-heard claim 
that New fork radio is closed to 
new talent. Since coming to New 
York two years ago, Irving has be- 
come one of the top-income actors 
in radio and, with the "Nora Drake" 
assignment, now enters the direc- 
torial field.. ' * 

From his various acting commit- 
ments, Irving has an average week- 
ly income of about $1,500, on a 52- 
week basis. His "Nora Drake" stint 
will add an estimated. $200. The list 
of 'his regular acting assignments, 
with the approximate fees for each, 
includes the title role on "Young Dr. 
Malone," at $300; announcer on 
"Counterspy" and "Fat Man," at $200 
each; character part . on "Willie 
Piper," at $250; narrator on "Explor- 
ing the Unknown," at $200; an- 
nouncer on the Ted Lewis open-end 
recorded series, at $250, and, when it 
originates in New York, announcer 
and actor . on the Henry Morgan 
show, at $300. . , './ 

Those assignments, including 
"Nora Drake," total $1,900. However, 
the Morgan show takes a summer 
hiatus and, since its return this fall, 
has, been originating from the Coast. 
On the other hand, Irving gets fre- 
quent calls for single-shot per-' 
formahces, for which he gets above- 
scale fees. So the $l,500-a-week 
estimate is, if anything, on the con- 
servative side. 

Under the circumstances, Irving is 
taking' a relatively unremunerative 
assignment in directing "Nora 
Drake," since his outside-the-studio 
•duties will require longer hours than 
would be necessary for an actor 
stint. The $200 fee obviously doesn't 
cover the assignment from a strictly 
financial standpoint. However, Irv- 
ing was a director as well as actor 
and announcer in Minneapolis and 
Chicago, and he has been anxious 
to get into the directing field in New 
York. He hopes, ultimately to work 
into the program package business. 

As his first property in the latter 
field, he has already made an audi- 
tion record of a 15-minute strip", 
"Solo in Crime," a one-man who- 
dunit which Procter & Gamble re- 
cently had under option. 



The Deep South Regrets- 

. Washington, Oct. 28. 

"Big Jim" Fblsom, Governor of Alabama, told the FCC today (Tues.) 
it was failing in its duty to the 1,704,000 persons in his state who are 
not now. getting good radio service after dark. The "Deep South," he ' 
charged, is subjected to "absenteeism" even in radio listening. „ 

Folsom urged the FCC either to break down some of the clear chan- 
nels and add a number qf regional stations throughout the southern 
states, or, as an alternative, to require some of the existing clear chan- 
nel stations to move to areas which are now inadequately served. Fol- 
som said the "Alabama radio audience is a bit weary of getting its 
culture, comedy and criticism from Hollywood,, New York and Chicago 
by way of an erratic skywave radio- signal." 

The Governor pointed to the wide discrepancy in program prefer- 
ences between rural folk in the South and elsewhere in the United 
States to make his point that Dixieland wants its own stations without 
the need to rely on Yankee arid other high-powered transmitters. 
The Governor's statement was filed 1 at the FCC Clear Channel hear- 
ings by.W. E. James, special counsel to Folsom, and former assistant 
to then FCC chairmen Paul A. Porter and Charles R. Denny, Jr. 



Liberal Party Buys 16 
i Hours in N.Y. for Talks 

Liberal Party has bought. 16 quar- 
ter hour segments on six New York 
City outlets, including the four net- 
work flagship stations, for straight 
political talks. 

Early evening and Sunday after- 
noon time, representing an: outlay 
of $10,000, has been purchased, with 
series of, talks teeing off Monday 
(27) and continuing until Nov. 3. 
WMCA and WQXR are the two in- 
dies involved. Deals were set by 
Morris Novik as part of overall 
Liberal Party utilization of radio in 
forthcoming campaign. 



Scripters Vote 
On Pact In East 



Terms of the proposed minimum 
basic agreement between the Radio 
Writers Guild and the four net- 
works will be submitted to the for- 
mer's eastern membership at a 
meeting tonight (Wed.) at the Hol- 
land House, N. Y. The midwestern 
and Coast memberships will also 
vote on acceptance of the pact. 

As indicated last week-in Variety, 
the contract establishes the Guild 
as bargaining agent for scripters, 
calls for 90% Guild shop in the 
freelance and staff writer fields, 
covers the complex matter of own- 
ership of the various classifications 
of .rights, and sets up minimum fees. 
It is the first such agreement ever 
negotiated in the radio writing field, 
and climaxes years of effort by the 
Guild, many months of conferences 
and, extensive concessions by both 
groups. 

The agreement will almost .cer- 
tainly be accepted in toto_ by the 
Guild memberships, and Will then 
be signed by the organization and 
the networks. 



FCC Cancels Permit In 
Kentucky Case Due To 



Alan Dale Gets Own Show 

Allan Dale, singer, Who has been 
spotted on Mutual'/s "Block Party" 
and "Date Night" stanzas, gets his 
own weekly show on the web start- 
ing Friday (31), 8:15-8:30 p.m. 

Johnny Guarnieri's instrumental 
group will back him. 



John Daly in CBS Exit; 
'Can't See Eye-to-Eye' 

John Daly is exiting CBS after 10 
years with the web's news staff. He 
is expected only to stay around to 
narrate several more editions of 
"CBS Is Here," his only current as- 
signment. Meantime, he's negoti- 
ating with another network. 
< Daly, who formerly did the 11 
o'clock news and in the past year 
has been on special assignments to 
Europe and Alaska for the net, says 
his exit stems from his increasing 
inability to see eye-to-eye with CBS 
news chiefs on various matters. 

Daly's checkout is the third among 
longtime CBS newsmen in recent 
months, William L. Shirer and Bob 
Trout having gone before. 



Nets 2-to-2 Vs. 
Clears' Campaign 
For 20 Stations 

Washington, Oct. 28. 
The networks are lined up two to 
two for and against campaign qf the 
Clear Channel Broadcasters Service 
to win 750 kw power for a minimum 
of 20. stations so located to provide 
all sections of the country with a 
choice of four network programs. 
With NBC and CBS supporting the 
regional stations' -vigorous opposition 
to the CCBS plan, it appears certain 
FCC will turn thumbs down on the 
request as now written. As tearing 
heads into its last- few days, it looks 
here as if clears will settle for 
status quo and be happy enough if 
FCC stops short of breaking down 
present clear channel assignments. 
FCC is trying for a decision by Jan. 
1. 

The developments: 
1. NBC and CBS will both try to 
prove there is little or no duplica- 
tion of their network shows at the 
present time. Under clears', plan, 
NBC would lose seven powerful af- 
(Continued on page 38) 



Washington, Oct. 28. 

The FCC took extreme action last 
week and cancelled out a construe 
tion permit issued 10. months ago to 
WWPN, Middlesboro, Ky. At the 
same time, the Commission rein 
stated a mutually-exclusive applica 
tion from the Cumberland Gap 
Broadcasting Co. which had been 
dismissed when WWPN got its grant 

Commission concluded that on 
basis of info now before it, it would 
never have issued a permit to the 
backers of WWPN. FCC said E. P. 
Nicholson and John Wallbrecht, 
partners in the radio operation, had 
"misrepresented" the circumstances 
which led to their filing a bid in 
Middlesboro and had not given true 
picture of their financing arrange-., 
ments. 



WGN Snubs Radio Week, 
Claiming Manufacturers 
Favor Other Ad Media 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 
Frank P. Schreiber, manager of 
WGN, disclosed last week that the 
station would not observe National 
Radio Week, but instead would con- 
duct its own ..'.'set owners' informa- 
tion campaign." 

In accounting for the defection he 
said that the net result of Radio 
Week "each year has been that radio 
manufacturers • are given thousands 
of dollars of free time during which 
the public is stimulated to buy their 
products. At the same time these 
manufacturers are spending thou- 
sands of dollars for paid advertising 
in other media. It just doesn't add 
up." Proponents of Radio Week 
point out that WGN, Mutual outlet, 
airs Philco's "Burl Ives Show" and 
Pilot Radio's "American Forum of 
the Air." 

WGN's campaign, which teed off 
Oct. 20 and continues several weeks, 
consists of 10 spots daily. Spots plug 
station's clear channel and urge pros- 
pective buyers to get sets that will 
pull in WGN. 



'ELLERY QUEEN' TO GET 
ABC SUSTAINING RIDE 

"Ellery Queen" gets a new go 
on the kilocycles nevt month, this 
time on ABC. Whodunit, which 
Anacin moved over from CBS to 
NBC last summer but dropped in 
favor of "Hollywood Star Preview" 
will replace "Treasury Agent" in 
the 7:30 Thursday spot, starting 
Nov. 27. Web is angling hard for 
a sponsor wrapup ahead of the tee- 
off date. "Agent" will fade. 

"Ellery" will originate from the 
Coast, for the first time in its many 
years on the ether. Looks like an 
entirely new cast will go into the 
stanza. New title character hasn't 
even been picked. 



NBC SYNDICATE SETS 
RUNYON CYCLE OF 52 

NBC Radio-Recording Division 
Monday (27) took wraps off the big- 
gest, most expensive syndicated show 
it has ever undertaken — a plattered 
series of 52 half-hour dramatizations 
of the late Damon Runyon's Broad- 
way stories, with Pat O'Brien as 
star. NBC pacted an exclusive deal 
with the Damon Runyon estate for 
the story rights. 

Damon Runyon Memorial Fund 
does not figure in the setup, but 
promotional tie-ins between the show 
and fund are naturally envisioned. 

Series, to be released early next 
spring, is being scripted by Tom 
Langan, R-R D staffer, with H. H. 
Wood, manager of the division's pro- 
gram dept., producing and directing. 
First airer has already been cut, 
based on "Princess O'Hara," with 
Wendy Barrie in the title role. 

Dramats will be offered on a syn- 
dicated basis for spot advertisers 
Over local stations. Immediate ob- 
jective, NBC said, will be to interest 
regional spot advertisers. 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 






27 




How New Code Shapes Up 

„ , Washington, Oct. 28, 

Although the 12-man committee of independent station men which 
met at NAB headquarters here last Thursday (23) did a thorough job 
of turning, out a complete new indie-approved code, their, pr: sipal 
recommendations hit hardest at the present code proscriptions on 
commercial copy and rewording of a few sections on political and! 
other, types of program fare. 

Herewith, are the indies* No. 1 changes in the code which was ap- 
proved- conditionally by the NAB Board of Directors at Atlantic 
City last Month: 

TIME STANDARD FOB COMMERCIALS 

1. Consecutive conftnercial announcements shall not be allowed. 
(This. refers to double spotting.) This shall be construed to mean 
that no two announcements may be broadcast contiguously, whether 
the announcements are for the same sponsors or different sponsors- 
no matter "what length the announcement may be. 

2. Service announcements (Time and Weather) shall be exempt 
from point number one providing the commercial section of the 
announcement does not exceed 15 seconds. Where a service announce- 
ment carries commercial copy longer than 15 seconds, the regulations 
listed under section one shall be applied 1 . Service announcements 

* adjacent' to other announcements shall be limited to two each hour. 

3. For purposes of assigning commercial time limitations, a pro- 
gram unit shall be the total elapsed time from the sign-on to sign-off 
of the program. (This means that a 15-minute program would be 14 
minutes if followed by a one-minute adjacent announcement or 14- 
minutes, 30 seconds if followed by a 30-second announcement. The 
adjacent announcement shall not exceed one minute. 

4. Where a program is sold to a single sponsor, the commercial time 
shall be limited as follows (to apply to all broadcasts, day or night): 
Approx. 5 minutes, 1:15; Approx. 10 minutes,' 2:00; Approx. 15 minutes, 
2:30; Approx. 25 minutes, 3:15; Approx. 30 minutes, 3:45; Approx. 45 
minutes, 5:30; Approx. 55 minutes, 6:00; Approx. 60 minutes, 7:00. 

5. Where programs are followed by a spot announcement it is 
desirable to schedule announcements of 30 seconds or less in dura- 
tion. Where stations schedule an announcement of 30 seconds or less, 
the station, at; its option, may increase the commercial time in a 
program unit by 30 seconds. (This refers only to program of 15 
minutes or longer.) 

6. Any reference to the sponsorship in a program period, either 
by trade name, product name, or slogan shall be construed as part 
of the total commercial time allowed. Care shall be taken not to 
permit over-use of such references on a program. 

7. AU multiple sponsorship programs such as participations pro- 
grams, announcement programs, "musical clocks" are subject to the 
tune limitations set forth in paragraph four. In the case of such 
programs of half hour, three quarters of an hour and hour duration, 
appropriate multiples of 15 minutes shall apply. 

8. Programs of news, news commentary and news analysis, which 
are less than 14 minutes in length shall contain no middle commer- 
cial announcement. 

POLITICAL DRAMATIZATIONS 

POLITICAL BROADCASTS: Dramatization of political issues shall 
te clearly identified as such before and after the broadcast. (Present 
code forbids, dramatizations.) 

PUBLIC AND CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES: (It was the feeling of 
the indies that no provisions be written pending ruling by the fcC on 
the Mayflower decision, due to come up for- hearing Jan. 12.) 

RELIGIOUS PROGRAMS: Since it is customary for religious lead- 
ers to solicit funds on a voluntary basis to carry on the work of the 
Church -or institution of religion, the minister, priest or rabbi utiliz- 
ing the microphone as his pulpit shall be entitled to the same con- 
sideration. However, no appeal for funds shall be permitted on such 
programs where the primary purpose is to raise funds. (Present code 
forbids all solicitation.) 

INTERPRETATION: Where specific or unique problems of pro- 
gramming occur, stations may refer them to a Standards of Practice 
Interpretative Committee for ruling. All decisions of the Interpreta- 
tive Committee shall be based on good taste and service to the listener. 



Petriflo Meet 
To Set Radio 
Status Soon 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Radio networks are expected soon 
to know their fate. James C. Pe- 
trillo, prez of the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians, has called a spe- 
cial meeting of the union's interna- 
tional executive board here on Nov. 
6 and, while there's considerable 
speculation that the convening of 
the board might mean new develop- 
ments in the disk ban, it's generally 
accepted among union executives not 
on the board that the reason for the 
meet lies in the radio situation. 

Petrillo has said that as of Feb. 1, 
when all current radio contracts ex- 
pire, . he will order musicians who 
comprise commercial radio bands 
off the air. It's figured that name 
bands working radio commercials 
(which are few) will be included in 
such a stop-work order. 

Meanwhile, network radio officials 
both here and in Hollywood and 
New York are fashioning plans, for 
operation without musicians. Radio 
talent, producers, etc., not taking 
part in the building of such ideas 
cannot see how many of the shows 
now studding daily program listings 
can be aired without music, but they 
Bee others using disks (even on net 
shows) as temporary stopgaps. 

There is some conversation here, 
too, that Petrillo has planned to sell 
his musicians' services to radio 
shows. v 



Hearing Set for Six Hub 

lot 

Although Station Goes On 

Washington, Oct. 28. 

Six bidders for Boston's radio 
channel WORL will slug it out in 
FCC public hearing in Boston, start- 
ing Dec. 15, the Commission an- 
nounced last week. 

Contenders are Continental Tele- 
vision Corp.; Joseph Solimene; 
Bunker Hill Broadcasting Co.; Bos- 
ton Radio Co., Inc.; Beacon Broad- 
casting Co., Inc., and Pilgrim Broad- 
casting Co. FCC has, ordered WORL 
off the air by Nov. • 30, '47, because 
of misrepresentations on its stock 
ownership made several years ago. 
However, the Commission is ex- 
pected to continue station on the air 
beyond Nov. 30 until it decides 
among the six candidates for WORL's 
slot. 

At the same time, station may win 
at least another year's reprieve in 
any event, since counsel for WORL 
are preparing to test the FCC ruling 
in the U. S. Court of Appeals for 
the District of Columbia. 




- Washington,: Oct. 28. 

Greater • participation of the : in- 
dependent stations in the NAB from 
here on in and adoption of an in- 
dustry Standards of Practice re- 
flecting sentiment of the indies and 
net-affiliated stations, rather than 
that of the webs, appears virtually 
assured following meeting of a 12- 
man militant committee of indie 
reps here last week. 

The indies, headed, by WNEW, 
N. Y. program manager Ted Cott, 
demanded (and stand a fair chance 
of winning)- the. following: appoint- 
ment of a standing committee of in- 
dependent station reps within the 
NAB structure; . naming of three of 
their committee to meet with the 
NAB Code Screening Committee 
and with the NAB board of directors 
when it huddles on the code in mid- 
November; and provision for a 60- 
day waiting : period in which entire 
NAB membership may study an 
amended code before the board 
takes final action to put it in effect. 

In addition,' the indie reps, claim- 
ing among them to have polled the 
sentiment of over 250 non-network 
and affiliated stations on the code, 
rolled, up their sleeves and wrote a 
complete new version of that con- 
troversial document. They made no 
bones about the fact they^ were sore 
that independents were not ade- 
quately represented on the original 
code drafting committee, and served 
notice on NAB that if the present 
standards are put on the books, 
scores of stations would hand in 
their membership cards. 

Pointing out that non-network 
stations account for 30% of NAB's 
membership, they claimed they had 
no intention of setting up a com- 
peting indie organization but wished 
to work "more effectively" within 
the major trade organization. (Of 
the 407 indies on the air, 269 already 
hold NAB cardsW_ 

The indies came armed with letters 
and filled-in questionnaires from 
broadcasters throughout the coun- 
try. Chairman Cott claimed to have 
personally received over 50 letters; 
Cal Smith of KFAC, Los Angeles, 
had replies from 75 broadcasters 
(incomplete returns on a personal 
poll he conducted among over 200 
outlets in 14 western states); and 
Gene Weil, WLAQ, Rome, Ga., re- 
ported sentiments of the' Georgia 
Assn. of Broadcasters. Overwhelm- 
ing majority favored amendment of 
the present code. 

'Tougher and Fairer' 

Indie version of a code as de- 
livered by the hard-working Cott 
committee represents, according to 
Cott, both a "tougher and fairer" 
document. Present code, he claimed, 
is "too negative," and needs a strong 
(Continued on page 40) 



Revenue-Poor FM ers Take Lead 
In Demands to Soften Proposed Code 



The Finger Points 

Washington, Oct. 28. 
' Networks got some gentle 
pokes from sharp-tongued Ted 
Cott, chairman of the indie code 
committee, which met at NAB 
hdqs. here last week. 

Cott emphasized his 12-man 
code commitee was not a "pro- 
test group within NAB." Said 
he: "We don't consider our- 
selves the 'Peck's bad boys' of 
the industry. Nor do we .con- 
sider the networks its Frank 
Merriwells. All we are asking 
is for even breaks with them." 
- Later on, Cott reminded his 
audience that since 80% of all 
radio listening is^-to network 
programs, the nets, ipso facto, 
must shoulder at least 80% of 
the blame for all the kicks 
against radio's excessive and 
unpleasant plug-uglies. 



They Got an Awful Lot 
Of Jingles in Brazil 

Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 14. 

Emissoras Unidas, group of three 
radio stations here, has announced 
plans to produce and record a flock 
of musical jingles in Portuguese as a 
service to U. S. advertisers selling in 
the Brazilian market. 

Service will be gratis to those ad- 
vertisers. Unidas' permanent staff 
of writers and talent Will make the 
jingles. 



Stark Takes Settlement 
In '20 Questions' Suit 

Producer Charles Stark has ac- 
cepted an "out-of -court settlement of 
his suit against Fred VanDeventer in 
connection with joint ownership of 
the Ronson-sponsored Mutual show, 
"20 Questions." • Via the settlement, 
Stark releases to VanDeventer all 
rights he had to the stanza. 

Amount of the buy-off was not dis- 
closed, but it's understood there was 
a substantial judgment in the N. Y. 
County supreme court in Stark's be- 
half. 



Memphis, Oct. 28. 

Lillian Lang, of the British 
Broadcasting Corp. program depart- 
ment, and a group of associates 
have been at WSM, Nashville, the 
past week transcribing a,30-minute 
program telling the story of Ameri- 
can folk music. 

It will be rebroadcast throughout 
the British Isles under the title, 
"Smoky Mountain Serenade," with 
WSMs Bradley Kincaid as master 
of ceremonies, assisted by an- 
nouncer Louie Buck. 

Grand Ole Opry stars to be heard 
include Roy Acuff, Uncle Dave Ma- 
con and Eddy Arnold. 



Don't Look Now, 
But We Got Some 
Dialers, Too: NBC 

The proof of the coverage pud- 
ding, as far as NBC is concerned, is 
in counted listeners. In a sales pro- 
motion brochure, 2,800 copies of 
which went out to stations, adver- 
tisers and agencies over last week- 
end, the network held up computa- 
tions based on Broadcast Measure- 
ment Bureau data to show that NBC 
is head and shoulders above its com- 
petitors on any listening levelr - • 

It was NBC's answer — as far as 
the trade was concerned — to Mu- 
tual's much-discussed "listenability" 
claims (based on signal strength) as 
well as to CBS claims based a dif- 
ferent use of ; BMB figures. NBC 
execs denied it was "an answer" to 
Mutual, pointing out that the bro- 
chure was in preparation lpng be- 
fore Mutual announced its "listen- 
ability" claims. (NBC did refer to 
the brochure in a promotion ad last 
June 25.) 

Nevertheless, the NBC piece 
makes pointed reference to competi- 
tor's claims. Explaining what BMB 
is, in a foreword, NBC states: ''The 
result is a nationwide picture of 
listening to every station and net- 
work in the country— a measure- 
ment of how many families actually 
listen to a. station (circulation or 
audience), not how many families 
can hear (coverage or signal 
strength)." That's the answer to 
Mutual. And: "Or to put it another 
way: Total Radio Families — (minus) 
Non-listening Radio Families 
(equals) BMB Audience." That was 
the reply to CBS. 

Brochure proceeds to point out 
NBC's superiority on the basis of 
geographical areas (counties and 
major cities) as well as in terms of 
listening lev«!s. "In any compari- 
son of BMB figures on any level, day 
or night," it states, "the NBC net- 
work stands far above all others — 
and the higher the standard (level 
of comparison) the greater is NBC's 
superiority." 

Brochure represents the first half 
of a dual punch by NBC's promo- 
tion dept. "To indicate the signifi- 
cance of the 75% level (of listening) 
to advertisers," web has cooked up 
a special presentation to pitch 
around in timebuying and bank- 
roller circles. 



Washington, Oct. 28. 

Revenue-poor FMers, 85% of 
whom are still operating in the 
fed, are way out ahead of the indie 
AM' ers in their demands to soften 
the National Assn. of Broadcasters' 
new industry code. 

The NAB-FM executive commit- 
tee meeting at NAB headquarters 
here last Friday (24) generally sup- 
ported the revisions recommended 
by a committee of AM independents 
the day before. But they also want- 
ed an automatic hike in the three- 
minute commercial ceiling on 30- 
minute evening shows to 3:30 min- 
utes, asked for right to fit mid- 
commercials in newscasts of less 
than. 15 minutes' length, and de- 
manded an affirmative statement 
from NAB permitting broadcast of 
prices paid" in horse-racing 
stanzas. The FM'ers also asked 
for more latitude in slotting com- 
mercial time in multiple-sponsored 
programs, which provide bulk of 
their revenue. 

First off, the FM committee, head- 
ed by pioneer FM'er Leonard Asch 
of WBCA, Schenectady, resolved 
unanimously that any code adopted 
should apply equally to FM opera- 
tions. However, in the unlikely" 
event that NAB puts the present 
draft on the books, FM'ers stand 
ready to ask for a year's waiver in 
their observance of the new stand- 
ards. 

Most drastic rewrite job on the 
code was performed by the indie 
AM'ers who both tightened and lib- 
eralized the present draft. Both thp 
AM'ers and the FM men, however; 
wanted more latitude for multiple- 
sponsored shows. In addition, the 
FM'ers caUed fOr an extra 30 sec- 
onds of plug for half-hour evening 
shows under single sponsorship. 
Present NAB code limit is three 
minutes. 

FM'ers also urged that the pres- 
ent NAB limit of three minutes of 
plug for 15-minute. daytime stints 
exclude time devoted to "station 
break" announcements between 
programs. This would give them 
an additional 20 to 40 seconds of 
commercial time. 

The FM committee also went 
down the line for double spotting 
when one of the spots is a "service™ 
announcement and wanted no pro- 
hibitions clamped on news stints 
which did hot apply, to all other 
programs. Generally their recom- 
mendations on commercial time, 
like those of the indie standard 
broadcasters, were geared to pro- 
tect operators who rely heavily on 
"participating shows" tor their 
bread and butter. 



Kaiser-Frazers Chi Buy 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Kaiser-Frazer will sponsor a 
three-hour Sunday afternoon "Radio 
Theatre" on WIND, Chi indie, 
starting Dec. 14 and continuing 
through April 4. Shows, to be aired 
consecutively, comprise one 30-min- 
ute disk jook stint, two' 30-minute 
transcribed dramas, and 90 minutes 
of pro basketball. 

Deal was l\ajidlgd by Swaney, 
Drake & Bement, Chi. 



K WK, UERM W Resume Old 
Feud on Sponsorship Of 
Commentator Program 

St. Louis, Oct. 28. 

KWK and the St. Louis local of 
the United Electrical Radio and 
Machine Workers (CIO) last, week 
reopened their old feud over the 
weekly commentator program which 
the union's national office sponsors 
on Mutual. In retaliation for what 
it terms a breach of understanding 
by the union, the station has re- 
moved all reference to the UERMW 
in the local cut-in for the program. 

From the start of the series KWK 
has refused to accept payment for 
the progtam's time and instead used 
a cut-in reading "this program is 
sponsored in many markets by the 
United Electrical Radio and Machine 
Workers of America but is carried 
in St. Louis as a public service." 
Last week when the union ran a 
spotlight ad in the local dailies an- 
nouncing the switch of the pro- 
gram's personality from Lelapd 
Stowe to Arthur Gaeth KWK 
charged that by the ad's reference 
to the UERMW the union had vio- 
lated an agreement to let the sta- 
tion preview all such copy. 

KWK's original action on the 
series was followed by the union's 
filing a complaint with the FCC, 
but nothing came of this, after the 
station retorted that its policy was 
to carry qualified speakers on labor 
questions but not to sell time. 



28 



RADIO REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



you BET YOUR LIFE 

frith Groucho Marx, Jack Slaltery, 
announcer; Billy May orch; audi- 
ence participants 

Writer*: Bernie Smith, Hy Freedman 

director: Bob Dwan 

Producer; Hatfield Weedin 

fO Mlns.; Mon„ 8 p.m. (EST) 
XGIN AMERICAN 
ABC, from Hollywood 

(Weiss & Geller) 
Groucho Marx, one of the genuine 
talents among comics in show busi- 
ness, came back into radio with his 
own show Monday (27), after sev- 
eral years of hit-and-miss whirls at 
guest-shot routines. Under sponsor- 
whip of Elgin American, makers of 
compacts and other fashion acces- 
sories, he's emceeing a transcribed 
audience participation show on ABC 
network tabbed "You Bet Your 
Xife." Which, in a nutshell, is not 
the answer to exploiting the Groucho 
talents to best advantage. 

As audience participation emcees 

f!o, the Groucho can keep up with 
he best of them. In fact, on Mon- 
day's premiere his banter on the 
adlib uptake was several notches 
above the level of the average quiz- 
master. Which, of. course, is not 
surprising. And unlike many of 
them, he has the happy faculty to 
•xtract laughter, not at the expense 
*f the contestants, but from an off- 
guard zanyism that has a quality of 
freshness about it. 

But the fact remains that "Bet 
Your Life", is a quiz show, and not 
• highly original one at that, and for 
the greater part of a half-hour major 
attention and interest is focused on 
a rehashed prize-winning gimmick 
that puts the Groucho talents at the 
mercies of the usual run of unin- 
spired contestants. Which, Marx or 
no, Marx, reduces those inspira- 
tional moments to a bare minimum. 

It's a far cry, indeed, from the 
Groucho, who, armed with a script 
patterned to his zany techniques, 
tan be explosive. 

. • At least they could have endowed 
him with a format that had an ele- 
ment of newness about it. But "Bet 
Your Life" is basically a reprise of 
"Strike It Rich." In fact it goes 

tack a few years ago when Art 
inkletter was using a similar pay- 
off treatment on "People Are 
Funny." There's a\cbnstant barrage 
of compact-cigaret ' case giveaways 
(Elgin American, -of course), plus 
the usual $80-$90-$100 payoff for 
each set of contestants, as well as 
the • chance . at the elusive $1,000* 
grand slam. It's all been heard be- 
fore. 

How to integrate the Groucho 
Marx comedy into radio program- 
ming is still something the boys 
haven't solved as yet. Rose. 



CHILD'S WORLD 
With Helen: Parkhurst, George Hicks, 

announcer 
Producer: Helen Parkhurst 
Director: Charles Harrell 
?0 Mlns.; Sun., 7 p.m. 
Sustaining 

ABC, from New York 

Miss Helen Parkhurst, founder of 
the Dalton School in N. Y. and 
originator of the "laboratory 'plan' 
adopted in progressive schools 
throughout the world, is said by 
ABC to have spent two years in the 
development of this program idea. 
Believing that parents and other 
adults tend, to treat children as 
"problems," rather than going to the 
core of the problems themselves, 
Miss Parkhurst has evolved a mop- 
pet roundtable seeking "better un- 
derstanding between children and 
adults." Technique is to get a group 
of kids eight to 15 years old in her 
Manhattan home and guide them 
through an unrehearsed discussion 
of a certain- topic. Session is wire- 
recorded for the air. 

Topic of the initial stanza last 
Sunday (26) was "Lying." Kids were 
unaware that their discussion was 
being recorded, it was announced as 
the sequence opened. (If this was 
true, a. listener wondered, how could 
Miss Parkhurst wind up by saying. 
"And now it's time to turn back the 
microphone to Mr. Hicks?") Overall, 
it's a '"Juvenile Jury" with serious 
overtones. Sprites are encouraged 
to relate experiences bearing on the 
topic, and tell how they felt about 
them, witli Miss Parkhurst wisely 
breaking in. only to steer the trend 
■ of talk and, at the close, to sum up. 
How instructive the stanza will be 
over the long pull remains to be 
seen. It's doubtful whether the 
opener did much more than confirm 
what most parents know. As one 
of the kids philosophically remarked, 
in answer to Miss Parkhurst's ques- 
tion of how he was going to keep 
his children from lying, "Well, I 
think it's almost impossible!" Over- 
all judgments: the advantages of 
lying often outweigh the • punish- 
ment; the children might tell the 
truth if they knew they weren't 
go.iiig to be punished, but they 
agreed they'd be inclined to punish 
fheir own children for "storying." 

Stanza has a lot of unadulterated 
humor. Anyone a little weary of the 
formulated fun on the Jack Benny 
show (heard at the same time) can 
find some highly entertaining 
moments in the uninhibited judg- 
ments expressed in "Child's World." 
It takes an adult 'way-back-when to 
hear the kids tell the jams they've" 
got into. Miss Farkjjurst has a 
pleasant voice and does an under- 
standing, intelligent job as moder- 
ator. Doan. 



ARTHUR GAETH 
Writer: Gaeth 
IS Mlns.; Wed., 7:30 p.m. 
UNITED ELECTRICAL WORKERS 
(CIO) 

MBS, from Washington 

(Moss & Arnold) 
Arthur Gaeth, who knows his -way 
around as a radio newsman (his 
coverage of the Nuernberg trials 
last year won him the Headliners' 
Award), has taken over thisuspot as 
replacement for commentator Le- 
land Stowe andJs going out among 
The People (including important 
ones as well as "little" ones) with 
his wire recorder to ask them What 
they think about the trend of af- 
fairs. The program will originate 
from various cities where Gaeth's 
inquiries carry him. (In N. Y., the 
stanza is being farmed out to indie- 
WMCA, which aires it from wax at 
9:30 p.m.). 

"Let the -.people speak— that's what 
this program proposes to do," Gaeth 
announced on his getaway sequence 
last week (22). He devoted the open- 
ing moments to some brief com- 
ments, with a labor slant on the 
Hollywood Red probe, Sen. Glenn 
Taylor's horseback rijje across the 
country, and the profits-wages-living 
costs issue. In connection with the 
latter, he called attention to the 
profit gains of such big outfits (and 
big radio spenders, too) as Borden's- 
Armour, General Foods and Con- 
tinental Baking. 

This was; Gaeth's lead-in for re- 
corded interviews with a worker's 
family in Turkey Creek. Pa„ and a 
Negro woman worker in Winston- 
Salem. The Turkey Creek man, with 
-a-'-wife and five children and $38 in 
weekly take-home pay, was in favor 
of reinstalling price controls. The 
wife said she could only, afford one 
dozen eggs weekly, cheaper cuts of 
meat three or four days weekly, and 
oleo instead of butter. The kids 
didn't get enough milk either, she 
said. The W-S woman (who seemed 
to be reading from a script whereas 
the previous interviewees didn't) 
said a union store , had helped local 
tobacco workers save money and al- 
so forced other stores to cut food 
prices". 

Quality of the recordings was only 
fair; some of the interviewees' re- 
marks were indistinct.. Gaeth's quiz- 
zing- was pertinent, however. It 
would seem, though, that he'd do 
better if he confined each stanza to 
ope topic and try to drive home one 
point, dispensing with the smatter- 
ing of items at the start. Either that, 
or attempt a highlighting of the 
week's developments from labor's 
standpoint. But since he's adept at 
the wire-recorded technique, the for- 
mer format should be best. 
' Aside from the fact that the whole 
stanza is sponsor-slanted, the union 
confines its straight pitch to a few 
seconds at the windup. The plug in 
"the opener- could have been a lot 
more effective. Wording was so 
muddled it was , difficult to catch 
what the UE was driving at. Some- 
thing about supporting the -European 
aid program, but it's "not enough," 
and if better wages are asked cer- 
tain producers will jack up prices 
agaip. etc. 

UE deserves a kudo, however, for 
spending its money to give-labor one 
of its few voices on the air. 

Doan. 




D'ARTEGA 

When 30 top-flight musicians met 
16 accomplished singors in Lieder- 
kranz Hall something sensational 
happened.' Last week D'Artega's 
Orchestra combined with the Emile 
Cote Glee Club in the first of a series 
of gala transcriptions for the ex- 
clusive use of Lang- Worth's 500 
h ff iiiii t ps 

LANG-WORTH, INC., NEW YORK 



NBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 
With Arturo Toscaninl conducting; 

Ben Grauer, announcer 
60 Mins.; Sat., 6.S0 p.m. EST 
Sustaining 

NBC, from New York 

Arturo Toscaninl, marking his 
10th full season with the NBC Sym- 
phony, formed in 1937 expressly for 
him, finds himself and his ensemble 
sidetracked this year from the 
familiar Sunday 5 p.m. 'spot into the 
Saturday 6.30 p.m. period. How the 
sloughoff will affect listening audi- 
ence can't be discerned yet. 

What was evident from Saturday's 
(25) season opener was that the 
spirit and calibre of performers and 
maestro weren't changed. Group 
went through an all-Beethoven pro- 
gram of superior quality that left a 
glow of distinction and pleasure. 
Business may be business, and lack 
of :sponsor make one a football, but 
artistically the NBC Symphony stays 
important, impressive and alive. 

Toscaninl will be oiij&e podium 
for 16 weeks, from Oct. 25 through 
Dec. 13 and from Feb, 14 through 
April 3. Erich Kleiber and Ernest 
Ansermet will be guest conductors 
for four weeks each, in the interim, 

Bron. 



Transcription Review 



THIS IS THE STORY 

With Ed Prentiss, Ray Sober, and 

Elwyn, Owen, organist , 
Writers: Gene Fromherz, Julie War r 

ren} others .-" 
Producers: Sherman Marks,. Roy 

Windsor 
IS Mins. * 
MORTON RADIO PRODUCTIONS 

Sequels generally suffer by com- 
parison with the original, but in 
this instance the original is equaled 
and even surpassed in overall pro- 
duction polish. "This Is. the Story" 
is packaged by Mort Jacobson, for- 
mer partner of Johnny Neblett, 
whose very successful "So the Story 
Goes" was cut short by his death in 
a plane crash in September, 1946. 

Jacobson has taken the formula of 
"So the Story Goes" and cast Ed 
Prentiss as narrator, with Ray 
Suber doubling. Prentiss compresses 
a lot of drama into anecdotes, which 
come two to a platter, with a middle 
break for commercials. He takes up 
confidently where Neblett left off, 
while Suber's doubling serves as a 
neat _ break in straight narration. 
The stories are in the same partly 
historical who'd-have-thought-it vein 
that carried Neblett to the top. 

About 50 of the 260 series have 
been cut to date, with the others 
skedded at the rate of 25 per week 
in a race to get under the Petrillo 
deadline. 



♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ . ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ f t . 



Television Reviews 

' ♦♦44444444444 + 444»4444444444444444444 4444444 4 4 44 < 



LET'S POP THE QUESTION 
With George Cahan, Jane Overington 
Producer: Ted Estabiook 
30 Mins.; Sun., 8:30 p.m.. 
RCA-VICTOR-BARTELLS 
WFIL-TV, Phila. 

This visual quiz stacks up as an 
excellent video program, with plenty 
of interest throughout and with a 
format that makes for high enter- 
tainment values. 

Show makes visual use of pictures 
and objects, in manner similar to 
"Information, Please" film shorts. 

► ♦» ♦ ♦ ♦♦ ♦, 



THE AMERICAN HERITAGE 
With Raymond Edward Johnson, 
Lucy Monroe, Eleanor Sherman, 
Leonard Sherer, Kermit Murdock 
Producer: Ted Cott 
Director: Jack Grogan 
Writer: Shelley Dobbins 
15 Mins,; Sun.. 4 p.m. 
AMERICAN HERITAGE FOUNDA- 
TION 
WNEW, N. Y. 

The Freedom train, now touring 
the country with a priceless collec- 
tion' of historical documents, is the 
subject of this new WNEW drama- 
tization produced in cooperation 
with the American. Heritage Foun- 
dation and' the Newspaper PM. It's 
a laudable program calling attention 
to fundamental patriotism, but un- 
like most programs with a message, 
depends upon a solid workmanship 
script to hold listeners, rather than 
the correctness of the_propaganda it 
wants to project. 

A well tailored script based on the 
story behind the writing of the 
"Star Spangled Banner" teed off 
the series with Raymond Edward 
Johnson as the central figure, in 
this show, the writing of the national 
anthem is a highly dramatic affair, 
and projects a punchy story of a man 
not fully convinced of the justice of 
the war of e 1812, but is convinced 
otherwise while arranging for the 
release of an American medico, cap- 
tured by the British. 

The enactments and pacing of the 
program were capably done and 
Ted Cott's production was topnotch. 

Probably no program dealing with 
the national anthem would be au- 
thentic without Lucy Monroe. Her 
rendition made the session" official. 

Jose. 



D 



Television Follow-Up :: 

i-4-4 4-4*4 4 4 ♦ ♦ 4 i ' 



Practicality of tele relay links was 
forcefully demonstrated by the Notre 
Dame-Iowa game Saturday (25) 
over WBKB. Chicago. Images, sent 
to Chicago from South- Bend came 
through four transmissions as 
sharply defined as any studio pro- 
duction. Only, flaw was horizontal 
shadow bands caused by electronic 
interference from a fan at one of 
the relay jumps. Shadows, which 
didn't show up/on pretests, will be 
eradicated in /subsequent viewings 
of Irish tussles. 

Grid game, sponsored by Amer- 
ican Tobacco through N. W. Ayer. 
goes down as a milestone in tele- 
progress and a distinct triumph for 
WBKB technicians and Capt. Bill 
Eddy, station director. Joe Wilson, 
was expert in the play-by-play and 
also handled commercials keyed to 
cartoons transmitted from the studio. 
Final commercial, on film, used gib- 
berish of Lucky Strike auctioneer 
and interior of tobacco warehouse 
with co'rnpone drawlers extolling 
the leaf. 

Entire performance bore out off- 
the-record claims that the WBKB 
relay link is the first spur of a tele 
network. 



George Cahan, emcee, poses the 
questions, which are neither too 
highbrow nor too lowbrow, and then 
picks a telephone number from list 
of names sent in to the studio. 

This random approach makes for 
interesting listening. Right answers 
mean best-selling books to the 
brightees. Helping matters along is 
Jane Overington, referred to as 
"Janie" on the program, who injects 
comedy by playing dumbdora role 
while pictures and objects are being 
placed before camera. 

Guests appear at the half-time, 
and effort is made to obtain name 
personalities. Tony Pastor appeared 
on show while here recently, and 
Alladin, singer with Cugat's band 
now. at the Click, nitery, was on 
when show caught Sunday (19). 

Show previously used gimmick of 
asking listeners to phone in, but 
wires were so crowded this was 
found not feasible. Telephone offi- 
cials clocked 1,268 calls to studio in 
half-hour on one show previously. 

Shal. 



MINOR OPINIONS 
With Moderator George Menard, 
Bobby Burns, Jerry Forrester, 
Diane Hollander, Judy Steiner, 
Edwin Ross, Patty Meeler, Tony 
Eikenbary, Phyllis Cohn 
Producer-Director: Pauline Bobrov" 
Sustaining 
WBKB, Chicago 

"Minor Opinions" is an indicator 
of how popular such radio shows as 
"Quiz Kids" and "Juvenile Jury" 
will be as tele fare. The brow 
wrinkling, head scratching and 
other gyrations of moppets ponder- 
ing posers, is surefire. Basic appeal, 
beyond refreshing personalities, is 
that adult vanity is tickled by kids' 
cute air of uninformed innocence. ' 

"Minor Opinions" is produced in 
cooperation with the public schools 
of Gary, Ind., one of the few systems 
(Continued on page 40) 



OPIE CATES SHOW 

With Ruth Perrott, Noreen Gammill, 
Fred Howard, Barbara Fijller, 
Francis X. Bushman; Basil Adiam, 
music 

Writer: Rosewell Rogers 
Producer-director: Glenball Taylor 
30 Mins.; Mon., 8:30 p.m. (EST) 
Sustaining 

ABC, from Hollywood 

This situation comedy, which 
bowed in this week (27), as part of 
ABC's new Monday night lineup, 
didn't come off as well as it might 
have, and it's hard to put a finger 
on the reasons why. Opie Cates 
seemed right at home in the coun- 
tryfied Dennis Day role of a boy 
from Clinton, Ark., who has taken 
up residence in Ma Buskirk's board- 
ing house, which appears to be in 
a nearby Arkansas town. Cates put 
his lines across as though they came 
naturally. • 

The setting had possibilities, what 
with a wide assortment of characters 
(albeit pretty recognizable types) 
around to meddle in Opie's affairs in 
a mean-to-be-helpful way. The sit- 
uation in the opener had possibili- 
ties: it turned around the old, simple 
device of a misunderstood word set- 
ting off a chain of absurd incidents. 
Ma said Opie should take his girl 
Cathy a corsage, and Opie thought 
she said corset. Ma said he should 
pin it on Cathy (laughter) and Opie 
thoi sh that was "the doggonest 
thing" (his favorite phrase) to take 
a girl, etc., but he went through 
with it. Trick ending of Cathy's 
mother mistaking the package for a 
wedding anni present from her hus- 
band was a satisfactory windup. 

Stereotyped characters included 
Ma, who was a Marjorie Main; and 
Pa, who sounded like the late W. C. 
Fields. Cast must have been made 
up to look their parts, judging by 
the studio audience's unaccountable 
shrieks of laughter, and played the 
show hard for laughs, getting many 
times more than the script called for. 
As when Pa counseled Cathy on the 
phone. "Don't do nothin' I wouldn't 
do!" The studio crowd knocked it- 
self out. 

. Definitely the most weakening 
factor of the stanza, however, was 
the writing. There could have been 
more punchy lines, and better ones. 
Many fell flat, even on this audi- 
ence; many were pomtless or 
strangely non sequitur. A firstrate 
writing job would perk the show 
just about 100%. 

Show, in a word, might make the 
grade If it genuinely produced as 
many laughs as the onlookers gave 
the getaway. Doan. 



CBS IS THERE 

With Don Hollenbeck, Major George 
Fielding Eliot, John Daly, Jack 
son Beck, Ken Roberts 
Writer: Robert Lewis Shayon, Ml- 

cajah Wren ' 
Producer-Director: Shayon 
30 Mins,; Tues., 10:30 p.m. 
Sustaining- 
CBS, from New York # 

This show, which earned its way 
into the fall program picture after 
clicking as a summer replacement 
is a brilliant piece of radio magic 
Central concept behind this series 
is the recreation -of dramatic- points 
in history with the illusion that CBS 
correspondents are at the center of 
events. It's an original idea that 
producer-director Robert Lewis 
Shayon is handling with the requi- 
site imaginativeness to turn, this 
show into one of the airlanes most 
exciting and stimulating offerings. 

Preem show for the fall series last 
Tuesday (21) was the reenactment 
of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 
turning poin%in the American Civil 
War. From the opening moment 
when a dry, undramatic voice said" 
"This is Don Hollenbeck at Union 
Army headquarters somewhere be- 
hind the% lines, near Gettysburg," the 
dialer was thrust into a vortex of 
an historical action which, though 
more than 80 years past, had the 
vividness of the Battle of Dunkerque 
The fact that mikes should be 
scattered over the Gettysburg battle- 
field should present as little difficulty 
to the listener as the lack of com- 
plete realism in- a legit stage setting. 
Effectiveness of this presentation is 
measured by the extent to which 
listeners voluntarily remit their 
doubt in the dramatic license neces- 
sary for the production. "CBS Is 
There" accomplishes this illusion bv 
the .twin factors of fidelity to his", 
torical fact and an utterly dead-pan 
technique of reportage. Special 
kudoes should go to the roster of 
CBS correspondents who, as thespers, 
play themselves without toppling in- 
to caricature. 

It's true that no battle in the 
Second World War ever received the 
coverage which this show gives to 
Gettysburg. Four reporters were dis- 
tributed at various vantage points 
for the blow-by-blow descriptions. 
One neat device for adding realism 
was the inclusion in the act of Ma- 
jor George Fielding Ediot who gave 
a typical grandstand-coach interpre- 
tation of the military lineup of the 
General Robert^E. Lee and George 
Gordon Meade's .forces. 

From there, every tr„ick in the 
trade was used but without any 
phony clinkers that could irrevoc- 
ably blast the illusion into blatant ' 
fiction. Little touches such as the 
interviews with the Union and cap- 
tured Confederate soldiers were 
stage-managed to perfection. In the 
heat of battle, John Daly's mike cuts 
off into ominous silence; another 
reporter's voice chokes up with ex- 
citement at the fury of the fighting; 
another correspondent breaks in to 
announce something important from 
another sector of the front, etc. 
These were among the deft details 
that built into a compelling realism. 
All in all, it was a tour de force. 

Herm. 



ERNIE LEE SHOW 
With, Brown's Ferry Four, Trail- 
blazers, Donna Jean 1 , Doc Wiide- 
son orch; Hank Fisher,- announcer 
Writer: "Vernie Jay 
Producer: Ken Smith 
30 Mins.; Sun., 4 p.m. 
COLE MILLING CO. 
WLW, Cincinnati 

{Gardner) 
This show, which is also aired on 
a southern regional network of 65 
outlets, is ^ familiarly" styled variety 
session concocted chiefly for rural 
dealers. Airer has a barn-dance flavor 
with a full quota of hillbilly croon- 
ing, syncopated spirituals and adul- 
terated Dixieland jazz. No particular 
style is evident in the format. Per- 
formers take their turn at the mike 
in a regular cycle with Ernie Lee 
dishing out the emcee patter and 
some warbling right out of the cider 
jug. 

Sample of the goings-on is a re- 
cent show where Lee sang "Hooray 
For Dixie," and followed with the 
"Blue-Tail Fly." The Trailblazers 
and femme vocalist twanged through 
a couple of mountain tunes with 
Brown's Ferry Four bouncing 
through a couple of spirituals. Plugs 
for the Omega flour product con- 
tained this line: "It's sifted through 
silk 32 times." 



NAVY DAY 

With Fleet Admiral William F. Hal- 
sey, Jr., Gene Kelly, emcee; Gehrge 
Hicks; Frederic B. Opper; Fred 
Sparks; Robert Sturdevant; John 
Rich; Victor Ecklund; Ralph Nor- 
man orch 

Producer: Michael Roshklnd 

Writer: Ira Marion 
'Director: Wylie Adams 

30 Mins.; Mon., 10:30 p.m. 

Sustaining 

ABC, from New York 

ABC's special eventer on Navy 
Day, Monday (27), featured eight re- 
mote pickups "taking the dialer 
round the world to the Navy'' and 
winding up with a brief message 
from Fleet, Admiral William F. Hal- 
sey, Jr., in Birmingham. Gene Kelly 
acceptably emceed. It was a well 
produced show unmarred by tech- 
nical difficulties and a good plul? 
(Continued on page 40) 



Wednesday, October 2», 19417 



TELEVISION 



29 



NBC'S FREE REIN TO AGENCIES 



Can Lightam Strike Twice? 

NBC's decision to put on St. John Ervine's "John Ferguson" next , 
month as the first Of its television series under, the new deal pacted 
with the Theatre Guild was anything but an accidfent, In fact NBC is 
hopeful that the play will be as symbolic for television as it was for 
the Theatre Guild's career in legit. ' • 

"John Ferguson" was the second play ever staged by the Guild. 
At the time there was exactly $15.40 in the Guild treasury. And it 
was "Ferguson" that took thf organization over the hump and 
established it as a solid legit venture. 

NBC, incidentally, offered the lead role to James Mason. Latter 
declined with the assertion that he didn't want to be typed as an 
elderly gentleman. So the part goes to Thomas Mitchell. 



NBC Splurges on 1st Theatre Guild 
Show; Seeks Sponsor for Other 5 



NBC is sighting its guns on the- 
first of its series of Theatre Guild 
shows Nov. 9 as the biggest thing 
that's happened in video since the, 
World Series, at least. Web is open- 
ing up its purse-strings in an un- 
precedented manner to get the best 
• taleut and production accoutrements 
. available and has even gone so far 
es to have special stationery de- 
signed on which to send out pub- 
licity releases on that show alone. 

Play selected, St. John Ervine's 
"John Ferguson," is to be adapted 
for tele by Dennis Johnson, program 
director of BBC television who's 
temporarily on the Guild staff. John- 
Son will also produce for the. Guild, 
with Eddie Sobol producing and 
directing for NBC. Show will run 
One hour, and will be condensed into 
one act, as against the original four 
acts in which it ran on Broadway 28 
years ago. 

In addition to • transmitting the 
show to its affiliate stations in 
Schenectady, Philadelphia and Wash- 
ington, NBC is also mulling the 
toossibility of recording it on film to 
b» sent to affiliates in Detroit and 
St. Louis that are not yet connected 
with N. Y. via relay. Film may al& 
be airmailed to BBC in London for 
its subsequent transmission. System 
to be used will be the Eastman tele- 
transeripter, which records a show 

fn film directly off the face of the 
eceiving tube. 

First show will definitely be aired 
Us a sustainer, although there's a- 
possibility that NBC and the Guild 
may line up a sponsor for the sub- 
teguant five plays in the series. U. S. 
Steel, -which has "Theatre Guild of 
the Air" on radio, supposedly has 
prst turndown options on the, tele 
Series. Shows will be aired about 
fcnce a month, but the second one to 
date has not. been set. 

NBC, meanwhile, is continuing its 
•parch' for top talent to support 
?homas Mitchell and Joyce Redman, 
■who've already been set for the 
. leads in the teeoff play. 

APJP to Offer Newsreel 
Service as Adjimct To 
Own Film Activities 

1 Botti the Associated Press and 
United Press last week announced 
>ians for a television newsreel serv- 
&e, which will be offered tele sta- 
ions throughout the country as ad- 
juncts to their own newsreel activi- 

Step marks an expansion of UP's 
Video activities. Company recently 
?« up a spot news and still picture 
tervice, which has been used to good 
advantage by WNBT, (NBC. N. Y.), 
among others. Newsreel is to be 
devoted strictly to Washington news, 
wrth plans calling for five-minute 
reels six days a week. It's to include 
both spot news and planned inter- 
Views with top capital figures. 

AP's reel calls for the interchange 
of film among participating broad- 
casters, much the same as • news- 
Photos now are exchanged among 
newspapers subscribing to AP Wire- 
photos. Hugh Wagnon, former AP 
bureau chief in London, Baltimore 
»nd Philadelphia, will head up the 
new operation, headquartering in 
New York. Joseph H. Snyder. Pitts- 
burgh correspondent for the last 11 
years, succeeds Wagnon in Philly. 

UP's present spot news service 
Provides stations with two live- 
minute shows daily, in addition io 
special features for women and 
documentaries. 



Setting a Style * 

Philadelphia, Oct. 28. 

WPTZ, oldest video outlet in 
Philly, is* believed to have set a 
precedent ' hereabouts by buying 
time On AM stations to plug one of 
its special telecasts. 

Video station bought time on 
WCAU and KYW Thursday (23) for 
spot announcements on Bermuda 
Sky-Queen rescue pictures. 



WNBW(D.C.)Tele 
In Daytime Chips 

Washington, Oct. 28. 

NBC- WNBW, tele station here, has 
announced sale of a daytime "across- 
the-board" video series, which it 
claims represents the largest block 
of time ever assigned to a single 
sponsor by any television station 
now operating. Sale also marks 
the first regularly scheduled day- 
time tele series in Washington and 
one of the first in the entire country. 

.Under joint sponsorship of South- 
ern Wholesalers and 50 independent 
HCA- Victor distributors in Washing- 
ton, WNBW will telecast four day- 
time shows a week for the next 
eight weeks. Agency is Henry J. 
Kaufman & Associates of Washing- 
ton/ Opening stint went on the air 
at 4 p.m. today (Tues.). 



2 MEMPHIS STATIONS 
BID FOR TEE OUTLETS 

Memphis, Oct. 28. 
WMC and WDIA have both jumped 
into the television field here with 
applications for licenses and the 
premise of video shows for this area 
by next fall if the coaxial cable from 
Chicago to New Orleans can be laid 

WMC,' NBC outlet in Middle 
Dixie, has already started construc- 
tion of its 750-foot television an- 
tenna tower for WMC-TV on 
Thomas Road east of Memphis and 
expects to service the Memphis ter- 
ritory for 40 miles around at an 
initial outlay of $250,000. 

The WMC application, filed by the 
Memphis Publishing Co., seeks to 
operate at 13,600 watts visual power 
and 7,120 watts sound power. FCC 
action is expected within 60 days, 
according to General Manager Hank 
Slavick. Considerable remodeling 
and expansion at the station head- 
quarters in the Goodwyn Institute 
Building will be necessary. 



ND-Iowa Game Televised 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

First Notre Dame home football 
game ever televised was broadcast 
by WBKB (Balaban & Katz) here 
Saturday (25), with the transmission 
carrying more than 70 miles. 

ND-Iowa game was the fust of 
three to be relayed to Chi from 
South Bend toy microwave relay 
equipment developed and built by 
General Electric. WBKB's mobile 
unit picked up the game from the 
ND stadium, sent the images to re- 
lay towers at New; —Carlisle and 
Michigan City, thcii across Lake 
Michigan to WBKB's transmitter. 



ALSO SETS NEW 




NBC television, "in the. i^sty 'Im- 
portant move to 'date' to attract' and 
hold ntore commercial advertisers, - 
has revised its commercial procedure 
to take the primary thorn out of the 
sides of' agencies. Effective imme- 
diately, an agency producer or di- 
rector will be permitted to bring a 
show into the studio and carry it 
through until after it's been broad- 
cast. 

At the same time, NBC commer- 
cial manager Reynold R. Kraft an- 
nounced a new, time charge schedule 
for WNBT, the web's N. Y. outlet. 
New xharges _ are to - "go~~intb effect 
Jan. 1 for the first 13 weeks of 1948. 
Charges for the second quarter are 
to be announced shortly after the 
first of the year. Coinciding with 
the new charge schedule, Kraft an- 
nounced that all NBC production 
would toe moved up to studio 8-G in 
the RCA Building, which NBC 
claims will be the ..most modern and 
offer trie best facilities in the coun- 
try. 

Until now, NBC has refused to 
permit an agency director to handle 
a show during the broadcast time. 
Agency could originate a 1 -program 
but once it got inside the studio, the 
director was forced to take a back 
seat to an NBC staffer, who con- 
ducted studio rehearsals with the 
advise of the agency man and then 
aired the show himself. Under, the 
revised procedure, according to 
Kraft, "NBC will permit a director 
selected by an agency or client — 
subject to appr6val by the com- 
pany — to direct the production. NBC 
will provide a program director, a 
technical director and the necessary 
staff to assist the agency director." 

'Tele Progress Report' 

In a "television progress report" 
sent to all ad agencies yesterday 
(Tuesday) . along with ' the new 
charges and programming plans, 
Kraft pointed out that the number 
of receiving sets in the metropolitan 
New York area had increased from 
6,500 in March, 1946, when the web 
(Continued on page 40) 



AT&T COAXIAL CABLE 
READY FOR USE SOON 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Though television will not yet 
share it, the A. T. & T. states thaf 
its long-coming co-axial cable will 
be opened for transcontinental tele- 
phone calls on Nov. 15. Tests will 
precede the opening day for com- 
mercial traffic. 

Line, per se, is still incomplete be- 
tween Charlotte, S. C, and Atlanta, 
Ga., but existing facilities will be 
used to connect those two points. 
And when and if there are video or- 
ders, the company is prepared to in- 
stall booster stations for the aside 
business. 



20 Tele Outlets May Cover GOP 
Meet in 1 On Day and Night Pool 



Suds Vs. Video Shinny 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Brewers are scrambling to pin 
their labels on the WBKB telecasts 
of the Blackhawks' hockey games at 
the Chicago Stadium, but there's a 
fly on the foam. 

Blackhawk management is turn- 
ing thumbs down in the belief that 
suds and shinny don't mix. 



DuMont Seeks 
Hub Tele Outlet 



Boston, Oct, 28. 

Allen B. DuMont, prexy of the 
DuMont video labs, here this week 
to televise a show for the toenefit of 
the 19th Boston Conference on Dis- 
tribution, indicated he was also here 
to dicker for a video outlet' in the 
Hub for his network. Didn't say 
which, but the only possibility is 
Yankee, recently granted its video 
license. WBZ, other station planning 
video, is committed to NBC. 

DuMont, with Lawrence Phillips, 
director of the DuMont network, 
staged a half-hour video transmission 
from Mass. Institute of Technology 
across the river in Cambridge to the 
■ballroom of the Statler, putting on 
a full-blown dramatic production as 
part of its "Selling By Sight Over 
the Air" program. It attracted huge 
audience and plenty of comment. 

Meetings are planned in the near 
future to slice the coaxial cable 
melon, a chore that looks now as 
though it might provide as much 
fireworks as the N. Y.-Washington 
line? Meantime, though WBZ plans 
to hit the air before March with 
video, no commercial sets are offered 
for sale in this area. 



S-C ZONING NIX SEEN 
SLOWING UP ROCHESTER 

Rochester, N. Y„ Oct.. 28. 

Delay of television in Rochester 
was seen when the city's Zoning 
Board of Appeals denied the Strom- 
berg Carlson Co. permission to 
build a transmission building on 
Pinnacle Hill. 

Company was ■ all set to start 
building if permission had been 
given. Now it will have to pick 
another site and possibly face 
months of negotiations. 

William Fay, veepee in charge of 
WHAM and WHFM, said the Pin- 
nacle was a perfect natural site and 
it would be difficult to find another 
suitable cne within the city limits. 
Petition to use the • site, however, 
had stirred up a hornet's nest of 
opposition from neighboring resi- 
dents. 



♦ Republican National Convention, 
slated to tee off in Philadelphia's 
Convention Hall next June 1. may 
be covered by 15-20 different televi- 
sion stations in 10-15 cities through- 
out the east and midwest. Total au- 
dience that the transmissions can 
reach is expected to be between 
500,000-750,000 people, indicating 
that the s video personalities of the 
various delegates may have consid- 
erable importance to their vote- 
getting efforts. ' 

Representatives of the various ra- 
dio and tele networks met with the 
GOP national committee last_week 
in' Philadelphia "to set up plans for. 
coverage. Video reps named a com- 
mittee headed up by J. R. Poppele, 
veepee of WOR (Mutual, N. Y.) to 
handle arrangements henceforth. It's 
expected that four to six video cam- 
eras will be set up at vantage points 
in Convention Hall to cover the pro- 
ceedings, with the' cameras working 
day and night. Tele will handle the 
meet as a pool job, with the net- 
works probably drawing straws to 
determine which producer will su- 
pervise the work each day. 

It was revealed at the huddles 
that General Electric hoped to have 
a radio relay built between^ Philly 
and Chicago and Milwaukee by 
June 1. to' permit direct transmission 
to those cities. Stations along the 
eastern seaboard will use either ra- 
dio relay or the Bell System's coaxial 
cable. Tele industry will pay all the 
charges as a public service gesture, 
although it's possible that the GOP 
may kick in with part of the money 
needed to construct camera plat- 
forms in Philly. Several video webs, 
in addition, expect to have extra 
cameras stationed in hotels and Con- 
vention Hall sub-rooms to pick up 
private interviews with delegates in 
off-hours. 

In addition to WBKB (Chicago) 
and WMTST (Milwaukee), those sta- 
tions that will definitely Jbe on the 
air in time for the meet, include 
WBZ-TV (Boston); WRGB (Sche- 
nectady); WNBT, WABD, WCBS- 
TV (New York); WPTZ, WEIL-TV 
(Philadelphia); WBAL, WMAR- 
TV (Baltimore); WNBW, WTTG, 
WMAL-TV (Washington) ; WWJ- 
TV (Detroit), and KSD-TV (St. 
Louis). In addition, there may be 
stations operating in Buffalo, Rich- 
mond, New Haven, Hartford and 
Syracuse, plus three more stations 
in New York an'd one in Washington. 

Noran E. Kersta. NBC national 
tele .director, made a pitch to the 
GOP committee to have exclusive 
tele rights assigned to his web on 
the basis that NBC had the best fa- 
cilities, and would have a network 
of 10-14 stations in operation by 
June 1. After considerable discus- 
sion, however, his bid was turned 
down and it was decided to pool the 
affair. 



Video Still Hasn't Proved Itself 
As Potent Ad Medhun-Panl West 



Television broadcasters received 
their first pessimistic note in months 
last week when Paul B. West. Ass'n. 
of National Advertisers prexy, told 
an American Television Society meet 
that video has not yet rounded the 
corner as an advertising medium. - 

Admitting frankly that he knew 
"virtually nothing" about tele. West 
declared nonetheless that the new 
medium has a long way to go to 
prove itself in the sales and profits 
columns. He predicted "tremendous 
possibilities" for video but sounded 
a warning that, no matter how good 
it is technically or how high an en- 
tertainment value it can provide, it 
must pay off in sales dollars if it's 
to be paid for with advertising 
dollars. 

West pointed out. that the labor 
and raw material costs rising, adver- 
tising costs "might give under the 
strain." With a vast increase in the 
number of media competing for the 
advertiser's dollar, the going will be 



made even tougher for a new 
medium, such as video. He sug- 
gested that ATS and other tele 
groups should help safeguard the ad- 
vertiser's money by providing him 
with as much information as possible 
in order to assist him in using tele 
with the maximum of effectiveness. 
"By performing this kind of service," 
he said, "the medium helps itself in 
the competition for advertising dol- 
lars." 

Noting that advertisers would 
almost certainly require tele broad- 
casters to furnish audience statistics, 
West suggested that tele might use 
the Broadcast Measurement Bureau. 
"Your rates some day will have to 
bear some relationship to the audi- 
ence reached and its potentialities 
for the national advertiser," he de- 
clared. To get as many sponsors 
into the medium as possible, he told 
broadcasters they must "fit tele- 
vision as a medium to the plans, 
objectives' and budgets of national 
advertisers." 



Pryor Addition to FCB m 
Cues Hypoed Activity 

Foote, Cone & Belding ad agency, 
with the addition to its television 
staff last week of former screen and 
stage actor Roger Pryor, is now 
prepping a series of different video 
shows for submission to various 
clients. Date when these clients, may 
hit the air, however, . has not yet 
been set, according to Ralph B. 
Austrian, veepee over tele. 

Pryor is to supervise all tele pro- 
duction and direction for the agency. 
Besides his experience in films and 
legit, he's also adept at two other 
media. He maestroed his own or- 
chestra for five years and has done 
considerable radio work, being 
presently emcee of the "Theatre 
Guild of the Air" and the "Pause 
That Refreshes on the Air." 

F C & B will probably concen- 
trate eventually on film for all video 
shows, according to Austrian and 
Pryor. Because of the extremely 
heavy cost involved in shooting film, 
however, the agency will stick to 
live programming for clients until 
tele's coast-to-coast network is estab- 
lished. To date, the agency has pre- 
pared a series of spot commercials 
on film for American Tobacco, which 
are aired over "most of the video sta- 
tions now in operation. 



30 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 




One of the most 
sales vehicles in ail Radio „ 



"THE HOUSEWIVES' PROTECTIVE LEAGUE 



MM 



PRODUCTIONS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF 
FLETCHER WILEY. NOW A DIVISION OF CBS 

I' '. ;"-->'■" . .. \ •■/> . : " • f ... *- 

*,-)I,"v.*4i l '- . '■ 

NoiVj seven stations . . . delivering seven of the country's 
biggest markets . . , will carry The Housewives' Protective 
League programs as Uve talent local originations: 



Los Angeles: 

Chicago: 

St. Lewis: 

flan Francisco: 

New York: 

Washington, D. C: 
Minneapolis- St. Paul: 



50,000-watt KNX (where the HPL, with Burritt Wheeler, 
is in its fourteenth consecutive successful year !) 

50,000-watt; WBBM (where the HPL, with Paul Gibson, 
is in its fifth consecutive successful year !) 

50,000-watt KMOX (where the HPL, with Lee Adams, 
is in its fourth consecutive successful year !) 

5,000-watt KQW (where the HPL, with Lewis Martin, 
started October 13) 

50,000-watt WCBS (where the HPL, with Galen Drake, 
starts within a few weeks) 

50,000-watt WTOP (where the HPL starts Jan. 1, 1948) 
50,000-watt WCCO (where the HPL starts Jan. 1, 1948) 



Other major markets: To be announced during 1948 

The 83 national spot advertisers listed on the right sponsored The Housewives' 
Protective League programs during the past twelve months, over CBS stations in 
'Chicago, Los Angeles, and St. Louis. They are 83 of the nation's shrewdest adver- 
tisers ... each testifying... in hard dollars and AeHse...that The Housewives' Pro r 
tectjve League productions are among radio's most sales-effective programs. 

For more information about The Housewives' Protective League productions, 
get directly in touch with any of the seven stations carrying the programs, their 
national spot representatives, or... 

THE HOUSEWIVES' PROTECTIVE LEAGUE 

a division of CBS 
Columbia Square, Hollywood 



American Pocking Co. .(Sunrise Meals) 

lollard and Ballard Co. (Ballard Oven-Beady Biscuit!) 

Beatrice Foods Co. (Meadow Gold Batter and other products] 

Beltane Hearing Aid Co. (Hearing Aid) 

Birds Eye Snider Inc.' (Birds Eye Frozen Foods 

and Snider's Catsup) 

Rook-of-the-Monlh Club 

Blue Moon Foods, Inc. (Cheese)' 

Bordo Products Co. (Citrus Juices) 

E. I. Bruce Co. Inc. (Bruce Floor Cleaner) 

Cadillac Publishing Co. (Complete Home Decorator-booh) 

California Almond Growers Exchange (Diamond Almonds) 

California Fig Institute (California Figs) 

California Prune and Apricot Growers' Ass'n (Sunsweel Prunes) 

California Spray Chemical Corporation (Insecticides) 

California Walnut Growers' Association (Diamond Brand Walnuts) 

Clean Home Products Inc. (Apex Insecticides) ' 

Comfort Mfg. Co. (Craig-Martin Toothpaste)' 

Commander-larobee Milling Co.^Airy Fairy Cake Mix) 

Consolidated Dairy Products Co. (Darigold Cheese) 

C. N. Coaghlan Co. (Chimney Sweep) 

Curtis Publishing Co. (Holiday) 

D'Arrigo Bros. Company (Andy Boy Broccoli) 

L. DeMartini Co. Inc. (Roasted and Sailed Mixed Nuts) 

Doubleday and Co. Inc. (Book league of America) ' 

Auguesl E. Drucker Co. (Revelation Tooth Powder) 

Durex Blade Co. Inc. (Durex Razor Blades) 

Ekco Produrts Co. (Ekco Pressure Cooker) 

Electric Household Utilities Corp. (Thor Washing Machines) 

Frilo Company (Fritos) 

General Foods Corporation (la France) 

General Petroleum Corporation of California (Tavern Waxes) 

Golden Stole Co. ltd. (Golden-V Vitamin Milk) 

t. F. Goodrich Co. (Tractor Tires) 

Hills Brothers Co. (Dromedary Gingerbread) 

Hubinger Co. (Quick Elastic Starch) 

Inland Rubber Corporation (Tires) . 

Juice Industries Inc. (Sunfilled Whole Orange Juice) 

Kerr Glass Manufacturing Corporation (Canning Supplies) 

Krelschmer Co. (Happy Harvest Wheat Germ) 

lon-O Sheen Inc. (Cleaner) 

Lindsay Ripe Olive Co. Inc. (Olives) 

lile Soap Co. (tire Cleanser) 

london Specialties Co. (Attachment Button Holes) 

las Angeles Soap Co. (Merrill's Jfcich Suds) 

Moggi Co. Inc. (Maggi Bouillon Cubes) „ 

Manhattan Soap Co., Inc. (Blu-White) 

Mariin Firearms Co. (Martin Razor Blades) 

Michigan Chemical Corp. (Peslmasler Products) 

Michigan Mushroom Co. (Down Fresh Mushroom Products) 

Mickleberry Food Products (Mickleberry Meat Products) 

Louis Miloni Foods Inc. (1890 French Dressing) 

Nosh-Underwood Co. (Donald Duck Peanut Butter) 

Notional Biscuit Co. (Shredded Wheal) 

National Carbon Co. Inc. (Krone) 

O'Brien's of California .Inc. (Candy) 

Omnibook Inc. (Magazine) 

Oir Felt and Blanket Co. (Orr Blankets) 

Pork and TilfOrd (Tinlex) 

Payne Furnace Co. (Furnace Sales and Service) 

Peer Food Products Co. (Peer Brand Pie Dough) 

Perfex Co. (Perlex All Purpose Cleaner) 

Perk Foods Co. (Perk Dog Food) 

Pomona Products Co. (New West Row Apple' Juice) 

Poultry Tribune (Magazine) 

Radbill Oil" Co. (Renuzit) 

Bond, McNally and Co. (Institutional) 

Somgel Goldwyn Productions Inc. 

Schylze ond Bvrch Biscuit Co. (Biscuits) 

Sholwell Mfg. Co. (Hi Mac Candy Bars) 

Sioax Honey Ass'n (Clover Maid honey) 

Smith Bulbs (Tulip Bulbs) 

Soil-Off Manufacturing Co. (Sail-Off) 

Southern California Citrus Foods (Real Gold Lemon, Orange Base) 

Special Foods Co. (Joys Potato Chips) 

A. E. Staley Mfg. Co. (Cream Coin Starch, Sta-Flo Liquid Starch) 

Standard Brands Inc. (Royal Puddings) 

Stewart and Ashby Colfee Co. (Coffee) 

Sweets Co. of America (Tootsie Fudge Mix) 

F. G. Vogt and Sons, Inc. (Philadelphia Scrapple) 

Wander Company (Ovaltine) 

Ward Boklng Co. (Tip Top Bread) 

Washington Cooperative Farmers Ass'n 

Western Stationery Co. [Ball Point Fens,) 



Wcdmwky, Petals »r 1947 



VKnIETT 



BADIO 



SI 



********** * ************************** ******* 



From die Production Centres 



J * * *** *********** * ************ * ****** ************ 
7JV NEW YORK , CITY ♦ . . 

Jules bund**, WCBS ad-promotion manager, father of a girl, Sue Resa, 
born Sat (25) at Doctor's hospital. Mother is former Frances Becker, 
formerly©! CBS" research dept. ... .Claire B. Himmel has checked out of 
Macfadden Publications, N. Y., to become research and promotion director 
of WGAC, Augusta, Ga.. ,. .Aeolian Hall (pianos) has picked up Wed. 

night sponsorship of Jacques Fray, .WQXR's first disk jockey (non-jive) 

Bosemary Rice slated for the "Murial" role, in Ford Theatre's airing of 

"Ah, Wilderness" Sunday (2) WJBY, Gadsden, Ala., the 500th station 

to program WNEW's anti-prejudice jingles. . .' .Arthur Kurlan, production 
major domo of the new Radio Repertory outfit of film names, in town 
from Hollywood to sell the show.. Corporate outfit consists also of Joan 
Fontaine, Myrna Loy, Fred MacMiirray, Jules Garfield, Edward G. Robin- 
son, Charles Boyer and Ray Milland, at least one of whom would appear 
in each of the group's shows, all of which are to be transcribed. 

Don Searle, ABC's Coast chieftain, in for a vacation look-see Trio 

of radio actresses — Michael Mauree, Arline Young and Louise Snyder — 
Colonial Airlinlng to Bermuda today (Wed.) with Mutual's fashion ed, 
Maria Caterihe, and photog Harold Stein to make color fashion photos. 
Nice work if, etc. ... .Life's prepping a layout on moppet disker Robin 
Morgan. . . .Fifty platters of WMCA's recent "Exodus" documentary go- 
ing out fyiis week to American Jewish Congress and Zionists' Organiza- 
tions of America for distribution to stations across country. WMCA, in- 
cidentally, will rebroadcast the stanza Friday ( 31). by popular demand. ... 
WOR's trying to find a spot for ~A1 Lomax's folksong disk jockey stint.... 
-Ethel Kirsner resigning 1 from CBS publicity to join Margaret Ettinger flack 
outfit in N.Y. 

Lester Gottlieb, talent head, of Young & Rubicam, to guest-lecture at 
the Gagwriters Institute next Wednesday (5) Jo Lyons added to script- 
ing staff of ABC's Betty Crocker stanza. . . .Bob White, head of WMCA's 
record dept., readying a treatise on radio and language for Columbia 

Univ. presentation Thomas C. Flymv former CBS writer and flack, 

added to WOR's publicity crew* bringing it back to full strength.... 

Helen Coule and Ken Williams into "Lora Law ton" cast Leslie Barrett 

new "to "Rose of My Dreams"-. . . ."Stella- Dallas" serial .went into its. lith 
year Monday (27). • ' 

WOR, which hasn't been carrying Martin Block's hour-long Mutual 
strip, knocked Barbara.Wellea' half -hour gab session down to 15 minutes 
this week in Order to air a quarter-hour segment of Block's show in 
•which, he's test-plugging Coronet mag for one week. ..."CBS Is There," 
just revived last week, will: have to hunt a new time spot come Nov. 11. 
IU Tuesday .10:30-11 p.m. period goes to "Open Hearing," being resumed 
because of the calling of Congress' special session. . . .Second annual Radio 
Writers Guild cocktailery last night (Tues.) turned into a jubilee cele- 
brating. RWG'j successful negotiations with the four webs... .Jim Gaines, 
WNBC boss man,, passing out Corona Coronas. It's a girl,, born Monday 
(20),... Gabber Cedric Foster to Chi tonight (Wed.) to tee off a midwest 

and southern lecture tour Jan Augusj; and his trio to originate their 

MBS stints Nov. 6 and 13 via WEBR, Buffalo, while doing a theatre p.a. 
there. . 

Mortimer Becker and his wife, actress Barbara Becker, currently in 
Detroit. . . . Arlene Francis arrived east over the weekend, having com- 
pleted a picture stint. . . .Actress Betty O'Leary peddling an audience 

participation show based on the Borough of Brooklyn "Theatre 

Guild" will air an adaptation of "Victoria Regina" the week of Princess 
Elizabeth's wedding. .. .Vincent McConnor, CBS scripter, devoting his 
vacation to completing a new stage play.... Ben Hyams, on leave of 
absence from the CBS writing staff, has started a longhair record 

jockey Series on a Honolulu station Stephen Fry, formerly B.B.C. 

program head in New York, will make his home just north of San 
Francisco after Nov. 1 . . . .Freelance director Ed Downes to Boston last 
weekend for the opening of a local radio station. .. Rupert Lucas, for- 
merly with the Chicago office ot^foung & Rubica'm, has moved 1 to New 
York. His wife and daughter due. soon, after visiting their native Canada. 

IN HOLLYWOOD ... \ 

Joe Thompson turned in his director's chair at Sullivan, Stauffer, Col- 
well & Bayles to work on some ideas he believes radio is ready for. 
Production reins on Whitehall's "Hollywood Star Preview'" pass to Nat 

Wolff, assisted by Dick Uhl, exrRuthrauff & Ryan producer Manny 

Manheim and Charlie Isaacs worked far into the night to write a parody 
on Gilbert & Sullivan's "Three Little Girls Are We" for Al Jolson, 
Groucho Marx and Oscar Levant. Next day they were told Canadian 
-stations would refuse to carry any satirization of "The Mikado" score 
but any other of their works would be okay.... John Nelson, Ivan Dit- 
mars and Bert Hoswell sold out their interests in Cardinal Co. tran- 
scription firm, leaving Joe McCaughtry the sole owner Lewis Allen 

Weiss and the mifisus junketing through Mexico Raymond R. Morgan 

Is beaming these days, what with Madison Square Garden sold out 
for Torn- Breneman's Community Chest rally and "Queen For a Day' 
copping top Hooper honors in the first quarter hour period of the 
daytime shows at 6.1.. Both are his creations and properties, that is 

Breneman's "Breakfast in' Hollywood." The wind was let out of a 

lot of sails (or sales) last week when word got around that Plymouth 
f (Continued on page 34) 




"Norvta Isn't worried about State'* atontfwall defenae — as 
long aa be hat hii Wheatiea." 



WTOP delivers the 
largest average share 
of Washington's audience 
during daytime periods 
bought by local and 
national spot advertisers* 




WTOP 




.25'% more 
than any 

other 
station* 





WTOP 



The popularity of WTOP's daytime local pro- 
ductions proves that the WTOP Program Depart- 
ment knows how to create capital program 
ideas... knows how to find capital talent (such 
as Arthur Godfrey, Arch McDonald, John Cramer, 
Claude Mahoney, Eddie Gallaher, Elinor Lee, 
Bill Jenkins and Henry Mustin)... knows how 
to deliver capjtaJ audknces,. 



To make your advertising dollar reach further 
in Washington, use the station with the most 
popular local originations— WTOP, Washington's 
only 50,000 -watt station. For more informa- 
tion get in touch with us or Radio Sales. 




* C. E. Hooper-Dec. 1946 April 1947 tC. E. Hooper- Mty Sept 041 



Washington's only 50,000 -watt station 



a^aV 



WTOP 



34 



RADIO 



WcdiKadny, October 29, 1947 



Femmes Not Folly Satisfied by Radio; 
Voice Beefs Before Albany Panel 



Albany, Oct. 28. 

Prominent women participating 
in a panel discussion on "Are We 
Giving Women Listeners What 
They Want From Radio?" at the 
District 2 Conference of the Assn. 
of Women Broadcasters in the De- 
Witt Clinton hotel here, Saturday 
(25) answered, "Not entirely." 

Suggestions, advanced by a Home 
Bureau Federation officer, college 
dean, . representative at the recent 
Holland meeting of Associated 
Countrywomen of the World and 
district director of Business and 
Professional Women's Clubs, in- 
cluded: "more humor in women's 
broadcasts"; music of the Fred War- 
ing type; and "a fairer picture of 
American family life." 

Also, more forums and discussions 
of domestic and international ques- 
tions; programs like "Listen, the 
Women," that "sparkled with repar- 
tee"; "nighttime fashion shows 
wrapped around commercials"; 
women commentators in the early- 
evening hours; programs on "family 
relationships and .adjustments in 
early, married life"; and greater at- 
tention to programs promoting a 
better understanding of How women 
live in other countries. 

Representatives of 30 women's 
organizations participated. Dorothy. 
Lewis, NAB femmes* director, urged: 
(1) Public participation in the writ-- 
ing of a new radio law'; (2) care 
by individuals in their criticisms C of 
radio; (3) support by every woman 
broadcaster in the NAB's effort to 
have the Mayflower case reconsid- 
ered. 

Shots at radio were less direct 
than n^ight have heen expected. The 
sharpest was. by Dr. M. Eunice Hil- 
ton, dean of women at Syracuse 
Univ, who called for • "a better 
measuring formula or instrument" 
than the Hooper rating. 



Columbus— James G. Shouse, pres- 
ident of WLW, Cincinnati, is a mem- 
ber of the 11-member Ohio Citizens 
Food Committee appointed by Gov. 
Thomas J. Herbert to launch a food 
conservation program; * 



Airing the Hard Way 

It's going to require a double-take 
by Danton Walker and Hy Gardner 
to get their "Twin Views of the 
News" aired in New York. Mutual's 
program reshuffle as a result of 
booking the Kaiser-Frazer news 
show moved the. Walker - Gardner 
sustaining ' sequence to 7:45-8 p.m. 
Saturdays, effective Nov. 8, which 
is the spot held by "Answer Man" on 
WOR (N.Y.) And he's sponsored. 

Result is, Walker and Gardner 
have agreed to do their "Twin" 
stance for WOR at 6:15 p.m., with 
the Mutual repeat at 7:45. 



PHUCO'S $15,000,000 
EXPORT HZ FOR '47 

Atlantic City, Oct. 28. 

Distributors and dealers from 40. 
nations were here last week (20-23) 
attending a sales convention of 
Philco International . Corp. at the 
Claridge hotel when sales methods 
and discussion of plans for the 'com- 
ing year occupied, the group for the 
three days,-;- : • 1 ' • ' 

Dempster. Mcintosh, prexy of 
group, said that his company, a sub- 
sidiary of Philco Corp., Would export 
$15,000,000 worth of radios, refrig- 
erators .and electrical appliances this 
year. He : said the export business 
was six times greater than in Iwt, >. 

For the first time since the end of 
the war his company has • on hand 
enough material to meet demands 
from abroad, he said. Brazil was 
called- the largest importer , of Philco 
radios, with the price range running 
from $40 to $450. 

Owners or radio chains in Mexico 
and Cuba Are awaiting broadcast 
equipment to install television,' he 
said. Those countries should have 
home television before the end of 
next year, he added. ' 

In' Europe he said import restric- 
tions have limited sales by the firm 
to Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, 
and Belgium. 



Ithaca Manager Tells 
Femmes His Idea Of 
Ideal Women's Editor 

Albany, Oct. 28. 

Michael R. H'anna, of WHCU, 
Ithaca, in a provocative address 
Saturday (25) on "Women's Pro- 
grams Through the Eyes of a Sta- 
tion Manager," told members of the 
New York-New Jersey unit of the 
Assn. of Women ' Broadcasters that 
station chiefs should have a deeper 
concept of the femmes' air and com- 
munity usefulness, but that, unfor- 
tunately, "many of you are paid, off 
in powder puffs." "The women's 
editor whose job, from the station 
manager's viewpoint, ends after a 
15-minute program, is just a vague 
voice that no one knows, although* 
some may recognize." 

Hanna, NAB district director, 
said that Gertrude Grover, WHCU 
women's editor, was paid, backed 
and considered by the station as an 
integral party of the community in 
Ithaca, with its 22,000 population." 
Miss GrOver, a former Philadelphia 
newspaper woman with four years* 
radio experience, Works "on the 
policy level" in the Community 
Chest and other Ithaca organiza- 
tions, Hanna added. 

Hanna, who stressed the thesis 
that from two-thirds of the day, 
radio is functionng as a "paper** for 
women, thus sketched the "ideal" 
women's editor: "an art,- ''fashion, 
film and theatre critic and com- 
mentator; a sob sister; a local news- 
hound and inveterate attender of 
teas, socials and parties." WHCU 
manager expressed the opinion that 
the femme editor "preferably be a 
mother with at least one child and 
the enriching, maturing experience 
that goes with motherhood." 



U.S. Italo Stations To 
Get Tolerance Disks 

Renzo Nissim, in collaboration 
with Renzo Sacersoti, radio script 
writers for WOV, N. Y., have writ- 
ten four radio programs for the In- 
stitute for Democratic Education, 
which will be waxed and distributed 
throughout the 60-odd Italian sta- 
tions in this country. 

Shows were written to combat 
racial and religious prejudices. 



From the Production Centres 



T 



Continued from page 31 ; 



would forego radio this season due to production tieupr. At least a 
half dozen packagers had their shows "practically" sold to 'the auto- 
maker. .. .Charles Wolcott of Nielsen Radio Index pitching to the net- 
works and agencies for an extension of a coast service but chain heads 
chilled at the price. . ...ABC is putting Dave Schwartz's "Pop" on wax 
with Henry Travers in the lead role. ...Gale Page, mother of four, 
being offered around as a disk jockey for the up-and-coming generation 

Celeste Rush, one of the real femme vets of Coast radio, writing 

and directing a dramatic series, on KWIK for the Army recruiting 
drive. .. .It's moving day again for Mark Warnow's Army recruiting 
musical. "Sound Off," ? with CBS shunting the show to » late Saturday 
night time. .. Cliff Witte now agenting for Ken Dolan. . . .Hay Mc- 
Clinton in from* New York to relieve Glenhall Taylor at the Ayer agency 
so latter can take a delayed vacation. . . .Peggy Lee off the Jimmy 
Durante Show for a month while under medication in the hospital for 
a kidney ailment. . ..The Army will move "Sound Off" to ABC if CBS 
can't clear a half hour spot by Nov. 15... .Jules Green, late of Warners 

theatres in Pittsburgh, joined! James L. Saphier agency Hattia 

McDaniel practically set for "Beulah" role on Procter & Gamble strip. 
Writers will be Artie Phillips, Hal Kantor and Charlie Stewart 

fJV CHICAGO . . . 

• George Marr will handle special events for WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee tele 
station that tees off Dec. 3. , . .Laura Wicker has resigned as program book- 
ings supervisor for NBC. Her post will be taken by Holland! Reichert, 
who'll be replaced by Bern Heeren as night traffic super,... Rex Maupin, 

ABC maestro, attending homecoming at Manhattan College, Kan Bill 

Ray, NBC news chief,, bedded by back ailment. , . .Eddie and Fannie 
Cavanaugh, perennials of Chi radio, are sponsored by Jel-Sert on new 

Wednesday airer "Sky King' originated at Shrine Hospital for Crippled 

Children Oct. 28, marking show's first anni. . . .Cedric Foster in town for 

four newscasts from local Mutual itudios Jim Campbell hobbling 

around because of too much judo Louis E. Tilden elected v.p. of 

Sherman & Marquette. . . .Everett Holies, WBBM news editor, recovering 
from- recent bout with pneumonia. . . .Col. Robert It McCormick's talks 
on "Chicago Theatre of the Air" will originate by shortwave from 
points in the Pacific during November. The Colonel will visit Honolulu, 
Tokyo, Shanghai, and Bangkok... .Scripter Skee Wolff's novel, "The 
Tutored Mob," will be on the stands next summer; Story describes 40 
hours in the Siegfried Line.... Arthur Holch, Jr., news ed fori NBC's 
central division, has Switched to the web's New York office. Fred 
Whiting replaces-in Chi... .Collette Condon is newest addition to 

Mutual's traffic dept. Auditions to pick chirps for Chi Times Harvest 

Moon Festival get underway on WMAQ Nov. S. Winner wfll guest on 

"Duffy's Tavern." Disk jock Dave Garroway stages jazz concerts in 

Milwaukee, Nov. 4, and Chi Civic Opera House, Nov. »....Ety»ise Kummer 
and Don Herbert lecturing last week on radio aeting at Roosevelt 
College ... Loot won by contestants on Oct. 26 session of "Dress Up 
Quiz" is slated for donation to Chi Scout Troop No. 300, whose members 
are all blind.... Fulton Lewis, Jr., aired his Oct. 27 commentary from 

local studios Ford Canflcld, WBBM orch leader, weds Grace Granger 

Nov. 1. •- : 

Andy Russell guesting on "Let's Have Fun" WIND football sked 

totals 34 for the season-. . . .Fred . Waring and bis Pehnsylvanians were 
host to students and faculties of Chi music schools on Oct. 27 broad- 
cast.... More than 90,000 advance orders at $1 per have been receives 
by Don McNeill for his "Breakfast Club" yearbook. .. .Everett Mitchell 
wire-recording at poultry meet in Peoria for his ag show. 




IT RICH" 



Starring 



TODD RUSSELL 



Created by 



WALT FRAMER 



In Association With 



FRANK COOPER 

"'■ •.,"■*,' .'.--■■*.' ' ' • - -"'*.•■: ■ ■■' " ■ V 

•SMARTS COMMERCIAL NOVEMBER 2, 1947 



'THANK YOU" 



FIFTH AVENUE CANDY BAR* 

(J. M. MATHES, INC., AGENCY) 



and 



COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM 

EVERY SUNDAY — 10:30-1 1 :00 P.M., EST 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



RADIO 



35 



FCC L'ville Oioice, Based on 'Superior' 
Service, Sore to Make NAB See Red 



■ 'C'-!^ "SfashJrtgtQrt, Oct. 2S. 

In '* decision that is sure to make 
NAB prexy Justjn Miller and a 
good many broadcasters "see red," 
the FCC, Friday (24), decided a 
contest for use of the 1080kc radio 
channel in Louisville by choosing 
the applicant who promised to de- 
liver the . "superior" program serv- 
ice.. . 

In a precedent-setting • case, the 
Commission favored the Mid-Amer> 
ica Broadcasting Corp., which pro- 
posed a new regional station in 
Louisville over local station WINN 
applying to switch to the 1080kc slot 
and boost its power. Usually, all 
other things being equal, the FCC 
prefers an existing station over a 
new-statjon bidder. 

Case has strong "Blue Book" im- 
plications, since FCC decided that 
Mid-America's proposed » program 
service appeared to be more in the 
"public interest" 'than the present 
and past performance of WINN. Of 
the two proposed program services, 
Mid-America's was found to be su- 
perior 'to that planned by the exist- 
ing Louisville station. 

The FCC decision pointed out that 
while WINN "has carried a large 
number of network (ABC) sustain- 
ing programs it has carried only a 
few local sustaining programs and 
almost no local live sustaining pro- 
grams." .Commission added that for 
the month of March, 1946, the sta- 
tion carried only one five-minute 
daily local sustainer between 6 a.m. 
and 6 p.m. ' 

Fact that the station aired a heavy 
diet of commercial religious shows 
sponsored .by evangelistic sects was 
also mentioned in the FCC findings. 
WINN had proposed to boost its lo- 
cal sustainers if given a power hike, 
but FCC did not find this as per- 
suasive as its past performance. 

To Mid-America's credit, FCC 
cited the fact the company pro- 
posed to carry local shows over and 
above those proposed by WINN. 
In.. addition, this bidder planned to 
hire* a three-man local news staff. 
Seven out of 11 of Mid- America's 
stockholders are longtime residents 
of Louisville. Final factor in FCC's 
decision was fact that Mid-America 
held a permit for this wavelength in 
1941 but had to bandor\ construction 
because of the outbreak of war. Ap- 
parently, entire FCC bench pre- 
ferred the new bidder, since there 
were no recorded dissents. 



Forest Fires 

Continued from page 26 



Ernest Anderson presents 
FRED ROBB1NS* 

ONE-NITE STAND 

tJaMidnitfit Variety Concert 
: Return Encasement 



NELLIE 

LUTCHER 



Mj Big Supporting Cast Including 



HERB IE FIELDS 



and His Orchestra 

Eleven-Thirty Saturday NWJit 



Nov. 1st 



^TOWNHALL 



Nov, 8 - SARAH VAUGHN 
& LESTER YOUNG 



Nov. 15 - JOE E. LEWIS 



NOV. 15 -CARNEGIE HALL 



louis ARMSTRONG 



And Hie Concdft Group • 
Featuring JACK TEAGASDEN 



time of code composing, it will in- 
clude a paragraph to the effect 
that at times of sectional or 
national emergency all outlets in a 
given locality will pool their human 
and technical resources for the 
presentation of a sober and factual 
resume of what may be happening, 
to be directed by a joint committee 
of station managers and their news 
chiefs, and with all available con- 
firmed information aired in a defi- 
nite segment of every hour. (Much' 
valuable source material for such 
a codification might be obtained 
from the BBC's handling of the 
London blitz.) 

By far the least offensive coverage 
was provided by the newspaper- 
affiliated Guy Gannett Broadcasting 
Services, with two outlets, WGAN, 
Portland, and WGUY, Bangor. While 
conservative throughout and leaning 
on a copy-desk delivery' of most 
items, Dick Bates, program director 
at the Portland end, managed to 
cover the whole story without rais- 
ing unnecessary hobgoblins. The 
non-newspaper affiliates appeared 
more enterprising, however, work- 
ing as if faced with a perpetual 
deadline. Phil Johnson, WCSH, 
Portland, made every tape-recorder 
assignment like hitting the beach 
with the Marines, while Ellis 
O'Brien, who got himself lost while 
covering the Bar Harbor bad night 
for the Maine Broadcasting System, 
now enjoys a local fame comparable 
to that of the AP photographer who 
caught the flagraising on Iwo Jima. 
O'Brien, hired only a few days be- 
fore by WCSH, came out finally 
with a terrific story of the fire's 
worst incidence, a story which for 
sincerity and drama tops everything 
to date on coverage of the disaster,- 
giving radio something to show for 
itself against its amateurish short- 
comings otherwise in this instance. 
Off The Deep End 
Disaster coverage mistake that was 
most unforgivable was straight- 
faced read-off of correspondents' re- 
ports that this that or the other 
individual had been picked up for 
arson. Although names and ad 
dresses were provided on each occa 
sion, nothing was heard or seen of 
these most serious charges in the 
subsequent news sessions or the 
public prints. A staff man's tiredness 
is a poor argument in a law court. 
Also, tape recording's might be more 
definitely tabbed as covering action 
of some hours before. And possibly 
should not be used if the fury 
therein described could not be 
brought up to date as having sub- 
sided or grown worse at broadcast 
time (delayed) by authoritative re- 
ports. 

Given the laissez-faire nature of 
their setup, Maine broadcasters did 
a capital job of coverage of the 
state's worst disaster. There was 
hardly a crew member who didn't 
risk death, and the business office 
tallies will be months recovering. 
But it wasn't the right way — as any 
Maine broadcaster has learned. 



Cincy's Whodunit Nightcap 

Cincinnati, Oct. 28. 

For those who like a mystery 
story as a nightcap, WKRC has in- 
augurated "Mystery Tonite," a half- 
hour strip Monday through Friday 
starting at 11:15 p.m., following a 
newscast. Series is bannered for 
Bruck's Beer. 

E. t.. service for this series like 
wise is unique. It's coming from five 
different transcription companies. 



Odessa, Tex. — Robert Montgom- 
ery, Jr., has been named commer- 
cial manager of KOSA here. 




"An orchid . to Himber's 
dance rhythms." 

WALTER WINCHELL, 
Daily Mirror. 



"Richard Himber has 
come up .with a new type 
of dansapation which he 
terms 'accent on melody' 

. ;, Idea is a good one . . . 
seat is strong and steady 

or good dance rhythm." 
STAL, Variety. 



"Richard Himber's NEW 
'accent on* melody' is a 
must; combines a velvety 
sweetness with keen 
rhythms, ideal both for 
listeners and dance floor 
addicts. Himber also is 
an authority on magic," 
BEN GROSS, » 
N. Y. Daily News. 



"Himber has a great 
band and is one of the 
few band leaders who 
knows how to direct . . . 
His magical rabbit is ter- 
rific." 

ROBERT SYLVESTER, 
N. Y. Daily News. 



"Himber has always had 
a great band, but this is 
his greatest. His magic 
is still the envy of all the 
professionals." 

NICK KENNY, 
Daily Mirror. 



"With jitterbug bands 
folding right and left, the 
sweet music lads like Guy 
Lombardo and Richarc 
Himber continue merrily 
on their successful way 
All during the blast anc 
blare era Himber playec 
music that was pleasant 
to listen to, dine ant 
dance by. Himber's magic 
is as good as his music 
and that means they're 
both tops." 

ROBERT COLEMAN, 

Daily Mirror. 



★ 

* 



★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ * ★ 



RICHARD 



★ 
★ 




MUSICAL 



★ 



ABRACADABRA 



A 



SMASH HIT 



★ 
★ 

* AT THE 

* 

★ 
★ 



ESSEX HOUSE 



* NEW YORK 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ * * 



★ 
★ 
★ 



i • 

Broadcasting 

Every Wednesday and Sunday 
Via WJZ-1 1:30 P.M., EST 



Direction— MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA 




36 








Wethtcwlay, October .29, 1947 






WedncBftay, October 29, 1947 



__ T _ 



57 



WORK FOR A COMIC 



, * \ " - * 



m ■ 

Wf 



ft 



4 



a 




How many children have been born in the United States since 1920— the year modern 

radio Came into being? A statistician could arrive at some figure, but the interesting point 

here is that there are millions of boys and girls of school age and men and women in / 

their 20's who have never known a world without radio. / # 

-.' . . ' ; ' • *» '.'- 

How best to reach these young people to tell them something of the exciting history of radio and how 
a network program gets on the air? NBC decided the most effective way was a comic book. Comic 
books are as modern as radio— they have grown up in the same era in which radio developed. 

NBC is the first radio network to use this popular technique to tell how radio works . , . all radio. 
With the first printing of 1,250,000 copies, NBC's comic book, ON THE AIR, will reach 
into homes, schools and institutions throughout the nation, telling its story of American radio 
operating under the system of free enterprise. 

Here is the first major promotion piece devised by a radio network to appeal to the younger people 
of the nation— a vast majority of today's listening audience and tomorrow's potential consumers. 




'AMERICA'S NO. 1 NETWORK 



. . .the National Broadcasting Company 



A service of Radio 
Corporation of America 



81 fiAMO 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



hdnstry-Wide Committee of 33 
To Huddle With Petrillo on Music 



Washington, Oct. 28. 

Thirty-three reps from the webs, 
standard broadoasting, FM, televi- 
sion, electrical transcription and rec- 
ord manufacturing companies have 
been named to an industry-wide 
music committee to work on up- 
coming negotiations with James Cae- 
sar Petrillo, the NAB announced 
Friday (24). 

Formation of the all-industry 
committee was authorized by unani- 
mous resolution of the NAB mem- 
bership during the association's an- 
nual convention at Atlantic City last 
month. Resolution declared: "Amer- 
ican broadcasters are convinced that 
a constructive and amicable solution 
to the problem created by the Amer- 
ican Federation of Musicians would 
be a major contribution to the wel- 
fare of the American public, and are 
earnestly determined to make every 
effort to .reach such a solution." . ., V 

Lineup of the Petrillo strategy 
committee includes: 
For the NAB: A. D. Willard, Jr., 
executive vice-president; R. P. Doh-' 
erty, director, employee - employer 
relations department; Don Petty, 
general counsel; Robert K. Richards, 
director, public relations department. 

Frequency Modulation Assn.: 
Leonard". Marks, general counsel, 
FMA; William E. Ware, KSWI, 
Council Bluffs, la.; William Fay, 
WHAM, Rochester; Ray E. Dady, 
KWK, St. Louis; Paul W. Reed, 
WFAH-FM, Alliance, O. 

Networks: Frank K. White; vice- 
president, CBS; Frank E. Mullen, 
executive veepee, NBC; Joseph A. 
McDonald, secretary and attorney, 
ABC;" Robert D. Swezey, veepee, 
MBS; Everett Dillard, president, 
Continental Network.'; V 

Broadcasters: Leonard Asch, 
WBCA, Schenectady; John Elmer, 
WCBM, Baltimore; Theodore C. 
Streibert, WOR, N. Y.; Roger W. 
Clip, WFIL, Phila.; Frank King, 
WMBR, Jacksonville; Robert Thomp- 
son, WBEN, Buffalo; Calvin: J, Smith, 
KFAC, Los Angeles. 

Television Broadcasters Assn.: 



us. 



Lawrence Phillips, director, DuMont 
Television Network; Noran E. Kersta; 
manager, television operations, NBC, 

Transcription companies: Library 
Transcription Group: Richard S. 
Testut, vice-president and gen. .mgr., 
Associated Programs Service, Inc.; 
C, O. 'Langlois, president, Lang- 
Worth Feature Programs, Inc. Open- 
End Transcription Group: Joseph W. 
Bailey, Louis. G. Cowan, Inc.; Charles 
Gaines, Frederic W. Zxv Cov i 

Record Manufacturers; Capitol 
Records (representative to be named 
later); Columbia Recording Corp., 
Edward Wallerstein; Decca Records, 
Milton Rackmil; Mercury Radio & 
Television Corp., Irvin Green; Ma- 
jestic Records, Guy Lemmon; RCA- 
Victor Division of RCA Mfg. Co., 
James Murray; Signature Recording 
Corp., George Jaycox, : 



Mets2-to"2~ 

; Continued from page 26 s= 



filiates and CBS would have to re- 
linquish at least one. ABC and Mu- 
tual would then pick four apiece 
in order to provide all areas with a 
choice of four network signals. 

2. 'Over strenuous objections of 
the clears, backed by NBC and CBS, 
FCC Commissioner Rosel Hyde ac- 
cepted Broadcast Measurement Bu- 
reau coverage studies as evidence in 
the clear channel case., BMB prexy 
Hugh Feltis and aides Richard Wy- 
coff and George Bailie left the stand 
bloody but unbowed after vigorous 
attacks on the BMB coverage techni- 
ques from CCBS attorney Louis 
Caldwell. BMB 1 studies, analyzed by 
reasearcher Alfred Politz, were in- 
troduced by regional attorney Paul 
Spearman to show that even with 
maximum coverage claimed by BMB 
it was still possible to spot -a second 
50 lew station on a clear channel 
without interference to the original 
station-bn the -channel. Caldwell and 
the attorneys for NBC and CBS 
took position the BMB studies had 
no place in an engineering hearing. 
Caldwell attacked the reliability of 
BMB studies in measuring rural lis- 
tening or learning what programs 
are heard regularly. 

3. Regional broadcasts attacked 
the clears' bid for 750 kw as con- 
trary to FCC obligation to distribute 
channels and service equitably 
among the states. Spearman charg- 
ed the local and regional stations 
would -suffer at expense of the big 
fellows and that the high-powered 
■stations would interfere with opera- 
tion of stations on adjacent channels. 

4. KSL engineer R. B. Evans took" 
the stand yesterday (27) to plead for' 
500 kw power for the. Salt Lake City 
station. He argued this would give 
improved service not otherwise 
available to 6,000,000 persons in the 
radio-poor mountain areas. • 



Take The Guess Out of Buying 



with WOV's 




Greisedieck JExpanding 
Baseball Net Into FM 

St, Louis, Oct. 28. 

Greisedieck Brew will use FM re- 
lays next spring to expand the net- 
work carrying its St. Louis Cardinal 
baseball broadcasts from 29 to 50 
stations. The pickup will be from 
WEW's FM outlet here. WEW and 
its FM twin origin the play-by-plays 
on an exclusive basis. 

Extension will mean the elimina-. 
tion of A T & T lines for the hookup 
and make Greisedieck's the. largest 
baseball network in the country. 
Coverage would take in Missouri, 
Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Arkansas. 

Reds to Appeal 
Illinois Ban 
On Broadcasts 

; .,, v St, Louis, Oct. 28. 
FCC anud'the'U. S. district court 
in East St. Louis, across the river 
•from herer will' be appealed to by 
the Communist party of St. Clair 
County, 111., to prevent WIBV, Belle- 
ville, HI., from interfering with 
broadcasts paid for by the Com- 
munists. John Rossen, party county 
chairman, said a restraining order 
win" be asked of the court and FCC- 
will be asked to instruct the station 
to "abide by the constitutional 
guarantee of freedom of speech and 
by the regulations "of FCC." : 

Tiff was touched off a week ago 
when'the party's 15 minute program, 
the 'fourth, of 26 contracted for, was 
cut off the air seven times. It is . a 
Sunday a,m. program! Paul 
Wnorowski, manager of WIBV, ad- 
mitted that phrases have been 
dropped from Rossen's talk which 
covered a„wide variety of subjects 
on national and international affairs'. 
He asserted that Rossen.; has sub- 
mitted the script in advance as re- 
quired by the contract and although 
it had been . deleted), Rossen insisted' 
in reading the phrases anyway. The 
Communist leader read them into a 
dead mike as a result. 

.Wnorowski could not recall how 
many cuts had been made in Ros- 
sen's script or just what the phrases 
were. He said that the deletions 
were made because he considered 
them ''not good radio." Wnorowski 
also said, "I think they bordered on 
the un-American, if they were not 
totally un-American." Tljere was an 
"understanding," Wnorowski stated",, 
between the station and the Com- 
munist group, that the station '■had 
the right to "edit" the scripts before 
the broadcasts went on the air, but 
this provision was not embodied in 
the. written contract. 

Rossen denied the existence of-any 
such "understanding" except the 
right of the station to remove state- 
ments considered libelous. Wnorow- 
ski said the station has consulted an 
attorney with the view, of finding 
out whether the rest of the programs 
could be legally cancelled but had 
not yet received an opinion. 

Rossen said some of the phrases 
blue-pencilled were "All of those 
who believe in democracy," "exor- 
bitant salaries of railroad execu- 
tives," "railroad propaganda against 
unions," "the common people of 
Europe," "the Communist party of St. 
Clair county." 



Inside Stuff-Radio 

The feeling among independent broadcasters up and down the Coast 
against the present form of the proposed NAB code is so strong that it 
might precipitate a "wholesale exodus if railroaded through," according 
to indie spokesmen. Feeling is that it is strictlr net-dictated and 1 its 
enactment may well reduce the NAB to a "Network Assn. of Broadcasters." 
Code is regarded as the last straw in a growing weight of dissension and 
dissatisfaction on the Coast over BMB wrangles and lack of confidence' 
in NAB administrative brass. The latter, with the "exception of Judge 
Justin Miller and a few other competents," are regarded as a group of 
high salaried but low powered department heads with little knowledge 
of or consideration for the problems of the .working and selling, on-the- 
scene station operator. ■ • 

"Tale of Two Towns," 15-minute dramat presented at the Freedom 
House dinner to Secretary of State George C. Marshall* in N. Y. Oct. 19, 
is being offered to stations around the country for rebroadcast, under 
Freedom House and United World Federalists auspices. Four Pennsyl- 
vania stations— WL AN, Lancaster; WSBA, York; WLBR, Lebanon, and 
WHP, Harrisburg— have already requested platters for performance, with 
.added interest shown elsewhere, .' _» t/ 

Show, scripted by Don Hirst, writer of WNBJT, N. Y.'s "You Are An 
Artist'! airer/ dramatized activities of two towns, Norwalk, Conn., and 
Dunkirk, N. Y., towards the One-World! idea. Quentin Reynolds was 
narrator, * with Helen Hayes representing Norwalk and Howard Lind- 
say, Dunkirk. Show, presented at 9 p.m. in the Commodore hotel ball- 
room, Wag recorded then; and broadcast later that night on Mutual at 
11.15 p.m., and WOR, N. Y. at 11.30 p.m. Idea, now is to make it into 
a half-hour show, embodying in addition to the dramat, the comments " 
of Warren Austin and Secretary Marshall made that night regarding 
the show. Freedom House is financing cost of pressing and 1 distributing 
the—airer to those stations interested. •;• 



Mutual's sepia "Hospitality Club" hits the road next week for the first 
of a planned series of . theatre tours. Co-producers Sam Levine and Bill 
Redford will open the show for a seven-day stand at the Howard 1 theatre, 
Washington, D. C„ Nov. 7. 

''Club's" Nov." 8 airer will originate from the Howard stage with Thelma 
Carpenter and orch leader Hefbie Fields guesting; . * . L 



Waiver, given by the New York local board of AFRA to permit wider 
latitude. in doubling on the "Ford Theatre,? was withdrawn after being 
reported in VARisrr last week. The waiver, didn't'allow multiple doubling, 
but applied only to the use of isolated lines in montage effects. In order 
to get the waiver, George Zachary, producer of the series, agreed to 
submit the particular script, with the proposed lines indicated, for 
board approval. He also agreed to hire two additional AFRA actors 
for those specific shows, involving about $300 extra income for the 
union's members. According to Zachary, the waiver was to have been 
requested for only two scripts out of the current 13-week cycle. How- 
ever, .disclosure of the incident resulted in misunderstanding .and criti- 
cism, AFRA officials explained, and the waiver was withdrawn after 
one broadcast. As explained in the original Variety report, the entire 
matter involved a question of authority between the unidn's local and 
national boards. 



Zane Grey heirs and Stephen Slesinger, who control the Mutual airer, 
"Zane Grey," want it back; home in the west 'cause 'it ain't bein' done 
right by in the big city. Complaint is that on its first airing from Gotham 
after moving from Hollywood it wasn't very good, fault being found with 
cast, direction, etc., and so on insistence of the controlling parties, after 
yesterday's (28) broadcast back it goes after a Manhattan fortnight. 
— ' : — ' -! < aaa mm teg \ mmm mm mtu 



WOV tells you the difference in peo- 
ple, too. WOV's Audited Audiences 
gives you complete up-to-the-minute 
market information on each of 5 
Audited Audiences. 

Ask us for the facts... learn how 
you, „ too, can TAKE THE GUESS 
OUT OF BUYING. 

Ralph N. Weily Gmeral Manager 
John JC, Pearson Co., National Representative 



mV 



WNBC, N.Y., Adding Moppet 
Weeknight Programs In 
Response to Big Demand 

WNBC (N. Y.), which has been 
showing some healthy- ways to pro- 
gram for kids with its- string of 
Saturday morning moppet stanzas, 
is adding a couple of weeknight 
children's airers starting next week. 

Manhattan attorney Godfrey 
Schmidt, who garnered a following 
as a kids' storyteller on Fordham 
Univ.'s WFUV-FM, has been signed 
on for a Thursday stint at 6:30-45 
p.m. Decision to give him a regular 
spot followed a "sneak" tryout re- 
cently, which resulted in a flood of 
give-us-more wires and calls, plus 
some 1,400 letters. 

In the 6:30- Tuesday period the 
NBC flagship is slotting a "World- 
Over, Playhouse," dramatizing BIBle 
stories, folk tales and legends from 
World-Over, a children's magazine 
published by the Jewish Educational 
Committee of New York. Stories 
will be non-sectarian. Series will be 
directed by WNBC's Clay Daniels 
and scripted by Pauline Morris. 



Downey's Coke Show 
Gets WINS Airing in N.Y. 

"Songs of Morton Downey," spon- 
sored by Coca-Cola and aired over 
Mutual Tuesday, Thursday and Sat- 
urday, 11:15 to 11:30 p.m., has been 
picked up by indie WINS for N. Y. 
airing, because WOR, Mutual's 
N. Y. flagship, couldn't clear time 
for it. WOR, which has .the N. Y. 
Herald Tribune sponsored newscast 
in the 11:15 slot, wanted to carry 
the Downey show transcribed at 
11:30, but the coke people wanted 
show alive, as on Mutual, in same 
slot. ■ • : 

Similar situation cropped up in 
Chicago, where WGN, the Mutual 
outlet, couldn't clear the time, with 
the program going to WFCL there 
instead. Show preemed last night 
(Tues.). • 




"Orf¥PlRGET" 




MEANS INTELLIGENT AND PROMPT SERVICE TO 
THE WORLD'S LARGEST ADVERTISING AGENCIES 

Year after year we read into our record for 
consistently satisfactory service words like 
these from America's leading agencies . . . 
» . . we have always enjoyed your intelligent 
and prompt service ... it is a pleasure to work 
with Weed . . . this is the kind of "rep" rela- 
tionship we like . . . 

The harmonious relationship that exists between 
Weed men and agency contacts is the measure 
of success for a radio representative. 

WEED 

arm company 

j RADIO STATION MMISiNTATIVIf 
MWrNK-MSTON-CHKASO-KTMMI-MH IMHOJtt-AnAMTA' 



Wednetday, October 29, 1947 



UfijRlEff 



39 




.Jllllilllli 




V / Iff r~^^^^ 

^**~ — — .J, , , ' t rcH jPBn i Jm 





~' — LtH W ■■■ '** * 




/ 






WC AU-Thc Philadelphia Station with Umbrella Coverage 

With 50,000 watts of power surging out in all directions, WC AO covers — 
and is listened to 6y— more people than any other Philadelphia radio station*. 



♦Pu/se of PWIaifelphto 
Hooper 
BMfl 




"ttnifcfella Coverage" 



WCAU 



50,000 WATTS • CBS AFFILIATE" 



PHILADELPHIA'S LEADING RADIO INSTITUTION 



40 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



FM'ers Beginning To Kick Up Heels 
In Dealings With NAB and AM'ers 



Washington, Oct. ,28. " 

FM'ers, recently given new stature 
and added representation in National 
Assn. of Broadcasters' councils, are 
already showing plenty of independ- 
ence in their dealing with NAB and 
the standard broadcasters. 

Presaging more "elbowing" of the 
same type, the NAB-FM Executive 
Committee last Friday (24) resolved 
unanimously that the networks con- 
tinue to be informed that AM-FM 
duplication of musical show "is es- 
sential to the orderly development 
of FM broadcasting, and that no con- 
tract between a network and the 
American Federation of Musicians be 
negotiated which would impede this 
development." Committee asked that 
It be kept constantly informed of any 
negotiations between the webs and 
the AFM which might concern FM 
broadcasting. 

It was believed the FM'ers are 
trying to insure now that the net- 
works will not leave FM in the lurch 
in their 1948 AFM contracts in order 
to save themselves some money. 
They point out that if the webs sign 
contracts with Petrillo, without 
specific provision for AM-FM dupli- 
cation, nets can then claim they are 
bound by these agreements and FM 
will continue to hobble along on re- 
cordings and public service stints. 

At the same time, the FM'ers 
started early to see to it that next 
year's NAB convention contains 
plenty of sessions devoted to their 
problems. F M committee Friday au- 
thorized appointment of a committee 
to plan for FM participation in the 
1948 meet. Committee includes Cecil 
D. Mastin, WNBF-FM, Binghamton; 
Willard Egolf, WBCC-FM, Bethesda, 
Md., and Leonard Asch, WBCA, 
Schenectady. 

Toronto's Food Plug 

Ottawa, Oct. 28. 

Station CFRB, Toronto, is asking 
audience-participation stubtiolders 
to bring loads of canned food to 
Studios and is offering prize for 
patron bringing greatest amount. 

Idea is to bolster Toronto's wed- 
ding gift to Princess Elizabeth which 
is to be food for Britons. Toronto's 
mayor is to make award next Mon- 
day (3). 

Canton— J. Leonard Taylor has 
been named general manager oi 
WCMW, operated by the Stark 
Broadcasting Corp. He has had 12 
years' experience in radio, having 
served as chief announcer and pro- 
gram director for WHBC, Canton, 
for five years. 



light Casters 



Philadelphia, Oct. 28. 

Blimp flash-casts plugging WCATJ's 
new team of newscasters, Lowell 
Thomas and Edward R. Murrow, are 
being used extensively throughout 
this area by the studio. 

Blimp makes three and a half hour 
trip nightly over Philly and sur- 
rounding cities, as far south as 
Wilmington and north as far as 
Trenton. : 



WJLB Stays Firm in Plan 
To Cut Foreign Tongues 



~ Detroit, Oct. 28. 

Sticking to his new policy of 
shearing away foreign-language pro- 
grams, WJLB used its two-week can- 
cellation clause to drop "Rosary 
.House" before the program even hits 
the air. 

A delegation headed foy~.Fr. Justin 
came to Detroit to protest, manager 
Ralph Elvin admitted, but the sta- 
tion refused to change its ruling. 
Policy was set up in line with the 
George Starrer interests' plans to 
rebuild the station completely, from 
programs to buildings. 

Other protests against, dropping 
-non-English shows have been strong, 
but futile, and a complaint by the 
American Committee for Protection 
of Foreign Languages was dismissed 
by the FCC. 

Meantime Judith Lawton, new 
program director, is whipping a pro- 
duction-writing staff into shape and 
as of Nov. 2 WJBK will switch 60% 
of its programs, Jack the Bellboy, 
station's ace disk Jockey, being the 
only major one whose show stays 
put. Beginning two days later, the 
station will put into effect a block 
booking system, a la WNEW, N. Y., 
across the board. ;.->... 




Mgt.: LOU CLAYTON 
■ UNITED RKXAI.l. !>KtlCl CO 
Wednesday, NBC. 10:30 P.M.. E.S.T. 
M-G-.M — "On the Island With You' 
"THIS TIME FOR KEEPS" 



Tele Reviews 

Continued from page 28 



that skeds current events forums lor 
all grades. Teachers evidently 'lay 
down a single line rather than a 
divergence of views, which makes 
the youngsters sound as if they've all 
been reading the same book. Show 
is ad libbed and " unrehearsed, but 
parroting is pronounced and on the 
session caught (24) there wasn't one 
sharp clash of opinion. 

Straight classroom setting is used, 
with moderator seated at desk and 
blackboard in background. Ques- 
tions are on general topics, ranging 
from U. S. foreign policy to the use 
of dry ice in' rain making. Kids re- 
spond freely but their nervousness, 
as shown in finger pulling and 
clothes" plucking, tends to distract. 
. Session currently runs- 15 minutes, 
which is too short for panel of eight. 
Expansion to a half hour on a regu- 
lar weekly schedule will do much 
to bring this one along. . Baxt. 

Pittsburgh — Joan Davis' co-op 
show on CBS got a local sponsor 
only a day or so before teeoff time. 
Bankroller here is Pittsburgh Milk 
Co., and program was peddled by 
the Julius Dubin agency. 



Radio Reviews 

Continued from page 28 53 

for the Navy's current recruiting 
drive. 

"Join the Navy and See theWorld" 
was pointed up by interviews of en-, 
listed men— mainly chiefs in Brook- 
lyn, London, Paris, Athens, Hpno-- 
lulu, Tokyo and Hollywood. These 
men were mostly career boys with 
anywhere from one to three hash- 
marks. All told why they joined the 
Navy. Travel and security appeared 
to be the major reasons. 

But none of the brief interviews 
bore much resemblance to "man in 
the street" informality. It was obvi- 
ous that the speeches were all pre- 
pared in advance. (Portions of the 
show were- transcribed, an ABC an- 
nouncer explained later). And these 
enlisted men's opinions all painted a 
far too rosy, side of life in the Navy. 
There's a Navy axiom that you're not 
a real salt unless you gripe. Then, 
too, there was a -chief boatswains 
mate aboard the USS Missouri- who 
said he was retiring after 20 years. 
Everyone doesn't automatically re- 
tire after 20 years. They're merely 
eligible. 

Best' of the interviews was from 
Athens where ABC's Fred Sparks 
caught what's primarily on a Navy 
man's mind — the ladies. Asked if he 
really had a girl in every port, an 
aviation radioman of a carrier near 
the Greek capital confided that he al- 
most did except in Egypt where the 
veils were a problem. "You couldn't 
tell whether, it was Jane Russell or 
your grandmother!" he explained. 

Admiral Halsey contributed a brief 
anecdote reflecting upon his experi- 
ences as a 1904 midshipman and 
punched across with the theme that 
"our sailors are our ambassadors of 
good will." When the world looks at 
their faces, he said, they'll know we 
don't plan to dominate the world. As 
a sombre note at the close, Kelly 
paid tribute to those who didn't come 
back until the Joseph V. Connolly 
entered New York harbor last week, 
with the vanguard of 6,000 of our 
war dead. He then emphasized that 
"our first line of defense is the 
Navy." Gilb, 



NEWS AT NINE 

With Peter Roberts 

Wrrter: Leonard Allen 

15 Miss.; Mon.-thru-Frl., 9 a.m. •■. 

Sustaining 

WNBC, N. T. 

New news series on WNBC, N. Y., 
with Peter Roberts, recent acquisi- 
tion from KYW. Philadelphia, is 
very listenable. Roberts has an even, 
unhurried delivery, good enuncia- 
tion and a clear, assuring voice. 
Delivery isn't strained or hectic, and 
jOne gets the news vivid and straight. 
There's no editorializing, and the 
news is concise and complete. 

Stanza caught Monday (27).: had 
15 minutes crowded with significant 
hews of the day, in • the French 
political situation, Polish situation, 
plane crashes, rail disasters, arrival 
of U. S. war dead in N. Y., the 
screen stars hegira to Washington, 
the Eisler episode in Trenton, N. J. 

A breakfaster got a pretty good 
picture of what was going on in the 
world, dished up sensibly and so- 
berly. Bron. 



FMA's FCC Plea 

Washington, Oct. 28. 

FM Assn, filed a ritition with 
the FCC today Yfues,) de- 
manding a public hearing, with 
the four major AM networks 
participating, to consider adop- 
tion of a rule forbidding the 
nets .fronv entering into any 
agreements prohibiting AM-FM 
duplication. 

FMA pointed out that FCC 
clearly has authority to do this 
and cited FCC chain-broadcast- 
ing regulations which bear the 
stamp of approval of the Su- 
preme Court. 

FMA said a survey showed 
92% of FM stations want the 
right, to carry network shows 
and claimed network ' pacts 
banning duplication, would ad- 
versely affect the ability of FM 
licensees to serve in the public 
■ interest. 



Indies 



Continued from page 27 



FOR SALE 

"So You Want to Lead a Bond" 

starring SAMMY KAYE and his orchestra 

Mondays, 9:30 pm EST 

A VARIETY SHOW that has everything! Laughs, music, 
prizes, hilarious fun on -the downbeat! High in en- 
tertainment, low in cost! 

Also.,, 

ROS.S DOIAN, Detective . . starring William Gargan . . . Saturday*, 0:00 pm EST 
ADVENTURES OF BILL LANCE . . . Sundays, 5.00 pm EST 
CANDID MICROPHONE . . . Thursdays, »:00 pm EST 



ABC 



PROGRAM DEPARTMENT 
CIRCLE 7-5700 



*♦♦♦*♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦+♦♦♦♦♦»♦ t t 

Follow-up Comment 



7* ************* * ***** ♦♦» 

Stewart Alsop, co-author (with his 
brother Joseph) of a nationally 
syndicated* column on Washington 
and world affairs, last Sunday, (26) 
began a month-long standiri for 
Raymond Swing in the latter's quar- 
ter-hour news analysis period on 
ABC. (Swing is off on a lecture 
tour.) He showed himself to be 
fitted for the chore in all respects. 
While his voice was a shade harsh 
and strident, his delivery was sure 
and aggressive. His copy was terse 
and emphatic, pulling no punches. 
Cleverly, he framed the state of U. S. 
affairs into a hypothetical report to 
the Kremlin by a Soviet political, 
analyst, showing what things will 
"delight" the Communists. He 
struck at the Progressive Citizens of 
America, on the left, and the "die- 
hard isolationist press," on the right, 
for condemning the Marshall Plan. 
But he predicted that Congress, "in 
the nick of time," will apprqye 
European aid funds. 

Alsop sounds like a good bet for a 
regular berth on the airwaves. 



preamble to set forth its. "affirma- 
tive aims." (NAB prexy Justin 
Miller is writing this now). 

Here are principal code revisions 
recommended by the committee: 

1. "Network-inspired" definitions 
of 15-minute shows as 14.30 units, 

etc., are wiped out and program 
units defined as "total elapsed time 
from the sign-on to sign-off." Same 
commercial limits apply to day and 
evening programs. On* single-spon- 
sor shows, indies actually cut pres- 
ent code limits on commercial time 
in two cases — specifying a top of 
2.30 minutes on 15-minute shows and 
3.45 minutes on half-hour stanzas. 
In only one case, that of five-minute 
shows, do they recommend easing 
the present one-minute limit to 1.15. 

2. Double spotting, either on single 
or- multiple-sponsored broadcasts, is 
out, except where one of the spots 
is a service announcement 15 seconds 
or less in length. Such service spots 
must be limited to two an hour. 

3. On multiple-sponsored shows, 
indies want more latitude so that, 
they may vary actual commercial 
time from 2.30 to 239 minutes on 
15 minutes of program time, A pro- 
gram within a 15-minute segment 
followed by a one-minute spot 
should be consideredf a 14-minute 
program. Where spots, follow pro- 
grams -they should be of 30 seconds 
or less duration. When this is done, 
the station has the option' of hiking 
its commercial time Within the pro- 
gram by 30 seconds. 

The indie committee included: Ted 
Cott, chairman; Frank Blair, WSCR, 
Scranton; Wayne Coy, WINX, Wash- 
ington; Arthur Harre, WJJD, Chi- 
cago; Edward Lamb, WTOD, Toledo; 
Al Meyer, KMYR, Denver; Elliott 
Sanger, WQXR, New York; Harold 
B. Shaw, WOAY, Oak Hill, W. .Va.; 
Calvin J. Smith, KFAC, Los Angeles; 
Ben Strouse, WWDC, Washington; 
Eugene Weil, WLAQ, Rome, Ga.; 
Ralph Weil, WOV, New York, and 
Ray Bright, KLEE, Houston, sitting 
as an observer. 

•The special committee which 
would represent this group at the 
November NAB board meeting in- 
cludes Cott, Arthur Harre of WJJD, 
Chicago, and Ben Strouse, WWDC, 
Washington. 



ROSENTHAL TO E&R 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 
•Ralph: J. Rosenthal, account 
exec for Arthur Meyerhoff agency, 
switches to Ruthrauff & Ryan, Chi- 
cago, Nov. 1. 

His major account Mutual, Benefit 
of Omaha, sponsor of Gabriel Heat- 
ter's "A Brighter Tomorrow," fol- 
lows him to R&R Nov. 15. 



Minneapolis— Walt " Raschick has 
been named director of KSTP news 
bureau by Stanley E. Hubbard, presi- 
dent and geiietal manager. Ras- 
.chick for past 18 months was asso- 
ciate editor of Holiday mag in 
Philadelphia. 



Worcester — Gil Hodges, member 
of {he WTAG announcing staff for 
eight years and its chief for the past 
year and a half, resigned last week 
to Join WMAL in Washington. 



Brady Suit Dismissal 
On 'Church Mouse' Asked 

Dismissal of an infringement suit 
against the Theatre Guild, ABC net- 
work and U. S. Steel by William A. 
Brady was asked by the defendants 
last week, according to papers filed 
in N. Y. federal court. Plaintiff al- 
leged that the production of the 
Ladislaus' Fodor play, "A Church 
Mouse," on "Theatre Guild of the 
Air," sponsored by U. S. Steel over 
the ABC net last June 8, infringed 
upon the show's copyright, which 
Brady claimed he was assigned in 
1931, ; 

In making a general denial of 
Brady's- charges, ABC and the Thea- 
tre Guild contended that "Church 
Mouse,'.' was copyrighted by the late 
Dr. Alexander Morton and any rights 
that Brady may have had to the play 
have now expired or have been as- 
signed to other parties. 



NBC's Free Rein 



Continued from page 29 



announced its first .tentative charge 
schedule, to 65,000 today — an in- 
crease of 1,000%. Number of sta- 
tions during the same time has 
jumped from eight to 21. Kraft 
predicted there would be 400,000 sets 
within range of WNBT's transmitter 
by the end of 1948, furnishing an 
audience of some 2,400,000 viewers. 

New rate schedule calls for $1,000 
an hour for the live studio, as against 
$750 under the old structure. In 
addition, there's an added transmit- 
ter charge of $500 an hour, as against 
the previous charge of $100. Studio 
cast is then scaled down to $600 per 
half -hour, $400 for 15 minutes to 
$200 for five minutes. Transmitter 
charge is $300 per half-hour, $200 ' 
for 15 minutes and $125 for film only 
for one minute. Charge for the film • 
studio alone is $250 per hour, $200 m 
per half-hour and $100 for five min- 
utes. ■ 

It's noted that Kraft also assigned 
a charge for 40-minute shows- for 
both the- live studio and transmitter, 
indicating his belief that video will 
be broken into different time seg- 
ments than radio, which has no 40- 
minute shows 'at present. Rehearsal 
time, is expected to be the same as 
under the old schedule, which pro- 
vided for five hours of studio re- 
hearsal at no charge 'for each hour 
show. a 

In making the announcement, 
Kraft declared it contained many 
suggestions from agencies and spon- 
sors. He thanked the agencies for 
their help in the past and expressed 
the hope that cooperation would 
continue to be forthcoming. 



••THERE'S PIENTY OF 
• BUSINESS IN — 



owo 



Get Your 
Share By) 
Using..* 




,WKO & CO. Nalionol Representative! 



" Z Potion 



J0 HH 



THIS IS THE WAY "CBS PUBLICITY" GOES ABOUT ITS BUSINESS 



Last month, this question was put directly to every 
newspaper radio editor from coast to coast.* 

Their vote was unhesitating: 

"CBS Press Information is BEST... for the NINTH 
consecutive year." 

In fact, CBS was the top choice of more of these 
editors than all other network publicity- 
departments combined. 

This is a solid, unequivocal endorsement of the way 
CBS PRESS INFORMATION goes about its business: 
supplying honest, straightforward reporting, in 
brilliantly usable form, backed by sound and care-! 
,ful research, sped along by up-to-date technical 
facilities, and handled by a big, able staff. 

And more than this.*. 

It's an acknowledgment of the superior service 
CBS clients and agencies get on each of their 
CBS programs, day in day out, year after year. 

That's one more reason why they keep coming to 
CBS; one more reason why CBS is the first choice, 
today, of more of the country's largest radio 
advertisers... and more of them exclusively . . . 
than any other network. 

* ■ " * 

And has been for 11 years in a rowl 

They find that CBS delivers listeners at less 
cost than any other network. 

And they find CBS PRESS INFORMATION an integral 
part of the complete network operation that makes 
this possible. 

CBS 



*Billboard's Tenth Annual 
f-Radio Publicity Survey 



«„ 0 « do vou rate the press departme te of 
the four major networks from the stand- 
poi „t of all- round service, all year round? 



42 RECORDS — DISK JOCKEYS 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



HOH<J CUOwfcHCO 



PS 



HHA\— IiapuaM pnfl 



1 


Oa34V— noxia incj 


Seattle 


lOAl— SUJHIPO U!H 


ONIH— 'awneo l»K 


j Phila. 




i.s 
e c 


xnas— i-iaquo w>ia 


Dallas 


HHAV— OBinjOK Wil 


6 


NMOH— »J|-i«I3 »!PP3 


u 
a 


aOXlA.— J»qBIie9 P3 


a 
£ 


saniAi— »3jna 


a. 
S 


TIOIM— uaraurex 

\ 


St. Louis 


SA\H— amo6u.au ho 


HOXH— «aiSnn qsna 


San (.- ■'] 




cjsx— uosswo 


£ 

• '£ 


AtSAiddL — »Jpuv-pi*1n|Z 


Boston 


I33A1— Jaiiaj nusqs 


HOHM— »onia a.oa 


Denver 




» 

o> 
e 

■ < 

m 
O 
-J 


aAijH— uosuy ma 


OV1H— s»0 »oa 


Chicago 


'noa\— «u«Aa ma 


onim— pj'qqna »ippa 


■ >^ 
Z 


M3KM.— P*>i W 



w u 



flJ e: f 8 

filial 

!E 5 s S o 

c ■ 



. tJ .2 *■< £ G 
» ° § M 

of r w « 

u >; u a 
*5 S « £ " 
o w O « 

o -5 S ■§ o » 
» e g g 

P ~ to 

" S S -5 e 

«"8.S« ° § 

o S a o p P. 
g a a 

V O U 



•Sss 



• pas'. 



-•8 
- a » 

si! 



N CO M in (O 



^ 



co to to to 



< « o a < m o o a <* ca 

Hll»«»!o«l«Oc>SOOIIlJS 







< 


< 


o 


O 




to 


< 


.< 



Si 



5?i 



ft, 


ft, 


< 


< 


u 


o 


to 


to 


< 


< 



s * 



_ « 



CO 

M » « * W 



ft, 
< 



p. 
< 
y 
to 



u 



ft. 
< 
u 

CO 



c 

31 



o 



c 

S3 

M 
s 



c 



I 

0 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



45 



Disking Musicians Who Figure 
T« Lose Most by AM Ban Feel 
. Petrilfe jBstified, Eye Qub Week 



Most of the comparatively small 
group of musicians in-New York who 
do 'the majority pi freelance record- 
injg, transcription and radio work 
and who stand to be hurt most by 
the Jan.-'l disking ban imposed by 
the American Federation of Mu- 
sicians, have "not as yet made up 
their minds on the subject. While 
all of them are fearful of the effect 
on their earning power of the disk 
ban, they discuss it with reserva- 
tions,- admitting that the AFM head, 
James C. Petrillo, has a few points 
in his favor when he rails against 
coin machines and disk jockeys. At 
the same time they are keeping 
fingers crossed for a, settlement. 

.These musicians see not only the 
disk ban being called, bat they also 
expect a Petrillo battle with radio 
which will pull them off those jobs, 
tod. They see themselves turning to 
one-night "club" jobs to earn a liv- 
ing. And so far there are no ref- 
erences to underground disking and 
possible resignation from the AFM 
in the event of a prolonged , strike. 

All told, there aren't more than 
BOO topflight instrumentalists in 
N. Y, who work in all three fields. 
They earn anywhere between be- 
tween $12,000 and $20,000 yearly, the 
majority of "it from recording and 
transcribing. Radio work runs a 
poor third since no man works more 
..than three radio programs apiece 
currently. This is due to the fact 
that many shows which formerly 
originated but of N. Y. now come 
from Hollywood. 

' In Hollywood, there is said to be 
(Continued on page 44) 

Coast Terpalace Ops 



Cut on Band 1-Niters 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 
Western Ballroom Operators' 
A&sYi, group of 20-odd one-nite pro- 
moters scattered throughout west, is 
calling its first get-together since 
last winter. Precise date hasn't been 
set as board' of organization wants 
to ; hold off until after the Midwest 
Ballroom ops holds its coming pow- 
wow. Coasters, no doubt, plain to 
follow a few leads plucked from that 
confab. 

However, it is certain that? an ef- 
fort will be made at meeting of 
westerners to get all association 
members to put up a united front, 
and assail agencies -with proposition 
ci offering name bands mere scale 
guarantees on one-niters, against 
65% of gross. Marty Landau, secre- 
tary of this regional promoters' 
group, and biggest one-nite tosser 
hereabouts, is clamoring for adop- 
tion of idea by fellow members. He 
already has the support of Al Barn- 
ford, prez of WBOA, and biggest 
northern California promoter. 

Although the top name orks 
which demand and get the $1,750 
■and $2,000 guarantees have done 
well in far west or late, promoters 
«tiU squirm at going on the line 
with such heavy guarantees. Too, 
many of the old, established pro- 
moters are openly miffed, at the 
booking agencies, which they accuse 
of dotting the area with new pro- 
moters, as have recently cropped up 
In Santa Barbara, San Bernardino 
and Sacramento. Actually, when 
agencies couldn't get the established 
Promoter in each locale to buy a 
certain band, bookeries found new 
backers. These new promoters are 
not members of the association. 

Also on the agenda at terpalace 
ops meeting will be talk of col- 
lectively angling to get American 
■ S°? ie . ty of Composers, Authors and 
•Publishers to reduce current antes 
on ballroom licensing. Last year the 
association made a formal pitch of 
we sort, but got nowhere. 



„, Coral Gables, Fla., Oct. 28. 

Maestro Clyde Lucas, in Florida 
lor some time since giving- up road 
jvork with his band, turned disk 
Jockey here last week. -He joined 
"BAY as "m.«. of a disk program 
airing from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Mon- 
day to Friday. 

Opening show got away on a party 
note, with mayor and other digni- 
taries on tap. 



Seattle's Slice of AFM 
Disk Coin Put to Work 

Seattle, Oct. 28. 

American Federation of Musicians' 
Local 76, here, is currently under- 
writing concerts and entertainment 
in service hospitals in this area three 
times a week on funds provided by 
the AFM Record Fund. In addi- 
tion, local plans gratis shows at the 
Children's Orthopedic Hospital and 
at the new King County Tubercu- 
losis Sanitarium. 

Last week Wyatt Howard's band 
worked at the Fort Lawton Hos- 
pital; Ward Cole's band at the 
Marine Hospital and- Ray Hart's 
combo at the Bremerton Naval 
Hospital. 



Networks, Indies 
Seen In Accord 
OnASCAPDeal 

There's a good possibility that the 
disagreement between network 
radio *xecutives and independent 
station owners over one phase of 
negotiations with the American 
Society of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers on renewal of the radio- 
music 'contract, may be settled dur- 
ing tomorrow's (Thursday) ASCAP 
board meet in New York. Radio 
people assertedly have gotten to- 
gether on a compromise of the ques- 
tion of who is to pay the perform- 
ance fee for music programs origi- 
nating 'from a network station sus- 
taining and which are sold locally 
by affiliates. And they have offered- 
ASCAP a solution which is to be 
digested at tomorrow's monthly 
meet. 

.Exact terms of the compromise 
are undisclosed, but it . is claimed 
that the network representatives are 
responsible for its development. 
ASCAPers expect that the settle- 
ment of the major question will 
soon result in the resolving of all 
angles of the renewal negotiations 
and an extension of the current 
deal, which, expires Dec. 31, 1949. 

The question of who was respon- 
sible to ASCAP for the difference 
between sustaining rates of an un- 
sponsored network show, which is 
ultimately sold locally by an af- 
filiate, has. been holding up final dis- 
position of the contract renewal for 
months. Both sides had agreed 
ASCAP was due additional revenue 
when such a show is sold, but 
couldn't agree on who was to pay. 



CLINTON RETURNS TO 
GAC IN 5-YEAR DEAL 

Larry Clinton returned last week 
to General Artists Corp., which 
handled him when he was the coun- 
try's No. 1 pop maestro. He signed 
a regulation five-year agreement 
with the agency calling for certain 
guarantees, one of which involves a 
minimum of 12 -weeks a year at a 
major New York location. Clinton 
several weeks ago had made a book- 
ing arrangement -with the new Mus- 
Art agency but cancelled it for the 
GAC dell. 

Clinton, who has been out of the 
band business, as a leader, for some 
years, debuts his new band tonight 
(Wednesday) at Charles Shribman's 
Symphony Ballroom, Boston. There- 
after, he plays a few one-nighters 
in New England, and on Nov. 11 goes 
into Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook, 
Cedar Grove, N. J., for six weeks, a 
job he booked himself, incidentally. 

Clinton's instrumentation, inciden- 
tally, adds up to three trombones, 
one trumpet, clarinet, alto sax, four 
rhythm and vibes played by the 
leader. When he was on top, Clinton 
played trumpet and trombone. Such 
a lineup is unusual. 

Ralph Hawkes of B o o s e y &' 

Hawkes sailed for Britain Saturday 
(18) for a three-month visit to the 
firm's London "office. 



18-Hr. Waxing Days At 
Coast RCA-Victor Studios 

Hollywood, Oct. 28.- 
RCA-Victor's Coast offices has 
been holding waxing sessions with 
artists 18 hours a day since James 
C. Petriilo's ultimatum regarding 
the cessation of recording Dec, 31. 
Firm has been flooded with requests 
from its own artists to wax all that 
is humanly possible before the re- 
cording ban goes into effect, It cut 56 
sides during the first seven-day 
period • following Petriilo's last 
statement. 

Victor, along with its artists, has 
been loaded with pleading cleffers 
who want their tunes on wax, but 
the company has turned mainly to 
new arrangements of old standards 
plus a full array of semi-classic and 
classic works. 



Wskers Wary On 
Material Dnring 
Ban Emergency 

Disk company executives seems to 
be very choosey about the material 
they assign to talent for recording 
as a safeguard against an extended 
recording ban. 

Most of the companies dropped a 
wad of coin during the 27-month ban 
several years back, when tunes hur- 
riedly cut for. the sake of having a 
stockpile were rated, on second and 
saner hearings, as not worthy the 
expense of marketing them. And 
they apparently do not intend re- 
peating that error. 

So far, most major diskers are 
concentrating on forthcoming show 
and film scores, and the -filing away 
of albums by top names, out of 
which, if necessary, individual disks 
can be taken for single release lists. 
Pops being accepted, and assigned 
are carefully checked, but publishers 
can't work too far ahead. Some 
have -planned as far as a yeEur in : 
advance, but any such blueprinting 
can be smeared by a tune some- 
where along the line which runs into 
negative public reaction. That moves 
such a schedule up a few months 
each time it happens. 

At the same time, some major 
pubs are arranging a series of stand- 
ards for submission to recording 
companies. This is being done on 
the theory that (a) the standards 
selected are ripe for revival and (2) 
if they are made and the recording 
ban does come to an early, unex- 
pected end, that disk companies will 
not have poured money into some- 
thing they might not want to use 
after the emergency is over. Stand- 
ards are always useable. 

To this end, Chappell Music, for 
example, is stacking a group of tunes 
such as "Roses of Picardy," "Button 
Up Your Overcoat," "They Didn't 
Believe Me," "On Miami Shore," 
"Just a Little Love, a Little Kiss," 
etc., alongside show and film scores, 
for disking. Dreyfus combine, of 
which' Chappell is an affiliate, has 
five forthcoming show scores, it 
claims, as well as several film scores 
to worry about. They are "Look Ma, 
I'm Dancing," "Inside USA," "Make 
Mine Manhattan," "Bonanza Bound" 
and the revival of "Sally." And the 
films, "The Pirate," "Good News" 
and "Up in Central Park," latter now 
in production. 



Prez of Pitt AFM Local 
Arrested in Family Row 
Over His Reelection 

Pittsb'i^h, Oct. 28. 

Gene Urban, 53, president of Local 
60 of the American Federation of 
Musicians, was haled before a local 
alderman last weekend to face a 
surety of the peace hearing today 
(Tuesday) on information by his 
daughter, Crystal Urban, and her 
husband, Colin R. Garry. Miss 
Urban, a singer-pianist, charges her 
father has threatened her unless she 
drops her efforts in behalf of Hal 
Davis, his opponent for the presi- 
dency ' of Local 60 in the coming 
election. Urban was arrested and 
subsequently freed on bond. 

Urban's daughter said the latest 
threat was made day before she had 
her father arrested. Miss Urban 
also claimed that her father tried to 
keep her out of the musicians union 
but that she got in anyway, over his 
objections, last winter. Urban has 
been president of Local 60 ever since 
Clair Meeder resigned several years 
ago to become one of prez James C. 
Petriilo's lieutenants. 



Chi AFM Local Takes Lead b 
Setting New Rates to Pay S.S., 
Jobless Taxes; Scale Pins 




Up 



in the Air 

When that United Airlines 
mainliner crashed in Bryce Can- 
yon, Utah, last Friday (24), it 
caused quite a stir among New 
York music publishers. A num- 
ber of pubs and record men 
were on the Coast and were due 
back by plane at the end of the 
week, and Friday evening edi- 
tions of Saturday morning 
dailies were scanned as soon as 
possible for the list of victims. 

Manie Sachs and Ted Waller- 
stein, 'Columbia Record execu- 
tives; Rocco Vocco, Lou Levy, 
Mack Goldman and Bob Mellin 
were those due to fly back. They 
all returned together, planing 
from the Coast Saturday evening 
and getting to N. Y. Sunday 
morning. 



Jobless Tax Must 
Be Paid Upto Jan. 
Last by Leaders 

Government tax heads have slight- 
ly changed the picture, of the social 
security and unemployment tax sit- 
uation as it applied to name band- 
leaders, following the recent de- 
mise of the American Federation of 
Musicians' Form B contract blank. 

Two weeks ago bandleaders, who 
.Were given to understand that all 
such tax sums, which might have 
been paid all along by the leaders 
instead of the buyers of their bands, 
as Form B demanded, were advised 
that they would be responsible for 
tax payments for their men only 
back to July 1 last. They were told 
they would not be asked to pay the 
sums involved as far back as the 
statute of limitations on taxes goes, 
even though bandleaders were being 
allowed to request return of the dis- 
puted tax coin they had paid in the 
place of the leaders. 

Last week, however, the unem- 
ploymenMax arm of the Internal 
Revenue Bureau advised leaders that 
it expects unemployment tax returns 
to be paid up as far back as last Jan. 
1 

Unemployment taxes are paid on 
the basis of 3% of the first $3,000 in 
salary to an employee. Some 2.7% 
of it goes to state tax bureaus, the 
remaining .3% to Washington. In 
the event an individual state does 
not have an unemployment insur- 
ance, the" entire 3% goes to the na- 
tional ^bureau. 



LOMBARDO'S $25,800 
PASSES 1946 MARK 

Guy Lombardo's orchestra started 
right out where it left off last sea- 
Son when it resumed at the Roose- 
velt hotel, N. Y., two weeks ago on 
its 17th season there. Band grossed 
$25,800 its first week, which sur- 
passed its opening week's figure of 
the previous year, which ran to 
$23,700. In on a guarantee against 
20% of the gross, Lombardo drew 
$5,600 for his end, a figure that 
few, if any, name swing bands draw 
for location work of a similar type. 

Lombardo, incidentally, may wind 
up as this year's highest diskseller. 
For the first six months of '47 his 
Decca records were farther in front 
in total sales than any other band 
on any other label, and though he 
has tapered off a bit since, he still 
may be the year's No. 1. And that's 
after 20 years or so of ranking 
among the top sweet bands. 



Duchin Nervous 

Eddy Duchin gets married Sunday 
(2) to Maria Teresa (Chiquita) Winn. 
Ceremony takes place at Commerce 
Secretary Averell Harriman's Arden, 
N. J., estate. 

It's the second marriage ^f or both. 
Duchin was formerly married to 
Marjorie Oelrichs, who died about a 
decade ago. 



Shirley Moore, and Back Porch 
Boys, folk singers, inked to term 
waxing pacts by Apollo label. 



Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Chicago local of the American 
Federation of Musicians last week 
took the lead in revising scale rates 
to make provision for the social se- 
curity and unemployment • taxes 
bandleaders will be ^forced to pay in 
behalf of men in their employ as a 
result of the demise of the AFM's 
Form B contract. New rate here 
will be the current scale plus 10% 
of the overall salary of the men 
involved. This will go to the leader 
to underwrite s.s, and state and fed- 
eral unemployment levies. 

Chicago local's move followed 
much discussion by the various lo- 
cals and the national body of the 
AFM on procedure. And its passing 
of a new regulation, which covers 
both .steady and single bookings, 
was made* before the national AFM 
office had signified any conclusions. 
It was thought that the locals would 
not act on the subject until the AFM 
itself had 1 drawn up and distributed 
new contract blanks to replace the 
outlawed Form B. 

No N. V. Decision 

New York Local 802 of the AFM 
has not yet decided on its handling 
of the situation. Secretary Charles 
Iucci explains that discussions had 
beeri_held on the problem, and that 
final meetings on it were to be held 
sometime this week. He felt that 
the Chicago regulation requiring, an 
extra 10% above scale to handle- tax 
taps on leaders would- perhaps be a 
pattern for 802. 



Ed Hubbard Resigns 
As Chairman of Chi 
NADJ Due to Schedule 

. Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Eddie Hubbard of WIND bowed 
out last week as chairman of the 
Chicago unit of the National Ass'n. 
of Disk Jockeys. In his letter of 
resignation he said he planned to 
continue his membership and that 
his quittal of the ■ chair was 
prompted by the pressure of other 
duties which' prevented him from 
doing justice to NADJ. A meeting 
to pick a new chairman has been 
set for Thursday (30). 

Other items on the agenda of last 
week's meeting included plans for 
a fund raising shindig,' tentatively 
set for Feb. 11 at the Aragon. This 
affair will be the local equivalent of 
the NAD J variety show of eastern 
jocks at the Met Opera House 
Jan. 25. Show will have Tex 
Berfeke orchestra, plus promised ap- 
pearances of Frank Sinatra, Milton 
Berle, Gladys Swarthout and Henny 
Youngman. 

Rush Hughes of KXOK, St. Louis, 
attended the session at the invita- 
tion of Hubbard, who had tapped ' 
him as the key man in formation 
of a St. Louis locaL Hughes- said 
that the fraternal feeling among Chi 
jocks was unknown in his city, 
where the spinners look upon each 
other as rivals. He also said he 
had nothing to offer NADJ and con- 
sequently wouldn't join, despite fact 
that national headquarters already - 
had named him as a member. 

Ray Starr of KQV, Pittsburgh, has 
called a NADJ organizational meet- 
ing there this week and Marvin 
Ellin of WCA, Baltimore, also in 
rounding up members. NADJ con- 
stitution divides the country into 
nine districts, to be recognized when 
charters are issued by national 
headquarters. 

m — t , 

La Danse Must Go On 

Tokyo, Oct. 14. 

Florida Dancehall, located on the 
outskirts of Tokyo, opened its doors 
to the public last week— but the 
Owner discovered his lights wouldn't 
work despite his five million yen 
($100,000) investment. 

The power distributing company 
explained that its power is too 
precious for "frivolous amusement." 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
backed the company up. 

Owner refused to take the finan- 
cial licking, however. He opened his 
doors, and now GI's and Japs dance 
in the spacious hall with only four 
electric batteries furnishing the 
light. 



44 



OBCHRSTKAS-JllirSIC 



Wedncwlay, October 29, 1947 



Jocks, Jukes and Disks 

By George Frazier ' 



Johnny Mercer and The King Cole 
Trio's "Harmony" and "Save the 
Bones for Henry Jones" (Capitol) 
are two of the pleasantest faces to 
, have come along in a great while. 
Judged in terms of what they set 
out to achieve — which is, presum- 
ably, fun- on a rather high plane— 
they are really irreproachable. 
"Save the Bones for Henry Jones" 
('cause he don't eat no meat) is 
something pretty special. If it's a 
novelty number, then it's a novelty 
number with brains. Title, which 



Best Bets 

Novelty — "Harmony" and 
"Save the Bones for Henry 
Jones" (Johnny Mercer and the 
j£ing Gole Trio) and "Little Bit 
This, Little Bit That" and "I'm 
the Guy Who Found the Lost 
Chord" (Jimmy Durante). 

Ballad — "Golden Earrings" 
(Peggy Lee) and "I'm the Lone- 
somest Gal in Town"* (Kay 
Starr). 

Rythm— "There'll Be Some 
Changes Made" (Peggy Lee). 

Hillbilly— "Near You" (Oscar 
and Lonzo). 

Hot— "Nagasaki" and "Gonna 
Get' a Girl" (Benny Goodman 
Sextet) and "Jump It With a 
Shuffle" (Jessie Price). 

Dance — "The Old Ferris 
Wheel" (Larry Green) and 
"Kate" (Hal Derwin). 

"Harmony" — Johnny Mercer 
and the King Cole Trio, (Capi- 
tol). 



; 



gives every indication it could be- 
come a ubiquitous catch-phrase, is in- 
spired. And even more notable' is the 
rest of the lyric. This is no "Bloop 
Bleep" that Will die of its own im- 
poverished invention, nor, for that 
matter, is it any "Open the Door, 
Richard," which, beyond its. title, 
offered nothing contagious. Rather, 
it is a work of the imagination which 
employs a scalpel instead of a hack 
saw to get its point across. It is a 
prodigiously amusing— and extreme- 
ly catchy— song about a man who 
prefers to eschew, rather than chew, 
meat. It's abundant good humor. It 
seems unlikely that anyone will 
render it better than Mercer and 
the Cole group. 

"Harmony," in which Cole takes 



Suggested Program 

"Near You" — Francis Craig 
(Bullet). 

"Near You" — Lonzo and Oscar 
(Victor). 

. "I've Got a Feeling I'm Fall- 
ing"— Earl Hines (Signature). 

"Too Fat Polka— Arthur God- 
frey (Columbia). > 

"Billie's Blues"— Billie Holi- 
day (Columbia). 

"Way down Yonder in New 
Orleans"— Bix and Tram (Co- 
lumbia). 

' "The Wildest Gal in Town"— 
Billy Eckstine l 

Program No. 2 

"Save the Bones for Henry 
Jones" — Johnny Mercer and the 
King Cole Trio (Capitol). 

"East of the Sun, West of the 
Moon" — .Tommy Dorsey (Vic- 
tor). 

"There'll Be Some Changes 
Made"— Peggy Lee (Capitol). 

"The Whiffenpoof Song" — 
Bing Crosby (Decca). 

"Hey, Lawdy Mama"— Louis 
Armstrong (Decca). 

"Pistol Packin' Mama"— Al 
Dexter (Columbia). . • 



faces— "I'll Dance at Your Wedding," 
"Golden Earrings," "A Nightingale 
Can Sing the Blues," and "There'll 
Be Some Changes Made" — are of 
conspicuously uneven quality. The 
two best are "Changes" and "Ear- 
rings," which don't, unfortunately, 
happen to be coupled. In "Changes," 
Miss Lee is given a great back- 
ground by Frank DeVol and is thus 
spurred on to a first-rate perform- 
ance. Her treatment of "Earrings," 
however, seems to us even greater. 
This is a tune that has been done 
pretty limply by some big names. 
She succeeds in making, it quite 
acceptable. Our own feeling is that 
this (although it may not sell nearly 
so many copies as certain of her 
other faces) is far and away the best 
thing she had turned out on records. 
Accompanying band, directed by 
Dave Barbour,' hits precisely the 
proper mood and Barbour's own 
guitar gypsyisms are a delight. 
Hal Derwin's Capitol coupling of 
Kate" and "Home Is Where the 
Heart Is" provide " unpretentious 
dance music ... So, for that matter, 
do Larry Green's "Sipping Cider by 
the Zuyder Zee" and "The Old 
Ferris Wheel" (Victor) . . » In re* 
viewing Arthur Godfrey's "Too Fat 
Polka" (Columbia) a few weeks ago, 
we dismissed it with a line or two 
of praise. Having listened to It sev- 
eral times since then, we feel more 
strongly about it. If Columbia gets 
behind it, you may be wishing they 
hadn't. It's the sort of thing that 
can be awfully big on the coin 
boxes. 

Jessie Price does some superlative 
blues singing in "Nagasaki" and 
Jump It With a Shuffle" (Capitol), 



but Jo Stafford just doesn't sound 
yerx convincing in "The Gentleman 
Is a qape" on the same label, ... 

Jack Mills, prexy of Mills Music, 
due back Friday (31) on the Queen 
Elizabeth from a brief o.o. df the 
Arm's new London branch. 



Moore's Diskery 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Garry Moore, "Take It Or Leave 
It" emcee, is forming his own odd 
label disk company with an eye to 
providing an outlet for Moore's "pat- 
ter platters." One album of his stuff 
has already been released by Decca. 

Firm, tentatively titled Party 
Platters, Inc. will drive to round 
up other patter artists for waxing. 

Ray McKinley Band 
Quits Majestic Disks 
Oyer Production Beef 

Ray- McKinley last week cancelled 
his orchestra's contract with Majes- 
tic Records. Leader tclok advantage 
of a 30-day cancellation clause in his 
agreement with, the company and 
the move was .made, it's asserted, 
over his dissatisfaction with, the 
label's production and distribution 
of his disks. ■ i « 

McKinley's agreement with Ma- 
jestic, Which has a comparatively 
short time to run, called for a cer- 
tain amount of production of his 
disks. Failing to reach that pre- 
scribed output, the company was 
liable to make up the difference in 
actual cash. However, in order to 
secure payment of the cash-in-lieu- 
of-production-and-sales, McKinley 
had to give notice. In this case, 
however, the notice he tendered 
means the severance of the deal. 



MINDY CARSON SET 
WITH MUSICRAFT 

Mindy Carson,' virtually an un- 
known a year ago but who. was 
picked up by Paul Whitemari and 
worked with him on his ABC net 
shows, has been signed by Musicraft 
Records. Deal. is a three-year op- 
tion pact. ' 

Singer will do three disk ' sessions 
(12 tunes) for Musicraft before the 
application of the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians ban Jan. 1. 



Disk Jockey Reviews 



THE REVOLVING BANDSTAND 
With Les Malloy 

10 Mins; 2:10 p.m. dally; six hours, 

8:30 a.m., Sunday 
Participating • 
KYA, San Francisco 

If a tune can be whistled, sung, 
or tapped to, jt will find a place On 
Les Malloy's daily disk date. Com- 
bining adroit choice of disks, with 
sporadic playing of request tunes, 
and timely guest-shots by visiting 
celebs, "The Revolving Bandstand" 
cuts a net slice of local listening 
cake for itself by keeping a weather- 
beaten ear to the ground and choos- 
ing, the type of melodies which is, 
at the moment, enjoying acceptance. 

Celebrity interviews aire of the 
Andy Russell, Martha Tilton, Ed- 
win Arnold, Mae West, Stan Kenton 
pitch, and topics discussed have di- 
rect bearing on one phase or an-, 
other of recording, with a minimum 
of waste ' wordage on puff gaffing. 
Comparative values of various re- 
cording performers is a favorite sub- 
ject, with records played to help 
analyses along. Local chatter takes 
spotlight from time .to time with 
reports on entertainment events in 
offing having news value. 

Malloy's stint is devoid of alleged 
"comedy" and weWbehind-the-ear 
wisecracking. Presentation is pleas- 
ant and content informative and 
easy on the nerves. Voice is mel- 
low and authoritative. Performance 
is consistent in spite of length of 
daily offering. Malloy's 14 years of 
air savvy is apparent. Ted. 

RUDOLPH RINGWALL PRESENTS 
With Dr. Rudolph Ringwall 
30 Mini.; 7:30 p.m.. Thursday 
WJW, Cleveland Society for Savings 

It doesn't seem proper to call the 
associate director of the Cleveland 
Symphony Orchestra, a disk jockey. 
Yet, in his 30 minutes of recordings 
Dr. . Ringwall can stack his ability 
to spin the platters with any of the 
hep boys making with jive talk. 

Ringwall's forte, however, is with 
the semi-classical and light classics. 
And an excellent job he does.. His 
brief introductions to the pieces to 
be played are concise and entertain- 
ing anecdotes. For years, Dr. Ring- 
wall has introduced the lighter 
classics in Pop Concerts. His ex- 
perience and technique is excellently 
transposed to the disks. 
* On a recent show, for example, 



to the nickelodeon, is a fine thing, 
jtoo, and it will probably be on 'al 
most as^'Tnany jukes as "Henry 
Jones." 

Wax Facts 

Jimmy Durante's "Little Bit This, 
Little Bit That" and "I'm the . Guy 
Who Found the Lost Chord" bring 
distinction to the M-G-M label. They 
represent Durante at the height of 
his form and juke operators, who 
pass them up should have their 
heads examined . . . Benny Good- 
man's best faces in ages are "Naga- 
saki" and "Gonna Get a Girl" 
(Capitol)'. Played by the sextet (the 
personnels differ on each side) they 
are unusual. "Gonna Get a Girl," a 
oldie, is a strong candidate for the 
buffalodeons. ... 

Peggy Lee's four latest Capitol 



♦♦♦»♦♦» 



10 Best Setters on Coin-Machines 



(Francis Craig , Bullet 

\ Larry Green. Victor 

S Betty Hutton Capitol 

' \ Vaughn Monroe .Victor 



NEAR YOU (7) (Supreme),.. 

I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU (2) (Paramount) 
YOU DO (8) 

WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16 (15) (Shapiro-B) {mm Bro7° 

I WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER NOW (7) (Marks) ". Perry Como ...Victor 

CIVILIZATION (2) 

LADY FROM 29 PALMS (8) (Martin) 



(BVC) J Dinah Shore Columbia' 

"" ' \ Margaret Whiting ........ .Capitol 

Victor 

Decca 



(Morris) $ Louis Prima Victor 

' "\Jack Smith Capitol 

: 7. LADY FROM 29 PALMS (8) (Martin) f Freddy Martin . .Victor 

(Andrews' Sisters Decca 

I! 8. THAT'S MY DESIRE (27) (Mills) S Frankie Laine Mercury 

XSammy Kaye Victor 

.. 9. PEG O' MY HEART (21) (Robbins) .. . f Harmonicats Vitacoustic 

} Three Suns Victor 

10. I HAVE BUT ONE HEART (8) (Barton) f Vic Damone Mercury 

X Frank Sinatra Columbia 



Coming Up 



. . BALLERINA (Jefferson) 



J Vaughn Monroe Victor 

X Jimmy Dorsey M-G-M 

■ ■ KATE (Berlin) * $ Tommy Dorsey i Victor 

| Eddy Howard Majestic 

KOKOMO, IND. (BVC) I Bing 



SUGAR BLUES (Williams) 

. • APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING (Shaplro-B) 

HOW SOON (Supreme) 

SERENADE OF THE BELLS (Morris) 

LAZY COUNTRYSIDE (Santly-Joy) ...... 



Crosby Decca 

I Dinah Shore... *5» Columbia 

. Johnny Merier. Capitol 

S Buddy Clark .Columbia 

XSammy Kaye .-.Victor 

Jack Owens Tower 

Sammy Kaye Victor 

J Dinah Shore Columbia '• • 

X Margaret Whiting .....Capitol 

ON THE AVENUE (Leeds) S Andrews-Cavallaro D^cca 

„, „ ... }Eddy Howard Majestic 

WHIFFENPOOF SONG (Miller) Bi«„ Crosby Decca 

NAUGHTY ANGELINE (Simon) J Dick Haymes Decca 

XArt Lund M-G-M 

BLACK AND BLUE (Mills) Franjde Laine Mercury 

SNATCH AND GRAB IT (Capitol) Julia Lee CtfpBM 

PEGGY O'NEILL (Feist) H«mo»ic«ts Vitacoustic 

;; I MISS YOU SO (Leeds) • $ King Cole Trio Capitol 

XCats and Fiddle Victor 

CUMANA (Martin) Freddy Martin vjctor 



Ringwall honored the 100th anhi of 
Mendelssohn's death by sninninir 
"Wedding March," "Scottish Sym- 
phony," "War March of the Priests" 
and "Italian Symphony Finale." 

His introductions to the pieces 
were superb and he used a clever 
gimmick to throw the show, into the 
closing announcement, pointing out 
that Mendelssohn's father was a 
banker. The. show being sponsored 
by a Cleveland bank, Society for 
Savings. In keeping with the tempo 
of the program the commercials are 
short, simple and at a pleasant, easy- 
to-take pitch. - . ' * 
""All in all 30 minutes of good 
listening. Marie. 

MALCOLM RICHARDS SHOW 
4 hours, 6 a.m., Mon. thru Sat. 
Participating 
WCPO, Cincinnati 

A disciple of Arthur Godfrey, for 
whom he could double in voice, Mal- 
colm Richards has become in- 
creasingly solid with early morning 
dialers since inaugurating his four* 
hour stint on this 250-watter a year 
ago. 

His platter spinning is of tunes 
requested in mailings from listeners, 
without individual identities, and no 
puffs or pans about the selections. 
Personal observations are reserved 
for the day's weather rnd general 
topics. . 

A young man from the South, 
Where he left his Dixie accent, Rich* 
ards eases the commercials in pain- 
less fashion. Snatches of whistling 
and singing escape him now and 
then and there are numerous dead 
spots, building for nonchalance. A 
regular part of his routine is to 
make and drink coffee while on the 
job in -the control room. 

Among his sponsors are quarter^ 
hour buyers and local meat spot 
takers. 

Brief intermissions for Richards 
come hourly: when the newsroom 
cuts in for brief casts. Koll. 



thro 



"DISK DATES" 
With Frank Friederick 
30 Mins.; 9:30 a.m., Monday 

Friday 
Sustaining 
WTAM, Cleveland 

WTAM pushes its way into the 
city's parade of disk jockeys with 
Frank Friederick in a half-hour 
stanza beamed directly at the house- 
wife and morning femme audience. 

Besides the usual spinning of 
platters, Friederick strives to give 
his audience bits of feature news 
from the morning wire. He selects 
several of the "cutest" and angles 
them for his audience. As another 
twist from the usual, he reads a 
poem written exclusively, for the 
show by Lucy Lapp, station switch- 
board operator. Verse is good and 
Friederick does a nice job of tying 
in background music with reading. 

Sometimes, . however, show be« 
comes a question of whether there 
will be more spot commercials or 
music, but on .the mornings on 
which music, poetry and feature tid« 
bits prevail, the stanza is easy-to- 
take Mark. 

Disk Jock Vaude Unit? 

•Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Rush Hughes, KXOK, St. Louis 
disk jockey, had confabs here last 
week with Frankie Laine and 
Frances Wayne, regarding the possi- 
bility of forming a package road 
show. Platter pilot's idea is to enlist 
a group of recording artists for 
theatre tours. 

Hughes hopes to use Sam Dono- 
hue's orchestra for deal. 



.[ FELLOW NEEDS A GIRL 



(Williamson) \ Perry Como... 

XFrank Sinatra. 



. . DON'T YOU LOVE ME ANYMORE 



(Oxford) . . ! Freddy Martin. . . 

X Buddy Clarke.... 



AND MIMI (Shaplro-BJ ( Dicfc Haymes. 

' ' | Art Lund. 



.... ..Victor 

. .Columbia 

Victor 

. .Columbia 
... ,. Decca 
....M-G-M 



" SA VE THE BONES (Capitol) Mercer-King- Cole Capitol 

IFigures in parentheses indicate number of weeks song has been in the Top ID.) 



disks to secure royalty 

mm*mw wt«»«HMt«HMMMM HMW »» M tt MMMM>MMMIHHMM t over and above their guarantees. 



Musicians-AFM 

S£ Continued from page 43 ss 
more than 500 men doing the same 
sort of work. But there the majority 
of earnings comes from radio per- 
formances for the reason pointed out 
above.- Chicago's musicians . are a 
negligible factor in the picture since 
neither radio nor recording of any 
kind is on a comparable scale with 
either N. Y. or Hollywood. 

In so far as name band musicians 
are concerned, the picture - is dim- 
mer. Men included in the very top 
bands, it's claimed, don't earn much 
more than $1,000 annually from re- 
cording and transcription work with 
their bosses, over and above regular 
dance work salaries. Those men 
working weekly radio shows with 
their leaders (Vaughn Monroe, for 
example, who has the Camel pro- 
gram) draw more annually, but at 
tne moment they are few. There 
are only a few organized name 
bands with radio commercials. 

As for the recording ban's effect 
on leaders, there are only between 
■65 and 70 maestroes who have disk 
contracts calling for royalty deals 
on sales. Of this number, a much 
smaller amount actually sell enough 
statements 



45 




flits 5$ Hm cftwa Hwrt M Hi Mjrr^ 
QwwfaHB , a uUkKm if fronts 
CbristM« stags. Amm| Htm is 
«Hfr Cfafetact, rtkfan • sm^f, 
Ims ■imrfy InlcM «0 Mvstry urf«s 

CMftlt*tafrtftJ, Kftfl 



46 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Heavy Run of PA Cancellations 
Seen to Hustle New Recordings 



Booking agencies expect that the 
next two months, prior to the effect 
of the recording ban set as of Jan. 
1 by the American Federation of 
Musicians, will include a heavy run 
of booking cancellations. 

Name talent will in many in- 
stances require time to prepare new 
tunes for recording and to do the 
actual cutting and, rather than per- 
form these chores on the run, as 
many do during normal times, they 
will cancel bookings to get them in. 

Main reason for the cancellations 
is that the talent would be on road 
tours and not available to studios. 
Singers and bands on location, or 
even in theatres for a fair length of 
time in New York, Chicago or Holly- 
wood, won't find cancellations nec- 
essary in most instances. , 



Sues Pubs, Artists, Disk 
Cos. for Infringement 

Charging infringement of her un- 
published copyrighted tune, "Wake 
Up My Heart," songwriter Hilda 
Katz has brought suit in N. Y. 
federal court against Radio Corp. of 
America, Wood Music Co., Shapiro- 
Bernstein, Little Jack Little, Jack 
Palmer and Teddy Powell, Plaintiff 
claims the defendants infringed upon 
her composition after April 1, 1944, 
by recording, publishing and licens- 
ing the use of her song" without her 
consent. 

Action seeks injunction and ac- 
counting of profits derived by the 
defendants from the alleged infringe- 
ment. ■-'<■■•' 




•a 



9 
ill 

IL 

E 

nn 

HI 

nn 



1 

I 



by DICK SMITH and. FELIX BERNARD 



Endorsed and recorded fay... 

GUY LOMBARD© and 
THE ANDREWS SISTERS 

(Decca) 

PERRY COMO 

(Victor) 



(Victor) 

JOHNNY LONG 

(Signature) 

JOHNNY MERCER 
and THE PIED PIPERS 

(Capitol) 



BREGMAN, VOCCO and CONN, Inc. 

NEW YORK • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD 



Jack Kapp West 

Jack Kapp, Decca prez, leaves 
New York for the Coast Monday 
(3). He'll be west about three weeks 
on business. 

All major companies with Coast 
branches are doing considerable re- 
cording in that area, as well as 
Coast indie firms. Decca, however, 
is doing fewer sides than the others. 

See Bigtime Habit 
As Snag to Petrillo 

There are those who;believe that 
if it is the aim of th» American Fed- 
eration of Musicians to completely 
revert the musical position of the 
entertainment world to use of local 
bands in radio stations, theatres, etc., 
that the union is in for a jolt. It's 
felt that the widespread use. of re- 
cording, transcriptions and the pip- 
ing of network shows into local radio 
outlets, which Petrillo would also 
like to stop, all have established a 
standard of performance by bands, 
singers, etc., that would-be difficult 
to brush aside 1 in favor of lower 
local standards. 

It's "the idea of many that if Pe- 
trillo were to force disk jockeys ffft 
the air and was able to inject house 
bands of local musicians into the 
vacated air time,- that the public 
would not accept the comparatively 
inferior performances. This is 
firmly believed by some, but at the 
same time there are scoffers on this 
theory who are of the opinion that 
the general public cannot determine 
between good and bad.- . '«",..' 

There are also other opinions to 
the effect that the musicians who 
make the higher standard disks and 
transcriptions would return to their 
own haunts to take up radio jobs, 
etc., rather than remain in metropol- 
itan' centers to earn their coin. 
Added to this is the feeling that if. 
small towns and medium city jobs 
were created for musicians that more 
good men capable of high perform- 
ance standards would be developed. 



♦♦♦♦♦♦»»»»♦♦♦»»♦♦»♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦ »♦♦«♦>>>> MHHH HM. 



Songs With Largest Radio Audience 

fhe fop 30 tong* of the week, based on the copyrighted Audience 
Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over Radio 
Networks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John G. 
Peatman, Director. \ 
. Survey Week of October 11-88, IH1 V 

A Fellow. Needs a OM— ♦"Allegro" i Williamson 

Aln'tcha Ever Comin' Back , ........ Sinatra 

All My Love .'. ...Harms 

All Of Me ". Bourne' 

Almost Like Being In Love— ♦"Brigadoon" Fox 

—And Miml , ; . , ............ Shaplro-B 

Christmas Dreaming Leeds 

Civilization Morris 

Come To the Mardi Gras Southern 

Don't You Love Me Anymore Oxford 

Feudin' And Fightin' Chappell 

Forgiving You , Mellin 

Gonna Get a Girl. .Miller 

I Have But One Heart Barton 

I Wish I Didn't Love You So— f'Perils Pauline" .Paramount 

I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now Marks 

Just An Old Love Of Mine C-P 

Kate : Berlin 

Lady From 29 Palms Martin 

Love And the Weather Berlin 

Naughty Angeline '. . : Simon 

Near You Supreme 

On the Avenue Leeds 

Peg O' My Heart Bobbins 

So Far— ""Allegro" '., Williamson 

Stanley Steamer ■. Warren 

That's My Desire Mills 

When You Were Sweet Sixteen Shapiro-B 

Whiffenpoof Song Miller 

You Do— f'Mother Wore. Tights" BVC 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 28. 
Jimmy Spitalny has decided that 
maybe following in the family's 
footsteps is the best thing for him 
after all so he's back in town re- 
organizing his dance band. Son of 
Maurice Spitalny, local radio maes- 
tro, and nephew of Phil Spitalny, he 
dropped the baton several months 
ago to try his luck on the Coast as 
a nitery single. 

When that didn't pan out too 
well, young Spitalny came back east 
and joined Stevens Music Company^ 
in New York as a contact man. Took 
him only a short time to discover 
that, wasn't what he wanted either, 
so he's home once more and getting 
as many of his old musicians as he 
can back together again. 

Understood he'll go into Ankara 
as soon as Raymond Scott orchestra 
winds up there. Spitalny was at the 
Ankara before going to Hollywood 
and was a big hit there. 



- The remaining 23 songs of the week, based on the copyrighted 
Audience Coverage Index Survey of Popular Music Broadcast Over 
Radio Networks. Published by the Office of Research, Inc., Dr. John 
G. Peatman, Director 

A Girl That I Remember... ,;r BMI 

An Apple Blossom Wedding Shapiro-B 

Ballerina ..-..< Jefferson 

Best Things In Life Arr Free Crawford 

Chicksaw Limited Harris 

Fun And Fancy Free— t'Fun And Fancy Free",, Santly-Joy 

Hills of Colorado .......... j, ..; .', London 

Home Is Where the Heart Is..;.........":. Advanced 

It Happened In Hawaii ' Remick 

The Little Old Mill .." ....Shapiro-B 

Love For Love ; , Witmark 

My, How Time Goes By ./..,,....... Chappell 

Papa You Dance With Me— ""'High Button Shoes". ... Morris 

Put Yourself In My Place, Baby Burke-VH 

Sipping Cider By the Zuyder Zee.....*.... .Bloom 

Story of Sorrento > ....... Pemora 

Tallahassee .... Famous 

■ -c There'll Be Some Changes Made. Marks 

Those Things Money Can't Buy , Robbins 

Too Marvelous For Words , Harms 

Two Loves Have I Miller 

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve. Famous 

Why Should I Cry Over You Feist 

tFilmusical. * .Legit Musical. 
«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦» 




Chi Music School Head 
Accuses 2 of Conspiracy 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

Rudolph' Ganz, conductor and 
prexy of the Chicago Musical Col- 
lege, has filed charges In Chi cir- 
cuit court accusing Thomas Hart 
Fisher, former attorney for the 
school, and his secretary, Betty 
Ford, of conspiring to take-over the 
college. Suit accuses Fisher of sub- 
stituting his name and his secre- 
tary's for those of college's real di- 
rectors^in corporate reports. 

Suit asks accounting of the 
school's and endowment funds and 
an injunction restraining Fisher 
from representing himself as a di- 
rector of the institution. 



Sister Rosette Tharpe is still with 
Decca Records. She was reported 
several weeks back as having moved 
to RCA- Victor. 



SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 
SMOKE! 

(That Cigarette) 

i 

AMERICAN MUSIC. INC. 

0109 Sunset Blvd., Caret Romero 
Hollvwood 46, Cal. 85 W."4« St., TX.1.C 



Our publication "CASEY JONES" 
WARNING is not a version, but is the origi- 

. rial copyrighted song, original 

in words and original in music and it lias been 
so decided in a United States Federal Court 

CASEY JONES 



Words by T I AWRENCE SEIBER" 



Music bv EDDIE NEWTON 



SHAPIRO. BERNSTEIN & CO INC Music Publishers 



1 ? 7 1 ; S n ' b A „ • N • ■ \v Y ' 



WedMescUr, October 29, 1947 



47 



Here's the LONDON Story 



FOR THAT 
XMAS SPIRIT AND 

GIFTING, GRACE 
SINGS, "THE LORD'S 
PRAYER" AND 



'BLESS THh 



vSopuUf * us ; corporation of 
fust >r Kfovernber , ,,r« 



H 0 USE. 




U - G. I.'s 



ALREADY KNOW 




I HIS Sf'Ol! 




Hr - .Dudley W iondoo- 

note. As a Xhe'boom ot «« : » 

feast"*- j;WltM*'*K- 
A nt meeting 

ft catalogs — 

S^ 82 -" «rhs were spent 
planing Upetietvce. 

listening P uD1 X, the London 
tion'»t 7 * c f^a$V.OO r 



FLINT HARD 
SURFACE GtVi < 
TWICE THE PLAY' 
-ALWAYS SOUNDS 
"JUST BOUGHT 
-NEVER A N r 
"SAND-PAPFR" 
SCRATCH 



Blue 




AN "INDIE" 
-WE'RE HERE 
TODAY AND HERE 
TO STAY. 



The London Gramophone Corp., 16 W.22 St.,N.Y.C. 





OR-4-4600 



48 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Band Reviews 



JAZS! AT THE PHILHARMONIC' 
Norman Gram, *t.c, with Coleman 

Hawkins. BUI Harris, Flip Phlll.ps 

Hank Jones, Ray Brown, Howard 

MvGee, J. C. Heard and Helen 

Humes. 
Orchestra Hall, Chicago 

"Jazz at the Philharmonic" session 
here (14) left many 1 in well-filled 
Orchestra. Hall wondering how cas, 
ual can a jazz concert get. Cole- 
man Hawkins. With top billing, sidled 
offstage twice aiirirtgs'his set and 
failed to appear for the ensemble 
closer. Norman GraiW' dashed after 
departing soloists to bring them 
back for encores, but each time V, 
was no soap and he returned look- 
ing like a man put down. Entire 
affair was marked by scant regard 
for showmanship. 

Flip Phillips, as in other recent 
sessions, is the standout, tending to 
overshadow Hawkins. Latter isnt 
at his best in a be-bop set, although 
his sax blends well with Howard 
McGee's deft trumpet. Ray Brown, 
bass, and Hank Jones, piano, 
displayed nimble, craftsmanship 
throughout. J. C. Heard overdid the 
drumming at several points, pound- 
ing out what amounted to a con- 
tinuous solo upfront on his side of 
the stage. Bill Harris worked with 
clinical perfection. ".' 

Helen Humes' winspme styling paid 
off in encores. Her choice of slightly 
purple material might po$e a prob- 
lem in musical integrity as related 
to this group. Her pop interlude in 
an otherwise non-commercial ses- 
sion got. the top hand. . 

'IHow High the Moon", came out. 
as a synthetic finale, With Heard 
heavy on stick waving and the 
other musicians in a hurry to kiss off 
•the evening as one of those things. 
Audience nevertheless was. enthusi- 
astic from the first to. last note. So 
much so that the applause smothered 
some of the better passages. 

• '• ;•: . .;;>■ x. ~ Baxt. 



VAUGHN MONROE ORCH (20) 
With Madeline Russell, Moon 

Maid* (4) .^.i • .\ J . ' 
Commodore Hotel, New York 

Coincident; with the reopening of 
its Century: Boom with Vaughn 
Monroe (his 12th run at -the spot), 
the Commodore hotel made a great 
improvement in the physical setup 
of the spot. It shifted the bandstand, 
wihch had been badly placed at the 
middle of the long, narrow room, to 
one end. This is where it had been 
years .ago. ■ V> e . ' .-jv. 

Century Boom is' tiered. As the 1 



TRULY A STANDARD ! 




■y WALTER. 6. SAMUELS 
and LEONARD WHITCOP 

SANTLY-JOY, INC. 

HI* Iroadway. Now York 

TOMMY VALANDO. Gen. fro. Mgr. 



bandstand is situated now, it occu- 
pies a position to the right Oi the 
entrance, and that simply replaces 
the first level. A second tier runs 
up and around, behind the stand. 
Looking at it from every angle the 
move is a great improvement. For 
one thing it allows a band to sound 
better since there's almost the entire 
length of the room in front for the 
sound to spread out. . : • , 

' However, there's one drawback 
to the arrangement. Speaker, which 
handles vocals' by Monroe and his 
f'emmes, is set above and slightly 
forward of the bandstand^ (and, for 
a change, it's an unusually good 
system) and it pushes the Sound only 
outward. People behind that speaker 
on both sides of the bandstand and 
behind it get. only a mumble of 
sound. It should be rearranged, 
which should prove a problem, for 
if the speakers were moved to the 
back wall, behind the bandstand 
there would be a feedback on the 
mikes. 

Be that as it may, Monroe's com- 
bination isn't much different than 
when last reviewed. It smartly»per- 
forms under almost a business mans 
bounce beat for dinner, and blows 
out, albeit a bit too loudly,, forvsup- 
per patrons. But Monroe is still the 
coverup for all that goes on. behind 
him. His vocals sell like hotcakes 
and the arrangements worked out to 
combine the Moon Maids with, his 
work are like money in the bank. 
That they- are is attested to by the 
biz being- dime at the Comrtiodore, 
with most'N.,:*. rooms off. Last 
week, the band played to over 1100 
covers Friday and Saturday (10-11) 
Which is great biz at any tune. 

Morfroe hasr a" riew girl soloist, 
Madeline Russell. She's excellent 
A warm, well controlled voice, good 
phrasing and clear diction makeber 
stand out. •-• .■: Wood, 
v/-':-.-'"' ~ - , ,• ' 

BUDDY CLARKE ORCH (U) 
With Norma, Button 
El Morocco, Montreal 

From the swank Normandie Roof 
of the Mount Royal hotel, where ne 
became a victim of the booking 
rivalry of Mae Johnson, former 
Music Corp. of America contact for 
that hotel, but now in biz for her- 
self, and MCA, Buddy Clarke has 
gone over to this new nightclub 
within two days 6t ending his Mount 
Royal run. Keeping the same excel- 
lent musical arrangements he has 
been featuring, Clarke's group gives 
out the same danceable and versatile 
rhythms. 

.Clarke has slightly changed his 
combination, based on four saxes, 
three trumpets and three rhythm, 
plus himself on violin and/or vocals, 
His four saxes can break into one 
violin, one flute and two clarinets 
for color while the three trumpets 
can add two more violins. With 
this very adept 5 combo, Clarke plays 
Montreal's -'best .dance music and 
provides experienced backing for 
the twice nightly shows. 

Clarke's musip has one quality 
its sound is unusually full- for 11 
pieces and he constantly varies 
tempo, to the satisfaction of every 
type of dancer. Over a year ago, 
Clarke was featuring with his band, 
then at the Normandie Roof, vocalist 
Norma -Hutton. He released her so 
she could lead a band of her own at 
the El Morocco, ...where Clarke is 
now." When he moved In here, dis- 
placing Miss Hutton's band, the 



singer stayed oft with him, though 
.this arrangement is only for two 
weeks. Results are happy. Miss 
Hutton is a solid performer and 
she's singing at her best with a band 
she knows well. She also duets With 
Clarke and they're aj treat. Clarke 
sings in a smooth tenor voice. Marc. 

JIMMY JOY ORCH (12) 
With Ellen White . 
Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City 

Jimmy -Joy is a vet in this area 
and • has an established following. 
This time 'he's out with a compara- 
tively new band, however, 'which 
was put together in Chi last spring. 
Crew had a swing through the mid- 
central states, and now is making- 
some of Joy's regular stands in the 
mid-west. 

A distinctive reed man himself, 
Joy's music pretty much follows the 
reed lead idea with Ave sax-clarinets 
heading the instrumentation. Band 
is rounded out with four brass, piano,, 
string bass and drums. This co- 
incides with the pattern Joy has set 
over the past 10 years here, and the 
mu9ic put out by the new assem- 
blage is of a solid beat tinged with 
sweet nature that patrons have come 
to expect of him. 

While the forte of the band is 
sweet with beat, Joy's large library 
is plentifully equipped to now, and 
then touch the novelty side. Such 
as the leader's trick of tooting* two 
clarinets at the same time, or hi* 
warbling a novelty tuner-more than 
likely an old standard. These come 
in. for major attention in this stand 
where the memory . tunes aire su> 
ways welcome. 

On vocals Ellen White is featured. 
She's a K.C. gal and is getting extra 
notice in this hometown stand. She 
works out quite often, mostly on the 
sweeter tunes, and rates a good hand 
for her moderate soprano range. 
Earl Henry and Jimmy "Morgan, of 
the orchestra, are in for frequent 
vocals, Henry on ballads and: ; Mor- 
gan On novelty; tunes. Most of the 
arrangements for the" crew are 
penned by Ray Thomas, trombonist. 

• Quin. 



B an d s at Hotel B.O.'s 



.'■ * . ■ -v ' '■' >W«ekH 

fond '; Hot*'-'' ./' •'-•"•• WaMfl 

Nat Brandwynne* .Waldorf (400; $2 )...., : .., m . * . . ? 

Johnny Long. , . . , .Pennsylvania (500; $1-$1.50) , . 1 

Ray McKinley*. ..New Yorker (400; $1-$1.50) 5 

Johnny Pineapple .Lexington (300; $1-$1.50) . . . , 50 

GuyLombardo.,.;Hoosevelt (400; $1-$1.50) ........... , .2 

Vaughn Monroe.. .Commodore (400; $1-$1.50), ........ 3 . 



Cover* Total 
'»»»* Cover. 
W*elt On IMs 

2,200. T,925 



L475 
1,250 
900 
2,400 
2,150 



1,475! 
8,425 
46,225 
16,150 « 
7,900 



* Jtun Sublon at Waldorf, Ice Show at Nety Yorker, ' 

Chicago i-C' 

Ray Heatherton (Marine Room, Edgewater Beach, 700; $i.5Q-$2,50 min.). 
Off a bit, but still hefty, 4,20ft, . , ' •"■'■-'" ■ 

Jose MelW (College Inn, Sherman, 700; $2-$3.50 min:). Several thousand 
off. Poor 3,000. * ; : • 

Ray Morton (Mayfair Room, Blackstone; 306; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Peter 
Lind Hayes and Mary Healy pulling best grosses "spot has seen in years. 
Sock 2,754. • : . 

Orrln Tucker (Boulevard Room, Stevens, 650; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Con- 
vention and football crowds total up to fancy 4,100. 

Griff Williams (Empire Room, Palmer; 550; $3.50 min.-$l cover). Pleas- 
ing 3,500. 

■ •' ' \ 

Los Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1.50-$2). Good 2,600 tabs. 
Jan Garber (Biltmore; 900; $1-$1.50). Strong 2,500 covers. 

Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

*■' '■". " • (Chicago) 

Marty Gould (Chez Parpe; 550; $3.50 min.). Mitzi Green & Jackie Miles 
brisk at 4,800. '.. .'-' ' 

Sherman Hayes (Blacknawk; 500; $2.50 min.). Week-end grosses up. 
Trim 3,300. ; % . „*' 

Buddy Moreno (Aragon; . $1-$1.25 adm.). Lush 17,500 for final week. 
Eddy Howard Monday (27). • ■'■ . 

Lelghton Noble (Trianon; $1-$1.25. adm.). Noble did well in his first 
stand in the midwest; sliek 18,000 for first Week. Trianon holds 25th anni- 
versary fete Nov. 11 for six days, bringing in two bands (Tex Beneke one- 
nighter oV the 16th). 

Buddy Shaw (Latin Quarter; 700; $2.50 min.). Biz falling by the way- 
side; very light 2,700. ■ ! ' .; .• . ' 



MeCONKEY MUSIC CORPORATION 



is proud to announce 
the appointment of 

Miss Hattie Althotf 

as General Manager 
of their New York office and 

Mr. Larry Funk 

In charge of the band 
and cocktail department 



MeCONKEY MUSIC CORPORATION 
853 7th Avenue. New York 1» 
CO. 5-7720 



Bandleaders on Boats 
Get 2d Best Coin (Capt. 
Is Tops); Ask fay Cut 

Eastern Steamship Lines, which 
conducts coastwise ocean trips out 
of New York, recently appealed to 
N. Y. Local 802 of the American 
Federation of Musicians to reduce 
its recently . established scale for 
ship-musicians. Appeal was based 
on the line's claim that the scale, at 
least, in so far , as its bc>ajs were 
concerned, made the leader of ship- 
board musicians the second highest- 
paid' man 'aboard. Only the captain 
got more coin — and he was respon- 
sible for a $3,000,000 ship, its cargo 
and passengers whereas the band- 
leader was responsible for only five 
hours of music a day. . 

Local 802's new scale for ship 
jobs is so attractive that many mu- 
sicians are fighting to get into the 
field— ^and : all want to be leaders^ 
Scale runs $110.25 weekly for leader, 
plus flrstclass accommodations. For 
sidemen, it runs to a flat $9 a day 
plus similar accommodations, room 
included. Before the' war, scales 
varied according to trip, weekly or 
monthly basis. For sidemen, it was 
$3 a day, plus lower-class accommo- 
dations. Some leaders drew only $90 
a month. 

All ship scales, incidentally, are 
now governed by the local which has 
jurisdiction over a ship'3 home port. 
I Formerly, they were uniform. 



Thornton Named To 
Hypo London Co. in U.S. 

London. Records, label recently 
established in the U. S. by the Eng- 
lish Decca company, intends spread- 
ing its activity in this country as 
widely as possible. L as t . week it 
named J. Gordon Thornton as sales 
promotion head, a post he held with 
the American Decca distributing 
outfit, which formerly was affiliated 
with the British organisation. 

London Records will distribute In 
this country recordings of melodies 
made by English , disk artists, plus 
material recorded with English 
musicians by- Tuttie Camarata, U. S. 
arranger and writer. They will be 
pressed in England by Decca, Ltd.. 
and are slated to sell in the U. S. 
for' 85c. 

Among London's initial releases, 
in this country, due Nov. 15, is, in- 
cidentally, a disking by Beryl Davis, 
now with RCA-Victor. Shf's •F , .--"- v > 
and has been here about a year. 
Others included in the 
release include Gracie Fields, Anee 
Shelton, Denny Dennis, wim 
of the background music conduetr 
by Camarata. Tunes are a mixture oi 
1 English hits and U. S. current p6ps 
mid standards. 



• > . (Lot Angeles) : 
- Harry Owens (Aragon, B, Ocean Park* 4th wk.). Wound stand with 
satisfactory 5,400 admishes. ■>'■".-• 

Alylno Bey (Meadowbrook, B, Culver City, 3d. wk.). Ended stay with 
weak 1,800 stub-buyers. Lionel Hampton, in. this frame on five- week 
ticket. . 'I .'.-•••',';', .'v "' '•':/" v : '"-,.':' 

Harry James. (Palladium, *B, Hollywood, 3d wk.),' Hovered around 13,000 
admishes, good' enough! \ . . • 



Ed Fishman's AFM Permit 
. Restored After 26 Mos. 

", " Hollywood, October 28., 
Ed Fishman had his American 
Federation of Musicians booking 
franchise restored last weeic after 
being blackballed by the union for 
the past 26 - months. Rep. Carroll 
Kearns (R., Pa.) Interceded person- 
ally for • Fishman by calling James 
C. Petrillo's Wisconsin home and 
eliciting a promise of full restora- 
tion that would permit Fishman's 
doing business with AFM musicians 
again. 

Fishman' and AFM's Local 47 had 
previously ' cleared up misunder- 
standing that originally caused the 
franchise .to be revoked, but the 
international body still refused to 
re-license. Fishman until Kearns' In- 
terest was aroused during hearings 
held. here. Fishman will be back' in 
business for himself or with an 
agency affiliation within the month. 



end. . JBert Reisfeld set to pen title 
song for Columbia's "Song of Idaho." 

June AUyson, Peter Lawford, 
Joan McCracken and Pat Marshall 
are waxing a "Good News" album 
for M-G-M label, ..Dr. Edward 
Kilenyi set to ink musical score for 
Alson Productions' "The Tender 
Years," starring Joe E. Brown. 



Music Notes 

Mickey. Rooney organizing musi- 
cal combo consisting of Jimmy Cook, 
sax, Herb Jeffries handling vocals 
and Rooney on the ivories. . .Dick 
Bradley; Tower Records chief, will 
open offices here shortly, aiming ulti 
mately at Coast headquarters.. 
Dave Bernie joined Famous as West 
coast rep... Andre Previn pacted by 
RCA-Victor ,and is in the midst of 
an eight sided album for firm. . .Bill 
Coty new Coast rep for Beverly 
Music .Starlighters pacted for Co 
lumbia's musical "Song of Idaho.".. 
Frankie Laine set for Nov. 5 open- 
ing at Paramount, San Francisco 
Sidney Miller and Inez James ink- 
ing eight originals for Donald O'Con- 
nor,. Olga San Juan, U-I starrer, 
"Are You With It?"... Dave Frank- 
lin opening Amusement Music pub 
company featuring comedy songs 
and material. . .Gina Janss set for 
Ciro's, Mexico City, at November's 



Another"PEG" 
by 

Jerry Aland's 
HARMON/CATS 




Everyone Is Waiting to Hear 

WHAT ARE 
YOU DOING 
NEW YEAR'S EVE 




BOURNE, INC., 799 -7th AVE., NEW YORK, N.Y. 



Hollywood-BILL RICHARDS and MIKE GOULD 
Chicago-AL KAVELIN 



New York— BEN BORNSTEIN 
Cincinnati-GEORGE DION 



50 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



P4S&IETf 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



On the Upbeat 



New York 

Phil Brito'sMusicraft Recording of 
"Ave Maria," entirely in Italian ... 
Johnny Blowers holding a jazz 
musician nights at his new club at 
Astoria, L. I. . . . Bandy Brooks into 
Paramount theatre, Nov. 5 or 12 with 
King Cole Trio. . . . Vaughn Monroe 
added new "Vocalist, Madeline Rus- 
sell, to his .band at Commodore hotel 
. . I William Home, classical tenor, 
signed by Keynote Records. . . . 
Beverly Music will publish all tunes 
from Dick Haymes' independently- 
produced films. . . . Sammy Kaye 
into New Yorker hotel Monday (27) 
. . . Harry Reser, former leader of 
Clicquot Club Eskimos,— of early 
radio, signed by Apollo Records as 
head of, novelty disk division. . . . 
Claude Hopkins' new quartet and 
Rena Collins signed by Rainbow 
disks. . . . Eddy Howard set up own 
music publishing company, calleB 
Lake Shore Music. . . . Chappell 
Music took "Say Something Nice 
About Me" from Sammy Stept. 

Chicago ■ 

Al Jarvis, Hollywood disk jockey, 
here on first lap of vacation. ... ,A1. 
Johns, now' at Stork Club, Council 
Bluffs, closes into Baker hotel, Dal- 
las, Dec. 1.. ..Ray Anthony on col- 
lege date- series including Miami 
U., Oxford, Ohio, Nov. 15 • .. Sonny 
Dunham also in college territory; 
at Carieton, Northview, Minn., Dec. 
13... .Jimmy McPartland back into 
the Brass Rail after a month's lay- 
off due to illness"; . . .Bob' Thiele and 
Ray Bloch, brass hats for Signature 
records, in for week-end, enrcute'to 
Coast for recording- session with 
Connie Haines.... Ed (Jack,, the 
Bellboy) McKenzie in from Detroit 
. ; . .Nellie Lutcber - makes her first 
midwest appearance at the . Regal 
theatre, week of Dec. 5, with Dizzy 
Gillespie orchestra... Leo Diamond 
here for disk cutting, date at Vita 
coustic. . . .Ros Metzger, Ruthrauff &; 
Ryan v.p., penned "When You're 
Far From Home;" being introduced 
by". Frankie Carle:., .Dave LeWin- 



Tkaf Certain Party 
HYa Uttesoiite 



ter,. at Pump Room, signed by 
Standard Radio Transcriptions.... 
Buddy Robbins, son of Jack Rob- 
bins, here conferring with Erwin 
Barg. . , Dick Bradley of Tower Rec- 
ords to Hollywood for organization 
purposes. .. .Jack Carroll, recent 
Vitacoustic signee, waxing four sides 
. . Joe Callan, head of the one- 
night department at Frederick 
Brothers, resigned last week, and is 
enroute to California. No replace- 
ment set. . . .Freddie Nagel into 
Chase hotel, St. , Louis, Dec. . 12-31, 
when he will be joined by Skitch 
Henderson as. a double New Year's 
Eve lure. . . .Gay Claridge returns to 
LaMartinique, Chi., Jail. 1 for second 
tinje in four months . . .Ray Robbins 
into the Peabody, Memphis, New 

Year's Eve After.closing Palmer 

House, Dec. 24, Griff Williams sked- 
ded for midwest one-night tour...; 
Art Tatum's orch into the Club De- 
tour, outlying Chi nitery. . . .Leigh- 
ton Noble into the Hotel Schroe- 
der, Dec. 2, with Russ Morgan set 

Dec. 23 Jack- Fina into Casa 

Loma Ballroom, St. Louis, Dec. 3-18 
, .Sherman Hayes bows Christmas 
Eve at MUehlebach hotel, Kansas 
City. ...Buddy Moreno inked into 
Claridge, Memphis, Nov. 21, followed 
by two weeks at Southern Hills ho- 
tel, Tulsa, Dec. 20. 



Wilson's sepia combo set for week 
of Nov. 18 at Million Dollar. . . .Stan 
Kenton last week started cutting 
new jazz album, "Prologue 80116,!* 
for Capitol, in between one-niters 

in this territory Peggy Lee, who 

entered hosp last week for kidney, 
ailment checkup, told by medicos to 
lay off for a month. 

Kansas City 

Dorothy Hacker in. third week on 
organing' at .Putsch's 210 in the 
Plaza; Henry O'Neill, local lad, is 
completing five months at the piano 
in the same spot. . .Jeanie Leltt back 
at Stubb's after trip to New York 
and stint on the "Big Break" radio 
show, . .Phil Levant orchestra closed 
but a short stand at the Pla-Mor last 
week . . Spike Jones' troupe brought 
in as the send-off attraction at the 
annual American Royal Ball in the 
Muny Auditorium last week... Jerry 
Biesen new Hammondist in the 
Tropics. . .Dee Peterson orchestra 
continues long run af Southern Man- 
sion . .Tommy Juneau orchestra into 
the Penguin Room of the Continental 
hotel; Arlene Lund has. taken over 
the solovox in the Omar Room . . 
Don Tiff and Jimmy Campbell band 
at Scotty's. 



I Never Knew 



Oh How I Miss 



That 03d Gang 
of Mine 



BOURNE, INC. 

79* Seventh Avt. 

Hfw -f #rH- 



Pittsburgh 

Three Loose Nuts replace Johnny 
Kaye trio at Oasis' Tropical Bar on 
Monday (3) . . . Lawrence Welk re- 
turns to Bill Green's, Nov. 7, follow- 
ing Tommy Carlyn band . ... Nuff 
Rey Quartet into the Hollywood 
Show Bar for a run . . . Dizzy Gil- 
lespie into Savoy Ballroom Nov. 7 
- -for one'night stand . . . Raymond 
Scott-opened indefinite stay at An- 
kara Monday 127). It's a return en- 
gagement . . . Pianist Joe Lescak 
still ailing, so Harry Waiton con- 
tinues to pinch-hit with Billy Cati- 
zone's orchestra at Terrace Room 
. .. . Walter Gable band had its op- 
tion picked up at Bachelors Club . . . 
Teenie Trent switched back from 
Mercur Music Bar ■ to , Carnival 
Lounge as piano soloist. • 



Hollywood 

Woody Herman has secured re- 
lease from Jan. 1 week booking at 
Million Dollar theatre,' L. A., so he 
can cinch date -at Palladium Ball- 
room here, starting Feb. 10. Maury 
Cohen, -Palladium op, demands that 
names playing for him do not play 
Within 60 miles for 60 days prior to 
setting up at Palladium. .. .Lyle 
Thayer, local rep of Mus-Art, on 
growl through Pacific Northwest. 
MCA hawking Les- Brown for one- 
niters hereabouts, asking $1,000 per 
against usual 60% Barbara Nel- 
son, femme sax, formerly featured 
by Boyd Baeburn, broke in as leader 
of 15-pigce crew, otherwise all- 
male, at Glendale auditorium Sat. 
(25): Benny Carter arranging for 

outfit Mission Beach, San Diego 

ballroom, now housing a walkathon 
for eight weeks. City laws prohibit 
billing of word, "walkathon,'* 1 so 
event is being plugged as "speed 
derby" .... Sterling Young into 
Aragon for a week . .. . . Hal Pru- 
den starts stand at Flamingo, Las 

Vegas, Nov.. 6 Tex Beneke inked 

for Uniyersal-International short; to 
be lensed just before band, blares 
into Palladium Dec. 23 . ..Gerald 



PARIS PUBS BOOST ALL 
SHEET MUSIC PRICES 

Paris, Oct. 14 
Price of sheet music here, after 
a music publishers' meeting, was 
7upped from 10 to 15 francs (16c) 
for small size, and. from 30 to 40 
francs (35c) for piano accompani- 
ment. 

It's pointed out that though cost 
of living has multiplied by about 
15 times the price of music had only 
gone up about five, times. 

Best sellers ■ here are Charles 
Trenet's "La Mer," Vandair and 
Henri Betti's "Regiment des Man- 
dolines," Jacques Balute and Loui- 
guy's "La danseuse est Creole." Also 
doing well. Guy Lafargue's "Petit 
Cousin" and Edith Piaf's "La vie en 
rose." 



Inside Orchestras-Musk 

Igor Stravinsky's move In adapting an excerpt from his "Firebird Suite" 
to a pop tune which Leeds Music is publishing as "Summer Moon" was 
motivated for the purpose of increasing his income via the jukebox and 
other modern media. But his sudden switch from the realm of serious 
music brought Leeds a wealth of publicity in top sheets of the nation's 
press—rare, indeed, for music stories. 

Stravinsky's yarn hit the front page of the N. Y. Times Thursday (23)." 
The same afternoon the N. Y. Sun placed the piece on page one while 
Sunday's (26) N. Y. Herald Tribune carried it on the first page of its 
second section. This week there are stories scheduled for Life, Time, 
Newsweek and Pathfinder. Original release also was widely printed in' 
key city dailies through the country. . 

As an indication of what publicity can do tor a song, Leeds has had 
calls from many of the ad agencies, and signs even point v to some 
plugs from one of the big symphony orchestras. Most shows plan to pro- 
gram "Summer Moon" together With "Firebird Suite," from which it was 
derived. Leeds' publicist Arnold Shaw handled the ballyhoo. 



There seems to be quite a disagreement over the expected resignation 
from Frankie Carle's orchestra of vocalist Marjorie Hughes, his daughter. 
Several weeks. ag«, Vabihtv was advised by Carle's handlers that the 
singer, who's married to Hugh Backenstoe, pianist understudy to Carle, 
was quitting the band to return to the family home in California to 
await the birth of her. first child. Now Carle and his handlers can't 
understand the item, it's flatly denied that Miss Hughes is leaving for 
any reason.- '• ., 

Idea of suggesting recordings for performance on disk jockey shows, 
which V*RiKrr began doing, some time ago, as part of George Frazier's 
disk reviews, may or may not be the source, but at least one press 
agent in New York is incorporating the thought in press releases for his 
clients. Milton, Karle, who handles the plugging for most or all of the 
artists managed by Carlos Gastel, is getting but . weekly releases to which 
are added "suggested records" for disk shows. Releases go to almost 
every disk jock in the country and, of course, cover only those artists 
with ' whom Karle is concerned 

With Mickey Mangano rejoining band last week, fommy Dorsey now 
finds himself with s|me crewmen, with exception of three rhythmen, 
that he had last year When he disbanded in mid-winter. Clarinetist Buddy 
Di Franco and tenor sax Boomie Richmond jumped back into old chairs 
just before Mangano reappeared. After breaking up in N. Y., Dorsey 
re-formed in Hollywood in May for summer-long stand at his Casino 
Gardens. He started with new faces, but gradually the vets drifted back 
one by one, gravitated probably by the solid skein of dates Dorsey had 
lined up (he's booked into February). 

San Antonio seemingly has become the guitar-strumming center of the 
nation. At. least that is the consensus of dealers here, who have been 
supplying an unprecedented demand for the instrument from the youth 
of the city, especially on the Spanish speaking west side. 

It is estimated by one dealer that there are 550 boys from seven to 17 
years of age in the western section twanging strings. Since the first of 
the year he has sold 216 guitars, 



RICHARD 




MUSICAL 

ABRACADABRA 

A SMASH HIT! 

(Sec Page 35) 



Best British Sheet Sellers 

. . (Week Ending Oct. 23) * 
' " . London, Oct. 24. 

Now Is the Hour K".'-Prowse 

11 Sorrento , Ricordi 

•• Little Old Mill ~ ...... Dash 

Danger Ahead: Yale 

. . I'll Make Up For Everything , Maurice • 

• ' First Love Last LoVe Dash 

Guilty F- D . & h. 

Chi-Ba-Ba Sun 

Old Spanish Trail Maurice 

I Believe ; Morris 

Garden In the Rain Connelly 

That's My Desire... Feldman ' 

Second 12 

Mam'selle ; F. D. & H. 

y, Apple Blossom Wedding Connelly * 

.. People Will Say .: Williamson 

; • Lpvely World and You Cinephonic 

Anniversary Song .' Connelly 

Sun In the Morning . Berlin 

Souvenirs .' Wright 

Donegal Leeds 

Heartaches .... ...Connelly 

What a Beautiful Morning Williamson 

They Say It's Wonderful Berlin 

Mia Canzione d'Amore ' Feldman 



Everyone in town knew 

all about her, 
Neighbors used to pass 

her with a frown. 
They would point her 

out 

And tell you things 
' about 

THE 

WILDEST 
GAL IN 




YELLEN & FAIN 
Chat. Ross, Gen. Mgr. 
131 W*st 52nd St.. N. Y. C. 



Philly Grid Star Signs 
To Cut Vocal Disks 

Philadelphia, Oct. 28. 

Bosh Pritcbard, star halfback of 
the Philadelphia Eagles, has em- 
barked on a career as a crooner. 

Grid star has signed up with Tune- 
Disc Records, a local platter outfit, 
to make a series of platters. Guy is 
a southerner and with an okay bari- 
tone voice. A couple of local niteries 
are interested in signing him after 
the grid season is finished. 



Torme Into Sherman, Chi 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 
Mel Torme, current at the Para- 
mount, N. Y., has been signed for 
four weeks at Sherman hotel, Chi- 
cago, starting Nov. 21. 

Singer will get flat $1,500 per 
stanza, figure he currently is get- 
ting at Broadway showcase. 



Gay Lombards is passing up the 
International speed boat regatta 
scheduled to be held Nov. 8-9 at 
Guadalajara, Mexico.*" 



MUSIC PUBLISHERS HOLDING CORPORATION 

announces the appointment of 

JACK McCOY 

' as 

Director of Standard Exploitation 
for the firms of 
M. Witmark & Sons — Harms, Inc. 
Remick Music Corp. - Advanced Music Corp. 
New World Music Corp. 

~ • • RCA ILDG<— ROCKEFELLER CENTER 
NEW YORK 20. N. Y. 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



ORCHESTRAS-MUSIC 



51 



Tou Won't Lose With 
Me/ Kenton Tells Ops 
And Really Means It 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Stan Kenton has been delighting 
one-nite promoters along the Coast, 
where he is winding up a skein of 
25 dates by telling ops that "no 
promoter will lose money with me" 
and offering to reimburse, at least 
partially, dance-tossers for any coin 
losses incurred On .his dates. 

Upstate, where he played several 
towns for promoter Al Bamford, re- 
portedly Kenton lost promoter some 
slight coin in one spot and imme- 
diately told Bamford if he did not 
recoup loss on following night, Ken-- 
ton would dig it out of his own 
pocket. Bamford got even without a 
donation. 

Last week Kenton had worst date 
of tour, a shot for Marty Landau 
in San Bernardino, which -drew 
fewer- than 1,000 customers at $1.25 
net admish. He made Landau same 
promise, and also made up the 
promoter's loss when he jumped to 
Long Beach and packed the muny 
auti for Landau. 

Undoubtedly, Kenton is most pop- 
ular of all name batoneers with 
Coast promoters, who gave him his 
first start in the band biz. For a 
big outfit he has been asking rather 
small guarantees, $1,500 in most in- 1 
stances, occasionally $1,750. 



Kenton's 5G Concert 

Pasadena, Oct. 28. 

Stan Kenton band grossed $5,300 
at a jazz concert here last week pro- 
moted by KFWB disk jockey Gene 
Norman. At top of $3.60, one-niter 
was a near-sellout. 

Booked at $1,500 guarantee against 
50% cut of proceeds over $3,000, 
Kenton emerged with about $3,000 
on the date. 



Schall, Prima Part 

Max Schall, personal manager of 
Louis Prima,, quits the band business 
as of Saturday (1), when his agree- 
ment with Prima expires. He's go- 
ing into a tailoring business with a 
tailor who's been making his clothes 
for the past couple years/ He's now 
on tt^pro,wl for space to set up shop 
in New York. 

Schall- has been with Prima for a 
year. Before that he was manager of 
Charlie' Spivak, Claude Thornhil? 
and, years ago, of Buddy Rogers. For 
a while he was in music publishing, 
too. 



If It's True 

M "'» BroB. (Decca 25884) 
Johnny Desmond-Pace Cniuuuugh Triol 
- (Victor 20-2318) 1 
Cootie Williams (Majestic 1165) 
■Art Mooney (jf.G.M. 10092) 

Tonight You 
Belong to Me 

I.eo ninmnnd's Harmonica Hit 
. (Vltncoufitlc 11B) 
• 

Bfc _k and Blue 

Vrunkic I,nlne (Mercury No. 102«) 

MILLS MUSIC, Inc. 
1619 Broadway New rork 



15 Best Sheet Sellers 



Title 

NEAR TOU 

YOU DO 

I WISH I DIDN'T LOVE YOU.. 
APPLE BLOSSOM WEDDING.. 
WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER 
WHEN YOU WERE SWEET 16. 
WHIFFENPOOF SONG ....... 

LADY FROM 29 PALMS ...... 

FEUDIN' AND FIGHTIN'. ..... 

I HAVE BUT ONE HEART... 

PEG O' MY HEART 

AND MIMI 

KOKOMO, INI) '.. 

FREEDOM TRAIN 

CIVILIZATION 



(Week Ending Oct. 25) 
Writers 



Publisher 

(Francis Craig-Kermit Goell) Supreme 

(Joe Myrow-Mack Gordon) ; BVC 

(Frank Loesser) Paramount 

(Nat Simon-Jimmy Kennedy) Shapiro-B 

(Will M. Hough-Frank Adams-Joseph E, Howard) .... Marks 

(James Thornton) Shapiro-B 

(Meade Minngerode-George Pomerojy-Tod Galloway) . Miller . 

(Allie Wrubel) Martin 

(Burton Lane-Al Dubin) . A Chappell 

(Johnny Fdrrow-Marty Symes) ..Barton 

(Alfred Bryan-Fred Fisher) Bobbins 

(Nat Simon-Jimmy Kennedy) Shapiro-B 

(Joe Myrow-Mack Gordon) BVC 

(Irving Serlin) Berlin 

(Carl Sigman-Bob Hilliard) .... .-. Morris 



♦ ♦H t MHMM»MH I HMM I H»MftMMMMMIM»MHM))HMM I MM»MM " 



COL. H'WOOD PLANT TO 
START PRESSING JAN. 1! 

■ Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Columbia Records' new plant here, 
which has been under construction 
for almost a year, is slated to begin 
pressing on, of all times, Jan. 1, 
when the American Federation of 
Musicians ban against disking by its 
members is to take effect. Exact 
production capacity of the new 
plant is undisclosed. 

When the building is completed, 
Columbia Hollywood branch execu- 
tives will have offices in the plant, 
and living quarters for visiting execs 
are provided for in the new struc- 
ture. 



Oatune Brothers Cancel 
Dates on Father's Illness 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Three oatune bandleaders, Bob, 
Luke and Johnny Lee Wills, have 
sidetracked their combos temporarily 
and late last week hurtled -to bed- 
side of very ill father in Tulsa, Okla. 

Bob Wills will rejoin his orchestra 
here by Friday (31), he hopes, when 
crew starts |hre6-day stand at Arar 
gon ballrooiiji, Ocean Park. This is 
first time, incidentally, that that site 
has 'booked a cactus-chanting crew. 
Luke Wills' outfit has been ensconced, 
in a local western dancehall. Johnny 
Lee Wills constantly plays Texas- 
Oklahoma territory. 



Pitt's Femme Disk Jock 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 28. 

Pittsburgh's first femme disk 
jockey is 20-year-old Betty Xou Pur- 
vis, ' daughter of Maestro. Jack Pur- 
vis She's been taken on by the 
town's newest station, WPGH, which 
finally took to the air a week ago 
alter several delays. 

Gal gqf. her jockeying experience 
in Oil City, Pa., where she also did 
some radio continuity writing earlier 
this year. She spins platters on 
WPGH every week-day 3:30 to 4:30. 



Latin American Music Society, 
Inc., was chartered as a non-profit 
membership corporation in New 
York last week. 



I'M A LONELY LITTLE PETUNIA 

(IN AN ONION PATCH) 

LAWRENCE WELK — Decca 
TWO-TON" BAKER— Mercury TOMMY TUCKER— Columbia 
THS HAPPY GANG — Victor HARMON AIRES — Embassy 

TOMMY TUCKER— Lang-Worth LAWRENCE WELK — Standard 

RYTVOC, INC., 1585 B' way, New York 19 

The House of "CHOO CHOO CH'BOOG/£" fame 



Caceres to Ciro's 

San Antonio, Oct. 28. 
Emilio Caceres, local violinist and 
a member of the WOAI staff band, 
has signed a contract -to- open at 
Ciro's, Hollywood, Nov. 25 fronting 
his own band. According to Caceres 
the band will be composed mainly of 
Los Angeles musicians with a few 
local men. Mike Hettler, a local 
singer, will be vocalist. ' 



Indie Diskeries Mulling 
South of Border Trek 
To Beat Petrillo Ban 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Independent, record companies in 
this locality plan to fly south of 
the border for recording sessions if 
the need should arise. Some of the 
indies are already in possession of 
Mexican studios due to their pro- 
duction for Mexican population here. 
Others are busy lining up record- 
ing space of any description. 

In the meantime, disk firms are 
invading every available recording 
studio in an effort to pile up mas- 
ters for anywhere from six months 
to five years. 

Coast and Variety record labels 
have been caught shorter than the 
majority of indies. Variety label 
has only 12 un-released masters, four 
of which have already been pressed 
and are ready to go. .Firm, hopes 
to get 24 new masters in backlog 
within the next two months. B^th 
companies will go into Mexico ff 
necessary for Latin tunes and 
American pop ditties . by Mexican 
artists. Coast is currently worried 
as its talent is on p. a.'s. 

Some Way Ahead 

Bill McCall's Four Star label is 
over a year ahead with some 300 
masters- while Aladdin's backlog is 
claimed is extensive enough to cover 
between four and five years. Alad- 
din records spiritual groups without 
instruments which may be waxed 
and released at anytime. 

Exclusive and Modern diskeries 
both have two years of masters 
stashed away. Modern will make 
use of every available .hour to cut 
its • seven leading artists and will 
also go back over old discarded mas- 
ters to see what can be salvaged. 

United Artist comany, which has 
11 disk labels under its belt now, 
is waxing at top speed and expects 
to have enough masters for a year 
and a half coverage. John Clein, 
United Artist head, stated that they 
will slice in Mexico if need be. Com- 
pany has studios there already. 

Some indie companies stated that 
when they can no longer hold their 
breath, they .will delve into a full 
bag of tricks. Aside from waxing in 
Mexico and other foreign spots, they 
Will use the non-union musicians 
and union musicians under aliases. 



KAYE TO ADD CHORUS, 
ACTS FOR CONCERTS 

Sammy Kaye has come up with a 
new idea in bookings for his band". 
He intends to work a couple of 
weeks of- concerts early next spring 
on the theory that there are many 
listeners of his "So You Want to 
Lead a Band" and "Sunday Sere- 
nade" air shows who don't go to 
dances or to theatres. He figures 
on adding a vocal chorus and acts 
to the entertainment already in-, 
eluded in his outfit. 

Dates will be set up beginning 
eariy in March, immediately fol- 
lowing his Capitol theatre, , New 
York, run. Thereafter, he will head 
into the southwest, playing theatres 
and one-nighters, a territory his 
band has never before worked. 



AFM Local Head Sues 
Hotel Over Fire Injuries 

Mt. Vernon, O., Oct. 28. 

Arthur E. Streng of Columbus,- 
president of the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians local there, last 
week (16) filed suit in Knox County 
Common Pleas Court against the 
Packard Hotel Co., seeking $20,369 
for personal injuries and loss of be- 
longings in a July 17, 1946, fire at the 
Hotel Curtis. 

Suit is the first damage claim to 
reach court as result of the fire f 
which injured 11 persons, routed 61 
guests and partially destroyed the 
building. 



Song. Suit Settled 

Suit and countersuit involving the 
ownership of a tune, "Just in Case 
You Change Your Mind," have been 
discontinued according to papers 
filed in N. Y.- Federal court last 
week. 

Action was brought by Herman 
Lubinsky and the Savoy Music Co. 
against Leeds Music. Lubinsky 
claimed the writers of the song had 
assigned him publishing rights in 
1945 and later made a deal with 
Leeds. 



Irving Fields Asks 
Apology of Pluggers 
For 'False' Accusation 

Irving Fields, whose baad at the 
Crest Room, New York, was last 
week marked "unfair" and out of 
bounds to members of the Music 
Publishers Contact Employees union, 
has objected sharply to the organi- 
zation's action. In a letter to the 
MPCE by his attorney; Fields de-. 
manded that the union "publicly re- 
tract and apologize" for a charge of 
"unethical practices" filed against 
him by MPCE members. He asserts 
that the charges against him are 
"without basis in fact" and that they 
form a "libelous accusation."-! 

Fields deemed it unfair of the 
MPCE to put its mark upon him 
without first giving him an oppor- 
tunity to defend himself. MPCE's 
rap was handed out upon testimony 
of its members, and Fields was not 
asked to give his side of the story; 
He feels that whatever charges were 
made against him"were not sufficient 
to justify the MPCE's action. 

Meanwhile, the MPCE, which had 
previously banned members' attend- 
ance at Herman Shubert's Pelham 
Heath Inn, in suburban N. Y., on 
similar counts, is planning other 
moves; It has been temporarily de- 
ferred, however, due to the eye op- 
eration performed last week in N. Y. 
on prez Bob Miller; He's now 'okay, 
incidentally. > . 



A.K. Diskers' Social Org 

■ Vinton, Va., Oct. 28. 

A new organization, with a show 
business flavor but on an entirely 
social basis and without any com- 
mercial angle, is now in the mak- 
ing here—the Assn. of Pioneer Re r 
cording Artists and Record Collec- 
tor^. . '■ .' . 

Idea for .the group sprouted re- 
cently with Johp Bieling, former 
Victor and Edison singer. Sponsors 
say they want to get in touch witli 
as many pioneer recording artists as 
possible, meaning those who were 
making records before electrical re- 
cording was introduced in 1925, and 
invite them to take part in the one 
or two-day get-to-gether which. 'will 
be held in September, 1948. 



ABE OILMAN 

SUGGESTS FOR YOUR PROGRAM 

YOU'RE A 
SWEETHEART 

Music by . . . 
JIMMY MeHVCH 



BOBBINS 




MARVIN FISHER ANNOUNCES THE REVIVAL OF THE ALL-TIME GREAT SONG 

D A R D A N E L L, A 

With Top RECORDINGS % by TOP ARTISTS 



BUNNY BERRIGAN— Victor 
RAY BLOCK-Signature 
LES BROWN-Columbia 



HERB FIELDS— Victor 
JACK FINA-Mercury 
MORTON GOULD-Columbia 



THE HARMONICATS— Universal 
MILT HERTH TRIO-Decca 
KORN KOBBLERS— M-G-M 



BORRAH MINEVITCH— Decca 
VAUGHN MONROE— Victor 
THREE SUNS-Victor 



RAY BLOCK— World 



TRANSCRIPTIONS 

Mum* GUY LOMBARDO— World 

Lang-Worth 

FRED FISHER MUSIC CO., Inc 



RAY BLOCK- 
BEN SELVIN— Muzak 



LENNY HERMAN 

1619 Broadway, New York 19, N.Y. 



ALVINO REY — Capital 



52 



VA1TBKVIIXJK 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Natl Tavern Assn. Sets Up Fund To 
Combat Drys at AX. Annual Confab 



Atlantic. City, Oct. 28. - 

Alarmed at the many local option 
contests which are forcing taverns 
out of business, members of the Na- 
tional Tavern Assn. at its final con- 
vention session here last Friday (24) 
voted for a special fund to be used 
to combat dry organizations through- 
out the U. S. 

Another resolution voted by rep- 
resentatives from 26 states, called on 
Congress to assign "proper authori- 
ties" to make a continuous check on 
grains and other foods destined for 
foreign markets to see that they 
reach their proper destination. The 
convention supported the voluntary 
food saving program and the Citizens 
Food committee. 

In earlier sessions they heard from 
Vice-Admiral F. E. M. Whiting, of 
New York City, president of the Li« 
censed Beverage Industries, Inc., de- 
clare that while the 60-day shutdown 
of production in distilleries, which 
started Saturday, would cause some 
disruption in the industry, it would 
create no. hardships for the people. 

Whiting said there was enough 
whiskey on hand to carry over this 
period. At the same time James J. 
Donovan, of Norwood, O., the Assn's. 
president, advised cafe owners not to 
get panicky over the shutdown and 
warned them against "over buying" 
of whiskey. 

Donovan declared that while there 
would be no liquor shortage if the 
shutdown lasts only 60 days or six 
months. "There is a stark feeling that 
this may be just the beginning and 
where it may lead no "one can say," 
he .staled. . 

Whiting warned the tavernmen 
they must help eliminate the causes 
of adverse opinion toward the alco- 
holic beverage industry in. order to 
stave off further prohibition gains.^ 

Cole Trio's 5G at N.Y. Par 

V Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

King Cole Trio" has. been booked 
for a stand at the N. Y, Paramount, 
starting Nov. 12 at a flat $5,000. per 
stanza. Booking is for three weeks, 
with option for two additional. 

It option isn't plucked by the Par, 
cbmhb /will open at the Latin Quar- 
ter, Cincinnati nitery, on Dec.: 5. 



COMEDY PATTER 

For Att Branches erf Theatricals 

FUN-MASTER 

"lit Show la Gog Fll." 
No*. 1 to 22 @ $1.00 ea. 
. (22 for 518.00) 

10 PARODIES for $5.00 
"How to B* an Emcte" 

$3.00 Including 2 Gag Filet ' 

Sent! for list of material. naradirH, 
conicdv soiirs. minstrrl bits— bllllk- 
ottts, skits, etr. 

: WO C.O.ll'e 

PAULA SMITH ~ 

200 W. S«U St.. New York 19 



Hub Censors Crack Down 
On Martha Raye's Act 

Boston, Oct. 28. 

Death of Martha Baye's mother in 
Hollywood last week interrupted & 
censorship free-for-all in the Hub's 
Latin Quarter. Star's routine had 
been oo-ed by the Boston Licensing 
Board and „• found not acceptable. 
Members of the Board had forced 
her to revise material, omit songs, 
and had appeared at the Quarter in 
person to see to it their recommen- 
dations were enforced when star re- 
ceived word of her mother's passing. 
She finished the show and planed 
out with her husband. 

The Latin Quarter, however, is 
still in the doghouse, with operators 
ordered to appear before the board 
and explain why Miss Raye was al- 
lowed to use blue material in her 
act. 



SARDI'S, H0LLYW00B, 
WILL DROP SHOWS 

Hollywood, Oct. 28: 
Sardi's Hollywood boulevard eat- 
ery, will turrr nitery late in Novem- 
ber. 

New policy will dispense with 
late night disk jockey shows which 
have been originating from there for 
the past three months. Night spot 
will open with Harold Stern's band, 
Martha. Davis, pianist -singer and 
Lillian Randolph. - . 

y 1 

Heidi Tees New Air Idea 
With Date at L A Tauder 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Horace Heidt will break in his 
new airshow idea, which starts for 
Phillip Morris in December^ with a 
week's stand at Million Dollar vaud- 
filmer, Nov. 25. Bandleader is keep- 
ing rather mum about his radio 
show, but it will revolve around his 
newly formed orchestra and ama- 
teurs* and. will be broadcast weekly 
from theatres,, tour of which Music 
Corp. of America now is setting, 
eastward acrpss Texas. 

On the break-in here, no broad- 
cast will be made, as engagement 
will wind before either debut. Heidt 
will play Million Dollar on a per- 
centage deal, reportedly 50-50 from 
first dollar. 



Jackie Gleason Tops New 
Bill Due at Riviera, NX 

Jackie Gleason has been set for the 

Riviera, Ft. Lee, N. J., to open to- 
morrow (Thurs.). Booking calls for 
two weeks and options. Others on 
the new bill will be Larry Marvin 
and Patricia & Capella. 

The Riviera, usually a summer op- 
eration, is being kept open by Bill 
Miller, as long as business -holds up. 
It's claimed that with the current 
wave of warm weather, busmess has' 
been unusually big over the week- 
ends, which is sufficient to carry the 
nut for the rest of the week. 

Anti-Shelveyites Now 
Want AGVAConv. Held 
In NJ. Near 4A Scrutiny 

A movement is under way to hold 
the forthcoming convention of the 
American Guild of Variety Artists 
in New York instead of Chicago or 
Cincinnati as presently contem- 
plated by the AGVA administration. 

The plea for change of locale will 
be made at the next Associated Ac- 
tors & Artistes of America meeting, 
date of which hasn't been set yet. 

It will be pointed out that outside 
of New York and Los Angeles, . 
there's no appreciable opposition to 
the present administration headed 
by Matt Shelvey. In' Chicago, where 
convention was originally planned 
to be held, town is completely dom- 
inated by Shelvey as is evidenced 
by the fact that there are only seven 
nominations for the seven available 
convention delegate posts. 



Night Club Reviews 



Bandwagon Music Publishers, Inc. 

chartered in New York, with a 
capital stock of 100 shares, no par 
value. Directors: George Bell, Clin- 
ton M. Bell and Sigmund Milau, New 
York. 



JOE 



MAXINE 



MAGE and KARR 

y Currently "Toping" and Touring with 

ANDY RUSSELL UNIT 

... OPENING WEEK OCT. 30TH 

ORIENTAL, CHICAGO 

Direction: JACK KALCHEIM, 1270 Sixth Ave., New York 



MAXINE 

SULLIVAN 

CURRENTLY 
LE RUBAN BLEU, New York 
RADIO: Sundays, 3-3:15 P.M.. WNEW 

Personal Manager 
.TOSKI'H MABSOLAI8 IWBWIOB. 
\m Bronchvny • New York MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 

Suite MM • OI. 5-4034—6 



Sophie Tucker's $14,000 
From Book Sales to Charity 

Hollywood, Oct,. 28. 
Total of 55 . charitable organiza- 
tions have been presented with 
$14,435 by Sophie Tucker in the 
seven weeks of her night club ap- 
pearances in Hollywood, and checks 
for $2,000 more will be mailed 
shortly. Gifts are the result of sales 
of her book to nitery customers, 
. Organizations which have bene- 
fited from her local engagement in- 
clude United Jewish Appeal, Motion 
Picture Divisjon, $1,000; Saratoga 
Springs Cure and Convalescent 
Home, $1,000; John Tracy Founda- 
tion, $1,000; B'hai B'rith Lodge of 
Beverly Hills, $1,000; Lou Costello 
Jr., Foundation, $1,000; Duarte Sani- 
tarium, $1,000; Home for Incurables, 
Brooklyn, $1,000; Wilshire Juniors of 
Mt. Sinai Home, $500; Jewish Theo- 
logical Seminary, Hartford, $500; 
Congregation sEzrath Israel, N, Y., 
$500. 

Sisters of Monastery, $100; St. 
Joan of Arc Church, $100; Parish of 
St. James. Las Vegas, $50; Wednes 
day Guild, $50; National Amputa 
tion Chapter, N. Y., $100; National 
Council to Combat Blindness, $100; 
Solomon Research Medical Founda 
tiori, Chicago, $50; American Jewish 
Congress, $200; B'nai B'rith, Amos 
Chapter, Boston, $50; Guardians 
Home for the Aged, Beverly Hills, 
$100; Las Vegas Firemen's Benefit 
Association $100. 

Hbllywood Chapter Military Order 
of Purple Heart, $100; Temple Israel 
of L. A. $250; Disabled American 
Veterans, L. A., $100; St. John Hos 
pital Foundation, Santa Monica, $100; 
Women's Division National Jewish 
Welfare, L. A., $200; Western Jewish 
Institute, $100; Asthmatic Children's 
Auxiliary, L. A., $100; West Dalias 
Social Center, $50; Friends of Ha- 
bonim, L. A., $100; Convalescent 
Home for Crippled Children, Chino, 
$100; Sephardic Sisterhood Temple 
Tifreth Israel, L. A„ $100; N. Y. Eye 
and Ear Infirmary, $265; L. A. Veter- 
ans Digest, $20; St. Vincent de Paul 
Society, L. A., $200. 

Industrial Center Home for Aged, 
L. A., $200; Junior Auxiliary Jewish 
Home for Aged, $500; Spastic Chil- 
dren's Foundation, L. A., $200; Vista 
del Mar Child Care of L. A., $100; 
L. A. Chapter National Home of 
Jewish Children, $100; Malvinia Weil 
Children Service Guild of L. A., 
$100; Queen of Angels Hospital, $100; 
Social Service Auxiliary, U» S. Ma- 
rine Hospital, N. Y. C, $100; Valley 
Youth Assistance League, $100; St. 
Augustine's Church, Oakland, Cal., 
$100. 

Social Service Center, Phoenix, 
$100; Community Settlement Ass'n., 
Riverside, $100; L. A. Ladies Aux. 
No. 66 Jewish War Veterans, $100; 
Montefiore Home, Sydney, Australia, 
$200; Women's League for Eddie 
Cantor Camp, $200; League for 
Crippled Children, $100; Odessa 
Terein, $100; Tulchiner Relief, 
Brooklyn, $50; Chonim" Dal Society, 
$100. 



Cafe Soe, Uptown. N. Y. 

Jimmy Savo, Abbey Albert's and 
Guo Gurgel's Orchs; $3.50 minimum. 

Tliis is a repeftt date for Jimmy 
Savo at Cafe Society Uptown, and 
he'll be back again.- The little 
comic, lone act on this bill, still can 
draw 'em in, and when he gets a mob 
into a joint he knows how to hold 
'em. 

Savo's recent misfortune, wherein 
he was forced to undergo . amputa- 
tion or a leg, has had considerable 
publicity, and the general tendency, 
perhaps, may be to see him 
out of curiosity. But the curiosity's 
eclipsed the first moment he's out on 
the floor. It's entertainment that 
Savo is selling, and it's entertain- 
ment alone that socks the inob. 

There isn't much new in Savo's 
routine, but then again it seems 
there's hardly any necessity for new 
material. Inevitably there will be 
shouts for him to do his broad ver- 
sions of "Road to Mandalay," "River, 
Stay Away," or "One Meat Ball.". 
These, of course, are still Savo's 
sock standards. " 

The little comic knows pacing and 
all the little bits of business that go 
to achieve intimacy, between audi- 
ence and. performer. Only the 
exigencies of time limit his stay on 
this floor. 

Abbey Albert's orch plays well for. 
Savo, and Gao Gurgel's rhumba out- 
fit has a neat rhythm for the dancers. 

Kahn, : 



Click, PliJIly 

Philadelphia, Oct. 22. . 
Xai'ier Cugat Orch (20) with 
Aladdin; Charlie Mohacey Unit (6); 
no cover or min.; -dinners, $2.50 up. 

Cugie's a click- at the Click. 

That's the word at Frank Palum- 
bo's huge boite at where Xavier 
Cugat is playing a return engage- 
ment and packing the joint with- his 
stylized south-bf-the-border rhythms. 

The place has been specially redec- 
orated with Cugatiana — caricatures; 
banners; maracca$ on the tables and 
other gimmicks. 

Cugat is featuring an unbroken 
diet of rhumba samba music and the 
customers love it. Missing is his 
usual femme vocalist-feature. Most 
of the chirping is done by Aladdin, 
who. does an okay job. There s one 
femme in the band, a youngster 
named Norma; but Cugat keeps her 
".buried" In back of the hand. Mov- 
ing her ton front would add a 
little s.a. to the aggregation, 

Maistro's personable fronting .of 
his orchestra is, as usual, the spark 
which makes the band different from 
other Latin-tune purveying aggrega- 
tions. 

Alternating on the revolving band- 
stand is Charlie Mohacey's unit, a 
good local band. 

House was jammed when caught 
(Wed. supper). Shal. 



that he's doing the same kind of 
6 times he .did in- th« '30s, though, 
come to think of it, th« old tunes 
seem to be currying an unusual! V 
strong favor these days. A littta 
more in the current-day ballad vei/i 
is in order. . 

ThisTopm is no easy spot in which 
to work, because of its lack of in- 
timacy, and it's to Ross' credit that 
he barely requires the mike that ho 
does use. One mustn't overlook the 
fact that Ross is one of those legit 
tenors who can sing out without ever 
being classed as a crooner. What he 
must do now, primarily, is sharpen 
up his talk while introducing his 
numbers. In toto, an engaging per- 
sonality for hotels and theatres with- 
out being socko. 

Enoch Light subbed opening night 
in pacing the Stephen Kisley orch 
for Ross and the dancing. Pat Whit- 
ney is a cute little singer with the 
orch, and Sonny Weldon's band is 
the alternate outfit. Both orchs do 
okay, , Kahn. . 

Latin Quarter, Chi 

Chicago, Oct. 24. 
Phi} Foster, Day, Dawn & Dusk, 
Callahan Sisters, Harmonikings, Dick 
Hyde, Line (8), Buddy Shaw Orch; 
$1 cover, $2.50 minimum. 

' The Latin Quarter scuttles its : 
name policy with this one, switching 
to a star of tomorrow" approach 
on a trimmed budget. The Randolph 
Street nitery also is easing its mini- 
mum by half a buck and cutting the 
price of food and liquor. All of 
which" is . meant to make up for 
slackening biz. ' 

Day, Dawn & Dusk, repeating 
here after several years' absence, 
score roundly with, their song 
routines. Dusk's waggish pantomime 
and rubber-faced . mugging fetches 
ample applause for "Shortenin' 
Bread" and "Frankie & Johnny." 
Trio encores" with a revival number 1 
that had the whole place clapping 
out the beat. Their closer, "Calliope,'' 
in 'which the effect of the old steam 
piano is caught to perfection, drew 
heavy applause. 

The Callahan Sisters (2) tap out 
the usual With drive and personality', 
wearing transparent rain capes 
which they doff for boogie, rhythm 
terping that goes well. The two 
Harmonikings do a standard turn 
with a. regulation instrument and a 
kingsize job. Lad lipping the larger 
keyboard made it look extra tough, 
using, a stance favored by discus 
throwers. Pair gets its best recep- 
tion* with "Holiday for' Strings" and 

(Continued on page 54) 



Bowman Room, X. Y. 

(HOTEL BILTMORE) 

Lariny Ross, Stephen Kisley Orch 
with Pat Whitney, Sonny Weldon 
Orch; no minimum, $1 covei* week- 
days, $1.50 Saturday. 

Lariny Ross still retains a certain 
charm and the youthful good looks 
that have been among his main 
stocks in trade. Recently out of the 
Army, in which he served in Special 
Services with distinction. Ross' voice 
retains the flexibility and sweetness 
that stamped him as one of the out- 
standing tenors of radio in the '30s. 

What Ross needs right now is 
better pacing of his numbers and, 
perhaps, less reliance on the old 
standards that he uses. He's got to 
get away from the patron's thought 



PHIL FOSTER 

Nile-Life'* Newett Laff-Semotion 



"NO BOATS" 

CURRENTLY APPEABUJfl: 

LATIN QUARTER 

CHICAGO 



"Fostered by" 
$01 TEPPER, RKO Bldg., New York 20 



Parodies! Special Songs! Bits! 

* Draw from our library, one ol the 
largest, most comprehensive In 
Showblt! 

* 1048 Culalon FREE! , 

* EmIusIto material oar specialty 1 

J. & H. KLEINMAN 
25-31-K 30th Road, I. I. City 2, N. V 
- Telephone: Astoria 8-09G5 




fek THE INK SPOTS 




Currently for 6 Weeks 
London Casino, London, England 



Mgt.-UNIVERSAl ATTRACTIONS 
S65 Fifth Avenue, New York . 




Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



VAUDEVILLE 



53 



N.Y. s 802 Persists in Trying For 
Standby Coin From B way Vauders 



Situation between the major New 
York yaudfilm theatres— Paramount, 
Strand and Capitol— and N. Y. local 
802 of the American Federation of 
Musicians is currently at a stand- 
still. Officials of 802, however, ex- 
pect to get another meeting with the 
theatremen. 

Two weeks ago the theatres flatly 
refused, under the Taft-Hartley Act, 
to continue payment of standby sal- 
aries to the union when they use 
"travelling" name bands. They took 
'this attitude both , on the basis of the 
T-H laW, and on the advice of the 
American Federation of Musicians, 
which has long frowned on standby 
salary demands by locals. National 
AFM has no control over, standbys. 

On the, other hand, 802 officials 
feel that since its contracts with the 
State, Rpxy and Music Hall, which 
use house bands, run until Septem- 
ber, 1948, that the Par; Cap and 
Strand are bound to the same time 
period, "that standbys are still in or- 
der since the T-H act* isn't effective 
until those contracts expire. 

NEW HOSPITAL UNIT 
TO REPLACE JJSO-CS 

A permanent organization to sup- 
ply professional entertainment for 
hospitalized vets was insured last 

' week with the formation' of Veterans 
Hospital Camp Shows, Inc., to replace 
USO-Camp Shows when latter dis- 
bands^Dec. 31. 

VHCS has been incorporated in 
New York state as a non-profit or- 
ganization. Sponsoring organizations 

> Include theatrical unions and other 
organizations. 



EDDY 




H.if.tz of the 
harmonica." - 



Doubling 
1YMPIC THEATRE 

and - 

AVE. CLU1 

Miami Beach 

Margery W.ll.t at the Piano 
Mgt.: Ben Upset 



M 
A 
N 
S 
0 
N 



The Exclusive and Ammlng 




LAURETTE and CLYMAS 



"DANCUMORISTS" ' 
JACK DAVIES PHIL TYRELl 

Now York Chicago 



Chateau Renault, A.C., 
Reverting To Eatery 

Atlantic City, Oct. 28. 

Chateau ' Renault, which has op- 
erated as a nitery will become a 
straight eatery a,s a result of the 
purchase last week of 50% of the 
spot by Charles Horowitz, operator 
of a downtown restaurant. 

Horowitz closed place over the 
weekend and said it would be re- 
furbished and will reopen shortly as 
a restaurant sans talent. 



AGVA CRACKS DOWN 
ON CUFFO NITERY SHOWS 

Acting . on complaints that the 
Hillcrest Country Club, Kansas City, 
had been, getting talent cuffo since 
dispensing with floorshow policy, 
American Guild of Variety Artists 
has declared the spot out of bounds. 

Investigation by an AGVA rep 
disclosed that the cuffo talent is of- 
fered uhder guise of testimonials or 
benefit shows, and union is now in- 
vestigating what spots or talent 
agencies, in that area has been sup- 
plying the acts, with idea of taking 
action against the offenders. Acts 
reputed to have played dates, sans 
salary, will also come under the in- 
vestigative spotlight of the union. 

AGVA's regulation prohibit cuffo 
appearances, at other than, bonafide 
charity shows or benefits okayed by 
the Theatre Authority. It has bul- 
letined the membership on the mat- 
ter at various times, but neverthe- 
less figure performers are cajoled 
into playing these dates and neglect 
reporting such approaches to the 
union. 



Minevitch Pays Off $300 
Claim on Clubdate Breach 

Borrah Minevitch, owner and pro-' 
ducer of Harmonica Rascals, paid off 
a claim of $300 to Henry Bieben, 
agent, due to failure of Rascals to 
fulfill a club date at the Br'oadwood 
hotel, Philadelphia, some months 
ago. * 

Agent took matter to American 
Guild of Variety Artists, which arbi- 
trated controversy and held Mine- 
vitch liable for the breach. Latter 
paid off this week. 



Petit Casino Folds 

Paris, Oct, 21. 

Petit Casino, on the Boulevards, 
the last of the old type Paris vaude 
stands, is folding. A lot of Paris 
celebs got their start there. 

It was the last hall to serve drinks 
included in the admission price. 



Gypsy Markoff, accordionist-sing- 
er who just closed an eight-week en- 
gagement at the Baialajka, Washing- 
ton, opens at the Golden Fiddle, 
New York Hungarian-Gypsy nitery, 
tonight (29) for four weeks with 
options. 



RICHARD 




MUSICAL 

ABRACADA 

A SMASH HIT! 




CSee Page 3S) 



, Shirley Ross Back 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Shirley Ross, who has been in pro- 
fessional retirement for some time, 
will climb back into harness with a 
fortnight stand at Flamingo, Las 
Vegas, starting Nov. 6. 

William Morris agency now is 
digging some eastern vaude dates 
for the chirp (Mrs. Ken Dolan), 



Grade Eyes Talent 



Return to Two-a-Day 

' ... Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Lew Grade, British vaude booker, 
blew in over the weekend from Lon- 
don, on a prowl for Hollywood 
names which he can secure to ap • 
pear at the London Casino and . the 
Palladium. He is being steered 
around by agent-booker Eddie Sher- 
man, his rep in the U. S. 

According to Grade, the Palladium 
will drop its current policy of stag- 
ing spectacle musicals when ''Here, 
There and Everywhere" closes in 
January, and will revert to old 
policy of two-a-day vaude. Pal- 
ladium dropped variety shows in 
favor of long-run spectacles at out- 
set of the war. 



Martha Raye, Geo. Price 
Signed for Harem, N.Y. 

In keeping with policy of changing 
headliners every two weeks in or- 
der to keep the patrons interested, 
the Harem, N. Y„ has set Martha 
Raye, who goes in Dec. 28, and 
Georgie Price ~and Frances Faye for 
the Dec. 7 bill. / 

Myron Cohen, who starts off the 
fortnightly change policy, debuts 
Nov. 15. 



Nellie Lutcher Set For 
Vaudates at $1,750 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

Nellie Lutcher, who soared from 
a $100-a-week slot in local black- 
and-tanneries within past four 
months on strength of her Capitol 
recordings, has been inked for pair 
of vaude weeks at $1,750 a frame. 
Singer-pianist plays Adams, Newark, 
Nov. 27 and following stanza is set 
for Regal, Chicago. 

Oh Dec. 19, she starts a four-week 
run at Sherman hotel, Chicago. 



N.J. Court Nixes Refund, 
Rules 'Strippers' Employes 

Trenton, Oct. 28. 
Burlesque performers playing New 
Jersey theatres were ruled employes 
and not independent contractors by 
the N. J. supreme court last week. 
Ruling was made in the case of the 
Empire Theatre, Newark, appeal of 
the N. J. Unemployment Compen- 
sation Commission ruling which had 
declared that the strippers and 
other featured performers are eligi- 
ble for unemployment compensa- 
tion. 

Theatre had argued that since the 
peelers take no direction as to i>er- 
formance of their act, they are con- 
strued as independent contractors 
rather than employees. The Com- 
mission disagreed and the supreme 
court upheld the stale body. 

The Empire theatre had sought 
a refund of $1,745 paid under pro- 
test for unemployment contributions 
of featured performers working that 
house. 



Embassy, N.Y., Opening 

Embassy Club. N. Y., which closed 
last spring, will reopen tomorrow 
(Thursday) night. Initial bill will 
have Edwards and Diane, Paul 
Duke. Dorothy Blaine, Arleen Stone 
and Larry Funt's band. 

Room will be operated by Mur- 
ray Sass and Serge Gomez, with 
Leonard Green set as exclusive 
booker. 



Tussle Over String Section Salary 
Almost Cancels Voice's Cap, N.Y., Date 



There was trouble between Frank 
Sinatra and the Capitol theatre, 
New York, over the singer's forth- 
coming run at the house, due to 
open Nov. 13. Dispute was over the 
supplementing of Skitch Hender- 
son's orchestra, ' which will back 
Sinatra, with a string section. And 
however remote the idea of a breach 
over less than $1,500, in salaries, for 
a while there was a possibility Sin- 
atra won't play the date. It was 
all straightened out yesterday (Tues- 
day), however. 

It seems that when the Capitol 
signed Sinatra — at $25,000 guaran- 
tee weekly for three weeks plus a 
percentage deal, the first time that 
the Cap, Strand or Paramount has 
ever consented to such an arrange- 
ment—it agreed to the singer's ex- 
ercising approval oyer picture, band 
and acts. He wanted Henderson.. 
Cap said okay and bought the band 
from Music Corp. of America. What 
Sinatra forgot at the time was that 
Henderson's band, now a set size 
playing locations, one-nighters, etc., 
includes no strings. He had re- 
called the selected outfit Henderson 
conducted for him at a Hotel 
Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y., date two 
years ago. 

At any rate, when Sinatra found 
Henderson had no strings he wanted 
nine added at the Cap's expense. 
Theatre balked, but offered to pay 
half the extra cost. Sinatra cited 
the agreement, which gives him the 
right to approve accompaniment, 



etc, Cap answered that it was giv- 
ing a gross split and Sinatra should 
split tike difference. 

And Sinatra was just as willing 
to. head back to the Coast without 
playing the theatre. 



McHUGH HEADS NEW 
AGENTS' ASSN. IN PA. 

Reading, Pa., Oct. 28. 

Theatrical Agents' Assn. of Penn s 
sylvania, whose membership com- 
prises about 30 talent agents in east- 
ern Pennsylvania, has been given the 
nod by American Guild of Variety 
Artists, which will recognize it. as 
Official bargaining group in that area 
to deal in union matters. 

At meeting held last week Johnny 
McHugh was elected prexy of or- 
ganization. Other officers elected 
were Mel Sober, veepee; Ferp Rob- 
erts, secretary, Tex -Rose, treasurer. 

Other agents in group include 
Harry Cooke, Mickey Morton, Bobby 
Dease, Bob Whitman, Dan Shafer, 
Don Tinley, Bill S_chweikle, Mickey 
Kleman. 

AH had been formerly franchised , 
by AGVA under ' individual fran- 
chises at $50 per year for principal 
and $25 annually for associates. Un- 
der new setup group will receive 
franchises sans fee such as obtains 
with other recognized agents' asso- 
ciates under AGVA regulations* 



Francis Craig's Vauders 

Francis Craig, who's Bullet label 
disking of "Near You" has brought 
him into the name category, has 
been booked for his first N. Y. vaude 
date. Craig is set for Loew's State, 
Dec. 11. 

Craig precedes this date with two 
weeks at the Oriental, Chicago, , 
starting Nov. 6, and the Capitol the- ! 
atre, Washington, Dec. 4. 



"Jungle Rhumbs," recently ac- 
' quired by Leeds Music, is another 
I tune creating a disturbance on indie 

label. Artistic, Coast waxery, made 

it by pianist Gene Galian. 



Moray's Sehedul* 

STRAND THEATRE 



4 and S Shews Daily 

WHN 

Mercy's Matinee 
3:30 to 4:30 Daily 
(Direct from His Dressing 
Room at the Strand) ' 
The Morey Amsterdam Shew 
7:30 to 8:00 P.M. Daily 

WOR-Muliial 



"Stop Me If You've Heard 
This One" 
with 

Cal Tinney — Lew Lehr 
Roger lower 
Morey Amsterdam 
9:00 to 9:30 P. M., E.S.T. 
SATURDAY NITES 



CLUBS 



PLAYGOERS CLUB 
, 51 st St. and 4th Ave. 
Owner and Operator 
Entertaining Nightly 

RESTAURANT 



MOREY'S Restaurant 
151 W. 57th St. 
Owner and Operator 

SONG-WRITER 



» (Leo Feist, Inc.) 
"Rum & Coca Cola" 
"Why, O Why, Did I Ever 
Leave' Wyoming" 
"I Cain't Get Offa My Horse" 
"Just for You" 
(Theme of a Dick Haymes Prod.) 



AUTHOR 



"The Poor Man's Nobody" 
(Released April '401 
"•right Sayings ef My Wife" 
(Release Dec *4S) 



fl> 



54 



VAUBEVIIXB 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Night Club Reviews 



Continued from page 52 , 



Latin Quarter, Chi. 

the mouth harp anthem, "Peg O' My 
Heart." 

Phil Foster, who bowed Jin Chi 
last spring at the short-lived Copa- 
cabana, has a low-pressure style that 
doesn't quite get over to that part 
of the audience, accustomed to rapid 
delivery and a- screaming punch 
line. He had them guessing in his 
boss routine and results were divided 
on his standby, "Old Gang of Mine 
on the Corner." This last could 
stand localizing, which also applies 
to other parts of his material. 
Dodger fans, for ' example, get 
chuckles in the midwest as com- 
pared to guffaws back east. 

Foster's army impressions were 
■well received, along with his fa- 
miliar "What Happens When Two 
Girls Go . . ." His "Last Man on 
Earth" is a weak closer and should 
be vitaminized or forgotten. The 
situation wasn't helped by lack of 
yocks on such asides as "So much 
for ad libbing. Now I'll go back 
and die with the material." 

The new line prances, neatly in a 
Swiss bell-ringing turn and there s 
lots of flash in their Indian number. 
Strobolite effects in war dance is 
an impressive deal. Buddy Shaw 
Orch backs expertly throughout, 
with Dick Hyde supplying smooth 
■baritone vocals. Baxt. 



Havana Madrid, N. 

Corday: & Triano; Darnell 



Y. 

Bros. 

(2) , Alvarez Mera, Sacassas Orch, 
Noro Morales Orch; $2.50 rain. 

So long" as Noro Morales remains 
at the Havana-Madrid* this Latino 
emporium will have its share of 
trade. A prime draw for the 
rhumba-addicts, Morales is filling 
this room at thelate sessions, which 
gives- Angel Lopez's spot an assured 
income. . 

Consequently, the cafe "is short, 
changing its talent budgets as far as 
show values are concerned. Lopez 
is apparently working on the idea 



that out of the medium-priced acts 
there are some that are capable of 
being developed. He's currently 
trying his luck with the Darnell 
Bros. (2) (New Actsf, who are still 
to find the type of comedy that 
best suits them, since they're ex- 
perimenting with bits, of routines 
that are identified with other comics. 

Singer on this show, Alverez Mera, 
(also New A;ts) impresses as being 
a vocal' find, but has yet to pick up 
the showmanly attributes and polish 
evident' in top singers. 

The vet part of the show are 
Corday and Triano, a hard-working 
pair of ballroomers who get im- 
mediate attention with the fast lifts 
and spins and impress with many 
sections of their straight terp 
passages. Except* for some breas-in 
dates, this team has been' away fwm 
the business for some time "because 
of a leg injury to the male ht'i of 
team. Work at this show ;.oesn't in- 
dicate that he's holding back. He's 
in there pitching for good all-around 
results. • 

Sacassas does the showbacking for 
good results, but apparently hasn't 
rehearsed sufficiently with the per- 
formers, inasmuch as the crewwasn't 
prepared for encores. Jose, o 

Famous Door, N. Y. 

Roy Eldridge Orch (5), Stuff 
Smith Trio; $2 minimum. 




mm 



STRAND THEATRE 

' MEW YORK' CITY 
• *' 

* Mam»*« ro<3,t „ „'__ 

CENXCBV ARTIST 



Bool"-d by 

HARRY A, ROMM 

38 E 57th St New fern N s , 



Gowns by 

CRN EST O 

Exclusive Theatrical Creations 
254 W. Aiih St. 
N*w York NY 
Assisted by NELLY de FREITAS 



The 52d street clubs are still the 
mecca of the swing aficionados. The 
various clubs dotting that lane are 
currently offering a prize assortment 
of the various schools ot jazz rang- 
ing from Dixieland to bebop. How- 
ever, the youngsters Ajrho during 
war-days dropped big dough in 
these boites are considerably less- 
heeled these days, with the con- 
sequence that most of the business 
is done via the bar. where the mini- 
mums do not apply. 

At the Famous Door, Mike Wester 
man, who at one time operated the 
Onyx club, has two outfits that Dave 
name value on the street. Roy Eld- 
redge with an outfit comprising his 
trumpet, sax, drum, piano: and bass, 
is able to mix his numbers between 
uninhibited swing and the more 
restrained ballad offerings. He im- 
parts a great deal of vigor in both. 
Most of all, his trumpetings get'the 
biggest acclaim*. His trumpet vir- 
tuosity is the strongest feature of 
the outfit, although Ike Quebec's sax 
gets some acclaim on its own. 

In „ contrast, Stuff Smith's trio, 
with 5 leader at- the fiddle supported 
by a piano and bass, is a little more 
restrained in volume, although his 
violining. has much imagination 
and color, and gives the- impression 
that he rides along on a mood. Con- 
sequently, he swings from passages 
of Debussy's "Clair de Lune" to ex- 
tremely fast numbers. :Sniith .im- 
parts a sense of humor to most of 
his work and is a safe bet as far. as 
audience receptivity is concerned. 

Although the street, hasn't hatched 
a band in sometime, Westerman is 
considering the installation of a 12- 
piece outfit; later this season in an' 
effort to test the sector's postwar 
incubation powers. Most activity is 
confined to small units in keeping 
with the adjusted talent purses of 
the clubs there. At the present 
time, there's little call for installa- 
tion of vocalists here. This would 
mean the added 20% tax rap on 
the customers' checks. Jose. 



Bowery, Detroit 

Detroit. Oct. 24. 
Hex Weber, Dell OTJetl, Hat 
Fisher, Robert Drake & Little jeanie, 
Charles Carrer, Joanne Jordan, St. 
Clair & Durdnd, Lee Mason, Jummn' 
Jivers, Muriel Kretlom Girls. Ben 
Young Orch; $1 admish weekdays, 
$1.50-$2.50 Sat. 

The Bowery's sustained success— 
13- years— demonstrates there's still 
an audience for an oldtime family 
bill of straight vaude entertainment, 
and also that they'll come a long 
ways to see it. The spot is over the 
line in Hamtramck, a buck-fifty 
taxi ride (without tip) from mid- 
town Detroit, and until this summer 
when steel shortage cut down plant 
operations business was consistently 
capacity or near that. It's picked up 
appreciably the past two weeks. 

Mrs. Frank Barbaro now has the 
complete management. It was deed- 
ed to her in the' recent divorce set- 
tlement. She openly says that the 
thing has become too much for her 
to handle and she'd wish her ex 
would -return from the Coast, where 
he now lives, and resume tne ni- 
tery's direction. Detroit's evening- 
outers rate it as the town's liveliest 
rendezvous. It must be the special 
atmosphere in addition to that four 
and a half -hour show. The decor 
is not a far throw from that of a 
well maintained garage and the 
tables and chairs are so closely ar- 
rayed as to make it difficult- some- 
times to avoid picking up your 
neighbor's drink. 

To the vaude and nitery perform- 
er the Bowery is a verdant oasis. 
The rule is 10 acts, with a turn 
often held over for a second week. 
With a nut for the bill that runs 
from $4,000 to $10,000 the bookings 
shuttle from the standards and not 
so standards to the top boite names 
of the moment. Recent topliners 
have included Martha Raye, Cass 
Daley, Harry Richman and Har.vey 
Stone. For the current week the 
vaude tab stands close to the $4,000 
figure, with feature billing going to 
Rex Weber, Dell O'Dell and Hal 
Fisher, the m.c. The next bill will 
be headed by Ben Blue. • ' 

The Bowery'sTegulars must be of 
hardy constitutions to sit through 
that four and a -half -hour runoff. 
Acts like to play the spot because 
Of this customer aptitude for platz- 
ihg and the sustained enthusiasm 
from out front. The regular don't 
need much coaxing to join in a 
community sing and that eases the 
sailing no little for the succeeding 
acts. 



tricks as well as a ■mart «how« 

woman, r „. . ■ • 

In the vocal department Lee Ma- 
son whams 'em with his. resonant 
baritone In a repertoire of show 
tunes and standards, and Joanne 
Jordan packs that special sexy 
touch in looks and her torch num- 
bers. The dancing runs from one 
extreme to the other, the smooth 
acrobatic ballroom rhythms of St. 
Clair and-Durand and the" whirlwind 
antics of the Juuipin* Jivers, who 
highlight their act by Inducing the 
customers up onto the Stage. Rob- 
ert Drake and his midget partner, 
Little Jeanie, mix double entendre 
crossfire with impressions . of film- 
personalities,, while on the novelty 
side Charles Carrer plies 'em with a 
fast- juggling routine that entails 
mostly the use of cocktail-bar uten- 
sils and glassware. 

Hal Fisher's casual style of in- 
troducing the acts and tossing off 
a monolog blends in perfectly with 
the Bowery's atmosphere and clien- 
tele. The Ben Young orch docs a 
solid job for the runoff- and gives 
off good danceable. music. Odec. 

Stardust Room, B'kly n 

(HOTEL ST. GEORGE) • 

Walter Powell Orch (6) with 
Lynn Erroll; Min. $2, Fri., $3, Sat. 



This particular bill jells and plays 
well. Weber taxes their curiosity 
with his routine of bouncing off all 
kinds of sounds without opening his 
mouth.. Dell O'Dell heightens this 
Curiosity in, the magic department, 
proving exceptionally adept at her 



•Johnny Guarnieii will head a trio 
opening Nov. 3 at the Iridium room 
of the St. Regis hotel, N. Y. 




Saranac Lake 



By Happy Benway 
Saranac Lake, N. Y., Oct. 28. 
James Wildenthaler has been 
upped and flashing a good clinic re 
port ' 

After two and a half years of cure 
and mastering four major operations, 
Kitty Bernard left for Chicago home 
with all-clear papers. 

Jeanette Binkley in from Lancas- 
ter, Pa., spending a week's vaeash 
with her father, John Binkley, who 
is progressing nicely. 

Larry Doyle, Jr. and frau in to 
visit his dad, Larry Doyle, former 
Giant s e c o n'd baseman of yester- 
years, who is doing nicely at Tru- 
deau sanatorium. 

Dr .Homer McCleary, Will Rogers 
medico, off on a month's vacation. 

Ben Schaffer. returned to the lodge 
after spending furlough in N. Y. C. 

Marie Regan progressing nicely 
after broncoscophy operation. 

Eddie Vogt will spend 10-day fur- 
lough with the "Hank" Hearns in 
Charlotte, N. C. 

Pauline Russell tossed a farewell 
party for Kitty Bernard. Those at- 
tending were Ann Howe, Sophie 
Mede, Forrest Glenn, Sam Schulman 
and Jack Helmer. 

Among those of the profession 
who niade the grade and remained 
in business here are Anton "Tony" 
^nderson, now manager of Pontaic 
theatre and Mayor of Saranac Lake- 
Bryce Levign, bandleader; Carl 
Greaves, minstrel-tehor, manager 
Lido nitery, Plattsburg, N. Y.; Helen 
O Reilly, owner of Hollywood Dress- 
shop; Marty Fisher, manager of auto 
agency and garage; Eddie & Mar- 
garet Dougherty, Taxi business, and 
Don Stone, owner of Melody nitery. 

Lee Klimick, during the past two 
years switchboard operator at the 
Rogers, left for N.Y.C. with an all- 
clear. 

Charles Dortic of Columbia Pic- 
tures and John Rubach of Para- 
mount, in to visit Moe Gould who is 
parting up nicely. 

Thanks to Marty Lynch, Syracuse, 
N. Y., for his salute to the colony 
gang; ditto to the Dancing Knights 
of Buffalo. 

Alice Farley, who checked out of 
here with an all-clear two years 
ago, booked at the Majestic nitery, 
Lake Placid, stopped off to mitt the 
gang. 

Agnes Timmons Browning shot- in 
to bedside chat with Arthur Slattery, 
who is making nice progress. 
(Write to those that are 111.) 



With this booking it may be a 
step upward for Walter Powell and 
His Musical Funsters (formerly 
Mousie" Powell and His Musical 
Maniacs) , but its definitely a pace 
downward for the St. George's 
Stardust Room. Clothed ' in old rose 
decor with deep carpets and indirect 
lighting, this 350-capacity room 
cries for a sophisticated, subdued 
atmosphere. Instead it has Powell's 
aggregation with its musical bottles, 
musical . balloons, a trombone that 
imitates a B-29, and a host of other 
inanities. 

Partially ' balancing the band's 
corny antics is vocalist Lynn Er 
roll, who sings an. operetta selection 
plus two standards and does them 
well. However, her stint lends in- 
sufficient decorum, although it's a 
move in the right direction. Powell's 
brand of entertainment may be okay 
for nabe niteries where he appeared 
prior to his present engagement, but 
it's doubtful it will register among 
the more conservative Brooklyn 
Heights clientele this room has at- 
tracted in the past. • 

In Powell's personal bag of tricks 
are such crude' stunts as "imitating'" 
a train by blowing on a trombone 
held vertically. No novelty either 
is the time worn mimicking of 
other bands' themes suoh as Ted 
Lewis, Fred Waring, Louis Prima, 
ad infiinitum. Sax player Arthur 
Powell contribs a" novelty vocal 
of "Dinah" which is very much 
in keeping with the general 
spirit of things. He also does "Min- 
nie Moocher?' For the finale i 
Walter Powell's solo oh a trombone 
outlines of which are fraised in blue 
neon tubing. It's all very Buck 
Rogersish. 

Reportedly having had 'experience 
in light opera, Miss Erroll makes her 
bow here as a band vocalist., She's 
a pert, peaches and cream blonde 
whose chassis stands out to advan- 
tage in a black gown. Opens with 
"I Love You Dear," then encores 
with "Comin" Through The Rye." 
First number is an exhibition piece 
affording her full opportunity to re- 
veal her richly toned lyric soprano. 
Latter song, as well as "Dark Eyes," 
also points up the natural qualities 
of her voice; , 

For dancing Powell's outfit 
okay. His rythms are of the con- 
ventional variety usually found in 
six piece combos. Crew breaks 
down into three rhythm, one reed, 
one brass -plus Powell's . trombone. 
Brass man occasionally shifts to ac- 
cordion. ' 



Blltmore Bowl, L. A. 

r : (BILTMORE HOTEL) 

Los Anoele*. Oct. 23, 
Lowe, Kite & Stanlej/,~Bdb Wil- 
liams, The Ambassadorettes, Anita 
Martell, Jan Garber Orch, Vicki 
Owens Combo (4) ; couvert %1, Satur. 
days $1.50, 

This downtown hotel spot doesn't 
change its shows too often, conse- 
quently each offering has to-be good. 
Current layout is no exception. It's 
fast and laugh-loaded and manager 
Joe Faber can take another bow for 
smart booking. *■'..' 

Top spot goes to Lowe, Hite & 
Stanley who draw laughs from the 
moment they romp onto the floor for 
their takeoff on the Andrews Sisters. 
Pantomimicry aided by recordings 
is deftly handled and trio's version 
of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," 
'Sonny Boy," and, "Cow Cow Boogie," 
adds up to sock entertainment. The 
clowning is surefire. 

Crowding them for laughs is Bob 
Williams who works with a pair of 
pooches for a rib-tickling satire on 
dog acts. His canines are well- 
trained anil 'Williams is an effective 
mugger, drawing roars with his 
anguished expressions when his 
charges, fail to deliver on cue. 

Anita Martell, juggler, does okay 
With the usual assortment of hats 
and balls but patter, could stand 
some* changes — particularly refer- 
ences to being in Holly wood recently, 
since that line cuts- no ice here. 

Opener, the Ambassadorettes, trio 
of femme acrobats, gets the show off 
to a fast start. Gals are surefooted 
and have worked out some effective 
routines, particularly a brilliantly- 
timed variation on the jump rope 
routine. 

Show fnarks the debut of Jan Gar- 
ber ork here, following the 78-week 
stand of Russ Morgan. Garber can 
wobably stay as long as he wants 
;o, too. Current crew is a well- 
rounded band that's perfect for this 
type of spot and the Garber arrange- 
ments keep the floor crowded for 
terping. Softly - appealing relief 
music is supplied by Vicki Owens 
combo. Kap. 



AMA Setting Up Rodeo 

Arena Managers Assn. members 
are currently meeting in New York 
to set up annual Spring rodeo. 'Show, 
to be labeled the Lone Star Ranch 
rodeo, is likely to have Gene 
Autry as its star. 

Walter Brown of the Boston Gar 
den, is chairman of the AMA com 
mittee handling the rodeo. 



Estelle Sloane has been set for the,. 
Waldorf-Astoria hotel, N. Y., start- 
ing Dec. 20. 



From Hollywood! 




00* 



LAUGHING-STOCK! 

Something Now in Comedy Material 
for M.C.'s, Acta, and Disc Jacks 

Laughlni-8to«k Strict I ft 5 $> ». 

Rapid Flrt Routlnei (Doublet) I tt 3..$2ea. 

Milter Menoloouet I to 4 »•»■ 

Hit* and Bltl I tt 8 V 

SAM PERRY 

1650 Brtadway, New York ID. N. Y. 



PUBLICITY * PROMOTION 
MAKES A STAR 
12 WEEKS FOR $100 
Column- Plo Brttkt • Featurtt « Radlt Shots 
ttimi .« Plmt • Inttrtltws 
COMPLETE PRESS COVERAGE 
NEW YORK TO HOLLYWOOD 
EXPLOITATION ASSOCIATES 
4S4 Madison Ave., N. Tf. 17, N. V. 
Suite 1401 rjjwa 8-110% 



Concurrently \/\ 
LOEWS STATE and ^ 

Village Vonaeard, New York 

Also WIT, Television 



JAY 

•4/- 



c/o MARK J, LEDDY 

48 W. AM Street. New York 1» 



Curry , Byrd «»» Le Roy 

"BEDLAM IN THE BALLROOM" 

OpcBing Nov. 7. LAST FRONTIER. LAS VEGAS for 2 weeks 

Direction MATTS ROSEN CLUB-DATES HARRY GREEN 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



55 



New Acts 



GORDON M»cRAE 
Bongs 

15 Mins. 
Strand, N. Y. 

Already a click as a singer on 
radio network shows, Gordon Mac- 
Rae needs only that impetus supplied 
bv personal appearances to catapult 
him into- the topmost sanctum now 
inhabited by Crosby, Sinatra, 
Como, Haymes. et al. This lad has 
that extra touch of class, that magic 
spark that's needed to ignite a wide 
circle of appreciation beyond that 
of the ephemeral bobbysox faddists. 
He also records for Capitol. 

MacRae has three vital factors 
operating in his corner. First and 
foremost; he can really sing. There's 
more here than a stylistic whisper 
being amplified by a mike; Mac- 
Rae's' pipes are masculine, resonant 
and flexible over a broad enough 
range for handling of pop tunes and 
light classical numbers. Second, he's 
a glamour-boy type without the 
brilliantine. And third, he has an 
easy and ingratiating personality 
with an excellent speaking voice. 

For his current Strand date, he 
combines all three assets into a sure- 
fire vaude item. Numbers include 
"Near You," "I Wish I Didn't Love 
You So Much," "Body and Soul" 
and "You Do." Going beyond the 
torch'y ballads, MacRae also sinks 
his teeth into Irving Berlin's "Free- 
dom Train" with a vigorous rendi- 
tion that earns him a sock bowoff. 

Herm. 



BAY DOREY 
Songs 
10 Mins. 
RKO, Boston 

Having built up a strong local 
following as a radio baritone over 
WBZ-WBZA and snagged nice sales 
on recent Majestic labels, Ray 
Dorey tees off as a stage band singer 
here this week to demonstrate plenty 
Of promise. 

Backed up by Larry Flint's house 
orch, which is a good show band but 
not exactly geared to pacing a new- 
comer, he stays on the safe side 
with such of his recordings as 
"Mam'selle," "And Mimi," "Talla- 
hassee" and "Freedom Train." He 
displays an excellent and accom- 
plished baritone of strong masculine 
quality, and doesn't resort to man- 
nerism. On the other hand, at the 
moment, he doesn't register on stage 
as an individual personality. The 
only thing lacking, in short, is sock, 
and it seems with his fine stage 
presence that this is a matter of the 
right auspices rather than more ex- 
perience. For Dorey is clearly .one 
of the better vocalists of the day as 
it stands. Identified with the right 
tune — and given a wow musical 
backing — he can hit the top in a 
hurry, Elie. 



LA VERNE & JON 

Dance 

5 Mins. 

Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. - 

LaVfirne & Jon represent another 
of" the many European acts that 
have been imported to the U. S. 
since the war's end. They're sup- 
posedly from France and if their 
terping is any indication of the 
Gallic ballroom standard then that 
must be good. 

Graceful and working with . well- 
set routines, their" act resembles 
somewhat that of the DeMarcos. 
Emphasis is on fancy lifts and spins 
..but there's also considerable touch 
of the cakewalk. Too many of such 
acts make too much with the smile, 
but these two would do better to 
crack open once in a while. As it 
Is— and this is their chief drawback 
—their deadpan leads the audience 
to believe it's all a gag and that 
they'll go Into a gag routine. Ver-. 
•atility is demonstrated in three 
numbers, including a straight waltz, 
ft beguine and a can-can takeoff. 

Stal. 



ALVEBEZ MERA 

Songs 

10 Mins. 

Havana-Madrid, N. Y. 

Alverez Mera, a Cuban import 
who "has still to learn English,, is 
equipped with a powerful set of 
pipes that don't need a microphone 
to reach the far corners* of large 
niteries. He, has volume, range and 
fine tones in the upper and lower 
registers, as well as a good flair for 
interpretation. ■■ 

At this Havana-Madrid debut, he 
displays his potential with three 
numbers, which include "Granada" 
and "Yo Quiero Mucho," for they 
get cries of "ole" from the native 
elements. Since he's not yet versed 
ih English, he can't display a speak- 
ing voice and isn't able to get across 
some personality numbers that 
would aid in setting him off to bet- 
ter advantage. 

Once he learns more of American 
and showmanship, he'll develop into 
* solid performer. Jose. 



FAYE & ANDRE t 
Adagio n 

5 Mins. 

teon tc Eddie's, N. Y. 

A couple of muscled adagio 
dancers with plenty of thrills in 
the .ir routine for the' audience, Faye 
8 * S e im Press as a top-quality 
act. Fact that adagio teams have 
oecome somewhat of a rarity in 
niteries, too, lends something of a 

nV*° tfteir performance. 

They go through the standard 
Ie , a Ps and runs, but have sufficient 
faded qualities to sock them across. 
Way he dips her head within a 
hairs breadth of the floor draws 
K?P? and his one-armed overhead 
lift is neatly done. Flash finale, in 
j Which she balances horizontally 
across the back of his' neck while he 
sp * ln ? w , ith °ut holding her, gets them 
off to hefty and well-deserved ap 
tfause. Stal. 

a • 1 — 

MCK BAIN 
Harmonica 

6 Mins. 

Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. 

Former member of the "Harmonica 
Hascals," Dick Bain is striking out 
on his own in a single. Personable 
youngster, he plays a good harmon- 
ica but has nothing special to offer 
«s far as tonal quality and overall 
Virtuosity are concerned. 

Tico-Tico" gets him off to a fast 
start, with the' gag of subbing 
miniature mouth-organ halfwa 

- Jhrough the number worked 
Welt. His '"St. Louis Blues" 
standard stuff but he picks u P 
slightly on "When Day Is Dne," for 
a nice walkoff. Little more - 

: centration on achieving better ' - 
would help him immensely. StoL 



SHIRLEY POWELL 

Songs 

6 Mins. 

Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. 

Shirley Powell is a featured song- 
stress on WINS, N. Y. indie, but this 
marks her first nitery warbling date. 
A diminutive gal with a deep, 
throaty '. voice, she , surprises with 
the volume of her pipes. Her chief 
trouble is her lack of facial ex- 
pression, meaning she's okay on bal- 
lads but can't, put over a show tune 
like "Cain't Say No" until she takes 
a few dramatic lessons. . 

She tees off with "Can't Believe 
That You're In .LOve With: Me," 
which is too fast for her style. Does 
better on "Wish I Didn't Love You 
So," but loses the low notes in her 
throat. "Oklahoma!" number misses 
because it's not stylized enough. She 
has a voice, though, and will be okay 
for nitery work once she breaks 
away from her radio habits and 
learns to sell more dramatically. 
• • Stal. 



DARNELL BROS. (2) 

Comedy . 

12 Mins. 

Havana-Madrid, N. Y. 

The Darnell Bros, so far show- only 
possibilities as a singing team, de- 
spite their-efforts at comedy. 'Their 
vocals produce a good blend of har- 
mony, and if they'd stay with har- 
monies and special material songs, 
they'd possibly do much better on 
nitery floors. Their current act, 
stressing comedy, isn't too impres- 
sive. 

They have a fair set of .band im- 
personations and can mimic a good 
variety of instruments.. However, 
their panto of filmhouse patrons, 
and the section of their act which 
calls for audience volunteers moving 
lips while the Darnells do the talk, 
has been displayed with better ef- 
fect by others. 

They need a general reshuffling 
of their act before they can start 
being regulars on the class nitery 
circuits. Jose. 



PEGGY McCUE 
Dance 

5 Mins. 

Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. ' 

An extremely pretty gal with a 
pert, cleancut quality, Peggy McCue 
matcBes her looks with her fast tap- 
stering. She leads off a heavy list 
of four dance acts in the current bill 
here and gives the others a nice 
target to shoot at for honors. 

Light and plenty fast on her feet, 
she's imbued her routines with pleh- 
ty of spins and interesting arm mo- 
tions to distinguish her from the 
standard solo femme terpers. Act 
winds up with a couple of fast splits, 
deftly executed, that get her off to 
heavy applause. Definitely capable 
of making a mark for herself in any 
vaude or nitery date. Stal. 



this is their first New York nitery 
appearance, they have the poise and 
stage-presence of veterans and 
should be around for quite a while 
to come. 

With no indication that it's a com- 
edy routine, they start off rightly 
enough and then go suddenly into 
their boisterous roughstuff as he 
drops her in the middle of a lift 
on her derriere. Rest of the ac.t is 
an hilarious knockabout routine, 
with the femme seemingly taking 
plenty of punishment. For a neat 
switch at the end, she picks him up 
and lugs him off the stage. 

Couple also handles the audience- 
participation gag here, getting a 
couple from the ringside io come up 
to , dance with them. They xarry it 
off well, getting plenty or added 



laughs. 



Stdl. 



NORMANN PARIS S 
Vocal-Instrumental 
U Mins. 

Le Ruban Bleu, N. Y. 

Normann Paris Trio is one of the 
brightest new combinations around. 
Name member of the unit is the 
pianologist who gives out on the 
ivories in telltale manner, backed by 
string bass and guitar. In toto 
they're plenty OK for sound as they 
whip up "Fantasie Impromptu" in 
modern style, along with other slick 
arrangements. 

Trios of this nature frequently are 
lost in the shuffle of being service- 
able accompanists period. But not 
so Paris who, firstly, « is a stylized 
piano virtuoso in his own right; and 
in combination with his other two 
strings a zingy act that can play 
class cafes and vaudeville with 
.equal facility. They also offer "'°«-ty 
for the platters. Abel. 



SIS & SONNY ARTHURS 
Comedy Dance 
7 Mins. 

Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. 

A couple of ext.'emenly talented 
youngsters, Sis and Sonny Arthurs 
draw plenty of yocks with their 
comedy dance routines. Although 



GEORGE KREISLER 
Comedian at Piano 
20 Mins. 

Le Ruban Bleu, N. Y. 

Gflorge Kreisler is obviously a 
lammister from mittel-Europa, but 
there is nothing foreign about his 
sense of comedy. He has a fine and 
distinctive style of doing comedy 
songs with a left-handed approach 
such as "I Hate Your Guts," "Please 
Shoot Your Husband," "What Little 
Girls Are Made Of," a psychiatric 
number, and the like. A cleancut 
personality, he does his stuff with 
a pseudo-disarming naivete, broad- 
ly blinking his eyes actually, he 
overdoes that bit of business), and 
reels off a flock of novelty ditties 
that ring the bell. 

His- style is smooth, approach in- 
telligent, and impact punchy — 
which isn't bad parlay for intime 
entertainer. Kreisler is a cinnh in 
any class of boite. Abel. 



Unit Review 



Stars on Ice 

London, Oct. 23. 
Tom Arnold's presentation of ice 
revue in two parts (23 scenes). De- 
vised and produced by Gerald Palm- 
er. Features Daphne Walker, Eva 
Nykolova, 3 Rookies, Arthur Apjel, 
McKellen Bros., Adele Inge, Eddie 
Marcel, Maurice Barlow & Freddie 
Day, Bert Wright & Zeno, The Lid- 
wells, Glen Goddard. Tony Somers, 
Jean Warren, Don Viveash & Harry 
Reddy, George Mansfield Bernie 
Harris, Valerie Moon. At Stoll the- 
atre, London, Oct. 22, '47. 

This second of Tom Arnold's ice 
revues has everything — skill, life, 
color, comedy and talent plus. Un- 
like its predecessor which had a 
third of the show is straight vaude- 
vill intersecting the ice spectacle, 
this one runs entirely on skates with 
single of Bert Wright and , Zena, 
which made a break in the second 
half with their acrobatic-juggling 
turn.: 

Daphne Walker succeeds Cecilia 
Colledge as the stellar attraction 
She gives some swift varied exhibi- 
tion numbers and her comely gaiety 
makes her a pleasing personality. 

Newcomer to English audiences 
is Adele Inge from the U. S. who 
scored in intricate figures and novel 
acrobatic stunts. Next in popularity 
on the- femmes is Eva Nykolova, 
champion of Czecho-Slovakia who 
in a Scottish se.t does a nimble 
sword dance. 

Three Rookies, making their Lon 
don debut, provide plenty of slap 
stick comedy as do the McKellsjl 
brothers with a clever football coach 
routine that gets plenty laughs 
Maurice Barlow, on stilts is equally 
popular, also the Lidwells in amus- 
ing drunk characters ending with 
trick cycle stunt. Arthur Apfel 
scores in a spinning top number. 
The highlight is a badminton match 
between English George Mansfield 
and U. S. rep. Bernie Harris, who 
give an. exciting contest of three 
games including many slithering 
falls and expert skill, with the Brit- 
ish champ scoring the deciding 
match. 

The many lovely sets range from 
Old Spain to London Town in 1815, 
with the Thames frozen and the 
colorful Regency-period gowns float- 
ing gracefully, culminating in artis- 
tic snowstorm. 

A ballet Of the elements to the 
music of Grieg and Sibelius sets off 
Daphne Walker's charm as the 
Spirit of Spring and the entire com- 
pany give competent support, par- 
ticularly in a "Blue of the Night" 
vision set to Gershwin's "Rhapsody 
in Blue." 

Young starlets given opportunity 
to develop their own routine give 
a snappy trio execution of "Jive in 
a Dive" winning generous acclaim. 

Eddie Marcel is a humorous com- 
pere, and Bert Wright & Zena click 
in the solitary skateless vaude act. 
Don Viveash and Harry Reddy race 
round breathlessly in a fine exhibi 
tion of controlled speed. 

Appreciative first-night audience 
greeted show with enthusiasm and 
undoubtedly this presentation will 
equal the popularity of -the previous 
Ice Revue and statisfy Stoll theatre 
patrons for months to come. 

Clem. 



Variety Bills 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 29 



Numerals In connection with bills below indicate opening day ot show 
whether full or split week 

Letter In parentheses indicates circuit: (I) Independent; (1.) l-oewt 
(P) Paramount; (It) KKO; <W) Warner 



NEW YORK CITY 
Capital <L) 30 

Buck & Bubbles 
.1 Chesterfields 
Shep Fields Ore- 
Jane Powell 
Music Hull (I> 30 
E Talbot-Martin 
Paul Franke . 
Lucille Cummings 
Dorothy Keller 
Roeketies 
Corps de Ballet 
Sym Ore . 
Paramount <P) 2» 
Charlie Splvak Ore 
Al Bernie 
Tip Tap & Toe 
Mel Torme 

Koxy (I) 29 
Veloz & Yolanda 
Sid Caesar 

State (I.) 80 
J L & M Caites 
The Bricklayers 
Yvette 
Jack Powell 
Slate Bros 
The Appletons. 

Strand (W) 31 
Ted Weems Ore 
Gordon MacRae 
Morey Amsterdam 
The Gleans 
-. BRONX 
Windsor (I) 31-2 
Buddy Walker 
Eddie Jack & Betty 
Bob Douglas 
Gonzales Duo 
Carleton & Dell 

BROOKLYN 
Flntlmsh (it) 31-2 
Larry Daniels 
4 Moroccans 



Oriental (1) 30 

Andy Russell 
Martha Tilton 
JQiok Wesson 
JTarge & Barr 
Gus ArnTieim Ore 
COLUMBUS 

Palace (R) 8-5 
Glenn Miller Oro 
Tylor, Thorne • 

ft ''Roberts 
Eddie Bartell 
HARTFORD 

State <I) 81-8 
Sugar C Robinson 
Buddy Morrow Ore 
<-y Reeves 
R & M Carnevale 
MIAMI 

Olympia (P) 29 
Kriok & Bodo 
George Guest 
Hal Winters 
J Seiier 

Doltnoff & Raye S 
NEWARK 
Adams (I) 30 
Gene Krupa Ore 
Francis' Craig 
Joey Bishop 
Jane Wynn 

PATEBSON 
Majestic (?) 30-2 
Catherine Harris 
Ted Lester 
R & I Drake 
Milton Douglas 
The Herzogs 
3-8 

The Ambassadors 

Jerry Coe ■ 
Gordon's Dogs 
Stan Irwin 
Nlckoll, Paul 
ft Shari 



RON ALDE!!! 

Assisted by* 
A. STEFFANI 

tiAYETY .THEATRE, MONTREAL 

NOW 

Par. Mgr.: EDDIE SMITH AGENCY 

1501- Broadway New York 



Harris & Allen 
Alma Kaye 
Hicks & Berry 
. QUEENS 
Jamaica (I) 29-1 
Coral Colliano 3 
(eight to All) 
AKRON 
Palace (It 30-2 
Tommy Dorsey Ore 
Emerald Sis 
Prof Backwards 
Town Criers 

BALTIMORE 
Hippodrome (I) 1 
Burns 2 & Evelyn 
Joey Rardin 
Martin Bros 
Vic Damone 

State (I) 30-1 
The Claytons 
Sid Krofft 
Fred Lightner 
Julie & Russell 
2-5 

Lane & Small 
Ann Beebe 
Sid Stone Co 
Roberta's Circus 

BOSTON 
Boston (R) 80 

Joey Adams 
The Juvellys 
Georgia Gibbs 
(two to. nil) 

CAMDEN 
Towers (I) 30-2 
The Rumonds 
Kate Murlah 
The Youmans 
Ross ft Stone 
Coco, Steve & Eddy 

CHICAGO 
Chicago (P) 31 
Truth Consequences 
Ralph Edwards 



PHILADELPHIA 
Carman (I) 80) 

.Tuanita Skate Cps 
A & J Johnston 
Mary Mon Toy 
Lew Nelson 

PROVIDENCE 

Capitol (I) 29 , 
Gary Morton 
3 Extremes 
The Day Dreamers 
Jordon & Parvls 
Billy Romano 
READING 

Rajah (!) 30-1 
Ray Anthony Ore 
Robert Sis ft White 
Barr & Estes 
The Pitchmen 
ROCKFORD 

Palace (I) 31 
Clemens, 

Beltings Co 
3 Harmon i notes 
Connie Stevens 
Bozo Harrell Co 
Paul Walker Oro 
(one to All) 
SAN FRANCISCO 
Golden Gate (R) 29 
M Valdes Ore 
Nonchalants ' 
Renee DeMarco 
Clifford Guest 

SPRINGFIELD 
Court Sq (I) 30-2 
Jerry Coe 
Eugenie Baird 
Bob Sydney 
Ade Duval Co 
B Well & 4 Fays ' 
Pedro & Durand 

WASHINGTON 

Capitol (L) .10 
Johnson ft Owen 
Bunin Puppets 
Arlie Dann 
A Murray Dcrs 



BRITAIN 



CARDIFF 
New Theatre (I) 27 

Monte Ray 
Scott Sanders 
O'Brien & Brooklyn 
Donald B Stuart 
Cilia's Dogs 
Hooper Sis 
Pirn ft Win 
Les Storks 

CHI 8 WICK 

Empire (1). 27 
Avthur "Askey 
Eddie Gray 
Barna & Brook 
Elsie Pereival 
Nor Kiddle 
Doyle Kids 
Cleef ft Moroney 
Mills Sis & Michael 
LEICESTER 

Palace (I) 27 
Ignorance Is Bliss 
Alys 

Fani ft Jill 
Bands ft Vickie 
Cawalinl & ' 



Canine Com'dia's 
Jimmie Robblna 
Terry O'Neill 
Ronne Conn 

MANCHESTER 
Hippodrome (I) 27 
Venus Keeps Date 
Gaston & Andree 
Charlie Wood 
Frankie Higgins 
De Vere Dancers 
Nat Jack ley 
Those Were Days 
Arthur Scott 
Jim Jessiman Co 
SHEPH'RDS BUSH 

Empire (I) 27 
Country Cousins 
Lester & Hayseeds 
Marie Lawton 
Chris Sands 
Bijou & Freda 
B K- Marlon & Co 
WOOD GREEN 

Empire <t) 27 
Old Mother Riley 

& Daughter Kitty 



Cabaret Bilk 



NEW YORK CITY 



Claude Thornhill orchestra is set 
for. the Cincinnati debs grand ball 
Dec. 22 and the Memphis Holiday 
Debutante Club's big shindig at the 
Memphis Country Club Dec. 23. 



Bagatelle 

Dorothy Ross 

Blue Angel 
Alice Pearce 
Marc Lawrence 
Amanda Lune 
H Flames 
George Bauer 
Ellis Larkin 3 

Bel inont- I'luza 
Russell Swann 
Hob Dixon 
Taylor Line 
Daclru Ore 
Eddl« Rl.titie Ore 
Ruban Bleu 
George Kreisler 
Maxihe Sullivan 

n Palmer 
I'nul Vlllard 
Hill Dillard 
Normann Paris 3 
Wally Blacker 



Cute Society 
(Downtown) 

Stanley Prager 
Dorothy Jarnao 
Hope Foye 
Nellie Lutoher 
Dave Martin Ore 
Cafe Society Uptn 
Jimmy Savo 
Abbey Albert Ore 

Carnival 
Ray Rblger 
Beatrice Kraft 
Kaye Ballard 
Wlere Bros , ~- 
Yvonne 'Adair 
Paul Gavotte 
Reld Ore 

China Doll 
Ming 'Ik Ling 
Wong Sis 
Laurie Long 
Beatrice Fung Oye 



II Curbello Ore 
Jack Prase Oro 
Copacabnna' 
Joe E Lewis 
Jet Ma-cDonald 
Mario & Florla 
Michael Durso Oro 
Fernando Alvarez O 
Diamond Horseshoe 
Ross &. La Pierre 
girt 

Herman Hyde 
Turner Twins 
Rosebuds 
Billy Banks 
Tables Davis 
Renald & Rudy 
Jack Mathers 
Noble aissle Ore 
Syd Strange Ore 

El Chico 
Rosita Rlos 
Pilar Gomez 
Barreira & 

Margarita 
Los Shamulos 
Los Cabelleros 
Enrique Aragon O. 
Greenwich Vil. Inn 
Jackie Phillips 
Jerry Cooper 
Shirley Allen 
Ned Harvey Ore 
Sonny Roberts O 

Harem 
Jack Cole Dcrs 
Moore & Lessy 
Lucille -Page 
Lee Bartel 
Nevada Smith 
Fausto Curbello O 
Art Roman^O 

Hotel Edison 
Gay Claridge Ore 
No 1 Filth Ave 
Louise Howard 
Nype & Cole 
Hazel Webster 
Downey & Fonville 
Highlights r 

Hotel Biltmore 
Lanny Ross 
Pat Whitney 
Mark David 
Sonny Woldon O 
Steohen- Kisley O 

Hotel Lexington 
Alomas Hawnilana 

Havana-Madrid 
Noro Morales Ore 
Alverez Mora 
Darnell Bros. 
Corday & Triano 
Sacasas Ore 
let-land 
Rose Ellin 
Lynn Allison 
Tiny Clnrk • . 
Lou Menschel 
Martin Line 
Frankie- Frissaura 
Blilrtpy. Blank Ore 

La Martinique 
Franklin Twins 



Old Roumanian 

Sadie Banks 
Lou Seller 
Althea 
Joey Dean 
Joe LaPorte Oro 
D'Aqulla Oro 

Essex House 
Richard Himber O 
Hotel New Yorker 
Sammy Kaye Ore 

Hotel Pennsylvania 

Claude thornhill O 

Hotel Pierre 
Walton & O'Rourke 
McLerie & Butler 
("has Render Oro 
Van Smith Oro 
Hotel Plaza 
M & G Chay.pion 
Liberate " 
Joel Herron Oro 

Hotel Roosevelt 
Guy Lombardo O 

Hotel. St Moritz 
Edo Lubich Ore 
Latin Quarter 
Willie Howard 
Al Kelly 

Mazzone-Abbott D'a 
Stuart Morgan Dcrs 
Gloria. Le Royi 
Emile Boreo 
Piroska 
' 'Miriam Gwynna 
Bon Vlvants 
Vincent Travers O 

Riviera 
Jackie Gleason 
Larry Marvin 
Tony Bavaar 
Catallno Oro - 
Hotel St Regit 
Beryl Davis 
Milt Shaw 
Laszla & Peplto 
Maria Morales 
Darling & Jones 
Paul Sparr Oro 
J Guarneri 3 

Hotel Tuft 
Vincent Lopez Oro 
Chat-He Drew 
■Splvy'a 

Splvy 

Shlela Barrett 
Versailles 
Dwlght Flske 
Bob Grant Oro 
Panchito Qrc. 

Village Barn 
Nancy & Michael 
Gerald Griffin Jr 
Ranch Ore 

Village Vanguard 
Chippy Hill 
Jay Marshall 
Jerry Reed 
Don Frye 

Waldorf-Astoria 
Jean Sab Ion 



MAX and HIS GANG 

Currently 

jUT. ROYAL HOTEL 
MONTREAL 

Dir.: MAX TISHMAN 

1074 Broadway, New Xoi'k 



Anne' Francine 
Erwin Kent .Ore 
Maya Oro 

Nicola Mathey Ore 
Leon & Eddie's 

Eddie Davis 7 
Art Waner Ore 
Shirley Powell 
S ft S Artn'urB 
Peggy McCue 
Dick Bain 
Lavej-ne Jon 
Faye & Andre 
Shepard Line 



Nat Brandwynne 
Mlsha Borr Oro, 

Wlvel . 
Bob Lee ' 
Kay CaCOle , 
Uvynne Xorey 
.Tanie Seott 
DanhV White 

Zimniormun's 
Paul Smith '■' 
Janczi Makula 
Zsiga Bela 
Paulens 

Doris Haywood 
Gone Kardos O 



CHICAGO 



Bluckhawk 

Sherman Hayes 0 
Vera Love 
Bob Karl 

Chez Farce 
MJtzi Green 
Jackie Miles 
Marty Gould Ore 
Bobby Clark '• 
Jack Nelson 
Don Cbiesta 
Chez Adorables (10) 
Toy & Wing 
Hotel .Blatkstone 
Jerry Lester 
Ray Morton. Ore 

Hotel Bisma'rk 
Fred Harris, • Donna 

& Annette 
Rudenko Bros (2) 
Renro Delson O' 
The Stewarts C4) 

Uridines 
Lionel Fronting O 
Ralph Cooke 
Marvin Himmel 
Susan King. 
Adrian Lorraine 
H Edgewatrr Reach 
R Heatherton Ore 



Geno Sheldon * .- 
Andre & Kelphlne 
Marian FedeJo 
Song Stylists (4) 
D Hild Dancrs (12) 
Patti Chapman 

Hotel Sherman 
Carl Marx 
Jack Owens 
Eddie Hubbard 
Jose Hells 
Jean Williams 

latin Quarter 
Phil Foster 
Latin Lovelies (12) 
Buddy Shaw Ore 
Day, Dawn & Dusk 
Dick Hyde 

Palmer House 
Grift Williams Oro 
Florence Desmond 
Artlno & Connsuelo 
Ray Malone 
Howard De Courcy 

Hotel Stevens 
Orln Tucker Oro 
Prof Lambert! 
Marcella Gould 
E & J Slack 
Sensationalists (3) 
Scotee Marsh 
Boulevar-dears 



Chi Cafe Held Up 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 
Chicago last week got a taste of 
bistro stickups that have been 
sweeping the midwest when the 
Tradewinds Cafe was robbed of $5,- 
300. 

Three armed youths entered by « 
side door and forced six employees 
to lay on the floor, while they took 
the money from two cashiers. 

Xavier Cugat plays Nov. 2 at the 
St. Nicholas Arena, New York, in a 
concert and dance promoted by the 
Spanish theatrical sheet, "Revista 
Teatral." 



56 



HOUSE REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Strand, N. Y. 

Ted Weems Orcli (15) with 
Shirley Richards and Elmo Tanner; 
Morey Amsterdam, Gordon MacRae, 
The Glenns (3); 'That Hagan Girl" 
(WB), reviewed in Variety, Oct. 22. 



and "Please Take Me Home" at her 
hands are socko. , 

Arnaz, assisted by Dulcina, re- 
peats the smash hit he scored here 
before as he contrasts the rhumba 

and jitterburg terpsichore during reviewed ' in Variety, Oct. 15, '47, 
the spoofing "North America Take 



Boxy, N..Y. 

Veloz & Yolanda, Sid Caesar, H. 
Leopold Spitalny's Choral Ensemble 
with Jeanne .Park, Roxyettes, Paul 
Ash Orch; "Forever Amber" (20th), 



Strand's current presentation . is 
one ot those rare layouts in which 
every item clicks — 60 minutes of 
solid, sustained entertainment. Pri- 
marily, the payoff stems from the 
triple parlay of Ted Weems' orch, 
the uninhibited Morey Amsterdam 
an-1 Gordon MacRae's baritone. 

It'll always remain one of those 
unfathomable showbiz enigmas how 
a band of Ted Weems' caliber could 
have fallen into comparative oblivi- 
on for so many, years wake 
a comeback on the sensational but 
chance popularity of the "Heart- 
aihes" disk (which, incidentally, 
earned Weems not a cent, since he 
previously sold the rights). This ag- 

fregation is a natural as a stage 
and. Besides comprising • firstrate 
sidemen who dish up highly palata- 
ble melodic rhythms on the sweet 
side, this crew carries no less than 
five crack vocalists who, among 
themselves, could suffice as a one- 
act show. 

As a result, orch gives a heavy 
accent to warbling in all styles, 
comedy, scat and straight,- with a 
brace of whistling from Elmo Tan- 
ner. Opens with "A Little Spanish 
Town," featuring the sax player at 
the 'mike. Standout bit is furnished 
by guitarist Glenn West, who does 
renditions of "Huggin' and A-Chalk- 
in' " and "Cecelia/' Midway in the 
show; the rotund bass man, Billy 
Blair, delivers three scat numbers 
•with pantomimic assists good for: 
plenty of. laughs. Orch then segues 
into "Heartaches," with' muted brass 
and Tanner whistling the chorus. 
Femme- vocalist with the band, Shir- 
ley Richards, also registers effec- 
tively with a novelty tune, "I Won- 
der Where That Man of Mine Has 
Went," and a Betty Hutton takeoff 
on "Doin' It the Hard Way.'.' Orch 
brings down curtain with a . clever 
interpretation by Tanner of "The 
M~rtins and .The Coys" with the 
action flashed on the screen. 

Amsterdam kills 'em. For ,15 min- 
utes he lets , out with a patterful of 
gags that, as the radio measurement 
boys .would put it, has one of the 
highest laugh-per-second levels in 
the business. Amsterdam is, a one- 
man. '-'Can You Top This" act, rolling 
them off the tap. of his noggin with 
consummate ease*. For a comic, he 
sometimes .goes out on the far- end 
of a political limb. His pokes at 
Senator Robert Taft, President Tru- 
man and daughter Margaret have a 
sharp edge that might conceivably 
bring ,some squawks. Amsterdam 
apparently works without much of 
an established routine, depending 
mostly on his rich larder of gags. 
Same of his stuff is too blue for 
family houses, and one nasty wipe 
at the ushers could- be . easily elimi- 
nted. He also sings, but only -to. 
lapse into a double-talk routine that 
acts as a springboard for another 
series vi ouips. He could, 'and prob- 
ably would, stay on indefinitely if 
. the management would let' him . 
MacRae's warbling marks Jiim as 
* surefire bet ter t ha magic circle 
°4 the A c ? u ntry's toprung crooners 
.^ew Acts). In the opening spot, 
the Glenns, comprising two guys and 
a gal, register strongly with a well- 
paced acro-dancing routine. Herm. 

Radio City, Mpls. 

Minneapolis, Oct. 28: 
Desi Arnaz Orch (18) with Dul- 
cina, Jack Parker, Marion Hutton, 
Pat Henning; "Merton of the Mov- 
ies" (M-G), • 



It Away." Pat Henning is usin. 
much the same material that he has 
displayed here before, but the 
clowning, gags, patter, business and 
comedy impressions don't grow any 
less screamingly funny through 
repetition and, as always, he stops 
the show. 

The whirlwind finale, "Babalu," 
finds Arnaz and the musicians 
thumping away for dear life on the 
conga drums for an exciting finish 
to a continuously lively and divert- 
ing show. House well filled for first 
afternoon performance opening day. 

Rees. 



Apollo, N. Y. 

Cat Anderson Orch (12), Ladd 
Lyon (3), Ella Fitzgerald, Buck & 
Bubbles, Davey Green, Dee Dee 
Brown, Marcellus Wilson; "The Pre- 
tender" (Rep). 



Cat Anderson's bouncy combo,' 
Ella Fitzgerald, sepia songstress, and 
Buck and Bubbles, funstering hoof- 
ers, spark the current layout at the 
Apollo, N. Y. Anderson and Miss 
Fitzgerald are ' repeaters, having 
played the Harlem showcase several 
months ago. Buck and Bubbles 
haven't played house in four years. 
However, its 'a solid triumvirate 
which keeps things moving at a 
swift, satisfying pace to keep the 
payees interested all the way. 

Anderson's combo, comprising 
three rhythms, five saxes, two trom- 
bones and two trumpets (including 
the maestro), gives out solidly with 
bouncy tunes, .plenty loud and brassy, 
And that's what they go for here. 

Band- tees off with a sizzler, "Oh 
Boy" to set things for Davey Green's 
neat tenoring of "Danny Boy" and 
then take- over for hep version of 
"Swinging the Cat." Dee Dee 
Brown, male dancer, follows with 
clever tapstering, topped by upside 
down dance on special apparatus, 
which has hoofer balancing on rope 
and pounding out cleats. It's an ef- 
fective novelty that wins, apprecia- 
tion. 

Ladd Lyon, only offay act on bill, 
scores with his neat balancing 
atop tables, chairs and bottle-tops. 
Then brings up a Negro stooge for 
more clown balancing -for plenty 
laughs. Off to solid returns. 

Band takes over again' for pop 
medley arid pulls all the stops . on 
"Cat's Boogie" as a prelude to Buck 
and Hubbies turn. Latter slays them 
with their comedies, hoofery, piano- 
ing . and vocals. Lads come on to 
good reception and close to even 
heftier salvos. Miss Fitzgerald also 
•clicks in' her song stanza, of which 
they couldn't seem to get enough. 
Introing. with a pair 'of her record- 
ings, "Beginning, to See the. Light" 
and "Stairway to the Stars," which 
sets, her- neatly, she counters with 
"Oop Papa J3ow" and "Lady Be 
Good," with comedy assist from 
Buck and Bubbles on the latter, 
worked up for a sock finale. Mareel- 
lus Wilson emcees bill in satisfac- 
tory manner. * Edba. 

Olympia, Miami 

Miami, Oct. 24, 
Tommy Dix, Radio Rogues, Eddy 
Manson with Margery Welles, Frank 
Tucker & Gloria, Lott & Joe Anders, 
Les Rhode House Orch; "Desert 
Fury" (Par). 



Paired with 20th-Fox's Technicol- 
or 140-minute film, "Forever Am- 
ber," Roxy bill currently is a tight 
and tasteful layout that's nicely con- 
trasted to the film fare. Show is 
brief but solid aatries in the terping, 
comedy and choral departments 
make for balance and adequate full- 
noss. 

For spectacle, show opens with a 
massive, colorful routine featuring 
the Roxyette precision corps garbed 
in Scotch plaids against a raised 
platform holding H. Leopold Spital- 
ny's choral ensemble of 50 mixed 
voices. Group, with operatic so- 
prano Jeanne Park in« solo spot, de- 
livers two sock arrangements of a 
couple of Scottish airs, "Coming 
Through the Rye" and "Annie Lau- 
rie." As space-saving gimmick to' 
make room for both the chorus and 
dancers, Paul Ash's house, orch has 
been moved onto a side extension 
of the stage, effectively adding a 
sense of breadth to the spectacle; 

Sid- Caesar, young nitery and 
vaude comic who clicked heavily on 
his last date at this house, returns 
with a new set of routines that 
equally set the customers in happy 
mood. Rigged with his laryngal 
sound effects, Caesar does two 
clever takeoff s on film subjects. 
First,in German dialect, is a traves- 
ty on the psychological pix cycle, 
which he handles in broad, though 
not corny style. Windup piece is .his 
version of a- gangster film trailer 
which, in about five minutes, man- 
ages to sock every cliche in the book 
right on the nose. Time pressure 
permits no encore despite^ heavy 
mitting. 

Veloz and Yolanda, in closing spot, 
flash the same brand of superlative 
hoofing that's put them among the 
top .ballroom teams in the business. 
Their routines have that extra touch 
of class, sense of timing, versatility 
and grace that distinguishes big- 
timers from the second-raters. Stint 
includes a traditional ballroomology 
item, a humorous jive version of an 
old-fashioned minuet and, bringing 
down the curtain with an assist from 
the Roxyettes, a- swirling waltz to 
"The Blue Danube." . Herm. 



' Capitol, Wash. 

* Washington, Oct. 24. 

Th~e " Appletons (3), Jack Fouiell, 
Leslie & Carroll, Henny Youngman; 
This Time for Keeps" (M-G). 



This theatre does itself proud cur- 
rently. For solid entertainment the 
present stage layout, with the mag- 
netic, talented Desi Anraz and his 
excellent band, ace singer Marion 
Hutton, funny Pat Henning and 
clsver Jack Parker, takes its- place 
among the best presentations the 
town has had.jp some time. 

Arnaz's own varied talents blos- 
som forth in his busy r6le of con- 
ductor, emcee, singer, comedian and 
dancer to dominate and sparkle the 
proceedings. With its five brass, four 
saxes, five rhythm, including, mar- 
racas and.bongoes, and three strings, 
his ba.nd seems expertly fashioned to 
dispense the pop swing stuff as well 
as authentic Latin-American music. 
Its melodic emanations never fail to 
be car-intruiging. They've never too 
brassy or too loud and the marracas 
and bongoes give them a distinctive 
flavor. v 

-"The Continental" is right in the 
bands groove as a starter. Then the 
colorful, lively Dulcina wiggles her 
way through two "Spanish numbers, 
•Mama Yo Quiero" anl "Say, Si Si." 

Arnaz, whose dry humor spice his 
running fire of comment during the 
show, has an amusing comedy inter- 
lude with a stooge before Jack 
Parker, one of the best jugglers of 
Indian clubs and balls ever to hit 
these parts, goes through his routine 
of unsual and difficult stunts. 

'""falaguera" is featured by the 
p:?msts soloing and shows the band 
off to the best advantage of any of 
Its numbers, reaching a near-sym- 
phonic high. Marion Hutton, songs- 
tress par-excellent, puts over fa- 
miliar numbers with individual 
comedic touches and rare skill and 
"It's a Great Day," "My Brooklyn 
Love Song," "Feudin' and Fightin'" 



former, does well with a long ses- 
sion of taps, chatter and novelty 
stuff, and Ray Dorey, a local prod- 
uct, debuts as a vaude singer with 
a list of his Majestic recordings, 
including "Mam'selle," "Freedom 
Train," "And Mimi," etc., and does 
very well. (See New Acts.) Alan 
Carney, in the ace spot, provides 
the real wow of the show with a 
routine of imitations of Robinson, 
Barrymore, Laughton, Beery, etc.,. 
•winding up with sock soap box ora- 
tion. Leaves the otherwise so-so. 
show on the upbeat. . Elie. 

State, N. Y. 

Rose. Marie, Pitchmen, Adam & 
Jayne Di Gatano, Jay Marshall, '3 
Ditnhills, Gaynor & Ross, Louis Basil 
House Orch; "Down to Earth" (Col). 



Brisk pace-maintained by layout 
here this week, with healthy recep- 
tion. 

Add Tommy Dix to the group of 
vauders who play this house regu- 
larly and set themselves solidly each 
time out. Diminutive baritone re; 
tains that boyish appeal and assort 
ment of full voiced arrangements of 
the pops, semi-classics and musical 
comedy hits. Blending includes "OV 
Debbil Moon " "Lord's Prayer" and 
his theme "Buckle Down, Winsockr' 
for the highlights. Paces nicely to 
rate topliner spot. 

Another familiar turn here are the 
Radio Rogues with their assortment 
of vocal mimicry. Carbons include 
FDR, Jolson, Sinatra,' Ink Spots, 
Lorre and others With a nostalgic 
parade of voices of yesteryear, such 
as Graham MoNamee, Ben Bernie 
and Russ Columbo to add extra flip 
to their palm rousing canto. 

New here, but' one of the better 
acts of the kind to play the house, 
is Eddy Manson, harmonica virtuoso. 
Accomped by Margery Welles at the 
piano he turns in an intelligently 
balanced session. Stuff ranges from 
classics to blues, With technique 
fully displayed in such compositions 
as "Rumanian Rhapsody" and 
"Powerhouse." Aud receptivity con- 
stant throughout. 

Pace setters Lott and Joe Anders 
serve up neatly contrived bike and 
juggling turn. Garner gasps and 
warm up things in zingy fashion. 
Show bracketers are Fred Tucker 
and Gloria. Eccentric hoofery gets 
fair measure of giggles, but added 
patter by the male doesn't quite 
come off. Overall, earn the palming 
they rate, but effect comedic wise 
would be more certain with elimina- 
tion of some of the heavier gags. 

Les Rhode and house orch back- 
ground in smooth, competent style. 

Lary. 



Lineup at Capitol this week is 
hardly All-American, but moves 
along at a- steady clip with enough 
variety and appeal to add up to 
pleasant, entertainment. 

Headliner is. Hermy Youngman. 
whose volley of gags is fast and 
funny. ' On the„whole they register, 
except when he gets too Broadway 
for this type audience, and running 
accompaniment, of chuckles suddenly 
halts. Comic varies his patter with 
his familiar song and fiddling 
routine. Acts as his own stooge part 
of the time, kidding himself and 
cheering, himself along. This seems 
to click" best with the customers. 
Comic is plenty hep, yet fell short 
of getting all-out audience response 
at show caught. 

Jack Powell, blackface comedy 
drummer, clicks in a 10 minute solo 
during which he beats everything in 
sight. Has orch background part of 
tffe time, but mostly depends on his 
own rhythm with the sticks, a naive 
expression of delight, and lots of 
motion. Uses his drums in first part 
of act, then shoves, them aside and 
turns the stage into his instrument, 
using floor, a chair, orch pit and 
even sole of his shoe,. Gets lion's 
share of mitting. ^ 

Leslie &Carroll do a conventional 
Broadway hit tune stint. Team sing 
their numbers straight, with some 
boy-and-girl biz for effect. They 
stick to sentimental pop tunes, with 
the emphasis on Victor Herbert. 
Best bet, however, is final George M. 
Cohan medley. 

Show tees off with the Appletons, 
novelty terp act several notches 
above average curfSin raisers. Trio 
of terpers — two girls and man — do an 
acro-comedy version of apache rou- 
tine. Terping is not first rate, but 
act is novel and gets laughs. Lowe. 



The prime collection of talent on 
the current State show constitutes 
one of the strongest programs that 
this house has had in some time. 
Sidney Piermont's exhibit has pace, 
variety, polish and roughhouse, to 
achieve an all-around state of ex- 
cellence. .»'■'.'.•■'.■ 
In a bill of this type, there's no 
outstanding performance, but sur- 
prises are frequently registered. 
Major surprise here- is the efficacy 
of Jay Marshall's literate magico act 
upon the audience. Marshall, who s 
been travelling between the Blue 
Angel and Village Vanguard (in fact 
he's doubling between the State and 
the latter spot), has been confined 
mainly to intime cubicles, arid here- 
tofore hasn't been showing his stuff 
around New York in the larger 
theatres. He. proves that his smart 
line of chatter and incidental line 
of tricks are extremely potent, and 
it's likely that he'll be a regular in 
vauderies from here on in. 

The opening session with Gaynor 
and Ross provides a fast warmup 
with a smoothly executed selection 
of tricks while the same vein is con- 
tinued by the Three' Dunhills, a 
hard working tap-trio with pic- 
turesque routines. The terpers get 
by on design of taps rather than any 
outstanding tricks: 

Name draw of the layout is Rose 
Marie, the former moppet chirper, 
who's been a major click since reach- 
ing adult status. While she goes over 
with her straight numbers, the 
comedic tunes get the ' strongest 
hands. After impression of Durante 
and her Italo-English - version of 
"C'ne Lune" caused enough excite- 
ment to necessitate a begoff speech. 
" Roughhouse is supplied by ' the 
Pitchmen with Allan Parado at the 
piano. Their imitations of various 
band instruments is done via a ka- 
zoo-like ' instrument. Legend goes 
that they did this same act while 
selling these gadgets at the N. Y. 
Worlds Fair arid their agent was 
astute enough to see' its vaude pos- 
sibilities. The same- line of enter- 
tainment now pays off immeasur- 
ably more coin-wise as well as ap- 
plause returns. 

Closer is by the Adam, and Jayne 
Di Gatano, a smart ballroom twain 
who show smooth and flowing rou- 
tines punctuated with good lifts and 
spins. Despite their position at the 
end of the bill; excellence of then- 
turn is attested by the fact that they 
completely hold their audience in 
this precarious spot, even to the ex- 
tent of being able to do an encore. 

The Louis Basil house orch adds 
a fillup at the" beginning with the 
rendition of "Near You," with the 
band saxist doing the vocal. It 
would have been better if the singer 
had memorized the lyrics before 
going on. Jose. 



'Rightist' Gable 

55 continued from page 1 ss 



war years passed, Rightist Hun- 
garian administrations prohibited 
showings of American pix. After 
liberation "Boom Town" was re- 
vived and ran at some places for a 
few weeks in 1945. But since then 
•'no Gable pic has been shown. 

Some weeks ago ads appeared in 
papers on "Somewhere I'll Find 
You" (Metro). Motion Picture Ex- 
port Assn. started record advertising 
campaign and prepared for a gala 
opening in Budapest's biggest house, 
the 2,500-seater Varosi Szinhaz, 
owned by the city. Opening was 
scheduled for Tuesday (14). 

Saturday (11) the' Communist 
paper Szabadsag printed' an article 
stating that Gable was the actor who 
testified against Shirley Temple, 
Katharine Hepburn and Edward G, 
Robinson before the House Commit- 
tee of Un-American Activities. Arti- 
cle further claimed that Gable took 
part in making anti-Soviet pictures, 
is an enemy of trade unions and is 
leader of the group which Wants to 
chase Charles Chaplin out of the 
U. S. 

Hungarian Film Trade Union, the 
article continued, therefore decided 
to ban the appearance of Clark 
Gable pix frofti Hungarian screens. 
Chairman and secretary of union 
sent a protesting note to Communist 
minister of interior, Laszlo Rajk, 
saying that union "members would 
abandon their working' places In 
those theatres wanting to screen pic- 
tures with actors serving "fascist, im- 
perialistic capitalism." 

Sunday (12) small items appeared 
in two papers saying that Gable had 
joined the Friends of the Soviet 
Union in the U.S. The Communist 
paper claimed this was nothing but 
a "cheap MPEA trick." Anyhow on 
Monday (13) Varosi Szinhaz adver- 
tised a new French pic instead. , 



National, L'villo 

Louisuille, Oct. 24. 
Max Baer & Slapsie Maxie Rosen- 
bloom, Prof. Backwards, Anne Rus- 
sell, Floria Vestoff, Martin & Floranz; 
: Philo Vance's Gamble" (PRC).' 



RKO, Roston 

Boston, Oct. 24. 
Alan Carney, Hal LeRoy, Ray 
Dorey, Jean Darling, Pansy the 
horse, Rigoletto Bros., Aimee Sis- 
terss "Singapore" (U-l). 

Not up to the RKO's usual stand- 
ards — and the fourth in a row for 
this band house — current routine 
fails to jell into a strong enough 
bill to bring in biz with a holdover 
pic. Result is very offish biz except 
on weekend. 

Bill, leads off with the Rigoletto 
brothers and Aimee sisters in a nov- 
elty juggling act offering magic and 
some bell ringing as well. Jean 
Darling, last here in "Carousel," 
warbles a medley from that opus 
plus "Temptation" and "Jealousy," 
most of them in a fairly serious 
style, and fails to register as strong- 
ly as she should because the songs 
she does don't display her at her 
best. Needs a less formal approach 
for this house. 

Hal LeRoy, always a staunch per- 



■ Business is on the light side this 
week, with Max Baer and Maxie 
Rosenbloom names having little ap- 
peal to local patrons. Their turn 
went over feebly at show caught 
Friday (24), with the house about 
two-thirds full. Two ex-heavys 
make a neat appearance, and have 
a bright line of clowning and paro- 
dies, but at this session Baer was 
suffering from a heavy cold and had 
to. turn over the bulk of the comedy 
endeavors to Rosenbloom. Used 
much of their nightclub material, 
whjch was a trifle off-color for fam- 
ily audiences. Rosonbloom's- chatter 
was overlong, and could have been 
clipped for better results. 

Opener, Floria Vestoff, attractive 
tapster, does okay in her terp stanza 
to win nice response, 

Martin and Floranz; %iixed team, 
please with some clever puppet 
manipulations. Work in black cos- 
tumes, with the spot on the mari- 
onets. They got over swell with 
the lively puppet impersonations, of 
film stars, their best a team of Mae 
West and Durante animations which 
earn neat applause. 

Prof. Backwards, back in town for 
his reverse spelling on a blackboard 
of multi -lettered words, a click as 
usual. Took considerably more time 
with a clever monologue of topical 
gags, which received a nice recep 
tion. 

House orchestra gives show neat 
backing. Hold. 



Rumania Bars Taylor ' 

Bucharest, Oct. 28. 
Repercussions from the Washing- 
ton hearings of the House Commit- 
tee on Un-American Activities 
threaten a .ban on American films 
throughout Rumania. Communist 
press particularly has .urged a closed 
door. in the future for all pictures 
in which Robert Taylor appears. 
Actor aroused the ire of local Red 
publications by testifying before the 
committee that he disapproved of 
Communists in Hollywood and also 
urged they be deported to Russia. 

Commenting upon Taylor's testi- 
mony, Rumania Libera editorialized 
that "elementary decency toward 
the sentiments- of Rumanian public 
opinion would require an immediate 
prohibition on this actor's films." 
Paper also charged an imperialistic 
'fifth column" in the country is 
aided by American pictures. Films 
here have been distributed by the 
Motion Picture Export Assn. Two 
Metro imports, "National Velvet" 
and "Random Harvest," were re- 
cently barred by the censor's whims. 
10 Others Added 
In addition to the Taylor nix, the 
Rumanian government Monday 
(27) imposed an absolute ban on 
exhib of - U. S. pix involving 10 
other stars, presumably because of 
testimony given last week in Wash- 
ington before the House Un-Ameri- 
can Committee. 

Outlawed are Barbara Stanwyck, 
Ginger Rogers, Sonja Henie; Greta 
Garbo, Clark Gable, Wallace Beery, 
Robert Montgomery, Adolphe Men- 
jou, George Murphy and Pat 
O'Brien. 



Dizzy Bean 

Continued from page 1 



can't , pronounce all the names in 
the Cleveland outfield!" 

Dean, who has a five-year con- 
tract at $25,000 a year as a radio 
baseball commentator, turned down 
the disk jockey job very flatly. "I 
couldn't stand the strain," he said, 
"of watching them Browns by day < 
and then listening to Rooshian music 
at night." 

Another of Dean's radio troubles 
has been cleared up. The Missouri 
Teachers Ass'n. has abandoned its 
appeal to the FCC to get Dean 
thrown off the air. The teachers 
complained that Dean was having 
a bad effect on thousands of boy 
and girl listeners, causing the 
youngsters to. make unpardonable 
errors in speech. They said Dizzy- 
Deanisms were creeping insidiously 
into the juvenile language. 

His public answer to the teachers 
charges was this: "They's a lot of 
people who don't say ain't who ain t 
eatin'." 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



'Counter Ends $60,000 in Red; 
IssCourtneWgePactedfw Aussie 



"Under the Counter," English play* 
with music that was a London 
smash, expired Saturday (25) on 
Broadway at the Shubert, where it 
lasted less than a month. Business 
for. the show, which starred Cicely 
Courtneidge and possessed' a line of 
English "lookers," started mildly, 
then tapered, last week's takings be- 
ing estimated at under $12,000, low- 
est gross for a N. Y, musical in years. 

Understood the N. Y. red for 
"Counter" is in excess of $60,000 
what with overseas transportation- 
costs and operating losses. 

Miss Courtneidge, however, has 
been signed for an Australian en- 
gagement in the revue, along with 
Thorley Walters, her juvenile lead. 
A couple of other cast-members 
may be inked, with balance of cast 
to be recruited Down Under. 

Dorothy Stewart, N. Y. rep for 
J. C. Williamson Theatres, who 
Inked the deal, also bought the cos- 
tumes of the N. Y. production, which 
will be shipped abroad this week. 
Sets will be constructed in Sydney. 
Miss Courtneidge, who was signed 
for 26 weeks, with option of another 
26, will leave from the Coast Nov. 22 
by air for Australia, stopping off in 
Honolulu. » 
:* The Arthur Macrae production as 
seen in Aussie will be the London 
version which ran two seasons, 
rather than the recent three-week 
version. British items pulled out of 
the N. Y. production will be put 
back, with Miss Courtneidge doing 
more of her own impersonations, as 
in London. Three sets will be used, 
as in the London version, instead of 
the single-set N. Y. edition. Aussie 
production will open at the Royal, 
Sydney, Dec. 20; will play Mel- 
bourne, probably Adelaide and. Bris- 
bane, and definitely New Zealand. 

Miss Courtneidge is a big f avorite 
Down Under because of her British 
films. She'll also do some radio 
work In Aussie in addition to her 
legiter. 



Magyar Actors in Stew 
(Or Is It a Goulash?) 

A quarrel has been simmering 
since early summer within the Hun- 
garian actors union, little known on 
Broadway though it's an affiliate of 
the Associated Actors and Artistes 
of America, the parent actors union. 
Union has between 50 and 60 mem- 
bers, and there are enough Hunga- 
rian-Americans in the U. S. to sup- 
port a tour .of five or six weeks of 
one nighters. AH the actors are 
otherwise employed during most of 
the year. 

One faction contends that the 
"opposition", ousted them from the 
union after "illegally" electing new 
officers. Equity was • assigned 
the task of pacifying the for- 
eign-tongued combatants but it's no 
dice as yet. Last week the factions 
argued it out for four hours at 
Equity, where Angus Duncan, as- 
sistant, executive secretary, listened 
to loud-voiced testimony, an inter- 
preter being required at times. Ses- 
sion abruptly ended when one bat- 
tler- had to catch a train for Phila- 
delphia to appear in a Hungarian 
performance. 



NW Coast Stands 
Beef on Few Dates 



CONFUSION ARISES ON 
WING, ANTA ACTIVITIES 

American Theatre Wing is a little 
annoyed at confusion between some 
of its activities and those of other 
organizations. Most recent one in- 
volves the American National The- 
*TaTre*'and Academy, .which, like the 
Wing,- has announced intention of 
running a school and providing en- 
tertainment in hospitals. 

The Wing once voted money to 
ANTA but otherwise there's- no 
connection, except goodneighborli- 
ness, between the two organizations. 
Their functions are different. ANTA 
was reported to take over the United 
.Theatrical War Activities Commit- 
tee, when, as a matter of fact, when 
the war ended the Wing absorbed 
the functions and personnel of 
UTWAC. Plays which UTWAC 
-used to send to hospitals have been 
added to the Wing's program. 

Wing, incidentally, is well started 
on a long-range program of activi- 
ties which are designed to cover a 
two-year period. 

Wing's corps, which has been 
teaching new techniques of conduct- 
ing entertainment in neuro-psychi- 
atric hospitals, has "won commenda- 
tion from the Army. Weekly serv- 
ice to vet hospitals is being handled 
by a committee headed by Esther 
Hawley, who has been occupied with 
that .activity for four years. At the 
Peak around 1,200 entertainers 
weekly were assigned to veterans, 
most of whom are bedridden, and 
currently 700 are appearing each 
. week. 



Northwest Coast stands are again 
complaining about the scarcity of 
road shows, but showmen there are 
confident that profitable .patronage 
awaits any attraction of merit. 

Houses in that section which usu- 
ally book pictures and stage plays 
are veering to vaudeville as. a change 
of pace for patrons, and satisfactory 
results are reliably reported. North- 
western managers also are depend- 
ing upon concerts to a considerable 
extent, nearly every stand having at 
least two series of concert programs. 
Advance sales are exceptional. 

It is believed that if showmen can 
be assured of a fair number of legit 
bookings, inter-city subscriptions 
could be obtained which would 
guarantee substantial grosses. One 
name show that played the territory 
this fall Was "I Remember Mama," 
with Charlotte Greenwood, and it 
drew sensational business in Seattle 
and Portland. 

When more legiters will reach the 
northwest is problematic. There are 
33 attractions on tour currently but 
few are routed beyond the Rockies. 
Last year 41 tourers were trouping 
at this time but few reached the far 
west. 



Chi Theatres Bow 

To Musician Demands 

Chicago, Oct. 28. 

After meeting of the Chicago 
Federation of Musicians last week 
(23), when Chicago Civic Opera 
House and Civic theatre were placed 
on the unfair list of Local 10 for 
refusal of the Civic theatre to hire 
eight musicians for legiter, "Late 
Christopher Bean," management of 
both theatres reversed itself the fol- 
lowing day and put the eight men 
*n the pit with salaries retroactive 
to Oct. 20. 

James Thompson, president of the 
Wacker Corp., operator of the two 
theatres, agreed to extend provisions 
of a contract that expired Sept. 1, 
until Jan. 15, 1948. 



PHILLY INQUIRER NETS 
35G ON FASHION SHOW 

Philadelphia, Oct. 28. 

The Philadelphia Inquirer took an 
expensive flier into show bizs last 
week with the presentation of a 
combination musical comedy and 
fashion show at the Locust. The 
show played to capacity houses for 
nine performances — five nights and 
four matinees with a net take of 
•$35,000. Opening night's receipts 
were $10,000 at a $7.80 top for the 
benefit of the Bryn Mawr Hospital 
Thrift Shop, pet charity for Philly's 
blueblood Main Liners. 

Title of the production was "Cin- 
derella of Rittenhouse Square" and 
featured creations from New York's 
most exclusive fashion salons. 

Book was by Cynthia Cabot, 
fashion editor of the Inquirer. 

Best job was the set designing by 
Albert Johnson. Music by Dr. Clay 
A. Boland, who does tune chore for 
annual Mask and Wig show of Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, is just fair. 
Orchestra was conducted in okay 
fashion by Norman Black, musical 
director of Inquirer's station WFIL. 
Staging was under ^direction of 
Gluck-Sandor, with Eleanor Lam- 
bert acting as fashion selector. 



LEGITIMATE 



57 



Stimulate Jobs 

Six actors from Equity Coun- 
cil and six more from the mem- 
bership have been appointed to 
the recently - formed Economic 
Betterment Committee in Equity, 
to look into the unemployment 
situation among actors and sug- 
gest ideas for stimulating work 
a^Jvity. Six from Council are 
AKne MacMahon, Philip Loeb, 
Kaihleen O'Brien, Warren u Cole- 
n.an, Jane Seymour, Margalo 
Gilmore; from membership, 
Blanche Yurka, Xenia Bank, 
George Keane, Neil Fitzgerald, 
Angus Duncan and Winston 
O'Keefe. 

O'Keefe, who is also exec di- 
rector of. American Theatre 
Wing's professional training pro- 
gram, is group's temporary 
chairman. Group has held three 
meetings already, and under 
consideration is an extensive 
survey of theatrical work situa- 
tion by certified accountants. 



Party Dip Forces 
'Our Lan ' Fold 

Vacillation of Broadway grosses 
for shows with theatre parties is 
shaijply demonstrated in the case of 
Our Lan'," announced to close at 
the Royale next Saturday (1), after 
five varied weeks. 

For week ending Oct. 18 takings 
were $16,000, top gross for the 
mixed-cast drama, which originated 
in a downtown little theatre last 
spring and was snapped up by Ed- 
die Dowling and Louis- J. Singer. 
There were four sellout parties at 
$2,800 each, indicating how weak the 
draw was at boxoffice. Last week 
business dived to around $7,500, 
there having been only one party. 

For the current week it's under- 
stood party deals assure a gross con- 
siderably higher than last week's, 
but with few additional parties in 
sight the show management ordered 
"last 8 times" in its Monday (27) ads. 
Theodore Ward, who wrote the 
drlfma, is mulling a plan to take over 
the show, Singer agreeing, to accept 
a percentage deal with the stipula- 
tion that he is not to be responsible 
for any losses. Dowling turned over 
the operation of "Lan"' to Singer 
after peeking at the skeptical no- 
tices. 

"How I Wonder" is another show 
dependent almost entirely on par- 
ties, and when those deals are over 
the play is' slated to fold, tentative 
closing date being Nov. 22, One 
party agent, who put up $500 is ad- 
vance on her agreement for "Won- 
der," refused to go through with the 
deal. Stated that she preferred to_ 
take the loss rather than face the" 
squawks from the charity organiza- 
tion that was slated, to sell tickets as 
a benefit. Understood that agents 
have received a flock of complaints 
from "clients" because of parties for 
mediocre shows, especially because 
of the excessive prices. 

Outside of actors' salaries, the 
scenic studio and accessory people, 
Ward was the only "Lan' " financial 
winner. National Theatre confer- 
ence granted him $1,000 and the The- 
atre Guild gave the author a $50 
scholarship, those rewards being in 
addition to royalties. Guild recom- 
mended the drama to its subscribers, 
which partly accounts for the vol- 
ume of theatre parties. 



LEAVES LONDON 'ANNIE' 

Doris Fishwick, English legit- 
concert singer, who was in the Lon- 
don cast of "Annie Get Your Gun," 
left show recently to come to Amer- 
ica. 

Contralto plans to do some radio 
work and possibly a musical com- 
edy here. 



NEW RAILROAD RULES 
SET ON BAGGAGECARS 

New railroad regulations covering 
baggagecars, which had been pend- 
ing since early this year, are now in 
force, but only straight-play trans- 
portation costs will be affected. 

There is an increase of 25% in the 
number of fares required by the 
roads in order to have the "free" 
baggagecars for shows. Attractions 
with 25 or more persons will not be 
affected but those with a smaller 
personnel must purchase 25 firstclass 
tickets or pay for 32% coach fares. 

Musicals usually have double the 
number of people than the new 
minimum requirement and use two 
or more 'cars. Where additional 
baggagecars are used, not covered 
by the fares paid, the tilt is 25% on 
a mileage' basis. Because of mana- 
gerial protests the carriers did not 
get the okay on the new tariffs from 
the Interstate Commerce Commis- 
sion for around nine months. Rail- 
roads obtained the increases on the 
ground of increase cost of operation. 



1,000 Actors in Current Shows 
Less Than 20% of Equity Members 



N.Y. City Center Eyes 
Peck-Day-'Angel St' 

Paul Moss, managing director of 
the N. Y. City Center, is dickering 
with Shepard Traube, producer of 
Patrick Hamilton's "Angel Street'^on 
Broadway in 1941, for the new pro- 
duction now set for a Coast run. 
Play has Gregory Peck and Laraine 
Day in the lead roles and has been 
set for fall run in Los Angeles, San 
Francisco, Seattle and Portland. 

Center has six weeks open, be- 
tween Jan. 5 and Feb. 25, to be filled, 
time before and subsequent being 
inked with music dates (opera, con- 
cert and ballet) . Even at the $2.40 
top the Center sets for itself, the 
3,000-seater, Moss estimates, can 
gross $45,000 weekly with the Peck- 
Day "Angel," enough to interest any 
producer or filmplayer. 

If pix commitments prevent, or 
other complications nix the project, 
Moss says he has other plays in 
mind, or may even fun a pic on 
roadshow basis, as he did "Henry 
V" last year. 




D.C. Segregation 

Joint committee of actors, man- 
agers and authors, assigned to con- 
sider audience segregation in Wash- 
ington, met for the first time last 
week. Equity, League of New Tjprk 
Theatres and Dramatists Guild were- 
represented. 

No concrete plan that may lead to 
the elimination of Negro segrega- 
tion in the capital was mapped out 
but indications are that the problem 
will be put to the commissioners of 
the District of Columbia, who will be 
asked to adopt new color line regu- 
lations. Congressional legislation is 
also a possibility. 

When the League and Equity 
signed an extension of a basic agree- 
ment last summer, the managers 
agreed to support, morally and finan- 
cially, a corrective campaign pro- 
vided the actors association and the 
Guild would participate equally. 
Understood the League is committed 
to put $2,500 into the campaign, 
Equity and the Guild similarly con- 
tributing. 

Pact between the actors and man- 
agers stipulates that Equityites can 
refuse to appear at the .National, 
Washington, after this season unless 
the house drops its policy of not 
admitting Negro patrons. Unless 
the situation is clarified there may 
be no legit shows at the National 
during 1948-49. 



Last January 1,700 players had 
stage jobs whereas currently around 
1,000 are in legit shows, or less than 
20% of Equity's total membership, 
which is the reason why some of the 
leaders of the organization appear to 
be worried. 

Backwardness in production is the 
explanation, and "although the num- 
ber of new shows is expected to 
perk, indications are that 1947-48 
will not see as many legiters in stage 
action as last season, there being 
few productions in rehearsal. 

Equity's membership has been 
constantly increasing and there is no 
brake on applications, nor can there 
be unless new regulations are 
■ adopted to stiffen the qualifications. 
Through summer -there was a stream 
of new members, nearly all being 
young players from summer stocks. 
During September alone 220 new- 
comers were "elected" by the coun- 
cil,- for under the rules any appli- 
cant with a contract for a legit show' - 
is eligible for membership. 

The preponderant number of 
Equityites- not yet in shows does not 
mean that they are not earning 
money in the profession. Quite a 
percentage- are in radio, a fair list 
in nightclubs and a growing group 
in eastern-made pictures. Film ac- 
tivity in and around the metropolis 
is. most welcome to New York actors, 
some of whom secure camera, assign- 
ments withofit interference with 
radio or stage jobs. While there is 
a horde of actors looking for legit 
placements, some take part or full 
time store jobs, also doing modeling. 

As of early this week there was 
one additional Straight play due this- 
fall other than those which , have 
opened, are in rehearsal or trying 
out prior to Broadway. There are 
more musicals than dramas and 
comedies in sight, which is not usual, 
but it indicates there are more jobs 
for the chorus than the principals. 

Broadway's season up to October's 
end is slightly ahead of last autumn 
as to the number of new shows, 
numbering 20, compared to 18 a year 
ago, but more revivals were then 
on, which accounts for all theatres 
having been occupied, a condition 
that is not current. However, this 
fall is 'definitely ahead in the num- 
ber of successes, which were tardy 
in arriving until .after the fall of 
1946. Early last season also saw 
considerably 'more tryout flops, there 
being but four so far since Labor 
Day. 

Actors are restive while waiting 
for production «to step up, as shown 
by the number who flocked to regis- 
ter when Equity Library Theatre, ac- . 
tlvities were made definite last week. 
Within a few days over 1,000 signi- 
fied their intention of making such 
off -Broadway appearances, for which 
there is no compensation. 



Town Hall in Toledo 
Leased for Legit-Pix 

Toledo, Oct. 28. 

Town Hall theatre here has been 
leased from the Shuberts by a De- 
troit syndicate. It will operate as a 
combined legit and picture theatre. 
House opened the season Oct. 20-22 
with "State of the Union," starring 
Kay Francis, and immediately after- 
ward began its film policy with 
"Abie's Irish Rose" as opening bill. 
Legit shows will be offered when- 
ever possible. 

T. H. Enterprises, Inc., Toledo, is 
operating the house. Principals 
are James Nederlander, J. Richard 
Cooper and Paul Broder. Neder- 
lander has been manager of the 
Lafayette theatre, Detroit, since re- 
turning from service in thelArmy. 
During the war he was on the mana- 
gerial staff of "Winged Victory." 



Mex. Stage's '1st Lady,' 
75, in San Antonio Date 

San Antonio, Oct. 28. 

Virginia Fabregas. "the first lady 
of the Mexican stage," despite her 
75 years, is appearing at the Tetro 
Nacional here this week together 
with her company in "La Casa Ber- 
barda Alba." 

Variously called the "Mexican 
Marie Dressier" and "Ethel Barry- 
more" she has been on the stage 53 
years. At the close of her local en- 
gagement she will tour Argentine. 



NEDERLANDER AGAIN 
TIFFING WITH ATAM 

David T. Nederlander, who op- 
erates the Lafayette, Detroit, is again 
tiffing with the agents and managers 
union as the result of his latest re- 
fusal to engage a union house man- 
ager. His son Jimmy, who joined 
I he Assn. of Theatrical Agents and 
Managers after a controversy, had 
the post but quit after rowing with 
the elder Nederlander; he took a 
job in Toledo. Senior declined to 
take on another localite and the 
union threatened to picket the the- 
atre. 

That was the situation when "All 
Gaul Is Divided" arrived in Detroit 
last week to open its tryout, a three- 
week date. Nederlander told the 
show management'that he would not 
supply a house manager, and exam- 
ination of the booking contract 
showed that provision for one had 
been deleted. Rather than enter into 
the argument, the show then as- 
sumed the cost of a house manager 
appointed by ATAM, salary being 
$135 per week. The United Booking 
Office arranged the date but it's in- 
dicated that when the contract was 
sent to Detroit for signaturing, the 
house-manager provision was 
stricken out, allegedly on the the-'' 
atre's typewriter, without the "Gaul" 
management noticing it. Arthur 
Warmus was named house manager 
by union. 



YMCA Clerk to Mgr. 

Albany, Oct. 28. 
Edward G. Harkness, YMCA clerk 
for 17 years, has been appointed 
house 'manager for the Playhouse, 
opening in November. 



58 



LEGITIMATE—CONCERT 



Wednesday, October 29,. 1947 



Hiirok In Wholesale Signings 
Of Continental Longhair Artists 



A sort of shuttle express of con- 
cert artists here and abroad has been 
effected by impresario Sol Hurok, 
who returned recently from, a two- 
month European trip. Hurok signed 
a half-dozen Continental attractions 
for the U. S. '48-'49 season and op- 
tioned several more, while at the 
same time setting up European dates 
for his American artists. 

Hurok pacted the Vienna Choir 
Boys, last heard here in 1938; the 
Trieste Trio, instrumentalists; Mari- 
amma, Spanish dancer, and her 
troupe of four; Lucia Turcano, Ital- 
ian soprano; Vasa Prihoda, Czech 
violinist, and Beriedetti Michelan- 
geli, Italian pianist. He's also ne- 
gotiating with the Polish Ensemble, 
group of opera singers and dancers; 
Ukrainian Bandura Band, 30 folk- 
singers, and the Stratford-on-Avon 
Shakespearean players. 

Hurok, -at the same time, already 
has the' U. S. violinist, Isaac Stern, 
booked all next summer through 
Europe; is negotiating to send Jan 
Peerce, Blanche Thebom arid Patrice 
Munsell to the Paris Opera next 
June, and may send his Jaroff Don 
Cossack Chorus , abroad. 

Sachs Guitry for U.S.? 

Two other interesting' 1 European 
prospects are . set for America, al- 
though only in the talking stage as 
yet. One is a .proposition for Sacha 
Guitry to tour the U. S. in a play the 
vet French actor-playwright has 
written, "Bix- Mots En." Guitry 
now giving a series of eight lectures 
on his life, at the Salle Pleyel. hasn't 

• visited the U. S. in two decades. 
Hurok is also dickering with- EJlsa 

> Marlins, Venetian actress, to do : an 
Ibsen repertoire here. 

He's also bringing back next sea. 
son the Trudi Schoop Ballet, which 
toured , the V. S. last season for the 
first time in six years. The Marquis 
George de Cuevas, owner of the 
Grand Ballet de Monte Carlo, is 
anxious to have ' Hurok: book his 
Monaco company here next season 
for its first- visit. . Hurok considers 
this new troupe potentially the best 

• dance company '. since the halcyon 
ballfet days of 1934. . , 

Hurok has been named in charge 

of the international ballet festival 
. contemplated for the Greater New 

York Jubilee next year. A visit 
: from the British Sadler Wells Ballet, 

a French troupe, a Danish troupe, 
. even a Russian ' troupe, are possible 
: as result of official invitations, ac 

cording to Hurok; 



Moiseivitch Due in U. S. 

Benno Moiseivitch, British pianist 
and Rachmaninoff Interpreter, is due 
in the U. S. next week for a season 
of concertizing under National Con- 
cert & Artists Corp. auspices. . 

In April the pianist will go to Aus- 
tralia for a summer season of con- 
certs for the J. & N. Tait manage- 
ment, stopping off . in Honolulu for 
several performances. Nevin Tait 
set up the Aussie bookings recently 
in London. 



Guitry In Comeback 

f Paris, Oct. 21. 
Sacha Guitry, long under a' col 
laboration cloud, is definitely stag- 
. ing a comeback. He gave a lecture 
at the Salle Pleyel before a packed 
audience, with only one man object- 
ing, who was promptly ejected. The I '7-8-9, with about 



AGMA Mapping First 



lecture was mostly a refutation of 
the allegations made against- him, 
and he will give more lectures there. 

Guitry is also propping • a picture 
on the life of his father, the late 
Lucieri Guitry. He is also to marry 
Lana Marconi. Of his former wives, 
Yvonne Printemps has the Micho- 
diere, Genevieve de Sereville is 
about to play in "Roi Rausole" at 
the Capucines, and Jacqueline Delu- 
bac is playing the part of Celimene 
in Moliere's "Misanthrope" at the 
Mathurins on alternate nights with 
Sophie Desmarets. '. 



Will Vote New Pact 

In .one of the most important 
moves of its existence, the Ameri- 
can Guild- of ' Musical Artists has 
planned a constitutional convention 
—its first— for New York in January. 

Delegates will assemble to discuss 
and vote on a new constitution, to 
replace present outmoded; 10-year- 
old pact, as well as to settle several 
other vital matters. 

Spread of AGMA geographically, 
and. in terms of membership, has 
dictated need of revision of the con- 
stitution and AGMA's internal struc- 
ture, it's felt. At one time its mem- 
bership was concentrated in New. 
York, so that an annual meeting here 
sufficed to handle affairs. Also at one 
time the union was only geared to 
take care of demands of soloists, but 
since then the union has taken in 
chorus and 'dance groups, etc. Latter 
are not . covered adequately, it's be-' 
lieved, by the old constitution. 

As it stands now, for instance, only 
soloists vote individually on matters 
of policy — choristers and r'un-of- 
mill dancers vote as a unit. AGMA 
also feels that some pattern needs to 
be worked out for artists who live 
and perform in one area, away from 
New . Yprk. New Orleans, for in- 
stance, has 40 members resident and 
working in that area. AGMA has no 
locals now; it has four representa- 
tives, iri Chicago, Philadelphia, Los 
Angeles and San Francisco: But 
everything is handled out of New 
York, dues paid here, etc. 
\A special committee has b,een 
working all summer on agenda "for 
the convention. Petitions are now be- 
ing circulated for candidates for 
delegates, with ballots going out this 
week. Committee has divided the 
country into seven geographical 
areas, with each to send delegates in 
proportion to membership. Conven- 
tion will be held in New York Jan. 

70 delegates ex- 



'CRADLE WILL ROCK' 
FOR 2 NY. CONCERTS 

Inking of Marc Blitzstein's play 
with music, "The Cradle Will Rock," 
for the final, pair of concerts of the 
New York City Symphony at the 
City Center, N. Y., Nov. 24-25, has 
excited unusual interest, both be- 
cause of the leftist tinge of the 
Blitzstein opus as well as the change 
from the original way the work was 
presented on Broadway. 

Show, scheduled to be done by the 
WPA Theatre Project in New York 
in June, 1935, was called off at the 
last minute by pressure from Wash- 
ington, . when sets, etc., were im- 
pounded, and theatre, orchestra, etc., 
taken away. Will Geer, playing one 
of the leads, Mr. Mister, made a 
speech on the street to the audience 
gathered for the premiere, asking 
them to accompany, the cast to an- 
other theatre, the Venice (now the 
Century). Archibald MacLeish 
made an impromptu opening- night, 
speech, which was used as preface 
to the published edition. Show went 
off as scheduled, with cast in street- 
clothes . doing their lines, while 
author-composer Blitzstein accom- 
panied them at a piano. 

Performance at the Center next 
month will be a concert version, 
with about 18 principals, the City 
Symphony under Leonard Bernstein 
furnishing the background. Howard 
da Sylva, who was the original Larry 
Foreman, is coming from the Coast 
to do his role again. _Shirley Booth 
has been signed for another role, and 
Sheila Bond is a strong possibility. 

Production will honor the •> 25th 
anni of the League of Composers, of 
which Blitzstein is a member. Play 
has been done by little theatre 
groups throughout the U. S. since its 
Broadway preem, but .never before 
in concert version such as the forth- 
coming one. 



"Annie Get Your Gun" opened Oct, 21 i» Kansas City with what is 
probably the latest curtain in the history of local legit. Musical got away 
at 11:25 p.m. and finally closed out at 2:15 a.m. without** line being cut 
from the show or a patron leaving early. Mary Martin, the star, brought 
a rousing cheer by her curtain speech, thanking the paying customers for 
their forbearance. ; - 

In order to bring "Annie" in during week of American Royal Stock and 
Horse Show, A&N Presentations had to take the Oct. 21-26 booking. 
Music Hall, always much in demand, already had been' booked for a one. 
night concert by Walter Frltschy. Jimmy Nixon of A&N worked out an 
agreement with Fritschy whereby the concert was to be cleared for a 
10:30 curtain on the musical show. 

Snafu took over for the evening, however, and the concert did riot get 
Under way until 20 minutes after its customary 8:20 opening. Likewise 
concert was late closing, which set the "Annie" opening back to 11:25, 
Even then the switch was accomplished only with the help of two sets of 
ushers, brie to shoo" out the concert lovers, one to speed in the legit fol- 
lowers.. The late hour held the house to about 75% of its 2,500 capacity, 
when a curtain at the regular time probably would have brought a sellout, 
as were, the other: evening performances of the show. Only other show- 
even to approach that late opening was "Winged Victory," which actually 
did. make a 10:30 curtain, likewise after a Fritschy concert, during the 
war. 



pected 

• Problem of getting representation 
for AGMA residents in certain areas 
will be thrashed out, with locals pos- 
sibly set up, but no 1 program or pot 
icy is being set in advance of con- 
vention, all these matters being left 
open for the delegates to decide. 



Christians Stars, Directs 
London 'Mama' Company 

Hollywood, Oct. 28. 

John van Druten's legiter, "I Re- 
member Mamaj," is slated for the 
London stage, with Mady Christians 
doubling as star and director. 

Actress leaves for England on 
completion of her current film chore 
in "All My Sons" at Universal- 
International. She played "Mama" 
on Broadway. 



British 'Born' to Move Out 
After Passing 300 Mark 

London, Oct. 21. 

"Born Yesterday" celebrated its 
300th performance at the Garrick 
Oct. 14 and is scheduled to close 
there Nov. 15, Show then plays 
Hammersmith and Wimbledon, in 
outer London, after which it goes on 
a provincial to.ur. 

Firth Shephard's revival of "Ca- 
naries Sometimes Sing,", with Jack 
Buchanan and Coral Browne starred, 
goes into the theatre in mid-No- 
vember. 



Inside Stuff-Legit 



By last week Katharine Cornell probably didn't know exactly what 
to think about her "Antony and Cleopatra." Production came to Pitts- 
burgh on the heels of raves in Buffalo and Cleveland only to get a unani- 
mous -panning in the three ' Pittsburgh dailies. Local reviewers were 
moderately kind to the actress-manager but their notices left no doubt as 
to the way they felt about the production in general. 

Buffalo hurrahs were expected, as it's Miss Cornell's home town. But 
it was the same story in Cleveland. There wasn't even a suggestion of 
dissent there. William McDermott, of Plain Dealer, even went to Buf- 
falo to catch a couple of performances and came back to go into ecstasies 
several columns long, in addition to follow-up pieces, all favorable, later 
in the week. 

The crix here, however, couldn't see "Antony and Cleopatra" at all. 
They praised the physical production and had some good words to say 
about the acting but thought the whole was pretty dull and stuffy. Local 
aisle-sitters naturally kept comparing it, although more favorably, with 
the abortive Tallulah Bankhead-Conway Tearle "Antony and Cleopatra," 
which also tried out in Pittsburgh ahead of Broadway exactly 10 years ago.. 



BALLET THEATRE MAY 
GO TO SO. AMERICA 

Project for Ballet Theatre to visit 
South America in January for 
special gala engagement is in the 
works. .' 

Company, which is now on tour in 
XJ. S.,"had been invited by the gov- 
ernment of Colombia to perform in 
Bogota for three weeks during the 
tjme of the Pan-American Confer- 
ence. Plans i n y_o 1 v e flying down 
the entire troupe of 35, plus scenery 
and costumes, in seven or eight 
planes, with Colombian government 
paying all expenses. 

Bid appeals to Ballet Theatre as 
a prestige move. Company, .how- 
ever, wants an ironclad guarantee 
of $40,000 for the three weeks, paid 
j in advance. Dickering has been go- 
ing on between representative's of 
both sides. • . 

Company would be gone five 
weeks in all, from first week in Jan- 
uary to mid-February. This would 
mean not filling bookings from Chi- 
cago to the Coast during those 
weeks, the troupe picking up its U.S. 
tour in California. Company has a 
10-day date in Chicago from Christ- 
mas to New Year. It has a booking 
next month at New York's City Cen- 
ter and next Spring at the Met Opera 
House. 



A Far-Flung, Academic 
Tome on the Theatre 

By MAURICE BERGMAN 

Anyone interested in the con. 
temporary theatre, which shoufS al- 
so include screen and radio, should 
add to his library, "A History of 
Modern Drama," which Appleton. 
Century has brought out at a time 
when the best theatre is probably in 
the headlines and not on the stage. 

This hefty tome; edited by Barrett 
H. Clark and George Freedley, is 
divided into sections covering every 
country which has contributed some 
thing significant to the modem thea 
tre. Each section is edited by an 
expert. Even though the general 
tone of the various symposia is 
necessarily academic, there is no 
reason why those responsible for 
producing contemporary entertain 
ment could not be stimulated by a 
looksee. 

Judging from some of the flop- 
eroos already in Cain's warehouse as 
a sorrowful monument to the hew 
season, one can well conclude that 
a play produced in 1947 might well 
be dated 19th Century as far as its 
affinity to the present day scene is 
concerned. "A History of Modern 
Drama" makes a point about this 
It is interesting to note that one of 
the big hits in town is George Ber- 
nard Shaw's "Man and Superman," 
which dates back 40-odd years'. 

There is a lot in this book that 
even might suggest a few good mo- 
tion pictures. Looking over some 
of the comment on Ibsen, as well as 
the French plays of the period be- 
tween 1870 and 1900, this reviewer 
gets the feeling that maybe some 
of this stuff could well-nigh be 
termed contemporary screen mate- 
rial. The best sections of the book 
as far as local interest is concerned 
are the fine treatises on England 
and the U. S. 

A study of this book would in- 
dicate that the theatre is not a 
haven for immortals. It is surpris 
ing how many playwrights are men 
tioned in this book who would not 
be known at all to the present gen- 
eration, for the simple reason that 
their plays are never revived. And 
the main reason for their not being 
revived is a very good one. They 
just have nothing to say to present- 
day audiences. On the other hand, 
the giants are still in the ring, and 
certainly the Shaws, the Ibsens, the 
Barries are still among those present, 
even, if their heyday was many 
years ago. To the motion picture 
minds "A History of Modern Drama" 
should be quite consoling, if for no 
other reason that it points up that 
the theatre seems to be just as 
ephemeral as films. 



."Happy Birthday" completion of its first year' on Broadway, at the 
Broadhurst, Friday (30), brings to mind an incident that occurred when 
the show opened. There was no powderroom attached to the dressing 
room of the play's star, Helen Hayes, whereupon Rodgers and Hammer- 
stein, who produced the show, installed the convenience. When "Happy" 
returned from its tryout, Miss Hayes noted the improvement, salaamed 
the author-managers and had a brassplate nailed' to the door of the 
addition, crediting R.&H. 

There are several B r °adway theatres with backstage suites rather than 
dressing roorns for stars arid feature players. Included are the Morosco 
and Coronet, both owned and operated by City Investing Co., which has 
plans for new legit theatres, although there are no fixed dates when 
building will start. 



Showmen were surprised, if not apprehensive, over the disappointing 
road grosses drawn by "Another Part of the Forest," which led to its 
closing in Chicago last Saturday (25). Kermit Bloomgarde.n, who pro- 
duced the Lillian Hellman play, believes that the road is not "condi- 
tioned" for heavy drama, but that's a theory that does not explain the 
fact that "Forest" drew excellent business in Detroit and Baltimore last 
season before the Broadway run started; It's possible that out-of-town 
playgoers haven't as much money to spend on recreation as in recent 
years. 

Heavy drama predominates among the new straight-play clicks on 
Broadway, namely such attractions as "Command Decision," "The Heiress" 
and "Medea," which are registering big grosses. 

Audiences at Nixon theatre, Pittsburgh, last week wondered where was 
all that fancy and spectacular scenery for "Antony and Cleopatra," which 
got such a big spread in the souvenir programs they bought in the lobby. 
All customers saw on the stage was a minimum of sets and a few scattered 
props. Answer was simple. Katharine Cornell company discovered dur- 
ing first tryout engagement in Buffalo 'that it would be practically im- 
possible to tour the heavy Leo Kerz sets and had them shipped back to 
New York for the Nov. 25 opening there, immediately after the original 
test date. Cleveland didn't see the full production, neither did 1 Pittsburgh, 
nor will any of the other cities "Antony" visits on . the road ahead of 
Broadway. ■ • 



Early reports that the production cost of "Allegro" was excessive even 
for a major musical were apparently incorrect, and although all the bills 
have not been received by the Theatre Guild, indications are that the total 
will be well within the budget figure of $250,000. There is a minimum 
of scenery in "Allegro," but much electrical apparatus is used and, nat- 
urally it's unseen from the front of the house. Much of it is hung on 
caWes, which required an okay from building authorities. Electrical cost 
approximated $35,000, with costumes amounting to a larger sum, while 
backstage labor was a major item, too. Guild 1 subscriptions should be 
taken care of by this week, and therafter the "Allegro" gross will go up 
about $3,000, with weekly takings going between $49,000 and $50,000. 



Femme lead in London production of "Deep Are the Roots" is now 
being played by a virtual novice, Mary Laura Wood, who graduated from 
the Carnegie Tech Drama School in 1946, A resident of New Brunswick, 
Canada, Miss Wood went to England several months ago looking for work 
and landed in "Roots" as an understudy. When the principal, Betsy 
Drake, fell ill, Canadian girl took over on what was supposed to be just a 
temporary basis and did so well the replacement was made permanent 
when Miss Drake decided not to return to the cast. 



Equity, in setting Nov. 15 as the deadline for the filing by officers and 
councillors of required notarized statements to the effect they are not 
communists or fascist*, has indicated there were many Who had not ' 
yet responded. Eight members of the council out of 50 in that body were 
remiss, and those who had protested sent in their signatured oaths soon 
after receipt. Several councillors resident in New York are among th& 
delinquents, ascribed mostly to carelessness. All officers and staffers 
complied pronto. 



Aftermath of the recently contested Lambs election was the resignation 
from the admittance committee of one sponsor of the defeated opposition 
ticket. It's reported he btocked a number of applications to the club 
because "he didn't like their names." The activities committee headed 
by Harold Hoffman, former governor of New Jersey, and Walter Greaza, 
will resume; they will conduct Saturday night entertainments each month. 
Lambs is in good condition financially, with a surplus of $309,110. 

Offspring of well-known theatre folk form a large part of the cast of 
"An Inspector Calls," J. B. Priestley play at the Booth, N. Y. John Meri- 
vale, playing the family scion, is son* of late Philip Merivale. John Buck- 
master,, in role of the family daughter's fiance, is son of Gladys Cooper 
(as well as Merivale's stepbrother, Miss Cooper having been Mrs. Philip 
Merivale). And Patricia Marmont, as the maid, is daughter of Percy 
Marmont, silent film star. 



Wednesday, OcioW 29, 1947 



LEGITIMATE 



59 



Chi Steady; 'Forest' in l^G Fold; 
'Bean Mild ll 1 ^, 'Soldier' Boff 26G 



28. 



ne 



Chicago, Oct. 
Crosses held steady this week, but 
entries/ outside of "Chocolate 



Soldier," have failed to take hold 
at She box-office. It's the longrun 
attractions that are getting the play. 

Two new entries In the November 
leeitrace makes the picture look 
mi full field. "All Gaul I Is Dl 



vided" goes into the Civic Nov. 10, 
.". ■ «.„...>'« o week of Maurice 
jer, 

the same day. "Annie Get Your, 



then there's a 
Chevalier at the Erlanger, beginning 

7, A*,-.* "Amnio flat Vmir 



Gun" and the Lunts, in "O, Mistress 
Mine," debut Nov. 3. "All My Sons" 
occupies the, Erlanger from Nov. 17 

^""Spike Jones Musical Deprecia- 
tion Revue" opened at the Stude- 
baker, Monday (27). 

Estimates For Last Week 

"Another Part of the Forest," 
Erlanger (1,334; $3.60) (2d wk). 
Show closed with light. $13,500 Oct 
45 . 

^Carousel," Shubert (2,100; $4.80) 
(22d wk). Not as good as last week, 
but grand $32,000 in next-to-closing 
week. 

"Chocolate Soldier," Blackstone 
(1,358; $4;80). Boff $26,000 result of 
heavy publicity breaks. 

"Late 1 Christopher Bean," Civic 
(900; $3.60). Mild $11,500 for first 
seven performances. 

"^Private Uvea," Harris (1,000; 
$3.60) (13th wk). Remarkable take 
continues, with fullup house this 
week again. Tenif $22,000. 
• "This Time Tomorrow," ' Selwyrt 
tl,000;.$3.60) (3d wk). Play pioked 
up in final frame for okay $16,000. 
Closed Oct. 25. 

'MOON' TOIING, 46; 
'3 MEN' 6G IN L. A. 

Los Angeles, Oct. 28. 

' Only three legit houses were lit 
last week and all did well. Only one 
newcomer arrived this week, "Voice 
of the Turtle" bowing at the Bilt- 
mose.last night (27). Due next week 
is "That's the Way Women Are," 
Anglicized version of Mozart's "Cosi 
Fan Tutte," which Dr. Jan Popper of 
Stanford University's music depart- 
ment brings into Las Palmas Nov. 
5 under aegis, of Pelican Productions. 
Estimates for Last Week 
"Blackouts of 1947," El Capitan 

(279th week) (1,142; $2.40). Again 
$17,000. 

"Dark of the Moon," Coronet (3rd 
Wk-) (255; $3.60). Dipping as run's 
end nears but week's. $4,000 still bet- 
ter than 85% capacity. 

"Three Men On a Horse," Las 
Palmas (1st wk) (388; $3). Galloping 
strongly with almdstno empty pews: 
$5,800. _^ 

Sylvia Friedlander 

In Deal for Comedy 

"Be Your Age," a light comedy by 
Mary Orr and Reginald Denham, has 
been optioned by Sylvia Fried- 
lander for .production next spring, 
with Denham slated to direct. The 
play is described as .somewhat simi- 
lar in general type to the same 
authors' "Wallflower," which Meyer 
Davis presented successfully in 
1943-44. 

"Blood Upon the Snow," a melo- 
drama adapted by Miss Orr and 
Denham from the Hilda Lawrence 
novel of the same name, is now un- 
der option to Paul Czinner, who in- 
tends presenting it this winter, with 
Denham staging. The play was for- 
merly held by Paula Stone. . 



CORNELL-'ANTONY' NG 
$20,000 IN PITTSBURGH 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 28." 

Katharine Cornell's "Antony and 
Cleopatra" didn't do so well last 
week at Nixon. Playing at $3.60 (in- 
cluding tax) top, show dropped 
under $20,000, and that represented 
considerable, red for heavy and ex- 
pensive production. 

Advance sale had been disappoint- 
ing, and they were apparently wait- 
ing here for the reviews on new 
production. Since notices were 
unanimously unfavorable, window 
sale never really got started. There 
was a pretty good play for the 
cheaper seats but. higher -priced 
ducats were way off. 

Nixon has Blackstone this week, 
with* Joe E. Brown in "Harvey" 
coming in Monday (3) for three 
weeks, and "Song of Norway" Nov. 
24. Week of Dec. 8 has opened up 
With end of tour in Chi for "Another 
Part of the Forest." 



'Mama'-Greenwood 

Good 20G in St. Loo 

St. Louis, Oct. 28. 
Midsummer tempeWHure that pre- 
vailed last week slowed the turnstile 
activity at the American theatre, 
where "I Remember Mama," John 
van Druten's comedy,' with Char- 
lotte Greenwood in the - top role, 
wound up the first of a two-week 
stand Saturday (25). However, popu- 
larity of Miss Greenwood, plus gen- 
erous pattycakes dished out by all of 
the crix, resulted in a profitable 
week. 

The 1,700-seat house was scaled to 
$3.66, and eight performances grossed 
an estimated $20,000. 



ier in 

Moishe Oysher, _noted cantor- 
stager, has been signed by Sol Dick- 
stein and Leon Schachter to star in 
"The Sacrifice of Isaac," Abraham 
GoldfadderrY 70-year-old Biblical 
operetta. It will be produced in its 
original form on Broadway this 
season. 

' The musical, which will feature 
a supporting cast of 50 singers from 
both the American and Jewish stage, 
will, be given an out-oMown tryout 
in December, and is scheduled to 
open on Broadway in January. Dick- 
stein and Schachter, now operating 
the Lincoln theatre, Philadelphia, 
Plan a tour of the operetta with 
Oysher in the leading singing role, 
following its limited engagement on 
Broadway. 



in Rehearsal 



"The Legend of Lou"— Hall Shel- 
ton. 

"The Firefly" (revival)— Shuberts. 

"Tonight at 8:30" (revival, road)— 
Homer Curran,' Russell Lewis and 
Hov.'i.rd Yaung. 

"Eastward in Eden"— Nancy Stern. 

"Made in Heaven"— Stanley Woif. 



'Weakness' 8G, Mpls. 

Minneapolis, Oct. 28. 
Ina Claire in "The> Fatal Weak- 
grossed good $8,000 for four 
nights and- a matinee- at-$3;80 top in 
the 1,700-seat Lyceum. 

Critics' went, all out in their praises 
for .Miss Claire's performance, but 
opinion was divided on the play. 

Current Road Shows 

(Period covering Oct. 27-Nou. 8) 

"AH Gaul Is Divided"— Shubert 
Lafayette, Det. (27-8). 

"Angel Street" — Geary, Frisco 
(27-8). 

"Anna Lucasta" — His Majestys, 
Monfl (27-1); Erlanger, Buff. (3-5); 
Aud., Roch. (6-8). 

"Annie Get Tour Gun"— Omaha, 
Omaha (28-1); Shubert, Chi. (3-8) 

"Antony , and Cleopatra" — Aud., 
Cincy (27-1); Cass, Det. (3-8). 

Ballet Theatre— Temple, Det. (28); 
Aud., Bloomington (29-30); Armory, 
Akron (31); Erlanger, Buff. (2); 
Playhouse, Wil. (7-8). . 

"Blackouts, of M47"— El Capitan, 
Hollywood (27-8). 

Blackstone— Nixon, Pitt. (27-1); 
Shea's, Bradford (3); Shea's, James- 
town (4); Shea's, Erie (5); Park, 
Youngstown (6-8). 

"Bongo" ("Calypso") — Shuhert, 
Bost. (3-8). 

"Call Me Mister"— Curran, Frisco 
(27-8). 

"Carousel"— Shubert, Chi. (27-1); 
American, St. Louis (3-8). 

"Chocolate Soldier" — Blackstone 
Chi. (27-8), 

"Eastward in Eden" — Plymouth 
Bost. (3-8). 

VFatal Weakness" — KRNT, Des 
Moines (29); Music HaU,K.C. (30-1); 
Arcadia, Wichita (3); Aud., Boulder 
(5); Aud., Denver (6-7). 

"Harvey"— Hanna, Cleve. (27-1); 
Nixon, Pitt. (3-8). 

"I Remember Mama" — American, 
St. Louis (27-1); Cox, Cincy (3-8). 

'Lady Windermere's Fan"— For- 
rest, Philly (27-1); Aud., Hartford 
(3-4); Shubert, N. Haven (5-8). 

"Medium," "Telephone" — Walnut, 
Philly (3-8). 

"O Mistress Mine" — Cass, Det. 
(27-1); Selwyn, Chi. (3-8). 

"Oklahoma!" — Colonial, Bost 
(27-8). 

San Carlo Opera Co.— Shea's, Erie 
(27); Palace, Albany (28). 

"Show Boat"— Opera Hse., Bost 
(27-8). 

"Song of Norway"— Hartman, Col 
(27-1); Hanna, Cleve. (3-8). 

"State of the Union"— Michigan, 
Lansing (28); Bijou, Battle Creek 
(29); State, Kalamazoo (30); Keiths 
Gr. Rapids (31-1); Davidson, Mil 
(3-8). 

"Streetcar Named Desire"— Shu- 
.bert, N. Haven (30-1); Wilbur, Bost. 
(3-8). 

"Sweethearts" — Shubert, Bost. 
(27-1); Forrest, Philly (3-8). 

"The Firefly" — Lyric, Bdgport, 
(31-1); Shubert, Philly (3-8). 

"The First Mrs. Frascr" — Locust 
Philly (27-1). 

"The Red Mill"— Royal Alex., To 
ronto (27-1); Hartman, Col. (3-8). 

"Voice of the Turtle"— Biltmore 
L. A. (27-8). 



'Mistress' 27G, Detroit 

Detroit, Oct. 28. 

Fall theatre season got under way 
with a $27,000 week at the Cass for 
Terence Rattigan-s "O Mistress 
Mine," starring Lynn Fontanne and 
Alfred Lunt. Gross would have been 
higher but show was on Theatre 
Guild' subscription. Second week is 
already close to sellout. 

Shubert-Lafayette, with young 
John McGiver's first writing job, "All 
Gaul Is Divided," did a $15,000 week 
that surprised some of the critics, 
but the play has been torn apart, cut 
and rewritten since opening night, 
and it's to stay here, three "weeks in- 
stead of two, before- it goes to Civic 
theatre in Chicago Nov. 10. 

love NSC SUM 
mia.llGinHuB; 
'Sweethearts' 30G 



Boston, Oct. 28. 
Two openers last week got 
nipped pretty generally here by the 
crix and neither is doing too well 
at the b.o. as a result, but 
"Oklahoma!" and "Sweethearts" 
continued to hit top grosses. 
"For Love or Money," at the Wilbur, 
didn't come up to expectations for 
an F. Hugh Herbert show, while 
"Trial Honeymoon," stock showing, 
got thumbed-down in every quarter. 
All four continue this week, with 
Showboat" added to the list at the 
Opera House as of last night. Next 
week brings in "A Streetcar Named 
Desire," at the Wilbur, "Calypso" at 
the Shubert, and "Eastward in Eden" 
at the Plymouth. 

Estimate for Last Week 
'For Love- or Money," Wilbur 
(1,241; $3.00). F. Hugh Herbert 
comedy, with .John Loder as mar- 
quee draw, failed to repeat this au- 
thor's previous successes, catching 
cordial but none-too-enthusiastic 
notices; estimated $10,500. F i n a 1 
week is current. - 

•Oklahoma," C o I o n ia 1 (1,500; 
$4.20). Third week exact duplicate 
of previous week's estimated $31,000, 
sellout at scale. Two more to. go, 
and both SRO already. 

"Sweethearts," Shubert (1,713; 
$4.20). Bobby Clark continued to 
pack them in on third frame to hit 
another estimated $30,000, with final 
week- current. 

"Trial Honeymoon," Plymouth 
(1,461; $3). This one didn't take 
here, with resulting estimated $7,000, 
off. Current week is final -frame. 



Broadway Continues Lusty; 'Medea 
Boff 29G in 1st Week, Inspector' 13G, 
Druid' 12G, 'Allegro' Smash 46^G 



MARTIN-ANNIE' WOW 
$55,000 IN KAYCEE 

Kansas City, Kans., Oct. 28. 

Regular legit season got away to 
a Ibang-up start here with Mary 
Martin company cEt "Annie Get Your 
Gun" in a six-day run in the. Music 
Hall under banner of A & N Pres- 
entations. Despite an opening cur- 
tain delayed until n!25 p.m. Tues- 
day (21); musical had heavy trade, 
with sellouts for every performance 
except opening one. 

Run ended Sunday. (26) after six 
evening and two matinee perform- 
ances with $55,000 in the till, with 
prices scaled . down from - $4.88. 
Figure puts the show in class with 
"Oklahoma" and some of best money 
ever garnered here. 

Troupe moved to Omaha for date 
at thevParamount theatre under Tri- 
States booking after closing here. 

Brown-Harvey' Whams 
Cleveland at $25,380 

Cleveland, Oct. 28. 

Joe E. Brown in "Harvey" got 
several capacity houses and a wham 
$25,380 on its first six days at the 
Hanna at $3.60 top, last week. Zippy 
advance sale heralds another big 
gross this week. 

"Song Of Norway" is house's next 
attraction, arriving Nov. 3. 



'Winslow' 17G, Balto 

Baltimore, Oct. 28. 

"The Winslow Boy," in at Ford's 
here last week as the second of five 
plays under American Theatre So- 
ciety-Theatre Guild subscription, at- 
tracted favorable reaction from crix 
and public as well, as winding up 
with a highly satisfying $17,000 for 
the week. 

In Currently is. "This Time Tomor 
row," also on subscription, with Shu 
bert Repertoire Co. set to follow in 
split week of "Rose Marie" and "The 
Merry Widow." Some advance inter 
est in latter. 



BIXBY'S PREEM 

Bridgeport, Oct. 28 
Carl Bixby, author of the kilos' 
"Life Can Be Beautiful," has penned 
a drama, "Twilight," to be preemed 
by the Westport Players next 
month. 

He's also directing the Westport. 



Broadway brokers say that agency 
business is not so hot, professional 
sports being under par along with 
the demand for some of the well- 
rated new shows. But grosses con- 
tinue at lusty figures, and boxoffices 
are doing lively business directly 
with theatregoers. Number of shows 
in . rehearsal is way under par. 
There is no theatre shortage, al- 
though it may develop for musicals. 
Some of the goodly grosses are defi- 
nitely boosted by theatre parties. 

"Medea" drew a mostly strong 
press and scored a fine first- week 
gross, around $29,000; "An Inspector 
Calls" drew divided notices, but a 
promising first week with takings 
of around $13,000; "The Druid Cir- 
cle" notices were also divided, but 
it approximated $12,000 in five times 
and. may ge't across. "The Winslow 
Boy," British import, is this week's 
opener. "Under the Counter" stopped 
Saturday (25). This week is the 
finale for "The .Medium and The 
Telephone" and "Our Lan'." 
Estimates for Last Week 
Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), 
CD iComedy-Drama) , R (Revue), 
M (Musical), O (Operetta) . 

All My Sons," Coronet (39th 
week) "(D-1,095; $4.80).- Going on 
tour after another week, although 
still making money, with gross again 
around $13,000. 

"Allegro," Majestic (2d week) (M- 
1,695; $6). New , gross leader getting 
all house will hold and, despite dif- 
ference of opinion, indications are- 
it's real moneymaker; over $46,500. 

An Inspector Calls," Booth (1st 
week) (D-712; $4.80). First nigliters 
and critics not in accord, but takings 
of $14,000 in first seven times in- 
dicate very good chance. 

"Annie Get Your Gun," Imperial 
(76th week) (M-1,472; $6.60). Edged 
out of top money honors by "Al- 
legro" in larger house but; continues 
over capacity pace; nearly $45,000. 

"Born Yesterday," Lyceum (91st 
week) (C-993; $4,80). Goes clean 
nightly except the gallery, and a bit- 
off at midweek matinee but great 
pace at around $19,508. 

"Brteadoon," Ziegfeld (33d week) 
(M- 1,626; $6). This attsaction and 
"Finian's Rainbow" were musical 
standouts last season and hold sim- 
ilar rating now; quoted over $43,000 
"Command- Decision," Fulton (4th 
week) (D-968; $4;80). Capacity ex- 
cept at midweek matinee, and tak- 
ings of $21,500 earmark war drama 
as good thing, 

"Gall Me Mister," Plymouth (80th 
week) (M- 1,075; $4.80). May span 
fall period as pace continues to pro 
vide weekly profit; around $24,000. 

"Finian's Rainbow," 46th Street 
(42d week) (M-1,319; $6). Quoted at 
around $42,000 weekly, which means 
standees all times; admissions on 
hoof average 40 per performance. 

"Happy Birthday," Broadhurst 
(52d week) (C- 1,160; $4.80). It's the 
first birthday, and the engagement 
will extend indefinitely; $28,000; 
great at this stage of run. 

"Bmrvey," 48th St. (157th week) 
(C-902; $4-20). Also will have an 
anniversary, its third at end of this 
week, and still faring excellently; 
$18,000. 

"High Button Shoes," Century (4th 
week) (M-1,670; $4.80). Has the top 
call in the agencies among the new 
clicks, and takings of around $42,000 
are- capacity-plus. 

"HK)w I Wonder," Hudson (4th 
week) (CD-1,057; $4.80). Around 
$16,000, good, but takings are nearly 
all from theatre parties; slated until 
late next month. 

"Icetime of 1948,". Center (M-2,994; 
$2:40). Still another attraction to 
celebrate this week, occasion mark- 
ing the seventh year of skating re- 
vues in this Radio City . spot; got 
$39,500 in nine times. 

"John Loves Mary," Music Box 
(38th week) (C-979; $4.80). Again 
improved, with count $18,500; few 
new laugh shows in sight, and stay- 
ing, crop should stick indefinitely. 

"Music in My Heart," Adelphi 
(4th week) (0-1,434; $4.80). Hardly 
among leaders, but musical claimed 
to be making money, with gross ap- 
proximating $27,500. 

"Oklahoma!", St. James (246th 
week) (M-1,505; $4.80). New musi- 
cals have not affected draw, of mu- 
sical run leader, which continues to 
clean up here and on tour; $26,000. 

"Our Lan'," Royale (D-1,035; 
$4.80). Final and fifth week; thea- 
tre party money mostly absent last 
'week, and takings dived to $7,500. 

The Heiress," Biltmore (4th 
week) (D-920; $4.80). Another drama 
that drew mixed opinions but is 
getting great business; quoted at 
around $22,500 again. 

"The Druid Circle," Morosco (1st 
week) (D-935; $4.80). Divided no- 
tices but business promising; approx- 
imated $12,000 in first five times. 

"The Medium and "The Tele- 
phone," Barrymore (M-1,064; $4.20). 
Final and 27th week; up to $13,500, 
but moderate money for operatic 
playlets; "This Time Tomorrow" 
dated for Monday (3). 
"The .Voice of the Turtle," Beck 



(185th week) (C-1,214; $3.60). Eased 
a bit but got approximately $10,000 
and will continue here until "An- 
tony and Cleopatra" (Katharine 
Cornell) arrives. 

"The Winslow Boy," Empire (D- 
1,102; $4.80) f Presented by Atlantis 
Productions (John C. Wilson, Thea- 
tre Guild, and H. M. Tennent, Ltd.); 
written by Terence .Rattiganf" 
brought from London .intact; opens 
tonight (29). 

•Under the Counter," Shubert. 
Taken off Saturday (25) as expected; 
English musical played but four 
weeks less one night; "The First 
Mrs. Fraser" revived here jnext 
week. 

"Young Man's Fauoy," Cort (26th 
week) (C-1,064; $3.60). Most modest 
grosser on list but making an op- 
erating profit; around $8,000. 
REVIVALS 
"Medea," National (1st week) (D- 
1,164; $4.80). Slated for six weeks 
hut may stay eight; divided opin- 
ion on ancient drama, biit-line of 
students at boxoffice continuously; 
around $29,000 first week. 

"Man and. Superman/' Alvin (3d 
week) (CD-1,331.; $5.40). Shavian 
comedy topping the straight plays 
at approximately $31,000. 

"Burlesque," Belasco (44th week) 
(C-1,077"; $4.80). Extra-space ads in 
Sunday (26) papers indicate inten- 
tion to stay through winter; business 
over $14,000, profitable. 

ADDED ATTRACTION 
Playhouse (865; $4;80). Edith Piaf 
and other French specialists, includ- 
ing Les Compsgnons de la Chanson, 
and others; presented by Clifford C. 
Fischer. 



'Fan'256,Pn%; 




Philadelphia, Oct. 28. 
The elaborate- fashion show, "Cin- 
derella of RlttenHouse Square," 
sponsored- by the Philadelphia In- 
quirer, was the actual gross leader 
last week. This one, which opened 
Tuesday night at the Locust and 
played nine performances; grossed 
$27,500, which represented capacity 
at seven of the nine performance* 
More or less of an experiment' and 
reported to have cost close to 100 
gland, this one had full society sup- 
port, plus plenty of side temrrie in- 
terest. 

Best gross of the week among the 
regular commercial attractions was 
"Lady Windermere's Fan," which 
got $25,000 in its second week at the 
Forrest. This Oscar Wilde revival 
has now played its two weeks as the 
first American Theatre Society sub- 
scription offering of the. year and. 
willplay this week on its own. Sale' 
and prospects are moderate. 

"Calypso," new all-colored dance 
revue which opened at the Shubert 
Monday (27), got notices that were 
either n:g. or n-.s.g., and week's gross 
under $7,500- reflected that and also 
tepid first-night reaction. This type 
of dance attraction has never been 
too successful here. There was some 
talk of yanking "Calypso" (to be 
called "Bongo" in Boston) Saturday 
night but it is filling out its two 
weeks' booking. 

"Tobacco Road" gpt a pale $6,000 
in the first . of two weeks at the Wal- 
nut, where- it is playing its umprieth 
local engagement. That's well below 
last week's figure; absence- of a name 
star believed likely reason. 

This week's only opening.— revival 
of "The First Mrs. Fraser" — opens to- 
night (28) at. the Locust -and. stays 
this week only. Jane Cowl and Henry 
Daniell are, starred, and there is a 
nice sale. 



Angel'-Peck, Bay Nifty 
20G, S.F.; 'Mister' 23G 

San Francisco, Oct. 28. 

"Angel Street," with Laraine Day 
and Gregory Peck, which opened at 
the 1,550-seat Geary, Tuesday (21) 
chalked up a sturdy $20,008 for its 
first week; 

"Call Me Mister," which bowed 
into the 1,776-seat Curran Monday 
(20) pulled a nifty gross of $23,000 
for its initial week. 



'Norway" 24G, indpls. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 28. 

"Song of Norway" took stout $24,- 
000 in seven performances here Oct. 
21-25 at tthe English, scale $1.20- 
$4.20. State teachers convention in 
town last half of week helped keep 
attendance at capacity. 

Advance good for "Red Mill," fol- 
lowing Nov. 10 after two dark weeks. 



60 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Plays on Broadway 



The Druid Circle , 

Alfred de Llnsre, Jr., prodtM.-lloii o( drama 
In three arts (three sets) by John vnn 
Uiuten. Features I,eo t:. Carroll. Staged 
by the author; sellings, Stewart Chaney. 
Opftied at Morosco, K. Oct. .-'2, e«, 
$1.S0 top. 

WINS Dasn'all J.MIIon Bronson 

Professor White •'• ( ,lir "" 

Professor Parry Phillips.. 

Madrlox. 

Town..; •••• 

Tom IJoyd.Kllis.... 

Megan Lewis. . 

Brenda Maddox. . .... 

Mrs. White 



.Noel Leslie 
.Boyd Crawford 
..Aldnn Turner 
.Walter Stafckey 
..Susan DouBlns 
.Neva Patterson 
..Kthel Griffles 
Merle Mnddern 



miss rreveiyan •■"V, ri" 

Blodwoo .... • • • .Cherry Hardy 

A drama set within a small uni- 
versity in rural England is similar 
atmosphere to- that of "Yoang Wood- 
ley," which brought John van Dru- 
ten to Broadway attention and which 
scored in a little (Belmont) theatre. 
But "The Druid Circle" impresses as 
having limited appeal. . 

There was emphasis on youth in 
"Woodiey" but it's rather a stress on 
age in the new play, which gets its 
title from English college professors 
who years back were called druids. 
"Circle" is • well written though 
neither play compares with van 
Dmten's 'The Voice Si the Turtle," 
a three-person smash that's still on 
Broadway, having played the Mo- 
rosco for over three years. 

"Circle" may be partly biographi- 
cal, one of ! the leads being an alert 
college instructor wed to a pretty 
former actress, She's going to have 
a baby, so he wants to get away 
from the midland school. The prin- 
cipal character is Professor White 
(play's original working title), a 
meddlesome old boy who's crusty, 
especially as to' romance between the 
' co-eds. ' 

It is the prof who the author has- 
given most careful- attention, and 
the part is expertly cast. If the 
play gets across it will be on the 
strength of the characterization by 
Leo G ; Carroll, whose, portraiture is 
admirable, Prof White inadvertently 
gets' hold of a love letter written by 
a boy student to a girl, and he thinks 
• the imputations are improper with 
the result that the youngsters are 
much, perturhed, especially when the 
boy is forced to read the epistle out 
loud in the presence of the lass. 

The. girl disappears from the 
campus and it's feared she may 4o 
away with herself, which upsets the 
faculty and the professor's immedi- 
ate circle. But she returns and by 
that time, the curious old teacher 
has decided to resign. 

There is one amusing interlude, a 
second-act scene • between the prof 



and his aged mother, whose acid 
tongue brings few rejoinders from, 
the ol"d boy. The old girl is played 
by Ethel- Griffles, an English actress 
who has been on the Coast, where 
she has played in. many pictures. 
That she was induced to eome east 
was a casting triumph. Boyd Craw- 
ford turns in a very good perform- 
ance as Maddox, the head instructor, 
the part being a prototype of van 
Druten's own youth, it s believed. 
Susan . Douglas is the harried girl. 
Neva Patterson plays the young col- 
lege wife, being most attractive. 
Lillian Bronson as a spinster secre- 
tary, Walter Starkey as the boy and 
Merle Maddem, of the faculty, also 
do well. " 

Fashion note: long skirts worn by 
the femmes give an inkling of what's 
to come soon if the present fashion 
trend continues to .revert to that of 
the 1920's, the play's period and 
quite unalluring. Ibee. 

An Inspector Calls 

Courtney Burr and Lassor H. firosberg 
production of drama In three acts by J. B. 
Priestley. Stars Thomas Mitehell; fea- 
tures Melville Cooper, Doris Moyd, Rene 
Ray, John Buckmastcr. Directed by Cedrlc. 
Hardwicke: setting, costumes, lighting by 
Stewart Chaney. At Booth, N. T., Oct. 
21, M7; 84.80 top (*7.SQ opening night). 

Arthur Birling .'...Melville Cooper 

Gerald Croft .v. John B.uckmaster 

Sheila Birling . . .... . . . . . .Rene Ray 

Sybil Birling ...... ;Doria Lloyd 

Edna. Patricia Marmont 

Brie Birling.... John Merlvale 

Inspector Goole Thomas Mitchell 




OAVIO MP3KY 
208 W. 4l«t St.. N. 



NATIONAL 
PUBLICITY 
OCIATES 



PHILLIP BLOOM 

V., CH 4-5I8S— 6— 7 



my 



THE 

NIGHT OF STARS 

Madison Square Garden 
NOV. 17 




Trial Honeymoon 

Boston, Oct. 21. 
Harry Rosen production of comedy In 
Ihree acts by Conrad S. Smith. Staged 
by Edward I,udlum; scenery and costumes, 
Philip Kessler. Opened at Plymouth, Bos- 
ton, Oct. 21, '«!'*» top. 

...Mildred Monroe 
,loe:Thoniaa 



Klsle 

Craig Penning 

I.lnda Melton...... 

George Wllloughby 
Dr. Trumbull . ...... 

Bill Daniels... 
Irene Smith: 



..Ellen Kenwlck. 
...Jack Fletcher 
.Stapleton Kent 
Ed Moroney 
.Eileen Heckart 



Funny Wllloughby Helen Waters 

This well-intentioned stock effort 
should of stood in the woods. Cleane* 
up a bit it would probably hit the 
jackpot in Baker's All -Star no- 
royalty play series. The first scene 
would clear a Broadway theatre 
quicker than a fire. • . • 

The plot is summarized in the title. 
Couple discovers, jusfprior to their 
wedding ceremony, that they haven t 
waited the necessary three days. 
Minister omits part of the ceremony 
to save face .with intention of re- 
peating ceremony next day. Couple 
then goes off on its honeymoon with 
the best man. Husband-to-be turns 
out to be a booby and .best man 
snaffles the .girl after much foolish- 
ncss ■ •■ . ■ 

Cast is likeable, and the play 
proves the author has a certain flair. 
But this one belongs in his trunk. 



Plays Abroad' 



SAMUEL FRENCH 

SINCE 1830 

Play, Brokers and 
Authors' Representatives 

tn West 45th Street, New York 
7(123 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 40, Cat. 



CLEVER COMPOSER 

of many effective film' and radio 
score* looking for producer who will 
appreciate talent. 

Writt Box 440. Variety 
154 Wert 46th Street. New York 19 



This; psychological whodunit is an 
engaging, play, smoothly directed 
and beautifully acted. Its mood is 
sustained throughout, so that it is 
practically always interesting. But 
it is somewhat pat, a little slow and 
quite British. Performances, Thom- 
as Mitchell's name and play's novel 
switch at the end should insure 
somewhat of a run thoug}» ' not 
enough to pay off. 

Action of play occurs in an Eng- 
lish industrial city some 30 years ago 
when a young girl commits suicide 
and an eminently respectable Brit- 
ish family is subjected to a routine 
ijiquiry' ins connection with the 
death. An inspector calls to inter- 
rogate the family, and during the 
course of his. questioning all mem- 
bers- of the group are implicated, 
lightly or deeply, in the girl's un- 
doing.' ' 

, The family,' closely-knit and 
friendly at beginning of the evening, 
is shown up as selfish, self-centered 
or cowardly, its good humor turning 
to acid, and good fellowship to dis- 
like, before the evening is ,over. Sur- 
prising revelation, however, is in the 
inspector-^-who turns out to toe no 
copper at all, but a mysterious indi- 
vidual with full knowledge of every- 
one's connection with the suicide. 
Novel closing switch, after false in- 
spector has been shown up and no 
suicide having been recorded, has an 
actual copper preparing to show arid 
a last minute suicide reported, to 
tie in mysteriously with all the 
foregoing. 

Plot is thin in spots, a little pat 
too often, but ingenious neverthe- 
less. Performances help it im- 
measurably. Mitchell; ba c k on 
Broadway after 12 years in films, 
is highly effective as- a soft-voiced, 
easy ' mannered detective with om- 
niscience. If he underplays a bit, 
his role is strikingly contrasted by- 
.that of Melville Cooper, who is 
equally effective as. a blustering, 
fatuous mill magnate. Latter, by 
sacking a millgirl for labor activity, 
has unwittingly started her on the 
road to her death. 
, Doris Lloyd, as the autocratic 
wife who refuses the girl aid later 
because of the latter's independent 
attitude; Rene Ray, "as the self-cen- 
tered- daughter, who has the girl 
fired from her job out « of pique; 
John Buckmaster, as the daughter's 
errant suitor, who has been keeping 
•the girl on the side, and John Meri- 
vale, as the mill-owner's son, who 
seduces the girl, give fine support. 
* Cedric Hardwicke's direction is 
sure, although . with a tendency to 
have the cast underplay in typical 
British style. Stewart Chaney's sets, 
costumes and lighting are high- 
grade, while whole production has 
an assured professional touch. 

1 Bron. 



Theatre Tele 

Continued from page 1 



THE NEW VOLUME OF 




The complete pictorial 
yearbook of the 194J-47 
■roadway theatrical «eaion. 

Edited by DANIEL BLUM 

DELUXE EDITION 
$3.00 . 

/orite bookstore or mail check 
or ,ioney order to: 

QjJ nh JJ NORMATm MACDONALD, Associate Editor 

n/aua., , 05 w 43 Sf # N<w York 18 H Y 



make their events available for BBC 
transmission. ' 

Cinema. Television method of the- 
atre video is much the same as that 
recently 5 demonstrated by RCA, ex- 
cept that it involves a screen about 
four times as large as that used by 
RCA. System utilizes direct, in- 
stantaneous front projection, em- 
ploying an adaptation of Schmidt 
optics and providing a 16x12 foot 
picture with a projection throw of 
40 feet. Screen is specially proc- 
essed to economize all- light as much 
as possible. 

System has already been tested 
successfully, in blitzed theatres, 
which are not open to the public, 
West said. Present plans call for 
programs to originate in three pro- 
duction centers— BBC studios at 
Alexandra Palace, north of London; 
Pinewood ftlm studios of the Rank 
Organization, west of London, and 
studios to be constructed on the site 
of the old Crystal Palace at Syden- 
ham. Front of the balcony would 
be considered the ideal location- for 
the tele projector, or it could be lo 
cated in the regular projection booth 
if a 40-inch spherical mirror were 
used in the reflective optical sys- 
tem. • «■ 

Mechanic* 
In discussing the plan at the 62d 
semi-annual banquet of the Society 
of Motion Picture Engineers in New 
York last week, SMPE tele chair, 
man Paul J. Larsen suggested that 
for theatres without balconies, the 
projector might be suspended from 
the ceiling. West opposed this : 
however, declaring the projector 
would have . to be absolutely sta- 
tionary. According to Larsen, such 
an arrangement would keep the 
projector from audience view^and 
obviate any disturbance from 
mounting it in the center of the or 
chestra. He said it would be possi- 
ble to construct a rigid suspension 
for the projector which could be 
lowered by a pulley for servicing. 

British plans call for all events 
televised to be made available to 
both theatre and home sets, West 
said. With the price of receiving 
sets now out of reach of most of the 
public, theatre tele would give them 
a chance to participate in the new 
medium. He said that events lined 
up for theatre tele probably would 
not be sponsored. Instead, a search 
would be made for events that can 
pay for themselves. 

West noted also that Rank 
highly interested in tying in large 
screen tele in some way with film 
production. Use of video in film 
studios would save much rehearsal 
money by permitting a producer or 
director to see before the cameras 
started to roll whether lighting: 
makeup, etc., were okay. This, he 
said, would obviate the need for 
many of the retakes that now con 
sume so much time and money. 



On sale 



Tuppenee Colored 

London, Oct. 20. 

Tonnent Productions. Ltd., production (In 
association with Arts Council) of new revue 
in two acts, Stars Joyce (trenfell, Kll.sabeth 
Welch, Max Adrian with I-ynnette Kue, 
Daphne OxanCord, Franklin Bennett, Denis 
ivfnrtlri, Felicity Gray, Angus Menkes, De- 
vised and directed by Laurier Meter. Music 
by Richard Addlnoell, Irving Berlin, Geof- 
frey Wright, Arthur Macrae.- Debussy, 
J,ouIsguy; lyric*. Joyce Grenfell, Arthur 
Macrae, Kdlth Piaf, Nicholas Fhipps, Her- 
bert Farjeon, t»nvld Yates Mason. Sagit- 
tarius, Leonard Qershe. At Globe, Oct, 1», 
•47. . ;,. ,- 

Unpretentious, intimate little re- 
vue was transferred from Hammer- 
smith, in outer London, because it 
had made such a hit there arid a 
gamble in the West End seemed 
worthwhile. For U. S. tastes, it has 
neither the bite nor *the audacity of 
the "Sweet and Low" series and 
would be considered too pallid over- 
seas. ' 

Depending on three stars who, of 
necessity, do overmuch in this two- 
part show, it has a small chorus and 
enough wit to see it through. Chief 
merit lies in the brevity and light- 
ning change of sets which leave no 
time for- the numbers to pall. They 
even sometimes rouse the wish they 
could be prolonged. Some of musi- 
cal numbers are delightful. 

Jfyce Grenfell, who is responsible 
for most of the characterizations, is 
also author of many lyrics in show. 
Her inimitable cameos of various 
types are the mainstay— the stately 
Countess, patient shopping house- 
wife, several snob visitors to, a musi- 
cian's anteroom and a fatuous su- 
burban' woman having a' day in 
town. They are all excellent. 

Elisabeth Welch has well con- 
trasted songs, "Sartre Resartus," a 
satire on recent ,grim French plays: 
jungle silhouette, "Beast of Prey, 
'La Vie en Rose," sung charmingly 
in French; "Sing, Child, Sing," a 
swinging number that suits her style, 
a "Jabberwocky Song"; and "Supper 
Time," old Mammy number by Irv- 
ing Berlin. 

Max Adrian's best contribution is 
The Poodle's Lament" in which, 
dressed in a black dog's skin, he 
satirizes the foibles of man, with 
many jibes at the current govern- 
ment. '•■ 

Most amusing skit is that of a 
dramatic stage scene so interrupted 
by' rattle of matinee tea-trays that 
the artists decide to have theirs too 
served during the performance, with 
well-timed lines punctuating the re- 
sult. 

A charming mist-screened weather 
vane is depicted in a graceful postur- 
ing act by Felicity Gray, who also 
appears as part of a quintet in a soft 
pastel toned dance ensemble titled 
Tapestry." 

There is much artistry and wit of 
the topical or local kind plus in- 
genuousness of entertainment in this 
production. Advance publicity of 
ts Hammersmith success will help 
to make it popular, especially since 
few shows of this type are now 
prevalent in London. Clem. 

Jeanne d'Arc 

('Joan of Arc') 

Paris, Oct. 22. 

Jacques Hebje.rtot production of drama 
(three acts;, nine scenes)-, by Charles Peguy. 
Adapted by Andre chancerel and Marcel 
Peguy. Stars Madeleine* Ozeray. Directed 
by Paul Oeltly. Sets and costumes by 
Jacques Dupont. At Theatre Hebertot. 

Jeanne d'Arc. . .. . Madeleine Ozeray 

Count de Clermont... Jacques Duval 

Hauvlettei .....dandle Planet 

Mrs. Gervalse.' ^Catherine Seneur 

Jeanne's Uncle, Friar Claudet. .Bene Alone 

King Charles Jean Oettly 

Jacques JJoucher Jacques Froment 

Jeanne's Chaplain Jacques Sylvain 

Mrs. Boucher Germaine Delbat 

Her Maid Jacqueline Durand 

Master Jean Vital 

Raoul de Oaucourt Pierre Magnfer 

Archbishop of Reims, Jean Mnssleu.. 

Jean Berger 

Bishop Bernard Robert Dccombe 

Gilles de llals M'lciiel Lemoine 

Duke of Alencon Roger Garceau 

Baron Montmorency Jean Gosselin 

Priar Dasbree Marcol Morange 

Nicolas TaQlseleur Georges Salllnrd 

Friar Bourat j Moncorbler 

Piei-rct Alain Gerard 

Bishop Cauchon Gaston Severln 

Jean D'Kstivet Maurice Timber 

Evcrard Ch. Rblla Norman 



Is in the Rouen jail before being 
burned at the stake. 

The play entails a large cast,' 
whfch does not get much chance 
since there are few plays more stat- 
ic than this one. The conservative 
part of the production are the sets, 
most scenes being only a slight al- 
teration of the main set. 
- Main interest in the play, from the 
American angle, is to see how the 
French visualize Joan of Arc. This 
is not much guidance for. any Amer- 
ican actress who , Would play the 
part since she's made a dreamer 
rather than a strong maiden. 

Mdxi. 



'Turtle* for Salt Lake 

Salt Lake City, Oct. I 
"Voice of the Turtle,' with Haila 
Stoddard, Sheila Graham and Philip 
Faversham/^s~-slated for two pe 
formancesf here at\the Capitol, Nov 
10. 

House will be scaled from a $3.05 
top. 




Angel Street 

(GEARY. SAN FRANCISCO) 

. • . San Francisco, Oct. 26. 
The inherent, sinister quality 
which distinguished Patrick Hamil- 
ton's play in its New York presenta- 
tion is. sadly missing from this 
reincarnation provided fcy Laraine 
Day and Gregory Peck. Instead of 
the cloud of diabolism enveloping 
its contents, "Angel Street" takes on 
a whodunit robustness which hangs 
over on the edges in its effort to 
stir the audience. 

Peck ,is unconvincing as the 
pathological killer, and Miss Day 
never fully establishes her character 
as the belabored wife. Neither the 
beard nor the monotone declamation 
of his lines quite removes Peck from 
the ranks of the juveniles in this 
opus, and Miss Day's vitality is only 
an adequate substitute for the sim- 
mering hysteria with which the role 
has been identified- Peck is definitely 
not so frightening, nor Miss Day so 
frightened, as they would like to 
suggest. . 

The third big part in the produc- 
tion,- by Ernest Cossart, as Rough, 
the- -Scotland Yarder, is portrayed 
in a bouncing manner which doesn't 
hurt the sum total but doesn't help 
it much either. Elizabeth Patterson 
arid Elizabeth 'Eraser turn in work- 
womanlike jobs. Staging, scenery 
and costuming are effective. 

That Shepard Traube, who pro- 
duced and directed the original New 
York product, was also the director 
and producer of this effort would 
seem to indicate that there is an 
essential difference in the finesse of 
the actors he has called from Holly- 
wood and those he employed in 
New York. Ted. 



Horton-'Henry' for Memphis 

Memphis, Oct. 28. 
Ellis auditorium has booked Ed- 
ward Everett Horton in "Spring- 
time for Henry," three perform- 
ances, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 
19-20. 



Jacques Hebertot, who produced 
"Double Headed Eagle," has riot hit 
a winner this time, with highbrows 
the only payees and plenty ,empty 
seats. Banking on the marquee pull 
of Madeleine Ozeray, erstwhile pupil 
of Louis Jouvet, nevertheless the 
play has little popular appeal. The 
original was by Charles Peguy, done 
in the shape of a trilogy of several 
acts each, circa 1902. Out of this 
Marcel Peguy, his son, and Andre 
Chancerel have solved a play which 
more or less is a profile of Joan of 
Arc. But boiled down, this is only a 
series of sketches which may be edi- 
fying or patriotic, but apart from 
their literary value, are not stage 
material. 

Besides wtiich Miss Ozeray, de- 
spite her personal charm, lacks the 
strength to play the big role of the 
French national heroine. The 15th 
century shepherdess, who donned 
armour to win the French kingdom 
back from the invading English, is 
shown first in her home village 
back in 1425. Next she is seen just 
before she fights some of her battles 
against the English. The last two 
scenes depict her after she has been 
left in the hands of the English, and 



NOW IS THE TIME 
TO PUT YOUR 
"BEST FOOT FORWARD" 

Tfct ey« of #h« WieofrJeol 
profusion or* focussod on 
photograph* by 

JO MERMEL 

Creator of tights and Shadow* 

You pay no mort for photo- 
graphs by America's load- 
ing creative theatrical pho- 
tographer. 

DO IT TODAY! 

WRITE— WIRE— TELEPHONE 
FOR APPOINTMENT 

JO MERMEL 

480 Lexington Ave. at 46»h St. 
New York. N. Y. 
Tel. Plaia 3-5791 



Member* of Immediate Vnmily 
or Nett of Kin of 

DAVID KARSNER 
Author of SILVER DOLLAR 

Art Rteueshxl h> CommunioaU With 
American Play Company 

m rifrh Aveoue, New York City 



HOUSE FOR SALE 

Simcions home on a acres In m» 
Canaan, Coun. Jronlal on W Ippownn 
Blver. Tliree mauler bedrooms, two 
baths; one servant's room, bath; large 
playroom adjoining- hnth. 
Available for Immediate oecupaney. 
Prlee $45,000. New Canaan 9-1S30 or 
Pennsylvania 0-2404. 



u.j. October 29, 1947 




LITERATI 61 



I! SCULLY'S SCRAPBOOK f 

' By Frank Scully 

Clearwater, Oct. 26. 

What the photographers have done so far in Washington to the glamor 
.boys via their candid cameras has been terrifying. Poor Cooper. Poor 
Taylor. Poor Wood. Poor Menjou. Poor Yorick. It was a shock to see 
them looking like alien gargoyles. Acme was the worst offender. 

What the fend result of all this is going to be I can plainly foresee. 
Makeup artists and cameramen in Hollywood are going to ask for salary 
tilts commensurate with the illusions they produce. In brief, 5G a week, 
with the stars taking what's left. 

In brief, 5G a year. 

Cant TeU Players Without Score Cards! 

I have a system of identification which would make the talkathon 
clearer to a confused world. All witnesses should be identified by their 
party labels. This would make the whole investigation very simple. 
Everybody Would fall into clearer light. Practically every witness in 
the first week, for instance, is a registered Republican. At least Louis 
B. Mayer, Sam Wood, Adolphe Menjou, Robert Taylor, Robert Mont- 
gomery, Leo McCarey, Rupert Hughes, Morrie Ryskind, Lela Rogers, Walt 
Disney and James McGuinness are all Republicans. So is Chairman J. 
Parnell Thomas. . 

The other victims are practically all registered Democrats. Here and 
there is a maverick who seems to have had his brand burned over. Two 
of these are Ronald Reagan (D) and Bartley Crum (R). 

I'm the guy who looks up these things and checks with the registrar 
of voters. ... 

In California, if 'for any reason you don't' want to, you don't have to 
declare your party loyalty there. You can "decline to state." But 
most of the citizens who are knocking each other around in Washing- 
ton right now have not taken advantage of this right to privacy and are 
perfectly willing to let the world know that they are either Democrats 
or Republicans. The trouble is the Republicans will not let it go at that, 
and naturally that gets the Democrats sore. 

For Export Trade 

To my foreign readers I have to explain that in America we are not 
divided into reactionaries, conservatives, progressives and radicals, but 
all shades 'of political biases are squeezed into 4wO groups. ^ 

Naturally that leaves both parties badly loused up. The result is we 
find noble Republicans in Minnesota and vile ones in Chicago, uplifting 
Democrats in Rhode Island and stinkeroos in Mississippi. 

Once they get elected to Congress, whatever - their origin they head 
for the juicy committee jobs, and if they hang, onto office long enough 
they are sure to fall into the chairmanship of these plums. 

That's how a Mississippi crustacean like IJpn. John Rankin got the 
chairmanship of the Un-American Activities Committee. But he's oozing 
around his own delta right now trying to hook the late Sen. Bilbo's job. 
That has left the Hon. J. Parnell Thomas (R) from the lowlands of New 
Jersey in control. He's holding on to the chairmanship like a shark in 
shallow waters. " ■ • 

Mencken's Stand-in 

But the boy who opened the way for all these salaried name-callers 
was the Hon. Martin Luther Dies, a character from Beaumont, Texas, 
He pioneered in the . field of smearing mercurbchrome over the ideological 
itches of Hollywood, and made enough to retire. 

Calling 'All Names 

At the time Dies headed up the committee, congressional talkathons 
were not the big biz they are today. In those days' Republicans, of' course, 
were called "fascists," and 1 Democrats were called "communists." 

This much has not changed. Thus today, if you break down the Holly- 
wood names, as distinguished from the name-calling, you'll find that 
practically all the Americans who are calling other guys "communists" 
are registered as Republicans, and practically all the Americans who 
are calliitg other guys "fascists" are registered as Democrats; 

Now It's Clear" 

Practically all the .neutrals can be easily identified • at the registrar 
of voters, too. Paulette Goddard, Henry Fonda, Gregory; Peck, Myrna 
Loy, Van Heflin, Katharine tHepburn, Eddie Cantor, Dorothy 'McGuire, 
Cornel Wilde, Marsha Hunt, Philip ■ Dunne, Paul Henreic? and Burgess 
Meredith are registered Democrats, 

■ See how simple it is to see the true colors of people once you remove 
the makeup? Now go on with the story. 

The Olivia Branch 

As long as everybody is in such ill temper and a row Is considered 
the only news worth a headline, I don't suppose anybody i» going to' be 
anything but further annoyed on learning the Fred Allen- Jack Paar feud 
is not real, or that Lolly Parsons and I have shaken hands. 

I credit Olivia de Havilland with the role of peacemaker. In fact the 
girl who won an Oscar for her performance in "To' Each His Own" is my 
candidate for chairman of the committee for American activities, as 
opposed to those who specialize in negation. 

. She may be just the girl to succeed where diplomats! have failed. 

Without quite knowing it she tote down a spite fence between the 
Lolly (Capulet) Parsons and the Frank (Montague) Scullys that took 
three years to build. 

Sheilah Graham deserves some credit, too, because it was at a star- 
studded cocktail party she gave in Beverly Hills for the managing 
editor of the London Express, whete the peace pact was signed. 

Van Johnson, Lucille Ball, Victor Mature, Edwin Justus Mayer, Bryan 
E. Foy, Barney Gerard, Hedy Lamarr, Paul Henreid, Elizabeth Taylor, 
Garry Moore and! Maureen O'Hara were there. 

In a corner of the Graham living room Miss De Havilland was telling 
us she had no objection to communists in their own backyard, but she 
detested their using liberals to illiberal ends. 

"Let them stay over where they belong and we will stay where we 
belong," she. said. 

It sounded like a charade. 

"I get it," I said. "To each his zone." 

Her beautiful eyes lit up with laughter, and right there Lolly joined 
the group. Old feuding friends, we were introduced anew, and as far as 
the Scullys are concerned the war between the states is over. It's now 
up to UN to turn Truman and Stalin over to Miss De Havilland for recon- 
ditioning so that the peace in our time may finally become a reality. 



See Vet* •» CtKwrihlp Act 

President Truman Is not figured 
to sign * new security regulation 

which would, go so far it would 
ifermlt Government agencies and 
departments to Impose a complete 
secrecy on anything which might 
he regarded as •'administrative" em- 
barrassment." , 
. Original idea of the regulation 
was to prevent leaks in the atomic 
field, but the way. the thing has 
been written by the President's Se- 
eurity Advisory Board, any agency 
could invoke censorship on any- 
thing which might "embarrass it." 
Even in wartime, the country had 
no censorship as stringent as this. 

Situation is creating a mild sen- 
sation in D. C. press circles. The 
adjective "mild" will come out if 
Truman should decide to sign the 
regulation. . • 

•46-'47 Theatre World 

' Third annual volume of Theatre 
World, 222-page' pictorial and statis- 
tical record of Broadway's '46-'47 
legit season, edited by Daniel Blum, 
has just been published. It contains 
cast lists, bios, articles, obits, scene 
shots from plays, players' portraits, 
and a iull index, Good book for 
quick reference, it's a theatre library 
must. ■ ''" 



Dog patch In Doghouse 

Practice of late of'Al Capp's "Li'l 
Abner" strip to digress from its na- 
tive-habitat of Dogpatch has pro- 
voked the editorial wrath of the 
Washington ~7(D.C.) Times-Herald. 
Cissy Patterson's paper disapproved 
of Capp's action last week in sketch- 
ing in a good word for Drew. Pear- 
sons' radio broadcast. Dropping 
"Li'l Abner" for a few days, Times- 
Herald opined that Capp "has been 
trying his hand at soapboxing . ... 
in the midst of an experiment that 
has been fatal to many an artist 
before him and -wilt be to others 
again. We fondly hope he outgrows 
his present stage of thinking." 

Baltimore Sun resorted to other 
censorial means. Another artist al- 
tered the character representing 
Pearson by inking in a different 
name and changing facial charac- 
teristics. Last month "Li'l Abner". 
was omitted in the Pittsburgh Press 
for several- days because the man- 
agement considered it "highly ob- 
jectionable both in action and word- 
ing." An announcement to this ef-. 
feet was run in white space ordi- 
narily occupied by Daisy Mae and 
other Dogpatch residents. 

Eire Bans 81 Mere Books 

Twenty-three more novels have 
-Just been added to the long list al- 
ready banned by the Eire Censor- 
ship of Publications Board, which 
.rates them. either as "indecent" or 
"obscene." • The books, which can- 
not be imported or sold in Eire, are 
as follows: 

"Whither Shall I Wander," by 
Philip Lindsay; "The Snob," Jack 
Overhill; "Intimations of Eve," 
Vardis Fletcher; "The Song in the 
Green Thorn Tree," James Barke; 
"The Web and the Rock," Thomas 
Wolfe; "Birthright of Multitudes," 
David R. Gillian; "For the Rest of 
Our Lives," Dan Davin; "Twenty 
East of Greenwich," John Lodwick; 
"The Adventures of Wesley Jack- 
son," William Saroyan; "We Happy 
Few," Helen Howe; "Cue for Pas- 
sion," Gordon Semple; "The Devil 
Among the Tailors," Rearden Con- 
ner; "The Foxes of Harrow," Frank 



Barney 
Ross 

tells of 

HIS FIGHT 
AGAINST DOPE 

In the November 

Coronet 

NOW ON SALE 



Yerby; "Imperial Venus," Edgaf 
Maas; "Lucinda Brayford," Martin 
Boyd; "The" Evil Days Come Not," 
Lydia Holland; "Young Bill Peach," 
May Davidson; "The Bed," Cecil and 
Margery Gray; "Mercy Island," The- 
odore Pratt; "Kinomo," John Paris; 
"Paradise In Montparnasse," Mau- 
rice Dekobra; '.'Twilight In the 
Danube;* F. C. Weiskopf, and "Pas- 
qual Duarte's Family," Camilo J. 
Cela. 

Banning of the book has no in- 
fluence on the possible fate of a film 
made from it. Censorship of Pub- 
lication and Censorship of Films 
are separate codes in Eire, although 
both operate under the Dept. of Jus- 
tice. 



Newspaper Guild Board Meets 

New International Executive 
Board of the. American Newspaper 
Guild will hold its first meeting 
Saturday through Tuesday (1-4) in 
New York. Harry Martin, Variety 
ihugg and amusements editor-col- 
umnist for the Memphis Commer- 
cial Appeal, wil} take over as presi- 
dent. . ... 

Among pressing matters con- 
fronting new board will be its atti- 
tude toward Taft-Hartley act, es- 
pecially the signing of non-Com- 
munist pledges. 



Paul Denis* Show Biz Book 
Paul Denis, radio editor of the 
N. Y. Post, has authored a book, 
"Careers in Show Business," giving 
the know-how on the sundry 
branches of the amusement industry. 
Doubleday is bringing it out in Feb- 
ruary. Abel Green, editor of Viuutrrr, 
wrote the foreword. 



Famous Athletes 

L. C. Page & Co., Boston, has pub- 
lished the 10th volume of "Famous 
American Athletes of Today" series. 
Latest Is by Al Hirshberg and Joe 
McKenney, Boston sports writers.' 

Hirshberg, staff member of the 
Boston Post, authored a book last 
spring titled "The Red Sox, the 
Bean and the Cod," consisting of 
personality portraits of the Red Sox 
baseball team. 



Bloom's Testimony of Faith 

"One With God Is a Majority," by 
Congressman Sol Bloom (Putnam's), 
is a small volume of 12 pages that 
is a plea for tolerance and faith 
in one's Creator. ■ 

In brief chapters captioned Faith, 
Truth and Love the vet solon re- 
prises the early teachings of his 
mother, enlarging upon her philoso- 
phies to make eloquent reading. 



H. T. Kane's 6th Tome - 

Harnet T, Kane, former New Or- 
leans newspaperman, will have his 
sixth book published Nov. 12. It's 
called "Natchez on- the Mississippi" 
and is a history of the town. Morrow 
is publishing. Kane's previous books 
include "Louisiana Hayride," "New 
Orleans Woman" and "Deep Delta 
Country." 



Mooney-Henzel Cartoon Tieup 

Martin Mooney 1 and Leo Henzel 
have filed California incorporation 
papers for Trans-World News Syn- 
dicate, designed to turn out cartoon 
features for smalltown newspapers. 

New project is aside from Mooney's 
independent film production setup. 



CHATTER 

Esquire-Coronet's Alfred Smart In 
New York for a week's business. 

Charles Marquis Warren's second 
novel, "By Some Great Hour," will 
be published next spring by Double- 
day. 

Bennett Cerf's "Shake Well Before 
Using," sequel to his "Try and Stop 
Me," will be published by Simon & 
Schuster next fall. * 

Ilka Chase's autobiographical se- 
quel to her "Past Imperfect," which 
Doubleday will publish in the spring, 
is tagged "Free Admission." 

Ik Shuman resigned as executive 
editor of Holiday, to be replaced by 
Richard L. Field as managing editor. 
Field was formerly an associate ed. 
• John T. Winterrich, of the New 
Yorker, and Frederick B. Adams, 
Jr., will revive the bibliographical 
mag, Colophon, now to be called 
The New Colophon, beginning with 
issue first of year. It will be a 
quarterly. 

John Hersey named v.p. pro-tem of 
Authors League, pending annual No- 
vember elections, filling vacancy 
created by resignation of Clifford 
Goldsmith. Latter has gone to 
Arizona with his family for the 
winter because of his son's allergy 
condition. - 

Mrs. Arthur Hays Sulzberger, 
wife of the president and publisher 



P&RIETY 



of the N. Y. Times, last week ac- 
cepted chairmanship of the news- 
paper division of the Urban League 
Service Fund Campaign. Organiza- 
tion conducts a social service pro- 
gram for Negroes. 

C. V. R. Thompson, American 
correspondent for the London Daily 
Express, hosting a farewell cock- 
tailery for Arthur Christiansen, edi- 
tor of the Express, and his . wife 
tomorrow (Thursday), who are re- 
turning on the Elizabeth after a 
month's o.o. in the U. S, 

How Hollywood rumors start: 
Lloyd C. Douglas went to the Coast 
last week and immediately some- 
one reported that he'd come to 
dicker for the screen sale of his 
next novel. In reality he went 
west to see his dentist, and he's not 
even started on his new book. 

Long before the Commie probe 
in Washington, Esquire had decided 
to let its film critic, Jack Moffltt, go. 
Latter, is a one-time Kansas City 
Star staffer, also . an ex-screen 
scripter, who "testified on the "ex- 
tent" of Communistic "influence" in 
Hollywood during the current Con- 
gressional probe. 

Donald M. Nelson, president of 
the Society of Independent Motion 
Picture Producers, has written a 
piece for the November edition of 
the American Academy of Political 
and Social Science Annals, plugging 
the indie film producers as an up- 
lifter, endowed with the dominant 
qualities of zest, originality, initia- 
tive and all like that. 



Lift Laugh Lid 

L— . Continued from page I 53555* 

.picayune items that, particularly 
last season, resolved themselves into 
a clash of personalities 'and stirred 
up so much ill feeling, will get the 
network heave-ho. >• 

Ken Dyke, NBC's new program 
boss, accompanied by Harry Kopf, 
administrative sales veepee, left for 
the Coast last weekend.- Behind the 
N. Y.-to-L. A. trek is a policyrforj 
mulating move designed to set up a 
"Code of Practices for Comedians." 

Primarily, NBC wants to avoid 
repetition of the Fred Allen Censor- 
ship fiasco of last season, which cul- 
minated in a bad press for the net- 
work and the eventual exiting of 
Clarence Menser as NBC program 
chief. 

But before establishing its new 
code, NBC wants to invite all its 
comedians into a free-for-all round- 
table discussion so that the web's 
code-of-good-taste will embrace 
the thinking of the comics as well 
as the network chieftains. All the 
old censorship snarls will be thrashed 
out to arrive at a modus operandi 
that hews to the line of good taste. 

Before leaving for the Coast, Dyke 
had already sat down for a series of 
huddles with Fred Allen and Milton 
Berle, the web's eastern-originating 
comics. But before deciding on the 
final "do's-and-dtmt's" blueprint, the 
Web wants to sound out Bob Hope, 
Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy 
Durante, Fibber & Molly, Red Skel- 
ton, and the flock of other comedians 
riding the NBC kilocycles. 



Crime Does Pay 

Sjjgj5; Continued from pace 1 -55555 

ever, is going whole hog for crime 
and mystery programs. 

Crime Pix Pay Off 

Fact that gangster pictures have 
cleaned up at turnstiles is another 
loophole in current studio reason- 
ing. That they realize this now is 
seen in rush to join the parade. 

Republic timed its announcement 
of "Prison Train," to star Red Barry, 
with GI prison train which crossed 
continent couple of weeks ago and 
made headlines when prisoners kept 
escaping. Day the train reached its 
destination in California, with its 
load of desperate characters, Repub- 
lic issued bulletin of its plans. 

Preceding this announcement, 
though, were those of RKO and 
Martin Mooney, latter for his new 
indie production setup. RKO will 
film "The Story of Warden Lawes," 
and Mooney is readying "The Boss 
of San Quentin." 

"Lawes" of course will be based 
on former warden of Sing Sing. 
Warners years ago did Lawes' book, 
"20,000 Years in Sing Sing," which 
went over big. . Mooney's picture 
actually is followup to "San Quen- 
tin," which he produced' at RKO 
couple of years ago, with Lawrence 
Tierney in top role. Portion of this 
will be filmed on actual site, accord- 
ing to present plans. 

rrlson Train Yarns 

"Corkscrew Alley," which Eagle 



Lion shortly will put before cameras, 
is another train story, but this time 
it will be a passenger train carrying 
two escaped convicts, after their 
break-out. 

Twentieth-Fox leans heavily to- 
ward crime angle in its "Call North- 
side 777," story of the old Polish 
scrubwoman-mother in Chicago who 
slaved five years to raise five grand 
to spring her son, who was unjustly 
imprisoned. Gangster elements will 
appear prominently in this. 

Screen Guild recently turned out 
"The Big House," with most of ac- 
tion unfolding behind its high walls. 
Mark Hellinger's "Brute Force," al- 
though now only a memory, with 
picture having played most situa- 
tions-, did .good business in majority 
of spots, and was rugged piece of 
work. Hellinger's "Naked City" like- 
wise reverts to criminal background. 



. Regeneration of a gangster will 
be seen in "Slippy McGee," made 
by Republic. Studio apparently liked 
this theme so well that it appears 
again in "The Miracle Of Charley 
Dakin." 

Capone Blopic 

Machinegun action and plenty of 
it should be order of the day, in 
Westbrook Pegler's film 1 biog of Al 
Capone, which will be produced 
jointly by Pegler's brother. Jack, 
and Lou Goldberg. Pair have teamed 
up to form indie unit tagged Twoey 
Productions, and will make picture 
for United .Artists, on $1,000,000 
budget. 

With gangster trend developing 
into one of most popular with stu- 
dios in years, practically overnight, 
renewed effort is being made "by 
most story departments to track 
down suitable material for screen. 



[ 



62 

OBITUARIES 



Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



EARLE LARIMORE 

Earle Larimore, 48« stage and ra- 
dio actor, died Oct. 22 in his apart- 
ment in New York. He played 
leading parts in a number of Broad- 
way hits during the 1930s and had 
recently begun conducting a new 
course 'in acting at New York Uni- 
versity. He was thought to have re- 
covered from a long illness. 

Born in Portland, Ore., : he made 
his stage debut at 7 as a page in 
"The' Erench Tete?" After serving 
in the first World War, he got a job 
with a stock company in Astoria, 
Ore., at the urging of his aunt, Mrs. 



Jean Hughes, sister of Laura Hope' 
Crews. 

Larimort first appeared in New 
York in "Made in America," in 1925. 
He appeared in the Theatre Guild 
production of "Juarez and Maxi- 
milian" and in "Ned McCobb's 
Daughter" for the same management 
in 1926. Other appearances were in 
the Guild's "The Second Man," "The 
Doctor's Dilemma," "Man's Estate," 
"Marco Millions," "The Silver Cord," 
"Strange Interlude," "Mourning Be- 
comes Electra," "Biography," "Vol- 
pone," "Hotel Universe," "Melo," 
"Days Without End" and "Too Many 



Boats." He was also seen in "It's 
You I Want," "To See Ourselves," 
"The Good Earth," "Races;" "Meet 
the Prince," "At Mrs, Beam's," 
"R. U. R.," "Dark Victory" and "A 
Month in the Country,'! and irt 1940 
toured as leading man with Eva Le 
Gallienne's repertory Company. He 
appeared, on the screen in "The 
Kickoff" and "Inspection." 

After several years' retirement 
because of illness, Larimbre entered 
radio and had a leading role in the 
CBS daytime serial, "This Life Is 
Mine," as well as single-time parts 
on various other programs. His 
health failed and he retired ' again, 
but returned and was understudy 
last- season in Eugene O'Neill's "The 
Iceman Cometh" in New York and 
played in the show on tRe road. He 
was also understudy in the same 
author's "A Moon for the Misbe- 
gotten" on the road last season for 
the Guild. 

He was formerly married to stage, 
film and' radio actress Selena Royle. 

DUDLEY DIGGES 

Dudley Digges, 68, stage and film 
star, died Oct. 24 of a stroke in his 
home in New York. He had ap- 
peared on the New York stage for 
43 years, giving more than 3,500 per- ' 



formances ■ for the Theatre Guild 
alone. He had also appeared in over 
SO pictures and directed several 
stage .productions. 

A native of Dublin and a member 
of the original Abbey Players there, 
Digges made his New York debut in 
1904 with Mrs. Minnie Maddern 
FIske. He was stage' manager for 
George Arliss for seven years, as- 
sisting jn the production of "Dis- 
raeli," "Paganini" and- "Hamilton." 
. His first appearance for the The- 
atre Guild was in "John Ferguson" 
in 1919, and among his notable suc- 
cesses were "Mr. Pirn Passes By," 
"Liliom," "The Guardsman," "The 
Brothers Karamazov," "Marco Mil- 
lions," "Major Barbara," "On Bor- 
rowed Time" and "The Searching 
Wind." He staged four plays for the 
Guild, "Heartbreak House," "The 
Doctor's Dilemma," "Pygmalion" 
and "Man's Estate/' Among his films 
were "The Voice of Bugle Ann," 
"The General Died at Dawn," "Val- 
iant is the Word for Carrie," "The 
Light That Failed," "Raffles" and 
''Love Is News." He had been a 
vice-president of Actors Equity 
Assn. ' 

His wife, Mary Quinn Digges, an 
actress, died last summer. Two 
brothers and a sister, all in Ireland, 
survive. 



ARTHUR S. DICKINSON 

Arthur S. Dickinson, 59, for 20 
years director of the Motion Picture 



IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND 

GEORGE ML COHAN 

5th Anniversary Matt will bo offered 
en November 5, 1947, at 10 A.M. at 
tho lady Chapel of St. Patrick'. Ca- 
thedral, New York City. ' 

AGNES M. COHAN 



Assn's. Conservation Department, 
died Oct. 25 in Santa Monica, Cal., 
after a long illness. 

Dickinson had retired last July 
from the Assn., ending a film Career 
that began jn 1913 when he entered 
the states rights field. He was con- 
nected with a number of motion pic- 
ture, companies for 15 years. 

In 1927 he joined the MPPA, fore- 
runner of MPA, where he handled 
technical matters for the industry, 
including contact with the Society of 
of Motion Picture Engineers, Na- 
tional Film Carriers, Inc., and the 
National Fire Protection Assn. He 
devised a plan of film exchange fire 
inspections Which established safety 
records for all major companies in 
the handling of films. 

Born in Chattanooga, Tenn., Dick- 
inson studied engineering at Georgia 
School of Technology. He was a 
member of Picture Pioneers; former 
financial vice-president of the So- 
ciety of Motion Picture Engineers 
and a member of its board of gov- 
ernors; and a member of the Na- 
tional Fire Protection Assn. 

He is survived by his wife, two 
daughters and a brother. 



WILLIAM T. KEOGH 

William T, Keogh, 87, legit pro- 
ducer and theatre operator, died 
Oct. 28, in his home in the Bronx, 
N. Y. He produced a number of 
shows with Sam H. Davis after the 



turn of the century and operated a 
popular-price theatre chain. 

Among the shows he Staged in as- 
sociation with Davis was "On the 
Bowery," starring Steve Brodie who 
had gained fame for jumping off the 
Brooklyn Bridge, on a dare. Later 
Keogh leased the Star theatre in 
downtown Manhattan and built an- 
other Star theatre uptown. Still 
later, as president of the William 
T. Keogh Amus. Corp., he built a 
number of theatres in the Bronx. 
He was at one time president of the 
Hot Air Club, organization of the- 
atrical managers. Son and sister 
survive. 



EDWARD ZIEGLER 

Edward Ziegler, 77, assistant gen- 
eral manager of the Metropolitan 
Opera Assn. and former music critic 
of several New York publications, 
died Oct. 25 at his home in New 
York. 

Prior to joining the executive 
staff of the Met in 1916, he had been 
music critic - on such New York 
newspapers as the Sun, American 
and the World. From 1908 to 1916 
he was music and drama critic of 
The. 'Herald. In his Metopera duties 
he made many, tours abroad to scout 
new talent. He wrote several books 



on music, occasionally wrote for 
other publications and edited cata- 
logs far the Aeolian Co. He was in- 
strumental in setting up deal for the 
broadcasting of the operas from the 
Met. 

Wife, Suzanne Van Valkenburg 
Hamilton, writer and musician, died 
in 1943. Daughter and stepson sur- 
vive. 

VERA POLE FERGUSON 
Mrs. Vera Col« Ferguson, 60, for- 
mer vaude and musicomedy actress, 
died Oct. 25 of a cerrebral hemor- 
rhage at her home~in Great Neck, 
L. I. She was the wife of Dave 
Ferguson, also of the stage and cur- 
rently executive secretary of the 
Jewish Theatrical Guild of America. 

Mrs. Ferguson, known profession- 
ally as Vera Cole, was a vaude 



IN MEMORIAM 

It) Loving Memory of Oar ■rorher 

SAMUEL LIEBERT 

COMEDIAN 

Died Oct. 84, 1»45 

AT REST 



single on the Keith an<i Orpheum 
circuits fop several years prior to 
her marriage. Later she played sou- 
bret role for two years in the Al 
Jolson musical, "Bombo," and had 
also appeared in several musicals for 
Cohan & Harris. " 

Besides her husband, a daughter 
also survives. 



LEO J. CALLINAN 

Leo J. Callinan, 57, former ex- 
hibitor, manager and broadcaster, 
died Oct. 19 in Charleston, W. Va. 
He was state manager there of the 
Labor Union, A.F. of L. weekly, 
since 1938. He had been prominent 
in show business, organizing the 
Akron Theatre Owners Assn. and 
serving as its secretary. In 1925 he 
headed Callinan Attraction, Inc;, 
booking agency operating between 
New York and Chicago. He later 
managed the Guy Lombardo, Vincent 



IN FOND REMEMIRANCE 

JOE BURNS 

(Nov, 3, l»4fl) 
FROkt AN OLD FRIEND 



Lopez, Jan Garber and Emerson 
Gill bands, and in 1929 managed ra- 
dio station WFJC, Akron. 
Wife,* daughter, and sister survive. 



DICK DIAMOND 

Dick Diamond, 35, production 
manager of Jerry Fairbanks Studios, 
died Oct. 26 in Hollywood, of a 
heart attack. Son of the late Lou 
Diamond, who was in charge of 
production of short features and 
music publication * interests for 
Paramount, he joined Fairbanks in 
1935, heading the location depart- 
ment. He was a First Lieutenant in 
the Signal Corps during the war, 
assigned to the Photographic Center, 
where he supervised the production 
of army training films. 

WILLIAM FOX 

William Fox, 61, vaude performer, 
died Oct. 22 in New York. He was 
« member of the team of Fox & 



Stewart, which was for years a fea- 
tured act on the Keith and Orpheum 
circuits. He later appeared in bur- 
lesque on f the old Columbia wheel 
with "Billy Watson's Beef Trust" 
and had also been In a road com- 
pany of "Abie's Irish Rose." He 
retired from the stage 15 years ago 
Wife, son, sister and brother sur- 
vive, ^ 

LILLIAN UTTAL 

Lillian Uttal, 44, freelance lyric 
writer under the name of Diana 
Johns, was found dead Oct. 24 in 
her hotel room in New York. Ac- 
cording to police, she had committed 
suicide via sleeping pills. In 1927 
Miss Uttal was secretary of the 
League for Better Pictures, . Her 
brother, radio announcer Fred Uttal 
said she had been despondent since 
the death of her. husband four 
months ago lit Chicago. 



FRANK D. SIEGRIST 

Frank D. Siegrist, 47, name band 
musician, died Sept. 21 in Los 
Angeles. His body, unclaimed for 30 
days in the county 1 morgue, was 
identified last week by his former 
wife, India. 1 

Siegrist, who was fatally stricken 
with a heart attack played trumpet 
with Paul Whiteraan some 25 years 
ago,. 



P. LUCIUS PRYOR 

P. Lucius, Pryor, 66, owner of the 
Pryor Concert service, New York 
and Council Bluffs, Iowa, died Oct 
23 at his home in Council bluffs of 
a Heart ailment. During the last 40 
years he had booked midwest con- 
cert tours for leading artists and 
(Continued on page 63) 



MARRIAGES 

Dorothy Latta to Terry O'Neill, 
Hollywood, Oct. 18. Bride is screen- 
actress; he's district manager of the 
Warner Bros, in Albany, N. Y., area, 

Mary Jane White to Homer A, 
Cable, Rockville Center, N. Y., Octf; 
25. Bride is daughter of Al'B. White, 
retired vaude actor; he's picture 
editor of Look magazine. 

Irene Allaire to Sandy Kovac, 
New York, Oct. 26, Bride is princi? 
pal in "Burlesque" at Belasco, N. Y.; 
he's a wrestler. 

Wilma Lois Derden to Louis Jerry 
Spengler, San Antonio, Oct. 18. He's 
merchandising, and promotion direc- 
tor for KABC in that city. 

Nanette Fabray to David Tebet, 
Tarrytown,. N. Y., Oct. 26. Bride is 
musical comedy actress; groom is 
legit press rep. < 

Joyce Reynolds- to Don Gallery, 
Los Angeles, October 24. Bride is 
Warner contract player; he's adopt- 
ed son of ZaSu Pitts and Tom Gal- 
lery. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Mertz, 
son, New York, October 20. Father 
is Acting Chief of the Motion Pic- 
ture Section, War Department's 
Civil Affairs Division. 

Mr. and Mrs. James Burke, daugh- 
ter, Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 21. 
Father is radio actor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Weaver, son, 
Wichita, Kans., Oct. 17. Father is 
manager of the Plaza theatre, 
Lindsborg, Kans. 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shoemake, 
daughter, Washington, Mo., Oct. 20. 
Father is manager of the Calvin and 
Garden theatres there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hood, son, 
Herington, Kans. Oct. 17. Father is 
employe of the Dreamland theatre, 
Herington. 

Mr. and Mrs. Owen Johnson, son, 
San Antonio, 'Oct. 23. Father is 
member of the sales staff of KTSA 
there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Pat Nerny, daughter, 
Hollywood, Oct. 25. Mother is Mona 
Freeman of the films. 

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks, 
Jr., daughter, Hollywood, Oct. 25. 
Father is film actor-producer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Depew, son, 
Los Angeles, Ocfc 20. Father is an 
assistant film director. 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Capron, daugh- 
ter, Philadelphia, Oct. 19. Father is 
news director WCAU; mother is 
former Jill Stern, daughter of for- 
mer Record publisher, J. David 
Stern. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Derbyshire, 
daughter, Philadelphia, Oct. 9. 
Father is KYW producer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Smith, 
daughter, Hollywood, Oct. 21, 
Father is a film editor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mayer, 
daughter, New York, Oct. 22. Father 
is legit actor recently on tour with 
"The Red Mill." 

Mr. and Mrs. Jay Bonafield, 
daughter, Bronxville, N. Y., Oct. 23. 
Father is prexy of RKO Pathe. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Buddy) 
Thomas, daughter, Pittsburgh, Oct. 
20. Father's on Republic exchange 
staff in that city. 



THE JEWISH THEATRICAL GUILD 
OF AMERICA, INC. 

(WILLIAM MORRIS, FOUNDER) 

Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, Novem- 
ber 2, 194? at Temple Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd 
Street New York City, at 11:00 A.M. 

You and your friends are cordially invited to 
attend. 

' Sincerely, 

Eddie Cantor, : 

'"•'.■•«■ . President. 

1924— IN MEMORlAM— 1947 



Barney Bernard . 
Louis Hirsch 
William Waldron 
Kosle Sllbert Green 
Hurry Uniting. 
Louis Hurtlg 
Abruham Dlsher 
Eat Iter Sneroff - 
George Lederer, Jr. 
Henry A»en " 
llenjamtn Wlteakin 
David Grail . 
Mice IJeberman 
Eddie Mack 
Leais Cohen 

• Leon A. Here snick 
Ed Bloom 

' .Titles Jordan 
Morris Goldberg 
Aaron Epstein 
< Max Welly 

Sigmnnd Ureltbart • 
Adolph. Quittner 
Lou jDaytsn 
Joseph I,.. Weber 
A. iVSteln 
Joseph H. Vendlg 
Herman Fever 
Louis Oberwirth 
Aaron Hoffman 
Max Hullman 
Jacob P. Adler 
Oscar 8. Straus* 
Moses F. Beichelmer 
E. G. A*ler 
Jack Boss 
S. Hlrschberg 
Max Vasa 
Joseph Ulasel 
Abraham Goodman 
Jake Isaacs 
■ Ben Welch 
S. Friedlander 
George Harts 
Harry Koudlnl 
Boris Frldkln 
Charles Lovenberg 
Abe Levy 
Marty Ford 
Roblna Smerlow 

Sim Williams 

Nat Roth 
Abe Crosney 

Abe Bernstein 

Isidore Fink 

Sam H. Levy 

Mat Fields 

Henry W. Santly • 

Otto H. Kahn 

Horry Stewart 

Jake Wolfe 

Harry Splngold 

Franklin Simon 

Louis Fri^k 

Mrs. May Oody 

Larry B. Levy 

Joseph Schrler 

Harry Steppe 

Adelc Schwartz 

Frank Cohen 

Nathan Strlzlk 

I. N. Gilbert 

Mel Klee 

Julius Kopelov 

Jacob Bolotoff 

Julian Rose 

Oscar Potoker 

Nick Adams 

Ephrlnm B. Levy 

Samnel (Boxy) Rotliafel 

Horry Strouse 

Sam Bernstein 

Ike Rose 

• Reuben Welssman 
Jacob I. Welner 
Felix Feist 
Henry C. Jacobs 
Sydney S. Cohen 
Elizabeth Podell 
Win. S. Clark 
Irwin Cooper 
Nathan Burkan 
Hermlna L. Keith 
Irvlnsr Thalberg 
Sol Myers 
Edward Davldow 
Benjamin Lastfogel 
Sarah Sandler 
Herman Bach 
Henry Dnzlan 
Max Schwartzhaupt 
Willie Weston 
Hon, A. Theo. Peyser 
Jack Drucker 
Harry Cooper 
Joseph DOrT 
Berths Kalich 
Louis Perlman 



Mildred Beverly 
Sam H. Fried . 
Dr. Hugo Blesenfeld. , 
Abe Sincoff 
Hart Hlrschfleld 
Mrs. Rachel Ganx 

Silverman 
Dr. Karl Flschcl 
SI Goodfriend .' 
Henry Estrelcher 
Mrs. R. Welch ' ■ . 
Marcus Loew' • 
Walter Messlnger 
I. I'lugelman 
Ed Rosenbaum, Sr. 
Cha*. Dickson 
Susan ' Sheaf une 
Sam Bernard 
Hindu Grynberg 
Paul Maddern* 
Harry Coleman 
Harvey T. Cohen 
Jules Hurtlg 
Charles Falke ' 
A. L. Durlaeher * 
-Max Blumenthal 
Virginia Gruber 
Henrietta Housen . 
Nathan Appell 
Isidore Rablnowlt* 
Isidore Hirsch 
Charles Karuslk 
Henry Frey 
Samuel Morris 
Dr. Marvin Pechner 
Martin Hoffman : 
Joe Perry 
Sylvlo Heln 
Leonard A. Snltkln 
Sophie Irene Loeb 
David Reltz 
Sol H. Lesser 
Jack Levy 
Nathan I. Sachs 
Sam Freldman 
Victor Vnss 
Harry Bernard 
Janet Melville 
David Stelnhardt 
Jules P. Wit murk 
Louis M. Grahat 
Herman Fleischer 
Dr. Morris Klein 
William Yaeger 
M. Hirselifeld 

A. H. Splgelgas* 
Salmon Slgler 
Maurice Itloch 
Harry Schorr 
Henry Dublin 
Harry Devine 
George LeMnire 
Dave Schneider 
Milton Anderson 
Dore Davidson 
George Robinson 
Louis Lesser 
Louis V: Aaronson 
Abraham Greenberg 
Louis H. Hyman 
Isidore Witmnrk 
Moses H. Grossman 
William W. Cohen 
Samuel Silberman 
J. Walter Ruben 
Bert Bernstein 

Mrs. Arthur Rosenfeld 
Sally Goldsmith 
Paul Block 
Charles Strauss 
Leonard Bergman 
Mrs. Milton Blow 

B. II. Hyman 
Joe Hurtig 
Ben 'Rernie 
Gus Yorke 

Rebecca Lewis Mlntoa 
Daniel Frohman 
Bert L. Feiblemnn 
Lew Fields 

Rabbi Moses Weinberger 
Joseph Weber 
Sam H. Harris 
Joseph K. WatsOn 
Sir Joseph Glnsburg 
Morris Gest 
Henry Dixon 
Felix Isman 
Mrs. Horry Houdinl 
Joe Goodwin 
Mrs. Billy Watson 
Edgar Allen Wolt 
George Gershwin 
Sylvia Warnow 
Mrs. Lee Kohlmar 
Edwin J. Colin 
Harry Kaufman 
Ellas Zornberg 



Nathan Goldblatt 

Al Fields 

Harry Levin 

BUly Watson 

George Sidney 

Ben Frank 

David Bernstein 

Jules J. Rubens 

Lew Pollock 

Sam Lelbert 

E. W. Schiller 

Edward B. Mark* ' 

William Jacobs 

Ira Heist eln 

Alexander Olshanetsky 

Lou Reals 

Sam Forrest 

Edward S. Mitchell . 

Judge Hugo l'#m 

Leo Feist 

Phil B. Iseiln 

Fannie Hennlng 

Ida Kremer 

Joslah Znro 

Sarah Durlaeher 

Albert M. Bloom 

Hat Glaser 

Max Hirsch 

William Grossman 

Louis Mann 

Henrietta Hirsch 

Maurice Abraham* 

Joseph Leblang 

Dr. Marcus Fbikelstem 

David Belasco 

Henry Retchenbach 

Abraham Puck 

Moe Wise 

Max Silver 

Ellis Gllckman 

Sol Kopne 

Jack Wilson 

Henry J. Hyman 

Sol Brill 

Ellas Rothsteln 

Sam Mayers 

Clarence Houseman 

A. E. Lefcourt 

Abe Thalhelmer 

Max Rogers 

Milton Collins 

Milton Lissberger 

Lou Seidman. 

Jennie Jacobs 

Ida Gropper 

Murray H. Goldsmith . 

Carson Mlntz 

Irene Rlcardo 

J. J. Gotlob 

William Westhome 

Ell Calm 

David Gordon 

Rosalie Rosenbaum 

Sam Collins 

Sirs. Bertha R. Nunes 

Hon. Max S. Levlne 

Martin Herman 

William Morris 

Sime Silverman 

Loney Haskell 

Milton Aborn 

Dr. Joseph L. Mayer 

Mrs. Louise Colton 

Jules Murry 

Mark Jacobs 

Win. I. Sirovleh 

Mrs. Leo Feist 

Joseph Keith 

Max Wlnslow 

Judge August Dreyer 

Joe Gllck 

I. H. Hork 

Hal Halperln 

Eddie .lames 

Mark Sandrich 

Harry Goodwin 

Gus Edwards 

James R. -Waters 

Harry Von Tllzer 

Adolph Ramish 

Alex Care 

Alex Hanlon 

William Rich 

Joe Burns 

Hughie Shubert 

Nathan S. Jonas 

Alexander Jutkovlts 

Ken Nichols 

Mort II. Singer 

Albert Rutnow 

Benny Leonard 

Harry Kabanel 

Lee Kohlmar 

Philip A. Green 

Bert Kalmar 

Mose Gumble 

Sam Howe 

Vera Cole Ferguson 




Wednesday, October 29, 1947 



Broadway 



Greer Garson in New York for 
extended vacation. - _ • •• 

peter Lawford planed back to the 
Coast over the weekend. 

The Jack (Decca) t Kapps enter- 
tajnlrig for, Sir Louis Sterling of 
London, ' ' 

, Humorist Frank Sullivan still feel- 
ing under the. weather at his Sara- 
toga home, 

Joe Laurie, Jr., finally discharged 
bv bis medico aftet. that mugging 
incident last spring, . . 
" Evelyn Chandler , again to. star in 
<*Ice Follies" opening at Madison 
> Square Garden Nqy. 18. 

Philip Dora, co-star of RKOV - l I 
Remember Mama." leaves N?v. 10. 

• i for a vacation in Holland. 

Walter (Lord Tarleton) Jacobs 
back from 10 days house-guesting 
with Al Jolson on the Coast / , 

Metro director Clarence Brown 
arrived in town over the weekend 
to spend several weeks here. 

Treasurers Club's annual benefit 
' will he a special performance of 
'< "The Heiress," Blltmore, Nov. 30, 
: " ttore Schary in Friday (31) and 
back to the Coast Monday <3), fol- 
lowing his voluntary D. C. testimony, 
j- Attorney Morris L. Ernst left for 

• England on business over the:week- 
. end; due back in about three weeks. 

Seventh year of rink revues at the 
Center to be celebrated at a party in 
the theatre's lounge Sunday (2) 
night. 



(and the Lady) 
. Richard Barthelmess, inactive in 
films the past five years, plans legit 

f reducing. He's mulling a revival 
f "Green Pastures." 
Vicente Gomez back from Holly- 
wood after completing four pictures 
fii a row; guested oh the Jack Smith 
Jhow last night (28). 

Harry Brand, chief of ?0th-Fox 
studio publicity and advertising, in 
, for 10 days on . preV'Gentlemari's 
Agreement" ballyhoo. . 

Norman Cordon, ex - Metqpera 
basso who played lead in "Street 
fcene" last season, now singing with 
City Center Opera Co. 

Private, showing of the Grace 
Moore Memorial Exhibition opened 
{he exhibit at Museum of the City 
of N, Y. yesterday (Tues ). 

Henry Sherek planed to the Coast 
Friday (24) without his wife; latter 
forced to remain in Gotham to re- 
cuperate fronv a flu attack. 

The Charlie Einfelds' boy, pick, 
working for Loew's Intl. In Paris 

• and London. Later he may take 
some courses at the Sorbonne. 

Jimmy Daley, g.m. of Minstrel 
Producing Co., soliciting former 
legit angels to bankroll $l»,00O for 
"Monarchs of Minstrelsy," 23-people 
tab. 

"• Johnny Hyde, William Morris 
agency veepee, plans o.o.ing Europe 
next spring when international tal- 
ent prospects are figured to be more 
conducive. 

Bob Taplinger preceded Charlie 
Einfeld and David Loew,, Enterprise 
toppers, east; latter arriving this 
Week to ready "Arch of Triumph" 
for release. 

Cecil Beaton, In Britain since 
February designing costumes for 
' two Korda films, back in New York 
and may do decor on a new version 
. of "Camille." 

, Paul Gerard Smith and wife, who 
were visiting Mrs. Dave Ferguson 
when she suddenly died last week, 
had their 29th wedding anniversary 
Monday (27). 

Don Gillette honored by 50 mem 
bers of the trade press yesterday 
(Tuesday) at a luncheon on the eve 
of his departing from Warners to 
write a novel. 

Herb Baker, now in Hollywood 
where he wrote the script for Henry 
Morgan's debut pic, "This Is New 
York," has a new musical and plans 
a Broadway production thereof. 

Jeanne (Mrs. Jerry) Sager now 
-handling publicity for Leon & 
Eddie's, not her husband as previ- 
ously reported. He's press agent 
for Loew's Criterion on Broadway. 
. Payson Re is the bandleader in 
the new Rendez-Vous Room of the 
Hotel Plaza, opening tomorrow 
(Thurs.) night. It's the date for 
which the late Ernie Hoist was 
slated. 

b 1 ?! 1 ™ P ic producer Gottfried 
Bernhardt quickied in . and out, 
ojxmg ^Command Decision," which 
Metro bought pre-production, with 

. Gable in mind for the Paul Kelly 
legit role. 

Luise Sillcox, executive-secretary 
of the Authors League, has returned 
to N. Y. fulltime. Until last week 
she operated four days a week from 
her farm at Center of Town, West 
Hartford, Vt. 

Maurice Bergman, Universal east 
eiii ad-publicity chief, ailing at his 
home from recurrence of gallstones, 
due back this week to huddle with 
John Joseph, arrived from the Co"3st 
on pub-ad plans. 

' * George Jessel, due to open at the 
Carnival, Nov. 28, will appear at the 
White House Photographers dinner 
for Pres. Truman Nov. 15 and- will 
emcee the Picture Pioneers affair at 

* the Hotel Plaza Nov. 19.' 

: Arlene Francis, having completed 
„ her first screen assignment in "All 
My Sons," arrived east over, the 



CHATTER 



63 



weekend to remain until early Janu- 
ary, when director-husband Martin 
Gabel is due back in Hollywood. 

The Darfyl • Zanucks not coming 
east after all for the "Gentleman's 
Agreement" preem, as originally in- 
tended, Film meantime having a 
series of special screenings this and 
next week at the 20th-Fox home- 
office, 

. Bafnshee luncheon last week at 
Waldorf-Astoria, to honor 20th anni 
of Mickey Mouse, ■ actually turned 
into a tribute to Walt Disney, who 
was on hand to receive gift book 
with congratulatory messages from 
governors of 48 states. 

James Sauter elected executive 
v.p, of the James J. Walker Memo- 
rial, Inc., set up to perpetuate the 
name of the late mayor, by extend- 
ing grants in aid to organizations 
that promote the general welfare of 
the youth of our city. 

Robby Lantz's dicker with the 
William Morris agency as London 
rep didn't materialize so the former' 
U-I story-talent rep flew back to 
England but is returning with 
Beatrice Lillie the end of December 
when that star joins Arthur 
Schwartz's "Inside USA" revue. 

Reginald Denham, the English- 
born playwright-director and- orni- 
thologist zealot, goes to Hawk Moun- 
tain, Pa., next week, to observe the 
annual hawk migration. The spot, 
now a protected reservation, is be- 
lieved to have the greatest assem- 
blage of wild birds of prey of any 
place in the world during the migra- 
tory season. Bird scholars from all 
over eastern U. S. gather to observe 
the hundreds ot varieties. 



London 



Ottawa 



Babe Berezin managing new 
suburban nabe. Elmdale. 

Capital skedded to get two legit 
theatres under new city-plannlhg 
scheme, but no construction date is 
indicated, . 

RA (Ottawa- Civil Service Recre- 
ational Assn.) Film Club preemed its 
second season with two jhorts, 
"Canadian Metropolis" and "Canada 
Dances," featured. . ! ' 

Marshall Yarrow, former city edi- 
tor of the Evening Citizen, later 
Reuters correspondent with para- 
troops in Europe, appointed man- 
ager of . local station CKCO.. 

National Film Board appointed 
Sam Miles, Winnipeg, director of 
theatrical promotion for Prairies re- 
gion and Tom Miller, Vancouver, to 
similar post in British Columbia and 
Alberta. 

Angelo Stevens, who resigned as 
manager of Famous Players Rideau, 
also quit as president of Eastern 
Ontario Motion Picture Theatres 
Assn. He previously managed FP's 
uptown Regent. 

Roger Racine, who handled the 
filming of the Canadian Army's 
Arctic exercises "Polar Bear, 
"Eskimo" and "Musk Ox," has gojie 
to Lake Success for an indefinite 
stint with. the UN. 



Networks All Out 

EE Continued from page 1 e& 

the majority of their affiliates may 
not. see it that way. 

Mutual, in fact, will only wax the 
broadcast and edit it down for air- 
ing at an hour when more people 
are up and about. ABC will carry 
the live program, "but will rebrpad- 
cast a condensation with a commen- 
tary by Pauline Fredericks at 7:30-8 
p.m. the same day. 

Two CBS newsmen. Howard K. 
Smith and Edward R. Murrow, and 
one from each of the other webs- 
Frederick Opper of ABC, Merrill 
Mueller of NBC and Arthur Mann 
of Mutual— will describe the royal 
goings-on. Murrow will fly to Lon- 
don Friday, Nov. 14, and remain a 
week, doing his Campbell-sponsored 
news strip via shortwave. 

BBC is supervising overall plan- 
ning of radio coverage of the wed- 
ding. 



"Bless the Bride" passed its 200th 
performance at the Adelphi, 

Gracie Fields to broadcast for the 
BBC's Silver Jubilee show in No? 
vember. .. . ".• , 

Parry Jones to represent Britain 
at the first postwar music festival 
at Oslo shortly. 

"The Reluctant Lady," new play 
by Mabel Constanduros, to try oujt 
at the "Q" theatre in November. 

Henry Stephenson due in N. Y.'on 
the Queen {Elizabeth Friday ' (31); 
having completed his film work in 
"Oliver Twist." r ." 

"Deep are the Roots" closing, at 
the Criterion Nov. 8, to be followed 
by Ruth Draper, who will have; a 
month's season there. 

Will Fyffe, taken' ill during film- 
ing of "Bonnie Prince Charlie," now 
under observation at the . London 
Clinic, with an" operation' indicated. 

Understood Lou Jackson is to pro- 
duce for British National a film ver- 
sion of "No Room at the Inn," the 
dramatic evacuee play by Joan 
Temple. 

When Ronald Squire left cast of 
'Jan?" for vacation in south .of 
France, he was really on his honey- 
moon with bride Esylit Williams, 
young actress. 

J. B. Priestley's "Ever Since Para- 
dise" closed at the New . Oct. 25 to 
make way for Old Vic Co. season 
which opens Nov. 4 with "The Tam- 
ing of the ShreW." 

Jack and Daphne Barker, cabaret 
team, splitting up. She is- appearing 
in "Separate Rooms" at the Strand 
and he has taken on 21-year-old Pat 
Hutton as his third partner. 

Kay Hammond has been ordered 
to take six months' Test by doctor 
and scheduled tour and London pro- 
duction of "The Beaux Stratagem" 
has been abandoned. Husband John 
Clements was to have co-starred and 
directed revival of classic. 

Gabriel Pascal, now in Rome to 
arrange filming of his next Bernard 
Shaw picture, "Androcles and the 
Lion," revealed his recent wedding 
on eve of trip- to Italy. Bride is 
Valerie Jakabffy, aged 21, whom the 
53-year-old s producer met in.. Paris 

last August. 7 '■.. . ..»"•*£•:' 

Ben Travers' new 'farce, "Out- 
rageous Fortune," which has ' been, 
on tour, opens at the - Winter ' Gar- 
den Nov. 13. Charles Hickman is 
director, and cast includes Ralph 
Lynn, Robertson Hare, Enid Lowe, 
Joan Lang, Rona Laurie and Martin 
Case. . . '' «■ • 



again after Broadway debut in the 
flop "You Gotta' Get Out." 

John Taylor, of Nixon Cafe staff 
for 17 years, has quit to open his own 
restaurant in East Liberty. 

Leigh Jason, the film director, 
brought his family' here for a Visit 
witty his sister, Mrs. Moe Silver. . 

Marian Berber, harpist with Buddy 
Murphy's KQV staff band, added to 
Pittsburgh Symphony this season. 

Eddie Schaeffer headlining Carou- 
sel Show and m.c.'ing while Jackie 
Heller's vacationing in California. 

Pittsburgh Savoyards switching 
-from Syria Mosque to Carnegie 
Music Hall for their performances 
this season. 

Jack Hochhouser, Tech drama 
school graduate in '45, named assist- 
ant to Director Ted Viehman of 
Tulsa Little theatre'. 

Lena Home's dad, Teddy Home, a 
local tavern keeper,, went to a N. Y. 
hospital with pneumonia while 
taking in World Series. 

Pembroke Davenport, musical con- 
ductor of "Red Mill," turned in 
notice here to return to New York 
to baton "Look, Ma. I'm Dancing." 



Stockholm 



Anti-Petrillo 

Continued from page 1 



between Petrillo and disk, transcrip- 
tion manufacturers and radio inter- 
ests turning up in Petrillo's favor. 
On the other hand, they feel that if 
Petrillo had long ago set up a pub- 
lic relations department to explain 
to the public the reasons for his 
moves, the path would be easier. It's 
felt that so many aspects of Pe- 
trillo's argument are logical, in view 
of what other unions are getting 
without much argument, that he 
wouldn't have the public and D. C. 
legislators -so dead set against him 
if the methods used were different. 

That the public is deep in the 
dark about the reasons behind Pe- 
trillo's demands is obvious in the 
number of laymen who ask music 
tradesmen for an explanation. They 
know only of his bull-in-a-china- 
shop methods of achieving his de- 
mands. ...... 



By Sven G. Wfaqulst 

Oscar Wilde's "Lady Windermere's 
Fan" a smash at the Vasa 1 theatre. 

Garson Kanin's "Born Yesterday" 
was solidly received at Nya -Tea 
tern. 

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy left 
after filling dates at the Consert Hall 
here. 

William Kapell, American pianist, 
recently appeared at a Consert Hall 
recital. 

Nils. Poppe winning thesping hon- 
ors in "Lorden Fran Granden" at 
Southern theatre. 

"Macomber Affair" and "Sinbad 
the Sailor" recently preemed at the 
Astoria and Palladium respectively. . 

Swedish actor and opera singer 
Carl-Axel Hallgren recently turned 
down an offer from a Hollywood 
producer. 

Sten Gester, back from studying 
screen acting in U. S., made his pic 
debut in Rungs ' Film's "Livet Pa 
Forsbyholm." 

Sture Lagerwall mentioned for 
role in "Brigadoon," slated to open 
at the 'Oscars theatre. He also may 
do "Hamlet" at the Nya Teatern 
in February. 

Calle Reinholdz, now doing film 
work in Denmark, will return here 
to appear at the Folkets Hus Thea- 
tre soon. It will be in a variety 
show, as usual. 

A touring - group from the Wasa 
theatre started with "Cfrona Hissen" 
in Norrkoping, Oct 15. Stars 
Max Hansen and Sickan Carlsson, 
who also were stars in the film 
version of the same story. 

Swedish orchestra leader There 
Jederby to U. S. on a brief visit 
soon, r Jack Noren, drummer in Jed- 
erby's band, is an 18-year-old Ameri- 
can; Trumpeter Rowland Greenberg, 
also in Jederby's, plans going to 
Canada.- He's a former Norwegian 
band leader. 



Washington 

By Florence S. Lowe 

Warner's Capitol, in nearby Win- 
chester, Va., inaugurated Sunday 
films with sock results. 

Nathan D. Golden, chief barker of 
local Variety tent, slated to attend 
club's Tulsa powwow, Nov. 2. 

Gene Krupa, in on a vaude stint 
last week, filled in at WWDC as disk 
jockey in a Duke Ellington program. 

Orville- Dull, Metro producer, In 
and out of town .these days on com- 
pany's full-length documentary about 
the Byrd expedition. 

Dr. Josephine McGarry Callan 
back on her job on staff of Catholic 
U's Speech and Drama school, after 
a Broadway stint training the speak- 
ing chorus of "Allegro." 

Name Bands, Inc., new band-a- 
month outfit which preemed past 
week with Sammy Kaye, is under 
management of Kay Ford, frau of 
Gene Ford, of Loew's Capitol. 



Hollywood 



Boxer Wins 

Continued from page 



3 



By Hal Cohen 

Bobby Fife, -the nitery m.c, re- 
cuperating at West Penn Hospital. 

Mrs. Warren Munsell, Jr., in from 
New York for a visit with her 
mother. 

Dancer Jere McMahon to London 
to be featured in a new English 
musical. 

Hunt Stromberg, Jr., in town for 
a few days to look over his touring 
"Red Mill." 

Paul Winchell and dance' team of 
Consolo Sc. Melba in new Terrace 
Room show. 

Leah Britton has rejoined line at 
Casino, after working Cleveland 
clubs as a single.. 
- Otto Krenn. who has worked at 
most, local stations, joins announcing 
staff of newWPGH. 

Ellen Letchworth Larson .home 



a professional boxer, is said to have 
given the two writers of the tune 
the inspiration" for it. One of his 
expressions, when someone left him 
to go to dinner elsewhere, was the 
title line of the tune. He knew noth- 
ing of its writing, but when he heard 
the tune and saw publicity on it and 
realized the writers had based it on 
his expression, he demanded a 
cut-in. . 

Song, as recorded by Johnny Mer- 
cer and the King Cole Trio for Capi- 
tol Records, was released only a few 
weeks ago and has made fast prog- 
ress since. Other recording compa- 
nies are doing it to compete with 
Capitol. 



Regis Toomey to Pittsburgh. 
Walter Abel trained in from New 
York. 

* Boris Morros trained in from New 
York. 

N. Peter-Rathvon hospitalized for 
checkup. . 

Ricardo .CorteZ returned from 
Mexico City. . 

Producer Jules Levey aired in 
from Manhattan. 

Cameraman Gregg Toiand left for 
Rio Janeiro; , - • • <■>—, ' 

Joyce Matthews - .divorced Milton 
Berle in Reno. ' . ■ 

Donald Crisp recovering from 
major surgery. ' .' 

Eagle Lion prfexy Arthur Krim 
planed in from New'York. 

Alf ;Kjellin's . new i. film name is 
Christian Kelleen. . ' : . 

Dore Schary to Washington for the 
Congressional hearings. 

T. F. Scales, with 20th-Fox in Lon- 
don, in for studio huddles. 

Walter Pidgeon to Pittsburgh as 
guest of the Variety Club. 

Lbtte Lehmann lining up a con- 
cert tour, starting in January. 

Singer Dale . Evans checked in at 
Republic after her rodeo tour. 

Producer Jack Chertok back on 
the job: after a month in the east. 

George Tobias in town after nego- 
tiating for . a legit chore on Broad- 
way. V 

Carlisle Jones, Warner publicist, 
broke a collar bone in an auto acci- 
dent. 

President John J. Jones in from 
New York for Screen Guild con- 
fabs. 

Writer-director Paul Sloane at 
home recuperating from appendec- 
tomy. 

Barry Sullivan heading east for a 
personal appearance tour with "The 
Gangster." 

Actor Milburn Stone returned 
from Manhattan huddles with Brock 
Pemberton. 

Mary Pickford returned from 
Olathe, Kas., where Buddy Rogers" 
mother is ill. '•••'•■ ' 

Mischa Auer to San Francisco for 
personal appearance at the Golden 
Gate theatre. 

Janet Collins starts a nationwide 
dance tour after her local one- 
nighter Nov. 3.. 

Carl Krueger elected president and 
Richard G. Hubler veepee of Carl 
Krueger Productions; 

Lily Pons, Helen Traubeir Dorothy 
Kirsten and Lawrence Tibbett in 
town for the opera season. 

.Henry Sherek in from London to 
huddle with Leo Gunn about re- 
turning to the British stage. 

Gertrude Musgrove, London and 
Broadway stage actress, granted a 
divorce by default from art director 
Vincent Korda. 

Robert Ryan and Gloria" Grahame 
guest speakers at the second an- 
nual convention of the American 
Jewish Labor Council.' . 



Jolson Contesting 



Continued from page 1 



sequel, also with Columbia! and 
again Sidney Skolsky will produce. 
It's called "Jolson Sings Again." An- 
other retake on the original deal 
will be Larry Parks, once more re- 
enacting "Jolson," with the star, of 
course, singing for the soundtrack. 

Jolson has just made four sides 
for Decca, and will wax four more, 
for the No. 3 Decca album, but a 
conditions of his contract with Col. 
is that these waxed excerpts from' 
the forthcoming biopic can't be re- 
leased until after the film. Col. 
prexy Harry Cohn doesn't want the 
revived tunes made stale long be- 
fore the film is shown. 

"Jolson Story" grossed nearly 
$10,000,0000, and the singer's 50%- 
of-the-profits deal should realize him 
$3,500,000 or more. 



Obituaries 

Continued from page (2 



awarded scholarships to outstanding 
students in music. Wife, three 
daughters and two sons survive. 

ROBERT KALLOCH 

Robert Kalloch, fashion designer 
for RKO, died Oct. 19 in North, 
Hollywood, following a heart attack. 



Mother, 84, of Charles Van, 
former vaude performer associ- 
ated with Chicago office of. Variety 
for the past 25 years, died Oct. 19 in 
Brooklyn. 



Mother, 62, of Julie Dale, of the 
Chicago office of General Artists 
Corp., died Oct. 18 In Chicago. 



Wife of Irving Mandel, Monogram 
franchise holder in Chicago, died 
Oct. 18 in that city. 



Pahn Springs 

By Hank Goldenberg " •„• 

Richard Dix, accompanied by Mrs., 
sojourning here for. enforced rest. 

Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Zanuck 
weekended before returning here 
for the winter, per usual. 

Allan Warshauer, advertising exec, 
sunning while considering assign- 
ment, after leaving Warner Bros. 

Western celebration had Dorothy 
Lamour warbling ditties at the . 
Kangaroo court on the main drag. 

Engrossed in tennis at the Racquet 
Club: Van Johnson, Dick Haytfies, 
Mousie Powell and Spencer TrivMt, 

Opening of Tennis and Rac - ,i>:> • 
Club brought Ben Bogeaus V 
wife (Dolores Moran), Dorothy V " 
mour, Ann Miller and Frederick * 
Cordova, Bob Hope, Otto ;Kruge, 
Sonja Henie and Greg Bautzer 
Hedda Hopper, Bay Bainfer* Mr. 
Mrs. Edward Small. 

Local villagers treated to preview; 
of swank new Wonder Palms hotel, 
when Joe Blumenfeld, San Francisco 
theatre and baseball magnate, threw 
cocktal party for the natives last 
Friday. Built in heart of Wonder 
Date Garden at cost said to exceed 
a million, luxuriant rancho is sched- 
uled for official opening Oct; 31. 
Large contingent of show people 
from Hollywood and S, P.. have 
made reservations for opening, 
which is a sellout; Bookings in- 
clude Harry Cohn, Rita Hay worth, 
Evelyn Lane, Larry Parks; Chico 
Marx, Maxwell ArnoW, Barney Rose, 
Mike Newman. Clarence Winston is 
general manager, with Esther Mc- 
Gee, formerly of Lone Palm, in 
charge of hotel operations. 



Dublin 



By Maxwell Sweeney 

Actor Eddie Byrne hospitalized 
for operation. ? 

Jose Iturbi due for- piano recital 
at Theatre Royal, Nov, 1, in his first 
visit to Ireland. 

Cyril Cusack to London for role 
in Wessex Films production of 
"Esther Waters." 

Odeon (Ireland) art director Fer- 
gus O'Ryan to hold exhibition of 
own paintings next month. 

Gaiety theatre 'manager Hamlyn 
Benson bows out to return to acting, 
joining the Company of Four in 
London. 

MeCrossan Productions finished lo- 
cation work on "My Hands Are 
Clay;" will shoot interiors in Eng- 
lish studios. -..'..;■ 




1947-8 CONCEBT TOUR 



Opens November 8th when DOWNBEAT presents Louis Armstrong at the Civic 
Opera House. Chicago. On November 9th, Louis Armstrong "plays 'two concerts, after- 
noon and evening, at Severance Hall in Cleveland. Dates in other cities will be an- 
nounced soon. v'<" Vv .V' V" 



VICTOR RECORDS 



Louis Armstrong is represented by more current albums than any other recording 
artist. Victor No. 20-2348— ROCKIN' CHAIR & THE JACK ARMSTRONG BLUES. Soon 
to be released: SOME DAY & THE FIFTY-FIFTY BLUES. Victor Albums: HJ-1, HOT 
JAZZ by Louis Armstrong; HJ-10, ESQUIRE'S. ALL-AMERICAN HOT JAZZ, VOL.. 2. 




Now being exhibited all over the country. United Artists' release of Louis Armstrong's 
life story, "New Orleans " Soon to be released Samuel Goldwyn's technicolor musi- 
cal/'A Song Is Borcr starring Danny Kaye and featuring Louis Armstrong. 



RADIO 



The Louis Armstrong-Jack Teagarden combination was the feature of the season's 
premiere, performance' of THE JACK CARSON SHOW. 




Louis Armstrong begins a return engagement at Billy Berg's in Hollywood on Decem- 
ber 24th, the quickest return engagement for any attraction ever playing that club. 



COPS HAD TO BE CAUSED to 
help regulate mobs. 

-VARIETY . 
report on opening at 
the Rag Doll, Chjtago 



"IF THERE WAS 
DOUBT that tout 
the finest a* 
Amej 
peMS 
The* 
superb h 
form at 
music uns 
music " 
.should 
respons^TFom 



ANY.- 1 .. 
ong is 
igfcory of « 
erly dis- 
concert* 
played 
art 
L yr»o 
rary 
thi* 
enthusiastic 
the most sophisti- 
cated concert audiences in the coun- 
try." . 

—Wilder Hobsbn *: 
of FORTUNE MAGAZINE 




ns**?* 





acked * 4,000 
iurned many 

nKFWB 

JAZZ CONCERT IS A TERM 
THAT HAS BEEN MUCH 
ABUSED, If it has any meaning at 
all it must refer to what haifjp* 
whenever and wherexfttf&iflillkifi 
strong picksjup #^%Api.*Tle 

,f*P%eat 
in Car- 
negie MHliMpibAr 7 ; 

* -Fred Robbins WOV 

HE .WALKED ONSTAGE AT 
TOWN H ALL stuck a trumpet irt 
his teeth and, except for taking a 
breath or singing a song, he played 
that thing for one hour and 15 miiu 
utes. Then he .rested for JO mjiWftes 




and came back, for fort; 
more. He is a 
music and 
sinadfriffgur^ 

almost 20, 
With Some 
and he sang 
and, with ©hi; 
f or backgroun 
slow "Southl, 
yet peculiarly 
did modem n< 




es 
'<<an 
reatest 

e piaysd 
he wrote 
flayed in 
"ruttin' 
ilayed 
,«es" 
ano 
»V 

in J|*»cil-clear 

d tone. He also 
rs, singing them 



didfl 
in JpJ 

id ton 



in a gravel voice and with his amus- 
ing, teeth-chattering style. He . did 
just about everything •. . . no less 
than 27 straight songs, ranging 
from early jazz to modern filth tunes.. 

—Robert Sylvester ; 
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 



THERE WAS A DEAL OF CHAT- 
TER about the property of jazz 
music, in concert halls tjjjqpty-twq 
years ago. Even tl 
symphonic 




consid 
for 

BeethTtve 
When Loul 
band HTC: 



s of 
were 
nfit 

ear 

s ifaflnanged now. 
strong brought his 
. ....egie Hall, and alter- 
nated his remarkable vocals with 
hiTWonderf ul trumpet playing, the 
concert was regarded, as an event. 

—Robert A. Simon . 
THE NEW YORKER 

BILLY BERG'S WASN'T BIG 
ENOUGH to hold the faithful who 
thronged to welcome him back. 
Hoagy Carmichael led the cheering 
when Old Satchelmouth, his steak- 
thick lips parted in a grin, stepped 



on the stand with so: 
est names in ' 
netist 
Jack 
Catte 
forth 
the biflfcwois' 

- _^ Ml 

heWrl the o; 
and big, clea: 
made Louis 
"I don't 
crowed. "I d 




if the great- 
" im-Clari- 

m 

id 
ing 
re half 
it & swing 
Herman, 
They 
asing 
t has 



rehearsals, he 
•o through that and 
never will. All these cats I'm playing 
with . can blow. We don't need ar- 
rangements. I just say, man, what 
you going to play? They say MUSK- 
RAT RAMBLE. I say follow me, 
and you got„the best arrangement 
you ever heard." 

-TIME MAGAZINE 



Scanned from microfilm from the collections of 
The Library of Congress 
National Audio Visual Conservation Center 
www.loc.gov/avconservation 



Coordinated by the 
Media History Digital Library 
www.mediahistoryproiect.org 



Sponsored by 

Department of 
Communication Arts 

*• : University of Wisconsin-Madison 

http://commarts.wisc.edu/ 



A search of the records of the United States Copyright Office has 
determined that this work is in the public domain.